Chapter 29

Comparison

In Lei Guang’s account, he portrayed himself as selfless, giving up his education to help his parents support his older brother’s education, work, marriage, and children.

However, in Miao Xiaohong’s account, the interrogators saw a different side of Lei Guang.

By comparing both accounts, observers could see more of the truth.

Miao Xiaohong described Lei Guang as shrewd, petty, and calculating, but he was good to her and her family, always fulfilling their requests.

Lei Guang resented his parents but hid it well.

Lei Yan and Lei Guang were only two years apart. Lei Yan didn’t pass the college entrance exam the first year and repeated a year, so he was only one grade ahead of Lei Guang.

The Lei family was poor, and Lei Guang’s grandparents were in poor health, requiring medication. The family couldn’t afford to support two college students, as living expenses were unavoidable.

So, when Lei Yan got into college, their father talked to Lei Guang, saying the Electric Power Bureau needed workers and was recruiting high school graduates. If Lei Guang didn’t pass the exam the first year, he wouldn’t be allowed to repeat.

Lei Guang’s grandfather was retired from the Electric Power Bureau and could get a recommendation. If Lei Guang joined, he would have acquaintances to look after him, and with hard work, he could do well anywhere.

Feeling soft-hearted and acknowledging his lower academic performance, Lei Guang willingly joined the Electric Power Bureau. At first, he was happy, often eating and drinking with friends after contributing to the household, and still having some pocket money.

Later, Lei Yan graduated, got a job with a higher starting salary than Lei Guang, and had a promising future.

Lei Guang felt unbalanced, believing that if he had repeated a year and gotten into a good college, he wouldn’t be any worse off than Lei Yan. From then on, he stopped contributing to the household, kept his salary for himself, and occasionally took money from his parents.

When Lei Yan got married, their father found a good match, Kong Chunxiang, who was a high school graduate, good-looking, and from a decent family. The bride price was high, and the Lei family spent a lot.

Lei Guang, a formal employee at the Electric Power Bureau, was good-looking and tall, attracting Miao Xiaohong, who also worked there.

Miao Xiaohong liked to dress up and was charming, easily winning Lei Guang’s affection.

Miao Xiaohong’s family was poor, with no dowry, so they didn’t dare ask for a high bride price. In this matter, the Lei parents indeed owed Lei Guang. Thus, Lei Guang demanded that Lei Yan and their parents contribute to buying him a house.

Over the years, Lei Yan’s education paid off, and he advanced in his career.

With only skills but no degree, Lei Guang couldn’t advance and had to remain a maintenance worker. Additionally, the Miao family became a burden, with Miao Xiaohong’s foolish brother causing trouble and needing money, which Lei Guang had to provide.

Lei Guang often complained at home about how things used to be, how they were now, and how his parents and Lei Yan treated him.

Miao Xiaohong also felt that Lei Yan, after becoming a deputy manager, acted superior, and Kong Chunxiang looked down on them, making them change shoes and cleaning after they left. In recent years, the brothers had fewer conversations and more conflicts.

This summer, Lei Guang’s eldest child got into a prestigious high school and needed a better study environment. Lei Guang wanted to buy a bigger house, but their old house was only worth 70,000 to 80,000 yuan, leaving a gap of over 100,000 yuan.

Lei Guang wanted to borrow this money from the Lei family but was flatly refused by Lei Yan and their parents, with no room for negotiation.

Lei Guang left smiling but was furious at home, smashing several bowls.

Miao Xiaohong thought his temper would pass quickly, but she didn’t realize the severity until the incident. When the police said it was an inside job and the killer had a key, she knew their family also had a key.

Lei Guang then forbade her from visiting her family, saying it was to avoid suspicion, and Miao Dachun stopped visiting too, making everything clear to her.

In the end, Miao Xiaohong said, “The Lei family was kind to us. I never thought Lei Guang would go this far, and I never expected my brother to commit such a heinous act for tens of thousands of yuan.”

After listening to all the interrogation recordings, Li Ke summarized for Xie Qing, “For just tens of thousands of yuan, four people died. The cost was too high. ‘Poverty shortens ambition, and a thin horse has long hair.’ ‘Poverty brings trouble, and the poor lack determination.’ The wisdom of the common people is quite accurate.”

In 1995, tens of thousands of yuan was a significant amount!

Xie Qing smiled, “Tens of thousands of yuan is not just ‘only.’ Don’t forget, your monthly salary is barely 200 yuan. Besides, Lei Guang wasn’t just after tens of thousands of yuan; he wanted the Lei family’s property. The development zone was being demolished, and the old city might be next. That’s all money!”

Li Ke stuck out her tongue, “You have a car and a mobile phone, so it’s ‘only’ to you.”

Xie Qing laughed, “The car was a gift from my dad, and the mobile phone from my brother. It has nothing to do with me.”

Li Ke borrowed a phrase Xie Qing had used before, “True, it looks glamorous, but it’s just relying on family. In the end, my dad isn’t as good as yours.”

“You’re so sour.” Xie Qing fanned herself with her hand, “Where’s Lei Miao? Where did she go?”

Li Ke replied, “I took her to a hotel.”

Xie Qing thought for a moment, “Let’s buy some things and visit her.”

…

In front of Fuyang Hotel.

Xie Qing and Li Ke got out of the car, carrying a large bag of fruits and snacks.

“Xiao Xie, Li Ke?” Li Ji’s voice came from behind.

“Li Ji?” The girls turned around together, “Captain Tan.”

Li Ji and Tan Yi arrived together, with Li Ji also carrying a large bag.

Li Ji walked over, “Captain Tan couldn’t find Li Ke, so he grabbed me. He wants to talk to Lei Miao and comfort her. I didn’t expect you to come too. Perfect timing.”

Li Ke looked at Tan Yi with admiration, “Captain Tan is so considerate.”

Tan Yi nodded and led the way into the hotel.

Xie Qing smiled and shook her head.

Li Ji whispered, “When you praise Captain Tan like that, it only makes him uncomfortable, you know?”

“None of your business!” Li Ke blushed, “I’ve praised Deputy Chief Huang too.”

Xie Qing said, “Deputy Chief Huang is an old hand, while Captain Tan is still new. It’s different.”

The hotel’s hardware was good, and the lobby had some echo. Her voice was amplified.

“Shh…” Li Ji nudged Xie Qing’s elbow, “Keep your voice down. Captain Tan is watching us.”

Xie Qing looked ahead and saw Tan Yi standing three meters away, looking at her with a puzzled expression. She awkwardly touched her neck and said, “Captain Tan, Lei Miao is in room 3008.”

Tan Yi replied, “Thank you.”

Just as Xie Qing was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Tan Yi added, “I may not be an old hand, but I’m definitely not new.”

“Pfft…” Li Ke burst out laughing.

Xie Qing tried to explain, “Captain Tan, ‘new’ actually means you’re not old or greasy, but fresh and clean.”

“Oh…” Tan Yi turned around and went upstairs. “So ‘new’ has so many meanings. I’ll take it as a compliment.”

Xie Qing said seriously, “Don’t misunderstand. My ‘new’ is in quotes to distinguish it from ‘middle-aged greasy man.'”

Li Ke hugged Xie Qing’s arm and asked, “What’s a middle-aged greasy man like? Tell us.”

Xie Qing explained, “Big belly, unkempt, wears bead bracelets and plays with walnuts, self-righteous, always reminiscing about past glories, constantly lecturing others with grand principles, showing off their meager cultural knowledge, flaunting wealth, carrying a bag, disrespecting their wife, and occasionally telling dirty jokes.”

Li Ke was shocked, “Qing Qing, I think you’re targeting Captain Li from the Feng’an Sub-bureau.”

Li Ji was also surprised, “Xiao Xie, do you know my dad?” He looked down at the small leather bag under his arm. “And both Captain Tan and I carry bags. Where else would we put our stuff?”

Tan Yi, walking ahead, suddenly took the bag from under his arm and held it in his hand. Fortunately, none of the three noticed him.

Xie Qing suggested, “If you know someone who makes leather goods, you could ask them to make some genuine leather casual shoulder bags. They’re convenient and can hold more stuff.”

Li Ji shook his head, “We don’t have anyone like that around here.”

After a few words, they reached the third floor, and Li Ke knocked on Lei Miao’s door.

Having suffered another blow, the young girl only said, “Come in,” with tears streaming down her face and fell silent.

Li Ke said, “If you have any difficulties, feel free to tell us. We’ll help as much as we can.”

Lei Miao shook her head.

Xie Qing advised, “If possible, I suggest you return to school soon. Being with your teachers and classmates will give your parents peace of mind. As for certain people, don’t dwell on them. When faced with money and injustice, good people have boundaries, but bad people don’t. You’re a college student and should understand the diversity of species. You don’t always need to know why.”

With tearful eyes, Lei Miao asked, “When will they die?”

Tan Yi replied, “This case has a significant impact, so the trial should be soon.”

Tears flowed from Lei Miao’s eyes, “That’s great. The sooner, the better.”

Xie Qing took out a tissue from the bag, tore off a piece, and handed it to her, then gave another to Li Ke.

Tan Yi added, “I’ve already contacted your school’s leadership. If you have any issues, you can talk to your class advisor.”

Lei Miao nodded, “Thank you.”

Li Ke also said, “You have my pager number. If you need anything, page me, and I’ll get back to you when I can.”

“Okay,” Lei Miao said. “I’ve already bought a train ticket back to Beijing. I’m leaving early tomorrow.”

Xie Qing sighed in relief, knowing that those who escape often protect themselves. This girl might be lonely in the future, but she’ll get through it. It’s a small blessing in misfortune.

As they came downstairs, they encountered Lei Sheng.

Lei Sheng was a warm-hearted person. To help the police solve the case, his reputation was damaged. If Tan Yi hadn’t spoken to the recycling company, he might have been fired. With his family looking after Lei Miao, she wouldn’t be completely alone.

…

Lei Miao wasn’t in the mood to join them for a meal, so the group went to Old Wang’s Barbecue on Fuyang Commercial Street.

The four of them sat around a small table, drinking tea and chatting.

Li Ji said, “Although the case is solved, it feels heavy. Some people’s nature is so ugly, it’s suffocating.”

Li Ke asked, “Captain Tan, who do you think is more accurate, Lei Guang or Miao Xiaohong? And why didn’t Lei Guang mention buying a house?”

Tan Yi leaned back, lit a cigarette, and said, “He didn’t mention buying a house because he felt guilty. Miao Xiaohong, feeling remorseful, would be more objective. To ease his conscience, Lei Guang would blame everything on the victims.”

Xie Qing nodded in agreement.

Li Ji said, “That’s insightful. Miao Dachun is the real pitiful one.”

Li Ke asked, “Why is he pitiful?”

Li Ji explained, “He’s incompetent, ignorant, greedy, irritable, impulsive, and lacks ambition. Without Lei Guang’s instigation and planning, he wouldn’t have done such a thing. At most, he’d get into a couple of street fights with strangers.”

“That’s true,” Li Ke said. “Good and evil often hinge on a single thought. Pitiful people often have detestable traits.”

The waiter brought draft beer to the table.

Xie Qing said, “I’m driving today, so I’ll skip the beer and drink tea instead.”

Li Ji said, “I know your tolerance. One glass won’t get you drunk.”

Xie Qing poured herself a cup of tea, “Alcohol is pitiful too. It doesn’t ask us to drink it, but when we get drunk and cause trouble, we blame it on alcohol. Today, I’ll let it off the hook.”

Tan Yi said, “Your perspective is interesting.”

Xie Qing shook her head, “Just speaking from the heart.”

Tan Yi flicked the ash from his cigarette, raised his glass, and said, “Although I’ve already thanked you, I want to say it again. Thank you. This case couldn’t have been solved without your contributions. And thank you all for your hard work.”

Li Ji shrank his neck, “Captain Tan, you’re too polite. This is our job.”

Li Ke echoed, “Exactly.”

Xie Qing clinked her teacup, “Captain Tan, you should thank yourself. It was your words that inspired me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought of it.”

“Alright, I’ll thank myself too.” Tan Yi downed his drink and put the glass down. “Xiao Xie is right. It’s not suitable to drink while driving. The rest is for you two.”

Li Ke and Li Ji exclaimed in unison, “Huh?”