Kiyomi Tsuki und sein Fuchs

Kapitel 46

Liu Song's expression turned somewhat unpleasant, because the two men who were talking were Ahua and Du Mingqiang, the person he was protecting. The latter was sitting with his legs crossed, looking smug and carefree.

"I told you to stay in the monitoring room, what are you doing here?" Liu Song quickly stepped forward and questioned Du Mingqiang irritably.

Du Mingqiang put his legs down, his expression slightly more composed. However, he still retorted firmly, "We're conducting an on-site investigation at a crime scene. With something this serious happening, how could I, as a reporter, possibly stay idle indoors?"

Liu Song's eyes widened. Mu Jianyun, who arrived shortly after, overheard their conversation and couldn't help but chuckle. He whispered to Zeng Rihua, "I knew all along that this guy's obedient compliance was for ulterior motives. Do you think you can change his shameless nature just by beating him a couple of times?"

Liu Song reached out and pulled Du Mingqiang up from his chair: "Get out of here! Is this a place for you to act up?!"

But Ahua grabbed Du Mingqiang's other arm and coldly looked at Liu Song, saying, "Officer, I don't think Mr. Du's behavior is nonsense. As someone on Eumenides' kill list, he has the right to know how things are progressing, and as a journalist, he also has an obligation to tell the public the truth."

With Ahua's support, Du Mingqiang seemed to have gained confidence, and he stiffened his body to challenge Liu Song: "I am a law-abiding citizen! This is Longyu Building! As long as the owner agrees, you have no right to restrict our freedom of speech!"

"You..." Although Liu Song was annoyed, he could hardly win against the quick-witted Du Mingqiang in words. He could only look at Luo Fei behind him, seemingly waiting for the other party's decision.

Luo Fei, however, felt the core of the problem lay with Ahua, so he ignored Du Mingqiang and instead said to Ahua, "You shouldn't have accepted his interview. He's just an online reporter; if today's events spread online, it will cause public panic."

"I only agreed to the interview because I knew he was an online journalist," Ahua retorted, immediately cutting off Luo Fei's words. "Traditional media are all censored; I won't waste my time on them. Didn't they say on TV the other day that Eumenides was dead and the shadow of the terrorist killer had dissipated? Hmph, don't you guys find that ridiculous?"

Luo Fei gave a wry smile. He knew the character of those media outlets; they really didn't tell the truth.

"We need to make our voices heard online, instead of letting Eumenides perform a one-man show!" Ahua tried to persuade Luo Fei. "Many netizens now regard Eumenides as a city hero, but do they realize that every bloody killing is a new crime? Those victims also have families, friends, and people who love them deeply. Who will share their pain?"

These words, spoken with such sincerity, moved many present. Du Mingqiang, as if bearing a heavy responsibility, raised his head and patted his chest, declaring, "I will definitely write down their feelings so that the public can truly understand Eumenides. He was not a hero; he was merely a murderer who abused his sense of justice!"

Luo Fei glanced at Du Mingqiang and began to reconsider the potential risks posed by this online journalist. He also felt that the police were somewhat exhausted in their confrontation with Eumenides in terms of public opinion. Since Eumenides issued his "death penalty call" online, and then delivered on his promise by executing Han Shaohong, Guo Meiran, and the boy who insulted his teacher—all figures of public outrage online—his reputation had soared, making him the undisputed go-to figure for netizens to project their righteous sentiments. The call for death sentences had also been widely reposted, keeping the police's internet monitoring department busy.

The ancients had long ago taught the art of flood control. When public sentiment has already begun to build, simply "blocking" it won't solve the problem. Perhaps at this point, a voice opposing Eumenides should emerge, guiding people to see the whole picture from a different perspective. Times have changed; everyone has the freedom to think. Allowing them sufficient information to make judgments and choices may be the true way to control public opinion.

Thinking of this, Luo Fei asked Du Mingqiang, "How would you write this report?"

"Don't worry, I definitely won't sensationalize the details of the murder," Du Mingqiang said, rolling his eyes. "I'm a journalist with a sense of social responsibility, not a paparazzi trying to uncover secrets! What I focus on is the meaning behind the case, such as the pain the murder brings to the victim's family."

"So what about the charges Eumenides leveled against the victims? How will you handle them?" This was actually what Luo Fei was most concerned about, because if this issue wasn't handled well, netizens might once again overwhelmingly cheer for Eumenides.

Du Mingqiang chuckled strangely, "That's precisely the brilliance of my report." Seeing Luo Fei's puzzled expression, he explained in a cryptic tone, "Eumenides charged both victims with 'organized crime.' But perhaps he doesn't know that Meng Fangliang served time in prison more than ten years ago for the same crime, only being released four years ago. Therefore, his crimes have already been punished by law, and he doesn't need Eumenides' punishment. After his release, Meng Fangliang devoted himself to good deeds and even converted to Buddhism. What reason would Eumenides have to raise his knife against such a person?"

Is that so? Luo Fei's mind raced. Eumenides' execution did indeed seem somewhat indiscriminate. If the facts were made public, it might actually turn many of Eumenides' supporters against him.

However, Luo Fei didn't reveal his secret delight. He knew Du Mingqiang was far too impetuous; praise him a little, and he'd be on cloud nine in the blink of an eye. So Luo Fei kept a straight face, and after what seemed like a long deliberation, he said to Liu Song as if making a huge concession: "How about this, after he finishes writing the report, you bring it over for me to look at. If I think it's fine, let him publish it. If what he wrote is different from what he said today, then have Zeng Rihua ban all of his online posting privileges."

Liu Song responded with a "Yes," and released Du Mingqiang. Du Mingqiang lazily sat back down, adopting a smug, victorious posture.

Luo Fei then looked at Ahua again, who was actually the one he had come to the hall for.

"Ahua, call Brother Long. You two, please come upstairs with me."

"Is something the matter?" Ahua asked sensitively.

"One of the drawers on that desk at the scene cannot be opened..."

"That's Mr. Deng's private drawer, and I don't have the key."

"I know. But for the sake of the case, I still want to see that drawer. I'll pry open the lock later, and it would be more convenient for you two to come up with me." Luo Fei's words were polite, but his attitude left no room for change.

Since it was necessary for the police investigation, Ahua naturally had no reason to refuse. Besides, the fact that they invited his own personnel to accompany them was quite polite. Ahua nodded and said, "Alright then."

So the group called on Brother Long and took the elevator up to the eighteenth floor. This time, Liu Song learned his lesson and instructed his colleagues downstairs to keep an eye on Du Mingqiang to prevent him from going back to the crime scene and causing trouble again.

Inside the office, the examination of the body and the collection of physical evidence were still proceeding in an orderly manner. Luo Fei and the others avoided the core scene where the deceased was located and went directly to the huge desk.

After obtaining Ahua and Brother Long's consent again, Luo Fei instructed Liu Song to unlock the drawer. For Liu Song, this task was a piece of cake.

The drawer was slowly pulled open, and even Ahua and Brother Long craned their necks. They had never seen what treasures were hidden in Boss Deng's drawer before.

But the drawer was almost empty. Only when the drawer handle was pulled all the way to the back did an envelope appear at the very back.

The envelope was bare, without a single word on it. Yet, everyone's hearts tightened involuntarily.

Luo Fei put on his thin rubber gloves again and took the envelope out of the drawer. Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, he opened the envelope and pulled out a note.

The people present were already very familiar with such notes; what they cared about was simply the name that appeared on the note this time.

But this time the note read:

Death sentence notice

Inmate: Ahua

Crime: Organized crime

Implementation Date: November 5th

Executor: Eumenides

A brief silence fell over the room as everyone looked at Ahua, their eyes revealing complex emotions that were difficult to describe.

Ahua gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with hatred and anger, showing no fear whatsoever. Another person present couldn't help but cry out in terror, "This guy...is he...is he going to kill us all?"

Luo Fei and the others looked in the direction of the voice, and it was Brother Long who spoke. His body was trembling, completely unbecoming of his strong and powerful appearance.

Ahua glared at him: "It's not written for you, what are you afraid of!"

"It'll be my turn sooner or later!" Brother Long's voice trembled as he spoke. "First it was General Manager Deng, then Ah Sheng, now it's General Manager Lin, General Manager Meng, and next it will be you and me. He won't let any of us go!"

"Ah Sheng?" Luo Fei suddenly became alert. "Who is Ah Sheng?"

"Ah Sheng was also one of General Deng's confidants; he died in a car accident a few days ago," Brother Long hurriedly replied, seemingly seeing Luo Fei as his last hope. "However, Ah Hua and the others analyzed at the time that this was very likely also Eumenides's doing!"

Luo Fei glanced at his colleagues, his expression growing increasingly grim. He hadn't expected that prying open this drawer would unravel two more complications. What he had thought would be an easy night had now plunged him into a new vortex of fierce battle!

The Fate of the Death Sentence (26)

November 3rd, 6:00 AM.

Inside the Provincial Conservatory of Music.

While most students were still asleep, a girl was already walking through the campus, her steps shrouded in the morning dew. Dressed in an elegant black and white outfit, she resembled a pure lotus flower blooming in the hazy morning light.

She walked lightly, but very slowly, because she had lost her sight at a young age. She could only follow her guide dog, Niu Niu, who had become an indispensable companion in her life.

The girl and her dog crossed a large lawn and arrived at a secluded music room. Surrounded by trees, the room was quiet and secluded, with hardly anyone else in sight. The girl took out her key, opened the door, and went inside. Although it was still dark, she didn't turn on the light, as it wouldn't dispel the darkness surrounding her.

The girl's daily life begins in this music room. She has to arrive very early because she is not a student at the music academy; she is just using the room. Every day after eight o'clock, when the students of the school begin their classes and activities, she has to leave as the sun rises.

The girl, unwilling to slacken even for a moment, took her beloved instrument from its case, assumed her stance, and after a brief moment of concentration, held her breath and gently began to play. A soft melody flowed out like a gentle stream, permeating the crisp autumn morning. The girl closed her eyes, lost in her own musical world. When her physical imperfections were completely overshadowed by the radiance of the music, that was her most beautiful moment—a moment too precious for most to witness.

As the music ended, silence returned to the music room. The cow, which had been lying at its owner's feet, suddenly stood up and barked at the outside. The girl put down her violin, tilted her head in surprise, and listened intently to the sounds outside. At this time of day, few people should be passing by.

But today she clearly heard footsteps, steady and swift, getting closer and closer to the music room. The girl stood up and nervously gripped the rope around Niu Niu's neck.

The footsteps stopped in front of the music room door. A moment later, there was a knocking sound, and a strange male voice asked, "Is anyone home?"

The door was only slightly ajar, but the man didn't push it open, which suggested he was a rather polite visitor. The girl relaxed slightly and asked, "Who are you looking for?"

"Is Ms. Zheng Jia here?" the man asked from outside.

The girl hesitated for a moment, then remained silent, her face showing a look of surprise and hesitation.

The person outside seemed to sense her doubt and explained, "I'm a deliveryman. My employer asked me to deliver the goods here at this time to a lady named Zheng Jia."

The girl finally spoke: "Then come in."

The door was gently pushed open, and the girl heard the man enter. He stopped two or three meters away from her and said in a congratulatory tone, "Today is your birthday. Someone ordered this cake online and asked me to deliver it."

Birthday? The girl seemed stunned for a moment before realizing it. Yes, today was indeed her birthday. However, due to the recent tragedy involving her loved ones, she had completely forgotten about it. She hadn't expected that someone else would remember it for her.

"Who placed the order?" she asked naturally.

"I don't know. Online orders can be placed anonymously; we just need to deliver the goods. Happy birthday," the man said with a smile, a smile that seemed to radiate warmth around the girl.

"Thank you," the girl replied with a smile.

"Then I'll put the cake on the piano bench."

"Wait—" The girl sensed the farewell in his voice, "—Are you leaving?"

The man chuckled and replied tactfully, "I have other goods to deliver."

The girl bit her lip. "Could you wait a moment? I'd like... could you describe the cake? What does it look like? I can't see it..."

Such a request, coming from such a girl, would be hard for anyone to refuse. The man stopped in his tracks, looking intently at the cake, and said, "This cake isn't big, but it's very beautiful. It's golden yellow, with a thick layer of cream on top. In the center of the cream, a small violin is sculpted from chocolate, shiny and black. Many musical notes dance around the violin; these notes are bright red, and it looks like… well, they're painted on the cream with sweet jam, right?"

The girl tilted her ear to listen, a smile playing on her lips; she clearly felt the vibrant colors. Then she asked, "Are there words on it?"

"Of course! The cake said: Happy 21st Birthday Zheng Jia!"

"Where's the signature?" The girl tilted her head expectantly.

The man hesitated slightly this time before replying, "There's no signature."

The girl gave a soft "oh," then squatted down and gently stroked Niu Niu's head. Niu Niu sat obediently at her feet, nuzzling its owner with its head while lazily gazing at the man not far away.

"This is my guide dog, its name is Niu Niu," the girl introduced her companion softly.

The man smiled and praised, "It looks very well-behaved and cute."

"Niu Niu is very wary of strangers—" the girl tilted her head slightly and said thoughtfully, "—but it hasn't barked once since you came in."

The man stood there without saying a word, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

The girl suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed on the man. He shifted uncomfortably, as if she could actually see him.

The girl stared at him for a moment, then finally mustered her courage and tentatively asked, "Is it you?"

The man let out a long sigh, as if suddenly relieved of a great burden. Then he shook his head helplessly and sighed, "Although you can't see me, I've never been able to hide anything from you."

"Is it really you?" Although she received an affirmative answer, the girl still had doubts. "Why does your voice sound different?"

"I deliberately tried to disguise it... I didn't want you to recognize it was me." As he spoke, the man untied a plastic ring that was tightly constricting his throat. He rubbed his sore vocal cords and felt that his breathing was much easier.

"Now I can finally relax a little," he said with a grin, his tone regaining the sunshine and vigor unique to young people.

That was the voice the girl knew. She smiled and stood up, her expression one of pleasant surprise. But she quickly frowned and asked, "Why did you lie to me?"

"I don't want you to know I was here." Now that his identity had been discovered, the young man simply became more open about it.

The girl, sensing something was wrong, pressed further, "Are you afraid I'll become clingy?"

"No—" the young man quickly explained, "It's just... I've gotten myself into a little trouble, there's no need for you to worry, and I certainly don't want to involve you."

The girl couldn't help but ask with concern, "What kind of trouble is it?"

"I can handle it," the young man replied calmly. His confident tone was reassuring, so the girl smiled again and stopped pursuing the topic.

"Would you like to sit for a while?" she invited him in a friendly manner, "--if you're not in a hurry to leave."

"Okay." The young man found a chair and moved it in front of the girl. As he sat down, he added, "But I can't stay too long."