Chapter 22 Melting the Ice
"Lan Renxuan is suspected of murder? What's the situation?"
"When Xiaozheng and I were investigating another case in the early stage, Lan Renxuan was involved. According to an accomplice who was close to Lan Renxuan, Lan Renxuan once said that he had killed someone after drinking." Ji Chuan took over Jiang Bo's words.
"What are the specific details? Is there any information about the time, place and victim?" Ji Feng asked anxiously.
Ji Chuan frowned and said, "He didn't say anything else, just that he killed someone. He didn't even know whether he did it himself or hired someone to do it."
"That's not the point." Jiang Bo said.
"Isn't that the point?" Ji Feng asked in a more serious tone.
"The key point is that only two people from the Lan family returned this time, and Lan Renxuan is missing!"
"Missing?!" Confusion and surprise were written on his face again. "He didn't come back with me?"
"No, the flights of all three people were cancelled. Only the father and daughter of the Lan family came back. Through asking the Shanghai police for assistance, we found that Lan Renxuan last appeared in the video surveillance at the airport getting on a business car, and then disappeared, including the business car." Jiang Bo said calmly.
"Lan Renxuan is a major suspect and needs to be investigated as soon as possible." Ji Chuan said.
"I suggest investigating the two cases together." Gu Xiaozheng glanced at Ji Chuan.
"I agree. Lan Renxuan's identity is special and the case should be investigated together." Ji Feng said.
"Maybe this is not the point. Of course, I agree with the opinion of investigating the case together, but the current focus is to find Lan Renxuan. Captain Ji, the task of finding Lan Renxuan is left to you, okay?" Jiang Bo looked at Ji Feng and said.
"No problem, I'll try to make amends." The last time he rashly intercepted the Lan family, it caused trouble for Jiang Bo. Ji Feng has been looking for an opportunity to make amends and return a favor to Jiang Bo.
"No, Captain Ji, you're overthinking it. Let's not talk about the past." As an old hand, Jiang Bo certainly knew what Ji Feng meant.
"Here's what I think," Ji Feng said, "We're currently lacking any leads on the Lan family. If Lan Renxuan is truly responsible for the murder, it might provide a breakthrough in the Shen Zhaoran case. At least Lan Renxuan knows much more than we do. Brother Chuan, where are Lan Renxuan's accomplices now?"
"He has been sentenced. His nickname is 'Han Tie'. He is now serving his sentence in Juxi Prison." Ji Chuan said.
"Okay, then it's settled. After the meeting, Ji Chuan and Xiao Zheng must report Lan Renxuan's situation to Captain Ji in detail and comprehensively, and at the same time fully cooperate with Captain Ji to find Lan Renxuan's whereabouts." Jiang Bo made the final arrangements.
"I understand." Ji Chuan and Gu Xiaozheng replied.
After the meeting, Ji Feng, Xin Xiao, Ji Chuan, and Gu Xiaozheng sat together and carefully reviewed Lan Renxuan's social circle and recent activities. Ji Feng made a simple division of labor. He and Gu Xiaozheng were responsible for interrogating Han Tieyan and investigating Lan Renxuan's other social circles, while Xin Xiao and Ji Chuan were responsible for tracking down Lan Renxuan. Afterward, the four of them split up and took action.
The increase in personnel significantly boosted Jifeng's work efficiency. Gu Xiaozheng, a native criminal police officer, was well-versed in the lives of all walks of life, and he quickly gathered the general situation of "Han Tieyan" in Lan Valley.
Gu Xiaozheng learned from his visit that "Han Tieqian" was once a ruthless bully in Lan Valley. He used violence to control various sectors of the valley, including fishing, transportation, and underground banking. He never let go of a short-handled iron shovel, chopping down anyone he disagreed with without regard for the consequences. This is how he earned the nickname "Han Tieqian." Multiple people confirmed that "Han Tieqian" had a close relationship with Lan Renxuan, and that several of the gang leaders often gathered together for drinking, whoring, and gambling.
Meanwhile, Xin Xiao and Ji Chuan retrieved video surveillance footage from various highway toll booths and intersections around Shanghai, attempting to track Lan Renxuan's vehicle. However, after several days of searching, they found no trace of the commercial vehicle. Xin Xiao speculated that Lan Renxuan might have changed vehicles or taken other forms of transportation while the surveillance cameras were blind. Direct questioning of the Lan father and daughter revealed that Lan Renxuan had gone to the countryside to collect antiques. No further information was available.
Although he felt that he was getting further and further away from Shen Zhaoran's case, Ji Feng did not relax at all out of the desire to "repay a favor".
As expected, the meeting with "Han Tieyan" was quite troublesome. Even though the prison management gave the greatest support, "Han Tieyan", who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, was disheartened and very resistant to the questions asked by Ji Feng and Gu Xiaozheng, and did not say a word.
Over half a year of hard work had made Ji Feng increasingly calm and experienced. He knew impatience was pointless, so he forced himself to calm down. Dean Lu's words at the cafeteria entrance, "Slow and steady wins the race," echoed in his ears. In his heart, that elder, both mentor and friend, had long transcended the ordinary relationship of superior and subordinate; he had long since become like a father figure.
After calming down, he decided to start by attacking Han Tieqian's psychological state, focusing on his heart and trying to melt the "ice". He firmly believed that everyone has weaknesses, even a ruthless criminal like Han Tieqian.
After much thought, he immediately decided to go to the neighborhood committee and police station where "Han Tieyan" lived with Gu Xiaozheng. He wanted to get first-hand information about "Han Tieyan".
The neighborhood committee and the police station gave Jifeng and his team the utmost support, detailing every aspect of the "Han Tie" incident. As expected, amidst the deluge of information, Jifeng keenly grasped the key point: his daughter, Xiaoya.
According to Police Station Chief Li, "Han Tieyan," whose real name is Han Junjun, was a notorious member of a local organized crime group. His ex-wife, unable to tolerate his violent temper, divorced him years ago, leaving their young daughter, Xiaoya, to live with him. Although he was typically brutal and cruel, he was surprisingly gentle with his daughter, even stating that everything he did was to pave a smoother path for her.
However, with Han Tieyan imprisoned, his family's financial situation plummeted, and his daughter suffered discrimination at school, her grades plummeted, and she even developed mild autism symptoms. These situations made Han Tieyan suffer deeply, but he was helpless.
Ji Feng knew that this was the key to opening Han Tieyan's heart, and the breakthrough lay in Xiaoya.
Yet, another challenge lay ahead. Although Xiaoya's autism was still in its early stages, truly opening her closed heart would take time. But solving the case couldn't afford even a moment's delay. Reason surged through Jifeng's heart like a tide, slowly calming his turbulent emotions. He took a deep breath, his gaze steady, and resolved to mobilize all available resources, employing a multi-pronged approach to weave a gentle yet resilient net of protection for Xiaoya.
After repeated visits, the neighborhood committee staff finally agreed to take care of her daily life. His homeroom teacher also promised to monitor her academic progress and emotional well-being. Under the guidance of their teacher, her classmates quietly approached her, offering their companionship with subtle kindness. He also brought in an experienced counselor, who approached her from multiple perspectives, focusing on family, school, and social life. Outside of class, on the way home from school, and in the quiet of the counseling room, he patiently and gently opened her heart.
But all this wasn't enough. Ji Feng worked tirelessly between the school and the Education Bureau, negotiating and coordinating with various parties, finally securing a 50% reduction in Xiaoya's tuition and fees. But he didn't stop there. Leveraging his connections and reputation built over the years, he took the lead in contacting several philanthropic entrepreneurs and raised funds to establish a special funding fund. On the day of the signing ceremony, he solemnly pledged that this fund would support Xiaoya until she graduated from university.
As time went by, Xiaoya smiled more often, her grades gradually improved, and she even actively participated in various school activities, gradually regaining her confidence. Jifeng saw all this and was delighted. He knew it was time to meet "Han Tieyan" again, and this time he planned to bring Xiaoya with him to meet his father.
Before leaving, Jifeng hadn't revealed that he was bringing Xiaoya with him. When the door to the meeting room slowly swung open, "Han Tieyan" was sitting in the meeting chair with his head bowed. Hearing the door open, he glanced up, his gaze frozen the moment he caught sight of Xiaoya—it was Xiaoya, the daughter he worried about the most. Xiaoya, dressed in a neatly clad school uniform, her hair tied up with a simple rubber band, her face a mixture of unease and anticipation. Her gaze lingered between "Han Tieyan" and Jifeng, finally resting on her father's astonished face, her eyes instantly reddening.
"Dad..." Xiaoya's voice was as thin as a mosquito, but it was like a key that opened the long-sealed emotional floodgates in Han Tieyan's heart.
Han Tie'er's shoulders trembled, his Adam's apple slid, and he swallowed hard. He asked hoarsely, "Xiao Ya...are you okay?"
Ji Feng watched this scene quietly from the side, feeling mixed emotions. He whispered to Xiao Ya, "Child, talk to Daddy. Daddy misses you very much."
"Dad," with a cry full of grievance, Xiaoya's tears poured down like a river bursting its dam. She cried "wow", and her thin body heaved violently with sobs. "Han Tie'an" through the glass had tears in his eyes and stared at his daughter, as if he wanted to rub all the owed glances of these years into his daughter's thin shoulders.
"Dad, I...I miss you so much."
After hearing this, "Han Tieyan" could no longer control his emotions. He covered his face with his hands and burst into tears.
"Xiao...Xiaoya, Daddy is sorry for you." After saying that, he burst into tears again.
"Dad... Mom doesn't want me anymore," Xiaoya choked out these heavy words, like the final straw that broke the camel's back, sending Han Tieyan completely over the edge. He angrily pounded his thighs, seemingly finding relief from the pain. Xiaoya pressed her hands against the glass, as if trying to grasp at her father. Her heart-wrenching sobs filled the visiting room.
"Dad, at the beginning I only had one meal a day, and it was the grandma from the neighborhood committee who helped me apply for relief." Xiaoya said while crying and sobbing.
"My classmates all say that I am the daughter of a criminal and don't want to play with me. I go to and from school alone every day..." Xiaoya's crying was like a flood that broke through the dam, pouring out the grievances and pain that had been accumulated in her heart.
Han Tie's face twisted in agony, tears streaking his cheeks. "Xiaoya, I'm sorry. It's Daddy's fault. Daddy's sorry..." He repeated this over and over, as if that could make up for the companionship and responsibility he had missed out on all those years.
While crying, "Han Tieyan" suddenly stopped crying, his bloodshot eyes seemed to be able to spit out fire, he roared at Ji Feng: "What do you want? If you dare to touch my daughter, I will not let you go even if I become a ghost!" "Han Tieyan" stared at Ji Feng fiercely and said.
"No, Dad..." Xiaoya hurriedly shook her head and explained with sobs, "Uncle Guan is a good man."
"Han Junjun, don't worry, the government will only help your daughter and will never harm her." Ji Feng's tone was calm, but with unquestionable strength.
"Dad, Uncle Guan is a good man, not a bad man." Xiaoya still couldn't stop crying.
"What's going on?" "Han Tieyan" asked his daughter with red and swollen eyes.
"It was Uncle Guan who hired a psychologist for me and also went to the school to see the principal, who waived half of my tuition and miscellaneous fees." Xiaoya's crying became quieter and quieter.
"After you came in, the child had some psychological problems. I found a psychologist and am helping Xiaoya recover. It's already working. Don't worry, I will only protect Xiaoya and not hurt her." Ji Feng said firmly.
"Yes, Dad, what Uncle Guan said is true. Uncle Guan even asked the class teacher to let all the classmates play with me and help me study." Xiaoya said with tears in her eyes.
"Is it true?" "Han Tieyan" said to his daughter.
"Really." Xiaoya nodded vigorously.
"Xiaoya's situation was indeed bad at first, but it's getting better now. The school has waived half of her tuition and fees, and her grades have returned to their previous level. As long as you work hard to reform yourself, you can rest assured about Xiaoya's situation. A charitable organization has set up a foundation to support Xiaoya until she graduates from university."
"You fund..." "Han Tieyan" looked at Jifeng suspiciously.
"I mean what I say. Just focus on your transformation. From now on, I'll bring Xiaoya to see you as often as possible."
"Really?" "Han Tieyan" was still full of questions.
"Don't worry, our captain is a good man. He has helped many people." Gu Xiaozheng interrupted.
"Xiaoya is now very actively participating in various school activities and has won awards in school dance competitions."
"Yes, Dad." Xiaoya gradually stopped crying.
"Yesterday, their class held a 'Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart' themed class meeting. The homeroom teacher guided the students to correctly understand and accept Xiaoya. Xiaoya is becoming increasingly popular in the class. Students are starting to actively communicate with her and play games with her."
"Why are you so nice to her? Tell me!" The roar tore through the disguised dam, revealing the father's despair and pain buried deep within.
"Because she's just an innocent child," Ji Feng's eyes remained as calm and deep as the winter night sky. "Behind every fallen soul stands a family member covered in wounds. They are unfortunate."
"I..." His eyes began to become hesitant and confused.
Seeing this, Ji Feng's tone softened. He gestured to Gu Xiaozheng to take Xiaoya to a slightly further place to wait. "Han Junjun, you've taken the wrong path before, and you need to reflect on this. You loved Xiaoya so much, and every family you hurt loves their child. But they are all injured or disabled because of your crimes, unable to give their children a better life. Put yourself in their shoes. Could you bear it?"
Han Tieyan paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on Xiaoya again. He saw his daughter's eyes, filled with anticipation, as if he had seen the dawn of hope. After a moment's silence, he slowly nodded. "I'm sorry for her, sorry for this family." His voice choked up again, and he clenched his fists, as if that would alleviate the pain and self-blame he felt.
"Although you are a serious criminal, there is still hope. As long as you reform yourself, there is still hope that you can be released in your lifetime."
"Han Tieyan" nodded silently.
"For Xiaoya's sake, so she can live a normal life, are you willing to cooperate with our investigation and tell us the truth you know?"
"Han Tieyan" was silent again, and after a long time, he nodded silently.
"Lan Renxuan did say he had killed someone, but in our line of work, there's a rule that we shouldn't ask about anything that doesn't involve us, so this is all I know."
"Under what circumstances?"
"I was drunk. There was a fishing tyrant in Beijiao City called Sun Laifu who wanted to steal our business. He said that when he was angry."
"As far as I know, his family has a legitimate business. Why would he do such illegal and criminal things?"
"He's not interested in his family's business, and it seems his father can't do anything about him."
"Even so, our family is not short of money. Is it necessary to fight and kill all day long?"
"He just likes the feeling of being the big brother. He likes to be bossy, likes to have the final say, and likes to feel like everyone is the center of attention."
"What kind of man is he?"
"He's incredibly arrogant, domineering, and looks down on everyone. No wonder, he has both money and connections."
"What did he say at the time that he had killed someone?"
"His exact words were, 'Those who follow me will prosper, those who oppose me will perish. If gods stand in my way, I'll kill them; if Buddhas stand in my way, I'll kill them. If I dare to kill the first one, I'll dare to kill the second one. It's all the same, death!'"
"Do you think he did it himself or hired a killer?"
"He didn't say anything, and I didn't ask, but I have a feeling he's not very strong. Besides, given his personality, he probably wouldn't do it himself. He has plenty of money anyway, so there's no need to get into trouble."
"Is this why you were all caught by the police, while he is still at large?"
"Yes, he just arranged it, so there's no direct evidence. Besides, his family has connections and can protect him."
"About what time did he say the murder took place?"
"About ten years ago."
"About ten years ago, his brother-in-law, Shen Zhaoran, died a violent death. Do you think he was responsible?"
"I can only say that this possibility cannot be ruled out. When he gets ruthless, he will not recognize any relatives."
"Is he your leader?"
"Yes, he manages the money, I do the work, and a few other brothers are in charge of the business."
"You mean by 'working' you mean resolving things with violence?"
"Um."
"Besides his involvement in organized crime, do you know of any other evidence of his illegal activities?" Ji Feng asked, staring at him with a sharp gaze.
"He's very secretive and doesn't let us ask too much. I feel like he must be involved in other things, otherwise there's no need to hide it."
"He's missing now. Based on your understanding, where is he most likely to go?"
Han Tieyan thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it's Ishijiang. He once said that if something happens, it would be easier to leave from Ishijiang."
"Where is Ishjiang?"
"I don't know about that. It should be somewhere near the border."
"Do you think he will flee abroad?"
"He once told me that if something happened, the best option would not just be to leave the country, but to disappear for a long time, so that no one, including his family, could contact him."
"I'll give you a chance, can you contact him?" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Ji Feng immediately felt that the question was a bit redundant.
"I understand what you mean, but he knows I've been sentenced and won't be fooled. Besides, I really can't contact him."
"Since he's still at large because of his family's protection, then his family must be aware of his crimes, right?"
"I definitely know."
"Is there anything else you need to explain to us?"
"Again, he's very cunning and hard to catch. It's possible that even his family doesn't know where he is."
"He doesn't contact his family?"
"As long as he has enough money, he doesn't need to contact his family. He can live happily anywhere."
"What kind of things would allow him to contact his family or return home?"
"Even if something happens that he has to come back to deal with, he may not know about it immediately because he has little contact with his family. So I say he is very difficult to catch."
"Anything else?"
"I heard..."
"What did you hear?" Ji Feng pressed further.
"He might have a gun."
"You got a gun?"
Ji Feng looked at Gu Xiaozheng in surprise. Gu Xiaozheng also seemed shocked and showed a look of astonishment.
"Where did he get the gun?"
"He has a complex network of connections and a wide range of connections. To be honest, I'm not surprised at all that he has a gun."
"Is the news accurate?"
"I heard about it from someone several years ago."
Ji Feng felt the seriousness of the situation and wanted to report it immediately. He glanced at Gu Xiaozheng, asking if he had any other questions.
"Han Junjun, as long as you behave well, we will help you reduce your sentence. If you think of any valuable information in the future, please contact us through the prison guards in time."
"Han Tieyan" nodded silently.
"Han Junjun, don't worry about Xiaoya. I mean what I say. I will always care about her. Just focus on reforming yourself and strive for a chance to have your sentence reduced."
"Well, thank you. I will definitely reform myself." As he said that, he stood up and bowed deeply to Jifeng and the others.
After saying goodbye to "Han Tieyan" with Xiaoya, they immediately set out on the road back to Lan Valley. Next, they had a lot of things to do.
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