Chapter 45: What the hell?

As time handed, the eye on the Cheng Zesheng case remained unrelenting. Following the arrest of Cheng Zhenqing, sure media retailers started to unleash their imaginations, crafting elaborate narratives. Privately, they concluded that Cheng Zhenqing was the perpetrator behind Cheng Zesheng’s homicide. Driving the coattails of this notion, advertising accounts jumped on the bandwagon, vying to showcase probably the most excellent literary prowess. They concocted a narrative that vividly portrayed a strife-ridden relationship between the 2 brothers, meticulously detailing Cheng Zhenqing’s motives and strategies for the crime, making a seamless and completely convincing narrative.

“He requested to fulfill Cheng Zesheng on the mansion, however as soon as Cheng Zesheng arrived, his seemingly pleasant brother unexpectedly aimed a gun at him. As that shot rang out, Cheng Zesheng’s blood was heat, however his coronary heart turned chilly.” Clicking his tongue in disapproval, they stated, “Why aren’t they writing novels? We haven’t even disclosed any proof of Cheng Zhenqing’s presence on the scene. The place are they getting these claims?”

Chong Zhen closed the journal in his arms.

Hu Songkai opened Weibo and exclaimed, “What is that this? Check out this advertising account known as ‘Jianghu Insights.’ They’ve written an article titled ‘Feuding Brothers of the Cheng Household Attributable to Love.’ On this piece, they depict the 2 brothers as bitter enemies combating over a lady. This enigmatic lady is current all through the story, but her title isn’t talked about. Who can one even purpose with about such a state of affairs?”

Yun Xiaoxiao, her face scrunched up in frustration, exclaimed, “Let’s report this! It’s all fabrication. Our public safety division hasn’t launched something, and but they’re already fixing the case on the market.”

Zheng Youqing comforted her, patting her again. “Isn’t the general public relations division managed by Mo-Jie on behalf of town bureau? Ask her to challenge an official assertion within the title of the bureau, stating that the case remains to be beneath investigation and that these spreading rumors will face authorized penalties. That ought to rein in these media retailers.”

Yun Xiaoxiao wrapped her arms round Zheng Youqing’s shoulders, coquettishly calling, “Youqing is the perfect.” Zheng Youqing smiled, patting her hair, enjoying the position of an exquisite and kind-hearted elder sister.

Within the workplace of the bureau chief, Zheng Furui stood along with his arms behind his again. After He Wei completed briefing him on the case’s progress, Zheng Furui glanced on the stack of recordsdata on his desk and stated, “So, we will’t conclusively hyperlink Cheng Zhenqing to Cheng Zesheng’s case, proper?”

“We will’t fully rule out his suspicion. Chief Zheng, primarily based on my instincts, I don’t assume Cheng Zhenqing would have killed Cheng Zesheng. We don’t have direct proof inserting him on the scene, nor can we show his involvement in Cheng Zesheng’s homicide.”

“What concerning the incident on the armory? He can’t escape that, proper? And the intentional harm expenses.” Zheng Furui flipped by Cheng Zhenqing’s file and pointed at his picture. “If the proof is stable, we will ship it to the court docket. We will’t let practically half a month cross with out exhibiting any progress.”

He Wei remained silent. He clearly understood Zheng Furui’s strain. The final time Xia Liang was injured, it triggered a torrent of criticism from the media. Zheng Furui’s current go to to the provincial headquarters most likely didn’t go nicely both. If it weren’t for the precept of presumption of innocence they have been now following, Cheng Zhenqing might have been despatched to court docket primarily based solely on an unverifiable alibi.

“Chief Zheng, I believe we must always maintain off for now. There are various issues about Cheng Zhenqing that I can’t determine. He has essential connections to Cheng Zesheng, and I’m having bother understanding all of it. Might you please maintain the strain off for slightly longer?”

“…,” Zheng Furui stared, his eyes extensive. “And also you’re nonetheless smiling!”

He Wei nodded, changing the outdated tea leaves in his cup and brewing a recent pot. Zheng Furui was reluctant to drink, however the cup was forcefully handed to him. He couldn’t assist however complain, “You actually aren’t lower out to be a frontrunner!”

He Wei nodded repeatedly, that’s proper, that’s proper. That’s why leaders should have you in cost, proper? Even when he was promoted to Division Captain, investigating instances was nonetheless his responsibility. It was actually laborious to get used to giving steering with each arms free.

Blowing on the froth of his tea, Zheng Furui stated, “By the way in which, there’s a serial homicide case over in Haijing. The suspect fled to our Shengzhou metropolis. The request for a collaborative investigation has been accredited, and the workforce is on its means. You’ll must deal with it after they arrive.”

“Their aspect is a coastal metropolis. Why would a fugitive not select to flee by sea and as an alternative come inland to our metropolis?”

Zheng Furui waved his hand, “Possibly they wished to proceed their crime spree, who is aware of? The individual coming can be somebody you already know nicely. Two workaholics working collectively have an excellent chat.”

Acquainted face? Simply as He Wei was puzzled, the door was knocked, and the colleagues from Haijing Metropolis who got here to analyze the case arrived.

“Are available in.”

With Zheng Furui’s permission, the picket door was pushed open, and He Wei rotated to see three people coming into. The one main the group was sporting a neat navy blue uniform. His options have been inflexible and chilly, and his poker face was solemn. After making eye contact with He Wei, his darkish eyes subtly shifted.

“Very long time no see,” He Wei smiled, “You’re nonetheless the identical, not modified in any respect, Lin Heyu.”

———

Within the Felony Investigation Division workplace, the three newcomers from the Haijing Metropolis Bureau’s Felony Investigation Unit got here from the primary workforce. Lin Heyu, the chief, was the workforce captain and He Wei’s fellow classmate from the police college. After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Haijing Metropolis to work. The final time they’d seen one another was at a college classmate’s marriage ceremony, making it about 5 years since their final assembly.

Throughout their college days, each He Wei and Lin Heyu have been distinguished figures. They shaped a connection by a capturing competitors and deepened their rivalry by a martial arts contest. They lastly had a falling out throughout a sensible train when, throughout a hostage rescue simulation, the 2 “SWAT” members truly ended up combating one another, leaving the hostages and the “criminals” bewildered.

There’s a form of friendship on this planet that arises beneath the premise of probably not liking one another. Due to private causes that disrupted the train, He Wei and Lin Heyu have been put in solitary confinement for a day. Inside, one other fierce battle came about, and after they have been launched, they each had bruises on their faces. However as an alternative of animosity, they shook arms and made peace.

The rationale Lin Heyu didn’t like He Wei was easy: He Wei was frail and susceptible. Throughout their time in school, He Wei had the picture of a fragile and charming younger man with rosy lips and white enamel. He seemed genteel and refined, and his background was highlighted by the truth that his mom was a well-known entrepreneur. This type of upbringing made it seem to be all his achievements have been earned by connections.

Initially, He Wei didn’t maintain any specific emotions of like or dislike in the direction of Lin Heyu. His demeanor was detached, treating everybody equally. Nevertheless, sensing Lin Heyu’s sturdy animosity, he thought, Alright, I settle for your problem. With youthful fervor, he was prepared to interact with none hesitation.

Contained in the confinement room, the 2 sparred to showcase their strengths. As soon as feelings have been stirred, they by no means had any disputes exterior. As an alternative, they collaborated and took part in quite a few competitions, reaching exceptional outcomes. Attributable to their contrasting appearances—He Wei truthful and refined, Lin Heyu sturdy and resolute—they have been jokingly known as the “Black and White Duo” by their fellow alumni.

“That is Captain Lin Heyu from the Haijing Metropolis Bureau, alongside along with his colleagues Zou Bin and Wen Huabei. Our primary activity is to help them in apprehending the suspect behind the serial homicide case. We’ll have a gathering at 8 a.m. tomorrow to familiarize ourselves with the case. Nobody needs to be late.”

He Wei patted Lin Heyu’s shoulder and stated, “Lao Zheng handed you over to me so I might welcome you. How about you include me tonight?”

With out saying a phrase, Lin Heyu picked up his bag, silently accepting He Wei’s suggestion.

Leaving the workplace one after the opposite, Yun Xiaoxiao discreetly whispered in Zheng Youqing’s ear, “This Captain Lin appears actually critical, I haven’t seen him smile since he got here in.”

“He additionally doesn’t appear to speak a lot. As soon as he greets you, he goes silent,” Zheng Youqing whispered again. “However he’s on good phrases with Captain He. I heard they have been classmates on the police academy.”

“Oh, I see. If he will get alongside nicely with our captain, then any form of persona isn’t that shocking.”

He Wei took Lin Heyu to a Jiangnan-style restaurant. Lin Heyu was from the northern areas and hadn’t spent a lot time within the south. So, it was a uncommon alternative, and He Wei wished to deal with him to some native specialties. He Wei wasn’t precisely talkative, however in comparison with Lin Heyu, he was extra inclined to be labeled as a “chatterbox.” This was how he had at all times been – an individual of few phrases, emphasizing actions over phrases. Identical to tonight, when He Wei invited him to dinner, Lin Heyu excused himself to the restroom and returned after settling the invoice.

“… How am I supposed to avoid wasting face now?” He Wei was considerably helpless. “Subsequent time, I’ll must deal with you.”

“It’s wonderful.”

The 2 of them walked aspect by aspect towards the car parking zone. Instantly, Lin Heyu requested, “How have you ever been currently?”

“Fairly good, simply coping with instances day in and day trip.” He Wei responded casually. “And also you?”

“Not nice.”

He Wei stopped and checked out him. Lin Heyu’s brows furrowed into two thick traces. “I appear to have forgotten somebody essential.”

———

“Snap,” the chandelier in Condominium 404 flicked on, immediately illuminating the room. He Wei gestured for Lin Heyu to sit down and went to the kitchen to pour some water.

Standing in the lounge, Lin Heyu seen the whiteboard throughout the room. It displayed case evaluation with codes like “He 3,” “Cheng 2,” and others that he couldn’t decipher. There have been two totally different handwriting types on the board, clearly belonging to 2 totally different people.

“My place isn’t very peaceable, haunted you would say. Don’t be shocked when you see something supernatural later,” He Wei stated as he handed over a glass of water.

Lin Heyu remained unruffled, responding with a chilly “Oh.”

He Wei cracked open a chilly beer and sat down beside Lin Heyu. Lin Heyu gestured in the direction of the whiteboard and requested, “Particulars concerning the case?”

“Yeah, they’re a bit uncommon. Even when I let you know, you most likely gained’t consider it.”

Lin Heyu remained silent for a couple of seconds earlier than nodding. “I consider you.”

He Wei didn’t make a giant deal out of it. Simply then, Ye Lanlan known as him, and he gestured to the balcony to take the decision. Lin Heyu sat in the lounge, his head barely bowed. At that second, the safety door opened by itself with a creak after which closed once more after a second.

It was as if… somebody had entered. Lin Heyu’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed.

Downstairs, Cheng Zesheng noticed the lights on and excitedly got here up with a plate of spicy rooster toes. “He Wei, guess what I introduced you?”

With no response within the room, Cheng Zesheng shrugged. This darned node had this downside — the clear time wasn’t steady. Aside from midnight, there was no discernible sample through the different occasions. When you heard one thing, you heard it; shouting your lungs out wouldn’t assist.

Following his ordinary routine, he positioned the takeout on the desk and went upstairs to his room. Lin Heyu stared on the additional field of takeout on the desk, glanced at He Wei nonetheless on the balcony making a name, and fell into contemplation.

He didn’t attain out to the touch the bag, desiring to ask He Wei about it instantly later. Ending the water in his cup, Lin Heyu headed to the kitchen to refill it. The water bottle contained solely scorching water. He opened the fridge, checking if there was any chilled water.

Buzzing a tune, Cheng Zesheng got here downstairs, and the takeout was nonetheless there. He Wei wasn’t residence, or had he not seen it?

As he handed by the kitchen, he seen the fridge door was open. On this residence, the one one who would open the fridge was He Wei. He approached, subconsciously reaching towards the fridge door. His fingertips brushed in opposition to heat pores and skin as he did.

Lin Heyu instantly rotated, trying behind him. The realm was empty, however only a second in the past, he distinctly felt a hand brushing previous him – dry and heat, like a person’s hand.

Cheng Zesheng stared at his personal hand, nonetheless attempting to course of: What simply occurred? He didn’t see He Wei, however he touched him?

This space-time node was turning into more and more weird.

After ending his name, He Wei got here again from the balcony, and Lin Heyu stepped out of the kitchen. He known as out to him, “Is your house haunted by a ghost?”

“Huh?”

“Touched my waist.”