Chapter 75: Luring the Snake

“How old is Chen Weiguo this year?” Lin Qiao asked on the way.

Ji Duo knew she had hit the point and turned to look at her, “He’s a year older than Xiao Ze.”

A year older than Ji Ze, which means he was about nine or ten years old when Shaozhen’s incident happened. Could he really know something?

Lin Qiao was skeptical.

Moreover, if he really knew something, why didn’t he say it back then or later? Now that he’s in trouble, he remember to tell Ji Duo?

But since he claimed to have clues, they had to listen.

When they got off at the police station, Ji Ze was already waiting there. Seeing Lin Qiao, he was a bit surprised, but not entirely. He walked up and whispered, “Yu Jin is still in critical condition. The Yu family hasn’t had time to deal with this yet. Chen Weiguo will be transferred to the detention center tomorrow morning.”

That means if there’s anything to say, it’s best to say it now. Talking once the Yu family has time to deal with Chen Weiguo will not be as convenient.

Ji Duo nodded and went in with Lin Qiao. Chen Weiguo was already in a separate room, handcuffed and sitting on a chair.

Lin Qiao couldn’t help but look at him – in his early twenties, clean-looking, not short, and wearing glasses. Just by appearance, he didn’t look like someone who would stab multiple people. But he looked very dejected, with sunken cheeks and bloodshot eyes. Despite his young age, he sat hunched over like an old man in his fifties or sixties.

Hearing someone open the door, he instinctively looked up and called, “Uncle.”

Ji Duo closed the door but didn’t walk in, standing at the door and shielding Lin Qiao behind him.

With his tall figure in a protective stance, Chen Weiguo could barely see a slender silhouette. He didn’t dare to look more, just one glance, and his eyes fell back on Ji Duo’s face, smiling bitterly, “When I was a kid, I used to follow you with Ji Ze. I never thought one day you’d come here to see me.”

Ji Duo didn’t speak.

Chen Weiguo lowered his head deeply, “I didn’t want this either, but my mom is gone. If it weren’t for him,” the sound of grinding teeth was clear in the room, “if it weren’t for him tricking me and not even taking out the money he tricked from me to help me pay my debts…”

Ji Duo still didn’t speak, his eyes calm and showing no emotion.

This silence created invisible pressure, making it hard for Chen Weiguo to continue. He looked up at Ji Duo, finding the man in his military uniform as upright as when he had come in.

The woman behind Ji Duo was equally composed. Neither of them was in a hurry to ask questions, and the room was filled only with his voice.

He stopped saying useless things, “Ji Ze must have told you, right? I’m not trying to escape punishment. Just don’t let the Yu family kill me. That family has no good people; they’ll definitely try to kill me.”

He glanced at Ji Duo, “I’m not saying this out of hatred. Before buying the production line, I was close to the Yu family, even bringing them gifts for the New Year.”

Even though the Chen family had fallen, as a childhood friend, he had to bring gifts to ask for help.

Moreover, Yu Jin tricked him, not treating him as a friend, “Once, I went at a bad time and caught the old man of the Yu family scolding someone in the study.”

He glanced at Ji Duo again.

This made Lin Qiao ponder. Hearing it from the Yu family, rather than knowing it beforehand, could the Yu family be involved in this matter?

Ji Duo finally gave him a look, “What were they scolding about?”

This made Chen Weiguo breathe a sigh of relief, “They were scolding an idiot, saying, ‘Wasn’t the trouble you caused back then enough? Gu Chengye is still investigating!'”

Gu Chengye was Old Gu’s name.

This clearly indicated that someone from the Yu family was involved in that incident back then.

Ji Duo listened, his face still showing no emotion, “During the New Year?”

“During the New Year. Yu Jin’s father came out to greet me, and when he started talking to me, the scolding inside stopped. At the time, I didn’t know what was going on. Later, when I heard that you and Old Gu were still looking for Gu Shaozhen, I thought it might be related, but I never had the chance to say it.”

Saying he never had the chance is false; saying he couldn’t say it is true, right? He was seeking cooperation with the Yu family, trying to curry favor with them, so how could he reveal their secrets?

Ji Duo and Lin Qiao didn’t speak, making Chen Weiguo think they didn’t believe him. He got anxious, “I’m telling the truth. It was on the first day of the New Year. I brought two old ginseng roots.”

He tried to recall, “The old man of the Yu family not only scolded someone in the study but also smashed a cup. I didn’t see him when I left.”

With a movement, the handcuffs on his wrist clinked, making him aware of them again. He quickly calmed down, “I remember Gu Shaozhen was very obedient as a child, timid, never running around. How could she suddenly go missing? There must be something fishy. You should investigate the Yu family.”

“Do you know who was in the study?” Ji Duo’s voice was very calm.

Chen Weiguo hesitated, then shook his head, “I don’t know. From when I arrived to when I left, the study door never opened.”

Seeing that there was nothing more to ask, Ji Duo turned to open the door, letting Lin Qiao out first.

“Actually, even without this incident, I planned to tell you. After all, Yu Jin tricked me, but Ji Ze was willing to lend me money.” Chen Weiguo’s dejected voice came from behind.

Ji Duo said nothing and closed the door.

Ji Ze was waiting in the hallway. Seeing them come out, he immediately asked, “How was it? Was it useful?”

Ji Duo didn’t speak, and neither did Lin Qiao.

It wasn’t until they thanked the officers at the police station and walked out the door that Ji Duo coldly glanced at his nephew, “What kind of friends are you making?”

One sentence made Ji Ze’s face turn red, “I… I didn’t know they would turn out like this…”

Ji Duo and Ji Ze had completely different approaches to making friends.

Ji Duo had few friends, but they were reliable and long-lasting. Ji Ze had many friends, seemingly able to talk to anyone, but the quality varied. One Yu Jin, willing to introduce a problematic deal for enough money, and one Chen Weiguo, with his own schemes.

In comparison, Ji Ze seemed naive. It was hard to say whether it was inherited or due to his environment.

He rubbed his head, “At least now I can see clearly. In the future, when I’m not in the military, it’ll be easier to tell who really considers me a friend and who just wants to take advantage of me.”

After all, everyone knows he has money now. Those who want to borrow money or take advantage of him should stay away.

Ji Duo didn’t say anything more. The three of them got into the car, and after driving for a while, Ji Duo threw a pack of cigarettes to Xiao Fang from the back seat, “Go have a smoke.”

Xiao Fang understood. He quickly found a secluded spot to park, got out, lit a cigarette, and turned his back to the jeep. This was to avoid suspicion and to be cautious of their surroundings, preventing eavesdropping. Lin Qiao immediately realized that Ji Duo had something to say.

Sure enough, Ji Duo directly asked Ji Ze, “How much of what Chen Weiguo says is true, and how much is false? Do you know?”

Having learned his lesson, Ji Ze carefully considered before saying, “He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, he’s usually reliable, not someone who talks nonsense. But after what happened with Yu Jin, I’m not too sure.”

He turned to look at Ji Duo, “Do you suspect he’s not telling the truth?”

Ji Duo didn’t respond, instead turning to Lin Qiao, “What do you think?”

His uncle had always been good at keeping secrets, with some things even his grandparents didn’t know. Ji Ze didn’t expect him to ask Lin Qiao, so he looked over as well.

Lin Qiao pondered for a moment, “Timing-wise, it’s a bit too coincidental.”

Ji Ze might not understand, but Ji Duo certainly did. They had gone to catch someone but missed, which happened around the New Year.

However, Lin Qiao didn’t rule it out completely, “It’s also possible he’s just looking for someone to protect him and wants revenge on the Yu family.”

The statement was too vague. It could refer to Shaozhen’s or Shaoping’s matter. It seemed more like a direction than evidence – that people in their circle knew Ji Duo and Su Zheng had been helping Old Gu investigate for years.

Chen Weiguo appeared gentle and honest, but the more honest someone seemed, the more capable they were of big actions. Besides, he wasn’t as honest as he appeared.

Ji Duo didn’t speak, but his gaze remained on Lin Qiao’s face, indicating he had similar thoughts.

The couple had a tacit understanding, but to Ji Ze, it seemed like they were speaking in riddles, “So, is this information useful or not?”

He couldn’t help but scratch his head, “And what about Chen Weiguo? Should we protect him or not?”

“Of course, we should protect him.”

“Protect him.”

The couple spoke in unison.

Ji Ze looked at one, then the other, unsure whom to ask.

Ji Duo’s gaze also fell on Lin Qiao, seemingly wanting to hear her opinion.

Lin Qiao spoke directly, “If we don’t protect him, how can we test whether his words are true or false? Besides, he said to judge him as he deserves. We not only need to protect him but also make a big show of it, letting everyone know. Only then will people wonder how much he has revealed and become disorganized.”

This was entirely a method to lure the snake out of its hole. This time, all fingers are pointing at the Yu family. If the Yu family really has problems, can the elders and the young ones hold their ground?

Moreover, with Yu Jin just getting into trouble, the Yu family is in chaos and might not be able to handle everything.

After Lin Qiao finished speaking, she realized that both uncle and nephew, one in front and one behind, were staring at her without saying a word.

“Where did I say something wrong?” She looked back at them one by one.

“No.” Ji Ze immediately looked away, but his expression was inevitably complicated. Having had little contact before, he hadn’t realized that Lin Qiao was not only smart but also clear-headed and calm in the face of problems. She even had such a tacit understanding with his uncle, no wonder his uncle would…

He subconsciously looked back again, only to find himself directly meeting Ji Duo’s cold and deep gaze.

For some reason, Ji Ze felt guilty and hurriedly said, “Is that all? If so, I’ll go call the driver.”

Ji Duo responded, “Hmm,” “You don’t need to come up.”

Ji Ze was stunned.

The man on the other side had already glanced at him coldly. “Do you still want to go home with me and your aunt?”

Looking outside, he realized the car was parked near his factory. He immediately opened the door and got out, “Then I’ll be off.”

“Be safe.” Lin Qiao politely waved at him.

Unexpectedly, Ji Duo also got out of the car, bought an ice cream from a nearby shop, and handed it to Lin Qiao in the car.

The car door closed, and the car quickly started. The rear lights illuminated the shadows of people, slowly merging into the deepening twilight and becoming less visible.

Since they wanted to make a big show of protection, Ji Duo went to the detention center to greet them and make sure they didn’t mess with Chen Weiguo.

Not only did he greet them, but he also sent gifts, openly signaling that this person was under his protection. This way, at least before the case was formally tried, Chen Weiguo wouldn’t suffer any hidden losses. During the trial, they would also have to consider whether the trial was fair.

The news spread, clearly displeasing the Yu family, and they even called Old Mr. Ji.

Old Mr. Ji had already been informed by his son, “Our Xiao Ze insisted on getting involved and sought help from the second son. We had no choice. You know Xiao Ze, he’s very loyal, having been friends for so many years, growing up together. How could he ignore his feelings?”

He sighed, “Besides, he had considered buying that production line, just missed it by a bit, and now he’s scared.”

His words were not accusatory, but upon closer inspection, they were full of blame.

Old Mr. Yu was choked up, “This matter was not handled well by Xiao Jin, but that boy from the Chen family… five stabs, a full five stabs.” His tone was full of pain, “One of the stabs hit the spleen, almost couldn’t save him.”

“That was very dangerous. Is Xiao Jin okay?” Old Mr. Ji asked about Yu Jin’s health, avoiding the topic of Ji Duo not interfering with Chen Weiguo.

After hanging up, he coldly snorted to Xu Li, “His grandson almost got my grandson into trouble, and he wants me to manage the second son? Do I look like I’m made of dough?”

Xu Li, being soft-hearted, said, “I just feel sorry for that boy from the Chen family and that girl from the Song family. Qiao Qiao said she teaches well.”

“What good is teaching well? With such parents, it’s a pity the eldest daughter-in-law treats her like a treasure.”

From the beginning, when Ye Minshu used Song Jing to block the arranged marriage for Ji Ze, the Song family didn’t avoid suspicion. Old Mr. Ji knew that the eldest daughter-in-law would suffer at the hands of this family sooner or later. However, when Ji Ze retired and went into business, the Song family immediately shifted their target and arranged a marriage with the Yu family. Because his grandson was rejected, he was unhappy.

As a result, the engagement banquet turned into a mess. Yu Jin’s body was probably ruined, his reputation tarnished, and who knows what that family thinks now.

Regardless of what the Song family thinks, when the news that Old Mr. Gu would visit Chen Weiguo in prison came out, someone finally couldn’t sit still.

That day, Ji Duo had just come out of the detention center and unexpectedly saw someone he wasn’t surprised to see.

Fifth Yu, with a gloomy face, stood in the shadows outside the detention center, cigarette butts scattered around his feet, “You really love to meddle in other people’s business, managing the Gu family’s affairs and the Chen family’s affairs. People might think the rumors about you not liking women are true. If he’s not your lover, why are you so concerned?”

His words were harsh, but Ji Duo didn’t even blink, calmly walking down the steps, “I protect him because he has value.”

The sound of his summer shoes on the ground was not heavy, but Fifth Yu still felt the pressure as he watched the man walk steadily.

This made his face even darker, his eyes fixed on Ji Duo, “He just committed a crime and hates our Yu family. Aren’t you afraid he’s lying?”

Ji Duo lifted his eyelids, his eyes dark and unreadable, “If it’s a lie, why are you here?”

Yu Wu was speechless, his hand holding the cigarette started to tremble, and his face turned pale. After a long time, he found his voice, “Isn’t it just about Gu Shaozhen’s issue?” His trembling hand put the cigarette in his mouth, took a hard puff, and choked, his eyes turning red.

He threw the cigarette butt on the ground, “Since you want to investigate, I’m not afraid of you knowing. Back in the southern province, I did vent my anger on that girl Gu Shaozhen. Chen Weiguo told you this, right? But do you think I was the only one? Dai Cheng from the Dai family, the second and third sons of the Tang family, and…”

He listed several names, “They all participated. Are you going to take them all down and retaliate?”

Fifth Yu laughed, full of malice, even looking at Ji Duo with a provocative smile: “You want to manage everything. Can you handle it?”

Unexpectedly, Ji Duo repeated all the names he mentioned, “Just these, any more?”

His tone and eyes were equally calm, but they were too calm, making one’s scalp tingle.

“Are you really going to retaliate one by one?” Looking at Ji Duo’s emotionless gaze, he was in disbelief, his fingers trembling again.

He tried to justify his actions, “You can’t blame us for this. Who would want to be suddenly thrown into such a godforsaken place from a comfortable life in Yandu? It’s normal to be angry with nowhere to vent, right? Besides, she didn’t say anything herself.”

“So you think you can bully her? Lose her?” Ji Duo suddenly stepped forward, grabbed his neck, and pinned him against the wall. “She was only nine years old! Don’t you have a sister?”

The force was too strong, and Fifth Yu’s back hurt from the impact, tears almost bursting out.

Since Ji Duo joined the army, it had been many years since anyone heard of him fighting, but his grip was still so fierce that Yu Wu couldn’t speak.

“Who, who lost her… She clearly got lost herself…”

Fifth Yu struggled to squeeze out a sentence, “I just, just didn’t want you to listen to Chen Weiguo and make wild guesses, so I came to find you…”

He tried to pry Ji Duo’s fingers off, gasping for breath, “If we lost her, who would we vent our anger on in the future? We’re not stupid…”

However, these words only further fueled Ji Duo’s anger. He finally let go, and Fifth Yu immediately bent over, coughing violently.

Just when he thought he had escaped, Ji Duo suddenly leaned in, “What about Shaoping’s death?”

Yu Wu’s pupils shrank, almost reflexively, “How do you…”

At that moment, an elderly voice interrupted, “How old are you, still fighting!”

Fifth Yu snapped back to reality, breaking out in a cold sweat, “Dad, Dad?”

It was Old Mr. Yu, along with Yu Jin’s father, Fifth Yu’s elder brother.

Old Mr. Yu instructed his eldest son to take the younger one to the car to sober up, “Take him to the car to clear his head. Don’t let him drink a couple of shots and start babbling nonsense.”

Fifth Yu, having been startled and relaxed, lost his guard.

Ji Duo said nothing, letting Old Mr. Yu’s eldest son take Fifth Yu away, his gaze fixed on Old Mr. Yu.

The look was so deep that it made Old Mr. Yu uncomfortable, “Sorry for the embarrassment. This son of mine is indeed not very promising.”

The old man, dressed in a simple short-sleeved shirt and trousers, with his head shaved short and white, showed no sign of having received two valuable ginseng plants from Chen Weiguo last year, “He probably feels guilty. Every time he drinks, he brings up that girl from the Gu family, always feeling remorseful.”

After spending so much time in high places, they all seem to have the ability to turn black into white. Ji Duo, who rarely smiles, almost laughed in anger at these words.

“If you have nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.”

With things as they were, Ji Duo had nothing more to say to the other party. Just as he was about to leave, Old Mr. Yu said meaningfully, “If you don’t believe he drank, you can go smell him in the car. I guarantee he smells of alcohol. After all, everything needs evidence, right? I can’t just make things up.”

These words were worth pondering. Ji Duo paused, tightened his jaw, and looked back at him, “Thank you for the reminder.”

After they left, Old Mr. Yu got into the car, and Fifth Yu finally put down the bottle of alcohol that had been forcibly stuffed into his hand, asking his father with a heart full of fear, “Did we fool him?”

The answer was a slap across the face, “You went out of your way to deliver yourself. I’ve never seen anyone as stupid as you!”

When Ji Duo returned home, he was greeted by the lively sound of the TV in the living room and Lin Qiao lying on the sofa under the ceiling fan.

Hearing him come back, Lin Qiao, who was lying on the sofa, moved her feet and made room for him in his usual spot.

Ji Duo walked over but didn’t sit down. Instead, he bent down and picked Lin Qiao up horizontally.

Lin Qiao was startled and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, “What are you doing?”

Ji Duo didn’t say anything, turned around, and sat on the sofa. He placed Lin Qiao sideways on his lap, holding her close and pressing her into his neck.

This man was always cold and reserved. Even during the most heated moments of their relationship, he had never held her like this with the lights on.

Lin Qiao immediately sensed something was wrong, “Did something happen?”

Ji Duo held her without saying a word.

But now, every time this man went out, he would report back. Thinking about what he had gone to do, Lin Qiao instantly understood, “Did something happen with the Yu family?”

“Yes.” This time, Ji Duo finally spoke, but his voice was noticeably muffled.

Lin Qiao didn’t rush to push him away, “Who in the Yu family?”

“Fifth Yu.” Ji Duo said in a low voice, “He came to confess about Shaozhen.”

“Confess?” Lin Qiao pondered the word, “Does he think that by admitting to Shaozhen’s matter, no one will continue to investigate and suspect him of being involved in Shaoping’s death?”

When a mistake can’t be covered up, many people choose to hide the big one and admit the small one.

Lin Qiao quickly understood the key points, and Ji Duo couldn’t help but touch her hair. This touch carried a different meaning, affectionate and tender, just like that night when they returned from the hospital.

Lin Qiao paused, but the man seemed unaware, even holding her tighter, “It should be him.” He recounted what had happened outside the detention center.

“They were unhappy, so they took it out on Shaozhen?” Lin Qiao was furious. She had never overestimated human nature, but sometimes she was still shocked by its evil.

“It’s okay, I remember everything.” In front of Lin Qiao, Ji Duo didn’t restrain the coldness in his words.

“So the next step is to find evidence?”

Lin Qiao and Ji Duo glanced at each other. “It might be hard to find evidence for Shaoping, right?”

Ji Duo responded with a “Hmm,” just as the phone in the living room rang.