Chapter 85: Good Things and Bad Things

“Yes, children are actually the ones who see the truest side of their parents, the one unknown to others,” Ning Shuyi said with genuine feeling. “Out in the world, everyone deliberately creates an image for others to see, but the most authentic side is only visible to family members. No matter how righteous someone appears on the surface, it’s their private values that truly influence their children—and can even directly affect their children’s choices in life.

Everyone has a tendency to want shortcuts; once someone finds a way to save time and effort, others will be tempted to follow, even if the path eventually leads nowhere. Those coming after might try another way, gambling on a new shortcut. Wang Yuluo’s uncle is a typical example of someone trying to get rich quick, while her aunt prefers a steady, gradual approach that preserves both substance and appearances.

As outsiders, we might think Wang Yuluo’s aunt is more shrewd and calculating, but for those actually involved, whether one is willing to endure hardship and wait patiently—that’s another matter entirely. I don’t believe someone unwilling to put effort even into her mother’s gradual plan would truly have the ability or patience to study law, prepare for the legal exams, or endure the long period of accumulation required when entering the profession.

At first, when unfamiliar with the industry, people might dream of sudden success and a glamorous life. But in the end, I think it’s nothing more than a facade,” she finished.

Zhao Dabao felt enlightened, seeing Ning Shuyi’s complicated expression and assuming she was feeling regretful. “Are you saying that people who could have had a bright future ended up ruining their own path because of a moment’s poor judgment?”

“If it really were just a moment’s poor judgment, it would still be foolish,” Ning Shuyi sighed heavily and asked Zhao Dabao, “Tell me, do you think books and knowledge are good things?”

“Absolutely! Didn’t Grandpa Gorky teach us to cherish books? They’re the source of knowledge!” Zhao Dabao joked.

“And what about knives? Are they good or bad?” Ning Shuyi pressed.

“Uh… I suppose there’s no real distinction, right? They’re just tools,” Zhao Dabao replied, confused by her line of questioning.

“Exactly,” Ning Shuyi nodded. “A knife isn’t inherently good or bad. In the hands of a criminal, it’s a weapon—bad. In the hands of a chef, it’s a tool—good.

I used to believe that knowledge was unquestionably good, but now I suddenly feel that knowledge is no different from knives or sticks—they’re simply tools. It all depends on whether the person using them is good or bad.

A person with upright values and character will contribute more to society the more knowledge they acquire. But for someone with bad intentions, more knowledge might just mean more schemes, using it to harm others and benefit themselves.

The more such people know, the worse the things they may do!” Zhao Dabao nodded in agreement. “Now that you put it that way, it’s true! Isn’t that why people say, ‘A thug is nothing to fear, but a cultured thug is terrifying!’ It sounds crude, but isn’t it exactly what you were reflecting on?”

Ning Shuyi laughed, “Yes, yes, that’s precisely it!”

After speaking, she waved to Huo Yan, who had already returned and was sitting alone nearby, signaling him to join them. Huo Yan, who had been sitting apart, seemingly not intending to intrude as Ning Shuyi and Zhao Dabao chatted, didn’t refuse her invitation and came over.

Zhao Dabao, who hadn’t noticed Huo Yan’s return, felt a bit puzzled—why hadn’t their new colleague joined the conversation, sitting alone instead? But since Huo Yan wasn’t particularly sociable, he kept his curiosity to himself.

Ning Shuyi seemed not to notice Huo Yan’s deliberate distance from the group. Once he sat down, she asked, “Well? Did you learn anything?”

Huo Yan nodded. “The source of the venomous ants is basically confirmed. It’s a reptile pet shop that illegally sells imported spiders, venomous ants, and similar creatures. The transaction was arranged online; the buyer hired a courier to pick up and deliver the goods, so the pet shop never met the buyer.

I’ve already found the courier. He’ll come by later, after finishing his current orders, to help with a sketch. Although he said the buyer was well-wrapped that day—wearing a baseball cap, mask, and sunglasses—the figure and height were clear, and the voice sounded young, likely a young woman.

The order was paid for through an online platform, which is probably the one flaw in her otherwise careful plan. Had she gone to the shop in person with cash, wrapped up tightly, it would’ve taken more effort to confirm her identity. Now we just need to verify the payer’s identity on the platform.”

“That’s great!” Zhao Dabao was elated. “That means we’re about to unmask the culprit behind all this!”

“I also made a discovery this morning,” Ning Shuyi said, motioning for them to look at her computer. “I previously collected surveillance footage from several major intersections near Wang Yuluo’s home. After carefully reviewing them, I noticed something.”

As she spoke, she played a video.

The footage, clearly from a nearby traffic camera, wasn’t especially sharp, but Wang Yuluo’s clothing made her recognizable. She stood on the roadside, scanning her surroundings as if waiting for a ride-hailing car.

Soon, she seemed to hear something, turned around, and looked toward a building not far behind her. She then walked over to the base of the building, where an advertising sign obscured part of the area—someone appeared to be waiting for her there.

Wang Yuluo approached, paused briefly, exchanged a few words, and then returned to the roadside to get into her ride and leave.

The person she spoke to was mostly hidden by the sign, with only a faint glimpse of an arm or leg visible—not even the pattern of their clothing could be discerned.

“That’s pretty cautious!” Zhao Dabao marveled.

“The catch is, even to achieve that ‘cautious’ effect, her previous actions left traces,” Ning Shuyi smiled, retrieving another video from her computer.