Zhang Yi’ang and Yang Wei had reached an agreement to arrest Mei Dong through meritorious service to atone for crimes, but releasing him wasn’t so easy.
Now internal management at Public Security was strict. Even for ordinary illegal behavior, once it had been entered into the system, releasing someone early required going through a whole set of procedures up and down the hierarchy. Of course, if someone had just been arrested and the information hadn’t yet been uploaded to the system, a leader’s word was indeed effective.
Yang Wei had caused Boss Fang’s family to march through the streets, with enormous impact. The police had just arrested him when they contacted the Procuratorate to process arrest approval procedures. For Zhang Yi’ang to release him, not only did it require internal Public Security approval, but they also had to file a situation report with the Procuratorate. However, in the pre-case stage, as long as Public Security withdrew the arrest approval and provided reasons for atoning for crimes through meritorious service, the Procuratorate as a brother department usually wouldn’t interfere.
Half an hour later, Wang Ruijun walked into the office and reported with an unwilling expression: “Director Qi went to the city. Without his signature, releasing Yang Wei can’t be processed.”
“Find Director Zhao and have him stamp it—that’ll work.” Zhang Yi’ang said easily. After all, this was Criminal Police business. Usually the Criminal Police Team reaching consensus was enough.
“Uh… I found Director Zhao. He opposes releasing Yang Wei.”
“Why?”
“He said Yang Wei is after all a target for criminal detention and can’t be released.”
Zhang Yi’ang shouted with dissatisfaction: “We’re having Yang Wei atone for crimes through meritorious service, playing the long game to catch the big fish. Yang Wei has no major violent criminal record—how can he not be released?”
“Director Zhao knows that legally speaking, the nature of Yang Wei’s case isn’t serious. However, Yang Wei caused Boss Fang’s group to march through the streets, putting up banners claiming Public Security was Yang Wei’s protective umbrella. The government was alarmed, and Director Qi was called by superiors for questioning. If we release Yang Wei now, social public opinion will confirm that Public Security is a protective umbrella. Director Zhao suggests we first detain Yang Wei for half a year, then release him later to let him hook Mei Dong. He absolutely disagrees with releasing him now.”
“Detain him for half a year first?” Zhang Yi’ang sneered coldly. “Detain Yang Wei for half a year, then have him think up reasons to trick Mei Dong back to the country? If Mei Dong didn’t even have that much vigilance, he’d have been caught hundreds of times already.”
Wang Ruijun said with difficulty: “But Director Zhao just disagrees. I can’t convince him. He doesn’t do criminal investigation and doesn’t know the difficulties of our actual work.”
Zhang Yi’ang shook his head, stood up, and said: “Ruijun, let me tell you a story. Back when I graduated from police academy, I passed the civil service exam and successfully became a criminal police officer. Speaking of it, my luck was pretty good—I was assigned to Director Gao’s department. At that time, Director Gao hadn’t yet gone to the province. He was still the director of Ning City’s Criminal Investigation Division. At that time, a county under Ning City had a serial murder case with extremely bad influence. Because Director Gao had always been known for solving major cases, superiors arranged for Director Gao to form a special task force to focus on this serial murder case. This case was also the first major case I experienced. Back then, the shooting quality and density of surveillance equipment couldn’t compare with now, and the criminal’s methods were sophisticated with strong anti-investigation abilities. We stayed for several weeks but case progress was slow. Just as we were setting up controls throughout the county, working intensively and trying every method to find the suspect, the criminal killed again. At that time Director Gao was under special pressure. Superiors saw that our task force not only hadn’t caught the murderer but another homicide had occurred, so they sent another leader down to replace Director Gao’s position as team leader. That leader didn’t understand criminal investigation at all. He fumbled around chaotically and achieved nothing. Knowing he couldn’t solve the case and fearing accountability, he found a reason to resign from the team leader position and went back. In the end, they still had Director Gao lead the case handling. As a result, within a few days the case was solved. Director Gao ultimately relied on professional ability to catch the murderer and received commendation. And that unprofessional leader had nothing to say.”
Wang Ruijun listened to him finish this story and savored and chewed on it for quite a while, but still couldn’t figure out what exactly the leader wanted to hint at. He could only shamelessly and cautiously ask: “Director, this matter… what does this matter have to do with Yang Wei’s case?”
“Then what does Yang Wei’s case have to do with Director Zhao! Does he manage criminal investigation? He’s just an office director. Has he handled cases? Has he arrested people? You’re a dignified Criminal Investigation Brigade captain—how come when handling cases you still need him to teach you?”
Wang Ruijun was immediately enlightened. Thinking about it, what business of the office director was it how the Criminal Police Team handled cases? If Public Security were a company, then the office director would be an administrator. Which company’s business supervisor still needs to listen to administration? However, thinking again, he wasn’t just administration—he also served as the general manager’s secretary. His opposition to releasing Yang Wei was probably Director Qi Zhenxing’s intention, right? He didn’t have the guts to challenge the director’s authority, so he could only honestly say: “I think Director Zhao’s meaning may represent Director Qi’s attitude. After all, Director Qi was called up for questioning because of this march. If we release Yang Wei now, it won’t be good for Director Qi to account for it.”
“Director Qi?”
Wang Ruijun coughed once and said in a low voice: “I heard rumors in the unit that Director Qi has some opinions about our criminal investigation line’s daily work, including last time when we arrested Li Feng—Director Qi wasn’t very happy.”
“We arrested Li Feng—why isn’t Director Qi happy?”
Wang Ruijun laughed awkwardly: “Because all of San Jiang Kou knows you arrested him. Director Qi didn’t participate in this case from beginning to end. Plus our criminal investigation line’s usual work hasn’t reported to him, so in his position his heart is inevitably uncomfortable. If this time you directly clash head-on with Director Qi, I… I think would it be inappropriate?”
Zhang Yi’ang frowned slightly. He understood in his heart—all leaders liked to demonstrate their presence, liked subordinates to consult them when encountering matters. Even if they didn’t understand the matter, they were still happy to guide with a few words from a high-level perspective on principles. The first time Zhang Yi’ang arrested Li Feng, he hadn’t asked Qi Zhenxing. Later when investigating the Ye Jian case, because it might involve Zhou Rong and required secrecy, he also didn’t consult Qi Zhenxing. What’s more, he and Qi Zhenxing fundamentally weren’t people on the same line. Peacefully coexisting was already very good—making him happy was something Zhang Yi’ang couldn’t do. Today’s matter of releasing Yang Wei—if Zhang Yi’ang insisted on having his way, then the whole unit would know the two of them had torn off their masks. Future work would be very troublesome.
Zhang Yi’ang thought about it and sighed: “We finally managed to use this matter to convince Yang Wei. If we don’t seize the opportunity to trick Mei Dong back, finding this kind of opportunity again in the future will be difficult!”
“Exactly.” Wang Ruijun also felt it was very regrettable, but was also helpless.
Zhang Yi’ang looked at him: “Are you willing to give up arresting Mei Dong?”
“Of course I’m not willing, but whether or not to release Yang Wei relates to Director Qi’s face problem.” Although Wang Ruijun was a bit slippery as a person, as a criminal police officer he was naturally born wanting to solve major cases. Catching Mei Dong would be much more substantial than detaining Yang Wei.
Zhang Yi’ang smiled. He only wanted this attitude: “We’ll find someone to argue on principle with Director Zhao, present facts and reason, analyze the pros and cons, let Director Zhao and Director Qi know that once we can arrest Mei Dong, it’s a major achievement for the entire unit, have them consider the overall work situation.”
“Who should we find to speak?”
“We need to find someone who’s not afraid of offending Director Zhao and Director Qi.”
Wang Ruijun thought for a few seconds and blurted out: “Chen Fayi? Hmm… but the forensic examiner can’t be connected to arresting Mei Dong, and Old Chen doesn’t listen to us either.”
Zhang Yi’ang smiled, pointed at Wang Ruijun’s little head with his finger, and uttered two words: “Li Qian!”
The next second, Wang Ruijun’s entire pair of eyes gradually brightened, and he couldn’t help but sigh in his heart—Director Zhang was indeed a master!
Although Li Qian was useless at work, she could be used as waste! She was the Public Security Ministry Deputy Minister’s niece. If not her, who would take the blame for going against Director Qi?
“Have me be responsible for designing the arrest of Mei Dong?” Li Qian sat across on the sofa, mouth rounded in surprise as she looked at Wang Ruijun, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.
Since the Liu Bei incident, she had been completely marginalized by the Criminal Police Team, making her spend the past few days self-reliantly opening up new business to investigate Zhou Rong alone. Who knew that suddenly one day she’d be given an important task—having her operate such a major plan to arrest Mei Dong. In an instant, she threw aside the matter of contacting Zhou Rong to investigate secretly. With this proper work to do, why would she go investigate Zhou Rong by herself in boredom?!
“You’re not willing?”
“I… I am… Of course I’m willing. Does Director Zhang agree?” Li Qian was so excited she became incoherent.
“Director Zhang is of course very cautious. This was my recommendation to Director Zhang—”
“Thank you, Brother Jun!” Li Qian hastily ingratiated herself, but immediately became doubtful. “But why recommend me?”
“First, you’ve been with our Criminal Police Team for several months now. Criminal police with your kind of enthusiasm and drive are rarely seen. Your performance is there for everyone to see. We all think you should have more training opportunities.”
Li Qian nodded repeatedly.
“Second, originally designing to arrest Mei Dong is such a major matter, it shouldn’t be handled by a new police officer like you. But in the first step of this plan, we encountered a very big difficulty.” Wang Ruijun sighed. “I’ve thought about it—perhaps only you can solve it.”
“What difficulty?”
“What do you think of the plan to arrest Mei Dong I just told you about?”
“Very good!”
Wang Ruijun nodded: “I’ve already agreed on this plan with Yang Wei, but Director Zhao doesn’t agree to release Yang Wei to lure and arrest Mei Dong.”
“Why doesn’t he agree?”
Wang Ruijun shook his head: “I don’t know either. He just doesn’t agree.”
Li Qian snorted angrily: “Could Director Zhao be Mei Dong’s protective umbrella in San Jiang Kou? No wonder they haven’t caught him all these years!”
Wang Ruijun immediately started coughing: “We can’t wrongly accuse Director Zhao without basis either.”
“What should I do now?”
“If we can’t convince Director Zhao within today, then the entire plan to arrest Mei Dong will fall through. I’ve already gone to him and was scolded. You’re different. On one hand, you’re a woman with gender advantages. On the other hand, Director Zhao also knows your uncle is a Ministry leader. He’ll give you face. Tell Director Zhao this plan was your idea. If Yang Wei can’t be released, the plan you worked so hard to think up will be wasted. Also, you need to emphasize to him the pros and cons of arresting and releasing Yang Wei. Taking the opportunity to arrest Mei Dong is most important.”
After leaving the office, Li Qian immediately went to find Director Zhao. Although most people in the unit didn’t know Li Qian’s uncle was a big Ministry leader, Director Zhao and a few other leaders had heard Zhang Yi’ang mention it during the last Liu Bei case. Qi Zhenxing had also inquired with superiors, and it was indeed true. Director Zhao patiently listened to Li Qian analyze various pros and cons. He was also very frank, explaining to Li Qian that not releasing Yang Wei was because Director Qi had been called to the superior city over this matter. If they released Yang Wei, Director Qi would be unable to defend himself. He stated that he was also willing to release Yang Wei to lure and arrest Mei Dong, but this matter required superior leadership approval.
Li Qian’s persuasive words couldn’t change his mind. With no other choice, Li Qian could only pick up her phone and call Uncle Guo’s secretary, explaining the situation and seeking help. For a leader at this level, this matter was effortless. Deputy Minister Guo’s chief secretary happened to be acquainted with a supervisor leader at San Jiang Kou’s superior city Public Security Bureau. He called and spoke at length. The other party also agreed that taking this opportunity to arrest Mei Dong was the urgent priority. Everyone was in the criminal investigation line and knew time was urgent. Special matters handled specially—he immediately contacted Qi Zhenxing and had him make arrangements. With superior leadership agreement, Qi Zhenxing was of course also happy to quickly shake off the mud ball that was Yang Wei and immediately had Director Zhao handle it.
In less than two hours, Li Qian found Wang Ruijun with the stamped document from Director Zhao. Wang Ruijun hadn’t expected Li Qian to complete the task so quickly. Overjoyed, he praised her effusively, but didn’t mention a word about having her be responsible for arresting Mei Dong.
Li Qian hastily reminded him: “Captain Wang, what do I need to do next to arrest Mei Dong?”
“This… wait a moment. I’ll get Director Zhang to teach you.”
Li Qian sat in the room waiting with full anticipation. After a few minutes, chaotic sounds came from outside the door. She heard Song Xing saying: “Director, having Li Qian be responsible for arresting Mei Dong—I won’t do it!”
“Why?” Zhang Yi’ang’s voice.
“Yes, why? Captain Wang and the Director already discussed it—if Li Qian can successfully release Yang Wei, this case will be handed to her to handle.” Wang Ruijun’s voice.
“You didn’t discuss it with me. I don’t agree!” Song Xing pushed open the door and walked in. Seeing Li Qian at a glance, he revealed a surprised expression. “Why are you here?”
Li Qian glared at him through gritted teeth, not saying a word.
Zhang Yi’ang drew a breath and persuaded Song Xing: “Captain Song, Li Qian helped us a great deal this time. Just cooperate once and let her be responsible for what comes next.”
Song Xing glanced at Li Qian but still argued on principle: “This isn’t a matter of helping or not helping. Director, case handling isn’t child’s play. Work can’t be used to repay favors. Li Qian’s experience is still far from this step, and no one will listen to her commands!”
Li Qian glared at Song Xing, her face flushing red.
Zhang Yi’ang glared at Song Xing: “Captain Song, I’ve already promised Li Qian. If you do this, where do I put my face! Are you still listening to commands or not!”
Song Xing snorted: “Arresting Mei Dong is such a major matter. If something goes wrong, whose fault is it? Anyway, if Li Qian is put in charge of this, I won’t do it. Even if you fire me, I won’t do it!”
“You, oh you!” Wang Ruijun angrily pointed at Song Xing, walked over and moved close to Li Qian’s side, consoling her in a low voice: “You know Old Song’s temper. I really have no way to deal with him. Li Qian, how about this—this time please bear with it for now. Follow along and accumulate more experience. Next year—I guarantee next year I’ll definitely make you a task force leader.”
All three looked at her with full expectation. Li Qian’s gaze rotated among the three people several times. Her face showed full grievance and anger. She shouted at them three times: “Liars! Liars! Liars!” She fiercely pushed Wang Ruijun aside and strode out.