"Second Brother... Second Brother is back?" Li Hao said excitedly. Since childhood, he and Ye Qian had been the closest. If it weren't for him, Ye Qian wouldn't have been forced to leave his hometown. He always felt responsible for Ye Qian's predicament, believing Ye Qian would have had a better future otherwise.
"He just got back yesterday and was taken by the police. Third Brother, I've never asked you for anything, but this time, I'm begging you to get him out no matter what. He can't suffer like this anymore," the old man said on the other end of the line.
"Dad, don't worry. Even if you didn't say anything, I'd still get him out," Li Hao replied.
"With those words, I'm relieved," the old man said.
After hanging up, Li Hao wasted no time and immediately called the branch office that had arrested Ye Qian. It was already past ten at night, and most of the police had gone off duty, leaving only a few on night watch. When they received Li Hao's call, they were surprised. After some casual questioning, Li Hao brought up Ye Qian. "I heard you detained someone named Ye Qian today, is that correct?"
The on-duty officer was taken aback, wondering why the district police chief would suddenly mention this detainee. Suspecting Ye Qian might be a relative or friend of Li Hao, he didn't hesitate and replied, "Yes, sir. We received a report this morning about an assault in Qianjiang Garden. We dispatched officers to the scene, and Captain Wang led a team to arrest the suspect, Ye Qian, at the hospital in the afternoon."
"Who made the report?" Li Hao asked.
"The victim himself, a coal mine owner from Shanxi province investing in our city. The assault happened at his residence. According to the victim, the suspect forced his way in to extort money and, when unsuccessful, severely injured him," the officer answered.
Li Hao pondered. Despite not seeing Ye Qian for many years, he knew Ye Qian wouldn't extort someone without reason. Moreover, what kind of fool would break into someone's home to extort money and then beat the person up? There had to be more to this case. "Where is the suspect now?" Li Hao asked.
"He's in the detention center," the officer replied.
After a brief silence, Li Hao said, "Alright, that's all. With the World Expo approaching, ensure you maintain high security standards. No slackness is acceptable, understood?"
"Yes, sir!" the officer said quickly. After Li Hao hung up, the officer was left puzzled, not understanding the true intent of the call. If Ye Qian was really related to the chief, shouldn't he have at least instructed them to take good care of him?
Just as Li Hao hung up, his father called again. Li Hao answered quickly. "Third Brother, how is it?" the old man asked.
"Dad, I just inquired. Second Brother is suspected of extortion and intentional injury, seriously injuring an investor from another province," Li Hao explained.
"Nonsense! Xiao'er would never extort someone without a reason. He must have been framed," the old man said firmly.
"I think so too. The case has many suspicious points. However, it's likely true that Second Brother injured someone. Do you know who he might have such a grudge against?" Li Hao asked.
"Your Second Brother has been away for eight years and just returned yesterday. Who could he have a grudge against?" the old man said, pausing. "Wait, I was assaulted and hospitalized yesterday. Xiao'er might have beaten up that person."
"Dad, are you okay?" Li Hao asked anxiously.
"I'm fine," the old man said. "No matter what, you must find a way to get your Second Brother out."
"With the World Expo approaching, the city is cracking down on crime. Second Brother's case will be difficult. But don't worry, I'll make sure he gets out safely," Li Hao said after a brief silence.
"Good, good," the old man said.
Early the next morning, Li Hao hurried to the hospital. His career was at a critical juncture, and any mistake could jeopardize his promotion. Even though he was willing to sacrifice his position for Ye Qian's sake, he knew that his political opponents would seize any opportunity to make things difficult. This case was relatively minor, and if the victim withdrew the complaint, Ye Qian could be released without further trouble.
After inquiring about Zeng Dafu's room from the nurse, Li Hao headed there with gifts.
Seeing Li Hao in uniform, Zeng Dafu was momentarily stunned. Noticing the insignia on Li Hao's shoulder, a single bar with three stars indicating a chief inspector, he was even more puzzled.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Zeng Dafu?" Li Hao asked politely.
"Yes, I am. What can I do for you, sir?" Zeng Dafu asked obsequiously. Although he was a wealthy man, this wasn't his territory, and he didn't dare to be arrogant in front of a government official.
"Nothing much, just here to check on you," Li Hao said, walking in and placing the gifts on the table. "How are you? Any serious injuries?"
A chief inspector visiting him for no reason? Zeng Dafu couldn't believe it. Though he didn't understand Li Hao's intentions, he replied respectfully, "I'm much better, thank you."
"It's a failure on our part that you were assaulted while investing in our city. On behalf of our police force, I apologize," Li Hao said.
"No need, sir. I believe the authorities will ensure justice is served," Zeng Dafu replied.
After a moment of silence, Li Hao said, "Mr. Zeng, actually, I have another reason for visiting. Besides checking on you, I have a request."
"Please, go ahead. I'll do whatever I can," Zeng Dafu said.
"Thank you for your understanding. I'll be straightforward. The person who assaulted you is my Second Brother. I'd like to ask if you could withdraw the complaint. I know it's difficult, but we will cover all your medical expenses," Li Hao said.