Chapter 947: Interrogation

The producer took a long drag from his cigar and said, “Last night, Miss Xia and I were in the conference room… discussing some matters. Xiao Ai, who’s dating Miss Xia, somehow walked in on us and got the wrong idea. We ended up having a big argument. That was just the spark. He brought up old grievances, accusing me of not supporting him enough and missing several opportunities. But honestly, anyone can see that Xiao Ai lacks talent. The investors have poured a lot of money into him, yet he remains a third-tier actor.”

Lin Dongxue nodded, understanding but not caring about what the producer and Xia Xiaolou were doing. She asked, “Was Miss Xia present during the entire argument?”

“She was… well, she left and went back to her room eventually.”

“Which room?”

“Miss Xia and Xiao Ai share a room,” the producer said, wiping his mouth as if nervous.

“I’m curious, what is your relationship with Xiao Ai? You keep mentioning the investors. Who exactly are they?”

“The investors are a real estate company. The boss made a lot of money during the property boom and decided to venture into the film industry, investing in several movies. Xiao Ai is the son of one of the higher-ups. I used to work in the film industry, so I know the ropes. They asked me to represent them and to help promote Xiao Ai.”

“What time was the argument?”

“Around eight o’clock… But don’t suspect me because at nine, I went to the hallway to smoke and heard Xiao Ai arguing with Cai Zhengkai. Cai Zhengkai was the last person to see him, and they have a history of conflict. Cai Zhengkai is definitely a suspect!”

Lin Dongxue noted all this down, thanked him, and then called Xia Xiaolou out.

Xia Xiaolou looked Lin Dongxue up and down and said, “I didn’t expect a police officer to be this good-looking. Isn’t it a waste to be a cop?”

“Everyone’s waiting. Let’s not waste time. What were you doing last night?”

“What did the producer say?” Xia Xiaolou asked.

“I’m asking you!” Lin Dongxue replied firmly.

Xia Xiaolou shrugged, “Around eight, I was having sex with the producer in the conference room. Is that what you wanted to hear? An actress hooking up with the producer? I’m warning you, don’t spread this around or I’ll have my lawyer send you a letter.”

Tao Yuanyuan frowned, feeling completely disillusioned by Xia Xiaolou’s behavior.

“And then?” Lin Dongxue pressed on.

“Xiao Ai walked in and caught us in the act. I was terrified; I hadn’t even put my clothes on. See, my face is still red from the slap Xiao Ai gave me. They argued fiercely, and I slipped back to my room, scared of getting caught in the crossfire. I’ve been seeing the producer for a while, but I never told Xiao Ai. He thought I was still his girlfriend, but I lost interest in him long ago. I stayed in my room, feeling anxious, thinking this was a good chance to break up. But no one came, and then I heard shouting and learned he had fallen to his death.”

“Were you in your room from eight to ten? Can anyone confirm that?”

“Who could confirm that?” Xia Xiaolou bit her lip. “By the way, did you know about what happened in the afternoon?”

“The prop incident?”

“Yes! That was Xiao Ai’s doing. He was always jealous of Cai Zhengkai. They have similar roles, and Xiao Ai started his career by imitating Cai Zhengkai. Xiao Ai had strong backing, which made other actors jealous, but he never made it big. Meanwhile, Cai Zhengkai, who’s a trained actor without such backing, became popular. Xiao Ai’s been playing dirty tricks for a while now. This time, he went too far… That’s all I know. Any other questions?”

Tao Yuanyuan asked, “What do you think of your role as ‘Chen Yuanyuan’?”

Xia Xiaolou laughed. “Why, are you playing reporter now? I haven’t read the script, just the synopsis. It seems completely fictional—a young girl outsmarting a serial killer? Come on, writers these days are running out of ideas.”

“It’s based on a true story!”

“Who cares! I just collect my paycheck. If that’s all, I’ll head back to my room.”

“Leave your contact information.”

“Alright, but don’t spread it around. My number isn’t for just anyone.”

After getting her number, Lin Dongxue took a photo of Xia Xiaolou, who protested about not having makeup on, but eventually complied.

As Xia Xiaolou left, Tao Yuanyuan commented, “She should switch to playing villains. She’d be better at it than pretending to be an innocent girl.”

Lin Dongxue laughed. “You get used to it.”

“Why take her photo?”

“It helps during investigations… We still need the producer’s photo. Is he gone?”

“I’ll find him!”

“Thanks. I’ll question the others.”

Tao Yuanyuan went to the producer’s room and heard crying inside. She knocked, and a voice yelled, “Who is it?”

“I’m Lin’s daughter. I need to talk to you.”

“Wait a moment!”

A minute later, the producer opened the door, his face red, possibly from drinking. He cooperated with the photo request.

After the photo, he asked, “How long will it take to solve this case?”

“I can’t say for sure, but the police will do their best.”

“You sound just like a cop’s kid, always so diplomatic. I noticed at lunch that you seemed to dislike me. Do you think representatives like me, who represent investors, are just annoying and difficult?”

“Uh… maybe a bit.”

“If you become a cop, you need to learn to see things from different perspectives. We’re outsiders to the film industry and only have money. We can’t be taken for fools. I once had a director using our money to keep a mistress while showing perfect accounts. That’s why I supervise the crew, making sure every penny is spent wisely.”

“But I think your interference hinders creativity, leading to bad films and lost money.”

“Movies are commodities. Good marketing can make money. You still have a lot to learn. I’m not in the mood for this. I’m going back to rest.”

“Wait…” Tao Yuanyuan called as he turned to leave. He looked back at her.

“What’s your real relationship with Xiao Ai? I heard you crying. You must have been close.”

“We’re just business associates.”

“Fine, but the police will find out the truth anyway.”

The producer stared at her, making her uneasy. He smirked. “You’re quite the little cop. Actually… Xiao Ai is my son. My illegitimate son.”