I looked at the photograph. Beside Ding Xingyan was a burly man who looked quite spirited. But I felt a sense of curiosity, as if this person always gave off a special aura.
By special, I didn't mean extraordinary, but rather a soldier-like presence emanating from him.
I immediately re-examined Ding Xingyan's background. It was only upon further investigation that I discovered he also held shares in Pin Hong International Trade Company. This reminded me of what He Xin had told me earlier, that her boyfriend worked there as a bodyguard, protecting that Mr. Niu.
I informed He Xin, who became somewhat nervous and immediately investigated the relationship between Mr. Niu Quanguan and Ding Xingyan. She discovered that Mr. Niu held the largest share in the company, followed by Ding Xingyan. The third shareholder was a middle-aged man named Zhong Yichun.
The company's revenue seemed normal. For foreign trade, could it really be this profitable?
At that moment, we all arrived at the same conclusion. I knew what He Xin was thinking. She said nervously, "What a coincidence. Could they be doing other bad deeds besides tax evasion?"
"Regardless, you should still ask your boyfriend to leave. Otherwise, I'm truly worried he might get into trouble."
"I'll talk to him."
"By the way, what does your boyfriend look like?"
Mentioning this, He Xin's face flushed. As if about to reveal a major secret, she cautiously took out her phone and placed it in front of me, but didn't fully open it.
"Why so mysterious? Is your boyfriend Wu Yanzu?" I joked.
He Xin snorted, "What's so great about Wu Yanzu? Here, here, here... This is my legendary special forces boyfriend, Mr. Changxing!"
"Changxing?" I had seen this name on Sui Aoxuan's phone before; he was the guy who was close with Ding Xingyan. I never expected him to be He Xin's boyfriend.
At the time, I hadn't thoroughly investigated his work or other details. He Xin was quite something; I had just mentioned some information, and she hadn't shared it with me. I tapped her head and said, "I thought it was someone else. It's this guy? You should have just told me honestly!"
"Alas, Changxing's company seems to be having more and more problems. I'm really worried that one day, when I learn the truth, I won't be able to handle it."
"Let's not change the subject. Why don't you find an opportunity for us to meet?"
"Are you planning to meet your future son-in-law?"
"Alright, it's settled then!"
Actually, I didn't doubt Changxing himself. I just wanted to take this opportunity to gather information about the foreign trade company. The anti-drug and economic police had investigated it, but to no avail. If we went to investigate directly, we'd likely be met with the same result. Therefore, I wanted to investigate from a different angle, which might yield results.
He Xin was initially reluctant, but after some hesitation, she compromised.
She seemed to sense that I had other intentions in meeting him, but given her position, she couldn't refuse.
According to our arrangement, we would meet Changxing at 9 AM the next morning, as he wouldn't be working.
We booked a table at a Venetian restaurant. He Xin and I expected to wait for him, but to our surprise, he had already arrived.
Seeing us, he stood up enthusiastically and waved, "Two!"
We walked over. I nodded at Changxing. He Xin very cooperatively introduced, "This is my father, Brother Changxing!"
"Oh, indeed, Detective He. Today I finally have the chance to witness your presence."
"You know me?"
"Of course, who in China doesn't know you? Your reputation has long shaken China. That world speech last time was truly magnificent. Besides being a police officer, you also have a talent for public speaking. I heard you started as a forensic examiner?"
"That's right, I was originally a forensic examiner. It was only later, due to work requirements, that I took charge of the Punishing Sin Squad!"
"Oh, the Punishing Sin Squad! Excellent! I've heard your solve rate is a hundred percent, which has broken all previous records in the police force."
This guy was quite talkative and knew what topics I enjoyed, without seeming to flatter. His tone and demeanor were well-adjusted. Perhaps this was the aura of a special forces soldier.
After chatting for a while, He Xin seemed a bit awkward, feeling like she couldn't interject and could only drink her juice by herself. Changxing then noticed her and said, "Our food will be here soon. Detective He, let's start eating!"
"Alright." I took a sip of juice and then continued, "Changxing, I heard you're a bodyguard at some trade company. What was its name again?"
I deliberately asked this question. Changxing didn't hide anything and directly replied, "It's Pin Hong International Trade. This company produces many products and is quite large-scale. Working here is definitely promising!"
"Oh? It seems you have a clear plan for your future. I can rest assured then. However, this company seems a bit fishy..."
I deliberately lengthened the last two words. Changxing seemed to sense my implication and looked like he wanted to explain. "No, don't assume there's a problem just because our company has been investigated a few times. There's actually a large company that hasn't been scrutinized by the police. They thought we were making too much money suddenly, so they suspected something. In reality, those were just routine investigations. So, Detective He, you don't need to be too nervous. I know this is for your work, but I can assure you, the company has no issues!"
Changxing spoke about his company's situation in a bold manner. Although he tried his best to explain, I noticed a forced look on his face. This guy was trying to whitewash his company, but it was useless. I could see right through it.
Why would he do this? It could only mean they were a community of interest. After some thought, I suddenly changed the subject to Ding Xingyan. It was evident that Changxing likely knew of his death. He said to me, "He was with our company for a while. But it's said he has many companies, even in the catering and club industries. The reason he invested in our company was because he saw its potential, unlike our Mr. Niu, who only has the company in his heart."
"It seems you have a high opinion of your boss. What kind of person is he?"
"He's very kind. The reason I've stayed is because of his care. If it hadn't been for his choice back then, I probably wouldn't have a job now. Don't think being a special forces soldier is popular in China. In reality, after returning, I found it hard to find work. If it's about bodyguarding, not many companies need it, and the requirements are very high. I basically faced rejection everywhere when I returned, even though I felt my abilities were good."
"Every industry is highly competitive and challenging now, and yours is even more so," I replied casually. I thought to myself that Changxing seemed very loyal to Niu Quanguan. Such a person likely wouldn't reveal any useful clues to us.
I didn't say much more. This time, I was just here to see what kind of person Changxing was. I also hoped it was all a misunderstanding, but the possibility was very, very slim.
The rest of the meal felt somewhat stifling, as Changxing's expression grew increasingly grim.
After we left and had been in the car for a while, He Xin awkwardly asked me, "Father, what's going on?"
"Didn't you see? Or has love really made you foolish?"
"I haven't. Father, you don't really suspect Changxing, do you?"
"What do you think? Keep an eye on him, understand? Don't let him do anything out of line, but don't reveal our hand. For now, let's all pretend we're not investigating that case anymore, and that Pin Hong International is no longer a concern."
"I understand, Deputy Director He. Don't worry, I've always kept my personal and professional lives separate."
"In criminal investigation, the greatest taboo is letting emotions get the better of you. If you can't control your emotions, it's best not to touch this case!"
"Aren't you the same, Father? Likewise..."
He Xin is becoming more and more defiant. But that's good; it means her mind is becoming more agile.
Upon returning to the provincial department, the complete autopsy report was ready. I convened everyone in the criminal case conference room.
After everyone was seated, I announced the start of the meeting. The first item on the agenda was the body report. Xie Chuchu stood up and briefed us: "The deceased had a significant amount of Demerol in his system, indicating drug use for at least a year. The scratches on the body have been identified as belonging to the deceased himself. The vomit was also his. Before the incident, he injected approximately 650mg with a syringe, which is a dosage exceeding the normal range. This drug appeared several years ago, originally used for medical pain relief. However, after repeated use over the years, it can lead to addiction. It hasn't been found in Guangming City in recent years, likely due to being hidden. Now we can reinvestigate the past 115 drug trafficking cases concerning this drug."
I listened and reopened the sealed case files. I had likely seen these before, but I wanted to review the details from that time again during the meeting. This time, we noticed that my father, He Guanghui, had contact with two undercover agents when he was working on this case. Their names were Du Junde and Yue Xiuping. Both are likely still working undercover. If we could establish contact with them, we would have a better chance of tackling this case.
Initially, these two individuals were arranged by Director Zhang. As I read through the files again, I discovered that my father had also worked undercover for a period, but Director Zhang canceled it shortly after. Fortunately, he had used a disguise, otherwise, the drug traffickers would have recognized him and killed him. Many reports mention how unsung heroes were later brutally murdered by the underworld.