Chapter 304: You’re Long Bangguo! (1/2)

After learning the Tao Te Ching, we visited Director-General Cheng in solitary confinement. Though handcuffed, he still played his part to a T. ”Why didn't you commit suicide with them?” I leaned in and kept my voice low.

”I was stopped by my subordinates at the time,” Director-General Cheng smiled bitterly. “It was impossible for me to continue, so I played along.”

”It's alright,” I said. “It's a bit suspicious if the three of you die at once.”

”What’s the plan now?” asked Director-General Cheng. “Should I find an opportunity to ‘commit suicide’ again?”

”I’m not sure through what channels the murderer determined our movements, but I'm sure he has his methods,” I mused. “You might as well stay alive for now! The murderer has been on the move since last night. He’s not in good health so I’m guessing he’ll need to rest. It’s likely he’ll assassinate you late tonight. We’ll use you as bait to lure him into our net.” After a pause, I added, ”Anyway, we already have the means to resist the cursed music!”

”Do you really believe that Jianghu master?” he frowned. “Why do I get the feeling he’s involved with the murderer?”

I now believed that Zhang Jiulin was innocent so I vouched for the man. ”I believe he’s on our side. But there is one thing I’m curious about.” I ventured, “Do you think the bureau can allocate ten million as his reward?”

Director-General Cheng’s mouth fell agape, ”Ten million?! What a hungry wolf!”

Convinced of Zhang Jiulin’s upright character and ingenious methods, I believed he was worth the price. In fact, I felt rather guilty about deceiving the man. Though I couldn’t hand over the Yin object, I could still reward him.

”Forget that I mentioned it,” I sighed. “I’ll try asking Xiaotao if she’ll lend me the money!”

”How can you pay out of your own pocket?” retorted Director-General Cheng. “It’s not a small figure. We confiscated a lot of money from the live stream website you took down last time. Allocating 10 million yuan from the funds shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll pass you the money when the case is over.”

I didn't expect to obtain the money so easily. ”Director-General Cheng, aren’t you going to verify what it’s for?” I chuckled. “Aren't you afraid I'll embezzle it?”

”Since you’re already working for the bureau, I don’t see a point in doubting you. And if I did find you suspicious, I wouldn’t have allowed you to work with us,” came his serious reply. “Anyway, I have to continue acting. You and Xiaotao are in charge of the task force. We'll talk about the procedural issues later. After all, it's a special case.”

”Director-General Cheng, take care of yourself,” I said. “We’ll bring you some food in a bit.”

When the four of us arrived at the restaurant, Dali made sure to seat himself next to Zhang Jiulin. He was so excited I thought he might faint.

”Let me ask you a personal question!” I said when I finally got the chance to interject in the conversation.

Zhang Jiulin nodded, ”Do speak.”

”You must be really wealthy. But why is that the food you eat, the clothes you wear, your house and transportation so common?” I asked.

”Wealthy?” he laughed. “In our profession, most of the money we make is to be donated. Because the money is bound to the netherworld, it also bears equivalent karma. In fact, I have to constantly perform good deeds to generate good karma and obtain karmic rewards.”

”I don't believe in karmic rewards,” scoffed Xiaotao. “It's sheer nonsense.”

Zhang Jiulin smiled politely but didn’t bother to continue explaining.

Throughout lunch, I listened to Dali's incessant chatter. Just as we were about to finish eating, Xiaotao received a phone call and seemed extremely excited after the brief conversation. Striking the table, she exclaimed, ”We’ve locked onto Long Bangguo's position!”

”That’s great,” I cried. “We finally have the upper hand!”

”I'll go with you,” Zhang Jiulin said, putting down his chopsticks. “You deal with the man and I’ll handle the Yin object.”

The one on the line was Wang Yuanchao who had called to report his discovery. Apparently, Long Bangguo had purchased a villa shortly after his release from prison. Wang Yuanchao was now waiting for us near that villa.

When I settled the bill, Zhang Jiulin quietly begged, ”Can you please get rid of this little fan of mine? My head’s about to explode!”