Chapter 110 We Will Meet Again
Zong Zhuoxian is dead.
Like Ke Xiaobo back then, he fell from the seventeenth floor and died on the spot.
On the rooftop, the police officers stood there for a long time, as if the extremely cruel confession of Zong Zhuoxian before his death still echoed in their ears. They watched the blood vessels spread in Cheng Xinglang's eyes, watched him almost collapse, and watched him, when Zhu Qing arrived, as if grasping the last piece of driftwood, hold her tightly in his arms.
Meanwhile, the case took an unexpected turn.
Zhu Qing brought news that, according to records from an international medical organization, eighteen years ago, Zong Zhuoxian secretly sent away a little boy.
The hug lasted for a very long time.
Cheng Xinglang finally regained some strength and slowly released his arms.
Are you feeling better?
She spoke softly of her latest discovery, and the distant sounds returned to her ears; the world was no longer deathly silent.
Eighteen years ago, on that night, he was left alone in the villa in Ho Man Tin, and now, someone finally pulled him back from the endless darkness.
The younger brother left with Zong Zhuoxian to save his older brother's life. As memories surged like a tide, Cheng Xinglang almost suffocated. But what followed was new hope. Zhu Qing said he was still alive; there was no more precious news in the world.
“Look,” Zhu Qing pointed to the phone screen, “it’s a legitimate international organization; they’re the ones who took your brother away.”
They reviewed the documents side by side, and a subtle change quietly occurred between them.
The surrounding colleagues finally breathed a sigh of relief, and smiles of relief appeared on their faces.
Xu Jiale and Haozai winked and shoved each other, while Xiao Sun joined in the teasing.
Zeng Yongshan turned her face away and smiled secretly.
"If your eyes feel uncomfortable, go see an ophthalmologist." Mo Zhenbang glanced at them, but couldn't suppress the upward curve of his lips. "If you're not in trouble, go back and hand over the reins with the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau!"
...
Inside the O-Division interrogation room, the glaring lights came on again.
Wei Feng instinctively raised his hand to shield himself, and the metal shackles clashed together, making a clanging sound.
When he learned of Zong Zhuoxian's suicide by jumping off a building, his body visibly stiffened. He suddenly raised his head and remained in shock for a long time.
"You mean she...she...is dead?" he asked with difficulty.
Memories have spanned decades, but remain in childhood.
They were both children then, living in a small village in Yuen Long. There were no luxury cars or mansions; the laughter of children was beautiful and pure—the best of times. She was young, like a little sister, always following behind him. Every time he turned around, he could see the little girl's smiling face. And that smile, in the long years that followed, became the softest imprint in his heart, like an echo that lingered and could not be dispelled.
“When I was thirteen, her whole family moved away. In those days, it would take ten days or half a month to send a letter, let alone me, since I didn’t have her address, so we lost contact.”
“When we met again, she was a doctor at the Mingde Mental Health Center, with a caring husband and a lovely daughter.”
The innocent and hazy feelings of youth remain in the past; when they meet again, they both have families of their own.
After many years of separation, Zong Zhuoxian found her again. At that time, she was all alone, as her husband and daughter had both passed away.
“I was surprised when she contacted me first,” he continued. “She was the one who made the initial connection, and we still needed a reliable logistics company.”
“I don’t know the specifics of how it works. But Zhuo Xian has always been very capable; he’s just been held back by his family.”
The subsequent confession fit perfectly with Zong Zhuoxian's confession on the rooftop.
"Cao Xiangbao's car accident was orchestrated by her. The only way to shut up an out-of-control madman is to kill him."
"But she let the child go. Zhuo Xian's biggest weakness is her daughter Xiaoyu. The child's name is Cheng Xingyu. They have similar names, the same age, and even the teddy bear they are holding is the same. She still couldn't bear to hurt him."
Wei Feng knew about this matter clearly; he had tried to dissuade him at the time, but to no avail.
"Zhuo Xian is still too emotional."
“She raised that child for a while, but a child that big would be exposed sooner or later if kept at home. Zhuo Xian knew he would cause her trouble, but she was unwilling to do it, so she could only try to get rid of him.”
Ultimately, Zong Zhuoxian used the channels of international medical organizations to change Cheng Xingyu's name and send her abroad.
For a professional like her, this is not a difficult task.
"At the time, Zhuo Xian said she wanted to quit and close the pharmaceutical factory. But she didn't understand how someone who had tasted such huge profits could easily give them up. Business... someone always has to keep going."
“We’ve almost lost contact since then. Her biggest mistake was unintentionally keeping Cheng Xinglang alive.”
"When she found out that Cheng Xinglang was not dead, she was also very upset. At first, the media and the police were watching too closely. Later, we thought that Cao Xiangbao was the first to target him. Since he was already unconscious and did not see anything, he naturally could not cause any trouble."
"Ke Xiaobo also inquired with that Professor Yang and confirmed this."
Even now, there is not a trace of remorse in Wei Feng's eyes.
His only regret was that if he had known Cheng Xinglang would cause them so much trouble, he should have dealt with him quietly back then.
“Zong Zhuoxian is really stupid. She hasn’t been involved in this business for eighteen years, and I won’t expose her. Even if the police trace it back to her, just don’t admit it, right? There’s no evidence.”
Yu Jingying never interrupted him.
As the investigation deepened, those hypocritical accomplices would eventually confess the truth about what happened eighteen years ago. Zong Zhuoxian knew better than anyone that he had nowhere to escape, so he chose the most decisive way: he jumped off the rooftop.
"What's the deal with 'soft-centered chocolate'?" Yu Jingying asked.
Wei Feng never imagined that this chocolate would become one of the police's breakthroughs.
“Zhuo Xian told me back then that he saw the soft-centered chocolate that Cheng’s daughter liked to eat at the Cheng’s house,” Wei Feng said. “Later, when he opened the wardrobe, he found Cheng Xingyu hiding inside.”
"To make you think that Cheng Xingyu, who has been missing for many years, has returned to seek revenge, I had Ah Bao search all over Hong Kong and finally found this chocolate."
When the police questioned Nurse Lai's daughter again, he frowned and said, "Didn't we already say that?"
"That child died. He was strangled to death by Ah Bao and then buried."
Wei Feng voluntarily provided the burial site.
"Cheng Xinglang's younger brother just barely escaped; it was an accident. There aren't that many miracles in this world."
"So many children, do you really think you can save them all?"
After the interrogation ended, Yu Jingying closed the transcript and exchanged glances with the police officer next to her.
The two walked towards the door without looking back.
Thinking of Zong Zhuoxian's death, Wei Feng sighed and muttered to himself behind him.
"She didn't have to die..."
...
The Joint Command Headquarters of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) is located at its headquarters in West Kowloon.
This was Shengfang's first time here. She looked up at the magnificent building with her mouth wide open.
Zhu Qing received a call from A Juan's mother and rushed out.
She was impressed by the young master of the Sheng family's abilities. This child was able to persuade his classmates' parents to send him over, and even made phone calls to Sheng Peirong, Aunt Ping, and Uncle Hu, the school bus driver, to complete the handover.
How old is he?
Zhu Qing thanked A Juan's mother and took Sheng Fang's chubby little hand in hers.
She bent down and whispered in Fangfang's ear, "The first rule of the family is: never beat a child in front of outsiders."
As A-Juan and his mother walked further and further away, their conversation could be faintly heard.
"Mommy, where will we work at ICAC in the future?"
"The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters is in North Point."
Shengfang has two ears; one ear is used to listen to Ah Juan's glorious ideals, and the other ear is used to deal with Qingzai's warnings.
He retorted confidently, "I came here to provide support, why should I get beaten up?"
At this point, Sheng Fang suddenly remembered her seniority and her tone immediately became firm: "Besides, there's no reason for a niece to beat up her uncle!"
The West Kowloon headquarters was far larger than the Yau Ma Tei Police Station. As Sheng Fang walked in, he was dazzled. Every time he passed a place, he would stop and touch it. He said he was there to provide reinforcements, but it was more like he was visiting the headquarters. He was so engrossed that his eyes were practically sparkling.
"Qingzai, what mission are you guys on today?" Sheng Fang asked casually.
"Your reinforcements really came just in time." Zhu Qing rubbed his little head. "Dr. Cheng needs your comfort."
At this moment, Cheng Xinglang had just walked out of the interrogation room.
Compared to the initial excitement upon learning the truth, he was now much calmer. The Major Crimes Unit launched a full investigation into Zong Zhuoxian and discovered records of her handling the transfer of a six-year-old boy eighteen years ago, a fact corroborated by Wei Feng's testimony.
My younger brother was taken in by a legitimate international medical organization back then, and theoretically he would have been properly cared for.
However, medical records in different countries are still circulated on paper, and it takes time to connect and query them.
But for Cheng Xinglang, knowing that his younger brother was still alive somewhere in the world had already put his mind at ease.
It's good that you're safe.
He rubbed his temples wearily, and when he looked up, he saw a small, round figure running towards him.
Cheng Xinglang lifted Shengfang high and pinched his chubby little face.
The CID officers who passed by couldn't help but joke about it.
"Uncle," Haozai leaned closer, "If you acknowledge me as your nephew, I'll tell you a secret."
"What secret?"
Zhu Qing's colleagues still envy her for having a wealthy uncle.
The group chattered and joked amongst themselves.
"I also want an uncle."
"Uncle, I'm easy to please. I don't need a car or a house. How about a new mobile phone?"
Zhu Qing laughed.
Amidst the noise, her gaze unexpectedly met Cheng Xinglang's.
"Why don't you hear my report first before you consider it?" Haozai gave an exaggerated salute. "Reporting, Dr. Cheng was just hugging your niece tightly. Report complete!"
"I saw it too!"
"I testify!"
Zhu Qing's smile froze on her lips.
How did you end up laughing at yourself?
She turned and ran away in an instant.
Shengfang tilted her little head, looking at Dr. Cheng who was holding her, and then at Qingzai's fleeing figure.
Although he hadn't watched TV in a long time, he had brushed up on a lot of "adult knowledge".
"Are you dating?" Sheng Fang asked in a childish voice.
Cheng Xinglang said without changing his expression: "We'll have to ask her if she agrees first."
My colleagues' eyes immediately widened.
So you just admitted it so readily?
Xu Jiale shrugged, looking smug: "Seriously? You guys are only finding out now? I figured it out a long time ago."
Beside them, a man and a woman were still engaged in serious negotiations.
"I haven't agreed yet!"
"Kid, your word doesn't count."
...
The police investigation is progressing steadily.
As the crucial chain of evidence solidified, those once arrogant socialites began to feel uneasy. Even the best legal teams couldn't save them; legal punishment was inevitable. In their struggle for self-preservation, they began to denounce each other, staging a farcical dog-eat-dog drama.
An investigation revealed serious irregularities in the transplant assessment of Zong Zhuoxian's daughter that year, and all those involved will be held accountable.
Meanwhile, through the concerted efforts of police forces both at home and abroad, the complete list of child victims over the past eighteen years has finally been pieced together.
Behind every unfamiliar name is a tender little face, expectant eyes waiting to come to a new family, and a life that should be growing brightly under the sun.
This heavy list of names caused immense heartache for all the investigators.
This shocking case has sparked strong reactions from all sectors of society, drawn high-ranking police officials' attention, received continuous media coverage, and led to a comprehensive overhaul of welfare institutions. This bloody lesson has prompted the improvement and revision of relevant laws and regulations, but the lives lost can never be brought back.
Early in the morning, just as Zhu Qing was about to go out, she saw that little Sheng Fang had already put on her shoes and was sitting obediently in the entryway waiting.
"Didn't expect that, did you? It's the weekend!" Fangfang's lips curled up, and even her tiny teeth seemed to be showing off.
Zhu Qing took him to the hospital.
In the hospital's activity room, seven rescued children, accompanied by police psychologists, used colored pencils to express their feelings. Despite experiencing terrible trauma, these five- and six-year-old children didn't seem to truly understand what had happened. The colors in their drawings were still bright and lively, and shy, innocent smiles adorned their faces as they changed their colored pencils.
The psychologist finally breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at the childlike paintings.
These children don't need to know about that dark past; they just need to grow up healthy and happy.
The colleagues then made a plan to visit Uncle Li in the hospital together.
As soon as Shengfang approached him, her eyes lit up with admiration: "Uncle Li, Uncle Li! Qingzai said you're super brave!"
Uncle Li grinned from ear to ear and waved his hand, saying, "I was even more valiant when I was young."
His scrapes had actually healed long ago, but he still refused to be discharged from the hospital. The bandages were wrapped around and around, and his ex-wife Yu Jingying's expression changed from initial worry to impatience.
Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and put down the fruit knife she was using to peel apples: "Fine, okay? Don't take up a hospital bed if you have nothing to do."
Uncle Li took the fruit knife.
My colleagues were winking and making suggestive gestures, their eyes almost twitching from the effort.
“Actually, I can peel it for you,” Uncle Li said. “Have you not learned to cook yet? Besides peeling apples, my cooking skills have improved quite a bit…”
"Moreover, I have given up alcohol and don't drink a drop."
Their son was right there, watching this scene, and couldn't help but rub the goosebumps on his arms.
"Dad! When did you become so mushy? Even the prime-time dramas on TVB Jade aren't as exaggerated as you!"
"Xiao Li, you're not doing this right," Mo Sir joked. "Your dad's going to blush."
Uncle Li: "I..."
Yu Jingying shoved Uncle Li: "Shut up!"
No one present had ever seen the usually cool and collected Madam Yu make such an embarrassed face, and they immediately started to tease her.
"Wow--"
"Looks like this is going to work. Let's wait for good news..."
"It's been a long time coming, Uncle Li has finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel!"
"Is this what they call turning misfortune into a blessing in disguise?"
As Zeng Yongshan watched this scene, she couldn't help but recall her own past acts of compromise and humiliation.
It wasn't until later that she slowly came to understand, just as Zhu Qing said, that a truly healthy relationship should not involve anxiety, hesitation, or testing.
"And you?" She nudged Zhu Qing with her elbow.
"What about me?"
"Don't play dumb!"
Zhu Qing smiled and said, "Didn't you want to eat Yang Ji claypot rice last time? I'll go with you."
“Someone’s changing the subject.” Zeng Yongshan narrowed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Add an egg to the preserved meat rice, and drizzle with plenty of soy sauce…”
“And—” she continued.
"Two cups of sugarcane juice!" Zhu Qing replied, her smile deepening.
Fangfang stared longingly at the half-peeled apple.
Aren't you going to eat? He kind of wants to eat.
...
On the day the case was officially closed, Cheng Xinglang was finally reinstated.
A gentle breeze rustled across the police station rooftop at dusk.
Cheng Xinglang and Zhu Qing sat side by side by the railing, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a faint golden hue around them.
As the setting sun cast its rays, Cheng Xinglang couldn't help but recall the cold and aloof madam he had first met.
Now, she has become the warmest and most dazzling presence in his eyes.
“I still haven’t been able to contact my brother.” Cheng Xinglang gazed into the distance. “I don’t know what his name is now, or how he’s doing.”
Zhu Qing said softly, "But the news that he is still alive is a glimmer of hope."
"Knowing that he is still here, knowing that we will meet again eventually, is enough." His voice came softly, gentle and calm.
Zhu Qing understands this feeling, just like when her mother was in a coma, she took a minibus back and forth to the Jianuoan Sanatorium to visit her.
As long as there is hope, there is the strength to keep going.
"I've been having some good luck lately," Zhu Qing said, turning her head. "I'll share some with you."
Cheng Xinglang opened his palm, and she patted it gently.
The fleeting touch reminded them both of the warmth of that embrace.
Cheng Xinglang looked away, carefully unwrapped the oil paper, and squeezed condensed milk onto the steaming waffle.
"A grid-shaped pastry from the alleyway." Cheng Xinglang handed it over. "Want some?"
"Is it the old lady's waffle stall that closes down in five minutes?"
"Not today, I came early."
Zhu Qing took it and took a bite.
I discovered that there was an extra layer of honey and condensed milk on my waffle.
Same as last time.
“Actually, I—” Cheng Xinglang began.
The cell phone rang at an inopportune moment.
Zhu Qing glanced at the caller ID: "Mo Sir is urging me to go back and organize the documents."
As she stood up, Cheng Xinglang suddenly grabbed her wrist.
The unspoken words, carried by the gentle breeze, spread unspokenly between their gazes.
Finally, he gently released his hand: "Go ahead and get busy."
Zhu Qing's lips unconsciously curled up.
There were still a few grains of sugar on the waffle, quietly melting.
...
When Zhu Qing arrived home, Sheng Peirong was sitting on the sofa in the living room.
The children lined up the Transformers toys and, with serious expressions, asked, "Big sister, what's this called?"
“Well…” Sheng Peirong said seriously, resting her chin on her hand, “A silver Transformer.”
"Big sister!" Fangfang was so angry she could barely speak, "I just taught you that!"
"Just let me go," Sheng Peirong laughed. "Go test your niece."
Zhu Qing immediately raised her hands in surrender: "Spare me too!"
"no!"
The blooming flowers stretched out their little arms, blocking their way.
He must give them a proper lesson today.
They can remember the clauses in the company documents and the backgrounds of the suspects in the case files clearly, so how could they not remember the name of the Transformers!
Fangfang took on the role of a little teacher, introducing each of his treasures one by one.
Sheng Peirong and Zhu Qing, on the other hand, were like two students who were daydreaming, whispering to each other.
"I've heard about the case. After eighteen years, it's finally resolved, that's great." Sheng Peirong said gently, then suddenly changed the subject, "By the way, Fangfang said your police station has been quite lively lately?"
My CID colleagues have been making a big fuss about it lately.
No gossip could escape Inspector Fang's ears. Whenever he returned from "patrol" at the Yau Ma Tei Police Station, Sheng Peirong and Aunt Ping would immediately approach him to inquire about the latest information.
“Coco, sometimes you don’t need to think too much. Just ask yourself what you really feel,” Sheng Peirong said softly. “Don’t be afraid to give your heart.”
"If it doesn't suit you, you can just change it. You're still so young."
As soon as she finished speaking, Sheng Peirong was stunned.
What kind of matchmaking is this?
Zhu Qing burst out laughing.
"Sheng Peirong! Zhu Qing!" Sheng Fang, hands on her round hips, asked, "Are you paying attention in class?"
“Yes, Teacher Fang.” Zhu Qing immediately straightened her back.
"Then tell me, what are their names?" The chubby little boy pointed to the Transformers standing in a row on the coffee table.
"Dragonfly Warrior, Black Panther Warrior, Lion Optimus Prime, Golden Flying Insect!" Zhu Qing stood up and answered fluently.
"Very good." The young teacher nodded in satisfaction. "Big sister, what's the rest?"
Zhu Qing sat down smugly.
Sheng Peirong and these Transformers stared at each other blankly.
I can't answer that, I can't even make it up on the spot.
How did Coco manage to secretly learn behind her back?
...
As night deepened, Zhu Qing sat at her desk, her mind filled with her mother's words.
My phone suddenly vibrated, and a familiar name appeared on the screen.
These days, they seem to be in frequent contact by phone, on the terrace of the Yau Ma Tei police station apartment, in the ward of the Berlin hospital, in the garden of the Canoran Sanatorium, and by the window of Mount Kadoorie.
At this moment, Zhu Qing pressed the answer button.
On the other end of the line, Cheng Xinglang spoke gently and earnestly, continuing the conversation that hadn't been finished on the rooftop that evening.
“Actually, when I started the investigation,” he said in a low voice, “I told myself that no matter the outcome, once it was all over, I would no longer be trapped in the past.”
For eighteen years, the truth has been the sole meaning of his life.
Until one moment, he found himself starting to look forward to a response on the other end of the phone, and to seeing her around the corner from the police station.
Zhu Qing unconsciously walked to the window.
Her mother told her to clarify her own feelings, but in fact, she never pushed him away, which was perhaps the best answer.
On the other end of the phone, Cheng Xinglang's confession fell clearly in my ears, every word sincere.
Like the fireworks on New Year's Eve, they shone brightly in her heart.
"Isn't it a bit insincere to say these things over the phone?" he asked softly.
Zhu Qing was about to answer when her gaze suddenly stopped.
Under the streetlights on the mountain road, a familiar figure leaned against the car.
The moonlight outlined his tall and straight figure. He looked up at her window, his cell phone still pressed against his ear.
"There are some things I want to say to you face-to-face," his pleasant voice came through the receiver. "Is that alright?"
"If that doesn't work, I'll just keep pestering you to the end," he said with a smile. "That's the trick that kid taught me."
The clear glass window reflected her faint smile, which gradually overlapped with her slender figure in the night.
Zhu Qing turned around and ran downstairs.
"Qingzai?"
A tiny foot peeks out from under the door of the children's room, followed by a fluffy head.
He spotted his niece's brisk back and immediately took off after her.
Just as they reached the stairwell, they were ambushed by Sheng Peirong and Aunt Ping, who grabbed them from both sides.
Aunt Ping has always had excellent hearing, and she heard the car in front of her house turn off long ago.
At this moment, she and Sheng Peirong had been lying in wait for a long time, like two dutiful bodyguards, firmly holding back this small obstacle.
"Qingzai—"
Fangfang's two hands were held, and her short legs struggled desperately, but she could only run around in vain.
Sheng Peirong and Aunt Ping looked towards the door.
The two people smiling at each other in the distance made the moonlight seem especially gentle tonight.
Suddenly, Shengfang lowered her head, and her round eyes lit up.
Wow, it's just like a treadmill!
Fang Fang immediately got into the groove, shaking his head and continuing to stomp to the rhythm.
"Pat-pat-pat—"
Just as his older sister and Aunt Ping were about to let go, he deliberately twisted his chubby little body, pretending to run away.
Sure enough, they nervously grabbed him again.
The baby was amusing the adults, and their eyes crinkled with laughter.
Play it a hundred more times!
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