Chapter 35

Soon, backup arrived. After searching the inside and outside of Xiongji Noodle Shop, they found several AK-47s and some ammunition in the cold storage. Additionally, Wei Danhong's head was found in a corner of the cold storage, her eyes wide open, not at peace in death.

With this head, the interrogation would be much easier. Moreover, with the footage from the paparazzi as evidence, after Ferren identified himself, Ji Sizhen still attacked the police with a sharp weapon, so her prison sentence could be very long.

However, Inspector Dai Legao, who followed the backup team, was somewhat dissatisfied after seeing the heavy weapons found: "Madam Xie, the criminals had so many long guns. Why didn't you call for backup for such a big incident?"

"I..." Xie Baonv was clearly still shaken from the previous danger and could not respond immediately, offering no defense.

Ferren, however, said, "Inspector Dai, I don't think Madam needs your advice, does she?"

Dai Legao, quite annoyed, said, "PI Ferren, please mind your tone when speaking to your superior!"

"Inspector Dai, that's exactly what I wanted to say to you. Be mindful of your words when speaking to Madam, and don't act like you're a Senior Inspector!" Ferren fired off a barrage of words, "Also, if a large force had been called to surround Zhang and Ji, it might have really provoked them to fight like cornered beasts. When they start firing AKs randomly, how much responsibility can you shoulder, Inspector Dai?"

Indeed, only by ambushing them like Ferren and his team could they prevent the Zhangs from thawing their guns and mounting an armed resistance.

Xie Baonv, now back to her senses, said unhappily, "Inspector Dai, I have my own judgment on how to handle cases. Please respect your superior."

Dai Legao, unable to withstand the combined attack from Ferren and Xie, could only say, "I will report this matter to the higher-ups. The consequences... hmm!" He then walked away without looking back.

Ferren, watching Dai Legao's retreating back, mocked, "It seems that troublemakers are everywhere, even in the Hong Kong police force!"

Xie Yixin sneered, "He's not a troublemaker, just against me!"

"Against you? Why is he against you?" Ferren asked curiously.

Xie Yixin, unable to withstand Ferren's intense gaze, said embarrassedly, "The reasons are complicated. Just don't ask!"

Ferren made an OK gesture but gave "Internal Informant" Shi Yiran a meaningful glance, clearly indicating that it was his turn to find out about Madam's news.

Shi Yiran gave a "Understood" look.

Back at headquarters, the interrogation was handled by Dai Yan and Li Lidong, with Xie Yixin and Ferren providing support from the adjacent room. Shi Yiran, taking advantage of buying lunch for everyone, slipped to the cafeteria to gather information about Xie Baonv's private life.

After the interrogation, Ji Sizhen confessed to her crimes and revealed that Jiang Long was an accomplice. He not only witnessed Wei Danhong being stabbed to death but also helped dispose of some of the body parts after she was dismembered.

As for Zhang Xiong, Ji Sizhen tried to protect him, not implicating him at all. Ferren was unsatisfied with this result and decided to interrogate him personally.

Entering the interrogation room and sitting opposite Zhang Xiong, Ferren's first words were, "You are a coward who calls himself smart, aren't you, Military Advisor Zhang?"

"Sir, I don't know what you're talking about!" Zhang Xiong pretended to be surprised, but the fleeting fear in his eyes betrayed him.

Ferren, undeterred, sneered, "You have a small truck, right?"

Zhang Xiong argued, "Sir, I run a noodle shop. Having a small truck for deliveries isn't strange, is it?"

Ferren coldly laughed, "But according to the traffic department's surveillance footage, your truck stops at the west end of Guangjing Street every morning for twenty minutes, and the timing coincides with the Guangjing Street robbery. How do you explain that?"

Zhang Xiong shrugged, "Sir, I don't understand what you mean. Is there any necessary connection between the two?"

"It doesn't matter if you don't admit it. Madam and I will charge you with assaulting a police officer, and with the footage as evidence, we can certainly convict you," Ferren said without a hint of worry, "When you're sentenced to three to five years, I'll have plenty of time to find more evidence against you, Mr. Military Advisor!"

"Sir, you can't fool me. Assaulting a police officer carries a maximum of two years in prison," Zhang Xiong comforted himself.

"It's two years, but don't tell me you had no knowledge of Wei Danhong's head found in your cold storage," Ferren said calmly, "Even if I believe you, the jury won't."

Zhang Xiong realized the situation was dire and was at a loss. Ferren, however, ignored him, stood up, and left the interrogation room.

Back in the adjacent room, Ferren said to Xie Yixin, "Madam, with the head of Wei Danhong found at Xiongji and Ji Sizhen's confession, we can charge Zhang Xiong and Jiang Long as accomplices, sentencing them to five to six years. At least this will bring some comfort to the victim!"

Xie Yixin nodded, "I agree. I'll go talk to the Chief Inspector about this." Just as she was about to leave, the phone on the desk rang.

Ferren glanced at the caller and said, "Madam, it's the Chief Inspector. You should take it."

Xie Yixin took the call and hung up after a few words, saying, "The Chief Inspector wants us to come over."

Chen Zejun's office.

After Ferren and Xie Yixin were seated, Chen Zejun's first words were, "Well done! Your Major Crime Unit solved the dismemberment case very quickly, in just three days. The Commissioner personally called to praise your team!"

At this moment, Ferren wisely did not rush to speak. Xie Yixin humbly said, "It's all thanks to your leadership, Chief Inspector. Everyone worked together, which made us so efficient!"

Chen Zejun laughed, "Alright, Xiao Xie, no need to be modest. I really appreciate your abilities." He then looked at Ferren, "PI Ferren, as for you, the senior commissioners have been paying close attention. You've solved three major cases in just a few days, which is truly impressive. I hope you keep up the good work!"

"Thank you, Chief Inspector. I will do my best." Such platitudes were something Ferren had said countless times in the cycle of survival, coming naturally to him.

Chen Zejun waved his hand, "I'm not just giving you a verbal compliment. I will recommend you for commendation, and the Public Relations Department has prepared a press conference for you. I hope you can tell the media how you solved the Guangjing Street robbery, the Far Run Building car theft gang case, and the Shanma Village dismemberment case."

Ferren's face turned green, "Chief Inspector, you know the main culprit, Ji Sizhen, is closely linked to the nine bandits in the Guangjing Street robbery. I'm worried there might be some fugitives. Is it appropriate to release this information so soon?"

"Too soon? I think it's already quite late!" Chen Zejun shrugged, "Usually, once a major case like a bank robbery is solved, the Public Relations Department would immediately hold a press conference. However, the Guangjing Street case had some diplomatic issues to handle, so it has been delayed. It can't be delayed any longer."

Ferren, realizing the press conference was inevitable, quickly changed his mindset. He thought that this exposure might serve as a distraction and agreed readily.

"Very good, PI Ferren!" Chen Zejun's slightly stern face finally showed a smile, "I will personally recommend you for the promotion exam next year. I hope you seize the opportunity!"

"What?!" Ferren was slightly surprised, "Chief Inspector, I've only been on the job for less than five days. This... this might not be appropriate, right?"

Chen Zejun waved his hand, "PI Ferren, the police force is a place that values talent. There can be exceptions. Alright, I have other matters to attend to. You two can go back to work. Don't forget to prepare for the press conference this afternoon."

"YES, SIR!"

At the press conference that afternoon, it was mostly Chen Zejun and the head of the Major Crime Unit, Wang Yipeng, who spoke. Ferren and Xie Yixin only appeared briefly when introduced by the Public Relations Department and served as mere backdrops.

After the depressing press conference, they returned to the office. Seeing it was nearly five o'clock, Ferren decided to go home. At this moment, Song Kui from the adjacent office area came over, saying, "Alan, it's almost quitting time. Want to call some people for a Happy Hour?"

Before Ferren could answer, the most enthusiastic Shi Yiran chimed in, "Sure, sure, Madam, Brother Daimao, are you coming?"

Xie Yixin actually wanted to go, as it would mean more time with Ferren. However, her father, Xie Jiquan, had called earlier, threatening to transfer her out of the Major Crime Unit if she didn't return home on time to see her precious daughter. After some consideration, Baonv could only regretfully shake her head, "I have an emergency at home, so I can't go."

Ferren casually asked, "Madam, is everything okay at home?"

Xie Yixin's heart warmed, and she replied, "No, nothing major. Just some guests at home, so I need to go back and see them."

"That's good. We'll call you for the next Happy Hour!" Ferren said indifferently.

After that, with Song Kui's coordination, Ferren and a few others went for a Happy Hour with their colleagues from the Special Task Force after work.

Driving to Central, although it was still early, the area, being the busiest entertainment center in Hong Kong and even the entire Kowloon and New Territories, was already bustling with people.

They found the largest and most affordable bar and took their seats. Inside, the men and women, bathed in dim lighting, had a peculiar, intoxicated look on their faces, and the atmosphere was filled with ambiguity.

Perhaps due to their professional habits, Ferren and his group chose a corner of the hall. They called a waiter to order two rounds of beer and some snacks, then leaned back and enjoyed the passionate music.

Watching the young men and women dancing passionately in the dance floor, Song Kui's face was full of envy, "Being young is great, Alan. Why don't you go down and dance? You might even hook up with someone tonight!"

(①: Actually a bar term, usually a one-hour or longer period of special offers, such as discounted drinks or free snacks.)

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