Chapter Thirteen: My Family Is Wealthy

News of Liu Shuang’s arrest swept through every corner of Haitian City in no time. The morning news followed up on the story, and the Haitian Daily was the first to publish the mysterious materials sent by an anonymous source. Liu Shuang’s vile deeds provoked unanimous public outrage; online, an uproar thundered, with the masses condemning “Fat Liu” to death before any court verdict. The Tianfeng Group, which stood behind the Jin Fan Shipyard, was drawn into a severe crisis of trust, its stock price plunging. The group hastily convened a press conference to clarify that its senior management had no knowledge of the affair, denounced Liu Shuang’s conduct, and promptly offered condolences and compensation to the victims’ families.

Yet, in a little breakfast shop near the Jadeite Residence, none of the patrons were discussing the scandal. Instead, they sat gaping at a certain glutton, who was devouring food without the slightest restraint.

“Which basket is he on now?”

“The seventh, I think?”

“No, the waiter just cleared away five empty baskets.”

“Goodness, what is his stomach made of?”

Qin Yang, for his part, felt nothing amiss. All he could think was how delicious these buns were—rich but not greasy, fragrant but not overpowering. He’d been eating for over half an hour without realizing it, while the other customers felt they were getting full just by watching him. Even three police officers who had come for breakfast didn’t notice right away, one of whom was a sharp-eyed policewoman leading the group.

“Chief, are you sure he’s the one we’re looking for?” one officer asked in a low voice, frowning.

Sun Qi nodded. “According to Liu Shuang’s confession and the information we’ve gathered, it’s definitely him.”

“Should we make the arrest?” her subordinate whispered. “Liu Shuang claims he’s extremely dangerous.”

“There’s no need,” Sun Qi replied confidently.

Having undergone a hellish transformation, Qin Yang’s heightened senses caught every word of their muttered conversation. He scoffed inwardly, patted his belly, and called out, “Boss, three more baskets!”

The owner, happy for the business, quickly brought out more buns. Sun Qi and her team strode over and took the seats opposite Qin Yang, her icy gaze fixed on him. He remained unfazed, intent on his meal. Sun Qi snorted; only then did Qin Yang look up. He blinked at the trio and said, “There are plenty of other seats. If you’re here to eat, please sit elsewhere. Having police officers stare at me spoils my appetite.”

“You’ve been reported for breaking and entering with robbery. You’ll have to come with us,” Sun Qi said coldly. “Don’t think you can waste our time. I’m giving you some leeway because you provided evidence. Otherwise—”

“Fine,” Qin Yang smiled, pulled a hundred yuan from his wallet, and placed it on the table. Sun Qi and her team nodded in satisfaction. Without Qin Yang’s evidence, Liu Shuang would still be at large. They escorted him to the police car and headed to the city’s public security bureau, which was abuzz with activity. Outside, reporters clamored for news on the Liu Shuang affair.

Sun Qi’s group led Qin Yang in through a side entrance and into the interrogation room. They hadn’t handcuffed him. Qin Yang looked around curiously, noting how different the place was from its reputation. The slogans on the walls—“Leniency for Confession, Severity for Resistance”—struck him as deeply ironic.

“What were you doing between midnight and one o’clock last night?” Sun Qi, seated at the desk, asked as she sipped her hot water.

Qin Yang glanced at her. “Last night? Out for a walk. I’d eaten too much at supper and needed to digest.”

Bang! Sun Qi’s expression darkened as she slammed the table. “You’ve been reported for breaking and entering with robbery. There is eyewitness testimony. Qin Yang, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“Breaking and entering with robbery?” Qin Yang rolled his eyes. “I told you, I was out walking last night. If someone’s bored enough to set the police on wild goose chases, I can’t help that.”

“You’ve got some nerve!” Sun Qi’s face flushed with anger. The two officers behind her looked grim as well—was this man mocking the police? Just as they were about to question him further, another officer entered, carrying a black backpack. He whispered something to Sun Qi, whose eyes turned cold as she opened the bag and revealed stacks of red banknotes. She tossed the bag in front of Qin Yang and said icily, “This money was found at your house. With evidence and a witness, what have you to say for yourself?”

“Wait a minute.” Qin Yang raised an eyebrow. “If you search my drawers, you’ll find some coins too—are those stolen as well?”

“Still trying to argue?” Sun Qi sneered. “Liu Shuang already testified last night that you broke in and robbed him. This one million yuan is his embezzled funds. Fearing exposure, he kept it in a safe. You used evidence of his crimes to blackmail him and took the money. Forensics has already reported—your fingerprints and Liu Shuang’s are all over it.”

“The evidence is irrefutable, Qin Yang. What else do you have to say?” Sun Qi pressed.

Qin Yang stood up and shook his head. The two officers instinctively moved to restrain him, but Sun Qi held them back. He picked up the bag, looked at the bills, and said, “This money is mine. As for Liu Shuang’s fingerprints, I don’t buy it. May I see the forensic report?” He caught the split-second hesitation in Sun Qi’s eyes, though she quickly regained her composure. Softly, he went on, “Without systematic analysis, without real evidence, without an arrest or search warrant, you’re convicting me based solely on the words of a suspect in murder and bribery. Frankly, I have serious doubts about the competence of Haitian City’s police.”

“You—!” Sun Qi took a deep breath, forcing down her anger.

The two officers behind her broke out in cold sweat—not because of Qin Yang’s defiance, but because Sun Qi, the deputy squad leader, was still holding back. If she lost control, what would happen? Everyone knew her stellar record, but also that most suspects who ended up in her hands spent at least a week or two in the hospital.

“According to the records, you’re currently unemployed,” Sun Qi sneered. “Can you give me a reasonable explanation for the legitimate source of this million yuan?”

At this, Qin Yang laughed, bright as a circus clown. “My family’s rich.”