Chapter 43: Lian Jingyuan

After spending per week within the hospital, Xia Liang was discharged and returned dwelling along with his arm in a sling. Colleagues from the particular job pressure got here to choose him up, bringing flowers, dietary dietary supplements, and items from Zheng Youqing, who was representing the provincial division at a gathering.

Xia Liang was in good spirits, having spent his days within the hospital consuming and sleeping. His complexion had grow to be rosy, and even his angular chin had rounded out. After being discharged, he continued to stay in his previous dormitory with out Yun Xiaoxiao to deal with him. He needed to do all the things by himself.

“Are you actually letting him keep within the dormitory? Along with his arm in a sling, he’ll have hassle even consuming. Can he handle on his personal?” Chong Zhen questioned.

Hu Songkai felt responsible for not taking higher care of Xia Liang and instantly steered, “Why not have Xia Xia stick with me? My home may be small, however I’ve all the things, and Gege can deal with you.”

Chong Zhen protested with disdain, “You? Overlook it. Whereas Xiao Xia is recovering, he wants a clear and cozy setting. Final time I visited your home as a visitor, how lengthy has it been because you took down and washed these curtains? They’ve turned from white to black.”

Hu Songkai retorted, “Take a look at you! You’ve even stuffed socks below your pillow, making it as wrinkled as dried greens!”

Wu Xiaolei felt awkward, however Yun Xiaoxiao remained unfazed – she was already accustomed to the distinct life of their two senior colleagues. For the sake of the repute of the felony investigation staff, somebody wanted to step ahead now to show that middle-aged males weren’t all slovenly uncles, that there might be refined and chic mature allure.

“Let Lao He deal with Xiao Xia.” Chong Zhen steered.

“Sure, Lao He’s obsessive about cleanliness. His home is cleaner than a hospital room.” Hu Songkai agreed.

All eyes turned to He Wei. He Wei gave a faint smile, “I’m afraid that received’t work proper now.”

Chong Zhen slung his arm over He Wei’s shoulder, “What’s the issue? You reside alone, and you’ve got a spare room, don’t you? Xiao Xia is all grown up now; he doesn’t want you to carry his hand. Just a few assist would do.”

“It’s not for that cause,” He Wei paused, “My place isn’t handy; somebody is already staying there.”

“…?”

Everybody was stunned, and Yun Xiaoxiao shortly caught Zheng Youqing’s shoulder, changing into her sturdy psychological assist.

Noticing their puzzled appears to be like, He Wei defined, “It’s not a associate, only a buddy.”

“…” Everybody checked out He Wei with apparent disbelief. Over time, He Wei had earned a repute not simply inside the felony investigation staff however throughout the whole police bureau for being “emotionally distant.” Right here, “emotionally distant” didn’t check with physiological points however somewhat his persona. He had no real interest in romance, and even his strange interpersonal relationships have been fairly bland. Except for a number of buddies on the staff, hardly anybody might set up a reference to him.

In essence, it was extremely arduous to get near He Wei. Invite him to dinner, he’s allergic to many meals; ask him to go karaoke or to a bar, he’s not , preferring to learn at dwelling; purchase him items, he’s too well mannered, saying he doesn’t lack something; introduce him to stunning ladies, please, Zheng Youqing isn’t even resolved but, and there’s extra coming.

Therefore, most paths to He Wei have been blocked. He additionally had a slight contact of OCD, so most individuals couldn’t get near him, not to mention stay with him. 

“It’s actually not a associate, only a buddy from out of city.” He Wei defined once more.

Chong Zhen patted his again, “We get it, we get it! Only a buddy, we utterly perceive! No misunderstandings right here!”

Scratching his head, Xia Liang interjected, “Chong-ge, ErHu-ge, you don’t want to fret about me. I can handle alone. It’s not a extreme damage, and the bureau has given me prolonged sick go away. If I’m not even on responsibility, what’s not attainable?”

Chong Zhen and Hu Songkai got here up with numerous eccentric concepts, planning to seek out Xia Liang a bodyguard caretaker. Xia Liang was bowled over and shortly stopped their loopy strategies, mustering the power to raise his bandaged arm. He nearly resorted to doing push-ups to show his power.

Rubbing his chin, He Wei spoke softly, “You would come to my place in order for you.”

“Isn’t your buddy already dwelling there? Wouldn’t Xiao Xia be a trouble?” A hassle to you and your “buddy’s” high quality time.

He Wei smiled faintly, “It’s not a dormitory; it’s my dwelling.”

Chong Zhen out of the blue realized this, displaying an incredulous expression. He Wei had already made up his thoughts; he let Xia Liang into the automobile and headed to his dwelling. His mom was at all times complaining about the home being too quiet with out anybody round – having the vigorous Xia Liang round would absolutely add some pleasure.

Standing exterior the digital gate of the row of villas, Xia Liang’s solely thought was, “Oh my god.” The butler got here to open the door, and He Wei patted him on the again, “Go inside.”

“Captain-Captain He, is that this your own home?”

“In any other case?” He Wei led Xia Liang inside and turned to the butler, saying, “Uncle Qin, that is my colleague from work. He’ll be staying right here quickly. Please deal with him.”

Uncle Qin instantly organized for a room to be ready, had servants place Xia Liang’s baggage, and requested with a heat smile, “Younger Grasp, could I ask on your surname?”

“Xia, my surname is Xia.” He was scared to dying.

He Wei reassured, “Don’t fear, deal with this place as your individual dwelling. I’ve talked to my mom; you don’t want to fret about meals, clothes, or bills. You don’t must do something; simply deal with recovering. And when you’ve free time, chat with my mother. She enjoys conventional Chinese language research; there are a number of books on the bookshelf within the research. You may learn to her.”

Xia Liang nodded shortly, “I’ll undoubtedly maintain Auntie firm and browse tales to her!”

“If you happen to want something, simply give me a name. Oh, and,” He Wei thought for a second and reminded, “If you happen to see somebody who appears to be like precisely like me, clothes in fits, and has a light temperament, blushing usually, don’t assume I’ve modified my methods.”

“Who’s that?”

“My twin brother. He has a teardrop mole under his eye. Simply don’t mistake him for me.”

———

After three interrogations and repeated questioning, He Lu had supplied all the knowledge he might. The variations between his earlier statements and his present ones weren’t vital, making his testimony credible. In the course of the preliminary investigation, a number of of He Lu’s colleagues testified on his behalf, insisting they have been all out of city for a gathering and thus he couldn’t have dedicated the crime. Consequently, the lodge surveillance footage was by no means investigated. This time, they visited Anshui Metropolis particularly for that objective. The surveillance footage confirmed He Lu leaving the lodge on the night of the thirteenth, returning round 2:30 a.m. on the 14th. Coupled with freeway toll sales space footage, it was sufficient to show He Lu’s innocence.

Ke Dongrui’s expression displayed clear disappointment. “It actually has nothing to do with him. He didn’t lie.”

“It’s true; he didn’t lie. Aren’t you happy?” Cheng Zesheng requested.

“I’m not happy. This man is just too despicable. If I have been He Wei, I’d need to take him even when I have been a ghost.” Ke Dongrui clenched her fist.

Xiang Yang was driving, goosebumps showing on his arm, and his neck shrank. Ke Dongrui requested, “Vice-Captain Cheng, does that imply we’ll should launch him once we return?”

“No rush. Our fieldwork and investigation have to be meticulous and thorough, leaving no essential info missed. We have to re-investigate all his colleagues and buddies, guaranteeing nothing is omitted. Perceive?”

Ke Dongrui’s eyes lit up with understanding, nodding, “Proper, to clear his title, we undoubtedly want to collect proof diligently and meticulously, leaving no stone unturned. It’s okay if it takes ten days or half a month.”

Cheng Zesheng crossed his arms, wanting earnest. “Precisely, we should have the spirit of serving the individuals.”

“…” Xiang Yang rubbed his arms, his goosebumps getting worse.

On a wet evening in Shengzhou Metropolis, Cheng Zesheng obtained an invite from Lian Jingyuan to fulfill at a café.

Cheng Zesheng opened the menu and casually requested, “Why aren’t we going to your bar?”

Lian Jingyuan propped his chin up and smiled, “Can’t go there. Officer Cheng, your picture and demeanor are too putting. Many shoppers on the bar have been asking me on your contact info.”

“… I’m not homosexual.” Cheng Zesheng closed the menu, handed it to the waiter, and stated, “Only a cup of black tea, please.”

Lian Jingyuan ordered a caramel espresso. The sound of the stirring spoon clinking in opposition to the porcelain cup combined with the smooth rain exterior. His fingers have been truthful and slender, with rounded and neat nails. The sleek nail floor had a pearl-like hue, and these arms have been like a murals, simply fascinating all consideration.

“What’s the matter with asking me out right now?” Cheng Zesheng requested as he picked up his black tea.

“I heard that He Lu has been arrested. Is it true?”

“Sure, he’s concerned within the dying of He Wei. We’re investigating.”

Lian Jingyuan lowered his eyes for a second earlier than smiling, “Officer Cheng, He Lu’s emotions for He Wei have been too domineering. Along with his excessive persona, he’s able to something.”

“You understand?” Cheng Zesheng raised an eyebrow. “Then why didn’t you inform me from the start that He Lu had points?”

“Effectively…” Lian Jingyuan smiled helplessly, “Their brotherly issues, I couldn’t intrude. Plus, I promised my senior to not inform anybody. And I imagine with Officer Cheng’s knowledge, you’ll undoubtedly uncover the connection between them.”

Cheng Zesheng chuckled, feeling that Lian Jingyuan was appearing unusual. The subject of right now’s assembly was peculiar; he wasn’t a gossip-loving individual. But he was inquiring about He Lu. May these two have some hidden conspiracy or connection?

The sound of the spoon clinking in opposition to the porcelain cup was harmonious and pleasing. Lian Jingyuan added a sugar dice, utilizing his thumb and index finger to carry the white porcelain spoon, persevering with to stir. The rain exterior intensified, making a symphony of sounds—the clinking of the spoon, the pattering of the raindrops in opposition to the window—and for a second, it was tough to tell apart which sound was crisper, the stirring of the espresso or the rain on the glass.

“Officer Cheng, He Wei was my senior. He was managed and oppressed by his youthful brother, compelled to close himself off from his feelings. For He Lu’s dying, he should pay a sure worth. He’s responsible, isn’t he?”

Cheng Zesheng felt as if he was in a 360-degree encompass sound music venue. Lian Jingyuan’s voice turned distant and elongated, ethereal and imprecise. His phrases reverberated in his ears, leaving only some fragmented phrases:

He Lu… is responsible.

Simply as Cheng Zesheng was about to nod, his coronary heart skipped a beat twice. He was out of the blue alarmed; a shock ran by means of him, and tiny beads of sweat fashioned on the tip of his nostril.

No, one thing’s not proper. He Lu didn’t commit homicide; he’s harmless.

“Officer Cheng, consider carefully. Are there actually no loopholes within the proof you’ve gathered from He Lu? There have to be some; so long as you could find a tiny flaw, He Lu received’t escape…”

Cheng Zesheng out of the blue grabbed Lian Jingyuan’s hand. The crisp, clinking sound of the spoon abruptly stopped.

Lian Jingyuan wasn’t flustered. He stared at Cheng Zesheng calmly. Cheng Zesheng put his caramel espresso apart, took out a tissue, and wiped the tiny beads of sweat from the tip of his nostril. He composedly stated, “Boss Lian, whereas I’ll not like He Lu, I received’t disregard equity, ignore proof, and ship him to court docket. Your actions are obstructing judicial equity, do you understand that?”

“To realize this stage of psychological manipulation is kind of spectacular. Sadly, I’ve additionally taken programs in hypnosis throughout my time on the police academy. It’s not really easy for me to fall into such a lure.” He glanced exterior the window after which again on the espresso cup. “I lastly perceive why you wished to fulfill me on a wet day.”

Lian Jingyuan remained silent, not embarrassed or ashamed after being uncovered. As a substitute, he was surprisingly calm as he stated, “I’m telling the reality. He Lu isn’t a assassin, he’s a way more sinister soul manipulator. Even when his brother’s dying isn’t straight associated to him, he should nonetheless take duty for his brother’s life.”

“Why are you so persistent? You’re prepared to resort to hypnosis to have me ship He Lu to jail…” Cheng Zesheng seemed stunned. “Did you want He Wei too?”

Lian Jingyuan gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and spoke softly after some time, “I simply assume my senior was pitiable. Why did the individual he as soon as liked immigrate? As a result of He Lu injured him and threatened that if he appeared by He Wei’s facet once more, he would pay a fair larger worth.”

“After that incident, He Wei didn’t dare to like anybody and couldn’t resist his brother. He might solely endure in silence.” Lian Jingyuan lowered his head, masking his eyes along with his elegant hand. “Pitiable, he was actually pitiable. If my senior might have had the identical momentum as his remaining look to interrupt free from He Lu’s shadow, I wouldn’t have thought-about utilizing your hand to eradicate him.”

Cheng Zesheng handed over a bit of paper.

“I’ll deal with right now’s matter as if it by no means occurred. Whereas I perceive your intentions properly, He Lu actually didn’t commit homicide, and we don’t have the suitable to convict him.” Cheng Zesheng positioned the espresso in entrance of him. “Sooner or later, let’s meet at your bar for something. I’m afraid I would pay a heavy worth if I’m not cautious.”