# 448
**Chapter 448: Someone Is Waiting for You**
Guangshen City, former base of Squad 010.
Cao Yuan slowly descended the stairs. In the living room, Baili Pangpang looked up, asking with concern:
“Has Qiye woken up yet?”
“Not yet.” Cao Yuan shook his head. “But he’s fine—just exhausted. Jialan’s staying with him.”
“Alright…” Baili Pangpang sank back onto the sofa, staring at the floor.
Zuo Qing glanced at the clock, stood up, and said:
“Since he’s still out, I’ll leave it for now. I’ll talk to him properly when I’m back from Shangjing.”
“In such a rush?” An Qingyu asked, surprised.
“Headquarters is waiting for me to bring Baili Xin back for trial. Even though he’s dead, this isn’t over—the crimes he committed still have to be proven.” Zuo Qing turned to Miao Su, who sat alone in a daze. “With Miao Su testifying, the trial should go smoothly. At the very least, he won’t escape charges of bribery and murder.”
A few hours earlier, while investigating the scene, Zuo Qing had found Miao Su unconscious in a corner. After waking, she had revealed everything about the Baili Group and Squad 010, becoming a key witness.
“Miao Su, time to go,” he called.
Miao Su, who had been staring at the wine-filled wall, snapped out of it. She nodded, walked slowly from the living room, eyes rimmed red.
She stopped beside Baili Pangpang. Hesitating, she met his gaze. “Little Tuming, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get justice.”
“Sister Miao Su…” Baili Pangpang looked at her haggard face, a lump in his throat. “Thank you.”
“There’s one more important thing.”
Zuo Qing’s expression turned grave.
“I want you to prepare yourselves…”
“Prepare?” Cao Yuan asked, puzzled. “For what?”
“Even if Baili Xin is found guilty on all counts, what you did still violates Night Watch principles.” Zuo Qing spoke solemnly. “Because you’re my subordinates, I’ll do everything I can to suppress certain details—like how you gravely injured Baili Xin, released an ultra-dangerous entity, and had the audacity to attack the Special Operations Division chief…”
He shot Baili Pangpang a fierce glare at the last part; the latter cringed and looked away.
“But some things can’t be buried. You caused a scene in front of countless civilians, destroyed an entire floor, killed twelve Forbidden-Object Envoys, and—most critically—you killed Baili Jing…”
“Everything—falsifying records, plotting Baili Tuming’s murder—was orchestrated by Baili Xin. Legally, Baili Jing committed no crime. He was just an ordinary person. I know, emotionally, he deserved to die, but not everything can be judged by emotion. You know that.”
Baili Pangpang and Cao Yuan had no reply.
“So… what punishment will we face?” An Qingyu asked quietly.
“That’s not for me to decide. Headquarters will rule. I can only try to lessen it… but be ready to lose your chance at becoming the fifth special squad.”
Silence fell like a shroud.
Lose our qualification…
Baili Pangpang sat hunched, fists clenched, trembling with guilt.
A hand settled on his shoulder, patting gently.
Cao Yuan stood behind the sofa. “How likely is it?”
“Objectively? Very.” Zuo Qing exhaled. “A reserve squad is on probation. The key word is ‘observation.’ We evaluate whether you’re fit to be the fifth special squad, and your conduct is a major criterion. Special squads are vital to Night Watch. If the higher-ups decide your character isn’t up to it, they’ll revoke your status. No one wants a special squad that opposes Night Watch’s principles.”
Cao Yuan drew a slow breath. “Understood.”
“Until headquarters rules, all your missions are suspended. Stay within Guangshen City. I’ll return with the verdict. Clear?”
“Clear.”
Zuo Qing nodded and left with Miao Su.
In the quiet living room, Baili Pangpang looked up at Cao Yuan and An Qingyu, voice hoarse. “I’m sorry…”
“Nothing to be sorry for. You’re the victim,” Cao Yuan said. “The moment we drew our blades, we were ready to lose everything.”
“But we came so close…” Baili Pangpang murmured. “Special squad status was almost ours…”
“Doesn’t matter to me,” Cao Yuan shrugged.
“What about Qiye? He was set to be captain…”
“You think he cares?” Cao Yuan cut in.
“…Guess not. Then Jialan…”
“Does she even know what a special squad is?”
“…Qingyu?”
“Qiye’s still more interesting. Maybe knock him out so I can dissect him?” An Qingyu adjusted his glasses.
“…”
A bitter smile tugged at Baili Pangpang’s lips. “You guys…”
“Enough. Go change,” Cao Yuan said, patting his shoulder.
“Change? Why?”
Cao Yuan pointed at the wall clock. “Don’t tell me you forgot who’s waiting for you in Guangshen today.”
Baili Pangpang froze. The promise he’d made to her in that Gusu hospital room flashed back—clear yet distant, like another lifetime.
“I…”
He looked down at the polished tiles reflecting his face. After a long moment, he closed his eyes.