Chapter 70: Wu Da Lang’s Deception

Everyone looked at Chen Shi, who said, “Due to some coincidental surnames, people unconsciously linked the parties involved to an ancient case. However, they overlooked something. In today’s society, having an affair is not some heroic act that requires murdering a husband. That’s hardly a motive.”

Xi Men Sheng slapped his hand on his knee, saying, “Look! This officer here is reasonable. You can tell he’s experienced. Unlike you guys! Is there something wrong with my surname Xi Men? That’s because my father’s surname is Xi Men!”

Chen Shi smiled, “Everyone, please step out. I’d like to have a word with Mr. Xi Men alone.”

The officers left one by one. Xi Men Sheng welcomed them as if finding a confidant, ushering the three into a luxurious suite. He fetched drinks from the fridge and they settled down. Chen Shi spoke, “Don’t misunderstand, we’re here to investigate as well.”

“I know! Investigate away. I have nothing to hide. I didn’t kill anyone, and I’ve never had such thoughts in my life.”

“Yeah, I don’t know why they’re fixated on us,” Pan Xiu Ying added.

Chen Shi asked, “How did you two meet?”

“We met on WeChat!” “We met at the station,” they both replied simultaneously.

Chen Shi gestured, “You go first.”

Xi Men Sheng began, “We initially met on WeChat. After chatting for a while, I asked for Xiu Ying’s photo. At first sight, I fell for her… Then we decided to meet…”

“Our first meeting was at the station near Xihu Park.”

“On that day, you wore all white, looking like an angel.”

“You were in a suit, driving a Porsche, very handsome.”

As they reminisced, Chen Shi interrupted, “Alright, I get it. So, you started dating officially after that?”

“Yes, our love was passionate!” Xi Men Sheng exclaimed.

Even Chen Shi was struggling to keep up. “I’d like to talk to you alone, is that okay?”

“Are you afraid we’ll collaborate on our stories? Like I said, I have nothing to hide. There’s a bar downstairs; let’s talk there.”

Before leaving, Chen Shi briefed Lin Dong Xue, then joined Xi Men Sheng at a small hotel bar. Xi Men ordered a drink, while Chen Shi opted for tea. Chen Shi asked, “Did Ms. Pan mention her family situation?”

“She did! I sensed it from the moment we met. She’s a woman starved for affection…”

“Okay, okay, great poet, stick to the topic,” Chen Shi interrupted.

Xi Men Sheng raised his hands, “I sympathize with her!”

“In what way?”

“She’s a flower planted in manure. Her husband is useless in every way. Before she met me, she looked terrible. After meeting me, with my diligent care, she blossomed again.”

“Ah, please spare me the drama. A beautiful woman with an unattractive man is not uncommon, right?”

“Ugh!” Xi Men Sheng sneered, “Do you know how they got married? That old turtle pretended to be wealthy when he was young, spending his family’s house sale money to woo her. She was young then, never experienced such seduction, and fell for him, not knowing he was actually poor!”

“How poor was he?”

“Just your average Joe, earning seven or eight thousand a month!”

Chen Shi felt a pang, “My salary is about that too.”

“Sorry, not targeting you. I’m talking about that old turtle, poor and dishonest.”

“Has her health improved recently?”

“Yes, since she met me… Women, if they’re not satisfied in that aspect, it’s troublesome!”

“How long?”

“About three months?”

“How has she changed?”

“Her complexion improved, her hair got darker. She used to have gray hair. And she’s become curvier. I can vouch for that!”

Chen Shi noted a clue, pondering for a moment. Xi Men Sheng asked, “Why are you so interested? Is your wife also unsatisfied?”

“I’m not married.”

“Then you better work hard! Men who lack release can develop problems. After this case, let me treat you somewhere nice?”

“Thanks, but no need.” Chen Shi chuckled, “Forgive me, I need to ask about the fifty thousand yuan incident.”

Xi Men Sheng immediately got agitated, “Why do you care so much? I already explained…”

“Let’s calm down. You explain, I’ll listen.”

Xi Men Sheng calmed down and dejectedly said, “I was duped!”

“How did it happen?”

“We were supposed to go to a resort that day. Then I got a strange call, sounded just like her. She said she had a car accident with someone and needed fifty thousand to settle it. I didn’t think much, just sent the money. Later, when Xiu Ying arrived, she said she hadn’t driven that day. That’s when I realized I was tricked!”

“How did you fall for it?”

“The voice sounded exactly like hers. I was worried and confused. Nowadays, you can’t guard against all these scams.”

“Here’s a personal question.”

“Go ahead.”

“When you were intimate, what precautions did you take?”

“There were definitely precautions! After my second child, I got a vasectomy. No issues there.”

“Okay, thanks for your cooperation.”

Xi Men Sheng stood up, extending his hand, “Talking to a reasonable officer like you has been a pleasure. Unlike those who keep pushing… By the way, what’s your name? Let’s have a meal sometime.”

Businessmen flattering cops was common. Chen Shi smiled, “Sorry, it’s against our regulations. But I hope we solve this case soon.”

After reuniting with Lin Dong Xue and Xu Xiao Dong outside, Chen Shi asked, “What did she say?”

“She said Wu Da Lang tricked her. He pretended to be wealthy, deceived her into marriage, and they argued every day… Wu Da Lang runs an online business to barely get by, but not prosper. Also, she mentioned the Wu brothers have a good relationship.”

“Deception in marriage, just like what ‘Xi Men Qing’ said.”

Lin Dong Xue laughed, “You’re calling others out, but didn’t you call him ‘Xi Men Qing’ too? Where to next?”

“Is Wu Da Lang’s house sealed?”

“Not a crime scene, so no, but we’ll need to talk to Wu Hao…”

“I feel the caller might have a touch of mania. I’d rather not meet him again,” Chen Shi mused.

“He might have a touch of paranoia. Can’t control his temper,” Lin Dong Xue added.

At this point, Chen Shi fell silent.