The mall was livelier at night than during the day, likely because this was when the office workers had the time to visit. Liu Mei, dressed simply with a plain leather bag slung over her shoulder, wandered through the third-floor appliance store. She looked like any other salary worker, blending in seamlessly with the crowd.
After half an hour of aimless wandering and scanning the area, Liu Mei began to feel restless as there was no sign of Lin Xiaoqiang. She hesitated, contemplating whether to leave.
Jin Tie, who had been quietly observing Liu Mei for some time, decided it was the right moment. He approached her slowly and spoke softly, "Excuse me, are you Ms. Liu?"
Liu Mei eyed him warily, "Who are you?"
Jin Tie quickly replied, "I'm a friend of Mr. Lin. He sent me to pick up the goods."
Liu Mei turned her face away, "I'm sorry, I don't know you or any Mr. Lin."
Jin Tie produced a small piece of paper, "This is Mr. Lin's written order."
Liu Mei glanced at it briefly before returning it to him, "This is a big deal. I need to see him in person."
Jin Tie, ever the opportunist with a beautiful woman, insisted, "I'm his special envoy, authorized to handle all his affairs."
Liu Mei ignored him.
Meanwhile, the seaside park exuded a quiet and peaceful ambiance. The gentle breeze rustled through the willows as Wang Jingfei and Fei Jingwei sat on a long stone bench. The waves lapped softly against the lake's edge, and the large, round moon hanging in the dark blue sky bathed the scene in a soft, calming light. Fei Jingwei opened his mouth with great difficulty and slowly said, "From the day Haizhou Pharmaceuticals was founded, I've been working here. To be honest, in the early days, Guo Xiaopeng was diligent and law-abiding. But since a couple of years ago, I discovered someone manufacturing meth in the factory. I investigated and found out it was under Liu Mei's direction, so I kept quiet."
"Why didn't you stop it?" Wang Jingfei asked.
"I'm an engineer, not a policeman. Besides, considering the relationship between Liu Mei and Guo Xiaopeng, I didn't dare act rashly." Fei Jingwei's face twisted into a grimace of bitterness.
Wang Jingfei silently acknowledged his plight.
"Moreover, the quantity wasn't large, and Guo Xiaopeng might not have known about it," Fei Jingwei emphasized. "But this time is different."
Wang Jingfei focused her attention.
"First, the quantity this time is substantial. Judging by the raw materials, it could produce at least one or two tons of meth. Second, the process has been altered and a new formula is used, all of which happened right in front of me. He couldn't avoid involving me in such large-scale production. If I remain silent now, it becomes a clear case of willful criminal complicity."
Wang Jingfei nodded in agreement, "You did the right thing."
Fei Jingwei averted his gaze, "You may despise me, but I'm just a weak intellectual. Aside from chemical knowledge, I know almost nothing else. If Haizhou Pharmaceuticals collapses, I'll be left with nothing."
Wang Jingfei responded sincerely, "I completely understand."
Fei Jingwei's tone grew sorrowful, "Even partial understanding is appreciated. I've managed Haizhou Pharmaceuticals for three years, the most energetic years of my life. I've dedicated everything to it. I won't have such an opportunity again."
After parting with Fei Jingwei, Wang Jingfei slowly strolled out of the park, alone on the moonlit seaside avenue. She tried to sort out the tangled thoughts in her mind.
From what Fei Jingwei revealed, Guo Xiaopeng had indeed started manufacturing drugs. Her feelings were a mix of hatred and deep regret. Despite everything, he was the most passionate man she had ever known. His knowledge, his demeanor, and his generosity had left an indelible mark on her. This dichotomy of a man being both a benevolent figure and a demon was something she couldn't reconcile. The thought of his hypocrisy, deceit, and cruelty combined with his integrity, kindness, and sophistication made her feel nauseous. What puzzled her the most was why such a well-educated, wealthy man would choose the path of drug manufacturing and trafficking. He could have had a brilliant future and an extraordinary career. Why leap from the radiant garden of flowers into a thorny swamp? She had to uncover this mystery, no matter the cost.
Lost in thought, Wang Jingfei unknowingly walked down a desolate, dark side road.
A Toyota Jeep suddenly emerged from the darkness, screeching to a halt in front of her, snapping her out of her reverie. Before she could react, several burly men jumped out, grabbed her, and forced her into the car, which then sped towards the beach.
The car stopped at a secluded small karaoke bar with only four private rooms. The partition between the first and second floors looked temporary, shaking under any weight.