MWC – Chapter 152 New Adulterer

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

Wind Bao Club, room 408, in the study.

Han Anni’s white uniform made Lu Ming’s eyes widen a bit.

Anni liked wearing uniform-style clothing, be it a prosecutor’s uniform or a police officer’s uniform. Even though she was currently suspended, she wore a uniform similar to Captain Nicole’s. The tight and well-fitted top accentuated her slender waist and alluring curves, exuding a very professional and intelligent sensuality. Her white pencil pants, cropped to reveal the delicate curves of her white-socked ankles, made her long legs appear even more slender, and she finished the look with a pair of very pretty white leather shoes.

This popular Nicole-inspired outfit wasn’t exactly the same as the movie version, as the true replica would only be suitable for cosplay. It had been adapted to capture the essence of the design, suitable for high-end professional women to wear in everyday life. On Han Anni, it looked as if it had been tailored for her, enhancing her stunning beauty.

Lu Ming liked it very much, staring at her endlessly.

“Do you want me to gouge out your eyes?” Han Anni said fiercely.

Lu Ming laughed, “Anni, deep down you care about me, why don’t you admit it? Otherwise, why did you put away my club badge when you saw it?”

“I wanted to investigate thoroughly first! The case is too big and could affect your club’s reputation. My first thought was that someone might want to bring down your club. However, your club’s principles are quite good, even better than many political parties’, as it speaks up for the lower classes.”

“Why explain so much? Just say you like me!”

Originally patiently explaining, Han Anni’s pretty face immediately fell. She intended to ignore him but then sighed lightly, “What do you plan to do?”

Lu Ming shook his head, looking gloomy, and walked over to hold Han Anni’s hand, “Come, sit with me for a while…”

Before he could touch her, she had already shaken him off.

Lu Ming shook his head, “Anni, Anni, you’re always like this with me, but even if you hit me, kill me, scold me, or torment me, I will never be angry with you. Do you know why? In a previous life, you were my first love. We could have been together, but I met a sudden misfortune before I could confess my love and died. Ah… I am devoted to you, like the moon to the sky, even if mountains crumble and the earth shatters, I won’t part from you…”

“These deceitful words! Save them for your concubine!” Han Anni sneered, “You think because you have money, you can buy such beautiful poetry? You ruin its beautiful sentiment by using it!”

Lu Ming chuckled, sat down on the sofa, and patted his briefcase, “I was worried you’d be concerned, so I came to talk to you. Besides, you’re a smart cookie, so see if I missed anything.”

“Alright!” Han Anni nodded immediately, not even bothering to respond to Lu Ming’s affectionate teasing.

“You should know the latest progress on the case, right?” Lu Ming asked.

Han Anni nodded, “The special task force in the north has found Catfish’s relatives, but it was very difficult because they were being hunted.”

Lu Ming smiled, “You have good information. You didn’t waste your time at the Grand Prosecutor’s Office. You’ve made some allies!”

“Yes, my secretary Li Jialing and I are very close. She attends all the highest-level meetings of the task force. She’s an orphan and the lover of a senior prosecutor who sponsored her education and brought her into the Grand Prosecutor’s Office. Now, she wants to end the relationship peacefully but is afraid. I’ve given her a lot of advice. She’s a very pitiful yet adorable girl.”

Lu Ming nodded, “When this matter is over, let’s help her.”

“Okay…” Han Anni looked at Lu Ming, “Thank you!”

Lu Ming asked again, “Any other news?”

“They also learned from Catfish’s relatives that a southern visitor paid Catfish and got the address from where Catfish’s relatives sent a message. The post office employee who was on duty that day confirmed that someone who looked like Catfish picked up the telegram.”

Lu Ming nodded.

“That’s all I know. What about you?” Han Anni looked at Lu Ming with her big eyes.

“First, Catfish didn’t kill anyone.” Lu Ming saw that Han Anni wasn’t surprised and just listened quietly.

“Because, after losing his badge that day, Catfish immediately reported it to my club’s management. If he had committed the murder, he would have thought that he lost the badge while climbing around during the murder. Moreover, all badges are the same, and he could have stolen one before the incident was exposed.”

“Actually, the person framing him thought I valued the badge too much, not knowing that I have plenty of these badges. They also didn’t know that Catfish was very close with my management, reporting the lost badge immediately.”

“My manager, Datou, you met him. He mentioned Catfish to me, and I asked a few more questions.”

“At that time, Sha Dahai called to inform me about the murder, mentioning that the wealthy businessman and Catfish were from the same place. Plus, with four border committee members killed, it made me realize the situation wasn’t simple.”

“After that, some other things happened, which I’ll tell you later.”

“When Jordan approached me, I realized the mastermind was targeting me. So, I tried to think like the mastermind, anticipating their steps, and staying one step ahead.”

“For example, Catfish’s family was found by my people before the task force, much faster.”

“The assassination attempt on them was also a pretense arranged by my people. Of course, it looked reasonable, as if Catfish’s son offended a local gang, showing off with money, leading to the family being hunted.”

“The main reason was to protect Catfish’s relatives. If the mastermind’s people from Linhe were involved, they might have killed Catfish’s relatives. However, seeing that someone else was after them, they might abandon their original plans.”

“You have a soft heart…” Han Anni sighed lightly.

Indeed, ignoring Catfish’s relatives might have been better. If the mastermind’s people realized it was a setup, they might suspect that Lu Ming or someone else had intervened.

Lu Ming waved his hand and continued, “Then there’s the 97 post office. I’m thinking, was the person arranged to receive the message there by chance, or was it a habit, maybe the recipient lived nearby or passed by?”

“This detail might not seem significant to them, just picking up a telegram on the way.”

“But it turned out to be a problem!” Lu Ming smiled.

“How so?” Han Anni asked, surprised.

“It was my people who first met the post office employee who handed the telegram to the fake Catfish. This employee was interrogated for a day and night until they almost broke down, repeatedly describing the fake Catfish’s features.”

“The most memorable description was of the fake Catfish’s shoes, the latest model from Buyun, which didn’t match his rough outfit. This model was designed for successful people, not mercenaries. Fake Catfish wore rugged casual clothes.”

“So, I had my people set up a point opposite the 97 post office, taking photos every ten seconds for ten days, producing thousands of pictures. I call this the ‘artificial surveillance camera’ method.”

“We filtered out the people who passed by every day, especially those dressed nicely, preferably in Buyun shoes.”

“We identified dozens of people, and finally found this one!” Lu Ming took out several photos from his briefcase. “The post office employee couldn’t recognize him because his appearance had changed, but after identifying his identity, it was confirmed.”

“Here he is, wearing Buyun shoes, passing by the post office twice daily, going to and from work. His name is Gao Ping, and he appears to be the owner of Youcheng Trading Company near the 97 post office. In reality, he’s involved in money laundering for Old Renault, providing fake supplies to film companies. He used to be a key member of the Iron Mountain Party. After they split from Old Renault, he remained Renault’s employee, maintaining ties with the Iron Mountain Party.”

Han Anni stared blankly at the man in the photo, amazed at the method. “Artificial surveillance camera”? What a strange name…”

But it was a brilliantly imaginative approach.

Then she widened her eyes, “Old Renault? I never imagined.”

Lu Ming smiled, “I personally believe Old Renault is in the forefront, with likely support from the Bucklow family behind him.”

“My people haven’t captured Gao Ping yet but are monitoring him 24/7, observing his contacts.”

“There’s another lead.”

“If Catfish didn’t commit the murder but lost his badge, it means there’s an insider in the club working for Old Renault or Bucklow.”

“However, the shooter is unlikely to be this insider, probably 90% not. If I were the mastermind, the insider would only steal Catfish’s badge, and I would select another shooter.”

“Thus, the insider would have an alibi during the murder, making it hard to trace.”

Han Anni exhaled deeply, “You’ve been thinking like the villain, intervening in his setup, and racing against time.”

“But if I were the mastermind, I would eliminate the insider too.” Lu Ming pondered, “Wouldn’t the insider realize this? In such a big case, as a direct insider, could he survive? When taking the money, he must have considered it a life-buying fee, a large sum, worth it even if he dies. If he escapes, he profits even more.”

“The club’s gatherings were temporarily banned, but I divided them into groups of ten, requiring them to stay together 24/7.”

“With over 200 members, many ex-mercenaries with vague backgrounds, it’s hard to identify the insider. Now, I’ll see who tries to run.”

“There are a few prime suspects, those likely to have switched Catfish’s gun with blanks. I’ve placed trusted people in their groups and secretly instructed them on what to watch for.”

“I think it’ll be within the next couple of days that the mole won’t be able to hold out any longer.”

“If he doesn’t escape soon, he should know that he won’t be able to get away.”

Han Anni nodded lightly.

Lu Ming continued, “There’s a third point, which I’m not too confident about. It’s about the border councilman Li Zhongliang, who is still in a coma.”

“If I were the mastermind, I would have arranged for him to be injured but not killed. He would have taken hush money, and as a free citizen councilman with no significant assets, he would be easy to bribe. After all, the money might be enough to support his descendants for generations.”

“If he died after taking the money, it would be a loss. But if he survived, I would have him testify against my targets.”

“Of course, having a live witness is the easiest way for things to go wrong.”

“My people have thoroughly investigated Li Zhongliang and his relatives, including any potential illegitimate children, but haven’t found any issues so far.”

“So, maybe his survival was really just an accident.”

“The hospital report also mentioned that his heart is slightly more to the right than usual, so the bullet didn’t directly hit his heart.”

“In that case, he’s actually a significant advantage for me because he’s well aware of the hearing’s content and poses no threat to me. Instead, the ones who are in trouble are those who were harshly reprimanded by me.”

Han Anni nodded silently, deep in thought.

“Lastly, there’s the northern businessman.”

“You should have figured out that the gold bars probably don’t exist, and the person is likely fake too. There really isn’t such a businessman in Linhe, Longbei. But this point doesn’t affect me or my enemies much. If they want to frame me, they can claim that the businessman was fake and arranged by me, targeting those few border councilmen.”

“For me, he isn’t a piece of favorable evidence. To overturn the case, he isn’t the key. However, my people are still trying to uncover his true identity. Maybe they’ll find new clues that could be beneficial to me.”

Han Anni nodded, “The fifth and most crucial point you haven’t mentioned: is Catfish dead or not?”

Lu Ming smiled, “It’s a secret that cannot be revealed. The mole definitely thinks he has eliminated Catfish. After all, he caused the accident and, having completed all tasks assigned by his master, is ready to escape. He probably thinks that if he can disappear without being found, his master won’t have to kill him either, as disappearing is just as good as being dead to his master.”

He sighed softly, “This time, I was really lucky. I suddenly heard about the catfish incident from Datou and received a call from Sha Dahai, which made me immediately alert. If it weren’t for that, and I followed the opponent’s rhythm, I would have been caught off guard and in real danger! But now, it’s still like walking on thin ice. Every step ahead is crucial.”

Han Anni shook her head, “It’s not luck; it’s your kindness and good relationships with your subordinates. You care about them, so they share a lot with you. These are things your enemies couldn’t anticipate.”

Lu Ming smiled and opened his arms, “Such a kind person like me faces such a disaster, with a huge burden placed on my shoulders. Won’t you hug me for comfort?”

“Cut it out!” Han Anni turned away, “Many people are waiting to comfort you!”

Looking at Han Anni’s cute and annoyed expression, and her beautiful figure sitting just about five centimeters away from him, getting closer as she listened to him speak, Lu Ming’s heart raced.

If I suddenly hugged her and kissed her cheek now, what would her reaction be? At least, she wouldn’t shoot me, right?

Just as he was about to act on his impulse, someone knocked on the study door, and a soft, delicate voice said, “Commissioner, are you done talking with Anni? Can I bring in some fruit?”

“Oh, mom, we’re fine now!” Han Anni stood up.

Lu Ming sighed, realizing he still didn’t have the courage to seize the moment.

When Han Anni opened the door, a graceful figure entered immediately.

Lu Ming was stunned. Han Anni’s mother was now dressed differently, wearing a cheongsam with a noblewoman’s hairstyle, glamorous highlights, a charming face, a bright red cheongsam, silk stockings, and high heels. This beautiful woman looked even more alluring.

“Hey, Commissioner, where are you looking?” Mrs. Tang teased, looking a bit pleased with herself.

Lu Ming almost choked. He was just looking normally.

Han Anni’s face turned dark.

Mrs. Tang sat beside Lu Ming and offered him a grape, “Commissioner, have you tried this year’s grapes? They’re very sweet!”

Lu Ming took the grape from her hand, “Sure, I’ll try it.” He put it in his mouth, “Hmm, very sweet. You’re great at picking grapes, Auntie!”

Not rushing to avoid her like the plague would be disrespectful to Anni’s mother and hurt Anni’s feelings. Now, even though Anni was getting angrier, it would only be directed at him, not her mother.

However, Mrs. Tang’s smile grew sweeter and more charming.

Lu Ming said, “Auntie, when will you let Anni marry me?”

“What nonsense are you talking about?!” Han Anni gritted her teeth, turned around, and slammed the door, not wanting to hear any more of her mother’s infuriating words, despite having advised her several times.

“Of course, anytime!” Mrs. Tang glanced at Han Anni’s back, “This girl doesn’t know how lucky she is! She’s so immature!”

She turned her beautiful eyes to Lu Ming, “Commissioner, you only have two concubines?”

Lu Ming coughed, “Yes…” feeling a bit guilty.

Mrs. Tang’s face was full of admiration, “At your age and with such achievements, only having two concubines shows you’re very devoted. Anni’s father married one after another as soon as he rose from a mud-leg to an official, having ten or eight concubines even when he was a minor official. He even beat one to death! I’ve heard you treat your concubines very well, just like your wives, is that right?”

“Of course!” Lu Ming puffed out his chest.

“No wonder. If one were to be a concubine, it should be in a noble household. Anni’s father was a nouveau riche, an eyesore. When I married him, he was already an old man with a white beard, and he dragged me off the stage…”

Lu Ming felt a headache coming on, seeing that she was about to recount her tragic past again. He coughed, “Auntie, how about this? When you’re bored, I’ll take you out, but recently, I don’t have much time.”

“Sure, sure!” Mrs. Tang’s face lit up with joy, smiling like a flower.

Lu Ming took out a checkbook from his briefcase, wrote a sum of 2000, and handed it over, “Auntie, this is your living allowance for this month!”

Seeing Mrs. Tang sneakily looking at the door, Lu Ming whispered, “I haven’t mentioned this to Anni.”

Mrs. Tang was overjoyed, taking the check, “Great, great, Commissioner. There’s not much to spend on here; everything’s free. I’m saving it for Anni’s dowry! When she becomes your third concubine, having a substantial dowry will be prestigious, right?”

Lu Ming smiled, “Spend as you like. I’ll cover Anni’s dowry when the time comes. After all, she’s marrying into my family, isn’t she?”

Mrs. Tang’s smile grew even sweeter, her watery eyes full of admiration as if she wanted to devour her good son-in-law.

Lu Ming quickly stood up, “Auntie, I’m leaving now!”

…

Leaving the study, he saw several figures in the reception room wearing prosecutor uniforms. Lu Ming was slightly taken aback and walked over.

Aunt Liu hurriedly followed, worriedly saying, “Master, the chief prosecutor is here to take Miss for questioning.”

Lu Ming nodded.

“Who are you all?” Lu Ming asked as he entered the reception room.

Several prosecutors turned around. The leader was a man in his forties with a round face and a flat nose, looking a bit like a bulldog.

“Commissioner Lu…” A young prosecutor next to him recognized Lu Ming, but Lu Ming didn’t know him.

The young prosecutor whispered a few words to the round-faced man, who looked Lu Ming up and down with a mocking smile, “Oh, so you’re Lu Qianxing?”

Lu Ming smiled, “What’s your business with Han Anni? I’m her representative lawyer.”

The round-faced man was taken aback, then sneered, “You’ll soon be involved too. Represent what? You?”

Lu Ming looked at him, “What’s your name?”

The young prosecutor who recognized Lu Ming quickly said, “Commissioner Lu, this is Prosecutor Liu Tao, our deputy chief prosecutor.”

“Do you need to introduce me?” The round-faced man frowned at the young prosecutor.

Oh, so this is Liu Tao, the one who found and reported Han Anni’s hidden badge. Lu Ming nodded and then looked at Han Anni, who had walked over to him. He smiled, “Since I’m not officially being questioned yet, I can still be your representative lawyer. I’ll go with you.”

Han Anni nodded lightly.

Lu Ming suddenly smiled and whispered in her ear, “I have a feeling we’ll be on the defendant’s bench together. I wonder who will call us adulterers then?”

Han Anni bit her lip but couldn’t help but smile as she looked at Lu Ming, recalling their past experiences in Wu’an, which now seemed so interesting and warm.

“Hurry up! Don’t waste time!” Liu Tao said impatiently.

Lu Ming turned to him, smiling, “Deputy Chief Prosecutor Liu Tao, do you believe that you’ll be lying dead in the street tomorrow?”

“What did you say?!” Liu Tao never expected this guy to curse him directly, his face turning red, “You insult me and threaten me? Do you know I can charge you with obstructing justice?!”

“Oh, I misspoke!” Lu Ming spread his hands to the other prosecutors, “Please don’t spread this. Otherwise, if this guy really ends up dead, they’ll blame it on me!”

The prosecutors looked embarrassed, not knowing what to say.

Liu Tao, full of anger, was about to explode when he suddenly thought of a possibility, and his face turned deathly pale.