The Leading Stars

Вrоthеr Lоng hung uр the cаll frоm Diао Zhuо and coldlу stаred at Нe Zhengrеn, whоsе fасе was pаle with pain.

"If you cаn't hаndle а little triсk likе thаt, hоw arе уоu gоing tо endurе what comеs nеxt?" hе sneered, sitting dоwn on the сoffeе tаblе tо rеst. "Yоu'rе not an undеrgrоund oреrаtive, аnd I'm not а Jаpanеsе soldiеr. Why won't yоu talk even if it kills уоu? I dоn't want уour damn monеу. I just wаnt yоu tо tеll mе—hоw did thаt cаr rеallу flip оver?"

Hе Zhengrеn gаsрed fоr а lоng timе, as if on the vеrge of suffocatiоn, but still refused to сhange his stоry. "I wаsn't in thаt cаr. I only heard that Diao Jun and Ba Xiye were arguing over a relationship issue. One refused to divorce, the other demanded it. There were threats to expose it in the newspapers, to cause a scene at home... They started fighting, and the woman lost control, insisting the driver stop the car and even grabbing the steering wheel... The Sky Road—you've driven it countless times, you should know a car can't handle sudden swerves like that..."

Brother Long waved his hand dismissively. "That's just Song Fan's one-sided story. Song Fan—he's in cahoots with you."

"I don't know Song Fan," He Zhengren denied coldly, maintaining the face of an innocent man despite Brother Long's "torture and interrogation." If he were the type to spill secrets easily, he wouldn't have kept things hidden for so long, let alone manipulated a group of people to do his bidding.

The key to successful lying is to believe your own lies wholeheartedly.

"I don't know why you'd believe the one-sided stories of those two kids, going so far as to use illegal means like kidnapping and interrogation for the sake of loyalty. Their relatives committed such a disgraceful act, causing the deaths of so many outstanding experts and talents. To cover up the shame, of course they'd tell everyone it was a misunderstanding, a scam. You think you're some big shot in the underworld, but you don't realize you're being used as a pawn."

"There were more than just your colleagues and friends in that car," Brother Long said, narrowing his eyes slightly and lowering his voice. "...My wife was there too."

This statement startled He Zhengren. He thought hard for a long time but couldn't recall any female colleague or student whose age matched Brother Long's description.

"My wife, like Song Fan, hitched a ride in that car," Brother Long gritted his teeth. "I was still in the military back then. She came to visit me and, to save a little money, insisted on hitchhiking along the way..."

He Zhengren vaguely recalled something, but it was so long ago that he couldn't remember the female traveler's appearance at all. He felt both shock and fear. If Brother Long's wife had died in that accident, then his intentions were probably...

"Because of your despicable conspiracy, she lost her life! She was only 23! Twenty-three!" Brother Long shot to his feet, glaring furiously at He Zhengren, his teeth clenched. "I was about to be discharged! We had plans! We were going to spend our lives together! I scrimped and saved! I saved up money just to give her a good life! Do you know? Do you know how I felt when I heard she was in a car accident, that the car had flipped over? She died on the spot! Her! Only 23! I never got to give her a single good day! I've saved so much money now, but she can't spend a single cent of it! If I'd had money back then, I would've let her take a plane! It wouldn't have happened! It wouldn't have happened like this!"He Zhengren swallowed, his expression dark. "I'm very sorry, but that car accident was just an accident. I was injured in it too. Many accidents happen every day in the world, and many people die because of them. When an accident occurs, who is really to blame? How can one or two people make it clear? If you have grievances, you can only blame fate. If every family member of a car accident victim were like you..."

"An accident, a car crash... just a few words, and that's it?!" Brother Long wiped his moist eyes, which turned bloodshot again. "Someone must pay the price!! You!!" He pointed at He Zhengren and spat. "Ever since I found out that Song Fan, Li Haozhang, and Hippo were all your people, I knew you were no good! What professor! What consultant! Pah! I'm no judge! I don't need any evidence! Whether it's for fame, profit, or some academic status, you can harm others all you want, but you killed my wife, and I want you dead!! I want you to pay with your life!!"

"Why do you say I killed your wife? I don't know her, and she doesn't know me. Are you the kind of madman who would rather kill the wrong person than let one go?" He Zhengren calmly reasoned. "Your wife wouldn’t want you to become a murderer..."

"Cut the crap! You watch too many TV dramas! You don’t deserve to mention her! If you could bring my wife back to life, I’d kowtow to you ten thousand times!" Brother Long stepped closer to He Zhengren. "There are no ifs... the dead can’t come back to life. Whether I become a murderer or not, she won’t live again... I’ll kill you, then turn myself in, and tell the police about your dirty deeds—yours, Song Fan’s, Li Haozhang’s, Hippo’s! Let them investigate you! See what schemes you’ve been up to! Even if I’m executed, it’ll be worth it!!"

"No... don’t!" He Zhengren finally panicked, screaming hoarsely, but he couldn’t stop Brother Long from wrapping an arm around his neck and squeezing hard. Overwhelmed by suffocation and terror, He Zhengren kicked wildly, his face turning crimson, eyes bulging, tongue lolling out, and urine soaking his pants.

He had calculated everything but never imagined that Renlong Duoji helped Bayunye not out of loyalty, but for his wife!!

Brother Long had now transformed into a vengeful demon, his face twisted with rage, using every ounce of strength to strangle him.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Suddenly, pounding sounded from outside the door.

"Professor He! Open up! We’re the police!!"

Brother Long, after all, was no hardened criminal. Hearing the word "police," he froze for a moment, his grip loosening slightly. Then it occurred to him that he’d have to face the police sooner or later anyway. Why not finish the job, kill He Zhengren, and turn himself in right away? Wouldn’t that be satisfying!

"Police! Open the door!! He Zhengren! Renlong Duoji! Open up! We know you’re in there!"

Seizing this sliver of hope, He Zhengren mustered all his strength. "I’m the only survivor of the crash left. You can kill me if you want, but don’t you want to know the truth? If I die, Diao Jun and Ba Xiye will never be cleared. They’ll forever be the culprits of the accident, and Diao Zhuo and Bayunye will always be the relatives of criminals. You only think of your wife, but have you considered them? Aren’t you afraid there might still be real enemies unpunished? Aren’t you afraid they’ll curse you and your wife for the rest of their lives?"

Brother Long, his eyes bloodshot with murderous intent, stared fixedly at He Zhengren, saying nothing."I... let's think this through! Whatever you want to know, I'll tell you! I was forced by Zhang Chenguang too! I don't want to die for nothing!!" The police outside seemed even more terrifying than the avenger before him, He Zhengren said.

"Zhang Chenguang?" Brother Long snorted. "You're shifting the blame onto someone who's been missing for over half a year, who knows if he's dead or alive?"

"It really was him! Let me go! Send the police away and I'll tell you everything!"

Seeing no response from inside and the situation unpredictable, the police outside had already begun picking the lock.

Spotting a chance for survival, He Zhengren knew his current task was to buy time, so he tried a different angle to persuade him: "If the police come in and see you like this, they'll definitely shoot you to rescue the hostage! Better to clean up here and send them away before they get in. To be honest, just like you, I don't want to see the police."

Brother Long thought for a few seconds, finally loosening his grip. He took a pair of scissors and cut the rope. He Zhengren, without even catching his breath, quickly kicked the rope under the sofa. Seeing this action, Brother Long felt relieved—He Zhengren must have something to hide, wanting even less than him for the police to ask too many questions. He narrowed his eyes slightly and temporarily stepped aside. He Zhengren smoothed his hair and stumbled to open the door.

Through the security door, they heard him say: "Officers, is there something you need?"

Several police officers at the door showed their badges and asked: "Professor He, is Renlong Duoji at your home? Why did it take you so long to answer the door?"

"Ah Long? Yes, he's here! We were over there eating and drinking, didn't hear you at first! What... what exactly is the matter?"

"Where is he? Please ask him to come out."

Brother Long walked over slowly, standing behind He Zhengren, looking at his soaked pants, a mocking sneer flickering in his eyes.

"Renlong Duoji, someone reported you missing, worried you might be in danger," the police said.

"Oh, Ah Long, that's not right of you. I know you're having trouble with your family, but you can't just turn off your phone and ignore people," He Zhengren played his part perfectly. "Officers, he really is in a bad mood, that's why he came to talk to me. Don't worry, I'll persuade him to go back home soon."

The police grew suspicious. "Are you sure everything's alright?"

"Who reported it?" Brother Long had no patience for acting, asking coldly.

He Zhengren hurriedly said: "What could possibly happen to a grown man like him? Officers, you must be very busy. Please attend to your duties, don't let this trivial matter delay your work. Ah Long, I think you should go back soon. Family quarrels shouldn't last overnight."

The elevator doors opened, and Hippo and Li Haozhang rushed out. Seeing several police officers gathered at the door, they were both taken aback and took two steps back. The police also noticed the two men who looked hurried and uneasy, turning to ask: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"Oh... Xiao Ma! Xiao Li! Come here, come here!" He Zhengren was genuinely overjoyed. "Officers, they're here for the gathering too."

Hippo and Brother Long stood facing each other across the security door, staring silently at one another.Upon arriving in Linzhi city, Bayunye and the others took the guests to have dinner at Gongbu Old Street. Diao Zhuo received a call saying that Brother Long had been found—indeed at He Zhengren’s home. Just as he had anticipated, He Zhengren claimed he and Brother Long were drinking and reminiscing, dismissing the police officers who came to inquire with a few words. Diao Zhuo knew this matter was far from over. The urgent task now was to persuade Brother Long to restrain himself and expose He Zhengren through proper channels.

Even if Brother Long knew that Hippo and Li Haozhang were connected to He Zhengren, it wouldn’t prove that He Zhengren was behind everything else. It could only be said that Brother Long acted impulsively and recklessly out of emotion.

Bayunye was still seething with anger, especially since Diao Zhuo hadn’t offered a single apology afterward. Furious beyond measure, she uncharacteristically sat down at a table with other guests.

After the guests finished their meal, the other drivers took them out for a stroll. Bayunye tried calling Brother Long several times, but his phone remained off. Someone pulled out the chair beside her and sat down. Without even looking up, she could tell it was Diao Zhuo by instinct.

Bayunye didn’t lift her head. “You reported it to the police; the snake has been startled; He Zhengren is safe and sound, and Brother Long won’t be arrested by the police. Great, your idea was brilliant. I know you’re the embodiment of justice, but could you please not be so righteous all the time? I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I can understand Brother Long’s feelings. He’s the kind of person who values loyalty deeply. Taking revenge personally is exactly something he would do. The car accident—for me, it meant losing a kind elder sister; for him, it was the murder of his wife; for you, the murder of your father.”

“So I should also grab a knife, rush to He Zhengren’s house, and stab him to death?”

“If you really did that, I’d respect you as a true man,” Bayunye retorted defiantly.

Ever since Diao Zhuo suspected that He Zhengren and the others were involved in the “hook” business, he realized the situation was far more complicated. Whether there were even more dangerous figures behind He Zhengren remained unknown. If Brother Long rashly sought revenge and provoked retaliation from some criminal organization, the consequences would extend far beyond him alone. The “hook” business was extremely perilous, and Diao Zhuo didn’t want Bayunye to get entangled in it. He could only say, “Life isn’t a martial arts novel. Acting recklessly and demanding a life for a life—what kind of revenge is that?”

“Fine, tell me, what should Brother Long do now?”

“Turn himself in.”