PCJ – Chapter 217 Reversal (Part 4)

Xu Yinshan stepped forward, ready to lift the police tape and enter, but was stopped by Zhu Qiyou.

“What are you doing?” Xu Yinshan’s face changed.

“Director Xu, Captain Luo said that since you are now a victim, to avoid any gossip, it’s best for you to voluntarily step back. This case is the most serious burglary in Xintian County since its establishment. It must be handled perfectly to shut up those with ill intentions.” Zhu Qiyou’s attitude was respectful, but he held his ground.

“What I want to do is none of Luo Changjun’s business! I’m the one in charge of the Xintian County Public Security Bureau, not him!” Xu Yinshan reached out to lift the police tape.

“Director Xu, Captain Luo gave me strict orders. If you insist, don’t blame me for offending you!” Zhu Qiyou was a staunch supporter of Luo Changjun, having followed him from Gezhuping Town. He knew that if Luo Changjun fell, he wouldn’t fare well either. That’s why Luo Changjun stationed him here. There were also other police officers Luo Changjun had temporarily transferred from Gezhuping to avoid alarming Xu Yinshan.

“I’d like to see how you intend to offend me!” Xu Yinshan found himself in a difficult position. If he didn’t force his way in and Luo Changjun found incriminating evidence, it would be too late. The hidden items in his house might not be found by an average thief, but an experienced officer like Luo Changjun definitely would. Xu Yinshan pulled out a gun and pointed it at Zhu Qiyou’s temple.

“Stop! What are you doing?” Several police officers immediately rushed over, drawing their guns on Xu Yinshan.

“Director Xu, be careful not to fire!” Zhu Qiyou calmly grasped the gun in Xu Yinshan’s hand and disarmed him.

With four guns pointed at him, Xu Yinshan realized he was finished. These new faces indicated Luo Changjun had everything on him; otherwise, Luo Changjun wouldn’t dare act so boldly. Xu Yinshan’s face turned ashen as he regretted pushing Luo Changjun to the brink. Luo Changjun, in a desperate situation, had no choice but to escalate the matter, ensuring others would understand, while Xu Yinshan was now beyond redemption.

Defeated! Utterly defeated! Xu Yinshan never imagined he’d lose so completely to a nobody.

“Director Xu, I apologize. Rules are rules. I have to follow procedures. Everyone, put your guns away. Director Xu, please wait in the car. I’ll report the situation to you,” Luo Changjun said with a smile as he walked out, hearing the commotion.

“Luo Changjun, you’re quite something!” Xu Yinshan suddenly looked decades older, like a frail old man.

“It’s all thanks to your excellent leadership, Director Xu,” Luo Changjun said, feeling victorious and in a much better mood.

“Luo Changjun, do you really want to go all the way? Don’t forget, I didn’t reach this position without support. Taking me down, you’ll end up suffering too,” Xu Yinshan threatened.

Luo Changjun sneered, “Director Xu, does it matter now? If you hadn’t pushed me to the edge, I wouldn’t have resorted to this. There’s no turning back. Even if I suffer later, I won’t end up like you.”

“You! Luo Changjun, spare me, and I’ll find a way to promote you,” Xu Yinshan switched from threats to offers.

“At this point, do you think you or I have any control over what happens?” Luo Changjun scoffed. He saw Xu Yinshan was desperate, losing his wits. Even if Luo Changjun could control everything, he wouldn’t let Xu Yinshan go. “Strike while the iron is hot,” Luo Changjun thought.

Xu Yinshan was restrained by the officers Luo brought from Gezhuping. He couldn’t be released; if he called in the county officers, things might get complicated. Luo Changjun wouldn’t allow any mishaps until the city’s investigation team arrived, sealing Xu Yinshan’s fate.

When Zhang Jiaohua woke up, it was already light. Ding Baogui arrived at the guesthouse to take Zhang Jiaohua to breakfast.

“Did your criminal investigation team have any action last night? Why didn’t Uncle Luo come?” Zhang Jiaohua casually asked.

“There was no action. But the team has been driven crazy by the burglary case. The three-day deadline is almost up. The whole team is out, but the thief isn’t foolish. Having just committed two burglaries, he wouldn’t come out again. This thief has strong anti-detection abilities and won’t make such a basic mistake,” Ding Baogui replied, bringing two bowls of noodles from the cafeteria.

“What happens if the case isn’t solved in time?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“Usually, nothing much. Cases like this often have no leads. It’s normal not to solve it. The county set the deadline to show their concern. If not solved on time, at most, there’ll be a reprimand. No substantial punishment. But this time is different. First, the victim is a county-level official. Second, Captain Luo clashed with Director Xu at a meeting yesterday. Luo has no way out. If he doesn’t solve it, he might lose his position. This outcome is somewhat unfair to Luo Changjun.” Ding Baogui said, worried.

Zhang Jiaohua had just been making casual conversation but stopped asking as Ding Baogui seemed unaware of the bigger picture. Zhang Jiaohua feared revealing something that might cause trouble for Luo Changjun.

“It’s your first time in the county, right? I’ll take you around this morning,” Ding Baogui offered.

Zhang Jiaohua shook his head. “No need. I’ll go for a walk myself. Don’t worry; I have Shanbao with me. I won’t get lost. You should focus on solving the case.”

Ding Baogui smiled wryly, “Without any clues, where can we catch the thief? By the way, did you find any leads yesterday?”

Zhang Jiaohua shook his head. “It’s been so long, even if there was a scent left, the thief wouldn’t wait for us to catch him.”

“True, the thief likely left Xintian County long ago. Who would be foolish enough to stay and wait for us?” Ding Baogui sighed.