After picking up Zhuang Min and Zhao Guodong, the group grabbed a bite at a restaurant, and then Zhuang Rui drove them to Beijing.
A few days ago, Gu Yun mentioned on the phone in a mysterious tone that he had a surprise for Zhuang Rui. He guessed that the courtyard house was probably almost finished, and if it was habitable, Zhuang Rui planned to stay in Beijing for a while, since the academic atmosphere and collecting circles there were incomparable to Pengcheng.
Along the way, Zhuang Rui and Zhao Guodong took turns driving several sections of the road. Around 8 p.m., they entered the Beijing area. As Zhuang Rui drove towards Yuquanshan, he took out his phone and made a call.
"Hello, Zhuang Rui?"
Miao Feifei's voice came through the phone. For the past month or so, Officer Miao had called almost every day, urging Zhuang Rui to come to Beijing. Now that he had arrived, it wouldn't be right not to give her a call.
"It's me, Officer Miao. I've arrived in Beijing, but I'm busy today. Let's meet tomorrow. By the way, what brings you here? Just so you know, I have a girlfriend..."
Zhuang Rui joked with Miao Feifei on the phone, saying that although the girl looked very feminine, she was very straightforward and sincere. If you didn't consider her gender, she would be a good buddy.
"Pah, you're so vain. If you didn't have a little reputation now, I wouldn't bother asking you for help."
Miao Feifei scoffed at Zhuang Rui's words and continued, "I'll call you tomorrow morning, and we can discuss the details later. Our leader might be with us too."
"No, Miao Feifei, we're friends. I have nothing to do with your boss. If it's a personal matter and you need my help, I'll definitely help without hesitation. But if it's official business, I'm sorry, I can't be of much help..."
Miao Feifei's superior was naturally from the Public Security Bureau. Zhuang Rui couldn't understand why they would need his help. However, after being shot in Zhonghai and almost being blown up in Shanxi, the little bit of passion Zhuang Rui had originally felt had evaporated completely. Anyway, anything involving the police was never a good thing.
"Hey, how can you be such a low-class citizen? Even if I'm asking you for help privately, if you dare not answer my calls tomorrow, I'll come to Yuquan Mountain to find you."
Officer Miao was very dissatisfied with Boss Zhuang's attitude. After making a series of threats, he hung up the phone.
Chapter 342 Ouyang Lei's Promotion
Upon entering the Yuquanshan Sanatorium, Zhuang Rui clearly sensed that the security measures had been significantly strengthened. These special locations were always heavily guarded, especially during holidays.
Since the incident in the mid-1990s when Chairman Li was murdered by his former bodyguard for money, in order to ensure the safety of leaders, the bodyguards guarding these special places have also undergone stricter political vetting and various assessments. They even need to be evaluated by psychologists to assess their psychological qualities. So these people may not be the best in terms of physical skills, but their psychological qualities are absolutely top-notch.
This is the second time Zhuang Rui has been stopped here, and the reason is still the White Lion. Although he was allowed to pass last time, this time a different guard is preventing Zhuang Rui from entering.
Left with no other option, Zhuang Rui dialed his maternal grandfather's number. A strange woman answered, and Zhuang Rui explained the situation. A few minutes later, a military Humvee drove out and sped to the entrance of the sanatorium, where it stopped.
"Brother Lei? Why are you here so early?"
When Zhuang Rui saw that the person getting out of the Hummer was Ouyang Lei in military uniform, he quickly went up to greet him. Zhuang Rui knew that Ouyang Lei's unit was of a special nature, and as the military commander, he usually couldn't leave.
"There will be some changes at work recently, so I won't be as busy. By the way, is this Xiaomin and her brother-in-law?"
After greeting Zhuang Rui, Ouyang Lei looked at Zhuang Min and her husband.
"Yes, sis, this is Brother Lei from my maternal uncle's family. He had just returned to his unit when you came last time. Brother Lei, congratulations on your promotion..."
Zhuang Rui introduced them to the military ranks, and then looked at the rank on Ouyang Lei's shoulder. Sure enough, the one gold star had now become two, making him a full-fledged lieutenant general.
"Hehe, I'll be spending more time in Beijing from now on. We brothers can get to know each other better then. By the way, is Guodong's injury alright?"
Ouyang Lei smiled. Currently, the military only has special forces divisions. There is no such thing as a special forces army. He, as a major general and division commander, is already an exception. If he wants to advance further, he can only leave the special forces division. However, being the deputy commander of the Beijing Military Region is also a high-ranking and powerful position.
You must understand, this is right under the emperor's nose, the absolute center of national political power. In the past, that would have been the position of deputy commander of the Imperial Guard.
Ouyang Lei's promotion was originally highly controversial within the military, but as Old Master Ouyang's health improved, some of the opposing voices weakened. In addition, his father's entry into the central government was a sure thing, so all parties compromised. However, the undercurrents in this process were extremely thrilling.
Zhao Guodong had heard Zhuang Rui mention his cousin before, and knew that the general in front of him was the one who had mobilized the deputy commander of the Jiangsu Provincial Armed Police Corps with a single phone call a little over a month ago. He quickly stepped forward and shook Ouyang Lei's hand, saying, "Thank you, Brother Lei. It's just a minor injury, I'm fine now."
"Yeah, the local security situation really needs some work. Hey, look at me, we're already chatting here. Come on, let's go inside and talk..."
Ouyang Lei greeted the guard at the gate and showed him a red badge. The guard immediately saluted and let him through.
"You're such a big guy, we can't keep pets in the city. Why don't we just take you to the military base..."
Ouyang Lei looked at the white lion with envy. It's true that few men don't like such a majestic and top-quality Tibetan Mastiff.
"Hehe, Brother Lei, you guys can't afford to keep it..."
Zhuang Rui smiled and started the car. The white lion was a good eater and not picky, but it needed its body cleansed with spiritual energy every few days. Only Zhuang Rui could do that; he had never heard of anyone else in the world who could do it.
Upon entering his maternal grandfather's courtyard, Zhuang Rui saw his maternal grandparents and his mother there. The two elderly women had just finished their physical therapy and were taking a slow walk around the yard to stretch their muscles.
Ouyang Wan was supporting the old man, while another tall, elegant middle-aged woman was supporting the old lady.
"Grandpa and Grandma, I've brought my little brother in, and your grandson-in-law, Jiang Ying. Come, let me introduce you. These are our younger brother and sister-in-law. Zhuang Rui, this is your sister-in-law..."
After Ouyang Lei entered the courtyard, he loudly introduced the woman with an exceptional temperament to everyone. This woman was his wife. Zhuang Rui could tell that his sister-in-law was absolutely stunning in her youth, and even now, she still retained her charm.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, sister-in-law, hello..."
Although Zhao Guodong was mentally prepared, he still couldn't help but get nervous after seeing Ouyang Gang. He nodded like a worm, being pulled by Zhuang Rui to greet everyone one by one.
"Hmm, he's an honest boy, a good match for Xiaomin."
After staring at Zhao Guodong for a while, the old man nodded, acknowledging him as his grandson-in-law. This left Zhao Guodong so nervous that the back of his clothes was soaked with cold sweat.
"Daddy, Mommy. You don't want me anymore! Wow, Bai Bai is here too, hug me..."
At the sound of Xiao Nannan's shout, the little girl ran out of the house. When she got there, her eyes were already brimming with tears. But when she saw the white lion, she burst into laughter and hung her little body on the white lion's neck. The yard was instantly filled with laughter.
"Xiao Rui, where are the local specialties Mom asked you to bring? Are they in the car?"
Seeing everyone in the courtyard coaxing their granddaughter, Ouyang Wan pulled her son aside and asked in a low voice, "After Ouyang Lei's wife, Jiang Ying, arrived today, she kept calling me 'little sister-in-law,' but Ouyang Wan didn't give her a proper greeting. I felt a little embarrassed, so I asked about this as soon as my son arrived."
"Mom, are those local specialties from Pengcheng suitable as gifts?"
Zhuang Rui's words made Ouyang Wan's face flush slightly. Indeed, when elders give gifts to younger generations, it is more of a token of their goodwill. However, in a family like this, it would be a bit too embarrassing to give someone some candy. Judging from the demeanor and temperament of that niece-in-law, she clearly comes from a wealthy family.
However, over the years, Ouyang Wan has supported Zhuang Rui and his sister with a single salary, and she doesn't have the money to buy anything expensive. Although her son is wealthy, Ouyang Wan is reluctant to ask him for money.
"Mom, come to my room..."
Zhuang Rui saw that his grandfather was giving Zhao Guodong a patriotic lecture again, not noticing that he was not paying attention to Zhao Guodong. He tugged at his mother's sleeve and quietly walked towards the room he used to live in.
"What's wrong? Xiao Rui, is there something you can't say in public?"
Ouyang Wan asked with some surprise. She had a rather gentle personality. Although she felt a little embarrassed that she couldn't give these younger people gifts, she didn't care too much about it.
"Mom, I've already prepared the gifts for you. Here, these earrings and pendants, give a set to each of your sisters-in-law or cousins. Also, since Jun is getting married soon, give his fiancée a bracelet. Oh, and Mom, don't give this bracelet to anyone else. You can give it to Grandma on Grandpa and Grandma's 70th wedding anniversary."
Zhuang Rui took off the backpack behind him, took out the items one by one, opened it and placed it in front of his mother, explaining each item in detail. He especially mentioned the blood jade bracelet, repeating it several times. If he gave it to the wrong person, then the famous star Xu would make a fortune.
"Xiao Rui, when did you come up with so many things?"
Even though Ouyang Wan was usually calm and collected, she was stunned when she suddenly saw so much jewelry. She had seen many fine things when she was young, so she could naturally tell the value of these pieces.
"Mom, I brought home a piece of raw jade last time, and I made it out of the jade inside. It took me a whole month to make. This thing is presentable, isn't it? Hehe, when I see a younger generation I like, you can just say 'Reward it,' and I'll be very proud."
Zhuang Rui chuckled and joked with his mother. Now that Ouyang Wan was back with her parents, the gloom between her brows had completely disappeared. Zhuang Rui was very happy and often joked with his mother on the phone.
"You child, you don't learn the good things, but instead you've picked up a Beijing accent..."
Ouyang Wan also laughed. These pieces of jewelry had solved her immediate problem, and since they were gifts from her son, she had nothing to be embarrassed about. She immediately put them away, intending to give them to the younger generation when the time was right.
After chatting enthusiastically about "the old days," the old man was persuaded by the nurse to go to sleep. Naturally, the guards arranged accommodations for Zhao Guodong and the others. There were many houses here, and they were all cleaned regularly. They would be hosting several groups of people around the Mid-Autumn Festival the day after tomorrow.
Zhuang Rui got up very early the next day. He had a lot to do today. In addition to meeting with Miao Feifei, he also had to go to the courtyard house. Gu Yun was acting all mysterious on the phone, which made Zhuang Rui look forward to his new home in Beijing.
Miao Feifei didn't keep Zhuang Rui waiting long. She called at eight o'clock and arranged to meet him at a coffee shop in a hotel across from their police station. After Zhuang Rui tidied up, he drove there.
"Zhuang Rui, over here..."
As soon as Zhuang Rui entered the coffee shop, he saw Miao Feifei, dressed in casual clothes, waving at him. Next to Miao Feifei sat a middle-aged man in his forties, who was presumably the leader that Officer Miao had mentioned.
"Officer Miao, you've been urging me for over a month, what is it? Can you tell me now?"
After Zhuang Rui walked over, he nodded to the middle-aged man and then looked at Miao Feifei.
Chapter 343 Case Summary (Part 1)
"Zhuang Rui, let me introduce you. This is Director Wu, who is in charge of criminal investigation at our branch..."
When Miao Feifei saw Zhuang Rui walk to the table, she stood up and introduced the middle-aged man next to her to Zhuang Rui. Although Director Wu was only a deputy director, Miao Feifei was not so blunt as to introduce him by even mentioning the word "deputy".
"Hello, Director Wu..."
Zhuang Rui extended his hand and shook hands with Director Wu. His attitude was not exactly cold, but it was definitely not enthusiastic either.
In Zhuang Rui's time, the song "I found a penny on the roadside and handed it to the policeman" was a popular song.
Moreover, Zhuang Rui did indeed hand over money. He and Liu Chuan found a dime, and the two brothers spent eight cents to buy two cream popsicles each. They then each gave one cent of the remaining two cents to the police officer. Therefore, Zhuang Rui has always had a relatively good impression of the police.
However, this goodwill vanished from Zhuang Rui's mind after the harrowing bombing incident in Shaanxi. The police had already obtained evidence of Yu Laoda's crimes, but instead of arresting him in advance, they insisted on catching him red-handed.
Okay, catching them red-handed is understandable. But your police's professional skills are lacking. What should have been a sure thing turned into the criminals escaping. What angered Zhuang Rui the most was that the ridiculous scenario of criminals taking hostages and the police using a megaphone to make announcements actually happened.
That wasn't the end of it. In the end, not only did he lose a carload of money, but he also almost caused Bai Shi to lose his life. So from then on, although Zhuang Rui didn't say he hated the police, the heartfelt respect for the police that he had cultivated since childhood was gone.
Therefore, Zhuang Rui is now somewhat reluctant to deal with the police. It's not that he's targeting Deputy Director Wu; if he hadn't known Miao Feifei for a long time, he probably would have avoided her as well.
Seeing that Miao Feifei and Director Wu were both silent and leisurely drinking their coffee, Zhuang Rui sat down, beckoned the waiter to bring him a pot of Pu'er tea, poured himself a cup, and slowly began to drink it. The two people opposite him weren't in a hurry, so why should he be?
"Ahem, Zhuang Rui, it's like this, our bureau has taken on a case and we need your cooperation. What do you think?"
A good seven or eight minutes passed. Zhuang Rui didn't say a word, his eyes constantly scanning the layout of the Western restaurant. Finally, Officer Miao couldn't help but cough twice to draw Zhuang Rui's attention to him.
"I don't think it's very good!"
"Cough...cough cough..."
Zhuang Rui's words caused the two people opposite him to cough, but this time it wasn't an act; they were genuinely choked by their coffee. They hadn't expected Zhuang Rui to refuse without even asking about the case.
"Hey Zhuang Rui, can't you have even a little bit of awareness as a citizen that you should contribute to the country?"
After finally calming down, Miao Feifei glared angrily at Zhuang Rui, feeling that he had completely disrespected her.
"Hey, Officer Miao, I've been following the law and paying my taxes, which is already supporting national development. Investigating cases is supposed to be your job, not mine..."
Zhuang Rui said seriously that he really didn't want to get involved in any cases. Those criminals were all desperate criminals; if they were to cause another incident like Boss Yu's, then there wouldn't be White Lion to shield him from bullets.
Therefore, Zhuang Rui had no interest in knowing the details of the case. Knowing too much about it might not be a good thing, since many things are forced upon people and pushed into action.
"Mr. Zhuang, you can listen to the case details first before deciding whether to participate. We can't force you to do this, can we?"
Director Wu, who was sitting to the side, spoke up. If his young men heard these words, they would be very surprised. When had Director Wu, who was always hot-tempered, ever talked to people in a gentle manner?
Director Wu was at a loss. Before he came, Miao Feifei had given him a general overview of Zhuang Rui's background, which was even more impressive than Miao Feifei's. Would Director Wu dare to put on airs in front of Zhuang Rui? It's true that Director Wu has a fiery temper, but he only knows how to treat people differently.
"Director Wu, it's not that I don't want to listen, but I have a background in finance and know absolutely nothing about your criminal investigation methods. It's like being in a completely different field, and I might even make things worse and ruin your work. I think you should find some more professional people to help you..."
Zhuang Rui spoke tactfully, but his meaning was clear: I have absolutely no interest in your cases; you two should find someone else.