A Sharp Edge Emerges From The Mist Chapter 33
byThe end of superficial rupture
The operation to abandon the chemical plant ended with the arrest of Wang Youcai and three of his accomplices.Weapons, ropes and chemicals intended to be used to “clean up” Shen Qingwu were found at the site, as well as some paper and electronic documents involving the embezzlement of land compensation for the “New City Project” and records of transactions with other officials that Wang Youcai failed to completely destroy in a hurry.Although it is not yet the core evidence of “Dark River”, it is already a striking crack in the shady curtain.
More importantly, after Wang Youcai’s initial panic, his mental defense quickly collapsed in the face of irrefutable evidence and the police’s powerful psychological offensive.He confessed that he had been instructed by the actual controller of “Changhe Trading” (who was also his distant cousin) to use his authority to embezzle compensation, falsify accounts, and provide cover for some of the capital flows of “Dark River” in the “New City Project” for a long time.He also admitted that the part about Shen Qingwu in the report letter was forged by his cousin and managed to be sent to the police. The purpose was to alienate Shen Qingwu and the police and divert the attention of the investigation.
As for the old case of Shen Qingwu’s parents, Wang Youcai had limited knowledge. He only vaguely heard that after the “accident” that year, some officials involved in project approval and safety assessment received “special care” or “hush money.” He did not know the specific details.But he provided a key name – the director of the Municipal Work Safety Bureau who was responsible for finalizing the final investigation report on the accident. This person retired from illness five years ago and now lives in a sanatorium city in the south.
The clues begin to extend towards deeper and more secret corners.
The next morning after the operation, Lin Jianfeng and Shen Qingwu, who had stayed up all night, welcomed the head of the Municipal Bureau’s investigation team and Bureau Chen at the temporary safe spot provided by the special operations team (an inconspicuous guest house room on the outskirts of the city).
The room is simple and the atmosphere is solemn.The leader of the investigation team, whose surname is Liu, is an old detective with gray hair and sharp eyes.Bureau Chen sat aside, his expression calm and emotionless.
“Lin Jian, Ms. Shen Qingwu.” Team leader Liu got straight to the point, with a serious tone. “We need a detailed and formal explanation about last night’s action and the previous series of events. In particular, was there any abnormal contact between the two of you that violated discipline, and was this action an unauthorized action and failure to report in accordance with regulations?”
The drama of superficial rupture must come to an end.
Lin Jianfeng stood up, with a straight posture and a magnanimous look: “Team Leader Liu, Director Chen. Regarding my contact with Ms. Shen Qingwu, during the ‘Iron Shield’ case and subsequent investigations, she provided key clues and assisted the police many times. With the approval of superiors, a formal informant protection and cooperation relationship was established. All contacts were conducted within the prescribed framework, and complete records are available for review.”
She paused and continued: “As for last night’s operation, the situation was special. We received reliable information that Wang Youcai and others attempted to harm the key witness Ms. Shen Qingwu and may destroy important evidence. Considering the sensitive period during which the internal investigation process is ongoing, andDue to the confidentiality of the source of the information, in order to avoid alerting the enemy or encountering internal resistance, I requested support from the provincial department’s special operations team through emergency channels, and made a thorough arrest and protection plan before the operation, and made a brief report to Bureau Chen through encrypted channels.”
She looked at Director Chen.Director Chen nodded slightly, confirming this.As Lin Jianfeng’s most trusted superior and old leader, he has always been the one who supports her secretly and provides her with cover and endorsement at critical moments.
Team Leader Liu frowned and looked at a document in his hand – it was a comprehensive material compiled and submitted by Lin Jianfeng overnight, analyzing the suspicious points of the report letter, sorting out the clues involved in Wang Youcai’s case, and a detailed report on last night’s action.The material is logically logical and the chain of evidence is clear, especially Wang Youcai’s confession and the physical evidence seized at the scene, which are extremely convincing.
“So, regarding the part of the report letter involving Ms. Shen Qingwu…” Team Leader Liu turned his eyes to Shen Qingwu.
Shen Qingwu sat on the chair, still maintaining an elegant posture, but with obvious fatigue and a hint of “remaining anger” on his face.”Team Leader Liu, those so-called ‘evidences’ are outright forgeries and slanders. The purpose is to interfere with the police investigation and retaliate against me for having touched their interests by cooperating with the investigation. Regarding the financial issues in my parents’ old case, I have submitted all the legal accounts and financial transaction records I have to the economic investigation department and will be subject to verification at any time. As for those so-called ‘private contacts’, it is even more nonsense. If the police need it, I can provide all my recent travel records and communication details.”
Her voice was calm, but with unquestionable confidence.The advance preparation and careful “evidence” clearance made her response at this moment impeccable.
Team Leader Liu was silent for a moment and then looked at Lin Jianfeng: “Team Lin, according to Wang Youcai’s confession, the report letter was delivered directly to you through some channel and triggered the internal investigation process. What do you think of this ‘channel’ and possible internal problems?”
This is the core of the problem and the key to ending the “superficial break” – to uncover the culprits within.
Lin Jianfeng met Team Leader Liu’s gaze and did not shy away: “I believe that the report letter can bypass conventional channels and directly trigger high-level investigation procedures, which shows that there are indeed links that are corroded and exploited within our system. Based on the existing clues and Wang Youcai’s confession, I suspect that there are problems with individual personnel within the Economic Investigation Detachment, as well as in certain links that may involve file management or technical support. I have attached the specific suspects and preliminary evidence to the report.”
She handed over another thinner envelope marked “Top Secret.”
Team leader Liu took it and did not open it immediately. Instead, he took a deep look at Lin Jianfeng, and then at Shen Qingwu, who had a calm face but firm eyes.Years of criminal investigation experience told him that the two women in front of him had, to a certain extent, formed an unbreakable trust and tacit understanding that went beyond conventional investigative relationships.Although everything they do is on the edge of discipline, their goals – to combat the hidden evil forces and pursue the dusty truth – are completely consistent with the fundamental responsibilities of the police.
More importantly, they brought about substantial breakthroughs.Wang Youcai’s arrest and confession are the key to unlocking the shady story of the “New City Project” and the “underground river” network.
The air in the room seemed to freeze for several minutes.
Finally, Team Leader Liu slowly closed the document in his hand and looked at Director Chen: “Director Chen, what do you think?”
Director Chen cleared his throat and said in a calm voice: “Lin Jian is a soldier I brought out single-handedly. I have absolute trust in her ability and party spirit. Although there were procedural flaws in this operation, we followed the right to the matter urgently, and the results also proved its necessity and correctness. As an important witness and clue provider, Ms. Shen Qingwu endured great pressure and risks in this incident. Her attitude of cooperating with the investigationThe degree and contribution should be affirmed.As for the internal problems…” He looked at Team Leader Liu, “I suggest that the municipal bureau’s Discipline Inspection Commission take the lead and set up a special task force to conduct a secret and thorough investigation of the suspects and persons mentioned in Lin Jian’s report.At the same time, we should integrate resources and increase efforts to find out the clues provided by Ms. Shen Qingwu in the old case and the new clues confessed by Wang Youcai!”
Team Leader Liu pondered for a moment and finally nodded: “I agree with Bureau Chen’s opinion. Lin Jian, Ms. Shen Qingwu, the clues and contributions you have provided will be objectively evaluated by the organization. However, relevant procedural issues and internal investigations still need to be strictly in accordance with the regulations.During the investigation of the task force, Lin Jian, you will temporarily step down from the direct investigation of the “Iron Shield” case and other related cases, cooperate with the investigation of the task force, and… continue to be responsible for the safety protection of Ms. Shen Qingwu until the relevant threats are completely eliminated.”
This arrangement is profound.On the surface, it was asking Lin Jianfeng to “cooperate with the investigation” and “suspend her duties”, but in fact it gave her a legitimate “protector” status, allowing her to continue to work closely with Shen Qingwu while avoiding possible internal attacks.
“Yes! I promise to complete the mission!” Lin Jianfeng stood at attention and saluted, his voice sonorous.
Shen Qingwu also nodded slightly: “I will continue to fully cooperate with the police.”
Team leader Liu stood up, stretched out his hand, and shook hands with Lin Jianfeng and Shen Qingwu respectively.”Thank you for your hard work. I hope we can work together to eradicate these cancers in society as soon as possible.”
After the investigation team and Director Chen left, only Lin Jianfeng and Shen Qingwu were left in the room.
The moment the door closed, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief almost at the same time, and their tense shoulders slumped slightly.
Shen Qingwu walked to the window and looked at the rising sun outside. The golden light shone on her pale face, coating her face with a soft and warm color.”Is it over?” she asked softly, not sure whether she was referring to the investigation team’s questioning or the depressing “surface break” period.
“Well, it’s over for now.” Lin Jianfeng walked to her side and stood side by side with her. “The black hands inside will be found out, and the direction of the investigation will be refocused. We… don’t need to act anymore.”
Shen Qingwu turned his head and looked at Lin Jianfeng.In the morning light, Lin Jianfeng’s side face has clear lines and firm eyes, with a kind of calmness and strength after experiencing wind and rain.She thought of the figure who rushed in desperately to protect herself in the chemical plant last night, and thought of the kiss that was so intense that it was almost brutal, and her heart began to beat erratically again.
“Lin Jianfeng,” she said, her voice a little low, “Thank you. And…I’m sorry.”
Thank you for your trust, thank you for your protection, thank you for holding my hand tightly in the dark.
I’m sorry for putting you under pressure because of me, for making you violate procedures, and for making you take risks.
Lin Jianfeng looked at her, seeing the complex emotions in her eyes and the slightly red eyes, and felt soft in his heart.She reached out and gently held Shen Qingwu’s hand.
“No need to say this.” Lin Jianfeng’s voice was very soft, but extremely clear, “We are together. From the day you decided to hand over the pieces of truth to me, that’s it.”
Shen Qingwu held her hand instead, exerting slight pressure on her fingertips.The morning light filtered through the window, illuminating the hands held by the two warmly.
The cracked ice on the surface melted completely under the sunshine of common struggle and honesty.
There are more difficult battles ahead, and deeper darkness needs to be penetrated.
But at least they can no longer pretend, no longer be suspicious, and can stand side by side openly and face all storms together.
This may be the greatest significance of this “surface break” and the most solid foundation between them.