Reborn Cat Sheriff

Chapter 513 Reunion with Zhao Zhigao

Zhao Zhigang never expected that he would fall for the same trick again when he was almost home.

It seemed that this wasn't the first time the poisoner had experienced electric shocks; his tolerance for them was much higher than Zhao Zhigang's, and he regained consciousness much faster.

Seeing Lei Hanqin and his group rushing over, he once again waved the stun gun, forcing them all back, and then turned and ran without hesitation.

"damn thing!"

"Ow!"

Enraged, Ding Biao's eyes turned red. Seeing that this kid dared to assault a police officer, he immediately pounced on him without hesitation.

But Lin Ge was faster. Like a gray shadow, he pounced on the man's back, jumped up, and kicked him straight to the ground with his two hind legs.

Still enraged, Lin Ge jumped on him and slashed twice more with his claws. Then, he glared at the man, dodged, and swung his elbow. The next second, Ding Biao rushed forward and kicked the man's arm hard, knocking the stun gun out of his hand.

"what!"

The guy clutched his arm and screamed, but before he could react, Xie Yanbing and Ma Zhou pounced on him and pinned him to the ground. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn't move, and his mouth was even rubbed against the ground so he couldn't make a sound.

Lei Hanqin, who was a step behind, stopped and looked at Zhao Zhigang, who was speechless, and then at the poisonous insect who was whimpering and struggling. He really didn't know what to say.

Back in the police car, Lei Hanqin retrieved a pair of handcuffs and tossed them to Ding Biao. Ignoring Ding Biao's slap across the man's face, which completely silenced him, Lei Hanqin glanced at the two elderly security guards who ran out of the building before turning to Zhao Zhigang and extending his hand.

"Is everything okay?"

"It's nothing! I just didn't react for a moment. Damn, this is the first time I've ever seen someone use a stun gun on themselves, that's really ruthless!"

Zhao Zhigang grimaced as he got up, his face a mixture of embarrassment and speechlessness. He hadn't expected his bad luck to be so persistent; he was almost home when he was subjected to this ordeal.

Fortunately, the thing that guy had wasn't very powerful; it was probably just a toy he used for self-defense during his road trip, which prevented him from suffering too much damage.

"You should be thankful he wasn't holding a knife! And you've been a cop for a while now, how can you be so careless? From the moment you suspected him of drug use, you should have been more vigilant. Drug addicts are, in some ways, more dangerous than murderers."

Lei Hanqin gave Zhao Zhigang a serious lecture.

The person who was in charge of restraining the poisonous insect was Xie Yanbing, but he reacted so quickly that he immediately took the initiative to defend himself as soon as he noticed something was wrong. Only Zhao Zhigang was so stupid, just like in the TV dramas, he held on desperately and refused to let go, which is why he took this hit.

Perhaps this is the typical approach to handling cases at a police station, since police stations generally don't encounter many serious crimes. Most cases are just fights or disturbances, and a firm stance from the police can indeed resolve them easily.

But the anti-narcotics squad is different! They deal with ruthless drug dealers and addicts, making the situation far more dangerous and unpredictable. The squad emphasizes their own safety and neither requires nor supports officers to fight criminals like heroes.

We are all born of mothers and fathers, and there is no need to waste our precious lives on criminals.

"I just didn't realize it for a moment."

Zhao Zhigang smiled awkwardly, too embarrassed to accept Lei Hanqin's roundabout praise. To be honest, he hadn't been thinking about being a hero or anything; he simply hadn't expected that kid to resort to such a suicidal tactic.

"You really should go find a temple and pray properly."

Lin Ge sighed silently.

Poor Zhao Zhigang, his hair was sticking up from the electric shock. Even though he was cursing and trying to smooth it down with his hands, he couldn't get it to fall back down anytime soon.

On the other side, after being severely punished by Ding Biao, the poisoner finally behaved himself.

Since this service area is under the jurisdiction of Zhangzhou City, criminal cases occurring here should nominally be handled by the Zhangzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau. Therefore, Lei Hanqin did not intend to make the highway patrol too troublesome. He simply made a phone call to explain the situation, verified his identity, and officially took over the case, putting the drug addict into the police car.

Xiang Jinquan found two small bags of methamphetamine in the man's car, and also pulled a heavy machete from the trunk. A laptop, camera, and drone were also found in the back seat; surprisingly, this guy was an online video blogger, a somewhat well-known 'traveler' online. Unfortunately, this man, who couldn't maintain his integrity, will ultimately spend his time behind bars; his road trip plans in Zhang City have officially come to an end.

With Xiang Jinquan driving the car, the group exited the highway and headed straight for the Municipal Bureau.

Midway through their journey, Zhao Zhigang passed through a suburb when he suddenly remembered something and quickly called for Xie Yanbing to stop. Seeing Lei Hanqin turn to look at him, Zhao Zhigang smiled and said, "I won't go with you. Let me off here. I just saw the Zhangzhou Drug Rehabilitation Center; I'll go see Zhao Zhigao. Mimi, what about you? Are you going to have Captain Lei and the others take you back to the police station, or are you coming with me to see my older brother? It's been half a year already; I wonder how he is now."

"Zhao Zhigao!"

Lin Ge tilted his head and thought for a moment, then stood up, stretched, and walked to the car door to indicate that he was getting off as well.

"Zhao Zhigao?"

Lei Hanqin paused for a moment, then looked up and saw Zhao Zhigang's somewhat uneasy expression. He laughed and said, "Xiao Gao is my subordinate. It would be a bit much to just pass by without visiting him. Jie Yanbing, have Ding Biao and Xiang Jinquan take that kid to the branch office and get his statement done as quickly as possible. We'll turn around and go check out the drug rehabilitation center. Oh, and see if there's any fruit vendor nearby. It's a little embarrassing to go empty-handed."

"There's no need to spend any money, right?"

Zhao Zhigang gave an awkward smile.

Lei Hanqin ignored him and just kept looking down at his phone, sending messages.

However, Ding Biao, who was sitting in another car, refused Lei Hanqin's order and, on the grounds that he was Zhao Zhigao's partner, asked to go and visit as well.

As for escorting the suspects, once they arrive at the drug rehabilitation center, they can be asked to keep an eye on them, and then they can be taken away when it's time to leave.

Lei Hanqin had no choice but to agree to the old man's request after cursing him.

The group turned around at a U-turn area and soon arrived at the entrance of Zhangzhou Drug Rehabilitation Center.

Unlike ordinary community-based drug rehabilitation centers, these compulsory isolation drug rehabilitation centers, which are specifically managed by public security organs, are part of the police force. Apart from a small number of addicts who voluntarily come for isolation and rehabilitation, the vast majority of those detained there are drug users involved in drug-related cases.

After parking, Lin Ge looked around and found that the drug rehabilitation center was quite spacious on both sides, with only one building that appeared to be a family quarters and no other buildings. Looking through the main gate, he found it was just a simple little courtyard. The building itself wasn't large, consisting of only a four-story building and a canteen made of iron frame. Offices, staff rest areas, storage rooms, and various other miscellaneous rooms, as well as accommodation and study areas for drug addicts, were all located in this one building. From the second floor onwards, all the windows and corridors on every floor were sealed with security bars, and there were even iron gates every few meters along the corridors, with guards on duty.

Then, around the small courtyard was a running track, with a basketball court in the middle and several cement ping-pong tables next to it. In the very center was a small square, where a dozen or so people were sitting in a circle, listening attentively to a policeman's loud speech. Police officers were on duty at the main gate, and there was barbed wire on the perimeter wall. The entire drug rehabilitation center seemed more relaxed than a prison, but it wasn't easy for just anyone to escape.

As the captain of the anti-drug squad, Lei Hanqin was a frequent visitor to the drug rehabilitation center. Therefore, as soon as the police car stopped and he appeared, he was immediately recognized by the police officers on duty at the entrance, and the two sides greeted each other and made a commotion.

"Has Captain Lei caught another poisonous rat?"

Upon seeing the young man being escorted off the car by Ding Biao, the man at the door immediately judged that the guy definitely had a history of drug use. The people at their drug rehabilitation center were absolutely certain that their judgment in this regard was infallible.

"He was hit on the highway, a complete idiot who walked right into our trap. We'll use your place to do a drug test on him. I'll go back to the station to complete the procedures later, and then I'll probably have to bring him back to you."

Lei Hanqin chuckled.

Lin Ge didn't wait at the entrance for permission to enter, because as soon as he reached the main gate of the drug rehabilitation center, he recognized Zhao Zhigao among a group of about a dozen people in the plaza inside. To be honest, Lin Ge wasn't entirely sure if the person was really Zhao Zhigao.

Too thin!
Dark-skinned, thin, and haggard, with sunken eyes, he looked like he had just recovered from a serious illness. He sat quietly with a dozen or so other drug addicts, listening to the policeman in the middle explaining the dangers of drugs. As a heroic policeman, Zhao Zhigao received no special treatment at the drug rehabilitation center. Just by looking at his thin short-sleeved shirt and shorts, one could tell that he was probably receiving the same treatment as the other drug addicts.

"Is this guy... really that serious?"

After the policeman finished speaking, Zhao Zhigao took the lead in clapping and applauding, which prompted the other drug addicts to quickly echo him. Lin Ge sighed and squeezed through the gap in the fence.

"Oh! This cat..."

The policeman guarding the gate was stunned for a moment, and when he tried to come over to stop him, Lei Hanqin grabbed him.

Lei Hanqin stopped him, watching Lin Ge's retreating figure and sighing, "Let it in! This is Mimi, the famous police cat of Zhang City, who has caught many drug dealers and criminals. It's one of us, and it's come here specifically to see its partner and comrade-in-arms!"

"Since it's a police cat, it has to follow the rules!"

The gatekeeper was still somewhat indignant, but after all, he was a colleague and a cat, so he decided not to pursue the matter further, only giving Lei Hanqin a helpless glare.

"This guy has lost at least half his weight, hasn't he? He used to be such a strong man, but now he looks like he could be blown away by the wind."

Lin Ge slowly walked along the flower bed towards Zhao Zhigao, watching as the dozen or so people began to move freely on the playground under the supervision of two policemen. One group of people took a basketball and went to the basketball court, while Zhao Zhigao and several other drug addicts went to the senior citizens' fitness equipment area and slowly stepped onto a treadmill.

He had little in common with the other people undergoing compulsory drug rehabilitation, and they didn't know that this seemingly heavily addicted guy was actually a heroic police officer. Anyway, the group didn't talk to each other, just slowly playing with the various devices. But soon, Lin Ge's appearance attracted the attention of the rehabilitation patients, and even the police officer in charge noticed the cat and immediately started yelling at the gatekeeper over the walkie-talkie.

"What's wrong with that cat! Why did you let it in?"

"Police cat?"

A particular word made Zhao Zhigao's ears twitch, and he seemed to realize something, quickly turning around. Then he saw that familiar little thing slowly walking towards him, its round eyes filled with a variety of expressions that left Zhao Zhigao astonished.

"Mimi...Mimi?"

Zhao Zhigao's voice was somewhat hoarse, and he even felt inexplicably flustered. His first reaction upon seeing Lin Ge was not that of a reunion with an old friend, but rather a surge of deep shame that made him want to turn and run away.

"Ouch!"

Seeing that Zhao Zhigao dared to run away, Lin Ge glared and roared loudly, startling the policeman who was walking over quickly.

"Hehe... You came here so suddenly, and I haven't even washed my face yet! Speaking of which, if you see me looking like this, wouldn't I feel really embarrassed?"

Hearing this, Zhao Zhigao stopped running and helplessly turned around to watch Lin Ge approach menacingly. The cat looked aggressive and ready to beat someone up, which inexplicably made Zhao Zhigao feel a little scared and cowardly.

"You idiot! Don't you regret getting yourself into this state?"

Lin Ge stopped in front of Zhao Zhigao, ignoring the whispers of several drug addicts not far away, and stared at Zhao Zhigao with a sigh.

His hair was a mess, like a bird's nest, and his physical condition looked terrible; his face was sallow and his body was emaciated. His arms and calves, exposed outside his clothes, had very little muscle left, and the protruding knuckles of his knees and elbows looked particularly grotesque.

Fortunately for Lin Ge, Zhao Zhigao's spirits were still relatively good. Overall, he managed to pull through this period of drug rehabilitation and was not defeated by those damned drugs.

Thinking about the times the two of them, one human and one cat, fought side by side in the drug den, Lin Ge couldn't help but feel sorry for Zhao Zhigao. Seeing that the police over there didn't intend to bother him, Lin Ge turned and squatted down by the flower bed next to him, then let out another howl to signal Zhao Zhigao to hurry up and come over.

"Mimi...you look like you've lost a lot of weight! Has something happened lately? You seem to be having a tough time."

Zhao Zhigao sat down next to Lin Ge, observing his partner with a sigh. Just as Lin Ge could tell that Zhao Zhigao was struggling with his drug withdrawal, Zhao Zhigao could also see that Lin Ge was extremely tired. Its once shiny fur had become dull, and the oily sheen now looked particularly dry. Zhao Zhigao could even tell from the details of Lin Ge's gait that the cat had probably suffered quite a bit during this time; its energy and strength were not what they used to be.

"What the hell are you talking about! No matter how hard I work, I'm still better off than you! Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be going through drug rehabilitation? How come it looks like you've been dragged into a biological experiment? You're so thin right now, it terrifies me, you know?"

"Since you're working so hard, take a break! To be honest, even though you look down on those good-for-nothings, don't hold back when it's time to order them around. You're a cat, so you should take it easy when you need to, instead of always rushing to the front lines like a suicidal monster."

"Hey! I'm asking you! How's your drug rehabilitation going? When are you going to get out?"

“I overheard you secretly once, and you’ve made the Zhangzhou police proud again. You’re amazing, Mimi, I’m so proud of you.”

"Holy crap, answer my question!"

After a long, rambling conversation between the man and the cat, Lin Ge hadn't gotten any of the information he wanted. He was furious and glared at Zhao Zhigao, itching to take action.

But when Lin Ge looked up and saw Zhao Zhigao's calm eyes, he suddenly realized that this bastard didn't want him to worry about him. He cooperated so well when he was undercover, how could he not understand what the cat meant now?

Lin Ge guessed that Zhao Zhigao might have to stay in this drug rehabilitation center for a while longer.

After all, the drugs that Da Yang and Xiao Yang threatened Zhao Zhigao to use were different from ordinary drugs on the market. They were more toxic, more addictive, and had a greater impact on the body; it was also more difficult to quit completely and required a longer time.

He didn't want to worry a cat, so he didn't want to talk about himself.

Lin Ge sighed and climbed onto Zhao Zhigao's lap. Hmm... there really wasn't much meat on him; it was stiff and a little uncomfortable. But what could he do? This guy wouldn't listen, so this was the only way to comfort him.

Lin Ge squinted his eyes on Zhao Zhigao's lap, and for a moment he had no desire to say anything more.

And for some reason, he felt much calmer now. Before, he was physically exhausted and emotionally agitated, even worrying that he might be sick or have some serious illness; but seeing Zhao Zhigao and his current appearance, all those chaotic thoughts vanished. If this guy could overcome his addiction so strongly, how could he possibly lose to him and be defeated by some small problem?
Lin Ge flicked his tail, determined not to be looked down upon by Zhao Zhigao.

"Ha ha……"

With a faint smile, Zhao Zhigao stroked Lin Ge's back while turning his head to look towards the door.

A group of acquaintances were watching us, and one of the bastards was grinning and waving. But didn't I tell them not to come over? You're all happy to see me in this pathetic state, aren't you?
Zhao Zhigao thought to himself, but a slight smile appeared on his lips.

To be honest, the drug rehabilitation process was incredibly tough and difficult. Several times he even considered ending it all, just to find relief. But seeing these familiar brothers now, he felt energized again. It was as if narcotics officers were naturally immune to drugs; all thoughts of addiction vanished from his mind. Zhao Zhigao really wanted to stand up and salute Captain Lei, but the cat on his lap glared at him fiercely, so he could only sit back down helplessly.

"Brother, are you alright?"

When Zhao Zhigang ran over, his eyes instantly turned red when he saw Zhao Zhigao's current state.

"If you dare shed even a single drop of cat's hiss... horse's piss, I'll kill you the moment I get out of here!"

After being pricked in the thigh by Lin Ge, Zhao Zhigao, who was about to explode, gasped. But even so, he was unwilling to show weakness in front of his younger brother, and acted very assertively and arrogantly.

Even the cowardly Zhao Zhigang didn't dare utter a word when facing Zhao Zhigao. No matter how fiercely Zhao Zhigao cursed him, he would only nod and remain silent. Especially seeing how thin Zhao Zhigao had become, he was undoubtedly more heartbroken than anyone else.

(End of this chapter)