MWC – Chapter 146 Mother and Son Match

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

Lu Ming slowly paced down the hallway to an iron door at the end. The guard outside saluted and opened the door.

Inside were four cells, two on each side. The outer two were private, while the inner two were barred cells.

In front of one barred cell was the only female member of the action team, a burly, stocky woman. She had been sitting on a bench, fiddling with her thick fingers. Seeing Lu Ming enter, she quickly stood at attention.

Lu Ming walked over and stood in front of the barred door.

Being locked in a barred cell meant having no rights. The space was narrow, with only two hard beds visible. Even the toilet in the corner was only partially shielded by a low wall, exposing the occupant’s head and upper body while in use.

Gao Wangshi was curled up on one of the hard beds, wrapped in a blanket.

The moonlight streamed through the high iron window, casting a cold light on her.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up at Lu Ming, a faint smile on her delicate face. “Commissioner Lu, I knew you would come.”

Lu Ming nodded. This woman recognized him.

This meant that from the moment he got involved in the case, she had been planning for the worst and had researched the investigators, knowing the nature of his independent office. She likely even studied his past media appearances and found photos of him.

“Madam Gao, I understand this place is inconvenient. Please bear with it,” Lu Ming said, sitting on the bench in front of the cell.

Gao Wangshi smiled slightly. “Commissioner Lu, if you want to talk to me, I hope you’ll bring my lawyer.”

Lu Ming spread his hands. “It’s just me here for a casual chat. You should understand this won’t be used as an official statement.”

“True, but you might still try to hint at what I say to the jury, correct?” Gao Wangshi chuckled.

Lu Ming nodded. “It seems you believe you have something to hide, which is why you have these concerns?”

Gao Wangshi’s face changed slightly, her smile fading. “Commissioner Lu, if you continue to harass me, I will file a complaint.”

Lu Ming observed her. She was a smart woman, but her intelligence had mostly been used within her household, leading her to expect “smart people” like him to recognize her wisdom. However, she was inexperienced in dealing with law enforcement, revealing a flaw in her words.

Of course, this flaw was of little use, only reinforcing Lu Ming’s suspicions.

Just as he was about to speak, the iron door at the other end of the corridor creaked open, and a member of the action team ran up to Lu Ming, whispering in his ear.

Lu Ming frowned slightly, stood up, and glanced at Gao Wangshi before walking out.

She watched his back, her face expressionless.

…

“Commissioner, I’m sorry!” Duan Lian said, his face full of shame.

Fumors shook his head. “The main responsibility is mine. I didn’t anticipate she would do this. But why?”

Gao Sao had committed suicide by poisoning. By the time the team monitoring her noticed something was wrong, it was too late.

She left a note, confessing to injuring and pushing Deng Bo into the water during an argument. She also admitted to killing Zhao Linghua in the wine cellar and framing the drunkard because he had witnessed her attacking Deng Bo. Fearing he might eventually remember the truth, she framed him.

She expressed remorse for the trouble caused to the Gao family and decided to confess to give them peace.

“Any news from Zhao Si’s son?” Lu Ming asked Fumors, then waved his hand. “Detain Zhao Si and bring Gao Yulong in for questioning.”

Turning to Fumors, he said, “There’s nothing puzzling. Maternal love is profound. You wouldn’t understand without experiencing it yourself.”

Fumors could only roll her eyes at this remark.

Duan Lian hesitated, “Commissioner Lu, isn’t this too much?”

Given the recent events, it might have been more appropriate to release Gao Wangshi and give the Gao household some peace. But instead, they were continuing to detain new members, even the young master of the Gao family.

Lu Ming waved his hand, “Do as I said.”

Duan Lian reluctantly saluted and left.

“Any new leads from Xihuang?” Lu Ming asked Fumors.

Fumors shook his head. “I talked to kids who used to play with Gao Yulong and Gao Sao’s son. Four years is a long time; most of them barely remember. One older child, now thirteen, remembers clearly. He said Gao Yulong and Gao Sao’s son were very close, like brothers.”

“Also, according to people from Xihuang, Gao Sao and her son had a great relationship. Her son would cry and search everywhere if he didn’t see her for a day.”

Lu Ming nodded, “Looks like I need to talk to Gao Depei.”

…

Gao Depei sat behind the interrogation room table, his face grim. Beside him was lawyer Xie Dading.

He didn’t even glance at Lu Ming, only sneering when he entered, “I guarantee you’ll regret this once I’m out of here!”

Xie Dading, meanwhile, was wiping sweat from his forehead, occasionally glancing at Lu Ming.

Lu Ming had reviewed all of Xie Dading’s materials. His usual tactic was to appear weak, like a sick man, but his attacks were fierce when he struck.

“Chairman Gao, is Gao Yulong really your biological son with your current wife?”

Gao Depei frowned at the first question.

Xie Dading wanted to say something, but Lu Ming waved his hand, “Lawyer Xie, my question doesn’t require Chairman Gao to answer. Let me continue.”

“Gao Yulong wasn’t born to Madam Gao, was he?”

Xie Dading froze, glancing at Gao Depei, who frowned but said nothing.

“Chairman Gao, where is Gao Yulong’s biological mother? Did you have a mutual affection, or was it purely for surrogacy?” Lu Ming pressed on, “This is important and might be linked to the recent events at your home.”

“Nonsense!” Gao Depei closed his eyes.

Xie Dading immediately added, “My client has nothing to say on this matter. It’s a private issue…”

Lu Ming waved his hand and continued to Gao Depei, “If she’s still alive, that’s one thing. But if she died under mysterious circumstances, then…”

Gao Depei suddenly opened his eyes, “What did you say?!”

Lu Ming looked at him silently.

“Xiao Qiao fell ill after giving birth to Long’er. I took him home immediately, and she became addicted to opium to numb herself. Her health deteriorated, and one day, she committed suicide… But a few days before her death, she told me she wanted to see Long’er and would quit opium to live a better life…” Gao Depei suddenly looked at Lu Ming, “What do you mean?”

Lu Ming pondered, “Has Madam Gao and Gao Sao been the ones caring for Gao Yulong since you brought him home?”

Gao Depei nodded, “Yes, Madam Gao hired the wet nurse. Because of Xiao Qiao, every time I saw Long’er, it pained me, so I rarely…”

He fell silent. These were feelings he had kept hidden for years, yet today he revealed them to someone he despised.

“Gao Sao had a son nearly the same age as Gao Yulong. Her abundant milk was one reason Madam Gao hired her.”

“But four years ago, Gao Sao’s son died suddenly.”

Gao Debei nodded. “I know about that. It was when Long’er went to the countryside. He was sad for a long time, and I sent condolence money.”

“Gao Sao’s son was strangled to death,” Lu Ming suddenly said.

“What?!” Gao Debei’s eyes widened in shock.

“Gao Sao’s son wasn’t buried in the Gao family grave. He was buried in the back mountain of Xihuang because Gao Sao said he liked playing there and watching the sunset.”

“Seven years ago, Gao Sao divorced her husband. Her husband was a drunkard, gambler, and womanizer. Everyone said that Gao Sao, such a virtuous person, was ruined by her husband.”

“And they weren’t wrong. That piece of land belonged to her husband. Recently, someone bought it.”

“Her husband, addicted to opium, is almost dead. It seems he forgot he had a son buried in the back mountain.”

“The person who bought the land wanted to develop it and planned to move the child’s grave to a public cemetery. However, the coffin broke during the relocation. The child had turned into a skeleton, but the buyer, having some medical knowledge, felt something was wrong and called the police. Forensics examined it and found the child’s neck bone was broken, suggesting he was strangled to death. The force used was so great that it broke the child’s neck bones, and the child, being only five years old, was too small to resist.”

Fu Mosi scratched his head. Naturally, it was his young master who bought that piece of land and had him handle it.

To investigate the case, the young master was willing to go to great lengths. He said that the place could be turned into a vineyard because the soil there was suitable for growing grapes for winemaking.

Moreover, the young master did more than that. He almost dug up the ancestors of these people. His approach was more thorough than what I could have done. Of course, that required money and connections. Even if I wanted to do it, I would be powerless in many situations.

Thus, a clear case trace gradually formed, but the evidence was still insufficient.

Gao Debei listened to Lu Ming, his expression growing increasingly serious.

“Gao Sao claimed her son was weak and died suddenly of illness that night.”

Lu Ming considered. “Unfortunately, Gao Sao committed suicide. Maybe we will never know the truth.”

He stood up. “Alright, Speaker Gao, you can go now. Thank you for your cooperation! But I still have some questions for your wife and son. Rest assured, I won’t delay them for more than another day. They won’t suffer any mistreatment here.”

Gao Debei nodded, said nothing, gave Lu Ming a deep look, and walked out.

Lu Ming was lost in thought when Liu Teng quickly walked in and whispered in Lu Ming’s ear, “Commissioner, Zhao Si has confessed. He said Deng Bo was injured and pushed into the water by Gao Yulong. Gao Yulong also killed a servant, Liu De, in the past, and Zhao Si helped cover it up. Even Deng Bo’s son was bribed by Zhao Si.”

Lu Ming listened, his expression remaining unchanged as he nodded.

Liu Teng was initially overjoyed. It turned out Commissioner Lu’s suspicion of the little psychopath was not unfounded. The little psychopath was indeed the killer. But seeing Lu Ming’s expression, Liu Teng’s smile faded away.

…

Outside the iron window, the sky was already turning white.

Lu Ming sat outside the iron bars. Inside, Mrs. Gao was still in the same position, wrapped in a thin blanket, hugging her knees on the bare wooden bed.

In the other cell, Gao Yulong sat quietly.

“Dawn is breaking. Commissioner Lu, many things happened tonight, right?” Mrs. Gao sighed softly.

“Gao Sao’s suicide was unexpected. Zhao Si’s confession was pre-arranged by you, wasn’t it?” Lu Ming said indifferently.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying, Commissioner Lu.”

“You once admired and loved Gao Debei very much, didn’t you? So much that you married a widower nearly thirty years your senior.”

“Speaking of which, how did Gao Debei’s first wife die? Unfortunately, it’s too long ago, over thirty years, and she died of a heart attack. What caused the heart attack is impossible to investigate now.”

Mrs. Gao simply looked quietly at Lu Ming.

“However, Gao Debei likely had fertility issues, so neither his first wife nor you ever got pregnant.”

“Initially, you were satisfied with everything and didn’t care about having children. You just wanted to live happily with him.”

“But for Gao Debei, carrying on the family line was still important.”

“And coincidentally, a gentle woman outside became pregnant with his child.”

“He explained the truth to you, thinking you would understand, but for the first time, you opposed him. Instead of taking a concubine, you persuaded him to bring the newborn child to be raised by you.”

“But in your heart, you hated the child and the woman even more. Perhaps you also started hating Gao Debei, hating that you had given everything for him, but he had ultimately betrayed you.”

“Just then, your former maid, Gao Sao, also got married and pregnant, and you discussed and planned everything with her.”

“The real Gao Yulong was swapped with Gao Sao’s son not long after he was brought back. So, the current Gao Yulong is actually Gao Sao’s real son.”

“Gao Debei felt guilty towards Gao Yulong’s biological mother, so every time he saw the baby, he felt heartache and avoided seeing him. This gave you the chance to swap the babies. The most crucial thing was that Gao Debei would never have imagined you would be so ruthless.”

“However, if Gao Yulong’s biological mother were still alive, she might eventually uncover the secret, so she had to die too.”

“As for the real Gao Yulong, perhaps at the age of five, he discovered something while playing with Gao Sao’s son. Perhaps, with both children present, Gao Sao accidentally let something slip. In any case, she strangled the real Gao Yulong to death. Maybe, he witnessed the whole thing and learned the truth about his origins, starting to develop psychological issues.”

Lu Ming pointed to the other cell where Gao Yulong was.

“Originally, you only wanted to take revenge on Gao Debei, but you didn’t expect the real Gao Yulong to die. Although you might have thought he died of illness, from that moment on, you were wary of Gao Sao’s intentions of usurping the family. Thus, Zhao Si became your informant to watch over Gao Yulong and cater to his psychopathic needs.”

“When you first learned that Gao Yulong would kill, you might have been pleased. This mother and son would never overturn the Gao family even after Gao Debei passed. Everything in the Gao family would still belong to you.”

“Without love, you began to pursue power and wealth, starting to exert influence within the party.”

“And now, Gao Sao is dead, taking all the blame for her son’s crimes. Even if I wanted to close the case, it would go smoothly.”

“But this is not what you want, right? Because Gao Sao acted without your consent and used her death to protect her son. With no one left to testify, her son would become the legitimate heir of the Gao family.”

“Maybe, Gao Sao had long been considering her son’s future. My investigation made her feel desperate because you probably exaggerated and scared her with my abilities to further control her.”

“Although Gao Sao was scared, she also saw a glimmer of hope to break free from your control, even at the cost of her life.”

“This made you furious, and Zhao Si must have already been instructed by you. If the case took a significant turn after your detention, he would come forward to testify against Gao Yulong, right?”

Mrs. Gao smiled. “Commissioner Lu, I have to admire you. You are indeed very smart, and your storytelling is quite imaginative. But I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” She thought for a moment. “Commissioner Lu, actually, I handle most of the Justices Party affairs now. My husband is old and weak, currying favor with wealthy young men. Many in the party are dissatisfied with him and hope for me to become the new leader. Commissioner Lu, we will have many opportunities to cooperate in the future. I am sincere. I like working with smart people. We could become very close allies.”

Lu Ming nodded. “Let me tell you a story. In my hometown, this story is used as a popular test. It says that two sisters went to a funeral. At the funeral, the younger sister fell in love with a boy. When they got home, she killed her sister. The question is, why?”

Mrs. Gao shook her head. “I don’t know.”

Lu Ming turned to look at Gao Yulong. “Kid, can you tell me why?”

Gao Yulong quietly looked at Lu Ming. “Because that way, she could see the boy again at her sister’s funeral.”

Lu Ming stared at him for a while. “In my hometown, your answer usually indicates a potential serial killer.” He smiled. “There’s a witness accusing you of murder, instructed by your so-called mother. What do you think?”

“I don’t know…” Gao Yulong adjusted his glasses. “I don’t understand what murder is, Uncle. Maybe I’m sick?”

“If I did something wrong, I am willing to accept punishment, go for treatment, or be imprisoned. I will behave well. My father taught me from a young age that if you do something wrong, you must accept the consequences.”

“When my illness is cured, or my punishment is over, I will return home as a good child and live happily with my parents forever.”

His voice was tender, but it sent a chill down one’s spine.

Lu Ming looked at Mrs. Gao. “