"You might be a bit of a pervert, but you're not one to lie!" Ping An's voice carried from before the door even opened.
"Lao Gao, Lao Gao, I thought I'd never see you again! Wuwuwu!" The door opened, and Su Tang came running in, rushing to the hospital bed and grabbing Gao Da's arm with a pitiable expression.
"Let go, let go, it hurts, it hurts!" Gao Da couldn't take it and repeatedly cried out in pain.
This was understandable. No wonder Shui Gang had surrendered to the police in such a desperate manner.
"He's a ruthless one!" Ping An sighed. "Fortunately, Lao Gao has a good head on his shoulders. Otherwise, he wouldn't have survived. Shui Gang wouldn't have resorted to such a desperate move either."
"That's not the crux of the issue!" Gao Xiaofei said. "According to Shui Gang's phone call, wasn't he protecting Jiaozi? And what's Jiaozi's connection to these cases?"
After recounting his ordeal, Gao Da closed his eyes wearily to rest. Seeing this, the others quietly left the ward and convened in the hospital corridor to talk.
"What's certain is that the series of cases in Fengdian District are all related to Jiaozi. If Shui Gang's duty was to protect Jiaozi, then who wanted to harm her?" Ping An mused.
"I recall Shui Gang used to be Chairman Liao's driver. Perhaps he was entrusted by Chairman Liao to protect Jiaozi," Gao Xiaofei suggested. "As for who wanted to harm Jiaozi? Liao Yuan and Yang Jie seem to be the most suspicious."
"So, the first thing we need to clarify is whether the murders of the peeping group are related to Jiaozi. Was Dr. Fang Xin murdered, and Wang Huanan murdered, because of Jiaozi? Are these cases independent, or are they connected?" Ping An analyzed.
"If there's a connection, the peeping quartet is related to Shui Gang, and Wang Huanan was the one who was peeping. Fang Xin lived in Wang Huanan's house, so they must have known each other..." Su Tang suddenly interjected, "It's only Jiaozi who seems to have no connection to any of them!"
"I believe if Shui Gang was truly protecting Jiaozi, not many people would have known. Shui Ping said something during the interrogation, 'He can't live,' which indicates she knew about it too. And since Gao Da seemed to know, he had to die," Ping An said. "Everything is relative. Shui Gang protecting Jiaozi must have been directed at someone specific. And only when that person made a move would Shui Gang come out. Lately, besides Liao Yuan and Yang Jie, there are the drones. Don't forget, the drones approached Jiaozi several times. Was it just a warning? I've always been puzzled. There are many ways to warn someone. Why use drones? And several times at that, scaring the poor girl half to death. Is this what they call protection? Is this what they call a warning? Perhaps the person flying the drones, realizing they were about to be exposed, deliberately did this to confuse our investigation. Oh, and how's the investigation into the drones going?"
Gao Xiaofei shook his head.
"In that case, I think we need to meet Jiaozi's maternal grandfather, the mysterious Chairman Liao," Ping An said, looking around at everyone. It seemed impossible to get around this person at this stage of the case deduction.
"I'll arrange it," Cheng Jian nodded.
Leaving the hospital, Ping An rushed back to his workplace.
The newspaper office was as busy as ever. Fei Keqing was currently reviewing the layout for the new issue.
"Don't ask me, don't look at me, I don't know anything. Go see the boss, he's looking for you," Fei Keqing said expressionlessly, pointing upstairs.
Normally, Ping An didn't see the boss much because he was scared, and then even more scared.
The editor-in-chief's office was on the same floor as the main conference room.
The dark red door was tightly shut. Ping An stood at the entrance, swallowed hard, forced a smile, and then knocked.
"Come in!" The editor-in-chief's capable voice came from inside.
The door opened. The editor-in-chief, sitting at his desk, surprisingly didn't start yelling.
"Anzi, hahahaha, come, come, let's sit down and talk!" Seeing Ping An, the editor-in-chief actually looked cheerful and, unusually, invited him to sit on the sofa.
Was this a prelude to firing him, bypassing any attempt at redemption? Ping An thought nervously.
After much effort, the editor-in-chief took out a jar of porcelain-bottled tea from a box on top of his desk. He opened it, sniffed it deeply, let out a satisfied groan, and then looked towards Ping An. After about three to four seconds, he cast a resentful glance and solicitously went to make tea.
It was that resentful glance that made Ping An's heart race and made him restless.
"Ping An, you rarely come to see me!" the editor-in-chief said, his back to Ping An.
"Usually, uh, busy..." With no other excuse, Ping An lied through his teeth.
"It's good to be busy, good to be busy. Whether it's work or hobbies, it's all serving the people, haha. Who told you you have the talent?" The tea was ready. The editor-in-chief personally brought it over. Ping An, flattered, instinctively reached for a cigarette, but he had forgotten to bring them home. After fumbling for a while, he only pulled out a lighter.
"Oh, oh, I don't smoke much! Wait, I'll get it for you!" He was experienced, so his response was seamless. But Ping An didn't mean that at all.
He placed a soft Zhonghua cigarette, which he'd likely hidden for a long time, in his mouth, tilted his head, and waited for the editor-in-chief to light it. Ping An took deep drags, afraid the tobacco, which had been damp for who knows how long, would extinguish the flame.
After five drags of the cigarette and three cups of tea, the editor-in-chief finally stopped praising his half-dead orchid.
"Ping An, you must be around 33 this year, right?" the editor-in-chief asked casually.
"Yes, yes," Ping An replied softly, shifting on his seat.
"Fei Keqing submitted a marriage report to me yesterday. Do you know about this?" the editor-in-chief asked with a smile.
So, it was about Fei Keqing!
"I know, I know. The girl isn't young anymore." Knowing it was most likely about Fei Keqing, Ping An's heart finally settled.
"You and Keqing have a good relationship. I also heard that you're close friends with Captain Gao Xiaofei from the Municipal Bureau," the editor-in-chief said, taking a sip of the now flavorless tea. "Marriage is a big event. We must adhere to organizational discipline, but there should still be some celebration."
"Yes, yes," Ping An nodded.
"When they finally set the date, you'll represent the newspaper and the organization to help out at their home," the editor-in-chief said. "This matter is settled. Next, we need to talk about your situation, ah! Hahaha!"
Oh no, why was it still about him? Ping An shivered suddenly.
"Are you still single, Ping An?" the editor-in-chief asked.
He didn't say anything, just nodded.
"That's not right. When the time comes, you should consider it," the editor-in-chief said mysteriously. "Although you're not particularly handsome, you have a way with elders, hehe. Recently, Director Qiao from the Municipal Federation of Trade Unions inquired about you. He has a daughter, 28 years old, a PhD, and a teacher at Shanhe University. From his hints, it seems he's interested in arranging a marriage."
So, this was what the editor-in-chief was waiting for. He was going to play matchmaker.
"With my family situation, my father..." Ping An said with some difficulty.
The editor-in-chief waved his hand.
"You are you, and your father is your father. Don't mix them up. Besides, whether your father is truly like that is still up for debate. Do you think many people would dare to prove their innocence with their lives?" the editor-in-chief said. "As long-time residents of Hechuan, they know your background clearly. Don't always degrade yourself with that matter."
The editor-in-chief's words warmed Ping An's heart. The logic was sound, but the reality wasn't that simple.
"Don't speak. Let me ask you, you took on a female apprentice a while ago. I heard, well, it's a good thing. The organization views this matter optimistically. How wonderful it would be if it worked out!" the editor-in-chief said. "But recently, I've heard... ah, is that right? I attended an event a few days ago and saw her with an old fellow involved in agricultural drones. I've heard other rumors too, and I'm quite upset. You must understand this."
The editor-in-chief's words finally touched his raw nerve. Ping An felt like crying and laughing at the same time.
"You kid! I won't even mention your skills. I understand you have other ambitions, and I've indulged you privately to some extent. But your actual work is excellent. A casual article earns you a major award. Few people in the newspaper can match you in this regard. You might seem unsociable, but you're actually very meticulous. When anyone has a problem, you're always hands-on and help without hesitation. Your character is upright. At least you haven't messed around too much in relationships," the editor-in-chief counted on his fingers. "I won't mention your family background, your father's situation—but your mother is also a famous wealthy tycoon. Not to mention your careful investments over the years, you have a substantial fortune. I won't hide it from you; for several years, I've had no less than ten matchmaking requests for you, all from good families. I thought they weren't good enough for you. Do you think you're lacking? You're not lacking at all! Don't listen to those country bumpkins' nonsense."
After listening to the editor-in-chief, Ping An finally understood that the entire unit probably knew about his situation with Lin Dang.
While Ping An was lost in thought, the editor-in-chief discreetly took out a folder, looked it over himself, and then, with lingering interest, pushed it towards Ping An on the desk.
"Qiao Yiyan, graduated from Stanford University, PhD in Psychology, specializing in... something or other. 28 years old, 166 cm tall, 48 kg. Associate professor at Shanhe University. I'll show you her photo. Isn't she sweet?" The editor-in-chief, like an old procuress, shoved a photo into Ping An's hand.
Undeniably, the girl in the photo was indeed sweet. Although she wore glasses, her eyes were round and large. Below her high nose bridge was a small mouth resembling a budding rose.
"This girl is Director Qiao's youngest child. She was strictly disciplined from childhood. Her character and family upbringing are excellent," the editor-in-chief said. "Brother, let me give you another piece of information. Director Qiao is anxious to find a partner for his daughter. He introduced a few before, but she wasn't interested. Suddenly, one day she told Lao Qiao that if he could introduce Ping An, the reporter from the newspaper, she would be interested in meeting him..."
"Hmm?"
"Hmm what!" the editor-in-chief said, somewhat impatiently. "The girl has actively put herself out there, and you must meet her. You must get to know her. This is an order, understand!"
Well, he had sold himself out.
Ping An hugged his head, sitting on the sofa, thinking about how to refuse. The editor-in-chief had already called Director Qiao and, in an uncompromising tone, made the decision for Ping An, setting the time for their first meeting for seven in the evening at the Hongxiu Tianxiang Sichuan Restaurant.
"I don't like spicy food!" After much hesitation, Ping An made one last attempt to resist.
"It's okay, you'll get used to it as you eat! Tonight! Don't be late!" the editor-in-chief emphasized.
Ping An didn't know how he left the editor-in-chief's office. By the time he realized it, he was already sitting on the sofa in Fei Keqing's office.
"I've met the Qiao family's daughter. She's exceptionally beautiful and very fashionable. I interviewed her," Fei Keqing, who seemed to know everything, said, suppressing a smile as she poured Ping An a cup of coffee. "You too. Don't always focus on cases. If you can't solve them, you can't solve them. Is anyone forcing you to solve them? Think about yourself first."
"So, you knew why the boss wanted to see me?" Ping An took a sip of coffee.
"Alright, alright, consider me the one who pulled the strings, but Dr. Qiao really said that if the blind date was you, she would be willing to go," Fei Keqing said. "Don't take my words harshly, but Lin Dang has hurt you quite a bit. If that young lady can let go, why can't you?"
"It's not that. You mean well, and I know it," Ping An said.
"So, this time, listen to my advice. Think about finding someone. Look at you now, you haven't washed your hair or changed your clothes. Are you really planning to become a monk..."
Fei Keqing's words were like a lullaby, low and elegant, making Ping An intoxicated. In his mind, Lin Dang's shadow flickered, then dispersed like smoke, turning into nothingness.
"Accompany me to buy some clothes later!" Ping An stood up, stretched, and said cheerfully.
Shopping malls were irresistible to women. Su Tang, who was doing summer homework at home, heard about it and rushed to the newspaper office, wearing her dirty clothes, despite the heat. Her intentions were obvious—I have nothing to wear, and you have the nerve to keep me?
Fei Keqing's instructions were simpler. With a phone call, she yelled at Gao Xiaofei, who was waiting at the Municipal Bureau for the autopsy report of Fang Xin, to come to the newspaper office.
At 5 PM, two hours before the blind date, the "blind date support team" led by Fei Keqing was fully assembled.
Hongxiu Tianxiang Sichuan Restaurant was a local "internet celebrity" restaurant specializing in Sichuan cuisine and was one of the popular blind date spots in Hechuan City. The reason everyone chose to have blind dates there was its signature dish—"Fuqi Feipian" (Sichuan Sliced Beef and Offal in Chili Sauce).
"When you go to the restaurant, you must order 'Fuqi Feipian' and clearly state that you're there for a blind date," Fei Keqing said on the way. "The dish itself is not special, but there are different ways to eat it. For blind daters, the 'Fuqi Feipian' served has a light taste, named 'First Encounter.' On the second visit after a successful blind date, the taste gradually becomes spicier, with a hint of sweetness in the spiciness, named 'Destined.' The third visit, the taste is even spicier, named 'Very Good.' I don't remember the ones after that..."
"You don't remember, or you just stopped at the third visit?" Ping An, in a good mood, deliberately teased.
They chatted and laughed all the way. Everyone thought Ping An would resist, but unexpectedly, he was the happiest one.
Hongxiu Tianxiang Sichuan Restaurant was located in Hongduhui, a premier large shopping mall in Hechuan City. While they were supposedly buying clothes for Ping An, Fei Keqing and Su Tang had no intention of letting him choose himself.
"Here, you and you, one ticket each, one hour. Go clean up and come out. Ping An, you need a haircut, understand!" At the Japanese-style hot spring in the mall basement, Fei Keqing handed Ping An and Gao Xiaofei a bath experience voucher each. It turned out they really wanted Ping An to clean up and get a haircut before going out. As for clothes, Fei Keqing and Su Tang would naturally take care of it.
To be honest, this was the most comfortable moment of the summer.
Lying in the steaming hot spring, listening to Gao Xiaofei's boasting, and thinking about meeting a beautiful woman later, Ping An was, after all, human. Heh heh.
"Cheng Jian's situation wasn't smooth. He didn't get to see Chairman Liao, but Chairman Liao's secretary did say that Shui Gang and Wang Huanan are no longer Chairman Liao's personal attendants, and their matters have nothing to do with Chairman Liao," Gao Xiaofei said, somehow transitioning back to the case.
It turned out that Chairman Liao had been inspecting projects in Europe for some time since his last meeting with Jiaozi.
"As for the drones, oh, I forgot to tell you, someone saw Chang Suo colluding with Zhan Dou. The two groups were talking and laughing, discussing something," Gao Xiaofei said. "Chang Suo has been quite high-profile lately. He established a company based on the research institute and won the bid for the daily maintenance and repair of drones for Fengdian Mechanical Company. He's now essentially a big boss. I heard Lin Dang is now his personal secretary..."
Gao Xiaofei glanced at Ping An and gently patted his mouth.
"Don't talk about it here in the future. Lin Dang is also our friend. We've been through hardships together," Ping An said calmly.