Era of Magic and Martial Arts-Chapter 213 - 197: Truth?

In a member of parliament’s office at the Executive Government.

Wang Xinfa sat behind the large desk, listening to Du Ziteng’s report while habitually wiping his glasses.

Du Ziteng’s voice echoed in the office, his pace steady:

"...That’s the latest intelligence gathered by the Patrol Office. Despite a thorough search across the city, unfortunately, Secretary Hou’s whereabouts remain unknown."

"Additionally, the people I sent to monitor the other side have reported back, saying that those individuals are not exhibiting any unusual behavior, seemingly all in a state of observation."

Du Ziteng paused slightly, frowning with a hint of hesitation as he continued:

"Member of Parliament, it’s been some time since Secretary Hou’s kidnapping, yet we haven’t received any messages from the kidnappers. Logically speaking, if it were those people, the event has fermented for two days; they shouldn’t be this quiet."

Wang Xinfa softly responded with a "hmm," sensing a hint of abnormality as well.

After all, given their modus operandi, if Hou Wendong indeed fell into their hands, he wouldn’t last a day before revealing all secrets.

Logically, the media should now be overflowing with accusations and questions, or someone might have already contacted him privately, attempting to coerce some sort of deal.

Wang Xinfa was not doubting Hou Wendong’s resilience, but he had witnessed firsthand the high-tech methods and cruel techniques during interrogations.

In the face of those endless tactics, unless a person was an extremely fanatic madman or had a chip implanted in their brain, enduring a single round would be heroic for an ordinary person.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly asked, "So, what’s your assessment?"

Du Ziteng answered honestly: "This isn’t my personal judgment, but an analysis by Deputy Captain Li Shang of the Patrol Office. He suspects that behind this case is a personal vendetta against Secretary Hou."

Wang Xinfa’s pupils constricted slightly, his tone carrying undeniable seriousness: "You mean, this event is targeted specifically at Hou Wendong?"

Du Ziteng immediately responded, his voice firm: "Yes, it’s solely targeted at Secretary Hou, without any entanglement with you, Member of Parliament."

Wang Xinfa adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, his expression turning complex, his tone tinged with doubt: "Are you sure the Patrol Office’s assessment hasn’t deviated?"

Du Ziteng’s mind quickly flipped through Li Shang’s actions over the past two days.

He recalled how Li Shang meticulously planned the city’s search operation, how he thoroughly investigated the area around the noodle shop, missed no possible clues, and collected them one by one.

Finally, how Li Shang collated and analyzed those scattered pieces of information, gradually piecing together the complete picture of the case.

Every aspect appeared so meticulous and thorough that he couldn’t help but sincerely admire Li Shang’s professional quality.

The final case analysis, too, was like peeling layers of an onion, logically sound, justifying the title of detective.

If he didn’t know Li Shang’s identity, Du Ziteng might have suspected several times that Li Shang had been on the scene observing when Hou Wendong was kidnapped.

In conclusion, Du Ziteng was thoroughly impressed by Li Shang’s investigative ability, willing to endorse this exceptionally capable deputy captain to Mr. Wang.

minutes later.

Li Shang entered the office, his posture upright, delivering a standard and crisp salute as he meticulously reported his own characterization of the case:

"...In summary, I firmly believe that the perpetrator who kidnapped Secretary Hou is most likely the ex-husband of the noodle shop owner, Li Xiuyan."

Wang Xinfa’s brows furrowed involuntarily, clearly surprised by this information: "Li Xiuyan had been married?"

Li Shang quickly answered, "Indeed, Li Xiuyan once had a marriage, divorcing four years ago due to emotional breakdown, after which she managed this noodle shop alone."

"Her ex-husband’s name is Wang Nan, and they have a child. Because of Wang Nan’s higher citizenship rank, the child is under his custody."

"About half a year ago, Wang Nan seemed intent on reconciling with Li Xiuyan, having come to the noodle shop several times to pester her, but Li Xiuyan steadfastly refused. Each time, Wang Nan left in extreme anger."

"On the day of the incident, coincidentally Li Xiuyan’s birthday, Secretary Hou was at the noodle shop celebrating for her. I conducted a survey around the area and found that Wang Nan also appeared on that street that day."

"Therefore, I have reason to suspect that Wang Nan was also intending to celebrate his ex-wife’s birthday, then stumbled upon the scene of his ex-wife and Secretary Hou being close, thus giving rise to jealousy and anger, leading to him kidnapping Secretary Hou."

Wang Xinfa’s face turned somewhat unnaturally gloomy, his voice carrying a chilling undertone: "Given all this, why didn’t Li Xiuyan report it?"

Li Shang reasoned logically: "First, Wang Nan wore a hood during the crime, completely concealing his face. In her panic, Li Xiuyan might not have been able to recognize her ex-husband. Second, despite their divorce and emotional breakdown, Wang Nan remains her son’s father. Out of consideration for her son, Li Xiuyan might be unwilling to testify against Wang Nan."

Wang Xinfa took a deep breath, issuing a cold snort: "So, have you apprehended Wang Nan?"

Li Shang gently shook his head: "Since the incident, Wang Nan hasn’t returned home, and his whereabouts are entirely unknown. Therefore, I hope..."

A shadow flickered in Wang Xinfa’s eyes, his voice icy: "You hope for what, just say it!"

Li Shang replied solemnly: "I hope to interrogate Li Xiuyan, perhaps she can provide some clues to help us find Wang Nan’s hiding place."

After the incident, in accordance with Wang Xinfa’s orders, Du Ziteng had already taken measures to protect and control Li Xiuyan to prevent any unnecessary interference.

Therefore, to interrogate Li Xiuyan, Wang Xinfa’s approval was necessary.

Wang Xinfa cast a cold glance at Du Ziteng, his voice eerily drifting: "Take Captain Li to see Li Xiuyan, make sure to pry that woman’s mouth open."

Du Ziteng accepted the order and led Li Shang out swiftly.

Once the office door closed again, Wang Xinfa gazed expressionlessly into the air for a while. He remained so silent for a long time, before emitting cold, ambiguous laughter from deep in his throat.

Then, he retrieved an old model phone from the drawer, inserted a new SIM card, and dialed out.

Once the call connected, there was complete silence on the other end, with no sound at all.

Wang Xinfa spoke to himself: "Alarm canceled, the ’clean sweep’ operation stops immediately."

The other end didn’t question further, only briefly responding: "Got it."

Wang Xinfa didn’t intend to provide extra explanation, only directly asking: "How many targets have been eliminated?"

The voice on the other end replied calmly: "Qian Tong, Zhao Zhiyuan, Dong Zheng, Zheng Yanyan, half of the targets on this line have been cleared, the other half remains unfinished."

Wang Xinfa took several deep breaths, for the first time feeling a slight irritation towards his back-end partner’s astonishing efficiency.

He closed his eyes, striving to steady his breathing and restore to his usual rational and calm demeanor.

After all that has occurred, human lives can’t be revived, and regretting would be of no use. It’s better to capitalize on the mistake and transform it into a greater benefit.

After all, the fallen companions shouldn’t have died in vain.

Wang Xinfa’s mind spun rapidly, whispering calmly into the phone:

"You guys need to find a way to lay some trails, pin the explosion this morning on Qiming Street, and the deaths of these four unfortunate individuals, entirely on the prison system, discreetly. I’ve just acquired a talent for handling cases."

The voice on the other end remained steady without the slightest ripple: "Understood."

Wang Xinfa continued: "Sigh, how wrongfully they died. That’s enough, I have to go see their surviving families, help them, guide them through this period brimming with grief and challenge. This is an unavoidable responsibility of mine!"

.....