A table was set, and the guests were satisfied. Listening to Fei Keqing’s father and Gao Xiaofei’s father begin to discuss names for their future grandchildren (or grandsons-in-law), the couple knew their future was set!
Ping An, who had been playing the role of an extra at the banquet, looked with envy at Gao Xiaofei and Fei Keqing sitting hand in hand and whispering secrets. He suddenly thought of his Lin Dang! Alas, others were already getting married. He and Lin Dang hadn’t even taken the first step yet!
The wine at the banquet was good. Ping An drank a few too many cups. He looked at the couple, thought of Lin Dang, and sighed deeply. This time, Lin Dang had gone home, and everyone thought it was to review her studies. But only Ping An knew that Lin Dang had actually been taken away by her parents, and the circumstances had been very unpleasant.
It turned out that after Ping An and Lin Dang got together, Lin Dang had quietly told her parents. At first, Lin Dang’s parents were not at all enthusiastic about this man eight years older than their daughter. Fortunately, Ping An had a good job and good conditions, which finally made them reluctantly agree to a trial period.
But one time at home, Ping An, who was rarely up early, secretly went to the kitchen to surprise Lin Dang, who was making breakfast for him. He accidentally overheard Lin Dang on a video call with her father.
During the video call, Lin Dang’s father suddenly asked Lin Dang if Ping An was the son of a murderer. Lin Dang remained silent for a long time and then nodded.
Then, Lin Dang’s father demanded that Lin Dang leave Ping An immediately. Lin Dang naturally refused, but Lin Dang’s father was likely a tough character. He hung up the phone on the spot and came to Hechuan the next day.
Although Lin Dang had concocted a plausible lie before leaving in a hurry, Ping An had found out within half an hour that Lin Dang’s parents had arrived in Hechuan, and he even knew which hotel the couple was staying at.
Looking at Lin Dang weaving a lie, but with guilt in her eyes, Ping An deeply understood her feelings. He was also heartbroken, but he still had to pretend to smile and look forward, personally sending away the person he loved!
During the days after Lin Dang left, the frequency of their phone calls became less and less, almost only once every two or three days. And each time they spoke, they seemed to have unspoken meanings, saying less and less, and gradually not knowing what to say.
Thus, Lin Dang’s return date became uncertain, and he was helpless.
Fueled by the alcohol, Ping An found that he actually envied Gao Xiaofei a little.
“Even if he’s a murderer! Can’t the son of a murderer be a good person?” Ping An thought indignantly, and a few tears blurred his vision!
A sudden argument interrupted Ping An’s self-pity. The effect of the alcohol suddenly dissipated.
He looked up and saw that Fei Keqing’s father and Gao Xiaofei’s father were arguing!
Why were they arguing? Weren’t they as close as brothers just a moment ago?
“Master!” Su Tang, who was nearby, handed her phone to Ping An. Ping An rubbed his eyes, glanced at Gao Xiaofei sitting silently on the sofa and Fei Keqing wiping tears on the other side, and looked at the phone in confusion!
“How terrifying is Fengdian Company – starting with a policeman who killed someone and was released in less than three days!” – Zhan Dou!” The phone showed a current article, published just half an hour ago. As Ping An read the title of the article, sweat beaded on his forehead!
It was evident that this was a "masterpiece" that had taken considerable effort! The article commented on the recent murder case in the Fengdian residential area, pointed out that the person in charge of the case was the doctoral detective Gao Xiaofei, and then, without warning, mentioned that Gao Xiaofei had "pushed" an innocent citizen down the stairs to his death. Finally, it included a photo pointing out that Gao Xiaofei had been released within three days of Hu Yi’s death…
“The water in Fengdian Company is getting deeper and deeper. Even police investigations are becoming erratic! Is it about exercising justice and eradicating evil? Or framing others and covering up for each other? It is said that Gao Xiaofei, the leader of this series of cases, actually owns a new apartment in the community involved in the case! Ping An, a reporter responsible for public relations for Fengdian Company, also transferred a sum of no less than 300,000 yuan directly into Gao Xiaofei’s account. It is said that there was no IOU between them… What kind of conspiracy is hidden behind these seemingly unrelated matters? Are the cases in the Fengdian residential area just the tip of the iceberg….”
He didn’t need to read the rest of the article. Ping An never expected that Zhan Dou’s punch from the "three-day agreement" would hurt so much!
“If he uses his power to kill bad guys, that’s enforcement! But if he was the one who pushed them downstairs, that’s a crime! My daughter cannot be with a criminal!”
“Gao Xiaofei, I valued you. Why didn’t you tell us about such a big matter? Are you afraid? What are you trying to hide?”
Half an hour ago, they were as sweet as one family. Half an hour later, Fei Keqing’s father, having accidentally seen this chat, was convinced that Gao Xiaofei had deceived him and his daughter.
“If the child doesn’t want to talk, there’s a reason for it! Your daughter also said that she personally investigated the video and that Xiaofei is not the type of person who kills for money!”
“No! Absolutely not! My Fei family has been clean for generations. If this matter cannot be clarified, we would rather they separate!”
The argument gradually came to an end. The two exhausted families sat in their chairs, glaring at their respective children. Gao Xiaofei kept his head down, but Ping An knew very well from his trembling lips that he was on the verge of collapse.
“Perhaps we should call it a day,” Ping An suddenly stood up and shouted.
Fei Keqing led her parents and left without looking back.
In the room, Gao Xiaofei looked up at Ping An, his eyes reddening, and got up and left.
“Ping An, about Xiaofei’s matter?” Gao Xiaofei’s father also stood up and asked Ping An, “What exactly is going on?”
“Uncle, you and Auntie should go back first. Everyone needs to calm down. The only thing I can tell you is that Xiaofei didn’t act recklessly. Everything he did was what a police officer should do!” Ping An said.
They arrived with laughter and joy, but left with complaints and grievances.
All because of an article by Zhan Dou.
No, even if Gao Xiaofei accidentally killed someone during his investigation, it had nothing to do with Fengdian Company! Moreover, his article lacked substantial evidence—no, he didn’t seem to have fully elaborated on his article; it was just an introductory "clickbait" article!
“This is not Zhan Dou’s usual factual writing style! What is he trying to do?” Ping An looked at the leftover dishes on the table and thought with a headache.
“Master! The municipal public security bureau’s official Weibo has released a message!” Su Tang handed her phone to Ping An.
“Fair, open, and just… re-examine the case?” Ping An muttered.
“Master! The official Weibo of the Hechuan Municipal News Center has also released a message!” Su Tang continued.
“Fair, open, and just?” Ping An said somewhat strangely, “It has nothing to do with government departments! Why is the emphasis of this message the same as the public security bureau’s?”
“Master, you’ve had too much to drink! You’re hallucinating!” Su Tang seemed to have seen the problem earlier.
“Oh?” Ping An looked at his apprentice.
“Zhan Dou wants to force the government to take a stance through this matter, and not provide any more assistance for the Fengdian Company project, or to wait and see before making a decision…” Su Tang said, “Look at the comments, some smart people have already figured it out!”
That’s right! Zhan Dou’s article was using Gao Xiaofei’s incident to force the government to stop supporting Fengdian Company—for example, his own role as a "public relations" person rushing to put out fires!
“Ring ring!” Ping An’s phone suddenly rang.
“Editor-in-Chief Zhang! What is it?” The caller was Zhang Gaige, who had been promoted to deputy editor-in-chief this year.
“Ping An, as per the notice from Secretary Liu of the Municipal Government and the latest instructions from Deputy Minister Cao of the Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department, after an emergency meeting of the newspaper’s leadership, you are now required to terminate all news interview activities concerning Fengdian Company. From today onwards, regarding news about Fengdian Company, the principle is to not inquire, not interview, not pay attention, and not make a statement!” Zhang Gaige said sternly on the phone.
“Okay, I understand!” After hearing Zhang Gaige’s words, Ping An suddenly sobered up instantly.
“Good! Zhan Dou, you scoundrel! You’re playing the game of cutting off the roots, aren’t you? You know that Fengdian Company is currently a ‘celebrity face’ for Hechuan City! No matter how you publish your articles, as long as the government intervenes to stabilize the situation, it will have no effect. Similarly, without government support, the credibility of Fengdian Company’s financial products will instantly drop by half! At that time, the public, who don’t know the truth, seeing that the government is not supporting Fengdian Company, will probably rush to get their investment money back first….”
What a brilliant stratagem! Zhan Dou, Zhan Dou, have you also gone astray?
Ping An thought angrily.
The phone rang again, and Ping An looked down to see it was Zhan Dou calling.
“Junior Brother Ping An! How do you like my move?”
“You’re truly insidious!”
“Oh dear, I’m calling to apologize to your friend through you!” Zhan Dou said on the phone. “I’m really sorry. After I published the news, I found out that Officer Gao was dealing with a major life event this afternoon!”
“You have the nerve to say that?”
“Oh! It didn’t cause any impact, did it? My original intention was not for Officer Gao!”
“Alright, I’ve experienced your move. You forced the government to stand aside! To completely isolate Fengdian Company! Right! I’ve already received a notice from my unit to ‘go back.’ Now Fengdian Company is alone, and you can do whatever you want, right?” Ping An said angrily.
“This was my last resort, and it was not my original intention, but the method worked. Ping An, what moves do you have? Come on, let me join in!” Zhan Dou said.
“I’m not as shameless as you!” Ping An said. “Where are you? Let’s meet!”
“Meet? Okay! I’m at the Workers’ Club. See you in an hour!”
The phone call ended, but Ping An’s mood seemed to have returned to normal.
“Master?” Su Tang looked at Ping An with concern.
“I have a task for you. Go and check on your godmother. Tell me immediately if there are any changes!” Ping An picked up a glass of wine from the table, drank it down in one gulp, and said through gritted teeth, “I’m going to meet a scoundrel!”
The Workers’ Club was the favorite haunt of old Hechuan residents.
Here, for just three yuan, you could get a bowl of authentic, large-cup tea.
After retiring from writing, Zhan Dou had considered this place his retirement haven, and he even sold his villa in Beijing to buy a small courtyard nearby.
Usually, his favorite activity was to order a covered bowl of tea at the Niusan teahouse outside the club and sit there for an afternoon. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he listened to Old Qin; on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he listened to Pu opera; on Saturdays, he listened to crosstalk; and on Sundays, he watched acrobatics…
If it weren’t for certain reasons, he would be enjoying the rich aroma of the large bowl of tea on this beautiful afternoon.
“An old regular, please be seated!” – The waiter at Niusan Teahouse had known Zhan Dou for seven or eight years. But despite their acquaintance, politeness was still necessary. The rules of the old teahouse dictated that even if your own son came, you had to politely address him as "Sir"!
The two old acquaintances didn't need pleasantries; a knowing smile and everything was understood.
Two minutes later, the waiter quickly brought a tray to Zhan Dou.
A huge covered bowl, a small thermos wrapped in rattan, a plastic bag containing various "brewing ingredients" such as jasmine, dried dates, and goji berries, and a plate of peanuts and a plate of wild sour dates—Zhan Dou’s "set meal" was complete.
“Old fellow, I have a guest coming later. Prepare another cold one for me!” Zhan Dou skillfully picked up the thermos to brew tea.
“Got it!” The old waiter responded verbally, and the young apprentice behind the counter immediately started brewing cold tea.
When Ping An arrived at the teahouse in a hurry, Zhan Dou had just finished his first cup and was preparing to refill the covered bowl. Seeing Ping An arrive, he waved enthusiastically and beckoned him to sit.
“You’re here, have a cold one first. Later, we…” Zhan Dou solicitously tried to usher Ping An to his seat, but before he could finish, Ping An’s barrage of punches landed on his face!
“This punch is for Gao Xiaofei! You old scoundrel! If you have a move, do it openly! What’s the point of dragging others down?” Ping An glanced at the other startled tea drinkers around him, then at Zhan Dou, who was almost dazed by the punch, and then sat down unceremoniously, picked up the bowl of cold tea, and drank it down in one gulp.
“I can’t even find a place to reason about taking this beating!” After a while, Zhan Dou, who had come to his senses, covered his bleeding nose and said in a muffled voice, “Calm down first, and then listen to me slowly!”
“Speak!” Ping An lit a cigarette and stared at Zhan Dou.
“I had no choice. I had made a big statement, and after researching for three days, I found that Fengdian Company was too well protected by the local government. No matter how I attacked, I had no chance of winning. The only way was to make the government remain neutral, expose the true weaknesses of an already rotten company, and then capture them all!” Zhan Dou said.
“Corruption and bribery? Disregard for human life? Malfeasance? Selling out the country? What exactly is wrong with Fengdian Company?” Ping An slightly calmed his emotions.
“Fengdian is not wrong! New energy is not wrong! The country’s exploration and development of new energy are indeed for the welfare of the people and the prosperity of the motherland!” Zhan Dou said, suddenly becoming a little excited. “However, such important projects cannot be handed over to a group of profit-mongering bastards!”
“What exactly are you trying to say? If you have evidence! Even if you can convince me, I can help you. We can report it through formal channels…” Ping An said.
“Hahaha, don’t dream!” Zhan Dou said. “Let me tell you something—a small cover to protect a wind power unit costs 600 Euros if it’s purchased as patented foreign product, but only 60 yuan if it’s made in a domestic factory. If I need 1,000 units, I’ll buy 100 units at 800 Euros each and have 900 units made in the factory at 50 yuan each!”
“But…” Ping An asked in confusion.
“Thank the almighty Arabic numerals! The extra 200 Euros is to make the European company turn a blind eye! As for whether an extra zero was added after the 100 on the contract after returning to China, who knows!” Zhan Dou said, a little agitated.
“More than 5 million yuan in total…” Ping An said in surprise.
“Let me tell you! This is not the end of it!” Zhan Dou patted the table lightly. “If, our scientists have already developed more advanced technology! Under the premise of being cost-effective and having full independent intellectual property rights, that small cover is no longer needed—and then, then, under a pile of messy, cryptic accounts and proposals, these 1,000 small covers labeled as foreign ‘high-end goods’ will be transferred at a low price of 500 Euros to backward wind power companies in Africa, South America, Oceania, and other countries….”
“Another more than 5 million?” Ping An was already a little dazed.
“The most infuriating thing is that the European company’s goods are directly shipped to a third-party overseas terminal, and then after the domestic goods arrive, they are repackaged at a daily labor cost equivalent to 0.8 yuan per day, and then reshipped to where they are truly needed!” Zhan Dou said. “The funniest thing is that the domestic companies have almost no involvement, just a proxy contract worth ten thousand US dollars! As for the freight? I’ve already reduced the price of each part by 100 Euros, shouldn’t you be responsible for the freight?”
“This deal…” Even Ping An, who had seen his fair share of big scenes, broke out in a cold sweat.
“If! If the money earned from this deal goes to the country, to the people! Good! Even if it’s crooked! I’m proud and honored to be proud of such a rogue!” Although he was drinking tea, Zhan Dou was clearly a little tipsy. He stood up unsteadily and said, “But this money did not end up in the pockets of the country and the people—a thief of the nation!”
“I’ve thought about it carefully. This kind of deal can’t really be picked apart, as it doesn’t harm the interests of the country and the people!” Ping An thought carefully. “Your method is wrong. The world still needs rules. Even if there are problems, we must follow the law!”
“Ping An, I came to see you today mainly out of guilt for dragging an honest and pragmatic policeman into a whirlpool. I feel ashamed and don’t know how to repay you. You punched me, and I feel a lot better!” Zhan Dou took out his wallet and paid the bill. “However, my battle continues! Next, whether you continue to do public relations for Fengdian or not, I will continue to make moves! Next time, in three days! Oh, forget it, seeing how dejected you are—in five days!”
The teahouse was still bustling, and the crosstalk on Saturday was humorous and interesting.
Zhan Dou had already left, and Ping An remained seated in the distance, like a trapped beast, at a loss.
“The world fears a serious person the most. Once a person gets serious, their potential will be fully unleashed, with the momentum of an unstoppable force. Zhan Dou is such a person.”
Thinking of the departed Zhan Dou, Ping An suddenly remembered that the old professor had once commented on Zhan Dou like this.
“Could the case of Fengdian Company really be related to what Zhan Dou is investigating?” Ping An bit the tea root in his mouth, savoring the slight bitterness, and his restless heart finally calmed down.
Ping An’s heart had calmed down, but Gao Xiaofei’s heart was burning with all its might.
In the training ground in the basement of the municipal bureau, Gao Xiaofei gritted his teeth and threw a straight punch, but it was skillfully dodged by Hei Dou. Missing his target, Gao Xiaofei quickly retracted his fist and threw a vicious roundhouse kick.
“Brother Gao, hitting like this is too hard on your body. Let’s take a break!” Hei Dou, holding Gao Xiaofei’s “roundhouse kick,” circled him in place like coaxing a child to walk, saying helplessly.
After the banquet, Gao Xiaofei, after a long absence, came to the training ground.
The young attendant who guarded the venue, although he had been working for three years, had rarely seen the legendary captain of the criminal police brigade. Therefore, he could understand why he dared to block Captain Gao.
If it were usual, Gao Xiaofei would not have taken these things to heart… Pfft! If it were usual, this brat would not be looking for a "sparring partner" in the training ground if he had time to read novels!
But today was different. Gao Xiaofei had an uncharacteristically dark expression. The captains of the major brigades under the Criminal Police Brigade, such as Serious Cases, Anti-Narcotics, Preliminary Examination, and K-9 training, although they didn't have much of a "superior-subordinate" relationship with this "younger brother" who was younger than them in both age and seniority, they would openly call him "Xiaofei" when they met, if it wasn't official business.
But today…
Just as Gao Xiaofei was successfully blocked from entering the venue, on the indoor basketball court closest to the entrance of the training ground, Gao Xiaofei’s subordinates were playing basketball.
“Xiaofei is here, want to play basketball? Come join us!” The captain of the Preliminary Examination Brigade was the oldest and most fond of asserting his "seniority" in the brigade.
“Play what ass! You took an entire day to interrogate a tomb-robbing case, and you got it completely wrong! Is this your professional level?” Gao Xiaofei started with a lecture, leaving the oldest captain speechless.
“Captain Liu, why did I see videos on Douyin of our police dogs interacting with beautiful live streamers? Ah! Over an hour for one video! Are you still patrolling the train station? Whoever arranged this will write a self-criticism for me!” Gao Xiaofei pointed at the K-9 training brigade’s Sixth Brigade and lectured.
“Director Qiong! Your surname is indeed well-chosen! The Criminal Investigation Bureau will be established next year! You’ve only built half of the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s building and now you’re done?” Gao Xiaofei put his hands on his hips and raged in the vast training ground. “When I ask you, you say there’s no money! What do I need you for if you have money! Find a way for me!”
Well! Director Qiong, who was responsible for the construction of the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s office building at the brigade, was also reprimanded.
“What’s wrong with Dr. Gao?”
“Did you see the news online?”
“Yes! But wasn’t it clarified technically?”
“What are you talking about? I heard that Captain Gao was meeting with his girlfriend’s family today, and this news came out!”
In the training ground, colleagues from other departments were whispering.
Gao Xiaofei vented his anger, but found that the railings in front of him were still not lifted. He glared fiercely at the young attendant guarding the venue, scaring the kid into trembling. With trembling hands, he pulled open the railings.
The training ground was fully equipped, but Gao Xiaofei insisted on practicing grappling. After thrashing around alone on the field for a while, he loudly demanded someone to spar with him. But even a fool knew that he was in a bad mood today, and no one dared to step up. Fortunately, Hei Dou, who was called by Ping An to "keep an eye on him," appeared, and Gao Xiaofei finally had an opponent.
Hei Dou was a former special forces soldier. He had the nickname "Butcher" on the front lines fighting terrorists in the northwest. Aside from firearms, his grappling skills were enough to be an instructor. As for Gao Xiaofei, he was a doctoral graduate, and his firearms skills were passable. In Ping An’s words, even if he was tied up, he could easily defeat him.
The two, clearly not on the same level, one venting his bitterness and fighting recklessly, the other being timid and dodging, actually fought to a draw.
“Captain Gao! Director Xiang wants to see you in his office!” Outside the field, Xiang Wanfeng’s driver called out cautiously.
Finally, it was over. Hei Dou looked at the panting Gao Xiaofei with a calm expression, unsure if his anger had subsided.