Chapter 425: Official Arrest

Su Xiaowei finally agreed to talk, much to the relief of Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue. Chen Shi took out his phone, turned on the recorder, and said, “Tell us everything in detail.”

“Here’s what happened… On the morning of the 15th, I got a call from Sister Ji. She invited me to lunch, which was quite an honor. I met her before noon, and she talked about my current situation, making me feel quite ashamed. Then she said she wanted to create some buzz around me by making me Luo Zuyu’s rumored girlfriend. Naturally, I was thrilled but wondered why she chose me. There are many actresses in the company who are more talented and famous. Sister Ji explained that she wanted to generate some hype for Luo Zuyu’s new album and give me some exposure as well.

That evening, I was called out again, and photos of me and Luo Zuyu were taken in a parking lot.”

“The paparazzi photos that were later posted online?” Lin Dongxue interjected.

“Exactly!” Su Xiaowei nodded. “We just took a few photos, and Luo Zuyu left. We didn’t even talk. He seemed tired and kept yawning. After the photoshoot, Sister Ji gave me a piece of paper detailing the entire ‘date,’ including what we said, did, where we went, and what we wore. She emphasized that I had to memorize it word for word and act as if it really happened. I was to remember that the date was on the evening of July 14th, and no matter who asked, I had to stick to that story.

Sister Ji promised that if I pulled this off flawlessly, I would get the lead role in the company’s upcoming drama. I remember her saying, ‘Xiaowei, you have the qualifications and skills. You’re just a step away from fame. If you follow through, I guarantee that within three years, you’ll become a well-known B-list celebrity. From there, you can work your way up to the A-list.'”

“Afterwards, I kept rehearsing the ‘script.’ It felt like a blessing, but I also had my doubts. Why was she suddenly so good to me? It wasn’t until the police approached me, talking about an alibi, that I realized I was making false statements. I got scared and called Sister Ji, but she never answered… I didn’t dare defy her, so I kept playing along.”

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue exchanged a look of surprise, realizing just how meticulously Ji Xingyao had planned everything.

Chen Shi asked, “Do you still have the ‘script’?”

“Yes!”

“Can you give it to us later?”

“I can, but… if I testify, I’m afraid Sister Ji will retaliate. You have to protect me!”

Chen Shi ended the recording, saying, “She won’t dare retaliate because the evidence you hold is enough to bring them down. They should fear you, not the other way around.”

Su Xiaowei nodded. Chen Shi continued, “Since you weren’t with Luo Zuyu that night, where were you?”

She pointed to a director, “I was having dinner with the director and the producer.”

“Dinner?”

She smiled bitterly, “Actresses like me, with little fame but some looks, often get invited to dinners with producers… or worse. No one forces us, but if we don’t go, we might lose our roles or have our scenes cut. For actresses without strong backgrounds, staying clean in this industry is nearly impossible.”

Chen Shi wasn’t interested in these details. “How long did the dinner last?”

“Until about ten. Then I took a car home.”

Chen Shi asked a few more questions to verify the details, ensuring he had covered everything. He said, “You’ll need to repeat all this at the station and in court. You won’t change your mind, right?”

“I won’t. I’ve already said it all.”

“Don’t worry. Once this comes out, you’ll have many reporters wanting to interview you.”

“Thank you!”

As they left, Lin Dongxue said, “I spoke so much, but in the end, it was your words that convinced her. People are indeed driven by self-interest.”

“Not really. If you hadn’t provoked her to reveal a flaw, my sweet talk wouldn’t have worked.”

“Sweet talk? You mean even if she goes public, she won’t become famous?”

Chen Shi glanced back at Su Xiaowei, who was touching up her makeup. “It’s unlikely. Online fame is fleeting. Immediate fame from exposure is a scriptwriter’s fantasy. The most important thing is that she avoids prison and keeps her dignity.”

“What’s next?”

“With this crucial evidence, it’s time to make a decisive move!”

On July 20th, Lin Dongxue, armed with new evidence, approached Lin Qiupu to request an arrest warrant for Luo Zuyu. Lin Qiupu was impressed by how much evidence the three of them had gathered. After reviewing it, he said, “This should be enough for an arrest warrant, but we still lack direct evidence for a conviction. I’m worried we might arrest him only to lose in court.”

“Captain Lin, the final piece will have to come from his confession.”

“That’s risky. What if he refuses to confess?”

“Then we’ll make him confess!” Lin Dongxue said confidently.

Lin Qiupu chuckled, “Alright, I’ll apply for it.”

After waiting all day, the arrest warrant, stamped by the prosecutor’s office, finally arrived. Lin Dongxue was ecstatic. Despite it being late, she couldn’t wait and immediately called Chen Shi.

When Chen Shi arrived, he had brought a stranger with him. The man, upon getting out of the car, exclaimed, “Wow, police officers can be this pretty? I’ve already thought of the headline: ‘Beautiful Policewoman Captures Star Murderer.’ It’s going to be sensational!”

“Who’s this?” Lin Dongxue asked in surprise.

“A reporter,” Chen Shi replied.

“You brought a reporter?”

The reporter grinned, “Our colleagues are already staking out the hotel. Thanks to Mr. Chen’s tip, we’re getting this huge exclusive. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it at first. Luo Zuyu a murderer? This will be worldwide news… Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Li. Here’s my card.”

Lin Dongxue didn’t take it, staring at Chen Shi, surprised he’d bring a reporter without informing her.

Chen Shi said, “We need to be proactive. Once the news breaks, Luo Zuyu and his team will be swarmed by reporters, limiting their actions. This way, we gain the upper hand… Remember our deal, reporter.”

“Got it! Just the suspect, not the police. I’m curious, though, why pass up such a chance for fame?”

Chen Shi laughed, “Fame isn’t good for police. Let’s go!”

Lin Dongxue had her doubts but realized Chen Shi’s plan was smart. They had been too passive before.

Lin Dongxue, Chen Shi, Xu Xiaodong, and the reporter were ready to go when Lin Qiupu appeared, “Stop! This is ridiculous!”

“What’s wrong, Captain?” Lin Dongxue thought he was stopping them.

“Three people, taking a cab to make an arrest? Are you joking? Since there’s a reporter, let’s not be subtle. I’ll send more police cars. You two change into your uniforms, gear up, and bring him in with full authority!”

Lin Dongxue joyfully saluted, “Yes, sir!”

In no time, several police cars, lights flashing, were ready. Lin Dongxue, rarely in uniform, looked stunning with her hair up and wearing a black peaked cap.

Chen Shi, leaning against a car, admired her. “You look better in uniform. Why don’t you wear it more often?”

“I don’t want to dirty it. Plus, it feels too formal.”

Chen Shi whispered, “After this case, wear it at home. We can play some role-play.”

“Get lost, you pervert!”

Lin Qiupu called out, “Move out!” He glanced at Chen Shi, frowning, “You stay here.”

“Afraid I won’t fit in? How about giving me a uniform too? I’d look better than you.”

“Get lost! You look like a leader dressed so casually. Wait for the news here!”

“Alright. Good luck!”