Chapter Sixty-Six: The Royal Guard!

A person needs dignity, a tree needs its bark, and even a puppy needs a fancy coat.

When Tang Fei donned his new clothes, he truly became a sight to behold. His features were refined, his bearing remarkable. Years of training and hunting had given him a lean, tall frame—not the emaciated kind of thinness, but the kind that made clothes hang elegantly, with muscle revealed beneath. His eyes were slender, his gaze bright. When he smiled, the combination of warmth and an unruly air created a unique charm.

Such young men were rare on New Star. Only those who had survived acid rain, beast attacks, and the constant threat of death—always alert, struggling to endure—could possess this freedom and untamed spirit.

Phoenix stood before the changing room, watching Tang Fei emerge with delight on her face. She had never thought Tang Fei handsome before—New Star was full of good-looking boys. He was cunning, sly, ruthless, calculating, and full of rogue energy. Yet he had saved her in the most dangerous moment. He possessed a unique, exclusive scent.

But after arriving on New Star, after bathing, grooming, and changing into fashionable, well-fitted clothes, his entire demeanor and appearance were vastly elevated. It was as if she had always thought him a diligent, ugly duckling, only to see him transform overnight into a proud swan right before her eyes.

“Wow, your boyfriend is really handsome,” the clerk standing beside Phoenix exclaimed with admiration.

Every clerk was sharp-eyed and experienced. She noticed Phoenix looked at Tang Fei with appreciation rather than affection, and guessed their relationship.

“He’s a friend,” Phoenix corrected.

“Oh, but you two look so well-matched,” the clerk replied, without apologizing, since she saw Phoenix wasn’t offended by the term.

If a woman disliked a man, and you said they were a couple, she could retort so fiercely you'd be left helpless. The prettier the woman, the more so...

Phoenix glanced at the clerk. “Shoes. Bring out all the shoes in the store for him to try.”

“Of course, no problem,” the clerk replied happily. “Every pair?”

“Every pair.” Phoenix turned to Tang Fei. “What’s your shoe size?”

“I’ve never measured,” Tang Fei said.

His shoes were always made by Sister-in-law, stitching soles or cutting whole pieces of beast hide—there was never a standard measurement.

“No worries, we’ll measure for you,” the clerk offered warmly.

She knew she’d hit the jackpot—she was about to receive a hefty commission.

At that moment, a large number of police surged in, blocking both glass doors at the front and back of the clothing store.

With guns drawn, they took control of all customers and staff inside.

“Nobody move!” a policeman barked. “Anyone who moves will be shot.”

“Officers, what’s happening?” the manager asked, terrified. “We’re a legitimate clothing store, we’ve never committed any crimes...”

Deputy Captain Qin Shaofeng of the HX District Police Squad pushed through the crowd to the manager. “Are you questioning the legitimacy of our enforcement?”

“No, no, I’m just... worried you’ll affect our business,” the manager replied, immediately cowed.

He had no idea what was happening, but even with ten times the courage, he dared not offend the powerful deputy captain.

These men had charged in with guns, looking fierce and determined—this was no matter for a mere store manager to interfere with.

“If you dare obstruct our enforcement again, it won’t just affect your business—I’ll smash up your shabby store,” Qin Shaofeng threatened. “Get out of the way.”

“Yes, yes...” The manager nodded and bowed, not daring to move an inch.

After all, a policeman had just said, “Anyone who moves will be shot.”

Qin Shaofeng had already spotted his target. He walked slowly to Tang Fei and said, “Show your identity code. We need to verify it.”

“I don’t have one,” Tang Fei replied.

He didn’t know what an identity code was, nor did he possess one. Phoenix had told him earlier that his identity information was still being processed.

“No identity code?” Qin Shaofeng’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Do you think you’re funny? What decent citizen has no identity information? Just for that, I can arrest you on the spot.”

“I really don’t have one,” Tang Fei said.

He wondered about the real reason the police had come—was it because of Phoenix? But if it was for Phoenix... did those people have a death wish?

This was New Star, Phoenix City. If they came after him so openly, wouldn’t they be exposing themselves? What kind of opponent could be so foolish?

Tang Fei quickly ruled out that possibility. Anyone who could muster such a show of force wouldn’t leap out now just to die.

So who was it? Was it aimed at himself, or at Phoenix?

“I don’t know what crime I’ve committed to warrant so many police coming after me,” Tang Fei asked.

“What do you think?”

“I think I’m innocent.”

“Truly innocent?” Qin Shaofeng reached for Tang Fei’s pants pocket.

Fatty tried to intervene, but a dense cluster of red dots appeared on his chest.

Multiple gun barrels pointed at Fatty. “Don’t move...”

Tang Fei shook his head at Fatty, signaling him not to panic.

When Qin Shaofeng withdrew his hand from Tang Fei’s pocket, he held a small packet of blue pills.

He held them up to Tang Fei. “What’s this?”

“Shouldn’t you tell me?” Tang Fei smiled. “You stuffed it into my pocket, then took it out again—you should know better than I do.”

“You say that, but the judge won’t believe you,” Qin Shaofeng’s eyes grew cold, his smile icy.

This fool, clueless even as death approaches.

He had no idea what powerful figures he’d offended...

“Who would believe it then?” Tang Fei asked.

“No one will believe you,” Qin Shaofeng said darkly. “Imperial law strictly forbids the purchase or sale of any type of narcotics... And you brazenly carry Siren with you. Come with us...”

Phoenix had been observing coldly. As their performance reached this point, she understood the situation.

Though she didn’t know which faction was so eager to make a move against Tang Fei, she couldn’t let them take him away.

She knew what methods they could use—if they wanted the case to look tidy, they could fabricate a complete chain of evidence, then force him to sign and confess. At that point, rescuing him would be extremely troublesome, since they would be shielded by the name of “justice.”

If they were impatient or bore a deep grudge, they might even sacrifice pawns to ensure his “sudden death” before evidence was solid.

Nowadays, some black market gene reagents could kill invisibly, and after a certain period, even the most advanced official instruments would struggle to detect their traces.

“Who sent you?” Phoenix glared at Qin Shaofeng, her tone hostile.

She was truly furious—what a beautiful day, what a wonderful atmosphere...

She had so many plans ahead: buy clothes, drink coffee, watch the latest romance movie...

All ruined by these clownish thugs.

Besides, their targeting of Tang Fei made Phoenix feel humiliated.

I am an Imperial Princess—can’t I protect my friend who’s come from afar?

“And who are you?” Qin Shaofeng stared at Phoenix.

“I’m his friend,” Phoenix said.

“So you’re accomplices, then?” Qin Shaofeng chuckled at Phoenix, as if she was another ignorant fool.

Just wait until you're on my turf—I'll deal with you then...

“Yes, we’re accomplices.”

“So you’re involved in his case too. Take you both,” Qin Shaofeng ordered.

“I can’t go with you,” Phoenix shook her head. “My father would worry.”

“Who the hell is your father? I don’t care if he worries,” Qin Shaofeng scoffed, amused by Phoenix’s words—she truly didn’t know her place.

Did she know where she was? Did she understand the gravity of this situation?

The people behind him certainly didn’t plan to let her leave the prison alive...

“My father’s worry... does concern you,” Phoenix smiled.

She looked at Qin Shaofeng as if he were a dead man. This fool...

“I’d like to see how it concerns me,” Qin Shaofeng said with disdain, waving his hand. “Take these people away...”

No one responded.

Qin Shaofeng turned, only to find a large group of men in black had silently appeared before him.

“Who are you?” Qin Shaofeng demanded angrily. “Dare to obstruct police business?”

The middle-aged man in the lead took out a badge, flashed it before Qin Shaofeng, and spoke coldly, “Royal Guard.”

Qin Shaofeng stared at the men in terror, his voice trembling, “Royal Guard?”