Qi Zhenxing was in his early forties. For an official who rose from the grassroots with no family background, reaching the position of Director of the Three Rivers Estuary Public Security Bureau while also serving as a deputy mayor at this age was no small feat.
Before Zhang Yi'ang took up his post in Three Rivers Estuary, Director Wu had already gathered local intelligence for him. It was said that Qi Zhenxing might be Zhou Weidong's man, but he certainly didn't follow Zhou Weidong's every command. Before Zhou Weidong went to the Provincial Department, he had been the deputy director and secretary of the Public Security Bureau in the superior city overseeing Three Rivers Estuary. At that time, Qi Zhenxing had briefly worked under him, though their paths hadn't crossed much before that. Two years ago, the Three Rivers Estuary Public Security Bureau arrested a business owner involved with organized crime. It was said this businessman had both professional and personal ties with Zhou Rong, yet the Bureau showed no leniency in their final handling of the case. Qi Zhenxing even personally instructed that it be made into an ironclad case.
Therefore, the strategy Director Wu and Director Gao had agreed upon was for Zhang Yi'ang to observe patiently after taking office and absolutely avoid direct confrontation with Qi Zhenxing. If he clashed with the unit's top leader, future work would become difficult.
Zhang Yi'ang strictly followed his superiors' instructions. After arriving in Three Rivers Estuary, Qi Zhenxing, though not particularly warm, showed no signs of hostility. He seemed to be a by-the-book person who followed regulations strictly.
At the moment, Qi Zhenxing and several senior leaders of the Bureau were sitting in a small conference room, speaking in low tones. When Zhang Yi'ang, Li Qian, and Wang Ruijun arrived, they sat across the table. Qi Zhenxing casually brought up recent work, asking if Zhang Yi'ang had settled in well in Three Rivers Estuary. After circling the topic, he feigned nonchalance and asked with apparent curiosity, "Oh, by the way, I heard Director Zhang already knew something would happen to Ye Jian?"
Zhang Yi'ang forced himself to swallow the metaphorical blood rising in his throat and glared at Wang Ruijun, deliberately asking, "Who said that?"
"Her!" To his surprise, several leaders simultaneously pointed at Li Qian.
The unit's staff didn't know Li Qian had connections to the Ministry of Public Security and always regarded her as a secretary-like clerical officer Zhang Yi'ang had brought along. As for why Zhang Yi'ang, upon being transferred locally, only brought such a rookie female officer—that was his personal moral conduct issue. Naturally, that fell under the purview of the Discipline Inspection Commission. Besides, he was still single, so it couldn't be considered a disciplinary violation yet. They could only sigh at how recent graduates these days would go to extreme lengths for "career advancement."
Li Qian, pointed at by so many fingers, awkwardly looked back at Zhang Yi'ang, opening her mouth but failing to explain. She had only wanted to boast on her superior's behalf, telling everyone that Ye Jian's case had unfolded exactly as Director Zhang predicted. Who knew it would cause such trouble?
Director Zhao from the Bureau Chief's office adopted a matter-of-fact tone: "We all know Ye Jian had quite a temper. He was originally Director Lu's protégé and often argued with Director Lu too. After Director Lu disappeared, he took over his duties, probably thinking he'd be promoted. So when you arrived, Director Zhang, he was resentful... but surely it wouldn't have come to this?"
Director Zhao spread his hands and looked around. Everyone nodded regretfully, their gazes unconsciously turning to Zhang Yi'ang.
Zhang Yi'ang froze, staring at the group in shock. "He had issues with me, not the other way around. Why would I have any reason to kill him?""We never said you killed Ye Jian..." "Yeah, your reaction is a bit odd." The group erupted into discussion, all denying any suspicion of him, yet their gazes grew even more peculiar. They added that before Ye Jian died, he had written your name with an exclamation mark. For standard procedure and to avoid any conflict of interest, you’ll need to step back from the investigation of Ye Jian’s case until it’s resolved before resuming your regular duties.
Though their expressions conveyed well-meaning reminders, their stance was already clear: you could no longer oversee the Criminal Police Division. As for what you should do next—well, that was up to you. The state wouldn’t withhold your salary, after all.
Zhang Yi'ang’s heart sank as he grasped the severity of the situation. The real aim of this scheme wasn’t to frame him—since he hadn’t committed the murder, that would never stick—but to sideline him from the investigation. Effectively, he was suspended. Until the case was solved, he couldn’t return to work. If this dragged on, Director Gao, to avoid any appearance of impropriety, would have no choice but to transfer him back to the Provincial Department.
Forcing him out—that was the enemy’s true goal!
To encounter such a targeted case right after arriving in Three Rivers Estuary proved how treacherous this place truly was.
After a moment of contemplation, he straightened his thoughts and addressed the group: "So the issue boils down to this: as long as I can prove I had nothing to do with Ye Jian’s death, I can resume my duties, correct?"
The group collectively shook their heads, insisting no one suspected his involvement in Ye Jian’s death—then nodded in agreement. Yes, that made perfect sense.
Zhang Yi'ang whispered a few words to Wang Ruijun, who stepped out to make a call. Shortly after, Squad Leader Song Xing entered with him.
Song Xing had just returned from the medical examiner’s office and reported to the assembled leaders: "Forensic Doctor Chen estimates Ye Jian’s time of death was between 8 and 10 p.m. last night. Our initial findings show Ye Jian had dinner with friends and left around 9 p.m., meaning he died between 9 and 10 p.m."
Zhang Yi'ang nodded and turned to the group. "So, if I can prove I wasn’t at the crime scene between 9 and 10 p.m. last night, that settles it, right?"
After some thought, everyone agreed.
One leader kindly asked, "Director Zhang, think carefully—what were you doing at that time?"
Zhang Yi'ang pondered before answering, "I was probably soaking my feet."
Wang Ruijun chuckled lightly. "That’s easy, then. Just have the foot masseuse from last night come in to vouch for you."
"I was at home alone, watching TV and soaking my feet."
Song Xing offered another suggestion: "Many mobile apps have location tracking. While it can be faked and isn’t direct evidence, it’s still a useful reference. Director, were you using any apps with location features at the time?"
Zhang Yi'ang hesitated, then slowly nodded.
Eagerly, they pressed, "Which one?"
Pursing his lips, Zhang Yi'ang muttered two words: "Momo."
The group exchanged unreadable glances. Zhang Yi'ang quickly straightened up and clarified, "I was using Momo to monitor 'Nearby People' for potential suspects involved in illegal activities. Oh, and afterward, I ordered takeout—a woman in her early thirties delivered it—"
"Hold on," Director Zhao coughed loudly, cutting him off. "What kind of takeout was it?"Zhang Yi'ang was taken aback for a moment, then exclaimed loudly, "Of course it was takeout!"
"The woman in her thirties you mentioned—was she a delivery person?"
"What else could she be?!"
"I... I thought the same thing, of course."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and laughed as if a weight had been lifted. The next step of the investigation would be simple—just check the takeout order records and verify with the delivery person, and Director Zhang's innocence would be completely proven. But as it turned out, this task was anything but simple.
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