Chapter 99: Encountering Liu Heping Again

“Alright, during this period, remember to keep your phone on so we can contact you anytime,” the officer taking Yang Meng’s statement told him.

Yang Meng shook his hand in farewell. “Don’t worry, my phone is on 24/7. Oh, my friend is here to pick me up!”

It was Duan Bowen, accompanied by a well-dressed, handsome man whose attire clearly marked him as a ‘corporate elite.’

Yang Meng had met this man twice before; he was Wang Zhihao, the lawyer for the Long Group. Yang Meng had entrusted him fully with the stolen motorcycle case; he was his legal representative.

“Mr. Yang, I went to find Lawyer Wang, so I’m a bit late,” Duan Bowen said. “Are you alright?”

Yang Meng smiled. “What could possibly be wrong with me? Lawyer Wang, I’m sorry to have you make a trip at such a late hour.”

Wang Zhihao shook Yang Meng’s hand. “It’s all part of my duty. Mr. Yang, please tell me the details of this matter so I can understand how to handle it.”

Yang Meng thought for a moment. “Better not discuss it here. Why don’t we find a place to have a drink and talk?”

Duan Bowen looked puzzled. “The Young Master Long and the others are still waiting for you at Hexiang Zhai.”

Yang Meng shook his head. “What’s the point of watching a bunch of drunkards compete in drinking? Let’s go somewhere quieter.”

Duan Bowen smiled. “I know a great bar. Let’s go there.”

At that moment, Zhang Yunfang and her husband walked out. They had just visited Wang Xinnuan and were coming out now—Wang Xinnuan had been quite shocked when her mother accused Yang Meng of sexual assault, initially trying to persuade her mother to drop the idea. However, Zhang Yunfang had told Wang Xinnuan she was confident they could get at least a few million in compensation from Yang Meng! She had already arranged the channels!

Upon hearing that sum, Wang Xinnuan was tempted. What was she hanging around those old men outside for? Money, of course. But who wouldn’t prefer to have their own wealth rather than relying on others?

Zhang Yunfang spoke repeatedly of fearing that Yang Meng would collude during the investigation, but in truth, she was the one coaching Wang Xinnuan on what to say. Thus, the story became that Yang Meng took advantage of a food delivery opportunity to sexually assault Wang Xinnuan and threatened her family’s safety to control her and keep her with him.

That was why she had come out so late.

Seeing Yang Meng about to leave, Zhang Yunfang widened her eyes and grabbed the nearby officer. “How can he be allowed to leave?”

“Why shouldn’t he? The statement is complete, both parties refused reconciliation, and now it’s up to us to investigate. We can’t just lock him up because you say so,” the officer replied.

After the statement inside, the police had tried to mediate reconciliation, but Zhang Yunfang still demanded five million yuan, saying Yang Meng could settle the matter by paying it.

Five million? Let alone Yang Meng not having that kind of money, even if he did, he wouldn’t pay. Don’t you have any idea what kind of person your daughter is? Even if you’re clueless, I certainly am! Do you think diamonds grow on trees?

Go ahead and make a fuss; after all, the innocent have nothing to fear from shadows!

Just as the three were about to leave, a police car suddenly rushed into the station. Three people stepped out, the one in front noticing Zhang Yunfang and her husband standing with the officers, quickly approaching them. Wang Shouzhi glanced at the newcomer, trying to recall. “Xiao Liu? The Xiao Liu from the factory’s security department? You’re a policeman now?”

The newcomer smiled. “Wang, good memory! It’s me! Long time no see! But now’s not the time for old times’ sake. I have urgent business.”

Wang Shouzhi hurriedly said, “Of course, of course! Go ahead.”

What he didn’t see was that Zhang Yunfang’s eyes gleamed strangely as she looked at the newcomer.

The newcomer pulled out his badge before the officer beside Zhang Yunfang. “I’m from the city bureau. I heard there was a severe sexual assault case here?”

“Yes, it’s not confirmed yet; still under investigation,” the officer answered.

The newcomer said, “Does it even need investigation? In such cases, the girl is always the victim! They risk their reputation to come forward—that takes immense courage. I also heard that some local officers have close relationships with the parties involved, affecting the impartiality of the case?”

The officer tried to explain, but the newcomer waved him off. “No need to explain. I’m not from internal affairs. You face many temptations at this level, but I believe you. Just remember, we must consider whether our actions honor this uniform and serve the people wholeheartedly. I understand your difficulties and pressures. The city bureau has taken over this case now. We will ensure justice for the victim. By the way, has the suspect left? Give me his contact; I want him to come to the city bureau for further investigation.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yunfang became cocky. She turned to the officer beside her. “See? This is how a real cop handles things! You lot just sweep things under the rug and ought to take off your uniforms and go home! Officer Liu! The bastard hasn’t left! He’s right there!”

Officer Liu immediately turned, having noticed three people standing there when he arrived but hadn’t paid much attention. It turned out one was the suspect. Perfect. “Which one of you is the suspect? Come with me…”

His words trailed off as he saw the three faces clearly; his expression changed.

Yang Meng, smoking casually, greeted him. “Officer Liu Heping, isn’t it? Where are you taking me?”

The newcomer was none other than Liu Heping, who had arrested Yang Meng in the Wan Changhe case.

Liu Heping had been clever last time and escaped the Wan Changhe case. He had witnessed firsthand how Wan Changhe fell from wealthy magnate to prisoner. He was shocked by Yang Meng’s backing, realizing that the Long family had fully supported Yang Meng’s escape and buried Wan Changhe deep in trouble.

He often thanked his luck for escaping then, yet here he was facing Yang Meng again. Especially after hearing about Yang Meng’s retaliation against the motorcycle theft gang, he was grateful for his wise choice—that was not something an ordinary person could do.

He also recognized the two men with Yang Meng. Duan Bowen was no stranger—he had managed much of Yang Meng’s previous case. The other was no new face either, a renowned ‘invincible lawyer’ from the Long Group’s legal team. Yang Meng had directly appointed Wang Zhihao as his agent for the motorcycle theft matter, signaling no intention of yielding to the thieves.

Now, Liu Heping regretted his earlier arrogance and grandstanding. If he had recognized these three from the start, would he have acted so brazenly?

“Mr. Yang, Secretary Duan, Lawyer Wang, what are you doing here?” Liu Heping feigned ignorance.

Yang Meng raised both hands. “Officer Liu, weren’t you going to have me cooperate with the investigation? I’ve been waiting here for you. What’s this? Are you going to cuff me?”

Liu Heping forced a smile. “Mr. Yang, you’re joking. Even if we let you return, it’s for assistance with the investigation. How could we handcuff you? Besides, we have the station’s statement. We need to review it before calling you in. No way we’d take you now.”

Duan Bowen interjected, “Officer Liu, you didn’t say that earlier.”

Wang Zhihao was more straightforward. He pulled out his phone and played a video showing Liu Heping’s earlier arrival. Seeing the officer looking at him, Wang shrugged. “I’m a lawyer—I deal in evidence. Officer Liu, that’s your own words, isn’t it? You realize you just violated several police regulations, don’t you?”

Liu Heping was stunned, standing frozen but forcing a smile. “Lawyer Wang, you’re joking. I’m acting according to protocol.”

“Then tell me, why did you come here? How did you learn of this case? On what grounds was it escalated to the city bureau?” Wang Zhihao held the phone toward Liu Heping.

Liu was speechless.

Zhang Yunfang, oblivious to the subtext, approached Liu Heping angrily. “Why waste words with them? Arrest him now! If he doesn’t confess, beat it out of him! I don’t believe he won’t admit it!”

Liu Heping nearly blacked out. Watching too many dramas? Arrest and beat suspects? This isn’t twenty years ago! All interrogations now require video recordings. Accuse us of torture, and you can pack up and go home!

Wang Zhihao looked at Liu Heping’s phone. “Officer Liu, looks like your disciplinary record’s about to get another entry.”

Liu Heping quickly waved his hands and smiled wryly. “Lawyer Wang, please don’t make this harder for me. That woman is just talking nonsense. I don’t know her. Oh, she’s the complainant’s mother, right? Understandable she’s emotional and babbling. Lawyer Wang, rest assured we’ll follow procedures strictly and won’t favor either side.”

At that moment, Liu Heping sounded so sincere that Yang Meng almost believed him.

Zhang Yunfang’s eyes widened. She grabbed Liu Heping’s collar. “What did you say? You don’t know me? I know every mark and mole on your body like the back of my hand! Now you say you don’t know me?”

She immediately covered her mouth, realizing she’d spoken out of turn.

The scene fell silent; everyone stared in disbelief, including Zhang Yunfang’s husband, Wang Shouzhi.