Chapter 57: Brothers in Misfortune

The General Police Headquarters’ interrogation room was silent, with Bao Rong sitting at the table, her mind heavy with worry.

After a moment, Long Zhentian, shackled at both wrists and ankles, was escorted in slowly by an officer. Bao Rong stood up and nodded politely to Long Zhentian.

Long Zhentian shot Bao Rong a contemptuous glance, then sat down across from her. Bao Rong followed suit.

“Who are you? Why do you want to see me?” Long Zhentian asked coldly.

Bao Rong offered a gentle smile. “My name is Bao Rong. I’m a friend of He Huan.”

A sneer curled at the corner of Long Zhentian’s lips. “So, it’s about that.”

“Why did you falsely accuse them?” Bao Rong asked, cutting straight to the point.

Long Zhentian lifted his chin, glancing at Bao Rong with a provocative air. “I told the truth. They ordered me to kill, squeezed money out of me…”

“I don’t believe a single word you say. I know He Huan; he would never do such a thing with you,” Bao Rong interrupted without courtesy.

Seeing how fiercely Bao Rong defended He Huan, Long Zhentian looked at her with interest. “You and this He Huan, you’re not just ordinary friends, are you?”

Bao Rong didn’t answer, but fixed Long Zhentian with a stern gaze. “You have thirteen lives on your hands. Dragging those two into it will do nothing to change your sentence. Why not do one good deed before you leave this world—let two innocent, good officers go free!”

“That’s exactly why I want to take them with me. If I’m going to be executed, they’ll go down with me. I want them to die with me—together.” Long Zhentian burst into laughter, his voice as sharp as an awl.

Bao Rong, now angry, slammed the table and stood up. “Long Zhentian!”

Long Zhentian lounged back against his chair with nonchalance, looking at Bao Rong with impunity. “I’m not afraid of killing, why would I be afraid of you slapping the table?”

“I won’t let you get away with this. No matter what, I will uncover the truth and clear their names!” Bao Rong’s tone was resolute.

Long Zhentian kept a smile on her face, carelessly glancing away. “Well then, you’d better hurry. Any later and it’ll be too late. I hear the court will arraign me very soon, and then it’ll be a swift death sentence. Those two officers took bribes, abused their power, and were involved in every murder. Oh, and by the way, the last time, when those two clients were killed, it was actually them who did it. I was wounded then—couldn’t have done it myself…”

She paused, then looked provocatively at Bao Rong. “I’m just a weak woman. Without help, how could I possibly kill thirteen grown men?”

“You…” Bao Rong was speechless with anger at Long Zhentian’s brazen lies.

Long Zhentian looked smug. “Who do you think the judge will believe—me, or them?”

“Despicable!” Bao Rong could hold back no longer and blurted out.

Long Zhentian merely chuckled. “Someone to die with me—how delightful!” With that, she stood up to leave.

Bao Rong took a deep breath, her face pale and lips trembling. “I beg you…”

Long Zhentian stopped abruptly, but did not turn around.

“I beg you, let He Huan go. I’ll die with you instead…” Bao Rong’s eyes reddened, pleading relentlessly.

“Why?” The provocation and coldness faded from Long Zhentian’s face.

Bao Rong gritted her teeth, holding back tears. “I am willing to die for the one I love. You just want someone to accompany you—I’ll do it. Let them go, and I’ll die with you.”

Long Zhentian was a little moved. “Men in this world aren’t worth loving. Love only brings women more pain.”

After she spoke, Long Zhentian left with finality, like a desperate criminal fleeing.

Bao Rong wept in disappointment.

That evening, Xiafei Road bustled with people. The Frost Delight Detective Agency closed early. A few street vendors, fortune-tellers, housewives, Liu Rushuang, and Bai Yulou gathered around a table, discussing how to save He Huan and Ying Xi.

A man dressed as a vendor leaned toward Liu Rushuang. “Miss Liu, I’ve found out that tonight’s officer guarding Inspector Ying is nicknamed ‘Bao Qingtian.’ He won’t listen to anyone, and it’s basically impossible to bribe him. But after the shift changes tomorrow, the guard Wei Cai will be much easier to handle. His mother is gravely ill and needs money—he can be bribed.”

“Judging by the name alone, he can probably be bribed,” Bai Yulou added sarcastically.

Liu Rushuang thought for a moment, her eyes hardening. “Then we start with him! Bai, tomorrow morning you bribe this Wei Cai, and then I’ll meet with Brother Xi and tell him our plan.”

“What plan?” Bai Yulou asked, puzzled.

Liu Rushuang looked at Bai Yulou seriously. “A jailbreak.”

“A jailbreak?” The group gasped in unison.

Liu Rushuang nodded, resting her chin on her hand. “To tell you the truth, since we haven’t found any witnesses to save Brother Xi, I plan to break him out.”

“Miss Liu, your father is the wealthiest man in Old Zha. Why not ask him to pull some strings, buy Inspector Ying’s freedom? Why go for a jailbreak?” a vendor asked, shrinking his neck nervously.

Liu Rushuang sighed. “You think I haven’t tried? I’ve begged, pleaded, threatened—done everything. But my father’s afraid of offending the police, and flatly refuses to help. So jailbreak is our only option!”

She looked around the room, but everyone avoided her gaze.

Liu Rushuang, undeterred, slapped a stack of cash on the table. “This is a down payment. If you join me, you won’t be shortchanged.”

Everyone knew Liu Rushuang was generous, but no amount of greed could tempt them into a capital crime. They all shook their heads.

“No way, way too risky!” they all declined in chorus.

“Fortune favors the bold!” Liu Rushuang urged anxiously.

Still, they shook their heads.

Awkwardly, Liu Rushuang blinked. “Actually, jailbreak isn’t that hard—”

Before she could finish, a woman abruptly stood up. “Miss Liu, I haven’t cooked yet. I have to go.”

Liu Rushuang opened her mouth to continue, but another vendor got up. “My wife wants me home for dinner. Sorry.”

The fortune-teller stroked his beard. “Today’s not an auspicious day for night travel. I’m off as well.”

The group scattered.

“Hey, don’t go! I’ll double the reward! Triple it!” Liu Rushuang called after them, unwilling to give up.

No one listened; all left, leaving only Bai Yulou watching Liu Rushuang with concern.

Liu Rushuang cleared her throat in embarrassment, pushing the money toward Bai Yulou, who quickly pushed it back.

Liu Rushuang shoved it into his arms. “You took the down payment—if you back out now, you owe ten times in penalties!”

“Sister Shuang…” Bai Yulou looked ready to cry.

Liu Rushuang grasped his hand. “Bai, don’t be afraid. As long as we plan carefully, the two of us can pull off the jailbreak and save Brother Xi.”

Seeing no way out, Bai Yulou nodded in resignation. “Do you have a plan?”

Liu Rushuang stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Not yet, but tomorrow, I’ll think it over with Brother Xi.”

Bai Yulou sighed helplessly.

“Brother Xi, just wait one more night,” Liu Rushuang whispered, clenching her fists to encourage herself.

The cell was dim, just like the moods of Ying Xi and He Huan.

An officer came to unlock the door, placing food inside. “Dinner.”

He Huan and Ying Xi remained motionless in the corner.

“You’d better cherish every meal. Each one could be your last,” the officer said impatiently.

Annoyed, Ying Xi glared at him. “Watch your mouth.”

The officer sneered. “Chief Bao at Old Zha Police Headquarters has signed off. Both of you have been indicted. Soon you’ll be arraigned and sentenced. Even if you aren’t shot, you’ll get life.”

Ying Xi was dumbfounded.

He Huan looked at him in disbelief. “Chief Bao really won’t testify for us?”

“As expected,” Ying Xi sighed, defeated.

Impatient, the officer shot them a glance. “Enough talk. Not many meals left—eat.”

With that, he locked the cell and left.

Ying Xi looked at He Huan, his face apologetic. “Sorry, He Huan. I dragged you into this.”

“Don’t say that,” He Huan replied with a serene smile.

Ying Xi sat in the corner, leaning against the wall with a bitter smile. “Greed really does destroy people. But it’s so hard to let go.”

He Huan moved over and sat beside him. “So many things come down to a single thought—one leads to heaven, another to hell. No matter how powerless we feel, we must keep kindness in our hearts. It can withstand anything.”

“Isn’t it too late for that now?” Ying Xi laughed at himself.

“I believe in justice. Don’t worry, the truth will come out one day,” He Huan said quietly.

Ying Xi’s smile was tinged with bitterness. “You just don’t understand this world. Too many die with their grievances unredressed.”

He Huan squeezed his hand. “Inspector Ying, trust me. Justice will triumph.”

Ying Xi smiled, freeing his hand and turning his back to lie down. After a long silence, he finally spoke.

“Don’t worry, He Huan. If it comes to it, I’ll take all the blame.”

He Huan was moved by his words, gazing at Ying Xi’s back with a smile. “Inspector Ying, why do you always hide your goodness behind a mask of harshness?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ying Xi feigned ignorance.

He Huan lay down beside him. “I’m saying you’re not just a good inspector, you’re a true friend.”

Ying Xi said nothing, tears glimmering in his eyes. Only after a while did he speak.

“You’re so sappy.”

He Huan smiled, shifted position, and looked out at the night sky through the window.

“We will get out of here. I still need to clear Ling Yan’s name,” he murmured, half to Ying Xi, half to himself.

Ying Xi joined him in gazing outside. “I know you loved Ling Yan, but it’s been so long. You should let it go.”

“It’s not that I loved her—it’s that I still do. I can’t let go,” He Huan corrected him.

Ying Xi was moved, his lips twitching. “Go to sleep. Rest up. Tomorrow, we’ll find a way out.”

“Alright.” He Huan closed his eyes.

The cell fell silent again, the night wind passing through without a trace.

At dawn, a shaft of sunlight shone through the small vent, falling across He Huan and Ying Xi. He Huan slowly opened his eyes and suddenly heard Liu Rushuang’s voice outside.

“Brother Xi…”

“Miss Liu, keep your voice down. Chief Inspector ordered no visitors for Ying Xi and He Huan. If you’re caught, there’ll be trouble,” Officer Wei Cai admonished her.

“I know, I’ll whisper,” Liu Rushuang replied, lowering her voice.

He Huan nudged Ying Xi, who was still asleep. “Inspector, I think Miss Liu is here.”

Ying Xi sat up at once, looking toward the door with He Huan.

Soon, Liu Rushuang, led by Wei Cai, arrived.

“Miss Liu, you only have fifteen minutes,” Wei Cai said as he unlocked the cell, reminding her uneasily.

Liu Rushuang responded with irritation. “You keep reminding me about the fifteen minutes, but you’re wasting my time!”

Wei Cai nodded and hurried away.

Liu Rushuang rushed into the cell, concern etched on her face. “Brother Xi! Are you alright? Did they hurt you?”

Ying Xi shook his head. “Liu Rushuang, what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to save you!”

“Save me?” Ying Xi was astonished, unable to imagine how she could possibly rescue him.

Liu Rushuang leaned in and whispered, “Brother Xi, I came to discuss something important with you.”

“What is it?” Ying Xi unconsciously lowered his voice as well.

Liu Rushuang replied with utmost seriousness, “A jailbreak.”

He Huan couldn’t help interjecting, “Miss Liu, you’re bold indeed. Jailbreak is a serious crime!”

With stubborn pride, Liu Rushuang lifted her chin. “For Brother Xi, I don’t care if I’m shot. As long as I can die with him, it’s worth it.”

“I have no intention of dying with you! This is no time for antics, and you’re pulling stunts right in the cell!” Ying Xi looked helpless.

Liu Rushuang pouted, aggrieved. “I’m not joking. I mean it.”

Ying Xi suddenly thought of something and fixed her with a serious look. “If you really want to help, go get Chief Bao to the headquarters and make him explain. He knows that He Huan and I are innocent. If he testifies, we’ll be fine.”

“Really?” Liu Rushuang’s face lit up with joy.

“We’ll see if you’re capable of persuading Chief Bao,” Ying Xi replied seriously.

“No problem! I guarantee success!”

With that, Liu Rushuang bolted out.

She rushed straight to Bao Kang’s office, begging him to testify for Ying Xi. Bao Kang sat unmoved across from her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Bao Kang said, feigning ignorance.

Liu Rushuang was taken aback. “Chief Bao, you can’t deny it. What happened with Brother Xi and He Huan saving Long Zhentian was a misunderstanding. They reported to you, and you told them to keep a low profile and make up for it with good work. Now they’re framed by Long Zhentian, you have to clear their names!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. When did they ever report to me?” Bao Kang kept the act up.

Liu Rushuang frowned, looking at him with pain. “Chief Bao, you’ll get them killed!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Bao Kang exploded. “They brought this on themselves! Why did they use me as bait to catch Long Zhentian? My head almost got chopped off!”

“So you’re holding a grudge and won’t testify for them? Chief Bao, that’s too petty!” Liu Rushuang stared in disbelief.

Bao Kang turned his face away indifferently. “Say what you want. I won’t testify for those two.”

As they spoke, Lu Xiang, wearing a top hat, suddenly burst in, pointing angrily at Bao Kang. “So you’ve known all along my son was framed!”

“And what if I did? I still won’t testify for them. What can you do? Hit me?” Bao Kang looked at Lu Xiang provocatively.

Worried for his son’s safety, Lu Xiang swallowed his anger and pleaded, “Chief Bao, I beg you, save He Huan. I was wrong in the past. If you’re angry, hit me if you want. Just testify for He Huan—I’ll do anything you ask!”

Seeing his longtime rival yield, Bao Kang was delighted. He considered, then looked at Lu Xiang. “You want me to save He Huan? Fine. But only if you take off your hat, stand at my door, and loudly declare three times, ‘I, Lu Xiang, love to visit widows for tea, utterly shameless!’”

Lu Xiang was dumbstruck, staring numbly at Bao Kang.

Seeing his hesitation, Bao Kang’s face grew cold. “If you won’t do it, forget it. Get ready for your son’s conviction.”

Lu Xiang steeled himself and gritted his teeth. “Fine, I’ll do it!”

“Deputy Chief Lu…” Liu Rushuang looked on with sympathy but said nothing.

Lu Xiang removed his hat, revealing his thinning hair. He quickly walked to the door, opened it, and shouted, “I, Lu Xiang, love to visit widows for tea, utterly shameless! I, Lu Xiang, love to visit widows for tea, utterly shameless! I, Lu Xiang, love to visit widows for tea, utterly shameless!”

In the corridor, officers poked out of their offices at the commotion, saw it was Lu Xiang, and quickly ducked back in.

Lu Xiang returned to Bao Kang’s office, suppressing his anger. “Is that enough? Will you save He Huan now?”

“No.” Bao Kang sat calmly in his chair, his voice cold.

“Bao Kang, you faithless scoundrel!” Lu Xiang fumed.

Bao Kang only shrugged indifferently. “I’m just teaching your son a lesson.”

“Despicable villain!” Lu Xiang spat, then stormed out.

Liu Rushuang, seeing Bao Kang’s mockery, pointed at him. “Despicable villain.” With that, she turned to follow Lu Xiang.

In the corridor, Lu Xiang strode ahead angrily, Liu Rushuang catching up.

“Deputy Chief Lu, is there anyone Bao Kang is afraid of?”

Lu Xiang stopped and looked at her. “Bao Kang listens to his sister, Bao Rong.”

A spark flashed in Liu Rushuang’s eyes. “Come, let’s ask Bao Rong.”

Lu Xiang thought for a moment, then left with Liu Rushuang.