Chapter 152 Justice Never Dies
Shanbei Road, Liujin Garden Residential Area.
As soon as Wang Xihua entered the residential complex, she greeted the security guard at the gate. In the blink of an eye, the guard picked up the phone and called a garden apartment on the first floor of Building 15.
"Mrs. Wang, your son has already come home from get off work. He took a taxi, and there was a young woman in the car. I didn't get a good look at her... No need, no need, you're too kind."
Wang Xihua walked through the front row of buildings in the community. Liujin Community is located in an expensive area in the city center. It was built less than three years ago and is a masterpiece of Wang's Real Estate Development Company.
The interior is designed to resemble a European courtyard, and security guards patrol 24 hours a day. However, sales are not good.
Previously, the provincial heavyweight enterprise Gu's Group partnered with the government to develop a relocation community, also known as a resettlement community. The scenery inside was comparable to Liujin Garden, but it had mature community facilities, a good reputation and high quality, and an extremely low price, attracting countless homebuyers.
Following that was the "Seine Swan Lake" residential complex, built by the city's richest family, the Bai family, at a huge cost. Although the location couldn't compare to the Golden Garden, it didn't aim for the best, but only for the most expensive. The European-style courtyards inside were designed by Parisian architects to recreate the architecture of fashionable Parisian streets, attracting countless nouveau riche bosses.
Caught between two forces, they are neither as good as the best nor as bad as the worst.
The Wang family business, which had been the second largest in Liancheng for many years, was in dire straits until a year ago when a wise person gave them guidance and they successfully went public, benefiting from the return of funds from the stock market, which gave them a slight respite.
"Mom, I'm back." Wang Xihua saw her mother, Qian Hui, entertaining neighbors in the courtyard on the first floor. A dozen or so men and women sat in the courtyard pavilion, drinking red wine and chatting in the early winter sunset.
Qian Hui has a dignified and elegant appearance and is thoughtful in her work. In front of the neighbors, she took Wang Xihua's bag and said, "Go in and take a shower. Mom has made you some soup. Your dad will come over later, and you two can drink it together."
"Sister Qian is so lucky to have such a filial and obedient son, and he's handsome too. I see he leaves work on time every day, does that mean he doesn't have a girlfriend yet?"
Qian Hui had a dimple on her left cheek when she smiled. Although she was in her forties, she looked young because she had been pampered: "Let him choose whatever he wants."
"What kind of family do you come from? And Mr. Wang's business is so successful. You can't just choose any rich family's daughter-in-law."
"We're not exactly a wealthy family, just a little better off than the average person." Qian Hui really enjoys the sense of superiority that comes from being praised, even though she only lives in a duplex, it feels like she's in a luxury villa.
"You really know how to raise children," another female neighbor whispered, holding a crystal wine glass. "And you even know how to discipline your husband. Look at Sister Zhang's husband, he hasn't come home for six months."
Qian Hui smiled, pursed her lips, and lowered her eyes without saying a word.
"It's good that you're alive. Haven't you seen how chaotic things are outside?" The man smoking a Zhonghua cigarette said, "President Wang is the best. He's not afraid of anything, no matter how big it is. As long as you're kind, you have nothing to fear."
"Liancheng is a famous philanthropist with a kind face. If something happens to him, I, Liancheng, will be in deep trouble."
“My son will be just as good in the future. If this father and son don’t get rich, I’ll feel it’s unfair to them.”
Everyone drank and ate meat with great laughter. Qian Hui enjoyed herself for a while before going into the living room to wait for Wang Xihua to come out.
"Your colleague said you were praised by your dad for speaking at the meeting, right?" Qian Hui picked up a towel to dry Wang Xihua's hair and said, "Who was the woman who came back in a taxi with you?"
Wang Xihua is used to being controlled by her, saying, "She's a colleague, she just gave me a ride."
Qian Hui then asked, "She's in the same department as you? Is she interested in you? Why didn't she bring anyone else? Does she know who you are?"
Wang Xihua took a towel and walked towards the kitchen: "They're just ordinary colleagues."
"Don't hide anything from your mother." Qian Hui quickly followed after her: "I've done so much for you, you can't hide it from me. Look, I even made soup for you. All this hard work is for you."
Wang Xihua opened the casserole, glanced at it, put the lid back on, and said, "I don't eat duck, have you forgotten again?"
Qian Hui said naturally, "Duck is so good. You had mutton with your colleagues yesterday. Drinking some old duck soup can help cool you down and nourish your body."
"And who told you that?" Wang Xihua turned to walk outside.
Qian Hui said smugly, "I'm very well-informed." She followed closely behind Wang Xihua and asked, "Where are you going?"
As Wang Xihua changed her shoes, she said, "I'll buy a soda."
Qian Hui took out ten yuan and went into the yard. She pulled over a six-year-old girl, whispered a few words in her ear, and called out, "Xiao Hua, take your sister with you."
Wang Xihua reluctantly stopped and waited for her little sister to follow her.
"Why does your mom always make me go out with you?" the little girl said. "She always asks me who you talked to and what you said. It's just buying a bottle of soda, isn't it?"
Wang Xihua held her hand and walked slowly along the stone path: "Just tell her honestly, you got ten yuan for free, right?"
The little girl said, "If my mom did that, I would have turned on her long ago."
Wang Xihua laughed heartily, attracting the attention of her neighbors who were rushing home from get off work.
He was handsome and refined, standing at 178 cm tall, and dressed stylishly. The long-time residents of Liujin Garden all knew that the son of the Wang family business lived here. Thanks to Qian Hui’s tireless efforts to cultivate a positive image, many people on the street would greet him politely.
Wang Xihua also stopped amicably to chat casually with the person who greeted her.
After buying the soda and returning home, Qian Hui called her little sister aside and asked her carefully. After learning about Wang Xihua's words and actions, she was satisfied: "It's good that she didn't pay attention to the woman standing behind the counter."
Wang Xihua went into the kitchen, and Qian Hui glanced at her a few times before returning to the yard.
"Xiao Hua can stand up straight, no wonder she is the heir to a large company. Her mother's education is excellent."
"A certain kind of temperament can't be faked." After the neighbors finished eating and drinking, they left with quite a few things and casually praised Wang Xihua a few more times.
Qian Hui smiled broadly as she saw them off, unaware of the mocking expressions on their faces after they left.
"It's true that you can get a lot of benefits just by praising someone." Someone walked by the kitchen and muttered to themselves, but Wang Xihua, who was heating up the leftovers herself, heard it.
Wang Xihua didn't care; he had known about it since he was a child.
Even in the old courtyard, a place where all sorts of people mingled, his family had the most guests. They would say things against their conscience to the little kids, have his mother serve them tea and water, treat them like honored guests, and take something with them when they left—it had become a habit.
“Your dad will be back soon. He said he’ll be there at seven. Where are you going?” Qian Hui stopped Wang Xihua in the living room and said, “You’re not allowed to go anywhere tonight.”
Wang Xihua said, "I have to go see a client."
"Have your colleague go." Qian Hui stared intently into Wang Xihua's eyes, trying to see right through him. "Your dad's coming over today, so show him some concern. He's been busy with company matters lately and isn't in a good mood. Listen to your mother, I'm doing this all for your own good. This is how my life is, you have to live a decent life for me."
Wang Xihua glanced at the wall clock; time was running out. However, he had already prepared a second plan before returning, so he wasn't worried about being pressed for time.
However... it might leave his "suitors" waiting in vain.
Wang Jieyong waited for the driver to open the car door before slowly getting out of the car.
When he met several neighbors who had just come out from the first floor, they greeted Wang Jieyong politely: "Mr. Wang, we saw that you donated to the disaster area again last month. You are such a kind person."
Wang Jieyong was overweight, with a belly like a balloon. But that didn't stop him from walking along, smiling kindly like a benevolent Buddha, and saying, "Why are you leaving? We haven't had a drink yet!"
Another person said, "We have to go to work tomorrow. Our business is much bigger than Mr. Wang's. He can earn more money in eight lifetimes than we could in one night. You should go back and get some rest. Mrs. Wang made old duck soup. You're in for a treat today."
Even after being rejected, Wang Jieyong maintained his kind and gentle demeanor, saying warmly, "Then I'll definitely come over for a meal next time. I'm usually too busy and sometimes can't take good care of my family. I'm so grateful to my neighbors."
"Okay, Mr. Wang."
"Take your time, it's getting dark." Wang Jieyong politely watched his neighbors leave, then snorted as he looked at the things in their hands.
The neighbors, who were walking away, were still whispering among themselves: "Mr. Wang is so kind."
When Wang Jieyong entered the house and didn't see Qian Hui and Wang Xihua come out to greet him, his face immediately fell.
The nanny who opened the door quickly called out, "Mrs. Wang, Mr. Wang is back."
Qian Hui, who was still asking Wang Xihua in the living room what he had been doing lately, who he had been with, and where he had gone, quickly stood up, put on a virtuous and gentle face, and ran to greet her "husband".
"Xiao Hua did a good job this time. Several veterans in the company said he is quick-witted and reliable, just like I was back then." Wang Jieyong sipped his favorite old duck soup, the deep lines between his eyebrows appearing less pronounced.
Qian Hui winked at Wang Xihua, but Wang Xihua pretended not to notice and kept eating her rice.
“Your upbringing is so much better, completely different from those over there.” Wang Jieyong tore at a duck leg, half-closing his eyes and smacking his lips as he said, “It’s definitely better to have a male heir, Qian Hui, you’re my hero. There’s a gift for you in my bag, go get it.”
Qian Hui didn't even have time to eat. She took off the apron that Wang Jieyong had just put on and threw it to the nanny. She went to the living room, opened Wang Jieyong's bag, and saw a heavy gold necklace inside. She was overjoyed: "It's so beautiful and so heavy."
Wang Jieyong said with a smile, "I knew you liked it. Even a dog leash isn't this thick."
Qian Hui's face stiffened, then she smiled and said, "You're the only one who cares about me. Do you think I'm the only one who does?"
Wang Jieyong said, "Nonsense."
Qian Hui was even happier now.
“Recently, a series of incidents have occurred in the company, and I suspect that someone is secretly plotting against us. You and Xiaohua both need to be careful.”
"Do you know about the radio station?"
Wang Jieyong threw down the duck bones, braced himself on the table, and said, "Afraid? Anyone who doesn't dare to stand up to me is a paper tiger. If you want to mess with me, you'd better see how many lives you have."
Qian Hui was initially worried about Wang Jieyong, as she had followed him for many years and understood his methods. Knowing that Wang Jieyong didn't take the recent events seriously, she felt relieved.
Wang Jieyong rarely slept here. After dinner, he went out. A neighbor met him while taking a walk and told him he was going to work overtime at the company.
Wang Xihua pretended to be obedient and mute in front of her father, and returned to her room after he left.
Just as he was about to close the door, he saw Qian Hui standing straight at the door, staring at him.
Wang Xihua waved the finance book in her hand and said, "Don't bother me."
Seeing that he was studying alone, Qian Hui said with relief, "That's right. Mom is the person who loves you most in the world. Just listen to me."
As Wang Xihua closed the door, she said, "Mom, I know. Don't bother me today. If I'm sleepy, I'll just go to sleep."
"Don't stay up too late. You're going to be the heir. If you ruin your health, you won't be able to do great things." Qian Hui gave her a couple of instructions, then turned and left with satisfaction.
***
At the same time, at the Canlingshan Youth Hostel.
Shen Zhenzhu got out of the police car.
"Strange, it's already eight o'clock, why isn't 'Death Listener' playing the radio today?" Xiaobai closed the car door and walked with her into the youth hostel.
"I don't know what's going on, but the fact that no one has died yet is good news." Following the clues she found, Shen Zhenzhu entered the youth hostel and met three bosses who were preparing to sleep on the floor in the simple lobby.
They were taken aback to see Chen Zhenzhu and Xiaobai. Chen Zhenzhu took out her identification and said, "I'm here to see President Liang. He's here, right?"
One of them vaguely remembered Shen Zhenzhu and pointed upstairs, saying, "It's in room 201."
Shen Zhenzhu asked, "You all traveled all the way to the foot of the mountain on the outskirts of the city for a team building trip?"
The man said sheepishly, "We couldn't hire any bodyguards, so a few of us who knew each other found a place to hide."
Xiao Bai said, "Why don't you go to your room to sleep?"
Another middle-aged man said embarrassedly, "Our wives and children are in the room, so we can sleep on the floor outside to protect them."
Shen Zhenzhu shouted from the doorway, "The others surround this place and do not allow anyone to leave."
The agents immediately surrounded the two-story inn.
"Officer, don't scare us! Could it be that the 'death listener' has come here?"
Another boss, clutching a radio, said nervously, "Yes, he didn't play the murder recording today. Could it be that he hasn't killed anyone yet? He... he's lurking among us, preparing to make his move?"
Shen Zhenzhu interrupted their speculation, saying, "I just came to find someone."
"When will you police finally catch him? 'Death Listener' looks antisocial. How long are you going to keep someone like him around?"
Shen Zhenzhu walked up the stairs: "We're capturing them now, give us some time."
"How much more time do you want? We could die at any moment. And not just instantly, but I don't want to die like that!"
Xiao Bai stopped them and said, "Don't rush us, it involves the case and needs to be kept confidential."
A group of older men looked at the young woman, Xiaobai, and glanced at her waist.
Xiao Bai quickly covered his gun: "Don't cause me any trouble, back up now!"
Chen Zhenzhu turned around abruptly, pointing at them below the steps: "Don't move! What's going on?"
The group of men quickly took a few steps back: "Officer, we are victims, we didn't mean anything by it, keep it up... keep it up..."
Xiao Bai walked up to Chen Zhenzhu and whispered, "I glanced at my gun."
Shen Zhenzhu nodded, patted her sidearm, and said to them, "Put your eyes back on yourselves, or you'll die even faster."
"Hey, what's with your attitude? Your police handling of cases is way too awesome."
"I'm going to file a complaint against you. What's your badge number? What's your name?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Shen Zhenzhu, go."
Xiao Bai glared at them. She recognized some of them. Some had criminal records, others had abandoned their wives and children after becoming successful; in short, there was no need to be polite with them. Those who should be polite were all resting at home right now.
Liang Li opened the door and saw Chen Zhenzhu and Xiaobai standing there. He quickly covered his bare upper body and said, "Who are you? Why hasn't my food arrived?"
"Police." Shen Zhenzhu took out her ID and waved it, saying, "Are you President Liang? What are you doing here instead of going home?"
Liang Li frowned and asked, "Which family?"
Chen Zhenzhu glanced into the room: "Where's the last one?"
Liang Li said awkwardly, "Just myself."
Shen Zhenzhu said sarcastically, "You didn't bring either of them. You're quite the gentleman to hide yourself. And you even tried to fool your wife. President Liang is shrewd enough."
Liang Li turned his face away, too embarrassed to look into Chen Zhenzhu's eyes.
He picked up the dirty clothes from the ground, grabbed the glasses next to the TV, put them on, and said, "Anyway, the 'death listener' isn't targeting her. If I die, she'll get a huge inheritance. She can't wait for me to die."
Xiao Bai said, "If you were good to your wife and children, you wouldn't have these thoughts."
Liang Li, his conscience exposed, awkwardly changed the subject after a few seconds of silence: "You came all this way to find me...you wouldn't be sure he's targeting me, would you?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Besides you, there are others who are being protected."
Hearing this, Liang Li felt slightly relieved and asked, "How many of you are protecting me?"
Shen Zhenzhu said, "Anyway, I will try my best to ensure your safety. Since you are alright, I will be leaving now."
After she finished speaking, she walked to the side of the corridor, took out her mobile phone, and called Gu Yanzheng: "We found him. He ran away to a youth hostel in the suburbs and hid there. He didn't take any women with him."
Gu Yanzheng said on the phone, "I've found the people on my side too. Also, there are no problems with A-Ye and Uncle Wu."
Shen Zhenzhu walked to a distance and said, "Could there be something we've overlooked?"
“It’s possible that some people aren’t telling the truth. They might be in Liancheng but pretending not to, or they might think they can leave, or they might have come back temporarily like the last one,” Gu Yanzheng said. “But they haven’t taken action yet, which might be due to some reason… Xizi said she’s made a discovery. She’ll go over there when you have time.”
"Understood." Shen Zhenzhu hung up the phone and said to Xiaobai, "Leave a few people behind, let's go to the brigade first."
Liang Li, barefoot, hurriedly chased after them, saying, "Hey, why are you leaving? Weren't you supposed to protect me? Why are you ignoring me?"
Xiao Bai rolled her eyes and walked downstairs with Chen Zhenzhu. Neither of them wanted to waste any more time on such a stinky man.
......
......
"We've arrived at Fool's Wharf." The taxi stopped by the roadside. Lu Mintao got out, bent down and leaned against the driver's side window, took out a hundred-yuan bill from his wallet, and handed it over between his index and middle fingers.
"You're so young and beautiful, why are you driving a taxi? Keep the change, consider it a tip." He then handed over a business card: "I'm going back to the US the day after tomorrow. Thank you for picking me up at the airport. It's fate, you can call me after tonight."
The female taxi driver was used to being approached by male customers. She expressionlessly opened the armrest box, rummaged through it, and stuffed a wad of change into Lu Mintao's hand: "At your age, why don't you learn something better? This is neither here nor there!"
After saying that, he stepped on the gas and drove off.
Lu Mintao had just returned from a business trip abroad and was hoping to have a romantic encounter. He failed to do so and ended up picking up money from the ground late at night: "Damn it, two slaps and he's behaved. My money, my money, don't let it fly away!"
His cell phone rang, and as he squatted down to pick up money, he said, "What's wrong? Don't rush to take sides on this project. 'Princess' wants to negotiate with me today. It's better to be with a woman; you won't get the better end of the deal if you're with a man. Anyway, the choice is in my hands. Her mother really likes me. I'll see how she reacts today. You can't force a relationship."
After a few words were exchanged, Lu Mintao scoffed and said, "You pretentious charlatans, if I were afraid, I'd write my name backwards. Right now, two groups of people in the company are getting along really well. If I could become a rich husband, the company would be mine. The 'Princess' could just stay at home and have a bunch of babies for me, hahaha."
He picked up the money, then smoothed his slicked-back hair in the rearview mirror of a parked car, making sure he presented himself in the best possible light to snag that pampered young lady.
"Wandering Cafe? What's with that name? I can't find it. It's so dark." Following the address agreed upon over the phone, Lu Mintao walked to the beach and squinted at the dark shops along the coastline.
"Here!" A melodious voice pierced through the crashing waves, calling out coquettishly, "Are you all alone?"
Upon hearing the "Princess's" voice, Lu Mintao was overjoyed and said, "Of course, it's just me."
Don't worry, I guarantee you'll be left with no one to turn to for help.
Women, once they get their hands on it and play with it for a bit, they're convinced.
As the youngest of the company's veterans, Lu Mintao is favored by the big boss and wields considerable influence.
His ex-wife is already divorced, so he has no worries about the future.
Lu Mintao walked forward with full confidence.
"Don't go too far, where's the coffee shop?" Lu Mintao called out.
The "Princess" pushed open a door, from which came romantic music and dim lighting: "Here you are, come quickly."
Lu Mintao quickened his pace to walk towards the "Princess," and said smugly at her height of 1.7 meters, "I'm 1.8 meters tall, and you're 1.7 meters tall, we're a perfect match."
This was a probing move that crossed the line. The "Princess" didn't say anything, but went straight into the coffee shop.
Lu Mintao revealed a sly smile behind her.
This place is great; the sound of the waves is so loud, it can completely drown out any shouting.
The café wasn't large, and with its dim, colorful lights, Lu Mintao was already intoxicated even before drinking any alcohol.
The "Princess" was standing not far away, waving at him. Just as Lu Mintao was about to step forward, he suddenly felt another gust of wind coming from behind him.
Having practiced some martial arts, he immediately dodged alertly. Seeing the hammer in the other man's hand, Lu Mintao shouted, "Yafei, run! He's going to kill someone!"
As he spoke, he rushed to the "Princess's" side, seemingly to grab her hand, but the next second he pushed her towards the pursuing assassin: "Help me, block them!"
The "eldest princess" hadn't expected him to do this, but fortunately, she landed safely in the assassin's arms and was carefully placed aside.
The assassin had a pleasant voice. He whispered in her ear, "The thing is behind you; you can go around it from the side."
The eldest princess readily agreed.
Lu Mintao ran to the backyard of the coffee shop, thinking he could find a way out, but found himself standing on the edge of a sea cliff.
You either jump into the sea or fight the assassin face to face.
Lu Mintao picked up a stone from the ground and said fiercely, "Were you plotting against me? One of us will have to stay here today!"
"Is that so?" The assassin took a tranquilizer gun from the wall and pointed it at him. "It's getting dark. Your feast is about to begin."
"Stop talking nonsense!" Lu Mintao gritted his teeth and threw a stone, dodging and weaving in the yard in an attempt to avoid the tranquilizer gun.
The assassin didn't rush forward, instead playing a cat-and-mouse game, teasing him relentlessly.
In desperation, Lu Mintao shouted, "Is anyone there? Help!"
However, he was right; no matter how much they shouted, they would be swallowed up by the huge sound of the waves.
The assassin approached again, and Lu Mintao broke off a chair leg and started swinging it around: "Come on, come on! One of us has to die today!"
Bang.
He stopped abruptly, touching the anesthetic syringe at the back of his neck in surprise, and turned around: "You, you...you..."
"You didn't expect that, did you?"
Lu Mintao clearly saw the "Princess" reveal a strange smile, the satisfaction of a hunt.
Three seconds later, everything went black and he collapsed to the ground.
The "Princess" put down the tranquilizer gun and whispered, "Justice never dies."
-----------------------
Author's note: Pearl: I'm here, are you ready?
***
See you tomorrow, there are 100 red envelopes! [Let me see]
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