PCJ – Chapter 221 Hidden Dangers

Early the next morning, Luo Changjun drove to the guesthouse.

“Have you packed everything?” Luo Changjun asked as soon as he entered.

“Yes, it’s all packed. But…” Zhang Jiaohua was about to explain the situation.

“Don’t tell me about it. And don’t be nervous, just relax. Since others don’t want to pursue it, you can use the money to develop your horticulture business and help your village get rich. In that way, it’s like taking from the people and using it for the people.” Luo Changjun immediately stopped Zhang Jiaohua.

Zhang Jiaohua found Luo Changjun’s words very reasonable and felt a weight lift off his shoulders.

“Keep these things at home, don’t deposit them in the bank. Don’t tell anyone. Use the money bit by bit. Once your tea starts making money, then you can slowly deposit it in the bank.” Luo Changjun closed the door and spoke seriously. He worried that Zhang Jiaohua might suddenly take out a large sum of money, which could cause trouble.

Now Zhang Jiaohua felt at ease. He wasn’t worried about the money being stolen from home. It wasn’t easy for anyone to break into his house. With Zuan Shanbao and so many dogs guarding the house, plus Jin Hu and his crew watching, and the protection of the household gods, it was like having multiple layers of security.

Luo Changjun was actually very curious about what was in the bags, but he knew that sometimes it was better not to know. When he came up, Luo Changjun had brought a large box.

“Jiaohua, I’m going to the bathroom. You pack everything into the box. Take those two bags back as well.” Luo Changjun had thought of everything. He had even brought some books and newspapers. After speaking, he closed the door and left.

Zhang Jiaohua watched a lot of TV, and there were many detective shows these days, so he knew to pack the money and valuables to disguise them. He wrapped the money in newspapers, stacking it in the box, and filled the gaps with wrapped valuables, covering everything with books. The box was packed full.

After a while, Luo Changjun came back in, “How’s it going? Are you done?”

Zhang Jiaohua smiled, “All done.”

“Let’s get you home now. I’ll be busy for the next few days. Don’t worry about the tea. I’m working on some contacts for you. How’s your tea? I haven’t had a chance to try the batch you brought.”

Luo Changjun had been incredibly busy. The case was wrapped up yesterday, the investigation team left, and this morning he had some free time to take Zhang Jiaohua home. But his break was temporary. The police station was currently leaderless, and it was unclear who would take over. Luo Changjun wasn’t expecting a reassignment soon, as he had just been promoted. His reputation for solving cases was solid in the system. This recent case’s timely resolution further cemented his position as the criminal investigation team leader.

“The tea is great. Yesterday I checked out the premium teas in the department store, and they’re not as good as mine.” Zhang Jiaohua got excited talking about his tea.

“Really? I’ll have to try it. Don’t sell your tea cheaply.” Luo Changjun laughed, finally feeling relaxed and in a good mood.

“Come to our house later for some tea. Tea brewed with our well water tastes even better.” Zhang Jiaohua suggested.

“Sure, I’ll have tea at your place later. And some cured wild boar meat.” Luo Changjun readily agreed. Zhang Jiaohua had helped him once again. Though he had enabled Zhang Jiaohua to obtain some ill-gotten gains, Luo Changjun knew that no one else could have easily found it. He merely gave Zhang Jiaohua a lead; the boy’s skills did the rest.

Luo Changjun and Zhang Jiaohua didn’t know that a few days later, the theft case settled down, and Xu Yinshan was facing legal consequences for corruption and bribery. Many speculated Xu Yinshan would get the death penalty due to the large sums involved. The thief wouldn’t fare well either, given the severe crackdown period. However, some people went to the thief’s two hiding places but found them empty. Both spots showed signs of being used, but they were too late.

“Damn! We’re too late; someone beat us to it!” A tall, burly man cursed angrily.

“Could the Rat have tricked us?” A thin, shifty-eyed man asked.

“Impossible. The Rat probably couldn’t have gotten out. What use would it be to trick us? He was counting on us to get something for his old mother.” The tall man shook his head.

“Then it must be the police. If they could catch the Rat, they could find his hidden loot.” The thin man speculated.

“No, the Rat was caught because he tried to rob Xu Yinshan’s house and got ambushed by the criminal investigation team. If the police found the loot, they would’ve arrested the Rat already. Besides, his hiding spots were too secretive. Without him confessing, no one could find them all. Who could it be?” The tall man was puzzled.

“I think even if it wasn’t the police, it had to be someone connected to them. That criminal investigation team leader Luo Changjun is highly suspicious.” The thin man said irritably, throwing the recently moved stone aside.

The tall man immediately kicked him, “You idiot! Throwing the stone here tells whoever took the loot that we’ve been here.”

“Should we keep an eye on Liu Changjun?” The thin man asked.

“Sure, you go. If you get caught, don’t drag me into it. Luo Changjun is in the spotlight now; you dare provoke him? You must have a death wish. Besides, the theft case is closed. Even if Luo Changjun is involved, who can touch him? We’re just unlucky.” The tall man was furious. Such a huge windfall slipped right through their fingers.

Zhang Jiaohua took some money from the box and renovated the pig farm, using designs from an agricultural science magazine.

“Jiaohua, are you fixing up the pig farm to raise pigs?” Zhang Jiwang asked.

Zhang Jiaohua scratched his head, “I’ll fix it up first. It would be a shame to let such a big pig farm collapse.”

“Many places are raising wild boars now. Jiaohua, you should catch a litter of wild boars from the mountains. It won’t cost you anything.” Zhang Jiwang suggested casually.