Back at the police station, Beanpole shot him a weird, complicated look.
Ding Shuqing, on the other hand, was his usual jovial self, ribbing him, "Man, Bruiser's got connections! Even reeled in the Deputy Mayor's secretary."
Wang Zhiyuan gave a forced chuckle.
Thankfully, Ding Shuqing didn't pry into their relationship and quickly changed the subject to Zhou Jin.
Wang Zhiyuan said everything was normal.
Ding Shuqing said, "Go catch some Zs. Take over Bighead's shift at midnight."
Wang Zhiyuan knew it was pointless, but agreed anyway. Instead of heading home, he took a detour around the city to a secluded internet café.
Back then, internet cafés weren't strict. He said he didn't have an ID, and they let him in.
Wang Zhiyuan was never a computer geek. While others were glued to their screens, he preferred spending time at the gym or bowling alley. But now, as he touched the mouse and keyboard, it felt comforting, like a gourmet used to shark fin soup finding solace in simple noodles.
He created a new email account and started composing a message to Qian Haiyang.
He had thought it through. With Qian Haiyang's caution and influence, waiting for him to slip up would take forever. So, he decided to make the first move. Qian Haiyang's caution was both a strength and a weakness – he was tight-lipped but also paranoid.
Wang Zhiyuan was sure his email would have the desired effect.
As he typed, a wicked glee surged through him. He could almost see Qian Haiyang's face when he read the email – the shock, the horror. His supposedly foolproof plan suddenly having a major flaw.
Click.
He hit send.
Mr. Qian Haiyang, you must be living the high life! I know you killed Boss Zhou. He told me if anything happened to him, you did it. Remember that tape? He made a copy for me. If I hand it over to the cops, you know what's coming.
Insider Z
Bam!
Qian Haiyang swept everything off his desk.
He had been watching Zhou Jin for days, digging up everything from his morning milk to his mistresses, but still no sign of Sun Wan. Even the local police in her hometown said they hadn't seen her since the last New Year.
Another dead end.
Bighead, tired and frustrated, went to Ding Shuqing to ask about continuing the investigation on Qian Haiyang.
"I don't call the shots," Ding Shuqing shrugged. "Higher-ups said to drop the Qian Haiyang lead."
"Why?" Bighead asked. "He's clearly the prime suspect. Who else should we be chasing?"
Ding Shuqing replied, "They said they have other plans for Qian Haiyang."
Bighead was baffled. "What plans? Are they gonna give him a 'Citizen of the Year' award or something?"
Ding Shuqing rolled his eyes. "Dude, seriously?"
Bighead stood his ground. "What? I'm the one who found out Zhou Jin's mistress is Liu Mei. I caught him sneaking around with her three times in a week."
Just as Ding Shuqing was about to say something, Wang Zhiyuan walked in. Ding Shuqing waved him over. "Look at Bruiser here, pulled four night shifts in a row and not a peep."
Bighead retorted, "I don't mind night shifts, but what's the point if we're not getting anywhere?"
"Chill. The higher-ups have their reasons. Our job is to bring criminals to justice, not play lone wolf heroes," Ding Shuqing said as he grabbed his cup and left, clearly done with the conversation.
Bighead turned to Wang Zhiyuan to vent.
Suddenly, Wang Zhiyuan asked, "Heard anything from the Narcotics Division lately?"
"No clue," Bighead replied, then his eyes lit up. "You think they're gearing up for something?"
Wang Zhiyuan said, "Just a hunch."
He had this hunch because he knew a shipment was coming soon. Back in the day, he was suspicious of Qian Haiyang and didn't involve him in the deal. He didn't fully trust Li Xingchen either, so he handled it himself. The cops seemed to have gotten wind of it but didn't have the exact location, so it was a close shave. Now, it seemed that Ding Shuqing's 'other plans' probably involved the Narcotics Division.
Bighead's face lit up with excitement. "Qian Haiyang's playing with fire. He's got a murder hanging over his head, and he's still messing around."
Wang Zhiyuan said, "Gotta show strength to keep the crew in line." In reality, Qian Haiyang had no choice. The shipment was arranged by Zhou Zhaotao before his death, as compensation for crossing someone. If Qian Haiyang backed out, it would mean war. He couldn't afford that before solidifying his position.
Bighead was raring to go. "Think the Narcotics Division could use some extra hands? Maybe we can get Captain Ding to lend us to them for a few days. Beats tailing Zhou Jin all day."
Wang Zhiyuan said, "You gonna ask the captain?"
Bighead thought of Ding Shuqing's expression and sighed. "Nah, let's wait for orders. If it's a big case, they'll need us for sure. Oh, I'm taking over Wang Rui's shift later. He's picking up Lin Moran from the hospital. You coming?"
Wang Zhiyuan said, "Isn't he going?"
Bighead said, "Yeah, but you should too. You're the guy's mentor. Show some support. When's the last time you visited? Probably just when he was admitted, right? The kid's fresh out of school, gets injured right after joining us, and has no family here. Must be feeling pretty down. You're just gonna leave him hanging?"
Wang Zhiyuan frowned impatiently. "It's not like I'm trying to date him."
Bighead burst into laughter. "Hey, you never know. If you can't find a wife, maybe give him a shot. He's tall, but that's in these days. Plus, he's good-looking and presentable. Wouldn't be a bad catch."
Wang Zhiyuan turned and walked away.
He would never admit that Bighead's joke was actually one of the reasons he considered Li Xingchen as a partner back in the day.
Days passed since he sent the email to Qian Haiyang, with no response. Wang Zhiyuan was in no rush. He knew Qian Haiyang's character – cautious to a fault and paranoid.
So, he kept sending emails, revealing more and more details about the tape and Zhou Zhaotao, creating the illusion that he was becoming desperate.
Fishing was a shared hobby between him and Qian Haiyang, so they both had patience. They liked to strike when the other lost their cool. He was now creating that opportunity for Qian Haiyang.
Sure enough, today when he checked his inbox, there it was – a reply from Qian Haiyang.
"What's your point?"
Even though Qian Haiyang seemed unfazed, Wang Zhiyuan was certain that if he didn't reply soon, Qian would be the one getting antsy.
Wang Zhiyuan lit a cigarette.
Knowing the police were making moves, he adjusted his plan. He preferred to make others do his dirty work – watching his enemies fall without getting his hands dirty. The cops were practically handing him a knife on a silver platter, and he'd be a fool not to take it.
Last time, he got away because the cops had just sent in Li Xingchen, an undercover agent who hadn't yet proven useful. But this time was different. He was sure he could help the police give Qian Haiyang a one-way ticket to jail.
His fingers danced over the keyboard –
I want money!
And power!
Give it to me, or get ready to meet your maker!
Wang Zhiyuan leaned back, a smirk on his face.