The police teams from the Ancient City Public Security Bureau and the Provincial Public Security Department drove nonstop for 900 kilometers, taking 15 hours to arrive in Qin Gu at 12:20 PM on August 3.
Ouyang Xue and Xiao Yawen learned of Rui Xiaodan's tragic news from Ding Yuan Ying's phone call on the night of August 2, just two days before the court session. Overcome with grief and tears, they set aside all work and quickly researched the fastest route to Qin Gu. They took the 10:15 AM flight from Beijing to Yinchuan on August 3, landing at Yinchuan Hedong Airport at 11:55 AM. They then took a taxi for the four-hour drive, arriving in Qin Gu at 5:20 PM.
Rui Weifeng received the notification call and faxed statements from the Ancient City Public Security Bureau at his home in Shanghai on the night of August 2. The statements included eyewitness accounts from several police officers and the wanted criminals Huang Fuhai and Liu Dongchang, confirming the shootout and Rui Xiaodan's suicide.
Among these testimonies, the one from Ding Yuan Ying infuriated Rui Weifeng the most. He knew how deeply his daughter felt for this man and believed he could have influenced her decision. He could not accept Ding Yuan Ying's noble yet cruel silence, nor his apparent indifference to her peril. Therefore, he barred Ding Yuan Ying from attending the funeral in Qin Gu.
Rui Weifeng also prevented Rui Xiaodan's mother, Zhang Huimin, from returning to China. Besides the time required for the German citizen to obtain a Chinese visa, Rui Weifeng feared Zhang Huimin's mental and physical health couldn't withstand the shock.
Accompanied by two disciples, Rui Weifeng took an 8:50 AM flight from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Yinchuan, stopping in Xi'an before landing at Yinchuan Airport at 1 PM. They were met by friends from the Yinchuan film industry and representatives of the police, including Zeng Hua and Huang Wenxian, who then drove to Qin Gu, arriving at 6 PM.
That evening, a meeting was held in the Qin Gu Hotel conference room to coordinate with the police, Rui Xiaodan's family, and friends. Attendees included the deputy director of the Ancient City Public Security Bureau, Criminal Police Captain Lei Jianfeng, officers Zhou Wei and Ma Lin, the Political Commissar of the Provincial Public Security Department, officials from the Shaanxi police, Zeng Hua, Huang Wenxian, and Qin Gu County Criminal Police Captain Wang. Lei Jianfeng, Zhou Wei, and Ma Lin attended as colleagues and friends of Rui Xiaodan.
Rui Weifeng, Ouyang Xue, and Xiao Yawen attended as family and friends of Rui Xiaodan.
The meeting had two agendas: transferring Rui Xiaodan's belongings and issuing a death certificate, and hearing the family's opinions and requests while discussing the arrangements and date of the farewell ceremony. Leaders from various departments expressed their condolences and praised Rui Xiaodan's performance. The deputy director of the Ancient City Public Security Bureau handed over Rui Xiaodan's belongings and the Qin Gu County Public Security Bureau's death certificate to Rui Weifeng.
The deputy director explained the bureau's stance, "Frankly, this is the most difficult speech I've had to make in my decades of service. Everyone here understands Xiaodan, but from a broader social ethics perspective, suicide is generally viewed as a negative life attitude, especially for a police officer. Its social impact is even worse. Therefore, based on the fact that Xiaodan committed suicide, the Ancient City Public Security Bureau has decided not to grant her martyr status, not to publicize her story, not to issue compensation, not to commend her, and not to hold an official memorial service. This is harsh, but it is the reality we must face within our social value system."
Rui Weifeng, his graying hair disheveled, held a trembling cigarette. He smoked one after another, using the burning cigarettes as a crutch to keep his spirits from collapsing. He responded, "She's gone, so nothing else matters. I have no demands or objections. I just want this ordeal to end quickly."
The deputy director continued, "For the same reasons, Rui Xiaodan's life insurance will not be honored by the insurance company. The bureau has decided that all posthumous expenses incurred in Qin Gu will be covered by the Ancient City Public Security Bureau."
Rui Weifeng replied, "I can't accept that. This isn't about emotions or style. It's my duty to take care of my daughter's affairs."
Given Rui Weifeng's lack of demands, the meeting proceeded smoothly without the typical disputes from grieving families. It was agreed that the farewell ceremony would take place the next morning. Specific arrangements were made, including time, location, scale, steps, and speeches, with Lei Jianfeng representing the entire Ancient City Criminal Police Team.
Ouyang Xue and Xiao Yawen remained silent throughout the meeting, as they had no legal standing to speak.
Xiao Yawen had only met Rui Weifeng once in college and rarely heard Rui Xiaodan mention him. She occasionally saw him on television interviews. Ouyang Xue had known Rui Weifeng since childhood but felt indifferent towards him, perhaps due to Xiaodan's attitude and her father's similar background.
Xiao Yawen disapproved of reading eulogies at the farewell ceremony. She felt it was unnecessary for those who knew Xiaodan and didn't serve any real purpose. She believed that Rui Xiaodan had always lived for herself, not for others. In death, she would have to be at the mercy of well-meaning people who were unknowingly distancing themselves from the real Rui Xiaodan with their formalities. However, she acknowledged their intentions and rights.
Xiao Yawen only spoke near the end of the meeting, asking, "As Xiaodan's friends, Ouyang and I have a question for Mr. Rui. Where will Xiaodan be laid to rest? In the Ancient City or Shanghai?"
Rui Weifeng replied, "Xiaodan will return to Shanghai with me."
Xiao Yawen asked, "How can we learn the location of Xiaodan's grave?"
Rui Weifeng responded, "I don't want to answer that question here."
Xiao Yawen fell silent.