Li Xin woke up, washed up, and ate a simple breakfast while thinking about Mr. Cancer.

Mr. Cancer must have encountered some sort of difficulty; he is extremely proud, and with his capabilities, he would never show any abnormal behavior unless faced with a tough situation. Even when the Phil Family was mentioned, he seemed very shocked despite the fog of mystery, and bowed his head in thought, an unconscious reaction.

This was an unprecedented action.

Thus, this matter has a significant connection to the Phil Family.

As a Beijing person, it’s not his circle, so he doesn’t understand, which is normal. But as a noble, how could he not know about the Phil Family’s situation?

Moreover, when the Hex Bird Report was mentioned last time, he didn’t participate in the discussion. Upon reflection, what he spoke about all related to hidden aspects.

Could it be that he is unable to access things in everyday life, inconvenient to go out?

Imprisonment?

Unlikely, considering his high status; it’s more likely due to his identity he cannot come out.

But that doesn’t add up; even because of his status, why would he mistakenly believe the Phil Family still exists?

He also said he could investigate, but it’s been a long time since he mentioned it, and whether the investigation can even proceed, why is a reminder necessary?

Unusual events must involve oddities.

Amnesia?

Or is there some other issue?

Perhaps finding a time to chat with Mr. Cancer alone might be wise, despite the likelihood of being scolded, but who told him he had to be Mr. Cancer?

Arriving at the Shadow Owl, seeing Meng Po peacefully knitting a sweater instilled an inexplicable calmness, it seems nothing happened.

When Meng Po saw Li Xin she immediately smiled and greeted him, "Captain Li, you’re here."

"Good morning, Sister Meng."

"Captain, the other team captains have invited you to gather tonight at Guiyun Building, are you going?" Meng Po asked.

"Guiyun Building, so elegant? Yes, why not go." Li Xin nodded; although he was only an acting captain, colleagues must meet, and in Dragon Capital cases are settled with mutual assistance.

"Alright, I’ll reply to them later, oh, Captain, I’ve brought Sugar Cake back." Meng Po said, "The child isn’t adapting well to the Grace Class lifestyle, so I wanted him by my side, if that’s convenient."

Li Xin nodded, "The Night Patrol is always his home, no problem."

Meng Po smiled broadly, a change of ruler means a change of subjects; now Shadow Owl is under Li Xin’s management. Although Li Xin rarely refuses, his attitude is crucial.

Leaving the child for others to raise left Meng Po uneasy, and Sugar Cake couldn’t keep up with the rhythm of the Grace Class, due to recently restored intelligence, he was often slow and distracted, frequently bullied by classmates, and teachers were of no help, one couldn’t curse after all. Finally she decided to bring him back, teaching him personally, leaving the rest to fate, one cannot fear everything in life.

Li Xin noticed Sugar Cake again, and after touching his head said, "Welcome back, Uncle will bring you something tasty tomorrow."

Sugar Cake stared blankly at Li Xin, and after a moment seemed to recognize him, smiled, and nodded.

Li Xin smiled, pinching Sugar Cake’s chubby cheek; this kid has gained some weight.

Returning to the office upstairs, there were many files on the table waiting for the Shadow Owl captain’s attention. Being the deputy captain in charge of cases was actually much more relaxed, but as captain, with Shadow Owl’s expenses, various cases, and meetings above, currently as acting captain, he was rather relaxed as no additional tasks were assigned yet.

The first document on top was Shadow Owl’s account, which Meng Po had only recently organized; financial control naturally belongs to the captain.

Despite not being his own money, at least it is under his management, Li Xin’s mood slightly improved; one day he got to pay others, which was a delight. Li Xin without a detailed index flipped to the end; Shadow Owl as one of the most significant Night Patrol teams in Dragon Capital should at least have figures of several tens of thousands, if not tens of thousands, but perhaps a few thousand.

Settled up until last month, account cash was 2861 Lira, Shadow Owl’s current debt is 18962 Lira.

Li Xin rubbed his eyes, what the hell?

How could there be debt???

Li Xin started to seriously examine the accounts; Meng Po’s bookkeeping was fairly meticulous, with Shadow Owl’s main expenditures being salaries, action-related losses, and disability compensation, while income mainly came from Cabinet and Church funding.

Cabinet funding decreases year by year, Night Patrol’s action losses are substantial and hard to reimburse; if not for some contributions from the Church, Night Patrol’s life would be difficult. Therefore, it’s easy for both the Cabinet and Church to manipulate the Night Patrol, no wonder its numbers continually reduce. Actually, cutting off funding from the source would shrink the Night Patrol’s scale.

During Luthor’s era, Night Patrols were everywhere in Dragon Capital, stabilizing the chaotic order, slaying all sorts of gruesome monsters, Evil God cults, entirely exterminated.

After reviewing the entire account, Li Xin was dumbfounded, nothing in this world is harder than making money; Li Xin had no choice but to call Meng Po upstairs.

After taking a sip of tea to calm himself, "Sister Meng, how long can our money last?"

Meng Po’s old face failed to smile, "Captain, dragging on, one month, stretching to two months is possible."

"When does Cabinet and Church disburse funds?"

"Once every six months; if special circumstances arise, we could ask Metropolitan to advance some. Previously, Captain Jiang did this; additionally, Captain Jiang had connections in the Knight Order and sometimes secured some sponsorship." Meng Po said.

"Every six months?"

"Yes, three months until the next." Meng Po said.

Li Xin gave a bitter smile; Captain Jiang had indeed heavily made advances.

"It’s not entirely Captain Jiang’s fault, cases are numerous, and our Night Patrol is at the frontline bearing heavy losses." Meng Po said.

Li Xin waved his hand, "I understand, do we have any other means to make money?"

He didn’t mean to blame; he understood the Night Patrol’s situation clearly, from Celestial Capital to Dragon Capital, the situation was similar; the awkward position is related to Night Patrol’s responsibilities and authority. Both Cabinet and Church want control, and amid their power struggles, they think it better to develop their own forces, while Night Patrol mostly targets the bottom tier’s covert security, somewhat redundant to significant figures, resulting in reduced interest and investment. When funds are tight, the first cut is Night Patrol’s budget.

"Are you thinking about protection fees?"

"Yes, our Night Patrol maintains covert security, putting in efforts, it makes no sense to struggle like this!" Li Xin decisively said.

"Ahem, Captain, isn’t that inappropriate," Meng Po hesitated, "Actually, the usual small merchants or citizens..."

"Who said about collecting from them? Targeting the bigger ones, those swimming in fat, without us risking our lives to maintain order, they couldn’t have such easy lives. Dragon Capital is a whole, those who became wealthy should drive the upcoming wealth, they should have a sense of responsibility!" Li Xin licked his lips and said.

"Captain... calm down, those bigger ones are either backed by City Hall, Church, or branches of the Hundred Martial Hall. In a direct confrontation, we aren’t justified, and certainly wouldn’t win." Meng Po quickly advised.

Li Xin contemplated, indeed, they wouldn’t win; currently he is merely acting captain, might be dismissed anytime, primarily because of lacking proper name and legitimate status.

Dang it, is all the cake divided? It doesn’t make sense to bleed and cry over it, where to find justice for all this.

"Our Night Patrol handles covert security yet suffers this fate, unfair to the brothers. Isn’t there something swimming in fat, enjoying our protection yet offering no compensation?" Li Xin muttered.

Meng Po thought for a moment, "Indeed there is."

"Oh, where?" Li Xin’s eyes gleamed, to let the horse run it first needs grass; he had always considered improving Night Patrol’s treatment but was always just a top soldier, couldn’t overstep, now as captain, the first fire burns right here.

Performing the task of saving Dragon Capital yet having to starve, isn’t this self-harm.

"Black Market." Meng Po sighed, "Technically the Black Market falls under Night Patrol’s jurisdiction and should regularly contribute for maintaining order, but they never have, nor has anyone dared to ask."

Bam~~~

Li Xin abruptly slapped the table, "That’s the place!"

Meng Po’s old face paled, "Captain, please, don’t kid around, Black Market’s forces are intricate, hundreds of hidden powers, Five Great Sanctuaries are there as well; even Cabinet and Church won’t touch them, our small Shadow Owl is like an egg against a rock."

"Who said anything about fighting, I’m going to reason with them. Since they follow rules, I believe they will understand reason. Weren’t we supposed to dine tonight, though we can’t manage other Black Markets, but in Dragon Capital, having favorable business conditions arises from our efforts, Black Market by logic should contribute, nowhere else works, I’ll discuss with other captains!" Li Xin enthusiastically said.

Meng Po opened her mouth; the old face almost twisted into pretzels, this doesn’t seem like something an experienced captain would say.

Actually saying it, wouldn’t other captains further belittle their captain.

"Alright, Sister Meng, don’t worry, I’ve got a plan, inform the brothers that there will be major action soon, I need to carefully plan this; once settled, our future will be better!"

Rather than begging, do it yourself. Instead of soliciting Cabinet and Church, act independently; he knows well, the Black Market fattens up that it bubbles oil!