Chapter 53 Qi Kunshan's Gratitude
Two flowers bloom, each telling its own story. While Chen Cheng was busy with his own affairs, Zhang Qian was being "interrogated" in her father's study.
"Tell me, what happened the night before last?"
Zhang Zhenhua put down his water glass, crossed his hands, and asked.
"Dad, the night before last, I was shopping with my friend. After we finished, we went to the underground parking lot to get our car. Suddenly, seven thugs rushed out and started slashing at me with machetes. My friend tried his best to protect me. He was stabbed twice in the back, but luckily he also knew kung fu. He not only protected me but also subdued the seven men. Our Captain He said that these seven men were wanted criminals from Inner Mongolia Province, and their names were something like the Seven Wolves of the Northern Desert."
"The person you're talking about is Chen Cheng, right? He's the one who helped you solve the embroidery needle serial murder case last time?"
Zhang Qian knew her father was a city-level leader in charge of the police station, so she couldn't hide anything from him and nodded, saying:
"Yes".
"You two met around that time?"
"Um"!
"That kid from the Qiao family meticulously prepared a birthday celebration for you the night before last, but you refused. However, you accompanied Chen Cheng to the mall. How am I supposed to view this?"
"Dad, I have absolutely no feelings for Qiao Hui, and it's highly likely that he orchestrated what happened the night before last. He..."
"Alright, don't make things up without evidence. I know the Qiao family better than you do. Do you think there's only one brother, Qiao Minchang, and Qiao Minxing? They also have a complex network of connections with their cousin, Qiao Minqiang, in the province!"
"Dad, why are you telling me all this? I don't understand this stuff."
"I... well, I meant you and that kid from the Qiao family would be a good match."
"Dad, are you using this marriage to advance your political career?"
"Xixi, you are the only daughter in the Zhang family. Your mother and I are doing this for your own good. Chen Cheng only runs a teahouse in Fengjiang and is a charlatan. I cannot and will not allow him to tarnish our Zhang family!"
"Dad, how can you say that about my friend? I am your daughter, but I also have my own personality and my own life. I don't like him. Are you forcing me to like him? Do you know Qiao Hui? He is very likely a scumbag who plays with women!"
Zhang Qian also raised her voice excitedly.
"I don't care what you think, but you can't have any contact with Chen Cheng anymore. Maybe you'll never see him again!"
"Dad, what do you mean?"
"Oh dear, the whole family finally gets together for a meal, what happened again?"
Xie Rong walked into his wife's study and said.
"mom"!
Feeling incredibly wronged, Zhang Qian threw herself into her arms and cried.
After running into the police station, Qiao Hui shouted that his house was haunted. The police sent people to check his house, but they found nothing except the mess he had made. His emotions only calmed down after his father and his high-ranking uncle arrived at the police station.
After Qiao Hui recounted the events of the past two nights, the two Qiao brothers had no choice but to take it seriously. Qiao Minxing, a businessman, believed in ghosts and spirits and knew some itinerant sorcerers. He invited one of them to his home. This sorcerer was quite capable and immediately recognized that Qiao Hui was possessed by a ghost. The Qiao family then paid a large sum of money to hire a master to exorcise the ghost from Qiao Hui. Meanwhile, Qiao Minxing and Qiao Minchang were furious at Chen Cheng for interfering in the affairs of the Qiao and Zhang families. The brothers secretly plotted a scheme to harm Chen Cheng.
That evening, Chen Cheng prepared some herbal medicine at home, and with the blessing of the talisman, his knife wound healed quickly. After tidying up his things and preparing to go to sleep, the phone rang. Thinking it was Zhang Qian, he picked it up and saw it was Qi Kunshan, whom he had met on the train.
"Good evening, Brother Qi!"
"Good evening, Brother Xiaocheng," came Qi Kunshan's deep voice from the other end of the phone. After a slight pause, he continued, "A few days ago, Yaoyao passed away peacefully in my arms..." Qi Kunshan's voice choked up at the end.
Upon hearing the news, Chen Cheng understood, but his heart still sank. He comforted him, saying, "Brother Qi, life and death are predestined. Please accept my condolences."
Despite his grief, Brother Qi said slowly, "Thank you. You made sure we had no regrets in the last three days. Yao Yao's funeral arrangements are complete. She still has some things she wants me to convey to you, so I want to see you."
Lin Xiaocheng answered without hesitation, "Yes, I'm at my home in Fengjiang. I don't have anything to do lately. You're welcome to come. I'll be waiting for you at home."
Chen Cheng carefully told Qi Kunshan his address, and Qi Kunshan said that Pingtai County was not far from Fengjiang, and he would come to find him the next morning.
After hanging up the phone, Chen Cheng was filled with emotion. Life is unpredictable and life is so fragile. With the ability to help, he made the right choice to help Qi Kunshan and Qin Yao, so that they could enjoy warmth and care in the last moments of their lives, instead of leaving them with deep regrets.
The next morning around 10 a.m., Chen Cheng was drawing talismans in the back hall when Old Zhang came in and said, "Cheng, a man named Qi Kunshan is looking for you."
"Oh, I know, we contacted each other last night."
As Chen Cheng spoke, he stood up and went to the front hall with Lao Zhang.
"Brother Qi!"
"Hey, Brother Xiao Cheng."
The two clasped hands tightly, like long-lost relatives.
Seeing Qi Kunshan's eyes gradually reddening, Chen Cheng quickly ushered him into the back hall.
Upon entering the room, Qi Kunshan suddenly knelt down and was about to kowtow to Chen Cheng, which startled Chen Cheng so much that he quickly tried to pull him up.
"Brother Qi, get up! What are you doing?"
"Brother Xiaocheng, these are Yaoyao's last words. Please respect them!"
Qi Kunshan pushed Chen Cheng's hand away.
"No, no, get up and we'll talk about it later!"
Qi Kunshan didn't say anything, but kowtowed three times before standing up. Although Chen Cheng pulled him up so he didn't fall to the ground, he still managed to fulfill his beloved woman's wish.
"Brother Xiaocheng, with your help, Yaoyao and I spent the last three wonderful days together. During these three days, she was like a normal, healthy person, no longer suffering from pain. We climbed the Great Wall, visited the Forbidden City, and ate Peking duck together, leaving her with no regrets. So, on her deathbed, she asked me to kowtow to her benefactor on her behalf."
Qi Kunshan wiped away the tears from the corner of his eyes.
Chen Cheng was deeply moved. He had only done what a member of the Taoist sect should do, yet these ordinary people would be grateful to him for a lifetime!
Qi Kunshan did not stay for lunch. Before leaving, he only told Chen Cheng that if he needed him in the future, he would go through fire and water for him.
After seeing Qi Kunshan off, Chen Cheng sighed for a while and then focused on drawing talismans. However, in the evening, two police cars stopped in front of the old teahouse. Old Zhang was preparing to tidy up and close the door when he saw several policemen get out of the car and hurriedly went to greet them.
"Comrade, is Chen Cheng home?"
Old Zhang thought they wanted Chen Cheng's help to solve the case again, so he said, "He's at home, in the back hall. I'll go call him."
"No need, we'll go in and find him ourselves."
Several police officers walked towards the back without giving any further instructions.
Chen Cheng had just stepped out of his room, intending to stretch his legs in the courtyard, when he saw several police officers. He recognized one of them, Gao Yang from the criminal investigation team.
Before he could speak, a policeman pulled out an arrest warrant: "Chen Cheng, we are Xijing City police. You are suspected of using evil magic to kill someone. Please come with us for investigation!"
After saying that, he took out gleaming handcuffs and was about to step forward.Chapter 54 Confess and receive leniency; resist and receive severe punishment.
Old Zhang was shocked and hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Officer, are you sure you're not mistaken? How could Xiao Cheng kill someone? Didn't he help you solve a case just a few days ago?"
Gao Yang smiled wryly at Chen Cheng and said, "Brother Cheng, we are just following orders from above, but don't worry, Captain He will definitely give you an explanation. For now, just cooperate with us."
He then said to the policeman holding the handcuffs, "Liu Fei, you don't need to put him in handcuffs, Captain He and I both know him."
Liu Fei said, "This is what the higher-ups want. What if he tries to run away?"
He showed no respect for Gao Yang and walked up to Chen Cheng to put handcuffs on him.
"What law have I broken?"
Chen Cheng asked coldly.
"You know what you did. You'll be questioned when you get back to the police station."
After saying that, they forcibly put handcuffs on his wrists.
"Xiao Cheng..."
Chen Cheng already understood that someone had tried to sabotage him, and he had guessed who it was. He smiled calmly at Old Zhang and said, "Uncle Zhang, it's alright. The innocent will clear themselves. If I don't come back tomorrow, there's a business card of Tian Wenzhong in my drawer. Just call him and tell him the truth."
"Stop talking nonsense, let's go!"
Liu Fei nudged Chen Cheng.
"Okay, don't worry. If they've wronged you, I'll risk my life to fight for you to the very end!"
Old Zhang called out.
Chen Cheng smiled at him and was escorted into the police car by Liu Fei and another policeman, one on each side.
Zhang Qian was pacing anxiously at home. Her father had confiscated her phone and locked her in her room, saying it was to make her reflect on her actions. By the evening of the next day, her unease had intensified. She didn't know what had happened. When her mother brought her dinner, she tearfully begged her mother to give her her phone. Seeing her daughter sobbing uncontrollably, her mother was naturally heartbroken and had no choice but to give her the phone, but she still wouldn't let her leave the house.
After receiving the phone, Zhang Qian was overjoyed and immediately sent a message to Chen Cheng, but received no reply. So she called him directly, but the phone was switched off. She panicked and quickly called Lin Zihan instead.
"Sisi, Yu Wei and I have something to do tonight, let's get together another day."
Lin Zihan thought Zhang Qian was going to invite her to dinner.
"Yaoyao, no, did you deliver it to Chen Cheng yesterday?"
"It's been delivered. It's his old teahouse. What's wrong?"
"It's okay, I can't reach him right now, he's probably busy."
"Sisi, you've really fallen for him? You can't help missing him right after we broke up, hehe?"
"What? I need to talk to him. Okay, I'll contact him another day."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Qian felt lost. She didn't know anyone around him. If only she had Old Zhang's phone number.
Zhang Qian suddenly remembered that He Wenhui and Chen Cheng had their earliest contact, and maybe He Wenhui had Zhang Qian's phone number. With that in mind, she immediately dialed He Wenhui's number.
"Captain He, good evening."
"Oh, it's Zhang Qian. Well, Director Du already told me that you're on leave for half a month. It's okay, the team isn't busy, so you can take a good rest."
"Captain He, I wanted to ask you how I can get in touch with Chen Cheng."
Zhang Qian didn't care about her father getting her leave of absence.
"This, that, um..."
"Captain He, what's wrong? Are you hiding something from me?"
Hearing He Wenhui's evasive words, a bad feeling rose in her heart.
He Wenhui on the other end of the phone gritted his teeth, knowing that Zhang Qian would find out about this sooner or later, and said, "Zhang Qian, it's no harm in telling you. You'll find out sooner or later anyway. Chen Cheng has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Mayor Qiao personally ordered Director Du to handle the case directly with the Guangming District Police Station. Gao Yang went with him at the time. Don't blame Gao Yang. He knew where Chen Cheng lived, which is why he was taken along. And none of us believe that Chen Cheng would commit murder."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian was struck dumb, as if struck by lightning. How could Chen Cheng kill someone? Mayor Qiao? It was Qiao Hui, that despicable guy. No, her father was the leader in charge of the police station. Only then did Zhang Qian realize why her father had placed her under house arrest and confiscated her phone. They must have planned this beforehand to prevent her from tipping off anyone or causing a scene.
"Hello, hello, Zhang Qian, are you listening?"
He Wenhui sensed no response from the other end, so he immediately asked a couple of questions.
"Thank you, Captain He, I understand."
After saying that, Zhang Qian hung up the phone weakly, threw away her phone, leaned against the wall, covered her face with her hands and cried bitterly. After crying for a while, she ran to the door and started banging on it, saying, "Mom, let me out, let me out! How could you do this to me? How could you do this to me? Waaaaah!"
Xie Rong could hear her daughter's cries, and she felt sorry for her daughter. But her husband was right; a short, sharp pain was better than a long, drawn-out one. Once the boy was sentenced, everything would be back to normal.
In an interrogation room at the Guangming District Police Station, Chen Cheng sat in a fixed chair with his hands still handcuffed. Across from him, three police officers—two men and one woman—were interrogating him.
"Chen Cheng, if you don't confess, the existing witnesses can convict you. I advise you to think carefully, confess and be lenient. Tell me your motive and method of murder!"
"I will personally go and arrest Chen Cheng," Liu Fei said sternly.
"Officer, I don't know my motive either. My method is to use a flying sword to take his head from a thousand miles away."
Chen Cheng said with a grin, showing no fear whatsoever.
"This is a police station, not your old teahouse. Please be serious. Your attitude will directly affect the sentence the court will impose on you!"
"Okay, I'll be serious. I ran to their bedsides and killed them one by one."
"Smack!"
Liu Fei slammed his hand on the table: "Let me tell you, Chen Cheng, if you keep talking nonsense and not cooperating with the interrogation, I'll make you regret it!"
"I just said I didn't kill anyone and that I was framed, and you said you would be rude to me. Now that I've said I did kill someone, you're still going to be rude to me. So tell me, what should I say? Did I kill someone or not?"
"you"!
The male police officer stood up abruptly, gripping his stun baton tightly in his hand.
"Xiaofei, calm down. There's no use in using force against people like this."
The middle-aged policeman then looked at Chen Cheng and said, "I know you. You helped the city police solve the May 17th serial murder case a while ago. I personally admire you very much. But now, Ren Beifeng, the leader of the Seven Wolves of the Northern Desert, and Liao Wenzhong, the second leader, have said that you released something beyond our comprehension and killed several of their brothers. There is also a witness, Qiao Hui, Mayor Qiao's nephew, who testified that you used witchcraft to murder him. He was just lucky and wasn't killed. In addition, his secretary, Zhao Keke, can also testify to all of this!"
Seeing that Chen Cheng did not speak, the middle-aged policeman lit a cigarette and said, "What I want to say is that whether you confess or not, even if you don't confess at all, the court can still convict you. Moreover, the Seven Wolves of the Northern Desert injured you first, and Qiao Hui is your potential love rival. Your actions against them are all the cause and effect of your crime!"
"Officer, I believe you understand that the person who wronged you knows how wronged you are. I have nothing to say now, because whatever I say is wrong. I also believe that justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent!"
Chen Cheng put away his smile and looked at him, speaking slowly and deliberately.
"Captain Xing, this kid is being disobedient. I think he needs to be taught a lesson. Let him taste the stun gun, and he'll talk back!"Chapter 55 Zhang Qian's Angry
As he spoke, he stood up. This time, the middle-aged policeman did not stop him, which seemed to indicate that he tacitly approved of it.
"What are you going to do?"
The door was suddenly opened, and Zhang Qian burst in from the outside.
"Who are you"?
The male police officer named Liu Fei asked in an unfriendly tone.
"She is Zhang Qian from the Municipal Criminal Investigation Team, and also Mayor Zhang's daughter!"
The middle-aged policeman stood up and said.
Liu Fei was taken aback, but he had heard of this icy policewoman and never expected her to break into the interrogation room for the sake of this murderer.
"Captain Xing, is this how you allow your subordinates to treat ordinary citizens? I can call the Inspectorate immediately to report this forced confession!"
"Uh, Zhang Qian, comrade, this isn't our Captain Xing..."
"Shut up! I've noted your badge number. Just wait for the inspection office's report!"
Zhang Qian's eyes widened in anger. If they had arrived any later, they might have used torture to extract a confession from Chen Cheng.
After learning that Chen Cheng had been arrested, Zhang Qian cried and made a scene at home, but her mother couldn't open the locked door. In desperation, she climbed down from the second-floor balcony through the window, falling and injuring herself. Ignoring the pain, she ran to the street, hailed a taxi, and headed straight to the Guangming District Police Station.
Xing Jianzhong gave a helpless bitter smile. This Zhang Qian was not only aloof, but also had an extremely fiery temper and always hated evil. He had heard He Wenhui say more than once that she treated ordinary people like this. Tonight, Liu Fei was going to torture his boyfriend, and she happened to catch him doing so. This time, she would definitely report this matter to the supervisory department.
"Zhang Qian, calm down. Liu Fei was just bluffing him. How could he really treat him like that?"
"Yes, yes, I... I was just trying to scare him..."
"Pah! Get rid of your disgusting faces, especially you, you're obviously no good! You just wait, if the city's supervisory office doesn't care, I'll take it to the provincial supervisory office. If the province doesn't care, I'll take it to the Ministry of Public Security through the internal email. Trying to scare them? Who gave you the right to scare ordinary people? Is it because of the police uniform you're wearing?"
Liu Fei was both shocked and furious when she pointed at him. He never expected this beautiful policewoman to have such a fiery temper. Not only was she from the city's criminal investigation team, which was of a higher rank than his own criminal investigation branch, but she was also Mayor Zhang's daughter. He had wanted to make a good impression on his superiors, but it seemed that he would either be punished or receive a demerit this time.
"Hehe, Comrade Zhang Qian, we know we were wrong. Please calm down. After all, I am the soldier under your father's command. If this gets to the provincial or ministerial level, your father will lose face. We will not ask about Chen Cheng's problem for now, but we must detain him according to the law. We will make a conclusion after we have found out the truth, okay?"
"Alright, Sisi, Captain Xing didn't do anything to me. He was just following procedures. You and I both know exactly what happened. But don't worry, I'll be released without charge in three days at most, and everyone who should be punished will be punished!"
Chen Cheng was deeply moved by Zhang Qian's actions, but he didn't want her to stand against everyone for his sake.
Chen Cheng spoke up, and Zhang Qian's expression softened considerably. She walked up to him and said, "I know you were framed because of me, so no matter what, I will stay with you."
"Zhang Qian, you're a police officer too. You can't do this. Besides, he's just being detained, not locked up in jail. Please understand and cooperate."
Xing Jianzhong said, rubbing his temples.
"Sissi, do you believe me?"
"Of course I believe you."
"Trust me and go back obediently. I said I'll be able to leave in three days at most. Please listen to me, okay?"
"I,"
"Listen to me, I'll come find you in three days!"
Zhang Qian hesitated for a long time before nodding: "Okay, I'll listen to you."
Then she turned around, her face turning cold again: "I can leave first, but let me make this clear: if any of you try to torture him again, I'll take off this police uniform and kill him! I, Zhang Qian, always keep my word!"
Liu Fei, a grown man, was so intimidated by her aura that he dared not meet her gaze.
"Hehe, don't worry, Comrade Zhang Qian, we are a law enforcement agency, we won't break the law!"
Zhang Qian turned her face and looked at Chen Cheng affectionately. Chen Cheng waved to her, and she reluctantly turned around, snorted at the three policemen (two men and one woman), and walked out.
As soon as she left the police station, her phone rang. She took it out and saw it was her father calling. She didn't want to answer, but then she thought better of it and slid the answer button.
"Sisi, where did you run off to? Did you go to see that Chen Cheng?"
Hearing her father's unfriendly tone, Zhang Qian replied, "Where I go is none of your business. I never thought you would be so unscrupulous for your career. If you have nothing better to do, you can investigate this guy surnamed Qiao and see what good deeds he has done. You will then know that you keep saying you are doing what is best for your daughter, but you have found a wolf in sheep's clothing for her!"
After saying that, she hung up the phone without waiting for her father to speak.
Hearing the busy tone on the phone, Zhang Zhenhua felt uneasy. He only had one precious daughter; would he really harm her? Could it be that Qiao Hui really had a problem? After thinking for a moment, he took out his phone and called one of his trusted subordinates.
The next day, Old Zhang hurriedly picked up his phone and dialed the number on the business card.
In the capital city, in Team Leader Tian's office.
He already knew about Chen Cheng's situation and heard that he had been framed. He was furious and went directly to see Mao Qingguo, a high-ranking official in the 709 department.
Mao Qingguo does not work in 709, and there is no director in Bureau 709. In short, his position is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Even the top leader of the province would have to be extremely respectful to him.
When he heard Tian Wenzhong's report, he was furious. He was angry because Chen Cheng, a special invitee of 709, had been framed. He was also furious that such corrupt officials still existed in society. He had heard of Chen Cheng's name when Tian Wenzhong reported to him after he returned from the mine. This young man was good, a promising talent. Moreover, his master was a friend of his through thick and thin. He had even held Chen Cheng when he was a child. Master Xiao was a master who could influence the fate of the nation and had helped China resolve several difficult missions. Knowing that his beloved disciple had been framed and imprisoned, how could he not be furious?
"Investigate! I'll send the National Security Bureau to investigate right now. You should also send people to Xijing. Let the two organizations join forces, find out what happened first, and then let the highest disciplinary department clean up the mess!"
With the intervention of the local National Security Bureau, without even consulting the police station, Ren Beifeng, the leader of the Seven Wolves of the Northern Desert, and Liao Wenzhong, the second-in-command, were taken from the hospital. To maintain secrecy, the six police officers guarding them were also taken away. At first, the two men remained silent, but after a little trickery from two Taoist priests from the 709 Bureau, they quickly confessed everything. It was all caused by the so-called master hired by the Qiao family, who released ghosts that scared their five brothers to death. The two men already had a grudge against Chen Cheng, so they gave false testimony, insisting that Chen Cheng had released the ghosts to retaliate against them.
When they captured the heretic, although he resisted and even tried to escape using his Taoist magic, he was no match for the orthodox Taoists. He was subdued and controlled in two rounds, and the little ghosts he raised were also destroyed.
When the National Security Bureau investigated the Qiao family from the outside, they discovered that Qiao Hui had a long history of misconduct, including having sex with several girls and committing all sorts of bad deeds. His father, Qiao Minchang, was also involved in tax evasion at his company. Furthermore, his uncle, Qiao Minxing, who was the mayor, was also found to be corrupt, having colluded with businessmen and engaged in bribery and embezzlement.Chapter 56 The Big Shot Makes a Move
Another group of people went directly to the Xijing City Police Station with their paperwork. When Chief Du saw the identification presented by the visitors, he quickly stood up and shook hands with them. Then, with a look of surprise and uncertainty, he personally led the group to the Guangming District Police Station.
When Qian Weihao, the director of the Guangming District Police Station, saw the head of the Municipal Bureau and several people with special identities come to see the suspect Chen Cheng, he hurriedly called Xing Jianzhong to go to the detention room together. The person guarding Chen Cheng here was Liu Fei, who was going to torture him last night. When he saw the heads of the Municipal Bureau and the District Bureau come to see Chen Cheng in person, he hurriedly opened the door, his heart pounding!
At this moment, Chen Cheng was lying on a small bed made up of two tables, his head resting on his arm, legs crossed, humming a song leisurely. A man with a full head of white hair walked out from behind the crowd and came to Chen Cheng, saying, "Xiao Cheng, I'm late!"
"It's not too late, Brother Bai. I've never been to jail before, so it wouldn't be bad to experience it."
Chen Cheng sat up and said with a grin.
"Let's go outside first and talk about it."
"He's a suspect. Do you have the proper paperwork?"
Liu Fei asked, rather cluelessly.
"Shut up"!
The district bureau chiefs, Qian Weihao and Xing Jianzhong, simultaneously rebuked him.
The old man with white hair stared at Liu Fei, his powerful aura making Liu Fei sweat profusely.
An officer from the National Security Bureau walked over to him and said coldly, "Our documents have already been reviewed by Director Du of your Municipal Bureau. Do we need to show them to you again?"
"I'm sorry, Liu Fei is a new police officer and doesn't know the rules. Please forgive him!"
Qian Weihao hurriedly said to the group.
"Liu Fei"?
Upon hearing the name, Director Du paused for a moment, then angrily said, "Liu Fei, I have received a report that you are suspected of abusing your power and attempting to extract a confession through torture. You are temporarily suspended from your duties and sent home to reflect on your actions while awaiting investigation!"
Liu Fei was shocked. He never expected that his loose tongue would become the fuse that sent him home to reflect on his actions.
Director Du glared at Qian Weihao and Xing Jianzhong again, and the two men instantly tensed up, but fortunately, the top leader didn't say anything.
"The power that the people have bestowed upon you as police officers has become a weapon in the hands of high-ranking officials. This is not the end of the matter. After the Qiao brothers, Qiao Minxing and Qiao Minchang, are brought down, your Xijing police department should also be thoroughly purged."
A leader from the National Security Bureau in charge of this mission spoke coldly to Director Du, Director Qian, Xing Jianzhong, and others. Then, with a wave of his hand, the old man with white hair escorted Chen Cheng and several staff members out.
"Director Du, this is the arrest warrant you issued."
"Hmph, I gave the order, but did I ask you to forcibly take my statement? Did I ask you to torture me? If I lose my position, you'll all be eating shit too!"
Frustrated, Director Du snapped at Director Qian and Xing Jianzhong a few times before quickly walking out.
"You are more trouble than you're worth. Take off your police uniform immediately and go home to await further instructions!"
Qian Weihao cursed at Liu Fei, glared at Xing Jianzhong, and slammed the door shut as he left.
The capital city authorities quickly learned of the investigation. Mao Qingguo was furious and immediately dispatched disciplinary officials to Shaanxi Province. Xue Hongsheng, the top official of the province, attached great importance to the matter and also assigned a working group from the provincial discipline inspection commission to cooperate with the capital city authorities.
At this time, the Qiao brothers, Qiao Minxing and Qiao Minchang, and Qiao Hui had been detained and were awaiting their final trial. The two regretted that they had offended the wrong people because they were protecting their own. Their cousin, Qiao Minqiang, from the province, was also summoned for questioning. Even if they had no connection to the matter, his career would come to an end.
The one who regrets it the most is Zhang Qian's father, Zhang Zhenhua. He was summoned by the capital authorities because of this incident. Although there was no major financial problem, he was, after all, the mayor in charge of public security, and he also bears unshirkable responsibility for this matter.
He had already learned of Qiao Hui's misdeeds, and thinking of his daughter's cold voice: "You keep saying you're doing this for our daughter's good, but you've found her a wolf in sheep's clothing!" he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt and sorrow. Yes, he had only thought of himself and hadn't put himself in his daughter's shoes. He had failed as a father.
And then there's Chen Cheng, who seems so ordinary, how come he has such powerful connections? The National Security Bureau, the Capital Police Department, the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, and some mysterious people are all here because of him. Just who is he?
This incident came quickly and ended just as quickly. In just two days, the once arrogant Qiao family was torn to pieces. Zhang Zhenhua received a disciplinary action within the Party, but fortunately, he retained his official position. However, further advancement was now impossible.
In Xijing City Police Department, following the conclusion of the Chen Cheng case, a series of personnel changes followed. Du Haoyu was relegated to a less demanding position and assigned to a less prestigious department; while former deputy director Jin Ziming took over as the head. Qian Weihao from Guangming District Police Department was reassigned to a street police station as deputy instructor, and Xing Jianzhong, captain of the criminal investigation team, was reassigned to a suburban area as a beat cop. As for Liu Fei, he was removed from the police force.
With the arrest of Qiao Hui's driver, Qiao Hui was also imprisoned for hiring someone to commit murder, thus bringing the Chen Cheng case to a perfect close.
Let's go back to the morning when Chen Cheng was brought out by the old man with white hair. After shaking hands with him and saying goodbye, the staff of the National Security Bureau quickly threw themselves into the remaining work, leaving only the old man with white hair and Chen Cheng at the scene.
When Chen Cheng got his phone and turned it on, he saw several messages from Zhang Qian. He knew that this silly girl must be very worried about him, so he dialed her number.
A dozen minutes later, Lin Zihan's red Hyundai pulled up beside Chen Cheng. Zhang Qian, who was in the passenger seat, couldn't wait to get out of the car. Without even closing the door properly, she rushed into Chen Cheng's arms and hugged him tightly, crying.
Touched, Chen Cheng stroked her hair and comforted her, saying, "It's alright, Qianqian, I'm fine now, aren't I? Don't cry, your best friend and my colleague are watching."
Zhang Qian realized they were still on the street and felt embarrassed to part ways with him. She was exhausted last night and didn't go home, going straight to Lin Zihan's place. Fortunately, Chen Cheng was alright. Today, she planned to go to the police station first, and if that didn't work, she would go to the provincial department.
Seeing her embarrassed expression, Chen Cheng quickly introduced her to the old man with white hair. After they started chatting, she gradually calmed down.
"Xiao Cheng, you're alright now. I should go back and report. If you have time, give Team Leader Tian a call. He went directly to the top leaders in the capital for your case, which is how you were quickly exonerated. He's really good to you. And Master Jingyang, after hearing about it, was so angry that his beard stood on end. He insisted on coming with me, but Team Leader Tian persuaded him not to."
"Hehe, I know, Brother Bai. Aren't you going to stay here for a couple of days?"
"No, I have other things to do when I get back."
"Do you need any help?"
"No need. If needed, Team Leader Tian will call you personally."
"Alright, Brother Bai, thank you this time. I'll treat you to drinks when we go to the capital again."
"It's a deal, goodbye."
After finishing his sentence, the old man greeted Zhang Qian and Lin Zihan, got into a car, and sped away.
"Hey, where are you two going? I'll take you there, but I still have to go back to school to work. As soon as I mentioned seeing you, Qianqian panicked and dragged me out of bed without even letting me put on makeup."
Lin Zihan jokingly feigned displeasure.
Zhang Qian glared at her angrily, but Chen Cheng said with a grin, "Thank you, Miss Lin. How about Qianqian and I treat you to breakfast?"
"Breakfast is only worth a few dollars. If you're going to treat me, treat me to a big meal."
Looking at the time, Lin Zihan said, "I don't dare to chat with you guys anymore. I'll be late if I don't leave now. I have the second period class today!"
"Okay, you go ahead. We'll have dinner together sometime."
Zhang Qian said, feeling embarrassed.
Lin Zihan nodded, greeted the two of them, started the car, and drove off.Chapter 57 I Want to Be Your Woman
"You didn't go home last night?"
"Um".
"Why don't you go back?"
"I don't want to go back."
"You had a fight with your family?"
Zhang Qian didn't say anything more, turned around, and tears slid down her face.
Chen Cheng walked around to her, gently wiped away her tears, and said, "You've suffered because of me, haven't you?"
"It's not that I feel wronged, it's that I'm worried."
"Okay, I'm fine now, aren't I?"
"I want to go to Fengjiang with you for a couple of days."
Zhang Qian pouted as she spoke.
"Don't you have to go to work anymore?"
"I'm not going to work anymore, so you'll have to support me from now on!"
Zhang Qian changed her tone and said with a smile.
"No way, Sisi, I was hoping to live off you!"
Zhang Qian knew he was joking, so she affectionately took his arm and said, "You support me first, and I'll support you when you get old. That's like being a kept man!"
The two had already been intimate many times, but he felt uncomfortable with her proudly pressing against his arm, so he said, "You're poking me!"
"Is that bothering you?"
Chen Cheng glanced at her haughty expression and said, "This is poking me!"
Although Zhang Qian loved him, she was still a naive young woman, her face flushed, and she pinched his arm, saying, "You big pervert, you bad guy, you're always bullying me!"
The two bickered as they took a taxi to a Volkswagen dealership. Zhang Qian's car was parked at home, but she didn't want to go home for fear of being locked up by her parents again. So she pestered Chen Cheng to buy her a car as a means of transportation.
Chen Cheng had long planned to buy a car, but he didn't want to spend so much money. Now, under Zhang Qian's coercion, he reluctantly bought a Passat that Zhang Qian had chosen. When he took out his bank card to pay, his hand was trembling. Zhang Qian snatched the bank card and handed it to the staff member with a smile.
Soon, with the help of money, the car was successfully registered and licensed, and the keys were handed over to the two of them.
"Get on the bus!"
Zhang Qian tilted her head and said to Chen Cheng.
"snort"!
Chen Cheng pouted and sat in the passenger seat. Zhang Qian stepped on the gas, and the strong push made Chen Cheng grin as the car sped away.
Zhang Qian drove, while Chen Cheng made phone calls to Team Leader Tian, Jingyang Zhenren, and several others to express their gratitude.
More than two hours later, the black Passat came to a steady stop in front of the old teahouse. Chen Cheng got out of the passenger seat and greeted Old Zhang, who was in tears.
"Xiao Cheng..."
"Uncle Zhang, I'm alright now."
"Uncle Zhang, thank you for everything you've done for Brother Cheng."
Zhang Qian locked her car and came to the door. She already knew the whole story on the way.
"It was what I should do. I knew Xiao Cheng was wronged."
Old Zhang had seen Zhang Qian several times already, and guessed that she was Chen Cheng's real girlfriend.
"Yes, we all know he was wronged, but it's all right now, Brother Cheng has been acquitted."
"Xiao Cheng, who framed you?"
Old Zhang asked indignantly.
"It was a rich young man from the city who framed me because he envied me for being more handsome and dashing than him."
Looking at the grinning Chen Cheng, Zhang Qian lightly slapped him and said, "Uncle Zhang, he's a spoiled brat, but he and his family have already paid the price."
"Oh, that's good, that's good."
Chen Cheng greeted the customers at the old teahouse and led Zhang Qian back to the back hall.
Following the old custom, Chen Cheng respectfully offered incense to the statue of the patriarch and knelt down to kowtow several times. To his surprise, Zhang Qian, this proud daughter of heaven, also respectfully knelt down to bow three times to the statue of the patriarch and kowtowed three times.
Chen Cheng understood her intentions; she was determined to be with him. She, who had never believed in ghosts and gods before, also worshipped the ancestral master like him, seeking the ancestral master's protection for the two of them.
Soon it was evening. After having dinner out hand in hand, the two walked home. Chen Cheng was worried about where to sleep that night. Should he sleep in his master's room and let Zhang Qian sleep in his room? Before he could speak, Zhang Qian said, "Brother Cheng, tonight I want to sleep with you like the past few days."
"What? You're not afraid I'll bully you?"
"Anyway, from now on, you'll be mine. I'm not afraid."
Zhang Qian lowered her head and stammered.
"Sissi, do you really want to be with me? Aren't you afraid of my fate?"
"I'm not afraid. Rather than living a miserable life for a hundred years, I'd rather be with you happily, even if..."
"I understand. Don't worry, I will never avoid you again!"
Chen Cheng interrupted her before she could finish saying what he didn't want to say.
"Really? Why? Aren't you afraid you'll bring me bad luck?"
"If you're not afraid, why should I be? Only a fool would turn down a wife who's practically offered to him!"
"Who wants to be your wife? Humph, I, I want to be your woman!"
Looking at the charming and adorable Zhang Qian, Chen Cheng was also very happy. He never expected that helping out at the Xijing Police Station would actually lead to him finding a wife.
Back home, Zhang Qian asked with a serious expression, "Brother Cheng, did you find a way to go to the capital this time?"
Chen Cheng looked at her with a grin: "My woman is smart; she saw through it at a glance."
Zhang Qian was overjoyed. His words confirmed her suspicions, because Chen Cheng was treating her differently this time.
"However, it's not the right time yet. I can tell you in six months."
Chen Cheng added.
"Hmm," Zhang Qian didn't press for details this time, knowing that Chen Cheng wouldn't lie to her.
Chen Cheng took her hand, took out the crystal bracelet she had left behind, and gently put it on her wrist: "This was a gift from your mother. Now that I'm yours, let's return it to its rightful owner."
Zhang Qian was both shy and happy when she heard this. She looked up at him and asked, "This was given to me by my mother. So what are you going to give me?"
"Six months from now, I will give you this pendant. It will protect you from the harm caused by my fate!"
Chen Cheng stroked the pendant on his chest and said.
After Zhang Qian hummed in agreement, she raised her pretty face slightly and then closed her eyes.
Chen Cheng, his heart pounding, took the initiative and kissed her for the first time...
In a police station detention cell on the outskirts of Xi'an, Qiao Hui lay forlornly on a cold little bed. While awaiting sentencing, he would be detained in this small, dark room of less than five square meters. Just two days ago, he was a wealthy young master dressed in designer clothes, but in the blink of an eye, he was stripped naked, wearing a smelly prison uniform. His watch, cell phone, and even the amulet given to him by the master had all been confiscated by the police.
In the middle of the night, a cold wind blew by, and the corridor lights flickered. Qiao Hui, who was lying on his side on the small bed and was not asleep, suddenly felt a chill on his back and heard a faint "hissing" sound. Remembering what had happened the previous two nights, he was so frightened that his heart began to pound.
"Young Master Qiao, I've brought our son to see you, hee hee hee, hahaha, come and play with us!"
A sharp, icy sound gradually reached Qiao Hui's ears.
"Fang Ting, please let me go. I know I was wrong. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'll definitely send you lots of paper money when I get out. Please don't bother me anymore."
Qiao Hui was so frightened that he knelt on the bed and kowtowed, crying out.
"Daddy, let's play hide-and-seek! I'm under the bed, come find me!"
No matter how much Qiao Hui cried and begged for mercy, that shrill voice that sent chills down his spine could reach his ears without missing a single word.
"Fang Ting, I was wrong. I shouldn't have raped you, I shouldn't have threatened you with your indecent photos. I'm not human, I'm an animal. Please let me go, please let me go, sob sob sob..."
"Hehehe, hahaha, Young Master Qiao, come and play!"
Qiao Hui was kowtowing when he suddenly saw a pale, blood-stained little hand emerge from under the bed, gripping the edge. The dark, sharp fingernails were tightly gripping the edge of the bed, and slowly a pale, blood-stained baby's head appeared, staring intently at him with eyes that had no whites.
Qiao Hui screamed in fright and plopped down on the bed. Beside him, Fang Ting, her body mangled and covered in blood, slowly turned towards him, extending her hands with long fingernails...Chapter 58 I'm Learning From You
Qiao Hui died. The next morning, the staff who delivered his food were so frightened by the discovery that they ran away in a panic. When everyone arrived, they were also stunned by what they saw.
Qiao Hui was kneeling on the bed, his hands clutching his own neck. His ashen face was contorted in extreme pain, his eyes staring up at the ceiling, his mouth agape, the whites of his eyes rolling upwards...
The staff hurriedly reported the incident up the chain of command. When the police detectives arrived, they began to review the surveillance footage of the room. They saw that starting around 1 a.m., Qiao Hui had been kneeling down and kowtowing, begging for mercy and saying things like "Fang Ting, I'm sorry." In the end, he grabbed his own neck and stopped moving, remaining in that position until now.
The police ultimately concluded that Qiao Hui was unable to cope with the blow of imprisonment, which led to mental instability. In addition, his past sexual assault of a female college student named Fang Ting caused a psychological breakdown, which resulted in a sudden heart attack and his death in bed due to shortness of breath.
The conclusion given by the police was not even believed by themselves, but they could not explain the real reason, so they simply let it go.
When the news of Qiao Hui's death reached his father, Qiao Minchang, this once-powerful figure in the business world was too shocked to bear the blow and fainted.
This truly proves Chen Cheng's admonition: "Those who do evil will not live long!"
On this bright and sunny morning, Chen Cheng lazily opened his eyes. Although it was summer, the air conditioning kept the room cool and comfortable. The woman beside him had a rosy complexion. They were both adults; Zhang Qian was two years older than him, but it was their first time. Last night, they had been intimate, and from then on, there was no longer any barrier between them. This devoted girl had risked her own safety to be with him; he couldn't let her down.
Slightly shifting her body, the quick-witted Zhang Qian opened her eyes. Their eyes met, and Zhang Qian, being a girl, couldn't help but shrink into the blanket and snuggle against his chest when she thought about everything that happened last night.
Just then, her phone rang at an inopportune moment, so she had to stretch out her delicate, lotus-root-like arm to pick up the phone from the bedside table and answer it while huddled under the blanket.
"What? Qiao Hui is dead?"
Zhang Qian poked her head out and asked in surprise.
Chen Cheng also heard the voice on the phone; it must be Gao Yang. This incident didn't have a significant impact on the Xijing City Criminal Police Team, and it was fortunate that they weren't assigned to participate in Chen Cheng's case, otherwise they would have been implicated as well.
"Yes, the staff who were detaining him found him this morning when they brought him breakfast. It is said that his death was extremely bizarre. The surveillance footage also showed him atoning for his sins to a person named Fang Ting."
"They deserved to die!"
Zhang Qian said angrily.
The two discussed for a few more minutes before putting down their phones.
"The first time I saw him, I noticed he was surrounded by ghostly energy. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. The last time he showed up at the hospital to show off, I saw a ghostly figure holding a baby sitting on his neck. I knew then that this guy was doomed."
Chen Cheng said, holding the woman in his arms.
"This scumbag has harmed countless girls besides Fang Ting!"
She paused for a moment, then continued, "Hmph, if you dare to lie to me, I'll haunt you even as a ghost!"
As if she had thought of something, Zhang Qian gently pinched his ear and said again.
"Ouch, that hurts, that hurts."
"Stop pretending, I didn't even try."
"I'm learning from you!"
Seeing the man's wicked grin, Zhang Qian was mortified.
"Bastard, pervert, big bad guy..."
After a playful fight, the two got dressed and got out of bed. Zhang Qian quickly pulled off the bed sheet with a few drops of blood on it, intending to wash it later. Chen Cheng didn't dare to tease her anymore and went to the outer room to offer incense and kowtow to the ancestral master.
When Old Zhang saw the two of them come out of the back hall together, he greeted them with a smile but didn't say anything else. Zhang Qian, on the other hand, responded to him with a blush.
After the two had a casual breakfast, Zhang Qian suggested that they go buy some daily necessities.
"Are you really planning to stay here?"
Chen Cheng asked.
"Yeah, I'm quitting my job. I've had another falling out with my family because of you. If I don't stay here, are you going to make me sleep on the streets?"
Zhang Qian rolled her eyes at him and said, "What's wrong? Don't you want to support me?"
"No, not at all. Hehe, I'd love for you to live here. With a wife, you'll have someone to warm your bed in the winter."
"You really think so?"
Zhang Qian was overjoyed.
"Really? You're my first real girlfriend!"
"You're the first, but you also have to be the last, you hear me?"
Zhang Qian raised her little fist.
"Yes, my dear wife."
"That's more like it."
The two were bickering in the car when Zhang Qian's phone rang. Chen Cheng glanced at it and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Zhang Qian hesitated for a moment while holding the phone before pressing the answer button, but she just held it to her ear without saying a word.
"Sissi, where are you?"
"Outside".
"Are you still angry with your dad?"
Zhang Qian remained silent, but Chen Cheng could hear her voice clearly through the microphone. He held the steering wheel with his left hand and tightly gripped her other hand with his right.
"Come home. I want to have a good talk with you. Dad knows he was wrong. Chen Cheng's case made me see Qiao Hui's true character. He received the punishment he deserved and died in detention. Dad will no longer interfere in your love life. Come back. You still have to go to work, right?"
Zhang Qian's small hand was held by the man, and she could feel his love. Hearing this, she couldn't help but sigh and say, "Since you've already given me leave, I'll relax outside for a while and go back when my leave is over."
Zhang Zhenhua on the phone sighed and said, "Okay, you're an adult now, but in your mother's and my eyes you'll always be a child who never grows up. Be careful out there, and come back early when you've had enough fun. Your mother and I are waiting for you at home."
"Okay, I understand."
Zhang Qian put down her phone and casually picked up a tissue to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Sisi, stay with me for a few days to relax and then go back. Your parents do everything for your own good. If you miss me in the future, come find me. If you don't want to travel, I have a car now, so I'll come find you. But, hehe, you have to treat me to a meal and a hotel room!"
Zhang Qian was initially moved by his words, but the last two sentences made her burst into laughter through her tears, and she reached out to pinch him.
"Pervert, scoundrel, who wants to book a room with you!"
"If I come to see you, are we going to sleep in the car instead of a hotel room? I don't have any fetishes like that!"
"You still dare to say that? You big pervert!"
Zhang Qian blushed and pinched him hard a few times.
"Ouch, that hurts!"
Chen Cheng cried out in pain while looking at her with a wicked grin.
"You jerk, I'm ignoring you!"
Zhang Qian recalled her embarrassing state last night and saw his mischievous smile, causing her face to flush. She turned to look out the window.
"I have a small two-bedroom apartment in Xi'an. When I get back, I'll tidy it up and buy you some household items. When you come to visit me, we can stay there."
Zhang Qian looked at the street scene outside and said softly.
"Great! Now that you have a house, I don't have to work so hard to save money to buy one!"
Chen Cheng said with a happy smile.
Zhang Qian rolled her eyes at him but didn't say anything. She didn't care whether Chen Cheng was rich or poor or owned a house. What she cared about was the person. If she were a materialistic girl, then the deceased Qiao Hui and several rich kids could have provided her with all the material life she wanted!Chapter 59 I Won't Hold You Back
The two went to the mall first. Zhang Qian bought some daily necessities that she couldn't live without, while Chen Cheng bought some food and drinks, as well as a large tablecloth.
"Why buy these?"
"Let's go on a picnic."
"Okay, where to?"
"You'll know when you get there."
"Strange and mysterious."
Zhang Qian rolled her eyes at him.
Chen Cheng didn't argue. He grinned and put the things he bought into the trunk of the car, then opened the door and said, "My dear wife, please get in the car!"
"Pah, 'My dear wife'? That sounds awful."
"Then what should I call you? Should I say, 'My woman, please get in the car'?"
"You're not allowed to say that either. Just call me Sisi."
"Okay, Sisi, let's go!"
"Call me Sisi!"
Although Zhang Qian loves him, she can't help but bicker with him. But it's definitely not the kind of argument; she's happy and feels a great sense of accomplishment when she gains the slightest advantage.
The two bickered sweetly as the car sped along. When they arrived at their destination, Zhang Qian's mouth dropped open, and she exclaimed how beautiful the scenery was.
Chen Cheng brought her to the famous Shili Huapu Reservoir in Fengjiang. This place is not only an important water conservancy project in the province, but also a picturesque and unforgettable tourist destination!
Chen Cheng parked the car in the parking lot, and Zhang Qian walked quickly to the edge of the dam. The sight before her amazed her. The reservoir covered a vast area and stretched as far as the eye could see. Sunlight shone on the water, making it sparkle like a huge and bright mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding mountains.
Although the mountains surrounding the reservoir are not high, their vegetation is lush and abundant, with verdant trees forming a green barrier that tightly embraces the reservoir. It's as if the reservoir is adorned with a green necklace, adding a touch of vitality and life.
A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the fresh air filled the room, making the two feel refreshed and relaxed.
Chen Cheng held her hand and quietly admired the beautiful scenery.
"It's still early now. Around four or five in the afternoon, there will be more people here. They come from Fengjiang or other places to visit. Every day in the summer is peak season. There will be many food stalls and barbecue stalls. There are also cruise ships and speedboats at the pier. There are even more people on the beach at night because you can swim there. However, there are safety ropes, and swimmers are generally not allowed to cross the line."
As Chen Cheng spoke, he pointed out several directions to Zhang Qian.
Zhang Qian was overjoyed. With such a beautiful view and someone she admired by her side, how could she not be happy?
The two arrived at a small grove of trees. Chen Cheng spread out a tablecloth, placed food and drinks on it, and then pulled Zhang Qian to sit down. It was almost noon, and although the sun outside was scorching, the grove of trees was incredibly cool and shady, with gentle breezes making the two of them feel extremely comfortable and at ease.
After eating and drinking her fill, Zhang Qian sat on the tablecloth, leaning against Chen Cheng, imagining the wonder of fate. She had only known him for a few dozen days, yet she had given him the precious life she had cherished for twenty-one years. She was not just infatuated; it was a decision she made after many long and agonizing nights. No matter how tough his life was, or whether she was in danger, as long as she could be with him, she didn't care about anything else.
Chen Cheng was also filled with emotion. He thought he would grow old alone, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. This silly girl actually fell in love with him without hesitation. Jingyang Zhenren's words also made him completely open his heart. He would go back and find a way to restore Lü Xiachan's soul. The sooner he could transfer her destiny, the sooner he could put his mind at ease.
Just then, Chen Cheng's phone rang; it was Uncle Zhang.
"Uncle Zhang, is something the matter?"
"Xiao Cheng, the Cui family from the western suburbs came looking for you. They've already taken two talismans from the shop, but they probably won't work. They said they want to see you. Are you in Fengjiang County?"
"I'm at Shili Flower Shop. Is he at the teahouse? If he is, I'll talk to him."
"Yes, please wait a moment."
A moment later, an anxious voice came over: "Master Chen, you have to help us this time."
"Don't rush, tell me what it is first."
"Okay, here's the thing. My family built a new house in the western suburbs and moved in a while ago. But ever since then, strange things have been happening in the house. We often hear smashing and looting sounds at night, but when we get up to check, we find nothing. On someone's recommendation, I went to an old teahouse and got two talismans, but they only worked for a few days before they spontaneously combusted. These past two days, my wife has been talking nonsense, and the sounds she makes aren't hers. She's also incredibly strong. When she goes crazy, my eldest son and I can't hold her down. I asked my older relatives, and they told me that the house was built in a place that shouldn't have been built, which offended the local evil spirits. My wife's behavior is clearly a case of being possessed by a ghost, and she's showing off to us. That's why I found the legendary person who can help resolve this through someone's introduction."
After listening for a moment, Chen Cheng said, "Okay, I'll have Uncle Zhang get you a soul-guiding talisman. I'll wait for you at the old teahouse tonight, and we'll talk then."
"Okay, okay, Master Chen, if you can help us resolve this matter, I won't shortchange you on the incense money."
"Uncle Zhang told me that your surname should be Cui, right, Mr. Cui? After I help you resolve this, the incense money you offer will be to the ancestral master, not to me. I am just a disciple and grand-disciple of Taoism walking in the world. Acting on behalf of Heaven is our mission."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Master Chen, I spoke too hastily. I will offer incense money to the ancestral master."
"Alright, please take the Soul-Guiding Talisman back and give it to your loved one to wear close to her body. At 11:30 tonight, just bring her to the old teahouse."
"Okay, okay, Master Chen, I'll do whatever you say."
Chen Cheng then asked the other party to hand the phone to Uncle Zhang, gave him some instructions, and then hung up.
"Brother Cheng, is it safe tonight?"
"This kind of situation is usually a dispute between the living quarters and the dead, and there is no danger involved. Otherwise, the Cui family would not have survived until now without anyone dying."
Chen Cheng stroked Zhang Qian's hair and said.
"Can I see these things again tonight?"
Aren't you afraid?
"Brother Cheng, I'll have to deal with these things sooner or later if I follow you, so it's better to let me get used to them in advance."
Chen Cheng considered it for a moment and said, "Alright then, I don't think the ghosts in the Cui family are too fierce. You can just sit next to me."
With a "pop," Zhang Qian kissed him on the cheek and said, "Don't worry, I definitely won't hold you back."
"You don't have to hold me back, but could you please not take my pants off tonight while we're sleeping?"
"You bastard, you pervert, who's going to take your pants off?!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qian felt both ashamed and angry, and began pinching and scratching Chen Cheng.
"Ouch, it hurts, it hurts!"
Chen Cheng said with a sly smile.
"You heartless scoundrel, you pervert, tonight, tonight I, I..."
Zhang Qian was both embarrassed and anxious, and she couldn't even speak properly.
Chen Cheng pulled her into his arms and said, "My dear Qianqian, I was just kidding. I was just letting you see those things tonight so you could relax a bit beforehand!"
Hearing this, Zhang Qian felt a surge of sweetness in her heart and stopped struggling. She half-lay in his arms and said, "Brother Cheng, you have to stay close to me tonight, okay? Otherwise, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it."
"Okay, since we're in the same bed anyway, either you're next to me or I'm next to you, what's the difference!"Chapter 60 NegotiationThe two played in Shili Flower Shop until evening before driving back. If they hadn't had something to do that night, they would have stayed longer and agreed to come back to play when they had more time.
Back at the old teahouse, it was already 8:30 p.m. Old Zhang knew something was going on that night, so he waited until Chen Cheng returned before leaving.
After the two rested for a while, Chen Cheng set up a table, placing two large teacups, a shrine, and several sticks of incense beside it.
At Zhang Qian's request, she used her hair to apply talisman water to her eyes and then waited for the Cui family to arrive.
Around 11 p.m., an old man and a young man brought an elderly woman in her fifties to the old teahouse. Chen Cheng hurriedly got up to greet them.
"You must be Master Chen. My name is Cui Youxin. This is my wife, Li Fen, and my son, Cui Jiang. We had an appointment with you this afternoon."
"Yes, Mr. Cui, please have a seat."
As Chen Cheng spoke, he looked at the old woman, Li Fen. She looked dazed and her eyes were lifeless. She was being helped to sit down by her husband and son, one on each side.
After obtaining the consent of the father and son, Chen Cheng cut off a small tuft of hair from each of them and used the same method to temporarily open their yin eyes.
Chen Cheng closed the shop door, took out two candles and placed them on the table, lit them, poured a bowl of tea into the teacup in front of Li Fen, and then waited quietly.
Time passed slowly, and everyone remained silent. The oppressive atmosphere in the room made the Cui father and son extremely uncomfortable. Zhang Qian clung tightly to Chen Cheng's side, looking at the family opposite her, and felt that the atmosphere alone was very strange.
Suddenly, the lights in the teahouse began to flicker, and then the whole room felt like it was being air-conditioned, with the temperature dropping lower and lower.
Chen Cheng thought to himself, "They've arrived," and then picked up three incense sticks, lit them, and placed them in the shrine.
Li Fen, sitting between the Cui father and son, trembled, her eyes flashing with a cold light.
"I am Chen Cheng, a disciple of the Taoist sect. May I ask who you are?"
Chen Cheng asked Li Fen.
At this moment, Zhang Qian was trembling all over because she saw that the old woman's face opposite her was flashing with another man's face, switching back and forth with Li Fen's own face, just like in a movie special effect.
"Hmph, my name is Lu Tianyou. I was born in the late Qing Dynasty and died in the Republic of China. I have lived there for over a hundred years, but his family built their house directly on top of mine, making me feel uncomfortable day and night. If I don't go after them, who else can I go after?"
Li Fen suddenly turned around and pointed at Cui Youxin.
At this moment, Cui Youxin also saw the ghostly face on his wife's face through his yin eyes. He was so frightened that he screamed and almost fell over. He hurriedly stood up and said in a trembling voice, "I, we, we didn't know either. I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Then he looked at Chen Cheng for help.
Seeing his father stand up, Cui Jiang also hurriedly stood up and stood to the side.
"Mr. Lu, humans and ghosts are on different paths. You are a law-abiding spirit, and you only punished them without taking their lives. This is in accordance with the laws of nature, which is quite rare. However, it is not easy for the Cui family to spend so much manpower and resources to build the house. Let's make a deal. If you are willing to reincarnate again, I can help you to be saved. If you are not willing, then we will open your remains and find another auspicious place for you to be buried in a grand manner. What do you say?"
"Not good at all. When I was alive, there was chaos and war everywhere. People were suffering. I died with resentment in that era of suffering. I never want to suffer like that again. I have no children and have lived here for over a hundred years, relying on the meager offerings from the nearby City God Temple. If you move me elsewhere, how am I supposed to survive? Are you taking advantage of me because I'm a lone ghost? Let me tell you, little Taoist priest, I haven't done anything bad in life or death. Even if you can deal with me, it will damage your Heavenly Dao. If you have the guts, kill me again. Anyway, I'm not moving away from here!"
It was extremely strange that Li Fen, a woman, spoke the words of a rough old man!
Chen Cheng was also very troubled by Lu Tianyou's stubbornness. If it were an evil spirit, he could destroy it without saying a word. But it was right and it had not violated the rules of heaven, so he could only try to persuade it with kind words.
"Mr. Lu, how about letting them support you, and you stop making things difficult for them?"
Zhang Qian mustered her courage and spoke to Li Fen.
Li Fen's ever-changing expression as she looked at Zhang Qian made Zhang Qian's heart race, and she unconsciously grabbed Chen Cheng's hand.
"What this little girl said was fairly true."
Everyone was overjoyed, and Cui Youxin quickly said, "Mr. Lu, as long as you don't scare us anymore, we are willing to support you."
"Hmph, words are no proof."
Lu Tianyou continued indignantly.
"I'm willing to draw up a written agreement."
Upon hearing this, Li Fen turned her face and stared intently at Cui Youxin. Seeing her ever-changing expression, Cui Youxin was so frightened that she took two steps back.
"Your human written agreements are of no use to me; you have no sincerity whatsoever!"
Li Fen suddenly lost control, slamming her hands on the table and shouting.
With a "boom," a talisman spontaneously combusted in Chen Cheng's hand without any wind. Lu Tianyou, who was venting his anger through Li Fen's body, immediately quieted down upon seeing this. He knew the power of karmic fire after being a ghost for over a hundred years.
The Cui father and son, who were still in a state of great fear, were relieved to see this and exclaimed that they had found the right person, Chen Cheng.
"Let me offer some honest advice, what do you both think?"
The Cui father and son nodded hurriedly, and Lu Tianyou, who was occupying Li Fen's body, also nodded. They all wanted to hear how this young Taoist priest would make a decision.
"How about this, Mr. Lu? You're a ghost who's been around for over a hundred years. Let Cui Youxin swear by his blood and essence that he'll recognize you as his godfather. He'll offer you incense and paper money during festivals, Qingming Festival, and the fifteenth of the seventh lunar month. In return, you'll ensure his family prospers and his home is safe. From then on, you'll have a long-term meal ticket, and the Cui family will have a guardian deity. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation for both of you?"
Upon hearing this, both parties were overjoyed. Cui Youxin hurriedly looked at Li Fen and saw that the other side of her face was no longer gloomy. Then she nodded in agreement.
Seeing that both parties were willing, Chen Cheng immediately took out a talisman and drew on it in the air with his finger, saying, "Chen Cheng, a disciple of the Daoist sect, hereby proclaims to Heaven and Earth that Cui Youxin is willing to recognize Lu Tianyou's spirit as his godfather and provide him with incense and paper money. Lu Tianyou is willing to protect Cui Youxin's family and help them prosper and live in peace. If either party goes back on their word, they will be punished by the power of Heaven!"
After speaking, he pointed with his Taoist qi, and the talisman immediately flashed with golden light. Everyone had the ability to see clearly.
Chen Cheng summoned Cui Youxin, took out a silver needle, pricked Cui's index finger, and a drop of blood flowed out. He said, "Mr. Cui, press the blood onto the talisman!"
Without hesitation, Cui Youxin quickly pressed his index finger on it, leaving a bright red fingerprint.
"Mr. Lu, it's your turn."
Li Fen opened her mouth and exhaled a wisp of black energy, which also left a small black mark on the talisman. This was Lu Tianyou's ghostly energy, and the blood and ghostly energy were equivalent to both parties having signed and sealed the agreement.
In front of them, Chen Cheng held the talisman in his hand and said, "From now on, you have made a solemn vow to Heaven. If you go back on your word, the consequences will be more than you can bear."
After saying that, he activated his Taoist energy, and the talisman burst into flames, instantly leaving only a pinch of ash.