Chapter 53: Poisoned-I Am a Superpowered Player(Your brother, Youyou)

The two of them, one ahead and one behind, drew closer to Chen Yun, with Di Yuan leading the way.

“Hey, man, are you making a donation?” Di Yuan asked, grinning, his gaze flickering toward the dozens of purple gold coins in the donation box. He swallowed discreetly.

Chen Yun glanced at the male pickpocket who had approached him, and from the corner of his eye, he noticed the female pickpocket a few meters behind pretending to tie her shoelaces. He smiled coldly to himself and replied, “Yes, just showing a little love for the children in the mountains.”

“Ah, you’re so naive, buddy.” Di Yuan shook his head in feigned regret. “There are millions of kids in the mountains. What you’re donating won’t make any real difference.”

“Player Chen Yun’s ‘ordinary jeans’ durability -1.”

...

“How could it not make a difference? Every person you help counts.” As Chen Yun heard the system notifications and felt a faint tremor in his pocket, he pretended not to notice and continued to play along with the male pickpocket’s act.

“Sometimes the money you donate never reaches the people you intended it for—it might get swapped out halfway, or misappropriated by others. Society isn’t as nice as you think, buddy. As the saying goes, ‘hearing is false, seeing is believing.’ Instead of giving money here, you might as well hand it directly to the beggars on the street. At least you know for sure they’ll get it. Isn’t that more reassuring, more real? Don’t you agree?” Di Yuan kept his eyes on his wife as she worked the blade against this kid’s pocket, deliberately speaking slowly to keep the target distracted.

“You’re right. But, tell me—do you really think it’s a good idea to help your partner cut my pocket like this?” With a lightning-quick movement, Chen Yun seized the girl’s hand, the one holding the razor blade, and looked at her with a smile.

Di Yuan was shocked, and so was Li Lili.

They had spent days perfecting several plans for theft, and this was the most foolproof: one would distract the target, the other would either reach into the pocket or use a razor to cut a hole and grab the goods. They hadn’t failed once—until today, when they were caught by this kid!

Seeing Jiang Shan stride toward them, flanked by several people in police uniforms, Chen Yun murmured in a low voice, “Supermarket, 5700, big mark, scheme number five...”

Li Lili stared at Chen Yun, stunned. How did he know?

“Master Chen, what’s going on here?” Jiang Shan was puzzled by the sight of Chen Yun carrying a huge bag in one hand and holding a girl’s wrist in the other.

“Chairman Jiang, these two tried to steal my money just now. I caught them in the act.” Chen Yun lifted the girl’s hand, revealing the razor blade. “Look, here’s the evidence.”

“I didn’t steal your money!” Li Lili cried out, her face pale as she saw the police arrive.

“Hmph, whether you did or not, you can tell it to the police.” Chen Yun turned to the officers. “I’d like to report a crime committed by these two.”

“Take them both back for interrogation. Make sure to find out who their accomplices are and bring them all in,” the police chief instructed Chao Shangyue.

“Yes, sir,” Chao replied.

As the police escorted the pair away, Chao Shangyue approached Chen Yun, beaming as he extended his hand. “You must be Master Chen, whom Chairman Jiang mentioned. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m flattered,” Chen Yun replied, a little overwhelmed. Shaking hands with the chief of police in a major city—it was a heady experience.

“Xiao Chao, this is Master Chen, a chef with the potential to become a grandmaster. Please look after him in the future,” Jiang Shan said.

“Rest assured, Chairman Jiang. I’ll take good care of Master Chen. Master Chen, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. In Lanyun City, my word carries some weight,” Chao said with a genial smile. He knew he had to build a good relationship with such a promising talent.

“Chen Yun, if you ever have time, come visit my home. I’ll be bold and call you my brother. Here’s my card. Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. I’ll handle it for you!” Chao thumped his chest for emphasis.

“Thank you, big brother,” Chen Yun replied gratefully, glancing at Chairman Jiang before tucking away the card.

The card bore only Chao Shangyue’s name and a mobile number—clearly his personal card, reserved for family and close friends.

“Chen Yun, what’s in the big bag?” Jiang Shan asked.

“Oh, I bought some groceries here for dinner at home,” Chen Yun replied casually. He didn’t dare say what he’d really bought—he didn’t want to startle Chairman Jiang.

“I see,” Jiang Shan said, not pressing the matter. “I have to attend a banquet tonight. Why don’t you come along? Now that you’re a master chef, you’ll need to get used to such occasions. It’s a good opportunity to familiarize yourself—what do you think?”

“Sounds good. I’m free tonight anyway.” Chen Yun agreed, then asked curiously, “Chairman Jiang, what kind of gathering is it?”

“It’s the mayor’s daughter’s birthday. Mayor Shen is hosting a party for her. All the city’s upper crust will be there. I’ll take you to meet them. It’ll make it easier for you to deal with them in the future,” Chairman Jiang explained.

“You’re going, too, Chairman Jiang? What a coincidence—I’ll be there as well. Why don’t you and Chen ride with me?” Chao Shangyue offered eagerly.

“No need. An old friend is meeting me here to pick something up. Ah, he’s here already—Old Wang, Old Wang!” Chairman Jiang called out as he walked toward the hotel entrance.

Chen Yun looked up and saw an elderly man in a wheelchair being pushed inside. He smiled weakly at Jiang Shan.

“Old Wang, you’re just too stubborn. I told you—don’t stand on ceremony with me. You need to rest at home for your illness, not come out and wear yourself out like this,” Jiang Shan scolded, clearly upset.

“Old Jiang, you—cough, cough—don’t understand me. Cough, cough. You’ve done so much for me these days—cough, cough—I must treat you to a meal—cough, cough...” With every few words, the old man was wracked with violent coughs, and when he finally finished, his face was as pale as paper.

Chen Yun’s heart ached at the sight, and he cast an appraisal spell.

“NPC: Wang Laoji. Race: Human. Level: 35. (This NPC is extremely weak; appraisal ignores level restrictions.) Profession: Soldier (retired). Health: 40 (current maximum)/600 (former maximum). Energy: 0/0. Strength... Severe poisoning. Heart-devouring toxin: Chronic poison, lowers the NPC’s maximum health by 2 points per day until death...”