MWC – Chapter 145 A Complicated Case

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

On the table lay a thick pile of investigative materials recently submitted by Fumors.

Lu Ming slowly flipped through the documents.

Looking towards Liu Teng, he said, “The Deng Bo case is now officially entering the investigation stage. Go apply for a search warrant and conduct a raid on Gao Depei’s house. You will lead the team.” He then turned to Fumors, “You bring the people from the search office as well.”

After some thought, he added to Liu Teng, “Get Judge Li Guan to sign the search warrant.”

Liu Teng was stunned but quickly stood to attention, “Yes, sir!”

Lu Ming sighed inwardly. A few days ago at the Mingjia Nightclub, Gao Depei probably wanted to discuss the two cases involving his family, but he hadn’t even brought up the topic before Lu Ming caused a scene.

Gao Depei was now facing a lot of criticism, all because of him. If Lu Ming personally led the raid, it would seem like he was bullying Gao Depei. Therefore, someone else had to take the lead.

In the end, this case might change the relationship between him and Gao Depei. But who knows?

…

A few hours later, an enraged Gao Depei stormed into Lu Ming’s office.

“Commissioner Lu, you’ve gone too far! I’ve brought reporters to expose your misuse of prosecutorial power for your election campaign and to suppress your opponent’s party! Our entire party will submit a protest to the High Prosecutor’s Office demanding the revocation of your prosecutorial powers! If the High Prosecutor’s Office refuses to correct this mistake, we will bring them to court! Even if we have to appeal to the Supreme Court, we won’t let you act recklessly!”

“And another thing, Li Guan! She dared to sign this ridiculous search warrant. She must be colluding with you in some underhanded dealings!”

Indeed, it is rare for a search warrant to be issued so easily, especially for a vice speaker’s house. Such warrants are cautiously issued.

Moreover, under the constitution, legislators are protected from arrest and criminal prosecution unless approved by the parliament.

Although the search warrant was not for a criminal charge against the legislator but for the belief that the murder weapon in Deng Bo’s case might still be in the legislator’s residence, this reasoning was vague. Most prosecutors would not be able to get a judge to sign off on such a warrant.

Gao Depei couldn’t understand how any judge would sign such a warrant.

If it were a slum area, there would be no problem, but this was the vice speaker’s mansion. How could a judge dare to sign a warrant on such grounds?

Lu Ming also felt a bit helpless. He knew these judges’ temperaments well.

Although Li Guan was close to him, she would not have signed it. However, Li Guan, known for her impartiality and a strong sense of justice, might.

Li Guan had a bit of an idealistic streak, wanting to see justice upheld in all circumstances. She now trusted Lu Ming and thus signed the warrant, even if the reasoning was flimsy, without considering whether the residence belonged to a legislator or not.

But if Lu Ming ever made a mistake, it would be difficult to rely on this weak point again.

Looking at the furious Gao Depei, Lu Ming waved his hand, signaling the guards to close the door.

Gao Depei was still roaring, “Not to mention, why did you bring my wife in for questioning?!” The old man was genuinely angry, his face twisted with rage.

Lu Ming thought for a moment, then shook his head, “The case is still under investigation, so I can’t disclose details. But Vice Councilor Gao, many people neglect their families because of work, leading to unforeseen issues. My investigation is also for your own good.”

Saying this, he reminded himself that no matter how late it was, he should always try to go home.

Gao Depei stared at Lu Ming, nodding slowly, “I’ll remember today!” He turned and left.

Lu Ming slowly picked up his teacup, taking a sip. It seemed that regardless of the case’s outcome, Gao Depei would feel deeply humiliated by him.

But that’s how investigations work. You can’t notify people in advance; otherwise, the potential culprit would know. Especially in such a complex case.

…

Standing before the glass wall of the interrogation room, Lu Ming observed the people inside.

Fumors and another prosecutor were interrogating a beautiful woman in her early thirties, dressed in an elegant qipao, who appeared dignified and refined—Gao Depei’s wife, Gao Wangshi.

Next to Gao Wangshi was a middle-aged lawyer in his forties, looking sickly and constantly sweating, frequently taking medicine. Despite his weak appearance, Lu Ming sensed he would be a tough opponent.

“You married Vice Speaker Gao Depei at sixteen as his second wife, while he was forty-five. But you didn’t have your son, Gao Yulong, until ten years ago, when you were twenty-five?”

Although the woman hadn’t answered any questions, Fumors patiently continued asking.

“Officer Fumors, isn’t it?” the lawyer, Xie Dading, checked his watch, “It’s been an hour. My client has no idea what you’re investigating and doesn’t wish to answer any questions. If you have no evidence linking my client to Deng Bo’s death, I demand her immediate release.”

Fumors’s eyes widened, “Oh? We found a blood-stained iron pipe in your client’s home, suspected to be the murder weapon. It’s currently being examined by forensics. Given that the male owner is often absent, I have sufficient reason to detain your client for 48 hours.”

Gao Wangshi’s expression changed slightly. “I hope the truth about Deng Bo’s death is uncovered. However, my husband instructed me not to answer any of your questions, so detaining me won’t be of any use.”

Fumors frowned, seeming to agree that holding her wouldn’t be helpful.

Lu Ming turned to someone beside him, “Tell Fumors to detain her.”

An officer entered the room, whispered something to Fumors, who then nodded and smiled at Gao Wangshi, “I’m sorry, Madam Gao, we’re just following protocol.”

Gao Wangshi was visibly stunned, clearly not expecting to be detained.

Lu Ming then instructed Liu Teng, “Put her in Cell 2.”

Liu Teng was surprised but quickly complied.

Fumors returned, looking frustrated, “That delicate lady almost fooled me.” He then smiled at Lu Ming, “You saw right through her act.”

Gao Wangshi had seemed calm and indifferent, appearing not to mind being detained for two days and two nights. She even requested her lawyer inform her maid to bring her some items. However, her final expression revealed that she did not want to be detained.

“Boss, you’re sharp!” Fumors laughed, “Yeah, putting her in the iron cage will be tough for someone so pampered. We can then have a kind auntie chat with her.”

Lu Ming smiled, “But if our direction is wrong, what I’m doing now might seem inhumane.”

Returning Liu Teng was also somewhat distracted, thinking about how a delicate lady might react to being locked up in an iron cage. Unfortunately, as a prosecutor, he wouldn’t be on duty at night, missing any chance for a heart-to-heart talk.

Lu Ming looked at him, “I suspect Gao Wangshi is key to how Gao Yulong became who he is, but it’s all speculation. We’ll proceed based on evidence and investigate slowly.”

After all, if he doubted Liu Teng’s ability to keep secrets, it would be better to replace him.

“Does our action team have only one female member? She seemed quite capable.” Lu Ming shook his head, “She should stay on duty at night for the next few days to keep an eye on Gao Wangshi.”

Liu Teng quickly agreed.

Lu Ming continued, “Recruit twenty auxiliary officers—ten men and ten women. Have Duan Lian go to the police academy tomorrow to select candidates. I’ll draft a brief outline for their pay, duties, and rights. You and Duan Lian can refine it.” Duan Lian was the head of the action team, which consisted of ten formally appointed officers.

In this world, auxiliary police existed as volunteers, but in Lu Ming’s view, they were useful from a management perspective.

If he wanted to increase his team by twenty officers, it would be impossible. But auxiliary police were different. Even if the High Prosecutor’s Office didn’t provide a budget, he could find a way to manage it within his department’s expenses.

Police academy students often faced a high dropout rate, and opportunities for auxiliary positions would attract many.

Lu Ming shook his head, thinking of the pros and cons. But from a manager’s perspective, auxiliary police were certainly convenient.