The government offices in Delusion Village were all fairly close together. The Patrol Hall stood east of the Clan Hall, with only a single street separating their compounds.
After changing into fresh clothes in a small room at the Clan Hall, Ren Ye hurried to the Patrol Hall compound. It was already well past the midpoint of Zi Hour, but the entire compound was brightly lit and bustling. Many Black Qi-rank night patrolmen were either preparing to head to the crime scene, verifying the identities of Brother Yu and his two brothers, or questioning "eyewitnesses" who had been summoned at short notice.
He crossed the noisy courtyard and reached the entrance to the Patrol Hall's main hall, where the gentle, lovely Sun Qingxue was waiting outside.
"Sister Sun...!"
He greeted her sweetly.
Sun Qingxue turned and glanced back, smiling faintly. "Little Brother Huang, you're awake!"
"Yes, I only woke up a little while ago. After I explained what happened to the Four Clans' leaders, they sent me here to give a statement." Looking at the slender, demure Sister Sun, Ren Ye immediately offered a deep bow of thanks. "Without your righteous help tonight, Sister Sun, I probably wouldn't have survived... Sister, I owe you my life!"
Sun Qingxue gave a reserved smile and replied graciously, "I was on my way to your house to invite you and your aunt to a banquet at the Sun Family residence. Since I happened upon what was happening, how could I not help?! Father always says our Sun and Huang families are old family friends. Please don't stand on ceremony, Little Brother Huang."
Old family friends? How come I didn't know that...? Ren Ye grumbled inwardly before thanking her again. "Whatever the case, I'll remember what you did tonight for the rest of my