Chapter 64 Moving: Farewell for now, Jinwu Road Police Station
The summer of 1994 was exceptionally hot and humid.
In June, the town of Changhe was filled with the chirping of cicadas, and the air was as thick as the newly paved black asphalt on the road.
A blue and white Jeep 212 police car with flashing roof lights slowly drove into the main road at the town entrance. Two sidecar motorcycles painted with the word "Public Security" followed behind to reinforce the rear.
Inside the police car, Chu Jingen and Hu Shuifen sat slumped in their seats with their knees together and heads hanging low, their faces ashen—this was the first time they had returned to the small town where they had lived for over forty years as “murderers.”
Outside the car window, the roadside was crowded with residents who stood silently watching with solemn expressions.
As the police cars passed by, there were no cheers, only oppressive, suffocating stares, and occasionally, barely suppressed curses.
The police car stopped at the alley behind the Changhe Town Middle School.
Two police officers in old-fashioned olive-green uniforms got out of the car first, their expressions grave and their eyes sharp as eagles. They flung open the back door and dragged out two figures handcuffed to gleaming wrists.
Chu Jingen staggered off the car like a stray dog whose spine had been removed.
The brutality he displayed when beating his wife, abusing his stepson, imprisoning Wen Mo, and murdering Zhang Lei and Zhao Rui has now transformed into fear—the fear of reliving the murders and identifying the crime scenes in front of the townspeople.
Chu Jingen was wearing the white undershirt he wore when he went to prison, stained with dark yellow stains on the chest and with unidentified dirt on his trouser legs. His eyes were dark-rimmed, and his gaze flickered as he avoided the searing, burning stares from all around him.
Hu Shuifen followed closely behind as she got out of the car. Her hair was disheveled, her face was ashen, her lips were trembling, and her knees were weak. She was half-lifted and half-dragged by the police officers, her eyes fixed on her feet—she would rather be shot than face the anger of the victim's family.
"You beast! Skin him alive, pull out his tendons, grind his bones to dust!"
A piercing scream exploded through the crowd, like a blunt knife slicing through the deathly silence.
He is Zhao Rui's father.
The man, tormented by the devastating news of his son's death, had suddenly turned as white as snow at his temples, and every wrinkle on his face was etched with despair. Ignoring the police officers' attempts to stop him, he forcefully pushed through the crowd and lunged at Chu Jingen.
Those withered hands, calloused and cracked from years of repairing shoes and umbrellas, gripped Chu Jingen's undershirt like iron claws. In his bloodshot, cloudy old eyes, a bone-deep hatred and overwhelming grief burst forth.
He wailed, "My son, my Xiao Rui! I only have one son. He said he would make money so I could enjoy a comfortable life. My son..."
A broken cry, each word dripping with blood.
"Son, give me back my son—" His wife, equally overwhelmed by grief, collapsed onto the cold, muddy ground, clutching a cane tightly in her hand, her shoulders heaving violently as she let out a silent, heart-wrenching sob. Her eyes had gone blind from crying during the long wait; she would never see her son again!
"Chu Jingen! Hu Shuifen! My son is not even eighteen years old yet, how could you do this to him? You are not human, you are demons, evil spirits—"
Another shrill female voice rang out, carrying a chilling madness.
She is Zhang Lei's mother.
She pushed her way to the edge of the cordon and spat at Hu Shuifen, who was pale and trembling like a leaf: "Is your heart made of iron or has it been ripped out by wolves? You are an accomplice, an accomplice!" She cried and cursed, almost collapsing, and was supported by several grieving women next to her.
Zhang Lei's father stood silently in the crowd, tears streaming down his face, clutching a portrait of his son tightly in his hands. The portrait was framed with white flowers and draped in black gauze; the boy in the photo smiled brightly, as if he had never experienced the filth and darkness of this world.
The pent-up anger of the crowd surged violently like lava, instantly ignited by the heart-wrenching cries of the victims' families.
Gravel, rotten vegetable scraps, and wet mud pelted the couple Chu Jingen like hailstones, spilling over the warning line.
While maintaining order, the police officers pulled them forward.
Chu Jingen was struck on the forehead by a clod of earth; mud and blood mingled and flowed down, instantly blurring his terrified eyes. He was completely stunned, his legs as weak as noodles. The little bit of bravado he had mustered in the interrogation room vanished in an instant before this overwhelming wave of hatred. He had never felt the world's contempt and loathing so acutely; the shouts, the stares, terrified him more than any punishment.
Hu Shuifen, who was already timid, was so frightened that she could only let out desperate moans, like a live fish thrown onto a hot iron plate.
The police dragged the pale-faced Chu Jingen and Hu Shuifen to the back alley of the school. Zheng Yu pointed to the tightly closed iron gate and the moldy wall, and shouted sternly, "Look carefully! Was Zhang Lei taken away from here? How did you do it?!"
Chu Jingen trembled as he raised his head, his gaze meeting the wall. In that instant, Zhang Lei's last look—a simple, boyish fear and helplessness—seemed to pierce through time and space, staring intently at him.
The terror brought on by this near-death hallucination instantly shattered his last psychological defenses.
With a loud "whoosh," he could no longer control himself and bent over to vomit violently. Filth mixed with mud splashed all over the ground, and his whole body trembled like a withered leaf in the wind.
The crime scene identification took place amidst scornful stares and angry condemnations.
The Quhe Riverbank where Wen Mo was taken away, the bus stop where Zhao Rui was tricked, the entrance to the basement where Wen Mo was imprisoned...
At each relevant location, it would inflict another wound on the hearts of Chu Jingen and Hu Shuifen, which were already riddled with holes from fear, lingering dread, and regret.
This was a condemnation from the masses;
This is a lash out at sinful souls;
This is a test of the murderer's soul.
The color had long since drained from Chu Jingen's face, leaving only ashen fear and a bewildered despair. Hu Shuifen was numb, constantly emitting mechanical sobs, tears mixed with sweat and dust, washing dirty lines down her face.
As it ended, a sudden downpour relentlessly descended.
The cold rain lashed down, washing away the dust from the ground, but it couldn't wash away the sorrow and hatred that permeated the air.
The police officers stuffed the two limp, exhausted individuals back into the police car.
The police car started moving.
Through the rain-streaked and condensed car window, Chu Jingen's gaze unconsciously and blankly drifted into the depths of the crowd.
— Zhao Rui's parents stood upright in the pouring rain, supporting each other.
— Zhang Lei's parents stood side by side, using their bodies to shield the rain from falling on the portrait.
Muddy rainwater streamed down their hair, cheeks, and bodies.
Their eyes, like bottomless, deathly black pools, pierced through the blurry car window and the thick rain curtain, like cold iron spikes, firmly nailed to Chu Jingen's face.
There were no curses, no cries, only a heavy, suffocating hatred and sorrow etched deep into the soul.
The blue and white police car swayed and bumped as it finally drove out of Changhe Town. But the silent gaze of the victims' families, along with the cold rainstorm in Changhe Town in the summer of 1994, became a nightmare prison that Chu Jingen and Hu Shuifen could never escape until their deaths.
The Chu Jingen murder case has finally been closed.
The wicked also received their just deserts.
The dead are gone; let us cherish the present.
Jiang Ling brought flowers and fruit and visited Wen Mo at the hospital with her teammates.
Wen Mo has been transferred to a regular ward, but still needs to rest.
His face was as white as paper, gleaming with a cold light against the white pillows and sheets.
Upon seeing the police enter and hearing Jiang Ling speak, a hint of closeness appeared in Wen Mo's eyes.
He remembered the voice.
"Wen Mo? We are the police. You're saved."
When he was on the verge of death and in dire straits, it was this voice that rekindled hope in his heart.
Jiang Ling walked to Wen Mo's bedside, handed a large bouquet of carnations to Wen Liyuan, and quietly asked, "How is your recovery going?"
Wen Liyuan looked at Wen Mo lying on the bed with affection and nodded, saying, "Much better, thank you."
"Thanks."
Wen Mo suddenly spoke.
Although the voice was very faint, it surprised Wen Liyuan. Her eyes instantly lit up with a bright light, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a happy smile: "Wen Mo, you can speak now!"
Perhaps due to psychological reasons, although his vocal cords were not damaged, Wen Mo never spoke. Wen Liyuan thought he would become mute from then on and felt a little annoyed that she shouldn't have named her son "Mo".
Now that Wen Mo is finally willing to speak, how could his mother not be overjoyed?
Wen Mo tilted his head slightly on the pillow, looked at Wen Liyuan, whose face was haggard and whose hair was gray, and softly called out, "Mom."
This call brought tears to Wen Liyuan's eyes. She hugged her son tightly, tears streaming down her face: "Wen Mo, Wen Mo..."
Jiang Ling's eyebrows curved slightly, her smile radiant.
His willingness to speak indicates that Wen Mo is gradually emerging from his self-isolation. As long as he cooperates, he will surely be able to gradually emerge from the shadows under the guidance of doctors and with the care of his family.
"Wen Mo, it's me, Jiang Ling. You're safe now, so take good care of yourself." Jiang Ling bent down, closing the distance between herself and Wen Mo.
Wen Mo blinked.
He has a pair of expressive eyes; in the blink of an eye, the entire ward seems to brighten up.
Liu Haoran also came over and said with a grin, "Great painter, remember to give me a painting when you become famous."
Li Zhenliang: "Me too, draw one for myself."
Zhou Wei smiled and placed the fruit on the bedside table without saying a word.
"good."
Having not spoken for so long, Wen Mo had almost forgotten how to speak, and his voice sounded slightly hoarse and rough.
Jiang Ling knew that Wen Mo's body had not yet recovered and did not want him to spend too much energy, so she only said a few words and then left.
Wen Liyuan chased after Jiang Ling into the corridor and grabbed his hand, saying, "Thank you, thank you all! You are my lucky star, my Wen Mo's savior!"
After being tirelessly caressed and touched by her mother, Xiao Wenjuan, Jiang Ling's resistance to physical contact lessened considerably, and she no longer felt averse to shaking hands with other women.
Jiang Ling let her hold his hand for a while before withdrawing it: "Don't be so polite, it's what we should do."
"No, no, no." Wen Liyuan shook her head repeatedly. "If it weren't for your insistence on investigating, Wen Mo would have died in that dark and gloomy basement any later. So, I must thank you."
Jiang Ling: "It was Wen Mo who persevered on his own."
Because of his love for painting, his expectations for his mother, and the extraordinary tolerance for loneliness he developed from being neglected by his father and grandmother when he was young, Wen Mo survived for three years in that terrifying environment.
Tears welled in Wen Liyuan's eyes: "Jiang Ling, you are all good police officers. I thank you on Wen Mo's behalf. The doctor said Wen Mo has recovered somewhat, and I plan to take him back to the provincial capital for further treatment tomorrow." There were some things Wen Liyuan kept in her heart, feeling that saying them aloud would lack sincerity.
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "Then, I wish you a speedy recovery."
Wen Liyuan is a strong and great mother with abundant financial resources, so Wen Mo should be able to receive the best treatment and care.
The thought that Wen Mo had survived and could continue painting filled Jiang Ling's heart with warmth.
My cheerful mood vanished the moment I saw Chen Mu sitting alone on a hospital bench.
Chen Mu reacted quickly this time. As Jiang Ling and her group approached, he immediately stood up and respectfully greeted them, "Officer Jiang!"
Jiang Ling frowned: "What is it?"
Chen Mu has successfully quit drugs and has gained some weight recently, so he doesn't look as thin as before. He glanced cautiously at Jiang Ling and said, "Um, I won't do drugs anymore, so please don't worry."
"Mm." Jiang Ling nodded.
Judging from Chen Mu's demeanor, Jiang Ling knew he was telling the truth. Chen Mu had not been involved in drug trafficking and had made a meritorious report; after the investigation was completed, he was released and was now a free man.
Chen Mu said, "My dad is out of danger. This time, I was wrong."
Jiang Ling looked intently into Chen Mu's eyes: "Chen Mu, get to the point."
Jiang Ling had no patience for Chen Mu, who had readily agreed in the interrogation room to cooperate with the police in bringing Zhang Yuanqiang to justice, but suddenly told Zhang Yuanqiang to "stop" when surrounded by special police.
Did he even realize that his seemingly random statement was a warning to Zhang Yuanqiang?
Did he even know that he almost killed his own father?
Did he even realize that because of his one extra word, the entire arrest plan was almost scrapped, and the SWAT team and the First Brigade were all reprimanded and criticized?
If Chen Zhigang hadn't been saved, the entire police force would have been held responsible!
Chen Mu had never considered any of these consequences.
He even had the nerve to criticize Ying Yuhua for being selfish; in fact, he was the most selfish person.
Seeing Jiang Ling's cold attitude, Chen Mu awkwardly told the truth: "Well, my dad refuses to be discharged from the hospital. The doctor has said he's fine and just needs to rest at home, but he just won't agree to leave. I've asked him several times, but he ignores me and only says he wants to see you."
Jiang Ling: "See me?"
Chen Mu said apologetically, "Yes. I know you're busy and didn't dare to bother you, but since we happened to run into each other today, I mustered up the courage to say hello. If you have time, would you like to visit my dad? He also lives on this floor, it's just a short walk away."
If you were to ask who Chen Mu fears the most, Jiang Ling would definitely be number one.
Her words and questions struck a nerve, making him blush, his heart race, and he break out in a cold sweat. If possible, Chen Mu hoped he would never have to deal with Jiang Ling again.
Having finally mustered the courage to say these words, Chen Mu lowered his head, not daring to look Jiang Ling in the eye.
"OK."
Jiang Ling's voice was like heavenly music, and Chen Mu looked up in disbelief: "Really?"
Jiang Ling nodded: "Take me there."
Since Chen Zhigang wants to see her, and she happens to be in the hospital, let's go see him.
Although Chen Zhigang was guilty of drug manufacturing and trafficking in his previous life and deserved to die, in this life he is just a father who dotes on his son.
Chen Mu grinned, and his whole body relaxed.
That's great. Officer Jiang didn't look down on him, didn't reject him, and didn't refuse him.
Jiang Ling, led by Chen Mu, arrived at Chen Zhigang's ward.
This is a triple room.
Chen Zhigang's hospital bed is by the window, and at this moment, he is leisurely leaning against the headboard reading the newspaper.
Upon looking up and seeing Jiang Ling, Chen Zhigang stood up in surprise: "Officer Jiang! You're here."
Under the watchful eyes of the other two patients and their families, Jiang Ling went to the window and said, "Hello."
Chen Zhigang quickly put on his shoes and said to Chen Mu, "Go out, and close the curtain on your way."
Chen Mu obediently left.
After the curtain was drawn to block the view of others, Chen Zhigang sighed and said softly, "Officer Jiang, I'm sorry to trouble you to come all this way in person."
Jiang Ling waved her hand: "It's nothing, I'm just going the same way."
There was a wooden chair at the foot of the hospital bed. Chen Zhigang dragged the chair over, intending to invite Jiang Ling to sit down, but Jiang Ling refused: "Chen Mu said you wanted to see me. What's the matter?"
Jiang Ling refused to sit, so Chen Zhigang had no choice but to stand.
He gave a wry smile: "Sigh! The situation was urgent at the time, and I didn't think about anything. I just took the bullet for Xiao Mu. I thought he was definitely going to die, so I thought I'd take his life in return, and that would save Chen Mu from feeling indebted to Zhang Yuanqiang all the time. I didn't expect that he would be so lucky and survive."
Jiang Ling looked at his pale face, which was flushed from blood loss: "Take care."
They were indeed very lucky to survive.
Fortunately, he didn't die.
Chen Zhigang had a lot to say.
Strangely enough, even though Jiang Ling had driven him to the point of vomiting blood from anger last time, Chen Zhigang didn't hate her. Jiang Ling's description of Chen Mu and their future together was so vivid, it kept echoing in his mind.
Like a movie scene, it played over and over again.
Chen Zhigang asked, "If, I mean if, we ignore Xiao Mu, will he really die?"
Jiang Ling nodded.
That was indeed the case in my previous life.
Chen Zhigang asked again, "How can you be so sure?"
Jiang Ling looked up at him: "Everything has its reasons, doesn't it?"
As if his energy had been drained, Chen Zhigang's shoulders slumped, and his eyes instantly reddened: "I only have this one son. Although he is a disappointment, I would rather die myself than let him die."
Jiang Ling: "He shouldn't be dead now."
Chen Zhigang's eyes lit up immediately: "Really?"
Jiang Ling: "Let go, let him make his own way."
Parents always want to fill in all the bumps and potholes on their children's path to growth, but children seem to enjoy digging their own holes.
Chen Zhigang slumped down, covering his face with his hands: "But I'm scared. I'm afraid that if I let go, he'll cause trouble. When that happens, I'll be a parent outliving their child, and even if I cry myself to death, there's no way to bring him back to life."
Jiang Ling looked at him: "You refuse to be discharged from the hospital because of this?"
Chen Zhigang sighed, "Yes, when I'm hospitalized, he always has to stay with me. The police also come to check on me from time to time, so he definitely won't dare to touch anything he shouldn't. If I'm discharged and his mother takes care of me, he'll definitely disappear without a trace."
Jiang Ling felt somewhat helpless.
Parents' hearts are always full of love and worry.
Chen Zhigang rambled on for a while, then looked up at Jiang Ling: "Officer Jiang, can you give me some advice on how to settle this kid down? At first, I was quite diligent while I was staying with him, but once I felt a little better, he became like a monkey with a perpetually restless bottom. Every time I close my eyes, I see him being chased by the police, then running to the rooftop and jumping off. I'm terrified..."
Before Jiang Ling could speak, the curtain was pulled open with a "whoosh."
Chen Mu stared at his father, a hint of anxiety in his eyes, and gritted his teeth as he said, "Dad, how many times do I have to tell you before you're at ease? I'm not going to do anything bad. I promised Officer Jiang that I would become a lifeguard at the beach. If you don't let me go, I will never have peace of mind for the rest of my life."
Seeing his son's face gradually regaining its handsome appearance, Chen Zhigang choked up and finally managed to say, "I'm worried."
Jiang Ling stared into Chen Mu's eyes: "Chen Mu, you owe your father a life."
Chen Mu looked at his father's chest wrapped in gauze, his expression softened, he sighed, and lowered his head: "Yes, I know."
Jiang Ling: "Your credit score is almost zero, so verbal promises are meaningless."
The anxiety in Chen Mu's eyes gradually dissipated, and he turned to look at his father: "Then what should I do? Dad, tell me, what should I do to put your mind at ease?"
Chen Zhigang didn't know either, so he could only remain silent.
Jiang Ling made a suggestion: "Chen Mu is going to work as a lifeguard in a coastal city, so you could consider having the whole family go."
Chen Zhigang and Chen Mu both looked at Jiang Ling.
Chen Zhigang hesitated for a moment: "I... I'm still at work."
Chen Mu, however, thought it was feasible: "Dad, there's no need for you to take that class at all. The factory is being restructured, and it's getting more and more chaotic. With your skills, you can find work anywhere."
Chen Zhigang's gaze remained fixed on Jiang Ling's face, as if seeking support from her.
Jiang Ling nodded.
Chen Mu had a history of drug use, but he started anew in a different city, stayed away from drugs under his parents' supervision, and did things that were meaningful to society. This is what it means to truly reform oneself.
Although reluctant to leave his hometown, Chen Zhigang had to make concessions for his son: "Then, I'll give it a try. I'll contact some of my old classmates and see if I can find something to do after I get out."
Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief: "Then, can I go and complete the discharge procedures?"
Chen Zhigang: "Go ahead, go ahead, you'll be discharged today."
Chen Mu: "Okay, then I'll pack up first."
Chen Zhigang: "Xiao Mu, even if you really go out, you still have to come home every day and report your whereabouts promptly, understand?"
Chen Mu: "Yes, yes, I understand."
During the conversation between the father and son, Jiang Ling took his leave.
After returning to the police station with her team members, Jiang Ling began moving.
Yes, the transfer orders for Jiang Ling, Li Zhenliang, Liu Haoran, and Zhou Wei have been issued. Two new police officers have been transferred from Jinwu Road Police Station to take over the case team's work. The Municipal Bureau has also promised to give priority to assigning two police academy graduates to the station once they report for duty.
With everything arranged, Jiang Ling and the other three began moving.
Wei Changfeng stood at the entrance of the police station, watching them load their personal belongings into the car, his eyes filled with reluctance: "Sigh, of the four of you, Liangzi has been in the police station the longest, Dawei only stayed for four years, Haoran for three years, and Xiaojiang for only one year. I really hate to see you leave."
Li Zhenliang patted Wei Changfeng on the shoulder: "Old Wei, you haven't gone far. If you miss us, just give us a call, and we'll be back right away!"
Liu Haoran laughed and said, "Yeah, let's not get sentimental. We already had a farewell dinner yesterday and said all the heartwarming things we needed to say. Let us go to our new jobs with peace of mind, okay?"
Wei Changfeng: "Alright, alright, I wish you all the best for the future."
Zhou Wei: "Adding flowers to brocade."
Liu Haoran quickly replied: "May flowers bloom and wealth abound."
Li Zhenliang scratched his head: "Extremely expensive?"
Wei Changfeng pointed and said, "Keep your word! Remember, if there's anything at the police station, you have to be the first ones back!"
Suddenly, they started playing a word chain game, and everyone burst into laughter.
"Okay, okay, you're the first one back."
"No problem, I promise I'll keep my word."
"Don't worry, the police station is my home. I will definitely go home for the Chinese New Year."
As the car started, Jiang Ling watched through the window as the police station gate gradually receded into the distance, with Wei Changfeng, Chief Yao, and other colleagues waving goodbye enthusiastically.
The year Jiang Ling spent here flashed before her eyes.
It was the Jinwu Road Police Station that accepted her after her rebirth;
Her warm-hearted colleagues gave her friendship and support;
It was everyone's trust that gave her the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities.
Goodbye for now, Jinwu Road Police Station.
In the future, she will step onto a bigger stage.
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