A Sharp Edge Emerges From The Mist Chapter 37
byA sharp struggle
In the City Bureau Building, on the floor where the task force was located, the air was as tight as a fully drawn bowstring.The fluorescent tubes emit uniform and cold white light, illuminating the corridors and offices without a shadow, but they cannot dispel the permeating complex atmosphere, which is a mixture of paper, ink, anxiety and some invisible pressure.
Shen Qingwu was placed in a relatively quiet office used for witness questioning, accompanied by two female police officers.Team leader Liu personally had a three-hour preliminary conversation with her.The content of the conversation was kept confidential, but it can be seen from the solemn and complicated expression of Team Leader Liu after he came out that the weight and impact of Shen Qingwu’s “letter of surrender” and confession far exceeded expectations.
Lin Jianfeng was temporarily “invited” to another small conference room to wait.She sat on a hard chair with her back straight and her eyes calmly looking out the window at the gray sky.He put his hands on his knees, but his fingers curled up slightly unconsciously, revealing the turmoil in his heart.
She knew that at this moment, Shen Qingwu was facing all the darkness and unhappiness she had experienced in the past ten years alone.Those methods that wander on the edge of the law, those transactions with gray figures, those indirect consequences that may not be completely “innocent”… will be laid out in front of investigators one by one, and will accept the most severe scrutiny and questioning.
This process of completely cutting oneself apart and allowing others to judge is tantamount to a spiritual infertility.Lin Jianfeng could even imagine the pain and determination hidden under Shen Qingwu’s pale and calm face, and those usually cold eyes.
Time passed minute by minute, every second seemed to have been sandpapered, rough and slow.
The door of the conference room was finally pushed open, and Team Leader Liu walked in. His face looked tired after staying up late, but his eyes were still sharp.Behind him was a recorder.
“Team Lin.” Team Leader Liu motioned to the recorder to wait at the door, walked in and closed the door.He didn’t beat around the bush and went straight to the point, “We have preliminarily reviewed the materials submitted by Ms. Shen Qingwu. The content… is very detailed and covers a wide range of topics. Some parts are shocking.”
He paused and observed Lin Jianfeng’s reaction.Lin Jianfeng just nodded slightly and motioned for him to continue.
“She admitted that in the past ten years, in order to track down her parents’ old cases and fight against ‘Dark River’, she used a variety of illegal means, including commercial secret theft, illegal information acquisition, using hacking technology to invade certain non-critical protection systems, and transactions with some ‘intelligence traffickers’ with complex backgrounds. She also admitted that in the business operations against competitors such as ‘Changhe’During the suppression, she used some… not-so-glorious competitive strategies, which may have caused indirect economic losses to some innocent related parties.In addition, she detailed the connection between the shell company of Nolan Consulting (Zhang Hai) and the theft of her assistant Qin Mo’s information, and provided evidence that she did not know about it beforehand, and tried to trace it afterwards but the clues were interrupted.”
Team Leader Liu spoke slowly, and every word was like a heavy stone hitting Lin Jianfeng’s heart.She knew Shen Qingwu would confess, but her heart still tightened when she heard these specific and cold statements.
“However,” Team Leader Liu changed his subject and his tone became complicated, “the core evidence she submitted about the Dark River network – including key recordings, financial maps, personnel relationships, and independent investigation reports on her parents’ old cases – is of immeasurable value. These evidences, which is highly consistent with the clues we have already grasped, and filled in the key gaps, which greatly promoted the investigation of the case.It can be said that without her “unconventional” means and subsequent active submissions, the difficulty would have increased exponentially if we wanted to completely dig out the “underground river.”
He looked at Lin Jianfeng: “The merits and demerits are all outstanding. Moreover, she took the initiative and completely confessed, and her attitude was very cooperative. Captain Lin, what do you think?”
Lin Jianfeng knew that this was a critical moment.Team Leader Liu was soliciting her opinion not only to respect her status as the main investigator of the case and Shen Qingwu’s “protector”, but also to test whether her judgment would be affected by personal emotions and whether she could speak from a legal and fair standpoint.
She stood up and walked to the window with her back to Team Leader Liu, as if she needed some space to collect her thoughts.But in fact, she already had the answer in her heart, an answer that had been firmly established when Shen Qingwu made his choice.
“Team Leader Liu,” Lin Jianfeng turned around with clear and firm eyes, not avoiding Team Leader Liu’s scrutiny, “First of all, I fully respect and support the task force’s investigation and handling of Ms. Shen Qingwu’s past behavior in accordance with the law and regulations. There are no privileges and no exceptions before the law. If she is guilty, she should be punished.”
She paused and her voice became calmer and more powerful: “However, while considering punishment, I think the following factors must also be fully considered: First, the motive of her behavior. She was not for personal gain or criminal purposes, but to trace the truth about the death of her parents and fight against a criminal network that has long harmed society and corroded public power. Her original intention was just. Second, the actual consequences of her behavior. Although the means were improper, the key evidence she obtained directly contributed to theIt has become a major breakthrough in the “Dark River” case and has made remarkable achievements.Third, her confession.She confessed everything proactively, thoroughly and without reservation, and submitted all evidence, showing obvious remorse and sincerity in cooperating with the investigation.Fourth, the remnants of the “Dark River” hate her and have repeatedly attempted to harm her.Her personal safety is still facing serious threats.”
Lin Jianfeng took a step forward and looked at Team Leader Liu with burning eyes: “Based on the above points, I implore the organization to fully consider the criminal policy of ‘combination of leniency and severity’ on the premise of adhering to the principle of the rule of law. Regarding Ms. Shen Qingwu’s past minor violations that may have constituted minor violations, it is recommended that within the scope permitted by lawWithin the period, the punishment shall be lighter, mitigated or exempted in accordance with the law.His significant meritorious service should be fully recognized and used as an important consideration in sentencing.At the same time, in view of the continued threat to his personal safety, it is recommended that necessary protective measures be continued during and after the case is handled.”
Her voice was not loud, but she was clear and well-reasoned. She not only adhered to principles, but also was full of humanity and justice.
Team Leader Liu listened in silence, tapping his fingers on the table unconsciously.Of course he understood the weight and tendency of Lin Jianfeng’s words, but he also had to admit that everything Lin Jianfeng said hit the point and was in line with the spirit of the law and policy guidance.
“Team Lin, I understand your mood and agree with some of the key points of your analysis.” Team Leader Liu spoke slowly, “But how to deal with it in the end needs to be studied collectively by the task force and reported to superiors and judicial authorities for decision in accordance with the law. What I can personally assure you is that we will comprehensively, objectively and fairly evaluate Ms. Shen Qingwu’s merits and demerits, and neither condone her faults because of her merits, nor erase her merits because of her faults. The dignity of the law must be maintained, but we will not ignore the warmth of human nature.”
This is already the clearest commitment that Team Leader Liu can give within his scope of authority.
Lin Jianfeng took a deep breath and nodded: “Thank you, Team Leader Liu. I believe in the organization and the law.”
“In addition,” Team Leader Liu added, “Ms. Shen Qingwu requested that you continue to be responsible for her safety while she cooperates with the investigation. Considering the basis of your previous cooperation and her trust in you, as well as your understanding of the case, the task force agrees in principle. But all contacts between you must be strictly under supervision, and, Captain Lin, I hope you will always keep your identity and responsibilities in mind.”
This is a warning and a trust.This means that Lin Jianfeng can continue to guard Shen Qingwu, but he must also maintain professional sobriety and distance at all times.
“I understand.” Lin Jianfeng solemnly agreed, “I will strictly abide by discipline and perform my protective duties.”
The conversation is over.Lin Jianfeng walked out of the conference room, feeling like she had fought a hard battle. She was exhausted both physically and mentally, but there was a force supporting her.
She did not go to see Shen Qingwu immediately, but returned to her temporary office first.After closing the door, she leaned against the door panel, closed her eyes, and took a few deep breaths to calm down her surging emotions.
Then she took out her cell phone and started making calls.The call was not to Shen Qingwu, but to several senior seniors and leaders who were influential and upright in the judicial system.She briefly explained Shen Qingwu’s situation (of course, withholding the specific details of the case), emphasizing his major meritorious service, special motives and the dangers he faced. She implored them to pay attention to the case within the scope allowed by the law and ensure that the final judgment could truly reflect the principles of “culpability and punishment appropriate” and “lenity and severity.”
This is not a back door or interference with justice.This is the legal and legitimate appeal and effort she can make for a complex and special client based on a comprehensive understanding of the facts as a case investigator and protector.
In every phone call, she spoke sincerely and restrainedly, expressing her absolute respect for the law and her ardent hope for a fair handling of the case.
After making the call, she adjusted her police uniform and walked to the office where Shen Qingwu was.
The door is ajar.She knocked on the door, and after getting permission, opened the door and went in.
Shen Qingwu was sitting on the chair by the window, holding a glass of already cold water in his hand, looking out the window.She turned her head when she heard the sound.His face no longer had the coldness or sharpness of the past, leaving only an almost transparent paleness and exhaustion, but his eyes were unusually calm, even with a hint of relief.
When she saw Lin Jianfeng, the corners of her mouth curved slightly. The smile was light but real.
“Is the conversation over?” Shen Qingwu asked softly.
“Yeah.” Lin Jianfeng walked over and sat down on the chair opposite her. He didn’t get too close, keeping a distance that was both close and in line with the requirements of supervision.”Team Leader Liu will handle it fairly.”
Shen Qingwu nodded, as if he didn’t care much about the result.”I’ve said everything that needs to be said. I feel…much more relaxed.”
Lin Jianfeng looked at her, a thousand words stuck in his throat, and finally he could only say: “Thank you for your hard work.”
Shen Qingwu shook his head and looked out the window again.”It’s not hard. Compared to the past ten years… this is nothing.” She paused and her voice became lower, “Thank you, Jian Feng. Thank you… for not giving up on me.”
Lin Jianfeng’s heart trembled because of her words.She stretched out her hand, across the table, and gently covered the back of Shen Qingwu’s hand on her lap.Cool to the touch.
“I will never give up on you.” Lin Jianfeng’s voice was low, but with unquestionable power, “No matter what lies ahead, we will face it together.”
Shen Qingwu’s fingers moved slightly under her palm, and then gently held them back.
The sky outside the window, at some point, revealed a ray of golden sunlight, which penetrated the clouds and sprinkled on the windowsill, also illuminating the hands held by the two people.
The struggle has just begun.
But at least their hands are still held together.
This gives you the courage and strength to face all storms.