Chapter 49 Piercing the Heart: Please, Stop Saying It
Lei Xiao's words weighed heavily, striking Chen Zhigang's heart. He rested his elbows on the table, covered his face with his hands, and tears streamed through his fingers.
Chen Zhigang's voice came from under his palm, sounding somewhat muffled.
"Yes, I am not human, not a man."
"I know I was wrong, but the person is dead, and I don't have a chance to apologize anymore."
“I really regret it. I didn’t handle this well. It’s my fault. You can scold me, you can hit me. That will make me feel a little better.”
Lei Xiao didn't feel any relief after he finished cursing.
So what if I cursed them?
Can Zhang Yuansheng come back to life? Can his parents, Teacher Zhang and Teacher Qiao, come back to life?
The deceased is gone, and there's nothing Lei Xiao can do.
Seeing Chen Zhigang crying in despair, Lei Xiao's fists hardened; he really wanted to punch him.
But what happens after the beating?
After the beating, Chen Zhigang felt less guilty and more at ease, but Lei Xiao would feel even more depressed and irritable.
Jiang Ling looked coldly at Chen Zhigang.
Did he truly regret it?
No, he didn't think Chen Mu had done anything wrong, nor did he think there was anything wrong with his efforts to protect his son's reputation.
He was afraid because Zhang Yuanqiang was now determined to retaliate.
Having witnessed countless prisoners' painful confessions in jail, Jiang Ling never believed in crocodile tears.
Jiang Ling wasn't as angry as Lei Xiao.
The more she hated, the calmer Jiang Ling became.
"It's too early to cry now."
Jiang Ling's voice was like the cold wind of December, blowing into people's necks, and the chill instantly seeped into their bones.
Chen Zhigang's crying stopped abruptly.
He moved his hand away, staring blankly at Jiang Ling, her words echoing in his mind. "It's too early to cry now, why?"
Jiang Ling's gaze was like a knife, and the sharpness of the knife stung Chen Zhigang's eyes.
He looked away, avoiding eye contact with Jiang Ling.
"Let me tell you what Chen Mu's future will be like."
"Chen Mu is addicted to drugs and can't quit, so the drug money shortage will only get bigger and bigger. Even if you sell your assets, you still won't be able to fill that gap. Then, Chen Mu will start selling drugs to support his drug habit."
"One day, Chen Mu was arrested by the police. He was convicted of drug use, possession, and trafficking. The amount of drugs he had was less than 10 grams, and he was sentenced to two years in prison. Drug addicts like him, like rapists, were the lowest class of people in prison. He was beaten and humiliated by his fellow inmates, lost an eye, and became lame in his right leg. He walked with a limp, became extremely thin, and never looked as handsome as before."
After his release from prison, Chen Mu was subjected to the scorn of the world. His neighbors and factory workers all knew his name, and even cats and dogs would avoid him. He had once been skilled at repairing electrical appliances, but now it was useless, and no one was willing to hire him. Chen Mu felt that there was no hope in his life.
"In pain and despair, he relapsed into drug use."
"The price of relapse is devastating. The cravings become more and more frequent, and the amount of drugs needed increases. Ordinary drugs simply cannot satisfy him, so he begins to search for the newest and purest drugs."
"Once, he had a seizure in the street and rushed into the hospital with a knife, trying to steal a dose of Demerol to relieve the pain. However, he was held down by a pharmacy employee who called the police. When the police arrived, he thought of the pain of prison and struggled desperately, managing to break free from the employee's grasp."
Jiang Ling calmly recounted Chen Mu's fate in his previous life.
The words were clear and distinct, like sharp knives piercing Chen Zhigang's chest.
His son, the son he was so proud of, the son he regarded as the continuation of his life, had such a fate.
Although Jiang Ling was talking about things that might happen in the future.
But for some reason, perhaps because her description was too realistic, Chen Zhigang genuinely believed Jiang Ling's words.
This time, Chen Zhigang did not cry.
He was in excruciating pain, as if his heart had been cleaved into pieces by a sharp knife. He could see blood gushing from his chest, but he didn't shed a single tear.
"Chen Mu was running ahead, and the police were chasing him. When they reached a dormitory building, Chen Mu panicked and rushed into the building, running all the way to the rooftop."
Standing on the edge of the rooftop, he turned around and yelled at the police who were chasing after him: "Don't come any closer, or I'll jump!"
Although there were no beautiful words or detailed descriptions, Chen Zhigang felt as if he were seeing a real scene unfold.
His son was chased to the rooftop by the police for armed robbery.
—The wind was very strong on the rooftop, making it difficult for Chen Mu to stand steadily.
A chill ran up from the soles of his feet, and Chen Zhigang screamed, "No, no!"
Jiang Ling, however, did not comply with his wishes and stared coldly at Chen Zhigang.
Her lips were beautiful and warm, yet the words she spoke were incredibly cruel.
"In that instant, countless images flashed through Chen Mu's mind."
"When he was eight years old, he slipped in the pond and was saved by Zhang Yuansheng, but he kicked Zhang Yuansheng into the water and never came back to life."
“His parents told him it wasn’t his fault, but Chen Mu knew it was. He was selfish and cowardly; he only cared about himself. He didn’t call for help in time, which is why Zhang Yuansheng died.”
"Chen Mu wanted to kneel down in front of Teacher Zhang to apologize. He wanted to tell Teacher Qiao that Zhang Yuansheng was a hero, but his parents wouldn't allow it. They said he couldn't tell others the truth, otherwise the Zhang family would scold and beat him."
"But what they didn't know was that Chen Mu would rather be beaten and scolded by Zhang Yuansheng's parents and brother than suffer from insomnia every night and hear Zhang Yuansheng laughing and saying to him: 'Chen Mu, we are the best, the best of friends!'"
Chen Zhigang clutched his head and began screaming, "Please, please stop talking!"
Lei Xiao and Li Zhenliang's feet seemed to be nailed to something; one was standing and the other was sitting, but both were stiff and unable to move.
Jiang Lingming spoke only ordinary words, yet they felt a chill run down their spines.
—She seemed to have the eyes of a prophet, foreseeing Chen Mu's fate.
Jiang Ling continued speaking.
Interspersed with Chen Zhigang's screams, each word was clear, as if it were ringing in everyone's ears.
"At the age of twenty-four, he was an outstanding repairman and bought a motorcycle. He was full of vigor and speeding through the familiar streets and alleys, feeling like he had the whole world under his control."
"In the Phantom Disco, the lights flickered, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that seemed unreal. At that moment, he thought of Zhang Yuansheng again. If Zhang Yuansheng were still alive, the two of them would have grown up together, sung and danced together, and ridden motorcycles together to chase girls, right?"
Overwhelmed by immense pain, Chen Mu could no longer hold back and squatted down in the middle of the crowd, bursting into tears.
"Someone put their arm around Chen Mu's shoulder, and Chen Mu slowly raised his head and saw Zhang Yuanqiang."
"The Zhang brothers look very alike. Although more than ten years have passed, and although Zhang Yuanqiang has grown taller and his appearance has changed somewhat, Chen Mu recognized him at a glance. Zhang Yuanqiang led Chen Mu to a booth and handed him a cigarette. This cigarette brought Chen Mu happiness and made him forget the pain that had been building up inside him. And from then on, Chen Mu began his path of drug addiction."
Chen Zhigang stopped screaming and passively listened to what Jiang Ling had to say.
He saw his son's past and felt pain for his son's suffering.
It turns out that Zhang Yuansheng's death hurt Chen Mu so much!
So much so that he couldn't feel true happiness, so much so that he felt his own happiness was a sin, so much so that he didn't resist drugs because only in this way could he temporarily forget that pain.
Chen Zhigang's body began to tremble involuntarily.
Shaking from the soles of your feet all the way up to the top of your head.
The trembling started from the fingers and continued down to the tip of the tongue.
Jiang Ling noticed Chen Zhigang's trembling, but she continued her story.
Does it hurt? That's exactly what I'm going to make hurt!
Tremble? That's exactly what I'm going to make you tremble!
Only when you experience real pain and feel real fear will you truly repent from the bottom of your heart!
Hit you? Curse you?
That's so cheap.
What I want is to destroy their spirit.
“Chen Mu isn’t stupid. He knows Zhang Yuanqiang hates him and that Zhang Yuanqiang is using him, but Chen Mu doesn’t care.”
"He was willing to follow Zhang Yuanqiang's orders and become Zhang Yuanqiang's subordinate because he was atoning for his sins."
"The wind on the rooftop is really strong, making the billboards rustle loudly."
"Looking at the police officers who were trying to persuade him to walk over, Chen Mu did not hesitate at all. He leaned back and jumped off the building."
Terrified, Chen Zhigang jumped to his feet, stretched out his hands, and screamed, "No—!"
Jiang Ling also stood up, her eyes burning with intensity, as if sharpened by a blade.
As his body plummeted through the air and the feeling of weightlessness washed over him, Chen Mu felt incredibly safe. He thought to himself, "Zhang Yuansheng saved my life. It's only right that I give it back to him now."
"Perhaps, only death can bring true liberation."
"Facing the bright sunshine, Chen Mu felt a sense of peace, a smile on his lips, and said softly: Yuansheng, I'm here."
Chen Zhigang's hand froze in mid-air.
A tear slid down the corner of her eye.
His eyes held not only tears, but also blood.
Jiang Ling smiled and said, "Now is the time for you to cry."
An immense pain surged over him like a tidal wave, engulfing his body and choking his mouth and nose. Chen Zhigang suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
boom--
Chen Zhigang leaned back and fell heavily to the ground.
Lei Xiao reacted quickly and caught Chen Zhigang by the back of his head.
Lei Xiao placed his right elbow behind Chen Zhigang's head, pressed his left hand on Chen's philtrum, and looked up at Li Zhenliang, shouting, "Go! Call the doctor."
Li Zhenliang immediately stood up and rushed to the door: "Someone has fainted! Get a doctor!"
When the doctor arrived and knelt down next to Chen Zhigang to perform first aid, Li Zhenliang finally had a moment to look at Jiang Ling, his eyes shining with admiration and submission.
Jiang Ling didn't curse Chen Zhigang at all; she didn't utter a single swear word.
But she successfully angered Chen Zhigang to the point that he vomited blood.
Absolutely amazing!
Chen Zhigang woke up quickly, and as soon as he opened his eyes, his gaze searched anxiously around.
When his gaze met Jiang Ling's clear, almond-shaped eyes, Chen Zhigang reached out to her, pleading weakly, "Save him, please, save him!"
Jiang Ling knew, of course, who Chen Zhigang was referring to when he said "he".
Should we save Chen Mu?
Can Chen Mu be saved?
Jiang Ling remained silent.
Seeing that Jiang Ling did not agree, Chen Zhigang struggled to sit up, then rolled over and knelt on the ground, desperately kowtowing. Lei Xiao tried to stop him, but Chen Zhigang unleashed tremendous strength, and he couldn't stop him at all.
“I’ll do whatever you say. I trust the police, absolutely trust the police. I’ll go find Zhang Yuanqiang, I’ll atone for my sins, I’ll take all the blame, okay? I just beg you, please help Chen Mu, he’s suffering so much, so much. He’s still young, he has to live, he has to live well…”
What Jiang Ling said was so real! It was as if Jiang Ling had witnessed it herself.
At this moment, Jiang Ling was Chen Zhigang's lifeline, and he was determined to hold on to her no matter what.
--
What happened in the interrogation room quickly spread throughout the brigade.
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.
"No way, even Captain Lei didn't scold the honest guy, yet he was scared by Jiang Ling?"
"Is Jiang Ling really that eloquent?"
"Was it really just telling a story that Chen Zhigang slid to his knees?"
When Jiang Ling walked into the brigade office again, a lot of people surrounded her. At the forefront were Zheng Yu and Su Xinwan, who had been sitting in the corner as background figures.
"Little Jiang, everyone says you're amazing, I never would have guessed." Zheng Yu laughed and reached out to pat Jiang Ling's shoulder.
This time, Jiang Ling was smarter. As soon as Zheng Yu raised his right hand, she slid half a step to the side and moved aside from Zheng Yu's hand.
Su Xinwan looked at Jiang Ling and said softly, "I really envy you."
There was a hint of sorrow in her eyes, which made Jiang Ling feel a little sorry for her. She comforted her, saying, "You can do it too."
Su Xinwan smiled, but the smile seemed weak, as if she didn't believe in herself.
Jiang Ling felt that Su Xinwan looked somewhat familiar.
But she was certain she had never seen her before.
Jiang Ling didn't say anything more, then turned to Lei Xiao and asked, "How is Chen Zhigang's health? Can he hold on?"
Lei Xiao waved his hand: "Don't worry, it's just a sudden attack of anger. It looks scary, but once you spit out that mouthful of blood, you'll be fine."
Jiang Ling hummed in response, her face expressionless.
In her previous life, Jiang Ling was merely a criminal records administrator, never having the chance to confront suspects face-to-face. Reborn, she's on the front lines of criminal investigation, her words sharp as knives, dissecting the souls of villains—it's truly exhilarating!
Lei Xiao asked Jiang Ling, "How do you plan to help Chen Mu?"
Jiang Ling said, "We've done a good job with Chen Zhigang's ideological work. Of course, the next step is to do ideological work with Chen Mu."
You call that ideological work?
Lei Xiao chuckled: "Alright, do your ideological work properly."
Jiang Ling glanced at him: "Don't forget, our goal is to expose the drug trafficking gang behind Zhang Yuanqiang, not to save Chen Mu and Chen Zhigang."
Having been lectured by such a pretty little girl, Lei Xiao's face fell, and he looked at her fiercely: "I know! Stop nagging."
Li Zhenliang felt a little flustered when he looked at Lei Xiao's fierce face.
Jiang Ling didn't care at all: "Team Leader Lei, I plan to turn Chen Zhigang and his son against me. You should be prepared."
Lei Xiao was a little confused by Jiang Ling's train of thought: "Turning them to a defection?"
Jiang Ling nodded: "Yes, didn't we say last time to let them fight like dogs? Since Zhang Yuanqiang can't be alerted, let Chen Zhigang and Chen Mu take the initiative to come to them and lure them out."
Lei Xiao understood, a surge of joy rising within him. He raised a thick eyebrow: "What do you intend to do?"
Jiang Ling leaned closer to him and whispered a few words.
Lei Xiao beamed with joy: "Okay, let's do it this way!"
A large team was making preparations in full swing.
Jiang Chenzhou from the Second Brigade was getting a little anxious.
Jiang Chenzhou came over to Lei Xiao: "Hey, Lao Lei, you can't keep any of your operations a secret. We're a task force, we share the same fate."
As soon as Lei Xiao saw him, he immediately perked up: "You've come at the right time! We're short a few people to keep watch, so send someone over to help us right away."
Jiang Chenzhou carefully observed Lei Xiao's expression: "Old Lei, you look rather cheerful. Is there some progress in the case?"
Lei Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Comrade Xiao Jiang did a great job, she made Chen Zhigang cough up blood. She's in the interrogation room talking to Chen Mu right now. We'll take action as soon as she comes out."
Jiang Chenzhou could understand each word individually, but when they were put together, he was a little confused.
"Did you vomit blood from all the cursing?"
"Operation? What operation?"
Lei Xiao glanced at him, frowned, and said, "Old Jiang, you usually seem pretty smart, how come you're acting like an idiot today? You can't even understand such a simple sentence."
Lei Xiao was secretly pleased that he could finally outwit Jiang Chenzhou today: "Chen Zhigang revealed the truth about Zhang Yuansheng's drowning years ago. Jiang Ling criticized him a few times, and he got so angry he vomited blood. Jiang Ling is currently working on Chen Mu's mindset. When the time comes, let Chen Mu and Chen Zhigang go find Zhang Yuanqiang and let the three of them fight like dogs. Wouldn't that solve the case?"
Jiang Chenzhou wanted to hit someone.
He understood the general idea, but Lei Xiao didn't explain clearly what Jiang Ling criticized, what ideological work she did, or what the specific plan was.
Jiang Chenzhou patiently asked, "Where is the interrogation record of Chen Zhigang? Let me see it."
Lei Xiao had his subordinate bring over the transcript and handed it to Jiang Chenzhou: "Here, take a look."
Jiang Chenzhou didn't bother to dwell on Lei Xiao's smugness when he said the word "study," and took the transcript to read it.
He skimmed through the text, then remained speechless for a long time.
Lei Xiao nudged Jiang Chenzhou's arm with his elbow: "Hey, are you stupid?"
Jiang Chenzhou sighed, somewhat doubting his own abilities. He glanced at Lei Xiao and said, "Old Lei, were we really this good when we first graduated and started working?"
Lei Xiao, who had worked with him for many years, immediately understood and chuckled: "Back then, we both made a lot of mistakes and got scolded by the captain. Impressive? Impressive my ass."
Jiang Chenzhou looked at the closed interrogation room: "I know the principle of the younger generation surpassing the older generation, but this younger generation is a bit too impressive. Look at what she said, how can she be like a police academy student who has only graduated for a little over a year? She clearly has the demeanor of a veteran criminal investigator who has been immersed in the front line of criminal investigation for many years, with rich experience and composure."
Lei Xiao laughed even harder: "If Jiang Ling wasn't capable, would Director Zhong have put her in our task force? Let me tell you, I've got my eye on her, so don't try to take her from me!"
Jiang Chenzhou narrowed his eyes but remained silent.
He was thinking that since Lao Lei had his eye on Jiang Ling, he had to compete with Lao Lei for her.
The first brigade is full of violent crimes like murder, rape, and kidnapping. It's not a suitable place for a girl. Jiang Ling would definitely prefer the second brigade.
Although robbery and theft can be dangerous, they involve less bloodshed and are much gentler than a large-scale gang raid.
Lei Xiao stared at Jiang Chenzhou with a suspicious look: "Old Jiang, the way you look, you're obviously plotting something bad. Let me tell you..."
The two were arguing when the interrogation room door opened.
Jiang Ling and Li Zhenliang came out.
Lei Xiao and Jiang Chenzhou stepped forward: "How is it?"
Looking inside from the doorway, Chen Mu sat in a chair with his arms crossed in front of his chest, looking dazed and blank, as if his soul was wandering.
Jiang Ling said, "Send someone to bring Ying Yuhua here. Chen Mu has something to say to her."
Lei Xiao exclaimed, "Huh?"
Jiang Chenzhou realized what was going on and said, "Okay, I'll make a trip right away."
Jiang Chenzhou greatly admired Ying Songmao.
The Second Brigade took over a burglary case. The victim was a first-floor resident whose security window had been damaged. However, the tool used could not be identified from the damage marks. Jiang Chenzhou had been catching burglaries for many years, but he could not recognize such strange marks.
Later, Ying Songmao personally conducted an on-site investigation and spent two days in the laboratory figuring out a tool. He used this tool as a key point to finally catch the thief.
Jiang Chenzhou knew Ying Songmao was a capable person and greatly admired his meticulous work ethic. Hearing that Ying Songmao had been suspended from duty for leave, Jiang Chenzhou felt it was a pity and thought he would take the opportunity to visit him.
Ying Songmao could never have been involved with drug users; he was clearly implicated by his sister.
Jiang Chenzhou volunteered to go and meet Yu Hua.
The Ying family still lives in the dormitory building assigned by the chemical plant. It was built a long time ago, and the chemical plant is not doing well now, so there is no money to renovate the old building. The dilapidated stairwell is filled with all kinds of clutter, and the mottled walls are covered with small advertisements.
After Ying Songmao's parents were both laid off, they opened a rice noodle shop, which did quite well. They made some money in the past few years and planned to buy a house in the city and move away, but they were a little reluctant to leave their old neighbors.
Having worked in a chemical plant my whole life, surrounded by colleagues on all sides, and having people to chat with everywhere I go, this feeling is reassuring.
Jiang Chenzhou had made a phone call before arriving, and Ying Songmao opened the door as soon as he arrived at the Ying family's door.
Ying's parents couldn't stay idle, and after being discharged from the hospital, they started working at the rice noodle shop again, leaving only Ying Songmao and Ying Yuhua at home.
Jiang Chenzhou looked Ying Songmao up and down, then reached out and patted his arm: "Not bad, you're in good spirits."
Although he was suspended from work and staying at home, Ying Songmao did not become discouraged and continued to work on important matters.
His second paper, co-authored with Jiang Ling, is finished and currently being proofread; it will be submitted in a couple of days. This paper uses the Qingshi Town human trafficking case as a case study, focusing on the "three-fixed investigation method," and aims to promote criminal profiling techniques.
Because he was focused and free from distractions, Ying Songmao ate and slept well, and his complexion actually looked better than when he was at work.
Ying Songmao smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern."
After a two-week break, when he saw his colleagues again, even though Director Zhong had instructed him not to ask or mention it, Ying Songmao still asked, "How are you?"
Jiang Chenzhou replied cryptically, "It went quite smoothly."
The two exchanged a knowing smile, and Ying Songmao welcomed Jiang Chenzhou into the house.
The living rooms in old buildings are usually quite small, only big enough to fit a wooden sofa, a coffee table, and a small television.
Jiang Chenzhou did not sit down: "Chen Mu wants to see your sister."
Ying Songmao frowned: "What do you want to see her for?"
Jiang Chenzhou shook his head: "I don't know. But that's what Jiang Ling said."
Upon hearing the name Jiang Ling, Ying Songmao immediately nodded: "Okay, you wait."
He walked to the door and pressed the small bell on it.
Ying Yuhua opened the door.
She looked haggard, with heavy dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating long-term insomnia.
Ying Songmao gestured to her in sign language.
Jiang Chenzhou couldn't understand, so he quietly waited by the side.
Ying Songmao: "Chen Mu wants to see you."
Ying Yuhua's big eyes suddenly lit up with a bright light. She nodded hurriedly, gesturing wildly, excited and happy.
Jiang Chenzhou sighed inwardly.
Ying Songmao's younger sister really won't give up until she sees the Yellow River.
She was so desperate for a man that she even caused her brother to be suspended from his job, yet she still didn't reflect on her actions. She was overjoyed at the mere thought of seeing Chen Mu.
Ying Songmao didn't say much.
He was utterly disappointed in his sister.
During this time at home, her parents and she herself scolded her severely. She took her to watch anti-drug propaganda videos and to a drug rehabilitation center to see drug addicts. She was so scared that she turned pale and had nightmares for several days after returning home.
I thought she would be disgusted when she heard the name "Chen Mu".
Ying Yuhua had assumed that she would refuse when she heard that Chen Mu wanted to see her.
Unexpectedly...
She was so impatient.
Ying Songmao turned to look at Jiang Chenzhou: "Should I come along?"
Jiang Chenzhou hesitated for a moment: "Let's go together. Your sister can't hear, so we'll need someone who can translate sign language with her."
Thus, after a two-week suspension, Ying Songmao stepped back into the city bureau as a family member of the victim.
Upon seeing Jiang Ling at the entrance of the interrogation room, the two exchanged a glance.
Jiang Ling smiled and nodded.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ying Songmao managed to squeeze out two words after a long pause: "Thank you."
Thank you for still working hard for Yuhua, and thank you for going to great lengths for me.
Jiang Ling waved his hand and led Ying Songmao and Ying Yuhua into the interrogation room.
Chen Mu remained in the same position as before, without moving his body at all.
He seemed frozen in place, completely unaware of the passage of time.
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The novel is entirely fictional, but it is based on real life.
The "Three-Point Investigation Method" was summarized by Yang Yuzhang of Zhengzhou Public Security Bureau in 2008. Drawing on 30 years of practical experience, he broke down the three aspects of case nature, investigation scope, and suspect characteristics into defining the nature, scope, and profile. For example, first, the criminal motive is analyzed to determine the type of crime; then, clues from the scene are used to narrow down the investigation; and finally, psychological profiling is used to outline the suspect's characteristics. This method is now used by many criminal investigation teams to solve cases; for instance, it has been used to quickly identify migrant workers in serial robbery cases, proving quite practical.
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