MWC – Chapter 142 The Detective, and the Age of Innocence (Part 2)

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

Beverly Restaurant is a quiet seaside restaurant in the West District.

It is a high-priced, highly exclusive members-only restaurant with limited seating. The golden sandy beach outside is privately owned by the restaurant, and the view of green palm trees against the blue sky and sea forms a classic, beautiful tropical beach landscape.

Currently, all other tables in the restaurant are empty. At the table by the floor-to-ceiling window, opposite Lu Ming, sits the elegant Judge Christine, in a maroon chiffon dress. This usually stern and rigid judge rarely exhibits such charm.

Recently, Judge Christine and Lu Ming have been meeting for dinner once a week at this restaurant.

According to the Imperial Labor Law, there is one day of rest every five days. However, in Lu Ming’s mind, he still habitually thinks of the rest day as Sunday, with the previous day being the weekend.

The terminology for such cyclical holidays in this world’s language also automatically translates to “week” in his mind.

“The roll-on deodorant patent you bought out is selling well now. I heard you’ve also invested in the production of something called a microwave?” Christine slowly put down her coffee cup, having just taken a small sip.

Lu Ming inwardly smiled wryly. His “mother” seemed very curious about him, meeting him every week as if to listen to his stories.

The things he tinkered with seemed like little stories to her.

Actually, not to mention the things on the surface like his patents and investments in the Huaxia Group, even the hidden cards he played—if she really wanted to know, it would just take a bit more effort. But there was no need because the means to reveal his hidden cards would only be used against a mortal enemy, which was not the case here.

From the side bag, Lu Ming took out a beautifully packaged gift box and said with a smile, “I have specially ordered this roll-on perfume for you!”

Christine looked at him with a faint smile. “Is this how you usually charm girls?”

Lu Ming awkwardly scratched his head, knowing what she meant.

It had been a while since she mentioned introducing her daughter to him, probably because she knew about Pamela’s existence. Furthermore, she might vaguely know that he had many women in his life, making him an unsuitable match for her daughter.

“Busy with the recent cases?” Christine took the gift box and set it aside, changing the subject.

“Yes, sigh. I suspect a nine-year-old child might have the potential to become a sadist and murderer! However, there is currently no direct evidence. The eyewitness testimony is also weak, mainly because this witness is seen as an unreliable drunkard.”

“This child does have a schoolmate who claims to have seen him abuse cats.”

Last night, when he asked Jin Meiyan about Gao Yulong, she quickly said she knew him, calling him a hypocrite and a little pervert.

She mentioned that she and a few girls who liked to skip classes once gathered at a corner of the school wall to sneak out. They happened to see Gao Yulong cruelly abusing a cat, which scared them all.

However, this incident became just a topic for criticizing adult hypocrisy among these rebellious girls. Such a bad person who won all the awards in school and was liked by the adults, seen as a model of all talented students.

They didn’t speak out about it because no one would believe them, and they would just get into trouble with the teachers.

Thinking about it, Lu Ming shook his head. “But abusing cats doesn’t directly link to murder, and those students who saw him abuse cats are also problematic students.”

Since Christine became a senior judge in the high court, Lu Ming could freely discuss cases with her, unlike before when he had to be cautious in case the cases ended up in her court.

Christine elegantly stirred her coffee. “Do you have to investigate all the case details yourself? Your investigators and detectives are useless, huh?”

Lu Ming smiled wryly. “Not really. This case is a bit special. The child’s father is a political figure. So I’ve been more hands-on, wanting to handle it more carefully.”

“I’ll introduce someone to you to be the chief investigator in your office. Otherwise, if you keep getting bogged down in trivial cases, how will you make money? There will come a day when I want to have coffee with you at the Tower Restaurant every few days. If you can’t keep up, and can’t buy the restaurant, won’t you feel embarrassed?”

Lu Ming scratched his head. “I haven’t bought this place; I just invested a bit in it.”

“The Moncton family is very peculiar. How would they sell shares to an outsider!”

“I just helped him resolve a small dispute.” Lu Ming smiled again. “If you really want to have coffee at the Tower Restaurant often and keep it quiet, that’s a problem for you to solve. I can’t handle that. Technically, the entire East Sea is under your jurisdiction, right?”

With the level of people he was interacting with now, Lu Ming naturally had a grasp of Christine’s background.

“You’re too modest!” Christine took a sip of coffee. “I heard old Renault wants to list the Tower Restaurant. How about we buy it together?”

Lu Ming was taken aback. “You’re interested in this?” He really didn’t expect that.

Hesitating, he said, “That would be great, but what if I have a case that goes to the high court…”

“Then this tool you mentioned won’t be of use, right? The term ‘tool’ you coined is quite apt.” Christine’s tone became increasingly indifferent.

Lu Ming was startled and quickly protested, “How could that be? The high court has no recusal system, meaning all eleven of you judges are presumed wise and capable. And your wisdom and capability are undeniable!”

“But you’re worried I might vote against you to avoid suspicion.”

“It’s not that…” Lu Ming started to say something.

Christine already waved her hand. “Tomorrow, I will propose a new rule prohibiting political debates on television to avoid the entertainmentization of political issues. I think more than half of the eleven judges will agree with my proposal.”

Lu Ming was helpless. “Alright, we’ll buy the Tower Restaurant together. I’ll put up sixty percent of the money, and you take sixty percent of the equity.”

“No, our investments and returns will be equal, but I want sixty percent of the voting rights.” Christine looked at Lu Ming. “I heard you and your business partners often have voting rights exceeding your equity stakes? That’s your style, right? I’m learning!” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

Lu Ming spread his hands. “Yes, you’ve beaten me with my own methods!”

Suddenly, both of them laughed.

…

Lu Ming looked at the file on the table and then at the person standing in front of him, feeling like his glasses were about to shatter.

Christine, are you joking with me?

According to the file, the woman was named Fumors Johnson, aged thirty-seven. 

She had a rich history, having been a federal agent in the imperial capital, an officer in the Royal Guard, an independent investigator for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and currently an ordinary police officer at the East Sea Police Headquarters.

Her career seemed to have been on a downward trajectory. While in the Royal Guard, her highest rank was Major, but by the time she retired and transitioned, she was a Lieutenant.

Now, she had become an ordinary detective.

No wonder, the file mentioned incidents of drinking, assaulting superiors, and particularly using a rocket launcher to blow up a noble’s door frame while in the Royal Guard.

At the East Sea Police Headquarters, she had initially been a detective, but during an investigation, she once again resorted to violence, injuring the prosecutor involved in the case.

Given her track record, it was a miracle she wasn’t serving a life sentence.

Looking at the person standing in front of his desk—a middle-aged, overweight woman with a waist thicker than a barrel, like a mountain of flesh.

Her brown, messy hair, and green eyes, gleamed eerily like a cat’s, making her quite frightening.

Yet, she smiled obsequiously, making it hard to believe she could assault her superior.

Her name, Fumors, was also quite intriguing.

“Young master, no wonder my lady looks at you differently! You look like someone extraordinary,” Fumors laughed obsequiously.

Lu Ming was speechless. “Young master,” what was that about? And how could someone so obsequious assault her superior? Shaking his head, he asked, “Who is your lady?”

“Miss Christine, of course! I’ve been her maid since I was young. In the old days, I was her knight. Now, her daughter’s maid is traditionally the Holy Knight of the Princess, and though my lady’s daughter is just the princess’s cousin…”

Lu Ming frowned. Could she communicate coherently?

Fumors continued to chuckle, “Young master, don’t look down on me now, but I learned a lot when I was young. Back then, I could take on eight strong men by myself with a long spear. Now, give me a shotgun and I could handle a dozen thugs without a problem!”

Lu Ming sighed inwardly, thinking that he could manage it too, depending on whether the thugs were armed. He then realized that Fumors was indeed Judge Christine’s close maid.

“You really like to challenge authority, don’t you?” Lu Ming asked helplessly.

Fumors immediately beamed with delight, “Young master, you truly understand me! They all say I have a habit of beating up my superiors, but only you get me!”

Lu Ming cleared his throat, “What if I become your superior…?”

Fumors paused, looking a bit suspicious, “Young master, you wouldn’t think I’d be disrespectful to you, would you? How could that be? You’re not like them. You’re a good friend of my lady, so you’re also my master, aren’t you?”

Lu Ming nodded inwardly, understanding why she had that ingratiating smile that could drop a couple of pounds of powder. It was because she considered him her master too.

“Young master, please don’t treat me like an outsider. My lady hasn’t abandoned me. When she first moved to the capital, she sent me to the Royal Guard. My lady didn’t like that weakling, and it caused quite a stir in the royal family. My lady was just protecting me. If she left, people would think she divorced because I egged her on, even though I did…”

She giggled awkwardly before continuing, “So, since then, I’ve been left to develop on my own.”

Lu Ming nodded and asked, “Did you look at the case file I gave you?”

Before meeting her and seeing her file, Lu Ming had sent someone to give her the case documents and gave her half an hour next door to review them. He didn’t want to have any preconceived notions and wanted to hear her analysis first.

He was surprised by both her and her file.

Talking about the case, Fumors immediately lost her ingratiating smile and became another person entirely. “First, investigate the accomplices of that little psychopath. Some servants surely know his true nature and are helping him cover up. Also, I have a dirty trick… but it’s only a last resort.”

Lu Ming became interested, “Tell me about it.”

“Create an opportunity to have some of his female classmates beat him up. Best if they humiliate him thoroughly, maybe throw some dog excrement on his face or something. That little psychopath will definitely try to get revenge…”

Lu Ming understood what she was implying, “We can’t use that method. Besides, this guy is quite smart. Psychopaths like him don’t think like us. What if he decides to take revenge ten years later?”

“Fine, then I’ll proceed with a standard investigation!” Fumors nodded, adding, “His abuse of cats and small animals shows he’s not the type to be patient. He needs to vent his desires periodically. His revenge won’t be far off… Also, I wasn’t suggesting protecting the girls to catch him. I meant that after being severely provoked, he might expose himself, like revealing secret places where he vents or stores things. We might be able to track him.”

Lu Ming looked at Fumors and nodded, “Alright.”

For the first time since coming to this world, someone had genuinely given him inspiration.

He stood up and extended his hand, “Welcome to my office. From now on, you’re my chief investigator! But we still can’t use that method.”

Fumors, however, seemed a bit shy, “Young master, why so formal…” She took a step forward and extended her hand, “I’ve never had a man touch my hand before… except in fights…”

Lu Ming sighed and waved her off, “Alright, you’re in charge of this case now!”

“Yes, sir!” Fumors saluted.

As Fumors exited, Hou Dexing knocked and entered.

He looked embarrassed, holding his butt.

Just as he was about to knock, that mountain of a woman had smacked his butt, chuckling, “This little handsome guy has mischief in his eyes.”

He had no idea how she was so strong, but his butt was burning, feeling like it had been hit with a shovel.

Damn brainless brute.

Probably anyone entering Lu Ming’s office was not to be messed with.

He had no choice but to endure the pain.

“Any progress on your murder case?” Lu Ming asked from behind the desk.

Hou Dexing smiled awkwardly and took a few steps forward, “Councilor Gao called to ask if the suspect has been identified. His maid is still waiting to be buried.”

“Oh? I also want to ask if the suspect has been identified. Do you have anyone you can formally charge?” Lu Ming asked.

Hou Dexing coughed, “On the surface, Jeff Stewart seems the most likely suspect, but there are still many doubts. Further investigation is needed.”

Lu Ming nodded, “Whatever you think is appropriate, just tell Councilor Gao. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Yes, yes…” Hou Dexing forced a smile, regretting taking this case. 

“But I do have some thoughts. Just some thoughts, you know, a normal discussion between us.”

“Yes, yes, please go ahead!” Hou Dexing quickly responded.

“When people entered the wine cellar, Stewart was asleep at the scene, reeking of alcohol. If there was a third person, they could easily wipe the fingerprints off the weapon and place it in his hand, right?”

Hou Dexing nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, that’s why I think further investigation is necessary to avoid wronging an innocent person.”

“Fumors is a good investigator. If you encounter difficulties, you can ask her for advice.”

“Okay, okay…” Hou Dexing agreed repeatedly, then asked, “Commissioner, where can I find this Fumors?”

“The one who just left, she works in 2010 as my chief investigator.”

What? Hou Dexing was dumbfounded and looked miserable, “Okay, I will seek her advice.” Inwardly, he felt bitter.

After sending Hou Dexing away, Lu Ming checked the time and picked up the phone, dialing the number for Garden 2301.

Soon, Jin Meiyan’s sweet voice answered, “Uncle?”

Not many people had that number.

“Mm, you’re not accompanying your sister? That’s good, she’s fine now, right?” Lu Ming sighed in relief.

“I… I just came to get some things. My sister wants to go to the cinema to watch a movie…”

“It’s Sunday, watching a movie to relax is normal.” Lu Ming said, feeling like he was comforting himself. After all, when had that little girl ever been out of school to watch a movie?

“Yes, that is right…” Jin Meiyan hesitated, “But she said after the movie, she wants me to take her to a billiard hall to broaden her horizons…”

Lu Ming frowned. How could that be? Jin Meijing wasn’t the type to give up on herself.

Actually, he thought highly of this classmate. Despite her young age, she was strong, brave, self-reliant, and had clear goals for her future. 

She couldn’t possibly be so affected by an unfulfilled first love that it would derail her life, right?

“Did you tell her anything about me?” Lu Ming asked.

Jin Meiyan’s voice became even softer, as if she was ready to run away at any moment.

“Uncle, I… I just wanted to persuade my sister. Please don’t be angry…”

“I said that you and I are just the servants of a big lawyer, that you got married early and have a tough life, and don’t understand emotions… I told her you are vain and not honest because you claim to be a lawyer for the sake of face…”

By the end, Jin Meiyan was on the verge of tears, clearly very scared.

Lu Ming started glaring, but then thought about it. From Jin Meiyan’s perspective of trying to comfort her sister, it made sense. If he appeared perfect in every way, it would only hurt Jin Meijing’s delicate heart more, making it seem like he looked down on her.

“Uncle, please, don’t be mad…”

Jin Meiyan’s voice trembled, sounding like she was about to cry, “But my sister, isn’t she, silly, trying to make herself seem less perfect so she could, be with someone like what I described…”

Lu Ming checked the time and thought for a moment, “Alright, I still have some time. I’ll reserve a spot and talk to her. Let’s meet at 4:30 at the entrance of the Fuyinmen Cinema.”

…

Fuyinmen Cinema was the best cinema in North Gate.

At the second-floor box area, Lu Ming looked at the number. He was still late, it was already past 5.

A business partner had called unexpectedly, and they talked for a while.

Oh, there they were.

Red silk curtains hung on either side, and inside sat Jin Meiyan and Jin Meijing, the sisters.

Seeing them sitting so closely together, Lu Ming was momentarily stunned.

Jin Meijing had a Republican-era student look, wearing a blue jacket and skirt, white socks, and black lace-up shoes, looking pure and serene.

Jin Meiyan, with orange-red hair, wore white clothes and pants, and yellow canvas shoes, looking strikingly vibrant.

However, the two sisters actually looked identical, both having delicate, narrow, white oval faces with a natural touch of charm, yet they gave off completely different vibes—one was pure and obedient, the other a rebellious pretty girl.

“Uncle…” Jin Meiyan stood up and stepped aside.

Jin Meijing kept her head down, not daring to look at Lu Ming.

“Please sit…” They made space in the middle, and without thinking much, Lu Ming sat down in the middle as he was used to. Only after sitting did he feel it was a bit inappropriate.

But Jin Meiyan had already sat obediently on the left, and Jin Meijing was still standing with her head down, like a student being punished.

Lu Ming sighed, “Sit down. Should I not have come?”

Jin Meijing shook her head, thought for a moment, and then sat down beside him, whispering, “Brother Qianxing, I delayed you again, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t listen to your sister’s nonsense. I have plenty of time. Being busy isn’t for a living. Actually, I really am a lawyer and quite a famous one. If you read the newspapers, you’ll find reports about Lu Qianxing. You can look it up.”

Jin Meijing gently shook her head, “Brother Qianxing, you still don’t understand me, nor does my sister. It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are. I just remember you as the Brother Qianxing who came twice a semester and the second time, brought beef jerky for me.”

Lu Ming smiled wryly, “What’s the big deal? You’re just young now. In the future, you’ll meet many outstanding people. At that time, you might still remember me, and it’ll be a precious memory, but just a naive experience. Thinking back to now, you’ll just smile knowingly…” These were his true thoughts. Jin Meijing was destined to have many brilliant young men treasure her in the future.

Jin Meijing kept her head down and said nothing.

“Alright, let’s watch the movie. Then go home and focus on your studies.”

Jin Meijing whispered, “Brother Qianxing, I was always going to focus on my studies. I just wanted to go to the billiards room today to relax.”

Lu Ming chuckled, “I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me. My classmate Jin Meijing is destined to be an outstanding person.”

Jin Meijing seemed to remember something and smiled.

“What is it?” Lu Ming was puzzled.

“My sister said you’re very narcissistic…” Jin Meijing whispered.

Lu Ming frowned and looked at Jin Meiyan.

Jin Meiyan kept her head down, pretending to drink soda, as if she wouldn’t get scolded with her sister present.

Lu Ming noticed a bottle of soda on the small tea table to his right, half-drunk with a straw in it, and there were extra straws on the table.

He picked up the soda bottle, added another straw, took two sips, and handed it to Jin Meijing, smiling, “Here, actually I like you too. But at my age, I’m not thinking about puppy love. If you need a distraction, think of me as your boyfriend. If you want to eat or hang out, tell your sister. She can find me. I’ll do what a boyfriend should. When you grow up and truly like someone, you can kick me aside, alright?”

“Fake, I don’t want that. I want to study hard!” Jin Meijing shook her head, but she naturally took the soda bottle, sipped from her straw, and suddenly said, “Once a week, I want to meet you.”

Lu Ming chuckled, “Alright.”

He suddenly felt good. How many people, tired and worn out, didn’t long to return to their youth and live that pure and innocent life again?

He really had mingled back into the student circle, practically in the elementary school group considering his age.

Feeling amused and reflective, he moved his left hand slightly and noticed that Jin Meiyan had carefully placed a small handful of shelled sunflower seeds into his left hand.

Then, his right hand moved slightly too, and Jin Meijing did the same thing, secretly placing a small handful of shelled seeds into his right hand.

Lu Ming was stunned. Did these twins have telepathy? Doing the same thing…

Which hand should he start with? For elementary schoolers, this might be a dilemma.

But as a lawyer, Lu Ming smiled and shoved the sunflower seeds from his right hand into his mouth all at once.

He handed the left-hand seeds to Jin Meijing, “Meijing, I shelled these for you.”

Jin Meijing’s eyes instantly turned into crescents, her smile sweet and radiant.

Lu Ming glanced at Jin Meiyan, who also seemed quite happy. As for her thoughts, he couldn’t really guess.

Young girls’ minds were still hard to decipher.

Jin Meiyan was thinking at that moment, Uncle didn’t throw the seeds back at her, which was good.

When she lightly touched his hand while giving him the seeds, it scared her so much that her heart almost jumped out. If her sister hadn’t been there, she wouldn’t have had the courage to do these things for him.