Chapter 32 Chapter 32 (Edited) You put the world of women...
Xinbai Building opened at 9:30 in the morning. Although it was a weekday, there were so many customers that several streets were packed with people.
Today is the day when the international brand Montagut arrives.
This was the first time that a state-owned shopping mall in Jiangtan had opened a counter for an international brand, not to mention that Montagut was all the rage in Shanghai two years ago – a flower on the chest became the standard for trendsetters of the time.
The fashionable people of Jiangtan would rather eat pickled vegetable porridge for three months than not find someone to help them buy the most popular mercerized cotton polo shirt.
The entire shopping mall has been given great attention. The prime location on the first floor is filled with plastic models, a carpet is laid on the small square in front of the door, posters are hung on the dark green glass walls, and big red banners and flower baskets are all in place.
After a string of firecrackers rang out, the brand owner, surrounded by local agents and several secretaries, visited the counter display with a satisfied smile on his face.
The mall manager was extremely anxious at this moment and rushed from the first floor to the office on the sixth floor.
"Where are the models?" he asked loudly. "Where are the male and female models hired specifically for the show?"
"I...I don't know!" The deputy manager gripped the phone nervously. "I've called three times, and they didn't answer. I left a message on their pager...just in case they're on the way."
"Where did you find this guy? He's so unreliable!" The manager kept checking his watch. "The show starts in twenty minutes! Today is the first day of business, and I won't allow any delays! Do you have any backup options?"
"Yes, yes, but it has to be booked in advance. Even if someone doesn't have work today, they still have to come from home and have their hair done and put on makeup and learn etiquette. It's at least an hour too late!"
The manager spat furiously, cursing, "You good-for-nothings! Go out and find me two usable models now. If you can't, you'll be fired!"
Deputy Manager He ran downstairs dejectedly with several assistants. At the same time, a blue and white Santana slowly drove through the congested crowd and stopped on the road in front of the Xinbai Building.
Ji Yinhe got out of the car, put his hands on his forehead and looked around, "Wow, what a bustling place! Montagut is opening! No wonder... It looks good, but it's too expensive. When I save up enough money, I will definitely buy one for Mr. Ji and Ms. Lian!"
Lu Zheng declined this trend and led Comrade Xiao Ji, who kept looking back, across the square, into the lobby of Xinbai Building, and went straight to the third floor where lighters and watches were sold.
DuPont's counter is right in the middle, with a row of glass cabinets surrounding the magnificent columns.
Ji Yinhe came forward and recognized it at a glance as the same piece of evidence they had!
"Hello!" Comrade Xiao Ji smiled and greeted the clerk who was crouching in the corner watching the bustling outside. "Can you show me these lighters?"
The clerk spat out a mouthful of melon seed shells and walked over impatiently, twisting his waist. "Which one? ...This one, are you planning to buy it? If not, I won't let you touch it!"
Ji Yinhe blinked and said curiously, "If you don't show it to me carefully, how can I be sure whether I want it or not?"
The clerk sized up the two attractive faces before him and chuckled, "I've seen curious couples like you many times before. Do you know how much our products are priced? They're only used by successful business people! You can't afford them, but you insist on playing with them. If they get bumped or scratched, how are we going to sell them later?"
“…”
Ji Yinhe and Lu Zheng looked at each other.
They had not intended to reveal their identities. After all, in this circle where gossip spreads faster than a train, if they told them that it was related to a criminal case, it might cause unnecessary commotion and trouble.
But given the current situation, I have to say it.
Lu Zheng took out his ID and said softly, "We are police officers from the Jiangtan Municipal Bureau. We recently discovered a case and need a list of all people who have purchased Dupont L1 gold-plated lighters here. Please cooperate."
The clerk was stunned for two seconds, then burst out laughing.
"You say you are a police officer, and you just wave a small notebook in front of me. How can I know whether it is true or false?" She leisurely grabbed a handful of melon seeds and cracked them slowly.
"..." Ji Yinhe explained, "Sister, it's illegal to impersonate a police officer. We are not lying. Please cooperate."
The clerk patted the salt, pepper and five-spice powder on his hands and thought for a few seconds. "Our customer list is very private. You can see it if you want... Do you have a letter of introduction? I only recognize letters with official seals!"
“…” Ji Yinhe took a deep breath.
She was careless. It was the first time she encountered such a difficult communication partner. She never expected that she would have to prepare a letter of introduction!
Lu Zheng next to him looked downstairs. It was almost lunchtime, and the already heavily congested road was now even more jam-packed. He had to go back to the Municipal Bureau to prepare the materials and send them over. He would probably have to spend the whole day on the road!
He thought for a second and then calmly asked, "Let's look at the list now and get the letter of introduction later, okay?"
"No!" the clerk rolled his eyes and shouted, "We're not a small shop on the street. We can't let you buy on credit!"
“…”
It's not like I'm buying anything, there's no monetary transaction at all, so how can it be compared to buying on credit?
Ji Yinhe wanted to argue with the clerk, but Lu Zheng gently pulled her sleeve and whispered, "There's no need to argue. Let's think of another way."
Ji Yinhe pursed her lips and followed Lu Zheng out of the Dupont counter.
As a result, as soon as he stepped onto the escalator in the middle of the mall, he was bumped into by someone.
"Sorry, sorry..." The man, wearing the uniform of the Xinbai Building, bowed apologetically, "I was so busy—"
"It's okay." Ji Yinhe nodded and turned to the side.
The other person stood up and saw the tall and eye-catching figures of the man and woman in front of him, as well as their perfect heads and faces, and he couldn't help but let out a loud exclamation.
"Great, great! You're exactly what I'm looking for!" He took a breath and politely introduced himself, "I'm the deputy manager of Xinbai Building, my last name is He... Would you be willing to be models for Montagut?"
"...Ah?" Ji Yinhe blinked.
"No." Lu Zheng put his hands in his trouser pockets and replied coldly, "We have something else to do——"
"Oh, please!" Manager He looked like he was about to cry. "It won't take you long. Just half an hour. Just half an hour. A reporter from the newspaper will come and take some pictures. The pay is very generous. I can even make the decision and give each of you a polo shirt. The cheapest plain one with a regular pattern is 398 yuan right now! Please help me!"
Ji Yinhe was a little moved for a moment, but when he heard that there were reporters taking pictures, he immediately shook his head openly.
As a criminal policeman, he often has to carry out dangerous tasks. He would rather not expose his face if possible. It would not only affect his future work, but might also cause the prisoner's family to come and seek revenge.
However, Lu Zheng didn't move. After two seconds, he raised his eyebrows and asked seriously, "Can I give up my polo shirt and ask you to do me a favor?"
Manager He said repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes!"
As long as they are willing to be models and walk the catwalk to keep their jobs, Manager He can do anything, even if it means going through fire and water!
"Don't be so hasty to agree." Lu Zheng put his arm around Manager He's shoulder, took him to a secluded place, took out his police ID, and explained the situation.
Manager He blinked rapidly. "...So you two are police officers, and you want a list of every customer who has purchased Dupont L1 lighters?"
"right."
"That's easy!" Manager He breathed a sigh of relief. "That clerk got in through the back door. He's always had this bad temper, looking down on everyone... But everyone has their weaknesses. I'll personally go and say a few words later, and I guarantee they'll hand over the list... By the way, you're not talking about a murder case, are you? It has nothing to do with our mall, right?"
"No, I didn't." Expert Lu lied without blushing or beating his heart. "It's just an ordinary case."
Manager He breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, alright. Please both of you move and follow me up to the sixth floor. Our professional makeup artists are waiting!"
Lu Zheng calmly stepped onto the escalator. Ji Yinhe followed him hesitantly, lowering her voice: "Teacher Lu...isn't it a bad idea to show up in public like this?"
"It's okay, just look at me later."
Comrade Xiao Ji went backstage half-believing and half-doubting.
The makeup artists and stylists surrounded them warmly upon seeing them. "Where did you find these handsome men and beautiful women? They're even better looking than the stars on TV!"
Ji Yinhe was surrounded by the aroma of rouge and powder and all kinds of flattery. He walked into the simple changing room with a dizzy head, took off his shirt, and carefully put on the latest polo shirt provided by Montagut.
Her dress is lake blue with small off-white flowers embroidered on the chest. The fabric is silky, smooth and cool, as if it will flow downwards by itself.
Manager He also brought her a beige skirt and small leather shoes. Ji Yinhe lifted the curtain and walked out. Amidst the compliments of "Cool!" and "So beautiful!", she turned awkwardly in front of the dressing mirror.
The lake blue color sets off her fair skin, and the neckline is slightly low, revealing a delicate collarbone.
"Wow! So thin! Supermodel figure!" The makeup teacher couldn't help but applaud.
Ji Yinhe didn't say anything, but just raised his arms, exerted a little force, and showed off his beautifully trained biceps.
The makeup artist was so shocked that she was speechless. At Manager He's repeated urging, she took people to do their hair.
Lu Zheng was already sitting at the table. He was wearing a light pink polo shirt, which made him look fresh and sunny. His slightly long hair was well-groomed, and a strand of bangs obediently stood above his eyebrows, forming a very handsome arc.
Hearing the footsteps, he turned around and smiled. His red lips and white teeth made Comrade Xiao Ji's heart beat slower.
She immediately lowered her head and asked honestly, "Teacher Lu, do you have any good ideas?"
Lu Zheng didn't say anything and picked up two things from the table - black aviator sunglasses and a wig!
"Manager He and I have agreed that I will wear sunglasses and you will wear this big wavy blond wig."
Ji Yinhe was stunned and slowly exhaled.
Wow, even someone as open-minded and fashionable as Ms. Lian has never had such a look!
Before she could react, the makeup artist had already swiftly retrieved her cheeks and painted a layer of putty as white as paint. As she did so, she said, "You're already very fair, but your cheeks are too rosy. Wearing this blond wig will make you look unhealthy and pale. Later, I'll give you a bright red Hong Kong-style lipstick. You'll look like a real-life Barbie, even more beautiful than Qiu Shuzhen!"
Ji Yinhe stared at his face in the mirror in despair.
...Very good, even without the wig, she would hardly be recognisable as herself.
After quickly finishing their makeup, the two were taken directly down the fire escape to the first floor. Before going on stage, the agent and Manager He gave them an emergency training on how to walk the catwalk and present the clothes. Finally, they patted them on the back and said, "Look up! Be lively! Smile! Come on, get going! Our sales depend on you!"
Ji Yinhe is a confident and open-minded person, but being stared at by so many people made the back of her neck feel a little numb. With a tight fake smile on her face and trembling steps caused by the high heels, she walked back and forth on the red carpet with Lu Zheng several times.
She originally thought it would be ugly and embarrassing, but unexpectedly she received loud and warm applause!
"Hey, this blonde girl and the guy in sunglasses look really energetic!"
"The model's movements and expressions are so natural, just like the good-looking young people around us!"
"Yes, I think I'd look good in it too!"
“It also has to be an international brand that knows how to play!”
"Hahaha, I also want to dye my hair into big golden waves, like a little foreigner!"
…
Manager He, who was standing on the outskirts of the crowd, wiped his sweat.
The brand Montagut is expensive and only business people and wealthy elderly people can afford it. At first, he was worried that he would be booed if he chose two models who were obviously not professional to walk the runway. Unexpectedly, the effect was so fresh and interesting to the audience!
Here, Ji Yinhe and Lu Zheng were still standing awkwardly in front of the Xinbai Building, waving and turning around to everyone, while the goods on the counter over there had been sold out!
"Hey, hey, hey, you have to leave two for me!" Manager He, who wanted to keep his job, rushed back.
Ji Yinhe slowly moved his stiff smiling muscles, just waiting to take his bow and leave the stage so that he could ask Manager He to help him get DuPont's client list.
But just as the staff were guiding them to leave, a beautiful girl in uniform suddenly pushed through the crowd and blocked their way.
Tan Yaxin, the salesgirl at Jinlin Men's Wear, crossed her arms and said with a familiar smile, "It took me a long time to recognize her...Mr. Lu, Comrade Xiao Ji, I didn't expect you two to show off at the mall instead of focusing on your investigation!"
"...Ms. Tan?" Ji Yinhe opened his eyes wide in surprise, "Are you here to go shopping?"
Tan Yaxin snorted and smirked, straightening the hem of Qiao Di's clothes. "I work here at Xinbai. Have you heard of Jinlin Clothing? It's only slightly inferior to this Montblanc."
Only then did Ji Yinhe realize that she was wearing a light blue counter uniform, which, to be fair, made her look pretty good.
However, she didn't know much about these brands, so she nodded and said, "Teacher Lu and I will come to investigate."
Tan Yaxin sighed, "Does it really matter if you dress like this for normal work? Is modeling for Montblanc also to catch bad guys?"
At this moment, there were many old men and women watching on both sides, and some were even holding cameras and taking pictures. There were so many people talking and it was really difficult to explain the situation.
Ji Yinhe and Lu Zheng hurriedly invited the person to a secluded corner.
"Why do you have to say it behind people's backs?" Tan Yaxin said displeasedly, "No matter how you explain, I have to tell Ah Ci when I get back how he recruited two men who love to show off so much!"
"..." Ji Yinhe rubbed his brows and smiled politely, "Ms. Tan, Teacher Lu and I are investigating a case and need the mall manager to help us get some materials. He promised to do a fashion show in exchange. You can tell Captain Tang. And -"
She put on a righteous look and took a step forward. "I am indeed Captain Tang's subordinate, but Teacher Lu is not. He was invited by Director Rao from the provincial department to help. His rank is higher than Captain Tang's!"
Lu Zheng, who was protected behind him, showed a slight change in expression, and his handsome eyes stared at Comrade Xiao Ji's high-spirited back without blinking.
Tan Yaxin felt a little weak and laughed awkwardly, "Really?"
"Believe it or not." Lu Zheng said casually, "And this idea was mine. It has nothing to do with Ji Yinhe."
He gentlemanly put his arm around Ji Yinhe's shoulders and led her around, leaving Tan Yaxin with a cold glance.
"We have some important things to do. We should get going."
Tan Yaxin: “…”
When passing by the bathroom in the corner, Ji Yinhe stopped and raised his hand to scratch his head.
"Teacher Lu...this wig is a little itchy. I want to take these things off first."
"Okay, take your time. I'm just going to look for Manager He."
Ji Yinhe quickly slipped into the bathroom, took off her wig and hairnet in front of the mirror, brushed her sweaty hair, and let out a long breath——
The whole person felt cool and refreshed instantly.
Taking advantage of the fact that there were few people around, she turned on the faucet again, scooped up a handful of cool tap water, and thoroughly washed off the foundation and lipstick on her face, then walked out comfortably.
Unexpectedly, the person waiting at the door was not Lu Zheng, but Tan Yaxin holding a paper bag.
"Comrade Xiao Ji." Tan Yaxin put on a smile and said, "I misunderstood you and Teacher Lu just now. I'm so sorry. Please don't take it to heart."
Ji Yinhe shook his head, "It's okay."
Seeing that she was not angry at all, Tan Yaxin walked up to her quickly and handed the paper bag in her hand to her.
"Comrade Xiao Ji, I picked out a tie for Ah Ci... You guys have a big case coming up lately! I'm so busy with work, working overtime at the Municipal Bureau all day, and I don't go home. I see him much less often than you do! Why don't you bring it to me? In case he needs it last-minute, he'll have to rush home to get it."
"Okay." Ji Yinhe didn't realize that Tang Ci had ever worn a tie at the Municipal Bureau. Since it was just a small favor, he promised, "I'll definitely bring it to you."
She took the paper bag and took a look at the opening of the bag. "Is this your Jinlin's tie? The pattern is quite nice. I want to buy one for my dad too."
"That's great! Thank you, Comrade Ji, for supporting our counter's business!" Tan Yaxin led Ji Yinhe towards the counter. "A new batch of goods arrived a few days ago, especially suitable for mature men..."
A trace of sadness appeared on her face, and she said sadly: "If my father were still alive, I would buy him one too."
Ji Yinhe immediately remembered what he heard at the door of Director Rao's office two days ago.
But she felt that as a subordinate of the other man's fiancé, she didn't say much. She just politely lowered her eyes for two seconds as a sign of condolences, and then lowered her head to choose a tie for Old Ji.
Tan Yaxin stood there in a daze, blinking.
Her real intention was not to drink - she asked Ji Yinhe to help tie the tie and brought up the past when she lost her father. She wanted to highlight her status as the fiancée and gain sympathy, so that she would stay away from Tang Ci out of guilt and pity.
But why is Xiao Ji so calm? It seems like he didn't understand her hidden meaning at all?!
She stood there for two seconds, then turned around and was startled again.
Lu Zheng stood silently a few steps away, staring at her calmly, as if he could see everything in her heart.
"...What's up?" Tan Yaxin touched her nose, her voice trembling slightly. "Teacher Lu, what can I do for you?"
Lu Zheng shifted his gaze slightly and saw Ji Yinhe still interestedly comparing the patterns of two ties in front of the mirror, then he spoke softly:
"Ms. Tan, I think you have a misunderstanding about Ji Yinhe. She is not your imaginary enemy."
Tan Yaxin was not right but still confident, "There is no misunderstanding, Teacher Lu, you just don't understand women well enough."
"You think too little of the world of women." Lu Zheng remained calm. "Ji Yinhe has no love for men and women in her heart. She just wants to solve the case and protect social fairness and justice—"
"That's all superficial!" Tan Yaxin felt her cheeks getting hot and her voice got louder. "She used these tricks to attract Ah Ci's attention!"
"..." Lu Zheng sighed softly, "This is a problem between you and your fiancé. Have you discussed it seriously?"
"……without."
"Then why don't you ask Tang Ci what she thinks first?" Lu Zheng's eyes were fixed on Ji Yinhe's movements. Before she excitedly came over to open the ticket, he said the last words, "Ms. Tan, I can assure you that Ji Yinhe has no intention of interfering in your relationship at all, not even a little bit."
“…” Tan Yaxin bit her lower lip.
"Teacher Lu, come here! What are you guys talking about?" Ji Yinhe placed the tie in his hand on the glass counter. "I've chosen it. Please issue the ticket!"
Tan Yaxin lowered her head, stiffened her neck, and scribbled a few words on the receipt book. She tore it off and handed it over, pointing in the direction of the cashier. "Go straight to the end and turn left. Shopping vouchers, cash, and remittance checks are all accepted."
"Okay!"
Today's customers were all gathered at the Montblanc counter on the first floor. Ji Yinhe quickly paid and came back, only then did he realize something was wrong.
Expert Lu was standing there, one hand in his pocket, looking straight ahead with a casual attitude, while Miss Tan was standing far away, as if she was avoiding a hot potato, with her arms folded and her face flushed.
"What's going on?" Ji Yinhe blinked, confused.
"Nothing." Tan Yaxin handed the packaged tie to her and said quickly, "I was overthinking it before."
Ji Yinhe looked bewildered, "...Ah?"
"Let's go." Lu Zheng pointed ahead, "Let's get down to business."
Comrade Xiao Ji's attention was immediately attracted by Manager He who was walking quickly towards him.
"...Here's the list you two requested. I just copied it from Dupont. It has the purchase date, style, quantity, and price. I checked it twice, and there's absolutely no mistake." Manager He breathlessly handed over a piece of letter paper and two handbags, saying sincerely, "Thank you two for saving the situation. The result was really great, and our leaders are very satisfied... I know you police officers definitely won't accept money, so I'll give you these two Montagut polo shirts as compensation for today's fashion show!"
Ji Yinhe and Lu Zheng didn't even have time to say thank you before they looked at the list carefully.
That lighter was only sold for seven yuan in the entire Jiangtan area.
In just a few lines, two names immediately jumped into Ji Yinhe's eyes——
She took a deep breath and frowned her delicate eyebrows.
Why are they the two?!
*
It was already noon when we returned to the Municipal Bureau.
When Ji Yinhe walked into the office, Tang Ci was not there. On the blackboard was his flamboyant calligraphy: 2pm, third floor conference room, first case review meeting!
Lu Zheng put down the paper bag in his hand and adjusted his cool bangs in distress. "I'm going to wash off the hairspray. You can go have lunch first. You don't have to wait for me."
"good."
Ji Yinhe put the tie that Tan Yaxin asked her to bring on the captain's desk in the inner room, and put the tie and polo shirt that Xiaoshun gave to Old Ji and Ms. Lian under the desk. Then he called Ye Qing, who had just come out of the autopsy room, and went to the cafeteria on the first floor to catch the last batch of lunch.
She had quarreled with the salesgirl, walked the runway as a model, and bought things for Old Ji all morning. She was so hungry that she felt dizzy and her stomach was sticking to her back. She ate more ferociously than a hungry tiger and didn't notice that Cheng Mo, who was sitting diagonally opposite her, was looking at her with worried eyes.
The reason was simple: when Ji Yinhe put a paper bag with the Jinlin logo on it on Tang Ci's desk, Cheng Mo who was passing by saw it.
Tang Ci has a good impression of Comrade Xiao Ji, and the silent Brother Cheng knows it all the time.
But he always thought that this was a matter of love and indifference, but what was going on with Ji Yinhe?
Are you bringing the items for someone else, or did you buy them yourself?
Seeing how she is devoted to solving the case, she doesn't look like she's just beginning to fall in love...
Cheng Mo put down his bowl and wiped his mouth, planning to find a chance to ask her about it in the afternoon.
As soon as I pushed the door open, I saw Tang Ci standing in front of the table, looking carefully at the tie box.
"Old Cheng, you're just in time." He turned around when he heard footsteps. "Do you know who put this thing on my desk?"
Cheng Mo nodded and said hesitantly: "I know, it's Xiao Ji——"
"Xiao Ji?" Tang Ci's expression immediately became excited. He reached out to remove the package and hung the tie around his neck. "Does it look good?"
"Old Tang, I think you need to ask clearly." Cheng Mo frowned. "It says Jinlin Men's Clothing on the packaging. Miss Tan works at this counter, right?"
Tang Ci's swaggering movements paused for two seconds.
"...You have a point." He took the tie off his neck and stuffed it into the box. "Well, I'll ask Xiao Ji this afternoon... What if, what if she was the one who gave it to me?"
"Xiao Ji is still a little girl, how could she understand the meaning of giving this?" Cheng Mo glared at him sternly, "Old Tang, you should focus on the case!"
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