The Wei family didn't quiet down until evening. Song Yan was exhausted. She knew they hadn't caught the person who harmed Wei An, and she was thinking of asking Lao Du, who was in criminal investigation, for his analysis.
The villagers were checked one by one. Excluding those with witnesses or mutual alibis, there were eighteen people who were at home and had no one to corroborate their claims. These eighteen were then further investigated. One person was the prime suspect: Cheng Yi. He had a motive, and his home was close to Beidagou, but his leg injury hadn't fully healed, and he was using crutches; carrying Wei An would have been virtually impossible.
Among those who corroborated each other's absence, Widow Wang and Li De vouched for each other. Widow Wang went to Li De, saying she wanted him to intercede for her, that she would apologize to Song Yan, and that she wanted to join the weaving group. However, Li De refused.
But Wei Erzhuang's wife secretly led him to Officer Fan and said that during that time, Wei Erzhuang borrowed a crowbar from the custodian, used it, and returned it. He walked past the office twice and felt that there was one person inside. He wasn't entirely sure, though.
At this point, Old Du sighed, "Xiao Fan lacked experience. He didn't interrogate them immediately, giving Widow Wang and Li De time to collude. He didn't use any techniques during the interrogation, failing to break down their psychological defenses and quell their fear. If they're not afraid, a retrial will be difficult. And I can't show my face because of my identity!"
Song Yan was burning with rage. "What are the chances that Widow Wang committed the crime?"
Old Du: "About 80%!"
Old Zeng: "Why did Li De testify for Widow Wang?"
“Widow Wang is Li De’s lover!” Song Yan sneered. If Li De was willing to get involved, he couldn’t escape either.
Old Du: "Song Yan, there's something I need to discuss with you. I can get Xiao Fan to use some methods. They won't be able to hold out. Xiao Fan's father and I are sworn brothers."
The method they used was torture. The laws regarding this are currently lax.
"If you ask me, let me do it. No matter who they are, I can shut them up forever." Song Yan understood what Old Zeng meant.
"Old Du, have you used any methods on the suspect?" Song Yan asked.
Old Du: "Never. I don't advocate torture, as it inevitably leads to forced confessions. But this matter is different."
Song Yan turned to look at Lao Zeng: "Lao Zeng, you probably don't even remember how many Japanese soldiers and puppet troops you killed during the War of Resistance Against Japan! But did you kill any civilians?"
Old Zeng said, "Of course not!"
Song Yan: "How could I possibly deserve the wrath of you two old comrades who have upheld the principles you have upheld for most of your lives?"
Old Du became anxious: "That's not how it is!"
“Old Du, there’s also Officer Fan involved. I can’t let your careers be tarnished. And Old Zeng, Widow Wang isn’t worthy of your personal attention; her blood is dirty. Listen to me first.” Song Yan was very serious. “If I were just wronged or bullied, I’d help you. But this is revenge, and if I want revenge, I have to do it myself, whether it’s with my strength or my wisdom. I need to think about how to do it in the end. Trust me!”
…
Song Yan experienced a long, dark night, tossing and turning on the kang (heated brick bed) unable to fall asleep.
If something flies out of space, as long as the force is enough, it can kill or cripple Widow Wang.
Or you might catch them cheating. In this day and age, having affairs is a life-threatening business!
Pretending to be a ghost would work. Thieves are always guilty. If I dressed up as Wei An's mother, I'd scare them to death! But pretending to be a ghost also has its risks…
These are not the most ideal solutions.
There was still a 20% uncertainty because Lao Du didn't personally interrogate them. That's why Lao Du and Lao Zeng didn't take direct action.
On one hand, I thought, there's no solid evidence, but talking about justice with someone like Widow Wang is a joke! On the other hand, I thought, I should turn that uncertainty into certainty before taking revenge.
Frustrated, Song Yan took a long run in the space until he was too tired to run anymore, which finally calmed his frustration.
After taking a shower, Song Yan lay back down in bed. He was still not sleepy, but his mind was no longer agitated…
I have come up with a solution, but it requires a long-term approach.
Is it better to settle scores quickly and decisively, or to play the long game?
Playing the long game might lead to the person who harmed Wei An confessing to their crime.
Wei An, so young, committed such a serious crime. He should confess his guilt in front of everyone, accept public condemnation, and be punished by law.
If the long game fails, it's not too late to settle scores later!
Thinking like this makes me feel uncomfortable!
Song Yan went to find Lao Han in the morning.
Song Yan: "Widow Wang has been married to her husband for three years, and she's not clear about her relationship with Li De. She hasn't gotten pregnant yet; she must have infertility. Old Han, my diagnostic skills aren't up to par. Is her infertility caused by a cold uterus?"
Old Han thought for a moment, "She's probably suffering from infertility due to cold uterus. What's wrong?"
"Besides her cold hands and feet, does she have any other symptoms? I can't tell."
Old Han said, "She had menstrual cramps, and the pain was quite severe."
Song Yan's eyes flashed coldly. "Old Han, do me a favor. Find an opportunity to treat her menstrual cramps, but actually, to treat her infertility. And she can't know."
Old Liao is a woman, and she thought things through pretty much in no time.
Old Du is a criminal investigator, while Old Zeng has been through a lot in the world and seen many scandals. They guessed what Song Yan was up to.
Old Han, who only focuses on academics, didn't understand: "She harmed Wei An, and you still want me to treat her illness."
Old Han is simple-minded; knowing too much can easily lead to trouble. "Old Han, just do whatever Song Yan tells you to do. It's just treating that... that pain, right?" Old Du hesitated to say it directly. "Just treat it. I'll create opportunities for you."
Song Yan said viciously, "If this really works out, they'll definitely fight like dogs, and it won't be hard for them to get what we want! If the result doesn't satisfy me, I can always make my move later..."
Old Du: "I think it's fine. I'll take care of Old Han here!"
Old Zeng's eyes were filled with murderous intent. If he really wanted to take action, could he let the delicate little Song Yan go? What if she had nightmares?
He, Lao Zeng, has always been fearless!
Old Han, looking rather simple-minded, asked, "What are you guys talking about?"
Song Yan went home, but she still felt uneasy.
There were too many people yesterday, so the educated youth didn't go to the front. Today at noon, they all came to see her together. He Jianian was among them.
People came out of concern for Song Yan, so naturally they said some caring words. He Jianian could have remained silent all along, but he insisted on jumping out to make his presence known.
"Song Yan, if you have any difficulties, just tell us. We've been friends since we went to the countryside together, we've shared the hardships of farming and the scorching sun. It would be too formal to keep quiet about anything!"
Is this an implication that you have feelings for each other?
"If you don't ask me for help when you're in trouble, I'll be too embarrassed to call your dad 'uncle' when we meet again."
Is she mentioning my dad, or hinting at our past relationship?
"You educated youth should share joys and sorrows, don't you agree?"...
If I were to share your joys and sorrows, I, Song Yan, would be in for a huge headache!
I let you keep jumping around before because I wanted to wait until you and Wu Meili had a love-hate relationship, and then kick you when you were down after you broke your third leg.
Song Yan apologized, saying, "I was wrong."
He Jianian's words were full of implications. Li Yuanzhao and Xiaoxiao interrupted him several times, but he was talking too enthusiastically. Could they really shut him up?
Seeing Song Yan lower her head and remain silent, He Jianian was secretly overjoyed! She knew it! Could she forget her? Of course she could!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
