Replacing the Evil Way

Chapter 45: What the hell?

As time passed, the attention on the Cheng Zesheng case remained unrelenting. Following the arrest of Cheng Zhenqing, certain media outlets began to unleash their imaginations, crafting elaborate narratives. Privately, they concluded that Cheng Zhenqing was the perpetrator behind Cheng Zesheng’s murder. Riding the coattails of this notion, marketing accounts jumped on the bandwagon, vying to showcase the most outstanding literary prowess. They concocted a story that vividly portrayed a strife-ridden relationship between the two brothers, meticulously detailing Cheng Zhenqing’s motives and methods for the crime, creating a seamless and utterly convincing narrative.

“He asked to meet Cheng Zesheng at the mansion, but once Cheng Zesheng arrived, his seemingly friendly brother unexpectedly aimed a gun at him. As that shot rang out, Cheng Zesheng’s blood was warm, but his heart turned cold.” Clicking his tongue in disapproval, they said, “Why aren’t they writing novels? We haven’t even disclosed any evidence of Cheng Zhenqing’s presence at the scene. Where are they getting these claims?”

Chong Zhen closed the magazine in his hands.

Hu Songkai opened Weibo and exclaimed, “What is this? Take a look at this marketing account called ‘Jianghu Insights.’ They’ve written an article titled ‘Feuding Brothers of the Cheng Family Due to Love.’ In this piece, they depict the two brothers as bitter enemies fighting over a woman. This enigmatic woman is present throughout the story, yet her name is never mentioned. Who can one even reason with about such a scenario?”

Yun Xiaoxiao, her face scrunched up in frustration, exclaimed, “Let’s report this! It’s all fabrication. Our public security department hasn’t released anything, and yet they’re already solving the case out there.”

Zheng Youqing comforted her, patting her back. “Isn’t the public relations division managed by Mo-Jie on behalf of the city bureau? Ask her to issue an official statement in the name of the bureau, stating that the case is still under investigation and that those spreading rumors will face legal consequences. That should rein in those media outlets.”

Yun Xiaoxiao wrapped her arms around Zheng Youqing’s shoulders, coquettishly calling, “Youqing is the best.” Zheng Youqing smiled, patting her hair, playing the role of a beautiful and kind-hearted elder sister.

In the office of the bureau chief, Zheng Furui stood with his hands behind his back. After He Wei finished briefing him on the case’s progress, Zheng Furui glanced at the stack of files on his desk and said, “So, we can’t conclusively link Cheng Zhenqing to Cheng Zesheng’s case, right?”

“We can’t completely rule out his suspicion. Chief Zheng, based on my instincts, I don’t think Cheng Zhenqing would have killed Cheng Zesheng. We don’t have direct evidence placing him at the scene, nor can we prove his involvement in Cheng Zesheng’s murder.”

“What about the incident at the armory? He can’t escape that, right? And the intentional injury charges.” Zheng Furui flipped through Cheng Zhenqing’s file and pointed at his photo. “If the evidence is solid, we can send it to the court. We can’t let nearly half a month pass without showing any progress.”

He Wei remained silent. He clearly understood Zheng Furui’s pressure. The last time Xia Liang was injured, it triggered a torrent of criticism from the media. Zheng Furui’s recent visit to the provincial headquarters probably didn’t go well either. If it weren’t for the principle of presumption of innocence they were now following, Cheng Zhenqing could have been sent to court based solely on an unverifiable alibi.

“Chief Zheng, I think we should hold off for now. There are many things about Cheng Zhenqing that I can’t figure out. He has crucial connections to Cheng Zesheng, and I’m having trouble understanding it all. Could you please keep the pressure off for a little longer?”

“…,” Zheng Furui stared, his eyes wide. “And you’re still smiling!”

He Wei nodded, replacing the old tea leaves in his cup and brewing a fresh pot. Zheng Furui was reluctant to drink, but the cup was forcefully handed to him. He couldn’t help but complain, “You really aren’t cut out to be a leader!”

He Wei nodded repeatedly, that’s right, that’s right. That’s why leaders must have you in charge, right? Even if he was promoted to Division Captain, investigating cases was still his duty. It was really hard to get used to giving guidance with both hands free.

Blowing on the foam of his tea, Zheng Furui said, “By the way, there’s a serial murder case over in Haijing. The suspect fled to our Shengzhou city. The request for a collaborative investigation has been approved, and the team is on its way. You’ll need to handle it when they arrive.”

“Their side is a coastal city. Why would a fugitive not choose to escape by sea and instead come inland to our city?”

Zheng Furui waved his hand, “Maybe they wanted to continue their crime spree, who knows? The person coming is also someone you know well. Two workaholics working together have a good chat.”

Familiar face? Just as He Wei was puzzled, the door was knocked, and the colleagues from Haijing City who came to investigate the case arrived.

“Come in.”

With Zheng Furui’s permission, the wooden door was pushed open, and He Wei turned around to see three individuals entering. The one leading the group was wearing a neat navy blue uniform. His features were rigid and cold, and his poker face was solemn. After making eye contact with He Wei, his dark eyes subtly shifted.

“Long time no see,” He Wei smiled, “You’re still the same, not changed at all, Lin Heyu.”

———

In the Criminal Investigation Division office, the three newcomers from the Haijing City Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Unit came from the first team. Lin Heyu, the leader, was the team captain and He Wei’s fellow classmate from the police school. After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Haijing City to work. The last time they had seen each other was at a university classmate’s wedding, making it about five years since their last meeting.

During their school days, both He Wei and Lin Heyu were prominent figures. They formed a connection through a shooting competition and deepened their rivalry through a martial arts contest. They finally had a falling out during a practical exercise when, during a hostage rescue simulation, the two “SWAT” members actually ended up fighting each other, leaving the hostages and the “criminals” bewildered.

There’s a kind of friendship in the world that arises under the premise of not really liking each other. Because of personal reasons that disrupted the exercise, He Wei and Lin Heyu were put in solitary confinement for a day. Inside, another fierce battle took place, and when they were released, they both had bruises on their faces. But instead of animosity, they shook hands and made peace.

The reason Lin Heyu didn’t like He Wei was simple: He Wei was frail and vulnerable. During their time at school, He Wei had the image of a delicate and charming young man with rosy lips and white teeth. He looked genteel and refined, and his background was highlighted by the fact that his mother was a famous entrepreneur. This kind of upbringing made it seem like all his achievements were earned through connections.

Initially, He Wei didn’t hold any particular feelings of like or dislike towards Lin Heyu. His demeanor was indifferent, treating everyone equally. However, sensing Lin Heyu’s strong animosity, he thought, Alright, I accept your challenge. With youthful fervor, he was ready to engage without any hesitation.

Inside the confinement room, the two sparred to showcase their strengths. Once emotions were stirred, they never had any disputes outside. Instead, they collaborated and participated in numerous competitions, achieving remarkable results. Due to their contrasting appearances—He Wei fair and refined, Lin Heyu robust and resolute—they were jokingly referred to as the “Black and White Duo” by their fellow alumni.

“This is Captain Lin Heyu from the Haijing City Bureau, along with his colleagues Zou Bin and Wen Huabei. Our main task is to assist them in apprehending the suspect behind the serial murder case. We’ll have a meeting at 8 a.m. tomorrow to familiarize ourselves with the case. No one should be late.”

He Wei patted Lin Heyu’s shoulder and said, “Lao Zheng handed you over to me so I could welcome you. How about you come with me tonight?”

Without saying a word, Lin Heyu picked up his bag, silently accepting He Wei’s suggestion.

Leaving the office one after the other, Yun Xiaoxiao discreetly whispered in Zheng Youqing’s ear, “This Captain Lin seems really serious, I haven’t seen him smile since he came in.”

“He also doesn’t seem to talk much. Once he greets you, he goes silent,” Zheng Youqing whispered back. “But he’s on good terms with Captain He. I heard they were classmates at the police academy.”

“Oh, I see. If he gets along well with our captain, then any kind of personality isn’t that surprising.”

He Wei took Lin Heyu to a Jiangnan-style restaurant. Lin Heyu was from the northern regions and hadn’t spent much time in the south. So, it was a rare opportunity, and He Wei wanted to treat him to some local specialties. He Wei wasn’t exactly talkative, but compared to Lin Heyu, he was more inclined to be labeled as a “chatterbox.” This was how he had always been – a person of few words, emphasizing actions over words. Just like tonight, when He Wei invited him to dinner, Lin Heyu excused himself to the restroom and returned after settling the bill.

“… How am I supposed to save face now?” He Wei was somewhat helpless. “Next time, I’ll have to treat you.”

“It’s fine.”

The two of them walked side by side toward the parking lot. Suddenly, Lin Heyu asked, “How have you been lately?”

“Pretty good, just dealing with cases day in and day out.” He Wei responded casually. “And you?”

“Not great.”

He Wei stopped and looked at him. Lin Heyu’s brows furrowed into two thick lines. “I seem to have forgotten someone very important.”

———

“Snap,” the chandelier in Apartment 404 flicked on, instantly illuminating the room. He Wei gestured for Lin Heyu to take a seat and went to the kitchen to pour some water.

Standing in the living room, Lin Heyu noticed the whiteboard across the room. It displayed case analysis with codes like “He 3,” “Cheng 2,” and others that he couldn’t decipher. There were two different handwriting styles on the board, clearly belonging to two different individuals.

“My place isn’t very peaceful, haunted you could say. Don’t be surprised if you see anything supernatural later,” He Wei said as he handed over a glass of water.

Lin Heyu remained unruffled, responding with a cold “Oh.”

He Wei cracked open a cold beer and sat down beside Lin Heyu. Lin Heyu gestured towards the whiteboard and asked, “Details about the case?”

“Yeah, they’re a bit unusual. Even if I tell you, you probably won’t believe it.”

Lin Heyu remained silent for a few seconds before nodding. “I believe you.”

He Wei didn’t make a big deal out of it. Just then, Ye Lanlan called him, and he gestured to the balcony to take the call. Lin Heyu sat in the living room, his head slightly bowed. At that moment, the security door opened on its own with a creak and then closed again after a moment.

It was as if… someone had entered. Lin Heyu’s almond-shaped eyes narrowed.

Downstairs, Cheng Zesheng saw the lights on and excitedly came up with a plate of spicy chicken feet. “He Wei, guess what I brought you?”

With no response in the room, Cheng Zesheng shrugged. This darned node had this drawback — the transparent time wasn’t stable. Apart from midnight, there was no discernible pattern during the other times. If you heard something, you heard it; shouting your lungs out wouldn’t help.

Following his usual routine, he placed the takeout on the table and went upstairs to his room. Lin Heyu stared at the extra box of takeout on the table, glanced at He Wei still on the balcony making a call, and fell into contemplation.

He didn’t reach out to touch the bag, intending to ask He Wei about it directly later. Finishing the water in his cup, Lin Heyu headed to the kitchen to refill it. The water bottle contained only hot water. He opened the fridge, checking if there was any chilled water.

Humming a tune, Cheng Zesheng came downstairs, and the takeout was still there. He Wei wasn’t home, or had he not noticed it?

As he passed by the kitchen, he noticed the fridge door was open. In this home, the only one who would open the fridge was He Wei. He approached, subconsciously reaching toward the fridge door. His fingertips brushed against warm skin as he did.

Lin Heyu suddenly turned around, looking behind him. The area was empty, but just a moment ago, he distinctly felt a hand brushing past him – dry and warm, like a man’s hand.

Cheng Zesheng stared at his own hand, still trying to process: What just happened? He didn’t see He Wei, but he touched him?

This space-time node was becoming increasingly bizarre.

After finishing his call, He Wei came back from the balcony, and Lin Heyu stepped out of the kitchen. He called out to him, “Is your place haunted by a ghost?”

“Huh?”

“Touched my waist.”