Chapter 128 Why didn't you come sooner?
"You are not allowed to go in."
"Get out of the way."
A conflict broke out between Ma Cheng's men and Du Xinmin's men outside the door. Both sides drew their weapons, and the situation became tense.
Du Xinmin stepped forward, his face grim: "Ma Cheng, you hold a public office, you're not the Lu family's private bodyguard. You should know what crime it is to obstruct us from carrying out our duties."
Upon hearing this, Ma Cheng could only put down his gun and put on a troubled expression: "Director Du, aren't you putting me in a difficult position? If I let you break in and frighten Mrs. Lu, how am I supposed to explain this to Commander Lu? I'm just following orders."
He also used Lu Lin to pressure him. After all, Du Xinmin was only temporarily in charge. When Lu Lin returned, Shanghai would still be under his control. Did Du Xinmin really have no scruples?
The men behind Ma Cheng raised their guns even higher, and Du Xinmin's face turned grim.
Knowing that Lu Lin would be returning soon, he was determined to secure the case.
Du Xinmin waved his hand, signaling his men to put away their guns. He then patted Ma Cheng on the shoulder, speaking with a serious tone and a benevolent air: "I'm doing this for Commander Lu. Someone reported that Lu Chang is a traitor. I'm following orders and arresting him. If you obstruct me, and the higher-ups investigate, it will implicate Commander Lu, which wouldn't be good. I know you're loyal to Commander Lu, but I don't want him to be suspected like this."
Ma Cheng's eyes flickered, but he quickly regained his composure and declared his loyalty: "This subordinate is only loyal to the Party and the country. Doesn't Director Du's statement imply that Commander Lu is suspected of forming a faction?"
Seeing his persistent and obstinate behavior, Du Xinmin's smile froze for a moment: "How could I have such a thought? It's just that Lu Chang..."
Ma Cheng frowned: "Director Du, I don't know whether Young Master Lu is a traitor or not, but the doctor just said that he is seriously injured and probably won't survive. Can't you even wait a little while?"
Thinking of the crying inside just now, the person is probably already gone. Are we really going to drag the dead back and whip their corpse? Wouldn't that be going too far?
“He might have important information on him. If it gets out…” Du Xinmin said in a low voice.
Ma Cheng interrupted him, looking shocked: "Director Du, what are you saying? Young Master Lu has been unconscious the whole way here. Are you starting to implicate others without any evidence? Are you suspecting me and Mrs. Lu?"
Du Xinmin met his gaze and did not deny it.
If it were an ordinary person, they would naturally let him in to prove their innocence, since getting involved with *** is a major taboo.
Ma Cheng did hesitate for a moment, but he quickly thought of Lu Lin. Commander Lu had entrusted his wife's safety to him, so he could not betray that trust.
"Director Du, please forgive me for disagreeing. I sincerely apologize. If you have any doubts, please provide evidence. Please understand that I cannot let you in. Our Commander Lu is strict in his military discipline. I have signed a military pledge. If my wife is harmed in any way, I will have to offer my head to him."
After speaking, he straightened his back and stared sharply at Du Xinmin. The people behind him moved closer to the center, this time revealing a hint of murderous intent.
Du Xinmin had a large number of men, but they were all from the intelligence department, while Ma Cheng's men were all selected from the military, experienced in battle, and had all seen blood.
If they really fought, how could they possibly be a match for each other?
Du Xinmin cursed inwardly, thinking that Lu Lin was abusing his power for personal gain and treating the people of the garrison command as his personal guards.
"Are you really going to become a dog?"
Ma Cheng wasn't angry, but his subordinates behind him couldn't stand it anymore and sneered, "We don't have as much experience as Director Du in being dogs."
Everyone burst into laughter.
"Kill him!" Du Xinmin shouted sternly.
"Let's see who dares!" The two sides have completely broken off relations, and a conflict could break out at any moment.
Just then, the door behind Ma Cheng was suddenly opened. They turned around and saw Shen Rong walk out with some difficulty. Her red and swollen eyes held a chilling light as she stared straight at Du Xinmin.
It looked like they wanted to bite a piece of flesh off him.
She heard the arguing outside and gave Ma Cheng a reassuring look.
Du Xinmin put on a smiling face and stepped forward with a humble attitude: "Mrs. Lu, I shouldn't be bothering you at this time, but someone has testified that Lu Chang is a high-ranking intelligence officer of the □□ in Shanghai. I have to arrest him according to the law. Please understand."
Shen Rong said expressionlessly, "You knew and still came, and you expect me to be understanding? Do you think I'm some kind of saint? So magnanimous? Didn't Ma Cheng tell you about Lu Chang's situation? You actually blocked this spot, so you're prepared to be enemies with the Lu family, right? You're just taking advantage of the fact that his brother isn't home, so he can't speak up."
As she said this, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Shen Rong wiped them away forcefully, gave him a disdainful look, and mocked, "Hurry up, you should still be able to catch up with him in time." Du Xinmin's face darkened at her words.
"He was injured by the Japanese, and instead of chasing after the real culprit, you people are fixated on a victim. How strange! Where were you when the gunfight broke out in the street? Who told you that our Lu Chang is a [illegible]? Is it Uchida Eiko? Don't think that just because he's a small-time reporter now, you can slander and fabricate things at will. He once served the government and made contributions!"
When confronted with her repeated questions, the police chief lowered his head and dared not look at her.
Du Xinmin remained unmoved: "...Please accept my condolences, but we need to take Lu Chang's body away for a check, just in case he smuggled out any intelligence..."
Shen Rong interrupted him sharply: "Director Du, I was the only one by Lu Chang's side before he died. Do you suspect that I am also a Communist? What evidence do you have to convict Lu Chang? You're arresting people just because someone said a few words! Are you going to take me to your jail for interrogation as well?"
"If this is how you can arbitrarily convict someone, then I suspect you colluded with Uchida Eiko to deliberately frame Lu Chang, causing his death, and doing things that betray the country. You are a major traitor!"
Her voice was clear and strong, and the scene was silent except for Sheng Ruyue's sorrowful sobs.
Du Xinmin felt that she had touched a nerve, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes. He stared at her calmly and fearlessly, as if to say, "Who are you trying to scare?"
His face was ashen, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He took a deep breath, calming his rising anger, and said in a sinister tone, "Mrs. Lu, why bother with your words? We certainly have the evidence. If you are willing to cooperate, that would be best. I am doing this for your sake, to clear your name, and also for the good of Commander Lu. After all, Lu Chang is Commander Lu's younger brother. I am going to report this to Jincheng, but don't worry, you don't need to come to us and suffer."
Shen Rong clenched her fists, trembling with anger. This was a threat!
Suddenly, a loud commotion came from outside the corridor, and it sounded like a lot of people had arrived.
Du Xinmin was a little puzzled. His men had already sealed off this floor of the hospital. Who could be so blind?
Heavy footsteps were approaching. Shen Rong looked over in disbelief. The figure was backlit, but Du Xinmin still recognized the person.
His expression changed instantly.
Lu Lin walked expressionlessly toward Shen Rong, and the soldiers behind him quickly subdued the men brought by Du Xinmin.
The hem of the overcoat brushed against Du Xinmin's hand, and he could even feel the intense killing intent emanating from it.
Du Xinmin took a step back to make way, his expression gentle and respectful: "Commander Lu."
Lu Lin didn't even glance at him. In a flash, Ma Cheng's gun was already pressed against Du Xinmin's forehead, and he coldly uttered, "Get lost!"
Du Xinmin's face turned pale and then red. He raised his hand to signal and took several steps back.
When Shen Rong saw him appear, all her grievances and sorrows welled up inside her. She threw herself into his arms, bursting into tears, and patted his arm, complaining, "Why didn't you come sooner?"
If it had been a little earlier, perhaps I could have seen Lu Chang one last time and said a few words to him.
Lu Lin clenched his teeth, his face tense, his expression gloomy and cold. He gently patted Shen Rong's back, about to say a few words, when suddenly something was slipped into the palm of his hand that was holding her arm. He paused for a moment, then quietly withdrew it.
Lu Lin learned about Lu Chang's shooting as soon as he got off the plane. He rushed here without even going home, but he was still a step too late.
"Wait here for me, I'll go in and check on him." Lu Lin's voice was a little hoarse.
He didn't want his wife to experience the grief of losing a loved one again.
Shen Rong nodded, her lips trembling, and someone stepped forward to help her sit down.
"Director Du, if you're worried, come inside with me and take a look." Lu Lin finally turned to look at Du Xinmin, his brows furrowed with coldness.
The words were harsh, but Du Xinmin really had to go in. He had already offended the person, and it would be even harder to explain if he came up empty-handed.
Du Xinmin gestured to one of his companions to go in together. They entered the emergency room, and Zhang Cheng slammed the door shut from the outside.
Du Xinmin's spine stiffened. In this confined space, if Lu Lin suddenly attacked, he would only face certain death.
Clearly, his subordinates shared the same thought. The two exchanged a glance and became more vigilant. Fortunately, Lu Lin had not yet lost his mind.
The emergency room was cold. Lu Chang lay there quietly. Lu Lin was completely absorbed in the situation. He hesitated, even secretly hoping that it was a prank and that Lu Chang would jump out from under the white sheet to scare him.
As long as he lives well, no matter what trouble he gets into or what crimes he commits, Lu Lin, as his older brother, can cover for him. No one can harm his younger brother. What is there to fear about a mere Du Xinmin? He can shut him up anytime he wants.
But why did this brat die like that? All his passion, ambition, and ideals were just thrown away like that?
Lu Lin pulled hard and suddenly lifted the white cloth, revealing Lu Chang's pale face, motionless, his usually smiling eyes tightly closed.
He will never cause trouble again!
The white cloth was thrown aside, exposing Lu Chang's entire body. His clothes had been torn to make rescue easier, making him look very disheveled. The several bloody holes in his chest and abdomen, now drained of blood, were dark and glaringly obvious.
Lu Lin swallowed hard, looked away, and his hand wobbled as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth.
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