Chapter 62: The Unconcealable Clues

"Dad, there's a text message, quickly check it." Du Long's phone rang again. He took it out and read the message in a low voice: "Fang Tiance, Han nationality, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of Wuxi County, married, has one daughter and one son..."

When Du Long read out the name Fang Tiance, the fat man sitting opposite him trembled all over, his eyes wide open. As Du Long recited his information in detail, a cold sweat broke out on the fat man's back. Finally, Du Long added, "Fang Tiance has another identity, named Fang Youwei, the largest shareholder of Hongfa Coal Mine in Wuxi County."

Fang Tiance felt his body go limp, his bulky frame wanting to slide to the ground. Large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His eyes, filled with fear, stared at Du Long. The young detective, wearing oversized sunglasses and smiling, seemed more terrifying to him than the Grim Reaper wielding a scythe.

Du Long knew what he was afraid of. As an official in the disciplinary inspection system, Fang Tiance's current behavior was a serious violation of discipline. Not only did he secretly stay in a hotel with a woman, but it was also clear what they had done last night.

Perhaps this was not the worst part. As a government official, Fang Tiance had another identity, and he was the largest shareholder of a privately funded coal mine in his jurisdiction! This was not just a matter of disciplinary or regulatory violations; it was already in the realm of illegal activities.

Fang Tiance seemed to see his glory and wealth slipping away. He fumbled in his pocket for a pack of cigarettes, but could not light the lighter. Du Long took the lighter from his hand and snapped it on for him.

The lighter was a good one, a Zippo, a Japanese version of the double-sided embossed Three Kingdoms series in silver, depicting the story of Zhao Yun's seven entries and exits to save A Dou. It was exquisitely made, and Du Long liked it at first sight. He casually put the Zippo in his pocket. Fang Tiance, though pained, did not care about a lighter when his life was on the line. Du Long's action gave him a glimmer of hope. He shakily took a puff of the cigarette, calmed down a bit, and asked in a low voice, "Brother, what do you want to keep this secret for me? How about I transfer you to the Wuxi County Public Security Bureau as a captain? You're young, and if you help me keep this secret, getting a division chief in the future won't be difficult."

Seeing Du Long remain unperturbed, Fang Tiance added, "Or... I can give you 500,000 yuan! You just started working, right? 500,000 yuan can be a down payment for a decent house."

Du Long shook his head and said, "Who you are and what you do is not important to me. I'm not from the disciplinary inspection commission. I just want to know if you killed the person. Don't lie to me; you can't fool me."

Looking at the mysterious Du Long, Fang Tiance crushed the cigarette he had just taken a puff from and said, "Who would believe you can let me off without anything? Name your price. What do you want to help me keep this secret?"

Du Long said, "Don't get excited. Exposing you won't benefit me. But it's my first day in the criminal investigation team, and transferring me immediately won't be good for me. I'm not short of money, so just consider it a favor. I'll call on you when I need it. Now, tell me honestly, did you kill anyone?"

Fang Tiance looked at Du Long speechlessly. Times had changed, and who would still fear him? Was this kid too smart or too naive?

Du Long's calm demeanor made Fang Tiance abandon the latter thought. He smiled bitterly and nodded, saying, "Alright, I'll remember this favor. If you need anything in the future, just come to me, and I'll do my best to help you once, then we'll be even. As for your question, my answer is the same: I don't know that woman. Last night, I drank and played with my girlfriend for an hour, then slept until morning. Why would I go to the third floor to kill anyone?"

Du Long looked at him for a while, making Fang Tiance feel uneasy. Finally, Du Long nodded and said, "It's the truth. I believe you are innocent. It seems you didn't see or hear anything. I'll go tell our captain, and once he agrees, you can leave with your girlfriend."

Du Long stood up and walked over to Huang Jiehao. Fang Tiance was completely confused by Du Long. Watching Du Long's back, a sense of mystery rose in his heart.

Huang Jiehao was questioning a middle-aged man. Du Long waited until the questioning was over and then approached Huang Jiehao, saying, "Captain Huang, that guy is fine. Can we let him go?"

Huang Jiehao hesitated. Even if he personally interrogated, there might still be oversights. Letting him go like this could mean letting the real culprit go, which was against the rules. However, for some reason, Huang Jiehao had a strange trust in Du Long. After some consideration, he finally nodded and said, "Let him go."

Du Long waved at Fang Tiance, who was incredulous for a moment. When he realized he was really free, he stood up, walked to his girlfriend, and they left hand in hand.

"He's gone!" The people waiting anxiously started to clamor.

Du Long walked over with a stern face and shouted, "What's all the noise? Shut up! The louder you are, the more likely you are the culprit. You, you were the first to shout! And you! You! You!"

The people Du Long pointed at quieted down. Without these troublemakers, everyone became silent. Du Long pointed to a lone traveler in his thirties and said, "It's your turn. Go over there."

The lone traveler blinked and said, "Me? I'm waiting for someone here. It's not urgent. You can ask me last."

Du Long frowned and shouted, "Then why were you shouting earlier? Go over there quickly, don't dawdle!"

The man shrugged and walked over to sit in front of Huang Jiehao. Huang Jiehao, having heard Du Long's conversation with him, looked at him intently and asked, "What's your name? Where are you from? Which room are you staying in?"

The man answered, "My name is Liu Maolin. I'm from Wanlin Town, and I'm staying in room 402. I had a business meeting here, but I didn't expect this to happen. I've already called to reschedule, so I'm not in a hurry. I shouted earlier because I was following the crowd; no one wants to be detained and questioned like a suspect."

Huang Jiehao said calmly, "I didn't ask you about that. Why did you answer? Liu Maolin, where were you and what were you doing from 8 PM last night to 8 AM today? Who can vouch for you?"