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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 151: Swift Blade Cuts Through Hemp
Zhou Qunyi pressed the pause button on his computer, his expression a complex mix of frustration, anger, and embarrassment, embodying the saying that his face was not quite a face, and his nose was not quite a nose.
After several days of investigation, the Sixth Division had overlooked a significant clue. On the day Wang Shou escaped, during the blank period from 2 PM to 5 PM, an outsider had guessed what had happened. Later, they found half of a face on an interprovincial bus. The salesperson, Merchant, confirmed this through voice and facial recognition.
This was more convincing than any case analysis. His suggestion to replace members of the Task Force was directly rejected.
When he looked up, Fan Saili was watching him and candidly told him, "Zhou's Team, the people in Criminal Investigation are also working day and night. Compared to us, Field Duty is even tougher. It's normal to feel a bit irritable sometimes; after all, it's all for the case."
Having just argued with the Commander—who was fiercely protective of his own—Zhou Qunyi thought there was no need to drag Aeming into it. He had already sent them to capture Wang Shou himself, and none of the leads provided had ever been accurate... The other side had hung up in anger. Zhou Qunyi later learned that there had been some breakthrough progress on their end.
"I won't hold it against them as long as we can advance the investigation," Zhou Qunyi said generously, pointing at the computer. "So it turns out it was still their oversight; this definitely isn't Aeming's level—he's just a bit better at cursing than others."
Fan Saili chuckled softly, affirming this assessment with a nod. "The person he hired might indeed be extraordinary."
"Exactly! I think so too. Finding the extraordinary in the ordinary is impressive; who would have thought this guy would use such an unbelievable method to transfer things?" Zhou Qunyi remarked.
"He analyzed psychological and behavioral patterns. Wang Shou and this con artist typically used simple methods but were highly aware of counter-investigation tactics. Once they realized he hadn't taken the stolen money, they focused on details to find flaws in this person's actions... This delivery seemed simple but actually created invisible obstacles for tracking. Plus, he diverted attention—it’s enough to give anyone a headache," Fan Saili explained.
"Get me his original analysis; I want everything... organize it," Zhou Qunyi instructed.
"It's ready; you can find it under my name in the shared directory," Fan Saili replied.
Zhou Qunyi paused slightly and glanced over; he understood that this economic investigation likely aligned with Aeming's team. At that moment, he didn't mind anymore and clicked through folders while casually asking, "Who exactly is this person?"
"If you want detailed information about him, you'll need to apply to the Provincial Department's Confidential Bureau. I can't disclose anything; that would violate Discipline," Fan Saili said with a smile.
"Oh... then I better start from scratch. You should head home early," Zhou Qunyi said as he looked at the documents, beginning to ponder how this base personality and behavioral habits influenced crime escalation and methods. As he read on, he became engrossed; initially elusive Wang Shou led him to speculate about another woman involved with drugs—not out of choice but due to coercive circumstances leading to escalated criminal behavior.
A woman, caught in a web of drugs, found herself resorting to deception to acquire more money. This peculiar con artist, in the context of her situation, became a fitting explanation for her actions, and she had never been closer to her goal—just one step away. At that moment, her anticipation of the impending capture grew stronger.
Fan Saili quietly slipped out the door, having completed her task. As she glanced back, Team Leader Zhou was still diligently studying, and this scene seemed to lift a heavy weight off her heart as she left without a sound.
“Hey… Aeming, it’s me… What time are you leaving? I’m already on my way; be careful out there… Heh, what else could I do? I was conquered by your clues… Don’t flatter yourself; it’s Xiao Mu’s credit—what does that have to do with you? Call me when you arrive… Ugh, stop dragging me into this; what do you mean for my sake? Whether you want to do it or not is none of my business… Heh, alright then, don’t gross me out…”
She chatted on the phone while the other end was in high spirits. Aeming began to curry favor with her, which also lifted her mood as their conversation continued until she got into the car.
……………………
……………………
At ten o'clock in the evening, several cars sped onto the highway.
The car was driven by Brother Hua. During dinner that night, a police officer had unloaded bullets from his gun and let him handle the empty weapon, which excited Brother Hua to no end. Now he insisted on experiencing what it felt like to drive a police car, speeding down the road with glee.
Aeming hung up the phone, feeling warm inside. He had just warned Ruhua to be cautious when suddenly someone poured cold water on his enthusiasm: “Hey, Baldy, I thought you were above such things. Turns out you went all this way just to charm a girl?”
“I’ve seen that girl,” Ruhua chimed in excitedly. “Oh man, she’s just the right match for Bald Brother’s physique.”
“Shut up and drive properly,” Aeming said with a blush as Ruhua chuckled and fell silent.
Xiao Mu didn’t care about that; curiosity got the better of him as he leaned in to ask, “Hey hey, Baldy, tell me about your romantic history.”
“There’s nothing; I just spotted her and am waiting for Brothers to help push things along. Once this case is wrapped up, she’ll definitely see me in a new light,” Aeming replied with a grin, completely carefree.
“So have you been with her yet?” Xiao Mu asked curiously.
“Not yet,” Aeming said.
"Have you kissed her?" Xiao Mu asked again.
"No," Aeming shook his head once more.
"Then you've at least touched her, right?" Xiao Mu was getting angry, unable to bear seeing his brother being so hopeless.
"Does holding hands count?" Aeming said, feeling embarrassed.
"Oh come on, Bald Brother, you look like a thug, but you're actually a pure-hearted little boy?" Ruhua laughed, and Xiao Mu shook with laughter. Aeming's face turned red as he stammered, "We just got introduced not long ago. I'm working on it!"
"Do you really need an introduction to find a girl? Who set you up?" Xiao Mu was puzzled.
"The organization set it up. They saw I was struggling as a leader, and figured she was having a hard time too, so they thought to match us up," Aeming explained.
Pfft... Xiao Mu burst into laughter again, realizing that the organization had quite the insight. If you two had a kid, they'd definitely be both famous and talented.
Meeting these two had left Aeming feeling utterly shameless. He chuckled foolishly and said without reservation, "Ah, you all see it too. We can put work aside for now; my lifelong affair is at stake here. You can't just leave me hanging, right? We agreed to help each other out. I'll apply for your bonuses and informants' fees; I won't shortchange you."
"Trying to be clever, huh? Dream on. We'll see how it goes," Xiao Mu didn't agree.
Ruhua didn't mind at all and said directly, "Bald Brother, it's fine. I'll help you out. Why talk about money? Talking about money ruins feelings. Just get me a position later; I'll gladly become a cop."
"Um, Mr. Sun, let's talk about money instead; your demands are too high," Aeming chuckled nervously, realizing that no one lacked a sense of justice—including the once suicidal Mr. Sun. Of course, the hardest to deal with was Xiao Mu. Aeming turned to Xiao Mu and asked, "Mu, I'm not saying this lightly, but let's put Jia Fangfei's matter aside for now... What’s going on with Rong Ying? I know why you ran away; Old Shen said that day Rong Ying went to your studio with a kitchen knife to cause trouble."
"Hmm... well..." Xiao Mu made two heavy sounds but didn't speak.
"Also, the death penalty review for Nie Qifeng is coming soon... I know you ran away to avoid trouble. If you don't want to go back, I actually welcome you to stay," Aeming said deliberately.
This earned him a spit from Xiao Mu: "Get lost."
"Ha ha, I express my understanding and sympathy for you," Aeming provoked him, asking, "But the one thing I can't understand is how someone as smart as you could turn a good situation into a bad one. Didn't you ever think that one day she might find out the truth?"
"I did think about it. I've been taking care of her, showing concern, helping her come out of the shadows. I even thought that one day I would tell her the truth myself. What would love do? I don't care," Xiao Mu replied, but then his tone shifted: "But... let me tell you this: nothing ever goes as you expect. After spending over a year with her, you say it was just a little slip? How could I not give in... I knew it was wrong."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Ruhua was confused.
"Just one slip? It seems like you two are living together," Aeming asked.
"Yeah, just one slip, and then I couldn't stop anymore... At first, I thought it didn't matter, but when it actually happened, I felt scared. My first reaction was to run away... Ah, don't mention it. I don't even know what to do," Xiao Mu said, sounding quite distressed. Moreover, with Jia Fangfei's situation added to the mix, he feared he might be paying off this debt for the rest of his life.
After a long pause, Aeming suddenly exclaimed, "You like her."
"Huh?" Xiao Mu responded, stung by those words.
"Only liking someone would make you afraid. You're not afraid of responsibility; you're afraid of losing her... Our perspectives on people might differ. From my point of view, a woman like Rong Ying is very emotional. Even after what Nie Qifeng did to her, she still hasn't given up... What a pity," Aeming remarked.
"Yes, definitely. I initially thought she was a spoiled little princess, but later realized she grew up in hardship. She remembers even the slightest bit of kindness from others and is very sensitive to care. Perhaps the more someone like that has suffered, the less they can tolerate being deceived," Xiao Mu said.
Aeming fell silent; matters of the heart were likely more complicated than any case situation.
Ruhua broke the silence with a chuckle and said maliciously, "You have no idea how many times you've been with others. Acting like a love saint? Fool! Don't say your brothers are laughing at you; let me ask you a question to solve... What if an ex-lover shows up with a love child? Would you still act like a love saint and comfort your current girlfriend?"
Aeming laughed but remained silent. Xiao Mu angrily retorted from behind, "Ruhua, believe it or not, if you marry again, I'll really go seduce your wife."
"Pfft! I've taken such a big loss; I've learned my lesson. Who's like you, always pretending to have feelings as if no one knows you're just in heat," Ruhua replied, causing Aeming to burst into laughter again. This time, Xiao Mu was left speechless in frustration.
At the end of the road illuminated by car lights stood a tall milestone:
Chaohu City, 73 kilometers.
The morning sunlight streamed through the car window as Guo Wei stared motionlessly at the exit of the community. When Guan Yiqing hung up the phone, he casually asked, "Where did that guy run off to?"
"Chaohu City," Guan Yiqing replied.
"Isn't he in Luzhou?" Guo Wei asked offhandedly.
"What do you think?"
"Wait, could it be that he's actually found a lead?"
"Heh, using a questioning tone really underestimates the Wood Expert... Do you know what case happened in Luzhou? This Trafficker King disguised himself as a Postal Inspector, opened a Savings Institution, and absconded with a batch of deposits and remittances from Merchants and Migrant Workers."
"My God, truly deserving of the title Trafficker King. They're searching everywhere for him, and even Aeming has come here, yet he dares to commit crimes in Luzhou?"
"Exactly... Party Instructor is quite concerned about Xiao Mu and has been asking about the situation, but..."
"This matter can only be handled by you; never expect me to help."
"Look at you... such ambition."
Guan Yiqing shot him a glare. This was a task assigned by their mentor, yet both felt quite troubled. Were they really going to tell a Death Row Inmate's family not to harbor resentment towards society, not to appeal, and just live quietly as a miserable person?
"He's out... Go quickly. I'll be waiting for you," Guo Wei urged Guan Yiqing, pushing him along.
Rong Ying emerged from the community, carrying an ordinary bag and dressed in a simple blue shirt. Her hurried demeanor was indistinguishable from that of a typical nine-to-five office worker. Guan Yiqing, who had just gotten out of the car, hurried after her and called out, "Rong Ying!"
Rong Ying paused and turned around. "Who are you? You look familiar."
"Police," Guan Yiqing replied.
Rong Ying's face twitched slightly, then she turned and walked away, her expression cold and indifferent.
"Hey, I have news about Xiao Mu," Guan Yiqing called out, having immersed herself in psychology for a long time and learned a few tricks.
Rong Ying's silhouette stopped. After a moment of hesitation, Guan Yiqing hurried over and said, "There's still plenty of time. How about I walk with you... then I'll take you to work."
Rong Ying remained noncommittal, walking silently. She remembered this female officer from the day at Xiao Mu's studio; she had just changed into her police uniform, looking even more spirited. Guan Yiqing discreetly observed Rong Ying—she was beautiful, the kind of beauty that emerged naturally, unadorned, even more stunning than in her previous memory.
"Where is he?" Rong Ying asked after a while.
"Luzhou. He got caught up in a case and was invited by a brother unit," Guan Yiqing lightly lied.
"Oh, I always thought he came from a little rogue background," Rong Ying said.
"There might be some misunderstandings between you two. I think he still has feelings for you," Guan Yiqing added.
"He doesn't even have the courage to stand in front of me and explain the misunderstanding. Feelings? Who knows if he's even capable of that," Rong Ying scoffed. Just as Guan Yiqing was about to explain, Rong Ying interrupted her. "No need to say anything more. Whatever it is, let him tell me himself... No matter what your intentions are, just think about it empathetically: if a man has been lying to you all along, and when you finally learn the truth, he disappears—how would you view him?"
The real question was: if he didn't run away, wouldn't you be the one showing up with a knife?
Guan Yiqing thought painfully about this. After a moment of hesitation, she realized Rong Ying had already walked away. She quickly chased after her. "Rong Ying, there's one more thing."
"About Brother Nie?" Rong Ying asked.
"Yes, he has requested to see us. Our people have already talked to him," Guan Yiqing replied.
Rong Ying valued this matter even more than Xiao Mu. She glanced at Guan Yiqing, waiting for her to continue. Guan Yiqing collected her thoughts and said, "He might feel that there's really no hope left. He wants us to tell you not to appeal anymore; his case is unforgivable... He cares about you, afraid that you'll be burdened and worried."
Rong Ying paused, biting her lip, holding back tears, speechless.
"We always thought he was antisocial, a person with a heart of stone. We never expected that in his final moments, something like this would happen... He was very emotional; we were all touched, even though it wasn't an expression of remorse... Don't hate me; I have no good feelings towards you, but I know your heart is kind. Your persistence has at least brought back a bit of humanity to a death row inmate," Guan Yiqing said.
Rong Ying sobbed, tears streaming down her face. She wiped them away and choked out, "I know there’s no hope... But if you were in my shoes, if it were your loved one facing death, would you just watch him die without doing anything? No matter how bad others think he is, no matter the crimes committed by the police, he is your family... Would you really do nothing?"
With those words, tears flowed freely. Guan Yiqing felt a pang in her heart and turned her face away to wipe her eyes. She comforted Rong Ying, saying, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I understand; what you're doing is right."
"Thank you for coming... I have to go to work now." Rong Ying wiped her tears, trying to hide her distress as she hurriedly turned away.
Guan Yiqing chased after her and placed a letter in her hand. Rong Ying mechanically accepted it and asked, "What is it?"
"I can't say it out loud; it's something Brother Nie signed voluntarily. You are the beneficiary," Guan Yiqing said vaguely.
Rong Ying opened the envelope and found a photocopy of the organ donation consent form. As she looked at it, she felt as if she were collapsing. She crumpled the paper in her hands and sank down, covering her face as she cried uncontrollably...
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