Lu Jianming listened as Wang Wei analyzed the case and calmly said, "Well, that analysis is quite reasonable and thorough."
"Is that all?" Wang Wei clearly was not satisfied with Lu Jianming's evaluation, as he felt he was the only one speaking, and Lu Jianming had not offered any opinions.
"Hmm? What else do you want me to say?" Lu Jianming retorted.
"Can't you analyze it a bit? It seems like I'm the only one talking."
"You've said everything; what else can I add?" Lu Jianming remained unfazed.
"Do you agree with my analysis?"
"I do."
"Then why are you just watching those people from the Provincial Department mess things up?"
"What do you want me to do?" Lu Jianming countered, his eyes glinting with cunning.
"I just want to do what an enforcer should do: catch the criminals and clear the innocent!" Wang Wei replied decisively.
"But I've already told you, the task force list was directly drafted by the Provincial Department, and I have no way to intervene," Lu Jianming responded somewhat helplessly.
"But we have the right to voice our opinions! Moreover, we sacrificed two comrades; the Provincial Department should consider our views! You are my leader; you need to fight for this opportunity for me," Wang Wei insisted almost petulantly.
"Sigh... Wang Wei, it's not that I don't want to help you. The sacrificed comrades were also mine. I want to personally bring the murderer to justice, but there's really nothing I can do about this. Right now, I might even become a subject of investigation myself," Lu Jianming sighed in response.
"What? Director Lu, are you saying that even you don't believe it?" Wang Wei asked in surprise, his face filled with disbelief. It was truly disheartening to think that someone as honest and upright as Director Lu could not be trusted.
"Sigh... I shouldn't have said this to you. You know me, I tend to get carried away with my thoughts. Don't take it too seriously, Wang Wei. Why are you making so many mistakes today?" Lu Jianming said with a pained expression.
Wang Wei was clearly indignant on behalf of Lu Jianming. It was outrageous that someone would bully even Director Lu! No, this case had to be investigated. He wanted to see whether the incompetent people above were more capable than him. With that thought in mind, Wang Wei said, "Director Lu, since that's the case, I won't make it difficult for you. But I am determined to investigate this case! If I can't join the task force, I'll investigate it myself! If I can't do it during work hours, I'll do it after work! I want to see who can find the real murderer first!"
"Wang Wei, you can't do this. This is a violation of discipline," Lu Jianming said.
"Violation? Director Lu, weren't there plenty of violations when you were leading us in the Criminal Investigation Division? Didn't you always tell us not to be constrained by rules when investigating cases? That sticking to the rules wouldn't lead to solving the case? Have you forgotten what you said just because you've become a leader?"
"You rascal!" Lu Jianming laughed and scolded. "You still remember all that? As criminal police, we have to act decisively when necessary; leads in solving cases can be fleeting. It seems you've made up your mind to get involved in this case?"
"Yes! I can't let down the two brothers who sacrificed themselves without catching the murderer!" Wang Wei replied proudly.
"Alright then, I'll give you a lead..." Lu Jianming said as he beckoned Wang Wei to lean closer and whispered instructions to him. Upon hearing Lu Jianming's words, Wang Wei suddenly looked enlightened and exclaimed excitedly, "Right! How did I not think of that? I felt something was off about this case but couldn't pinpoint the key issue. Now I see! Great, I'm going to take care of it right away!" With that, he stood up eagerly and rushed towards the door.
"Come back!" Lu Jianming called out. When Wang Wei turned back, Lu Jianming said seriously, "Wang Wei, only you and I know about this matter. You must be cautious; no one can know you're investigating this case privately. If anyone finds out, I won't be able to protect you. Do you understand?"
"Don't worry, Director Lu! This is my specialty; just wait for my good news!" Wang Wei replied before opening the door and striding out. Lu Jianming took a sip from his teacup and watched Wang Wei's hurried departure with a sly smile on his face.
The task force organized by the Provincial Department had fully taken over all files related to the case, including suspects and witnesses. The task force was now operating within the Longchuan City Public Security Bureau. Lu Jianming had arranged two offices and a conference room for them as a temporary command center. The head of the task force was named Zhong and was the director of the Provincial Public Security Department Criminal Investigation Second Division. He was quite arrogant and didn't even regard Lu Jianming highly; upon seeing him, he simply dismissed him with an "Old Lu." However, Lu Jianming wasn't offended; after all, he was sent down from the Provincial Department and held an administrative rank equivalent to a division chief. It was normal for him not to take himself too seriously; everyone had their own responsibilities and would go their separate ways once the job was done.
Director Zhong had come down with significant responsibilities. Before his departure, Provincial Department Director Wu had specifically summoned him. When Director Zhong respectfully entered Director Wu's office, he found another person inside—a man with slicked-back hair and a fair face wearing stylish gold-rimmed glasses—none other than Wang Jingwei, Secretary Qiao's most trusted chief secretary. Although Wang Jingwei held a relatively low administrative rank, his words carried considerable weight in Binhai's political circles; even someone like Director Wu spoke to him politely because Wang Jingwei not only served as Secretary Qiao's chief secretary but also maintained a close relationship with Qiao Qiang's family. Whenever there were matters that couldn't be publicly addressed by the Qiao family, they would entrust him to handle them. Thus, what he said often represented both Qiao Qiang and He Zhixiang; who would dare disregard him?
After greeting both men, Director Zhong respectfully sat on the sofa waiting for their instructions. Director Wu began giving him directives—essentially telling him that he needed to solve the case quickly and bring the murderer to justice for the sake of Binhai's citizens and not to betray the trust of the Party and leadership.
Then Secretary Wang spoke earnestly: "Director Zhong, this task force you're leading carries significant weight and faces severe challenges. The organization chose you because they believe in your abilities; they trust that you can successfully complete this mission by bringing the murderer to justice and turning this case into an ironclad one. Secretary Qiao asked me to come not only because the victim is his son but also because he cares deeply about the safety of Binhai's citizens' lives and property. This case is extremely serious with far-reaching consequences; Secretary Qiao hopes you will handle it impartially and severely punish the murderer so that Binhai's people can live peacefully."
Director Zhong listened intently to Secretary Wang's instructions, fearing that missing even a single word would lead to misunderstanding Secretary Qiao's intentions. Director Zhong was skilled at grasping key points; for instance, he noted several keywords from Secretary Wang's previous remarks: ironclad case, young master, and severe punishment for the murderer. As long as these points were addressed, everything would be fine.
Secretary Wang took a sip from his teacup, then dabbed his mouth with a snow-white handkerchief before continuing, "Secretary Qiao is very pleased to hear that the murderer was caught on the spot. This shows that our Binhai public security system has made significant achievements. Since the murderer has already been apprehended, Director Zhong should focus on collecting evidence after going down there, ensuring that the killer is brought to justice as soon as possible! No matter who he is or what background he has, the interests of the people are paramount! For such heinous criminals, we must act swiftly and decisively! Furthermore, Secretary Qiao has heard that this case may involve certain grassroots police and leading cadres. We must not go easy on these parasites of the state and enemies of the people! Anyone found acting as a shield for criminal organizations must be dealt with severely..."
As Secretary Wang spoke, he exuded more authority than Director Wu. After listening to his directives, Director Zhong felt his back dampen with sweat. Once Secretary Wang finished his instructions, Director Zhong thought for a moment and realized there were no questions to ask. Secretary Wang's message was clear: collect evidence and reprocess the captured murderer to ensure an ironclad case so that he could never rise again. Additionally, any leading cadres connected to this case must also be dealt with severely. With the leader's intentions clarified, Director Zhong did not dare delay any longer and promptly took his leave to head to Longchuan. Just as he reached the door, Secretary Wang called out to him again, this time kindly saying, "Director Zhong, there’s one more personal matter that Secretary Qiao and Sister He asked me to entrust you with."
Director Zhong was taken aback but quickly responded obsequiously, "Are there further instructions from Secretary Qiao and Madam Qiao? As long as I, Zhong Liang, can manage it, I will do my utmost!"
Secretary Wang stepped forward and patted Director Zhong on the shoulder warmly, saying, "Director Zhong is too polite. I've already mentioned it's a personal matter; there's no need to make it so formal. Secretary Qiao and Sister He have only one son. They are heartbroken over what happened to him at the hands of evildoers. Besides punishing the murderer severely, they have a normal parental request: they hope to have Young Master Qiao returned intact so that he does not suffer even in death. Therefore, I think you should avoid disturbing his body when you go down there. As for any autopsy or such procedures, those cannot be done at all; otherwise, it will only cause more sorrow for Secretary Qiao and Sister He. Alas... how pitiful is a parent's heart!" As Secretary Wang spoke, he sighed deeply; his eyes seemed moist as he took out his white handkerchief to dab at them.
"Please rest assured that we will not disturb Young Master Qiao. Since the murderer has already been caught, there is no need for an autopsy. I will ensure that Young Master Qiao is returned whole; anyone who dares to touch him will have me, Zhong Liang, as their first opponent!" Director Zhong vowed earnestly.
"Good, that's good! Since that's the case, I think we won't trouble Director Zhong any further. After I return, I will report to Secretary Qiao. In a couple of days, we will send someone to Longchuan to bring Young Master Qiao back so that he can be laid to rest properly. This way, Secretary Qiao can also begin to recover from the pain of losing a child and serve the people of Binhai better!" Wang Jingwei said thoughtfully.
"Indeed! It’s still considerate of you, Secretary Wang. You are truly devoted to Secretary Qiao and the people of Binhai!" Director Zhong flattered.
"Then I wish Director Zhong great success on this mission!" With this mission in mind, Director Zhong led the task force towards Longchuan.
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