This sudden turn of events left Wang An momentarily stunned. Thinking that Zhang Shuya suspected him of being involved in the case, he spoke truthfully
"I've been staying at home this whole time, training eagles. It's just that my brother started school today, so I came to drop him off."
Upon hearing the words "training eagles," Zhang Shuya said with some surprise
"Training eagles? You mean those two eagle eggs you pulled out before we came back last time?"
It had to be said, Zhang Shuya and Sun Nian truly shared a deep sisterly bond.
Because when Sun Nian had heard the words "training eagles" previously, she had made the exact same expression and said the exact same thing.
Thus, before Zhang Shuya could press further, Wang An explained that he had raised two more Golden Eagles, as well as his goal of using them to catch Hanging Sheep.
As soon as Wang An finished speaking, Zhang Shuya's eyes immediately lit up as she said
"Hanging Sheep blood is a wonderful thing! I've heard that not only can it treat hidden ailments, but it can also prolong one's life."
Wang An smiled upon hearing this and asked
"Given my godfather's status, has no one ever sent any Hanging Sheep blood to your family?"
Zhang Shuya nodded and said quite helplessly
"Someone sent some once years ago, but he let them give it to a sick comrade of theirs. Your godfather even said that this stuff is meant for saving lives, and it makes no difference who drinks it."
Wang An blinked rapidly, not knowing what to say.
No wonder Zhang Siyuan was able to rise rapidly to the peak of Bingcheng; with a mindset like that, he was simply not someone ordinary people could compare to.
After a moment, Zhang Shuya looked at Wang An and said
"Xiao An, your big sister has never asked anything of you, but if you manage to hunt a Hanging Sheep, you must give some to me and Xiao Nian."
Wang An was stunned and was about to speak when Zhang Shuya continued
"Before Xiao Nian and I retired, our bodies picked up quite a few ailments, and they haven't improved over the last two years. A doctor in Bingcheng said that if we had Hanging Sheep blood, the root of our illnesses could be cured."
After saying this, Zhang Shuya frowned and continued
"It's strange; my father asked a friend of his over in the Changbai Mountains to try and purchase some, but there hasn't been a word of news until now. It's as if the creature has gone extinct."
Hearing Zhang Shuya say that she and Sun Nian were ill and needed Hanging Sheep blood for treatment, Wang An was somewhat bewildered.
Mainly because, no matter how he looked at the two of them, they didn't seem the least bit sick.
However, since Zhang Shuya put it that way, there must be something to it, and Wang An didn't doubt her.
Thus, Wang An nodded heavily and said
"Mm-hmm, don't worry, Big Sister. As long as I can hunt a Hanging Sheep, I'll definitely bring the blood to you."
Although he said this, Wang An never expected that with the influence of Zhang Shuya's family, obtaining some Hanging Sheep blood would actually be this difficult.
From this, one could see just how scarce the Hanging Sheep truly was!
But thinking about it, it was only normal. In the Northeast, the legends regarding the Hanging Sheep were incredibly diverse and varied. Aside from Old Zhang, the earliest records could be traced back to Nurhaci.
It was said that old bastard Nurhaci was the first person to hunt a Hanging Sheep, and consequently, the first to receive its benefits.
It was said that the fur of a Hanging Sheep was warmer than that of a sable.
It was said that the bones of a Hanging Sheep had more medicinal value than those of a Siberian tiger.
It was said that the meat of a Hanging Sheep was a higher-grade nutritional supplement than ginseng.
It was said that the most precious Hanging Sheep blood was a divine medicine for treating injuries and illnesses, more powerful than the fetal deer glue of a Sika deer.
It was said that the horns of a Hanging Sheep were more valuable and impressive than the antlers of a Sika deer or the horns of an antelope.
It was said that during the Qing Dynasty, the Hanging Sheep was a rare and exotic beast that the General Office of the Hunting Ula in the Changbai Mountains ordered hunters to capture every year but never did; it was something that old hag Empress Dowager Cixi had always desired but could never obtain.
Beyond these, there were many more legends about the Hanging Sheep, though those could no longer be called "it was said"—it would be more accurate to call them "myths."
After Wang An finished speaking, Zhang Shuya nodded and said
"Don't force it too much. If you can get one, get it; if not, forget it. By the way, what did you come here for today?"
Only then did Wang An have the chance to mention the matter regarding Wang Guaizi's subordinate, the one called "Qiangzi."
After listening, Zhang Shuya immediately shouted toward the outside
"Director Liu, Director Liu, come in for a moment."
After Zhang Shuya called, a middle-aged woman walked in.
As soon as Director Liu entered the office, Zhang Shuya said
"Tell Captain Zhou and the others that regarding the murder case of the meat processing plant's workshop director, they should investigate the workers in the workshop. Specifically, check which workers he has penalized recently, and then investigate the interpersonal relationships of those workers."
At this point, Wang An couldn't help but interject
"Bureau Chief Zhang, focus primarily on the female workers."
Since Wang An was now a reserve officer, it was more appropriate to use official titles when outsiders were present, which is why he did not call Zhang Shuya "Big Sister."
Hearing this, Zhang Shuya glanced at Wang An and continued to Director Liu
"Correct, primarily check which female workers he penalized recently. Also, tell the duty officer that someone might come to surrender. Once they do, dig out as much information as possible and keep him locked up for a while longer."
It had to be said, Zhang Shuya truly spoiled Wang An; she practically granted every request he made.
Once Director Liu left, Zhang Shuya asked Wang An with great curiosity
"We all thought it was robbery-homicide, why do you specifically think it was a retaliatory murder?"
This question completely stumped Wang An.
Mainly because, if it weren't for the fact that he had been reborn and happened to know about this incident, how would he know if it was robbery or retaliation?
After thinking for a long while, Wang An talked nonsense
"Seeking wealth and taking a life are two different things. If you're caught stealing, you're locked up for a few years at most, but if you're caught killing, you're definitely paying with your life. Anyway, if I were stealing, I definitely wouldn't kill anyone. Besides, the day before yesterday wasn't payday for the factories; how much money could that workshop director have had on him when he went home? Killing someone for that bit of money would be pure nonsense."
Although Wang An was talking nonsense, his words weren't without logic.
Zhang Shuya nodded slightly in agreement, then asked Wang An
"Are you still training eagles these days?"
Wang An shook his head
"I've more or less gotten them trained. In the future, I just need to take them to catch some small animals every now and then."
Hearing this, Zhang Shuya said
"Alright then. Starting tomorrow, come to the Bureau to participate in training. Capture techniques in the morning, shooting in the afternoon. You can train along with them."
Upon hearing about shooting practice, Wang An raised an eyebrow and said very arrogantly
"Big Sister, there's no need to practice shooting, right? I reckon with my marksmanship, there's an eighty percent chance no one can even teach me."
Zhang Shuya was well aware of Wang An's marksmanship. In terms of shooting alone, neither she nor Sun Nian could necessarily keep up with him.
Therefore, Zhang Shuya nodded and said: "Mm-hmm, then you don't need to practice shooting."