Chapter 163: A Shield

Chen Shi asked Tao Yueyue, “What do you think?”

Tao Yueyue replied, “It’s like what the bad guys on TV say: ‘I’ll give you a life of wealth and prosperity.'”

Grandpa Lu laughed, “Little one, Grandpa isn’t a bad person. I’m just very rich, so many people eye my money. That’s why I want your uncle to protect me.”

Chen Shi asked, “What about your son’s case?”

“What can be done?” Grandpa Lu shook his head. “He’s already gone. Whether the killer is caught or not, he won’t come back. I just hope the next victim isn’t me.”

Chen Shi looked at the food on the table and said, “French cuisine, truly delicious!”

“Think about working for me.”

“But people who eat French cuisine wear suits and dresses. I don’t like wearing suits; they’re uncomfortable. I also don’t like having servants around, feeling like I’m being watched all the time. And I hate making calls and giving orders all day, not sleeping well, and going bald early from stress.”

Grandpa Lu watched him silently, waiting for him to continue.

Chen Shi went on, “To eat French cuisine, you have to pay the price of living a lifestyle you don’t like. I admit French food is better than street food, but the life of eating street food is the life I want. ‘Better to live as a commoner with dignity than to prosper in servitude.’ Everyone has their way of living, and I’m satisfied with mine. But I don’t mind being friends! It’s an honor for a small driver like me to dine with you, Grandpa Lu.”

“You’re as cunning as a monkey. You don’t want to work for me but want to keep eating French food?”

“Hot pot is fine too!”

Grandpa Lu laughed angrily, “I’ve never seen someone with a thicker skin. Waiter…”

He called the waiter and whispered something. Shortly, the waiter returned with a card. Grandpa Lu said, “This is a VIP card for this restaurant. You can bring the little one here often.”

“If you ever need help, I’ll be there.”

Grandpa Lu nodded, “With that promise, this meal wasn’t wasted. But I have one more request: please don’t haul me to the station again. My old bones can’t take it.”

“Agreed. One question, though: how far did your private detectives get?”

“I’ve already had them back off. They won’t interfere with your investigation.”

“Stay at home these next few days. We’ll get you an answer on the case.”

“Find the killer quickly!”

“Goodbye for now.”

Holding Tao Yueyue’s hand as they left, Tao Yueyue asked, “How rich is that old man?”

Chen Shi pointed at a tall building, “He could snap his fingers and buy that building.”

“Then why didn’t you take the job and make some money?”

“In your politics class, what did you learn money is?”

“A general equivalent.”

“Exactly. There’s no free lunch. Rich people aren’t fools. If he gives me money, I have to work hard for it, serving him diligently. Understand?”

“Got it!” Tao Yueyue nodded. “I hope you get rich soon!”

“Haha, thanks for the good wishes.”

“Then I can live off you without working,” Tao Yueyue said seriously.

The next day, Tao Yueyue, not wanting to follow the investigation, slept in at home. Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue went to see Jia Xingyun and showed him part of the surveillance video. Jia Xingyun calmly said, “Zhendong was upset after arguing with his dad that night, so I went home with him for a drink.”

“No need to hide. Grandpa Lu already admitted to the bribery… well, attempted bribery,” Chen Shi said.

Jia Xingyun raised his eyebrows, “You guys are thorough! Yes, Zhendong found me a week ago, saying his dad wanted to give me a large sum to get my father to approve a project for Grandpa Lu. Zhendong was annoyed. We’re good friends, and he felt it tarnished our friendship. I told him to keep the money and I’d talk to my dad. But clearly, Grandpa Lu wasn’t reassured. On the night of February 2nd, he insisted Zhendong invite me over and gave me a small gift, nothing valuable! I found it amusing. The older generation takes social ties so seriously. My dad is the same, always talking about networks, connections, and social capital. It’s annoying!”

“And the money?”

“Zhendong bought a guitar with it. He liked collecting them. I guess that’s what the argument was about.”

“Did you see the guitar that night?”

“Yes, a guitar worth forty million, glowing with money. Every string reeked of cash.”

“Was the guitar damaged?”

“No, it was still wrapped in plastic, perfectly intact.”

Jia Xingyun was candid, smiling at Lin Dongxue while talking. Chen Shi asked, “One more thing: were there other people in Lu Zhendong’s house that night?”

Jia Xingyun tensed, “I can’t say. It concerns Zhendong’s reputation.”

Chen Shi smiled, “Mr. Jia, your reaction already tells us… Lu Zhendong had a woman imprisoned in his home, right?”

“You won’t hear a word from me!”

“Then let me ask you something else. Did you notice anything suspicious when leaving the neighborhood? Did you see a black motorcycle outside?”

Without thinking, Jia Xingyun said, “Yes, a black Honda motorcycle parked outside the wall!”

“License plate?”

“How could I remember?”

“Thanks for your cooperation!”

As they were leaving, Jia Xingyun called out, “Miss Lin, would you join me for a meal?”

Lin Dongxue ignored him, slowly reached out, and linked arms with Chen Shi, flashing a smile at Jia Xingyun.

Jia Xingyun immediately understood and politely backed off, “No wonder you’re always together. It seems police prefer fellow officers. My apologies.”

Outside, Lin Dongxue said, “That guy has some gentlemanly manners!”

“He’s not bad-looking either. Why not consider him?”

“Not my type.”

“Are you going to keep holding my arm?”

Blushing, Lin Dongxue quickly let go and whispered, “Thanks for being my shield!”

Chen Shi laughed, “I still don’t know what type you like.”

“Definitely not an old guy who drives!” Lin Dongxue huffed, walking away.

Chen Shi took out his phone to check the task force group chat and saw a message from Xu Xiaodong, “Sun Shenyong’s family has been kidnapped. The address is…”

Chen Shi immediately called out to Lin Dongxue, “Something’s up. Get in the car!”