Chapter 290: Pockmark Li (2/2)

I thought she was barking up the wrong tree. A man of Officer Ouyang’s age wouldn’t have the same interests as a young man like me, would he? In fact, Officer Ouyang was usually discreet about such matters, playing down the fact that he was about to turn sixty so the bureau decided to throw him a grand birthday party as a surprise. Officer Ouyang had a grandson around my age–the apple of his eye–for whom Xiaotao planned to buy a gift.

After a brief discussion, I suggested, ”Why don't I buy a gift as well? We can go together!”

”Perfect! I'll see you tomorrow night at the dinner then!”

I had several motives for attending the dinner party. First of all, it was a great opportunity for me to express respect and admiration for a commendable retired police officer. Secondly, I had to find alternative ways of spending time with Xiaotao outside of work, and a movie after Officer Ouyang’s birthday party was a marvellous idea. Besides, I was curious about the progress of the case. After all, I could never resist the lure of a bizarre case!

I browsed online and found a suitable gift that was available for delivery early the next morning. When asked if he would like to join us for a dinner party, Dali’s first reaction was to consider it. But at the mention of Bingxin’s presence, he immediately yelled, ”Yes! Of course I’ll go! Do I have to buy a gift?”

At 5 pm sharp, Dali and I arrived at Swallow Palace where a polite waiter greeted us and brought us to a large private room. Many of the officers we knew were attendees of the party, hinting at Officer Ouyang’s popularity in the bureau. Dali and I casually found empty seats and sat down to join in the conversation when a calm voice drifted from nearby, ”The greatest honor of being an officer is to have everyone celebrate your birthday after retirement.”

The voice belonged to Director-General Cheng. I stood up to greet the man but he grinned and waved me away, ”You don’t have to be so polite. In such a private function like this, it’s alright to forego the formalities.”

When questioned about the progress of the case, Director-General Cheng's face sank quicker than a lead balloon. ”We suspect that Officer Niu might have been terminally ill!”

”What makes you say that?” I asked, baffled at the turn of events.

Director-General Cheng summarized the findings of their investigation. Apparently, before he committed suicide, Officer Niu had divulged to his colleagues that he often heard a strange persistent voice in his head. Several officers had even caught him weeping alone during his break time, though he was quick to dismiss their worries when asked about it.

After consulting a neurologist, Director-General Cheng was informed that a tumor pressing on the auditory nerve might produce auditory hallucinations. According to this inference, Officer Niu was most likely terminally ill.

”Do you have his medical records?” I asked.

”No,” he shook his head. “But a physical examination done six months ago showed that everything was normal. Of course, routine examination isn’t detailed enough to diagnose a brain tumor.”

”Was it really a brain tumor?” I wondered out loud.

Judging from the circumstances, this seemed to be the only logical explanation.

Right then, Xiaotao and Bingxin finally graced us with their presence. We sat together and chatted as we snacked on melon seeds, patiently awaiting the star of the show. At half past six, an oblivious Officer Ouyang was invited into the room, kept in the dark and tricked into coming here. As soon as the doors opened, the excited crowd jumped out and shouted, ”Happy Birthday!” Officer Ouyang stood rooted the spot for some time before he made sense of it all. ”I can’t believe you guys!” he laughed. “Just this once but don’t you dare do this again!”

Bingxin placed a birthday hat on his head and pulled him by the sleeve. ”Uncle Ouyang, don't be shy!” she giggled. “Quick, have a seat! Our tummies are all growling with hunger!”

Thus, the birthday party began in a festive atmosphere. We sat together at the same table, Bingxin on my left and Xiaotao on my right. When the dishes were served, Bingxin immediately placed a piece of roast duck into my bowl and smiled, ”Try this.”

Sitting next to her, Dali interrupted her actions by stretching out his own bowl. ”Why thank you!”

But another piece of roast duck soon entered my bowl. Then, a slice of beef was piled onto the roast duck, courtesy of Xiaotao who wasn’t to be outdone. ”Taste this!”

Bingxin scooped up some fish and pouted, ”First come, first serve. Try mine first.”

“I order you to eat mine first,” Xiaotao insisted as she served me a piece of sea cucumber.

I knew sparks would fly whenever these two girls got together, even over trivial matters. The food on my bowl soon piled up into a little hill.

”Should I eat out of a bucket instead?” I smiled helplessly.

”Some people have all the food and fortune while the poor die cold and hungry,” lamented Dali, envious of the attention I was receiving.

Director-General Cheng’s appreciative gaze flickered towards Dali. ”What eloquence, kiddo!” he said, lifting up his glass. “Ignore these lovebirds. Let's have a drink instead.”