FY - 25

Zhou Yan was quite worn out from the night’s exertions. She couldn’t get up in the morning and only opened her eyes when the sun was high in the sky.

She rubbed her eyes and got out of bed, not seeing Si Wen anywhere.

She picked up her phone and saw six missed calls from an unknown number.

She ignored them, took a shower, and changed into the clothes she kept there. Coming out, she took milk from the fridge and poured herself a glass.

After drinking it, her phone rang again; it was still the same unknown number.

She answered, and it turned out to be Wei Lian.

Wei Lian didn’t exchange pleasantries, directly asking, “Are you with Si Wen?”

His tone was too strange, and Zhou Yan didn’t want to answer: “Does that concern you, officer?”

Wei Lian paused, then said, “Do you love him?”

Zhou Yan frowned. What kind of question was that? Do police officers now care about citizens’ romantic lives? “If you have nothing to say, I’m hanging up.”

Wei Lian quickly interjected, not letting her hang up. “Don’t love him.”

Zhou Yan was puzzled. She took the phone down and looked at the caller ID again. Was this really Wei Lian? Or some prank?

Wei Lian’s tone was urgent. Seeing that Zhou Yan didn’t want to answer him, his voice doubled in volume: “Don’t love him. Please.”

Zhou Yan hung up on him and blocked the number.

What did it have to do with him?

Her originally clear mood was disturbed by that call, making her feel murky.

She pinched her eyebrows and went home.

________________________________________

Wei Lian smoked an entire pack of cigarettes, until his eyes were blurry and his hands started trembling.

In just one night, a fine stubble had already covered his upper lip and chin, visible from three meters away.

The large locust tree outside the station was like his base camp. Whenever he encountered an unsolvable knot, he would squat under the tree, smoking one cigarette after another, looking utterly pitiful, making people’s hearts ache.

Zheng Zhi came over and pulled the cigarette pack away: “Is Si Wen really that unacceptable to you, bro?”

Wei Lian wasn’t bothered by Si Wen possibly being a criminal; he couldn’t accept Zhou Yan being on Si Wen’s side.

He took a hard drag from the cigarette in his hand: “Did the Narcotics Division send word?”

Zheng Zhi squatted down beside him: “No.”

He lit a cigarette: “Do we always have to report our actions to the higher-ups?”

“Searching the database for people doesn’t require it, but going to Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals absolutely needs to be reported.”

Zheng Zhi muttered an insult: “Why is the efficiency so low? It’s all these people wasting time layer by layer! If they were efficient and decisive, there wouldn’t be all these drug traffickers and prostitutes.”

His words made Wei Lian frown: “Do you think you’re living your own life? No rules! Or do you think it’s easy for a country to feed over a billion people?

“There are only so many law enforcement officers. Maybe it’s a bit slow, but most people genuinely aren’t trying to delay you!

“Have you forgotten why you chose to be a police officer? Do you have so much time that you’ve been fully responsible for every single detail of every reported case? But do you think you’re not a good police officer?”

Zheng Zhi was speechless.

After a long while, he felt Wei Lian was wrong: “I believe you think and act this way, but others might not. If the higher-ups truly took Fan Chang seriously, would it be up to our small criminal investigation team to find out he has a cousin?”

Zheng Zhi wasn’t trying to argue about efficiency with him. He mainly wanted to say: “I don’t want to wait for word from them. The leads we’ve found ourselves, we should investigate ourselves.”

Wei Lian had regained his composure. He turned his head to look at him, speaking practically: “Have you forgotten what you promised me?”

Don’t act rashly; all actions must follow orders. But: “If you procrastinate any longer and Si Wen catches wind of it, all our efforts will be wasted! Do you think he’s an easy person to deal with?”

The name Si Wen made his heart ache more than Zhou Yan did. Wei Lian thought of a future where Zhou Yan might steadfastly stand behind Si Wen...

He took back the cigarette pack, lit one, and changed the topic: “Tell me, if someone who never meddles helps the police solve a case, doesn’t that mean she at least has a sense of justice? And her values are at least sound?”

Zheng Zhi was easily sidetracked. He didn’t think so: “You tell me, as police officers, how many truly solve cases out of a sense of justice?”

Wei Lian’s heart ached even more.

Zheng Zhi said: “Sometimes, you might do a job well, but not necessarily love it. Take our bureau’s deputy director, for example. He prefers environmental protection and has applied multiple times to transfer to the General Environmental Protection Administration, but the provincial government just won’t approve it. Yet, he still works diligently in the public security system.”

“So, it’s too imprecise to measure a person’s sense of justice or their values based on their actions.”

The more Wei Lian listened, the more he wanted to hit him. Every sentence was like a razor blade.

He stood up: “Alright! Stop showing off your shallow insights. Get back to work!”

“...”

Didn’t you ask? If Zheng Zhi weren’t weaker than him, he’d definitely kick him!

Wei Lian entered first, just as the Narcotics Division called, saying the message had been sent up, but there was no response yet.

This meant: wait.

In fact, it wasn’t just citizens’ grievances that government agencies stalled on; their own affairs often also had to wait.

It wasn’t that they didn’t care; it was that they couldn’t be treated like gods. A complete and meticulous system, where one move affects everything, and individuals often couldn’t bear that responsibility. So, unless there was public pressure, they were always as cautious as possible.

The Fan Chang incident destroyed countless families, and even now, years later, it remains a nightmare for many.

Victims only cared about their grievances being addressed, while the higher-ups had to worry about the panic caused by the incident, and how to eliminate its impact so that those who survived could at least live healthy lives!

Wei Lian was unwilling to question or criticize the government he trusted, but he also had things he felt he ought to do.

Life was too hard; retreating was one thing, but there always had to be a time to face difficulties head-on.

Zheng Zhi came in and saw Wei Lian’s expression, knowing already: “Did they say to wait?”

Wei Lian adjusted his police cap: “Let’s go. We’ll go ourselves.”

Zheng Zhi raised an eyebrow; he understood, but: “Didn’t you say it had to be reported? Aren’t you afraid of alerting the enemy?”

Wei Lian felt that if they didn’t stir this grass, perhaps no one would ever touch that snake.

Zheng Zhi wasn’t asking for an answer; he just couldn’t control his mouth: “Let’s go! A first-class merit awaits our criminal investigation team!”

________________________________________

Si Wen rejected Zhao Youjin again.

She could have bypassed the Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the Gulf of Aden near Somalia, but she was too arrogant and overly trusting of the mercenary company.

Somali pirates were an international menace, hardly controlled by any organization. They always prioritized profit, so as long as they were offered enough benefits, they wouldn’t refuse a deal. Being told there was 40 million worth of cargo on that ship, they would definitely go for it.

Zhao Youjin couldn’t afford to provoke these pirates. Not just her, but even Qizhou, with all its human and financial resources, might not be able to conquer that area. That sea region was too perfect for crime. It was practically a criminals’ paradise.

Her giving up on ransoming the people was a wise move for a businesswoman. If the drugs were gone and she had to pay ransom too, it would be no different from taking her life. However, for her partners, her inability to deliver the goods on time meant that late fees were draining her bank account daily like flowing water, which wasn’t pleasant either. To minimize losses, she had to find another channel to restock.

Si Wen was the only one who could save her. At this point, she had no time to worry about the un-repaired wound on her face.

Even though she was repeatedly rejected, she would never give up.

Forty million, that figure was enough to make one grit their teeth until they bled.

The secretary looked apologetically at Zhao Youjin: “I’m sorry, Ms. Zhao, Mr. Si is not available to meet.”

Zhao Youjin nodded: “Then please tell him I’ll be back tomorrow.”

The secretary nodded, smiling as he saw her out.

As the two walked out, they ran into Wei Lian and Zheng Zhi.

Zheng Zhi saw Zhao Youjin and raised an eyebrow. She wore a baseball cap and a mask, but her deep-set eyes were too distinctive.

He fell several steps behind to get a better look. When he came to his senses, Wei Lian was already in the lobby.

Catching up, he whispered: “That woman looks familiar.”

Wei Lian glanced at him: “Every woman looks familiar to you.”

“...” Zheng Zhi’s eyes drooped.

Another secretary from the President’s office led the two police officers to the waiting room and then went to report to Si Wen.

Si Wen’s reaction to their visit was indifferent; he continued to deal with the task at hand.

About half an hour later, he stood up. His blue pinstriped suit was unwrinkled. He had taken off his jacket, revealing a waistcoat that covered his waistline. The last button was undone, adding a seductive flair to his otherwise formal attire.

At that moment, his secretary came in with some documents, delaying him for another ten minutes or so. During this time, she dared not look him directly in the eye, yet her face was already flushed.

He had a good physique, broad shoulders and a narrow waist. When exercising, he would wear a sleeveless vest, and when wet, his abdominal muscles were faintly visible, like piano keys under a magnifying glass. Just looking at them made one want to have him, and touching them would surely lead to obsession.

He also had features that made those seductive sluts outside drool: a deep, sharp facial structure, not very oriental. And an aura that kept people at a distance, making him seem both alluring and untouchable.

He was such a contradictory man in appearance, captivating and terrifying.

Captivating with a raised eyebrow, a pursed lip.

Terrifying in how he could kill with a raise of his hand, mercilessly and tracelessly.

Zhou Yan used to dream that even the King of Hell wouldn’t take him. In her dream, she cried like a ghost, feeling utterly miserable, knowing that as long as she lived another day, he would be there. She thought she would wake up grateful it was just a scare, but instead, she felt quite regretful.

Regretful that dreams were often the opposite, and it wouldn’t be that she lived another day and he would be there.

He simply had this ability: to torture someone to the bone, yet still inspire their initial forgiveness. Utterly terrifying.

He stood by the desk, finishing reading the new documents. After over an hour, he finally met with Wei Lian.

The three faced each other. This time, Wei Lian’s attitude wasn’t as good as last time: “Mr. Si.”

Si Wen casually sat down, crossing his legs: “Something wrong?”

He didn’t even bother with a greeting. He truly held hostility towards him. Or was it hostility towards police officers in general?

Wei Lian didn’t think deeply, saying, “We’ve come this time to ask you to clarify some doubts.”

“Why should I cooperate?” He was instantly unlikeable.

Wei Lian slapped his law enforcement badge on the table: “Because we are the police.”

Si Wen was unperturbed: “Can police officers just waltz in uninvited due to some doubts? Is that the rule of our national police system? Forgive my ignorance, I haven’t heard of it.”

Zheng Zhi took a sharp breath and took over the conversation: “Mr. Si, we won’t waste too much of your time. Please cooperate.”

Si Wen glanced at his watch: “It’s been over five minutes since I walked in. As criminal police officers on a mission, you should know that even five seconds can mean life or death. You’ve now used five minutes of my time and tell me you won’t waste too much of it?”

Zheng Zhi was speechless.

Wei Lian glanced at him, signaling him to keep quiet.

Zheng Zhi gave him a look indicating he received the message.

“You can have my cooperation, but we need to agree on what compensation you’ll provide if it turns out you were just overthinking things,” Si Wen pressed on, maintaining dominance since the start of this confrontation.

Wei Lian knew laws and regulations by heart and could cite them when needed: “Article 5 of the ‘Law of the People’s Republic of China on the People’s Police’ states: People’s police exercising their duties in accordance with the law are protected by law. Relevant organs may impose disciplinary sanctions for acts that refuse or obstruct people’s police from performing their duties. Your behavior clearly warrants punishment.”

Si Wen didn’t doubt his professionalism but found his comprehension lacking: “You recite well, exercising duties in accordance with the law. So, what law have I broken?”

Wei Lian unfolded a document in front of him: “Is this He Yi, you?”

Si Wen lowered his gaze to look at it: “It’s me.”

Zheng Zhi frowned. He just admitted it?

Wei Lian’s mind worked quickly. He also laid out Fan Chang’s information: “What is your relationship with Fan Chang?”

“He’s my cousin.”

Wei Lian was stumped. He, he actually admitted that too.

Shouldn’t he have denied it? After all, there was only a name and a piece of news that might or might not be true. They couldn’t be sure if Fan Chang’s cousin was him; everything was still at the speculation stage. They had only come to probe him.

But he actually admitted it.

Si Wen still spoke nonchalantly: “I also know he was a drug trafficker. The Six Lives incident that shocked the nation back then, he was the only one who got away.”

Wei Lian’s nerves tightened. So did Zheng Zhi’s.

Si Wen raised a hand and called his secretary: “Turn down the air conditioning. And pour these two officers some tea, herbal tea. They look like they’re sweating.”

The secretary smiled slightly: “Yes, Mr. Si.”

Si Wen continued: “I can understand that you can’t solve cases and are desperate, but please go online and see how much Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals contributes to Qizhou’s GDP. All my industries are open and transparent. If there’s even one flaw, you won’t need to do anything; my business rivals will attack me.”

“If I really had any connection with Fan Chang, your visit here would be far too late.”

Wei Lian’s eyeballs were filled with red streaks. He didn’t understand. Was he insufficiently prepared, or had Si Wen rehearsed this scene countless times? How could he continuously be suppressed by him?

Zheng Zhi felt no better than him. He had thought they were launching a surprise attack, but it felt more like the enemy had already analyzed their military intelligence beforehand.

The secretary brought in the tea, her sweet voice saying to the two: “Officers, please have some tea.”

Wei Lian calmed down, his rationality largely returning. He said, “Since Fan Chang is your cousin, it’s reasonable for us to seek information from you. You’re being so frank and clearly stating you have no connection with him, so you’d better be responsible for what you’ve said. If we find out the truth is otherwise in the future...”

“I guarantee, you will pay the price for it.”

Si Wen said indifferently: “Please, you two, first calculate how you’ll compensate me for the half-hour you’ve wasted today.”

Wei Lian gritted his back teeth, meeting his gaze.

Si Wen seemed to see right through them: “Forget it. I often spend half an hour walking my dog too. Consider this time a charity. Just don’t do this again in the future.”

“If you come looking for me again, make sure you have approval from above. Otherwise, acting rashly like this, wouldn’t getting disciplined be a net loss?”

Zheng Zhi got goosebumps upon hearing that.

What kind of monster was this, seriously?