Chapter Twenty-Four: No Turning Back
Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi hurriedly brought Zhu Wolong to the interrogation room at the police station. Zhu Wolong sat in the chair, full of dissatisfaction. Though he frequented the gates of the Old Zha Police Station, he never imagined he would one day be arrested and brought in himself.
Bao Kang arrived in high spirits to interrogate the suspect, but the moment he sat down, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. Seeing Zhu Wolong across from him, Bao Kang was dumbfounded—he never expected that the major suspect Lu Hehuan had mentioned would be his favored “golden son-in-law.”
Zhu Wolong, assuming Bao Kang was aware of the situation, demanded, “Director Bao, can you give me a reasonable explanation? Why exactly have I been brought here?”
Bao Kang was terribly embarrassed. Glancing sideways at Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi, he lowered his voice and chastised them, “You two, give me a reasonable explanation!”
Ying Xi discreetly pointed at Lu Hehuan, adopting a “none of my business” stance.
“Lu Hehuan, is this your so-called major suspect?” Bao Kang glared at Lu Hehuan, fury burning in his chest.
Lu Hehuan nodded and frankly replied, “As far as I know, Boss Zhu plans to demolish and rebuild the houses in Huaihua Lane soon, then rent them out again. He’s already sent people to secretly measure the properties... All the victims were solitary, with no heirs, so Boss Zhu would naturally save a portion of the compensation funds...”
“So?” Bao Kang impatiently interrupted Lu Hehuan. “What are you suspecting?”
Lu Hehuan replied solemnly, “I suspect Boss Zhu is the real murderer! Director Bao, you wouldn’t cover for him just because he’s Boss Zhu, would you?”
The officers in the room all looked toward Bao Kang.
Bao Kang, constrained by everyone’s presence, couldn’t openly shield Zhu Wolong. He cleared his throat theatrically. “Of course I will uphold the law impartially.”
“Director Bao, then I’ll begin the interrogation,” Ying Xi, ever adept at reading the room, stepped forward after Bao Kang’s statement.
Bao Kang grunted lightly through his nose, purposely lifting his chin and avoiding Zhu Wolong’s angry gaze.
Ying Xi looked at Zhu Wolong, asking in a formal tone, “Boss Zhu, where were you at around nine o’clock the night before last?”
“The night before last at nine... Oh, I was...” Zhu Wolong glanced at Bao Kang. He had spent that night reveling in the Flower House—a fact he certainly couldn’t let his intended’s brother know.
“Boss Zhu?” Ying Xi eyed the hesitating Zhu Wolong curiously.
Zhu Wolong looked at Bao Kang with difficulty, gritted his teeth, “I can’t remember.”
“Zhu Wolong, you’re hemming and hawing, your eyes are shifty, you’re obviously lying,” Lu Hehuan said sharply, staring at Zhu Wolong.
Everyone present turned their eyes to Zhu Wolong.
“Oh, just stop asking. I’ve prepared a large sum for the residents’ compensation, there’s really no need for murder.” At this point, Zhu Wolong could only swallow his bitterness.
“Boss Zhu, please cooperate. The night before last at nine was the time of the crime. Where were you?” Ying Xi pressed.
“Maybe at home? Maybe at the office...” Zhu Wolong dodged, his answers vague.
Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi watched Zhu Wolong closely, suspicion growing—both felt he was lying.
As evening fell, smoke curled up in Huaihua Lane. The hurried footsteps of Liu Rushuang shattered the hard-won peace of the alley.
She stopped at Sister Hao’s door and knocked urgently.
After a moment, Sister Hao opened the door, surprised to see Liu Rushuang.
“Sister Hao, I am Liu Rushuang, you know me, right?” Liu Rushuang looked anxious.
Sister Hao thought for a moment and nodded, “Is there something you need, Miss Liu?”
Instead of answering, Liu Rushuang asked, “Sister Hao, you’ve heard about the rumor of Jinlu’s vengeful ghost, haven’t you?”
“It’s all nonsense. There’s no such thing as ghosts. I heard the murderer’s been caught...” Sister Hao paused, carefully adding, “Wasn’t it Miss Liu’s partner, Bai Yulou?”
“No, Bai Bai wouldn’t harm a fly, let alone kill someone. That’s why I must continue investigating, to clear Bai Bai’s name. Sister Hao, you and Bai Bai both live in Huaihua Lane, so you’re neighbors. You should lend a hand too.” Liu Rushuang spoke sincerely.
“Me?” Sister Hao was surprised; she couldn’t think how she could help.
Liu Rushuang nodded, “You’re well-acquainted with everyone here, and you’re popular. I’d like you to help find out—who started the rumor about Jinlu’s vengeful ghost? Don’t worry, I won’t let you help for nothing.”
Sister Hao looked at Liu Rushuang, bewildered.
“This is a deposit. There’ll be a reward if you find something.” Liu Rushuang pulled some money from her pocket and pressed it into Sister Hao’s hand.
Sister Hao hesitated, nodding, her hand trembling as she held the cash.
“I’ll be off then. Once you find anything, come straight to Shuangxi Detective Agency,” Liu Rushuang instructed anxiously.
Sister Hao nodded, and Liu Rushuang turned to leave.
As dusk deepened, the police station’s cells grew more dim and oppressive. Zhu Wolong sat dejected in the corner, never expecting to be imprisoned.
The cell door opened, and Bao Kang strode in. Seeing Bao Kang, Zhu Wolong leapt to his feet as if starved, his face full of grievance.
“Director Bao, you must believe me. I really didn’t kill anyone.”
Bao Kang grasped Zhu Wolong’s hand, troubled. “I believe you, but since you won’t say where you were that night, I can’t help you.”
Zhu Wolong moved his lips, words on the tip of his tongue. But thinking of how Bao Ying already treated him with indifference, and fearing she’d break with him if she knew he frequented the Flower House, he swallowed his words.
Bao Kang saw Zhu Wolong’s hesitation and asked tentatively, “Is there something you can’t say, Boss Zhu?”
“Director Bao, actually that night I was...” Zhu Wolong really couldn’t bring himself to say it.
“Where?” Bao Kang urged, expectant.
“Director Bao, you must understand my feelings. I am serious about Miss Bao,” Zhu Wolong tried to placate Bao Kang.
“I understand, but what about that night?”
Zhu Wolong looked at Bao Kang, shook his head, and finally gritted his teeth, “That night I was at the Flower House—Red Peony, White Rose, and Furong can all testify...”
Bao Kang was momentarily stunned.
“Director Bao, you’re a man too, you must understand me,” Zhu Wolong pleaded guiltily.
“I understand. Boss Zhu isn’t married yet, naturally you linger among the flowers. Once you and Xiao Ying are wed, your heart will settle.” Bao Kang pretended to be experienced and comforted him.
Zhu Wolong hurriedly nodded in agreement, “Of course, with Miss Bao, who would care about those broken flowers... Director Bao, what about Miss Bao...?”
Bao Kang understood and promised earnestly, “Boss Zhu, rest assured, I’ll keep this from Xiao Ying.”
“Director Bao, you truly are my confidant,” Zhu Wolong was deeply moved.
Outside the cell, Lu Hehuan had been eavesdropping on Bao Kang and Zhu Wolong. He hadn’t expected Bao Kang to sacrifice Bao Ying’s happiness for wealth and status, and was furious.
Ying Xi, fearing Lu Hehuan would act impulsively, patted his shoulder in comfort.
“I must tell Xiao Ying, so she knows what kind of man Zhu Wolong really is,” Lu Hehuan could no longer endure.
“As the saying goes, better to destroy ten temples than ruin a single marriage. Don’t do such heartless things,” Ying Xi desperately tried to dissuade him.
“Xiao Ying has a right to know Zhu Wolong’s character, so she can make the right choice.”
“Nine out of ten men are lustful. Don’t forget, a well-intentioned lie makes the world a better place.”
The two argued, their voices rising unconsciously.
“No, I can’t let Xiao Ying be deceived. I must tell her!” Lu Hehuan declared, trying to leave, but Ying Xi clung to him.
“Whether he deceives or not is uncertain!”
“I still must tell Xiao Ying...” Lu Hehuan shook off Ying Xi.
Bao Kang heard their voices and stormed out of the cell, furious. “What are you two doing?”
Lu Hehuan was about to speak when Ying Xi quickly covered his mouth.
“It’s nothing...” Ying Xi grinned apologetically.
Lu Hehuan stomped on Ying Xi’s foot, making Ying Xi jump in pain and loosen his grip.
“I’m going to tell Xiao Ying that Zhu Wolong went to the Flower House!” Lu Hehuan stated honestly.
“You brat, dare to stir trouble and I’ll fire you!” Bao Kang threatened angrily.
Lu Hehuan tried to say more but was pulled back by Ying Xi.
“I think you two are just bored! Get out and scrub the police station toilets with toothbrushes!” Bao Kang was so angry his eyebrows nearly stood upright.
“Toothbrushes?!” Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi exclaimed in disbelief.
As darkness settled, Lu Hehuan wandered the police station corridors with a toothbrush, pretending to scrub walls as he slowly approached the forensic lab. Seeing no one around, he slipped inside.
Inside, Bao Ying jumped at the sight of Lu Hehuan, wondering why the usually steady Lu Hehuan was acting so mischievously.
“Hehuan, how did you come in without a sound?”
“Keep your voice down, I have something important to tell you about Zhu Wolong,” Lu Hehuan lowered his voice, appearing mysterious.
“I’m not interested,” Bao Ying replied coldly, the name “Zhu Wolong” already grating on her nerves.
“Huh? Should I say it or not?” Lu Hehuan scratched his head awkwardly.
“What’s up?” Bao Ying was amused by his expression.
“Zhu Wolong went to the Flower House!” Lu Hehuan said seriously.
Bao Ying nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“That’s it.” Lu Hehuan grew more embarrassed, surprised at her calm reaction.
“Oh. I expected as much. It has nothing to do with me.”
“Then I’ll leave.” Lu Hehuan pointed to the door awkwardly.
Bao Ying nodded, “Thank you, Hehuan.”
Lu Hehuan smiled and turned to go, but suddenly remembered something and came back, “Xiao Ying, originally you didn’t know about this, but now that I’ve told you, you know. But even though you know, you must pretend not to, understand?”
Bao Ying, confused by his logic, scratched her head, “To know is to know, not to know is not to know...”
Lu Hehuan interrupted, shaking his head, “No, it’s to know but pretend not to know, especially in front of your brother.”
“I understand.” Bao Ying smiled gently, appreciating his thoughtful concern.
Lu Hehuan slipped out, reassured.
Night descended. Bao Kang, dressed in plain clothes, walked to the Flower House’s entrance. He looked up at the neon-lit sign, apprehensive.
“Bao Kang, you can do this. They’re just women—think of them as talking white radishes.” He muttered to himself for encouragement.
Taking a deep breath, Bao Kang strode inside.
The Flower House was bustling. The tables in the hall were full, and a young woman with a budding figure sang Yangzhou melodies on stage, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The madam spotted Bao Kang and signaled to the girls behind her, “White Rose, Red Peony, a guest has arrived.”
“We’re coming.” White Rose and Red Peony, summoned, swayed their silk scarves and approached.
Bao Kang paled at the sight of the two alluring women, trembling all over, unable to utter a word.
White Rose and Red Peony lived up to their names—both beautiful and graceful. One wore a white cheongsam, the other a red one, swaying their hips as they came up to Bao Kang.
White Rose, seeing Bao Kang trembling, suggested, “Is he having a fit? Should we pinch his philtrum?”
“He’s not fainting, why pinch his philtrum?” Red Peony disagreed.
White Rose patted Bao Kang’s face, “Sir, are you alright?”
Bao Kang’s pale face instantly turned bright red.
White Rose and Red Peony glanced at each other, unsure what to do.
“I... I... I...” Bao Kang quivered, unable to form a complete sentence.
“He must be a fool,” White Rose frowned.
“Maybe he’s some rich landlord’s simple son? Such clients have money and are easy to coax,” Red Peony laughed.
“Let’s take him upstairs, strip him, and search him for cash,” White Rose said with glee.
“You... you... you...” Bao Kang’s eyes widened, still unable to speak.
White Rose and Red Peony dragged him upstairs regardless. Just then, Li Yingying came down and was startled to see Bao Kang.
“Director Bao? You’re a rare guest at the Flower House,” Li Yingying sidled up to him.
“Director Bao?” White Rose and Red Peony were taken aback.
“You don’t recognize Director Bao Kang of the Old Zha Police Station? It’s been in the papers!” Li Yingying scolded.
White Rose and Red Peony quickly let go of Bao Kang, suddenly embarrassed.
“Director... Director Bao, we were just joking,” White Rose apologized awkwardly.
“Director Bao is handsome and dashing, no way he’s a landlord’s simple son—just kidding, just kidding,” Red Peony flattered him.
Bao Kang glared fiercely at them, hands trembling as he forced himself to act normal, pulling a note from his pocket and handing it to White Rose.
“At around nine o’clock the night before last, was Zhu Wolong at the Flower House?” White Rose read from the note.
“Yes,” White Rose, Red Peony, and Li Yingying all nodded.
Bao Kang turned mechanically and fled, leaving the three glamorous women bewildered.
It was late. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi, exhausted, arrived at the dormitory door. Neither willing to give way, they squeezed in together.
Ying Xi collapsed onto the bed, shooting Lu Hehuan a glare.
“I, a dignified detective, had to scrub toilets with a toothbrush—humiliating! All because of you!”
“I scrubbed toilets all day too,” Lu Hehuan replied, aggrieved.
Ying Xi sat up suddenly, “It’s not the same! I’m a detective...” he continued, “Those bald brats—every time someone goes to the toilet, they ask ‘Detective, is the toilet usable?’—just taking pleasure in my misfortune!”
“Why are your thoughts so warped? They’re clearly respecting your hard work.”
Ying Xi glared again, got up and took out some peanuts to eat.
“Did you wash your hands? Those hands cleaned toilets,” Lu Hehuan complained.
“My hands are nearly scrubbed raw!” Ying Xi barked impatiently.
Lu Hehuan gave up arguing, took off his jacket, hung it neatly, then pulled out a clean sheet.
Ying Xi munched peanuts, shooting Lu Hehuan a dissatisfied look as he changed the sheets, sighing heavily.
“We’re about to be transferred, what’s the point of changing sheets?”
“Transferred where?” Lu Hehuan asked, confused.
“Don’t forget, Director Bao gave a death order—if we don’t solve the case, we’re both out! We finally arrested Zhu Wolong, but now he says he was at the Flower House during the crime. Do you believe him?”
“He doesn’t look like he’s lying—he seems more interested in beauty than murder.”
“I don’t trust Zhu Wolong at all. He’s evasive, stalling—my intuition says he’s the killer...” Ying Xi suddenly thought of something, leaned in close, lowering his voice, “Listen, this time don’t go shouting for wrongful convictions. If we pin the crime on Zhu Wolong, everyone will be happy.”
“Happy? That’s framing someone, false accusation,” Lu Hehuan retorted honestly.
“What do you know? With Zhu Wolong’s wealth, you think he’ll be convicted? Even if he did it, he can buy his way out. That’s up to those above, nothing to do with us...” Ying Xi, annoyed, shoved Lu Hehuan, pressing, “Do you understand?”
“I don’t understand.” Lu Hehuan’s face grew stern.
“Are you made of wood?” Ying Xi shoved him again.
“Detective Ying, stop scheming. We just need to do our best to find the truth,” Lu Hehuan countered.
“Investigate, investigate—with no clues, how?” Ying Xi grew agitated.
“I’ll find clues, you just cooperate.” Lu Hehuan finished making the bed, calmly reassuring Ying Xi.
Ying Xi angrily tore off his jacket and flopped onto the bed, “Stubborn fool!”
“You’re hogging the whole bed—how am I supposed to sleep?” Lu Hehuan gestured for Ying Xi to move.
“Sleep however you want! Lights off!” Ying Xi pretended to be dead, full of rage.
Lu Hehuan, helpless, turned off the light and squeezed onto the bed.
Ying Xi snorted and turned his back. Lu Hehuan hesitated, then pulled the blanket over both of them, but Ying Xi rudely grabbed it and kept it for himself.
The two slept back to back. Ying Xi, wrapped in the blanket, soon began to snore.
Chilled by the draft, Lu Hehuan curled up, hugging himself miserably.