The appearance of Zhao Guodong and his group also attracted a lot of attention. Charles Wilson and John Foster weren't really anyone special, but the aura David Carter exuded as soon as he entered was different. He wore police trousers with a white shirt tucked in, both hands casually in his pockets, and the vibe he gave off was completely unlike the reserved children of factory families or the unruly young workers.

At the same moment that David Carter spotted Robert King, Robert King also saw David Carter.

Although the two of them had never been in the same grade before, back when David Carter was in his first year of middle school, he was already challenging third-year students repeatedly. Robert King was also quite flamboyant, but at that time his father was just a workshop director, so he didn't dare to go up against David Carter. It was more of a “minding their own business” kind of relationship.

To David Carter's surprise, as soon as Robert King saw him, he immediately stood up and walked over. “David, what brings you back today? It's been five or six years since we last met, hasn't it?”

“Hey, Brother Robert, isn't it hard for you to come back too?” David Carter was a bit surprised at how friendly the other was being. Given his current status, there didn't seem to be any need for such warmth, but on the surface, he still made small talk. “Brother Robert, you've been working in Andu these past two years, right?”

“Pfft, working? It's just bouncing around, seeing if there's any way to make money. Can't compare to you—you’re a detective now. By the way, I know both your Director Brooks and Captain Lee. Otherwise, how would I know you’re in the criminal police squad?”

Director Brooks was the deputy director in charge of criminal investigation, and Captain Lee went without saying. No wonder this guy’s car could get out of the bureau so quickly. David Carter felt a bit uncomfortable—was this guy just showing off in front of him?

“Heh, they're all my bosses. But now I've been transferred back to the Jiangmiao police station. Brother Robert, drop by the station sometime if you’re free.” David Carter replied calmly.

“How come you got sent to the station? Weren’t you doing well in the detective squad?” Robert King looked genuinely surprised.

“Jiangmiao station needed someone to handle cases, and the bureau had to send someone down. My family’s in Jiangmiao, so I was the obvious choice.” David Carter had to repeat the lie once more.

“Yeah, that makes sense. David, work hard. Who knows, maybe in a couple of years you’ll be the station chief. Our factory hasn’t produced any real talents—everyone’s stuck in this dump, what can they do? If I get the chance, I’ll mention it to Director Brooks.” Robert King patted David Carter on the shoulder again, which made David Carter uncomfortable. Other than his superiors, only close friends would do that, and Robert King didn’t quite qualify.

“I wouldn’t dare think that far. As long as I do my job well and earn my pay, that’s enough.” David Carter replied offhandedly. “Brother Robert, what brings you back today?”

“Nothing much, just came to look around. They dragged me here for some fun. Ugh, what kind of dance hall is this? The lights are brighter than the sun, and look at those women sitting on the side—each one looks like a dumb goose. And when they dance, it’s like they’re doing a folk dance. What a bunch of bumpkins.”

Robert King spouted off without restraint, drawing disapproving glances from those around, but everyone knew he was the prince of the textile factory. Even the security staff on duty kept their distance—no one wanted to mess with this guy.

David Carter was helpless—how did he end up running into this guy, who now wouldn’t leave his side, killing his own mood. After a round of wild talk, Robert King finally staggered back to his group. Before leaving, he handed David Carter a business card—this was really a trendy thing. David Carter glanced at it: General Manager of Shengdu Materials Trading Company, Robert King, followed by a string of phone and telegram numbers.

Robert King and his group seemed to be waiting for someone, but Robert King was clearly impatient. He tried to leave several times but was persuaded to stay by his friends. In the end, they never met their target. Robert King cursed as he came over to say goodbye to David Carter, then strode off. The sound of car doors slamming at the club entrance was full of bravado, and the high-mounted brake lights of the Bluebird were especially dazzling as it pulled out.

Chapter 9: Bad Seed

Philip Warren had already slipped away to the side when Robert King came over. Now he sneaked back, whispering, “David, do you know why Robert King came here today?”

“Why? Don’t tell me he was waiting for me?” David Carter replied irritably.

“Where’s your mind at? But it does have something to do with you. He was here waiting for Grace Collins. His gang of cronies all say Grace Collins is the number one beauty in our textile factory, so they egged Robert King on to come see for himself. In the end, he didn’t get to meet her.” Philip Warren let out a breath. “If Robert King really takes a liking to her, then Grace Collins is in real trouble.”

Although there was nothing substantial between Grace Collins and himself, just thinking about Robert King possibly pestering her made it feel like a flower stuck in a pile of manure. David Carter realized he was a bit worried, though he wasn’t sure if it was out of concern for a classmate or for some other reason.