In New York City, on a morning much like any other, Jiang Xiang wearily rubbed his brow inside the psychological clinic and carefully closed its front door.
He returned to his seat and switched on the television mounted on the wall.
"Playing a role really is exhausting."
He pressed a button on the remote.
"Renowned philanthropist Mr. Wilson Fisk held a charitable donation ceremony yesterday. The funds will reportedly go toward laboratory infrastructure at Midtown Manhattan's First and Second High Schools..."
"..."
"Hammer Industries developed its latest missile system yesterday..."
"Playboy Tony Stark attended the Stark Industries weapons exhibition yesterday with his secretary, Pepper, but left midway through..."
Just as the presenter enthusiastically delivered the daily news, the picture abruptly cut away the instant the last word left their mouth.
The news channel switched its live feed to a reporter in the field.
The backdrop of the live broadcast changed to an area near the New York Police Department. The camera pointed at the sky, even capturing a faint glimpse of a white hang glider.
"According to the latest reports, advance notices from the mysterious criminal have been discovered in mailboxes at police stations throughout New York. This time, his declaration is different from previous ones."
The reporter at the scene held up one of the notices.
"He has distributed far more leaflets across a much wider area, and he has taken direct aim at the police!"
At that very moment.
Snow-white slips of paper drifted all around the building.
"The criminal's behavior has become even more brazen. The police owe the public an explanation."
Sheriff Sherlock sighed helplessly. His "good friend" was about to stir up trouble again.
He had only just caused trouble a little while ago!
At the thought, a twinge of resentment rose in Sherlock's heart.
Every time this friend of his made a move, he caused quite a stir.
Friend or not, it really wasn't good for him to keep pulling stunts like this.
Fortunately, Sherlock was off the hook this time. Sheriff George, not Sherlock, was in charge of the operation to catch him.
Near the New York Police Department.
On the top floor of the Starlight Building.
Sheriff Sherlock sat with his legs crossed in the visitor's chair across from the desk.
The sign at the entrance read-House Psychological Clinic.
Kidd had opened this psychological clinic as a cover.
Jiang Xiang did not show his real face. After all... the master thief persona wasn't an "independent person."
He was merely a role Jiang Xiang played.
A desk stood between the two men.
Jiang Xiang set the water on the desk.
The two faced each other in silence.
"Ahem, ahem."
The figure sitting opposite Sherlock coughed twice, breaking the silence in the office.
"Sherlock, what brings you here? The organization doesn't have any plans lately. Or are you planning some kind of operation?"
A voice that shifted between low and high pitches came from the figure opposite Sherlock.
Jiang Xiang had acquired the supernatural abilities of many famous master thieves, such as a phantom thief's voice-changing ability, which let him flawlessly imitate anyone's voice, and Star Plucker's astonishing light-footed movement skills.
"The organization's fine. I'm not! Charles, what are you up to this time? Didn't we agree that after the last theft, you wouldn't stir up any trouble for the next few months?" Sherlock said.
Come on, I don't want to cause trouble either, Jiang Xiang muttered inwardly. But if I don't, I won't have any money to spend, or any 'reputation'!
"Help me out, would you? It's just a little joke. It won't do any real harm."
With a teasing smile, Jiang Xiang tried to persuade Sherlock.
"You say that every time... fine, fine." Sherlock followed Jiang Xiang into his storeroom, whose contents Sherlock had helped collect. "This is the last time I'm helping you!"
"Uh, this time, I just want to play a little joke, nothing major, so there isn't much to prepare." A smile appeared on Jiang Xiang's fierce-looking face, that of a burly middle-aged man.
Jiang Xiang slowly pushed open the door to his little storeroom.
The small room, a little over ten square meters in size, was piled with all kinds of balloons, streamers, and a large basket.
"Are you planning to throw a party and invite the police?" Sherlock asked, his mouth twitching.
"Not exactly..." Just as Jiang Xiang was about to explain his plan.
Sherlock was a smart man. One look at the jumble of balloons before him gave him a rough idea of what was going to happen.
You're planning to drag George's dignity through the dirt!
"Then, sorry for the trouble, but could you inflate the balloons and fasten the streamers inside the basket?" Jiang Xiang said, his face wreathed in smiles.
"All right." Sherlock practicedly put on an outfit that left none of his skin exposed.
He began preparing the props.
Some time passed.
Sherlock and Jiang Xiang finally finished their preparations.
Sherlock stood, straightened his clothes, and thumped his aching lower back a few times. "Finally done! You've designed this operation very well. Don't call me next time."
Sherlock waved dismissively.
"I'm leaving. Just fill out the medical form the same way as before."
As a police officer, needing a psychological assessment was perfectly reasonable.
"Understood."
Jiang Xiang walked Sherlock to the door and placed a bag of medicine in his hand.
Standing at the entrance, he reminded him with a smile, "Remember to take your medicine on time."
Sherlock rolled his eyes and left without a word.
Before you continue