Chapter 161: The Hidden Video

Just after leaving the internet café, Lin Dongxue called, saying, “It seems Grandpa Lu hired private detectives. Not only did I notice, but other colleagues also saw suspicious people snooping around. They all appear to be from a well-known detective agency in the city.”

Chen Shi said, “It looks like Grandpa Lu didn’t intend to let the police handle the case. Do you have any evidence?”

“Old Zhang recorded a video of Grandpa Lu’s secretary meeting secretly with one of the private detectives. I don’t know if it counts as evidence.”

“Send it to me. I’ll go see him. Also, contact the economic crimes department to prepare for an investigation into a businessman suspected of bribery.”

“Are you planning to take him in again?”

“He’s too much of a hindrance!”

Chen Shi sped to the hotel where Grandpa Lu was staying. Lu Qixing had just seen off two business partners and was happy to see Chen Shi, saying, “I hope Officer Song brings good news this time.”

“You hired private detectives?”

Lu Qixing chuckled, “I’ve already hired the police. Why would I need extra help? Do I really distrust the police that much?”

Chen Shi pointed to his eyes, “Even though I’m not Song Lang, my eyes are sharp enough to spot a liar.”

Xu Xiaodong was stunned. How could Chen Shi casually reveal his identity?

Lu Qixing was slightly taken aback, “You’re not Song Lang? Then who are you?”

“Xiaodong, step outside for a moment. I need to talk to Grandpa Lu alone.”

Once Xu Xiaodong left and closed the door, Chen Shi said, “Let’s be honest with each other, Grandpa. Although you have Alzheimer’s, I’ve noticed your memory loss is only about recent events. You remember the past very clearly. Why did you mistake me for Song Lang? I have a bold guess—you knew from the start I wasn’t him. Moreover, you knew that although I’m not a cop, I have a lot of influence at the bureau.”

“Who… are you, really?” Lu Qixing picked up a cigar.

“You don’t know?”

“How could I possibly know?”

Lu Qixing slowly clipped the cigar and lit it, his actions betraying his inner turmoil.

Chen Shi grabbed the freshly lit cigar, extinguishing it in the ashtray. “Jia Xingyun’s father just took office at the Land Bureau. You wanted to bribe Director Jia through his son, but your rebellious son spent the money on a guitar. On the night of February 2nd, you were furious and injured him.”

“Evidence?”

“Let the economic crimes team find the evidence. They just need to check your financial records. Actually, I’ve already informed them.”

Lu Qixing’s face turned pale, then he laughed, taking another cigar from the box and handing it to Chen Shi. “I’ll give you a blank check. Fill in any amount.”

“So this is your plan. Because I’m not a cop, I’m easier to bribe. How did you find out about me?”

“To be honest, a man named Ximen Sheng, my business partner, told me about you. He said you’re not a cop but better than one, and everyone at the bureau respects you… Now I understand why. You’re as smart and sharp as Song Lang.”

“Your plan was to buy me off during the investigation to prevent your bribery from being exposed?”

“You’re too clever. I’m starting to like you.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa Lu. Now tell me, what evidence have you hidden?”

Lu Qixing signed a check and handed it over, indicating Chen Shi should fill it in first, using it as assurance. Chen Shi wrote a number, and Lu Qixing laughed, “Add two more zeros, I wouldn’t mind.”

“Talk.”

“You’ve been investigating Zhendong’s house?”

“Yes.”

“I hid a surveillance video. At 11 PM, Zhendong left the neighborhood.”

“Why hide it?”

“Because… half an hour before he left, Jia Xingyun went back with him. I had Zhendong apologize and invite Jia Xingyun and his father for dinner with a big gift.”

“You didn’t want Jia Xingyun implicated, affecting your relationship with Director Jia… Grandpa, your son is dead. How can you still care so much about business?”

“I’m a businessman. Profit always comes first. Even with my two sons dead, I have to see who I can trust and who I can’t.”

Chen Shi was impressed. “Can you give me the video?”

“Sure, but no one else can see it, and you must promise not to interfere with my business. I’ve given you a direction. Zhendong’s secretary, Sun Shenyong, is the most suspicious. My private detectives are no pushovers.”

Lu Qixing handed over a USB drive. Chen Shi smiled, “Actually, my phone has been recording this entire conversation.”

Lu Qixing’s eyebrows shot up. “What? Trying to blackmail me too?”

“Gentlemen love money, but they earn it the right way. I’m not a cop, but I can’t be bribed either.” Chen Shi tore up the check and spoke into his phone, “Arrest him.”

“Hey, this is too much!” Lu Qixing panicked.

“Isn’t it? Watching you, a big shot, go to jail twice is quite interesting.”

“Arresting me is pointless. First, there’s no proof of bribery. Second, I can call my lawyer right away.”

“Do as you please.”

Lu Qixing slumped in his chair, “You’re as stubborn as Song Lang. I had such a big plan, and it all fell apart because of you.”

“Grandpa, both your sons are dead. Can’t you just enjoy your old age?”

This struck a chord with Lu Qixing, who covered his face and cried, “My Zhenjie, if only you were still alive!”

Despite his elder son’s obedience, Lu Qixing preferred his troublesome younger son. Chen Shi felt some sympathy. Perhaps the old man’s heart had died five years ago when his younger son was killed.

Half an hour later, Lu Qixing was handcuffed and taken away by the police. His white hair looked especially forlorn in the cold wind.

Xu Xiaodong was impressed, “Second time in jail. That’s epic! Will there be a third, Chen?”

“That’s up to him.” Chen Shi smiled, “Let’s head back to the bureau and check this video.”

Chen Shi called the task force back to the bureau to watch the video. As Lu Qixing said, at around 10:30 PM, Jia Xingyun arrived at the neighborhood in Zhendong’s car. He stayed for about twenty minutes before leaving. Forty minutes later, Zhendong’s car left, and he nodded at the security guard as he passed.

Many felt discouraged; the video perfectly proved Zhendong wasn’t killed in the neighborhood.

Chen Shi, rubbing his chin, suddenly said, “Stop!”