Chapter 41

Hai Cheng is a large city, radiating influence across the three northeastern provinces. Yet, Hai Cheng is also small, with its truly prosperous areas concentrated along the coast. Almost all of the top families in Hai Cheng live near the coast, familiar with each other, and any slight disturbance can quickly spread. An event like Xia Ming's suicide had already become common knowledge within half an hour.

Of course, this was limited to families of similar status to the Xia family.

Liu Zhongtian also received the news, and his information was even more detailed. The reason for this was that Wang Xuexi's case had reached a critical stage. Despite significant obstacles, Xia Ming, the real culprit behind the scenes, was gradually coming to light.

Xia Ming had gone out with his bodyguards tonight, and he had been informed by his subordinates early on.

However, the situation developed completely beyond his expectations. Xia Ming was actually dead, which was almost unbelievable. Based on his understanding of Xia Ming, if he had been killed, it might have been possible, but suicide was like a fairy tale.

After sitting in the bedroom for a moment, he suddenly remembered the case he had asked Zhang Yongsheng to investigate. He then called him and casually asked about the cause of Xia Ming's death.

After listening to Zhang Yongsheng's speculation and the description of the suspect, Liu Zhongtian was immediately alarmed. He quickly put on his clothes, ran downstairs, and informed the old man before rushing to the police station.

Not only him, but the Xue family, upon receiving a call from Xue Weimin, also sprang into action. From the Beihai Fleet to the city party leadership, everyone was mobilized.

For a time, the road from Hai Cheng to the city bureau was filled with military vehicles and luxury cars.

The interrogation room was tense, and although it seemed that Lu Li had control of the situation, he was actually in a difficult position.

If he released Xia Yuantian, he would be arrested by the many police officers present. If he didn't release him, continuing the standoff would also be disadvantageous.

"Brother, you release Director Xia first, and I promise we will enforce the law fairly," the middle-aged man was almost in tears. His superior's superior had been taken hostage in the interrogation room, and there was no one to appeal to.

Lu Li thought for a moment and said, "I can release him, but I must clarify two points. First, I did not kill anyone; Xia Ming's death is not related to me. Second, Director Xia pointed a gun at me, and I acted in self-defense. If you acknowledge this, I will let him go now."

"This—," the police officer looked hesitant.

"Don't listen to him. He killed first and then took a public official hostage. We cannot let him go," Xia Yuantian quickly said.

Xia Yuanxing looked at Lu Li, a glint of insight in his eyes.

"Cough, cough."

At that moment, a light cough came from the door, and a middle-aged police officer stepped in, followed by Xue Weimin. Xue Weimin was startled by the scene and quickly gave Lu Li a meaningful look.

Lu Li, noticing Xue Weimin's appearance, felt a bit relieved and said, "Do you remember the two points I mentioned?"

Zhang Yongsheng smiled and said, "What did you say? Let me hear it first."

Seeing Xue Weimin nod subtly, Lu Li repeated himself. Zhang Yongsheng gave Xia Yuantian a strange look and said, "There are surveillance cameras in the interrogation room. We will review the footage later. If what you said is true, I can promise to recognize your actions as self-defense."

"Zhang Yongsheng, you dare!" Xia Yuantian suddenly interrupted, angrily saying, "Think carefully. He is a suspect."

"Director Xia, you often teach us to rely on evidence. You also said he is just a suspect, not yet convicted. Before that, no one should mistreat a suspect, especially one facing a life-threatening situation."

Xia Yuantian was speechless, while Xia Yuanxing frowned and stepped forward, bowing and saying, "Director Zhang, what do you mean? He killed my son, with solid evidence and witnesses. Are you going to bend the law for personal gain?"

"Chairman Xia, please bear up. The death of your son is a tragedy that none of us want to see. Whoever the killer is, I will bring them to justice."

Zhang Yongsheng's rise to power was due to Liu Desheng's promotion. Although Liu Desheng has retired and his influence has gradually diminished compared to the Xia family, as an official, one must avoid being fickle. If he doesn't show respect to the leader who promoted him, who would still trust him?

"Hmph, he is the killer," Xia Yuanxing roared.

"Who says he is the killer? Step forward and let me see."

As he spoke, another person entered the interrogation room.

Everyone turned to look and was startled. Even Lu Li was slightly surprised. The person who entered was actually the Party Secretary of Hai Cheng, Li Deming.

Zhang Yongsheng was initially stunned but soon showed a pleased expression, stepping forward to ask, "Secretary Li, why are you here?"

Li Deming gave Lu Li a strange look, gradually recognizing him.

At the last birthday banquet for Liu Desheng, although he was present, he did not pay attention to table number ten, so he recognized but did not know him. Seeing him holding Xia Yuantian hostage, he frowned and said, "You are Lu Li? With me here, no one can distort the truth or bend the law. Release him now."

The people present looked at each other and then at Lu Li, suddenly feeling a bit fearful.

They didn't expect this young man to be so unassuming yet able to make the Party Secretary personally intervene. Especially the two young police officers who first interrogated Lu Li, their foreheads were already covered in cold sweat, wishing they could turn and run.

It was clear that Director Zhang and Secretary Li were protecting Lu Li. Xia Yuantian, a powerful dragon, could not suppress the local snake, and his high rank was of no use. Moreover, he was not as powerful as Li Deming.

"Secretary Li, he killed my son. Is that just it?" Xia Yuanxing looked at Li Deming, not daring to question him, and asked in a sorrowful tone.

Li Deming sighed, patted his shoulder, and said solemnly, "Xia Ming was a good boy, and no one wants such a tragedy. But we cannot let an innocent person suffer while the real culprit goes free. Old Xia, I promise you, if the evidence is solid, I will not favor anyone."

"He, it's him."

Li Deming, seeing Xia Yuanxing shouting, was slightly displeased and said sternly, "Before I came, I thoroughly reviewed the case and questioned others. This matter does have some connection to him, but it's just a case of young people being hot-headed, not a major issue. As for the cause of Xia Ming's death, the criminal investigation department needs to continue the investigation."

Hearing this, Xia Yuanxing was silent.

Xia Yuantian, however, looked thoughtful, sensing a different meaning in Li Deming's words.

"Lu Li, are you okay?"

"Who is Lu Li?"

Two voices called out from outside the door. Everyone seemed to be immune, all looking at the door expressionlessly, wondering who would arrive this time.

The first to enter was Liu Zhongtian, his face full of worry, and he only relaxed when he saw Lu Li was fine.

Behind him, a military officer in uniform with a star on his shoulder entered confidently.

"Who is Lu Li? The leader orders you to come with me."

"What?"

Xia Yuantian exclaimed, quickly looking at Li Deming, shocked to see that Li Deming also had a surprised look. Clearly, even Li Deming did not know who this leader was, but it was obvious that he had come to protect Lu Li.

Thinking of this, Xia Yuantian's gaze turned dark as he looked at Lu Li, his respect for him growing even more.

With so many people staring at him, Lu Li, apart from initially looking a bit strange, maintained a calm smile. To others, this expression was either a show of superiority or a sign of confidence, believing that no one could harm him.

Thinking of this, the group looked at Lu Li, finding his smile increasingly enigmatic.

Sensing the strange atmosphere in the interrogation room, Lu Li casually released Xia Yuantian, threw the gun on the table, and said, "Can I go now?"

***

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