Chapter 28: Ice Clear and Jade Pure

Xie Xianxiang was probing Ma Guangming's stance and giving the mayor a lead. Indeed, Ma Guangming followed his lead and said, "Yes, the criminals are too rampant because we haven't done enough to protect the heroes who stop them. If this appeal has already been submitted to you, you should reject it directly, right?"

Xie Xianxiang hesitated, "This... doesn't follow procedure..."

Ma Guangming said, "There's no need to file a case for this. I know the details. On that day, the four thieves were armed with lethal weapons and intended to commit a crime. The police officer was acting in self-defense. In such a situation, who could control the force of their actions?"

Xie Xianxiang smiled, "Mayor Ma, I'll investigate this matter. If the evidence is solid, I'll reject the lawsuit."

Ma Guangming, though somewhat displeased, said with composure, "Then please verify it quickly. I heard the police officer has been suspended for investigation. We can't let a hero suffer such an injustice!"

After Ma Guangming hung up, Xie Xianxiang smiled bitterly and immediately called to verify the situation. Soon, the appeal materials from the four thieves were placed before him. Seeing the four sharp knives seized on the spot and the report from the anti-theft police officer Peng Wei, the facts were clear. Xie Xianxiang couldn't believe that his subordinates would even take on such a case.

Xie Xianxiang cursed under his breath, "What a mess." Just as he was about to stamp the rejection, a thought struck him, "Why did Mayor Ma get involved in this? Could it be that this young police officer, Du Long, has connections with Mayor Ma?"

Xie Xianxiang, being the president of the People's Court, noticed a clue in Peng Wei's report. An elderly man's wallet was stolen, which triggered his heart attack. Considering the recent news that Mayor Ma's father was hospitalized due to an emergency, Xie Xianxiang quickly connected the dots.

"So, Du Long is the savior of Mayor Ma's father. No wonder Du Long sought him out, and no wonder Mayor Ma is so upset..." Without hesitation, Xie Xianxiang stamped the rejection and tossed the appeal materials into the waste bin.

After hanging up, Ma Guangming was still somewhat displeased. Xie Xianxiang wasn't as compliant as he had hoped. If Xie Xianxiang were a man of integrity, that would be one thing, but in today's political arena, could a man of integrity reach such a high position?

Ma Guangming believed that Xie Xianxiang didn't immediately act on his instructions because they weren't on the same wavelength. The top figure in Yuming City wasn't Ma Guangming, and Xie Xianxiang wasn't promoted by him. If the Secretary of the Yuming City Party Committee, Wang Shuwei, had called to give instructions, Xie Xianxiang wouldn't dare to say no.

Should he call Du Long and tell him that he had already intervened? Ma Guangming considered it but decided against it. The young man was too impolite. Although he, as a senior, shouldn't take offense, he decided to leave it at that.

Du Long, unaware that Mayor Ma had already resolved the matter with a single phone call, put away his phone and leisurely made his way to the fourth floor, knocking on the door of Deputy Captain Shen Yujie's home.

"Coming." The door opened, and a very sunny, handsome young man appeared before Du Long, his eyes showing a hint of suspicion. "Who are you looking for?"

The young man's good looks made the usually somewhat narcissistic Du Long jealous. He quickly guessed the young man's identity and forced a smile, extending his hand. "You must be Shen Bingqing. I'm here to see Deputy Captain Shen. My name is Du Long, and I'm also a police officer."

Shen Bingqing didn't shake Du Long's hand. Seeing that Du Long knew his name and recognized his brother, he let him in and turned to get a glass of water for Du Long. "Have a seat. My brother and sister-in-law are out shopping."

Du Long, holding the glass of water, curiously examined Shen Bingqing. He was a very sunny young man, tall and well-built, exuding a youthful vitality, quite different from the effeminate image Du Long had imagined.

Du Long observed Shen Bingqing, and Shen Bingqing observed Du Long. Guests usually take off their sunglasses when entering a home, but this spirited young man still wore his glasses. Was it a lack of manners or for some special reason?

Shen Bingqing, feeling Du Long's gaze, smiled, and two dimples appeared on his cheeks. Du Long drew a breath, "My God, why isn't this guy in an idol drama, becoming a household name? What a waste of his looks and physique! What a shame he's a police officer, he should be punished by the heavens!"

"Are you a detective in my brother's team?" Shen Bingqing asked.

Du Long smiled, "No, I just graduated this year and am currently working at the police station. I came to see Deputy Captain Shen today for some personal matters."

"The police station must be quite busy..." Shen Bingqing and Du Long chatted casually. Undeniably, Shen Bingqing was very handsome, with a pleasant voice and an easy-going personality. After a few words, Du Long found him to be polite, well-mannered, and well-read. However, the more outstanding Shen Bingqing was, the more Du Long disliked him, as he was the one who had ruined Du Long's chance to join the criminal investigation team.

Shen Bingqing also found Du Long to be witty and knowledgeable. He had no prejudice against Du Long and thought he was a decent person.

The sound of the door opening caught their attention. Du Long and Shen Bingqing stood up as Shen Yujie and a woman in her thirties, dressed in a flamboyant manner, entered.

Du Long smiled, "Deputy Captain Shen, Sister-in-law, I came unannounced today. Please don't be upset."

Shen Yujie had just been scolded over the phone by Huang Jiehao. Seeing Du Long sitting in his home, he was a bit nervous. Could Du Long have come to cause trouble after hearing the news?

Thinking of Du Long's ability to take on several people without a scratch, Shen Yujie was secretly relieved that his brother, a former school martial arts champion, was present. He forced a smile and said, "Why be upset? You're always welcome in my home. Xiaoqing, please entertain him. I'll put the things in the kitchen and come out."

Shen Yujie's wife, Liu Yu, gave Du Long a cold look and said, "Honey, is he one of your subordinates? Why don't you let him stay for lunch?"

This was clearly a way to drive him away. Shen Bingqing frowned slightly, but Du Long's smile remained unchanged. "Sister-in-law, there's no need to entertain me. I have some matters to discuss with Deputy Captain Shen. I'll leave once we're done."