Chapter Fifty: Heartfelt Exchange

Qiu Zhiyong sat on the athletic field of Mingcheng University, watching the young men sweating and competing on the courts. For once, a rare smile appeared on his face. In the past, at this hour, he would have been attending a drinking party, clinking glasses with others. But now, he seldom participated in such social gatherings, declining all but those he could not avoid.

Today’s weather was lovely. The sun was warm, a gentle breeze drifted by, and a few white clouds floated in the azure sky, reminding Qiu Zhiyong of two famous lines from Hong Yingming’s “Vegetable Roots Discourse”: “Unmoved by honor or disgrace, I leisurely watch the flowers bloom and fall before my courtyard; indifferent to coming or going, I calmly follow the clouds as they rise and dissipate beyond the heavens.” He felt that, at last, he no longer cared for fame or gain, and had achieved that state of tranquility and detachment.

Noticing Haifeng approaching from afar, Qiu Zhiyong’s smile deepened. He waved him over to sit by his side.

“Has Zhiyang returned to Mingdong already?” Qiu Zhiyong asked.

“The case is mostly wrapped up. From here on, it’s just procedural matters. He hasn’t been home in a long while and misses his daughter, so he went back first,” Haifeng replied.

“He should go home. Spending time with family is more important than anything else. If only I’d understood that sooner!” Qiu Zhiyong gazed at the sky and sighed deeply.

Haifeng, seeing this new side of Qiu Zhiyong—once so dedicated to his work, now gentler and less ambitious—was puzzled by such sentiments.

Qiu Zhiyong glanced upward, then turned to Haifeng. “You should go home more often too. How are your wife and child? Are the elders well?”

Haifeng nodded. “Everything is fine at home. Qiqi even came back to visit us a few days ago. I always thought she was so independent, but now that she’s living elsewhere, she’s become more attached. Whenever she has free time, she comes running home—but really, she just comes to see her mother. With me, she’s the same as always.”

Qiu Zhiyong chuckled. “That’s because you always wear that stern face, as if everyone owes you money. You should spend more time with Qiqi. If she marries far away one day, you’ll end up missing your daughter terribly.”

Haifeng smiled, head lowered. “As long as she’s happy, I don’t mind her marrying far away. I just worry she’ll miss us and not have time to come home.”

Qiu Zhiyong listened without reply. He knew that once young people left home, it was rare for them to return. Work, life, and countless other matters drew them ever farther from their hometowns. Sometimes, even the wish to return home was out of reach. Looking up at the sky, Qiu Zhiyong thought it looked especially beautiful today.

“Are you aware of the Mingcheng Public Security Bureau’s rule restricting officers from leaving Mingcheng?” Qiu Zhiyong asked.

“I know. It’s part of stricter police management,” Haifeng replied.

“I’ve abolished it,” Qiu Zhiyong said, watching Haifeng for a reaction. When none came, he explained, “Old-timers like us have settled in Mingcheng. Our parents and children are here, so the rule means little to us. But every year, Mingcheng recruits so many young people from outside. To keep restricting them like this is heartless.”

Haifeng gave a wry smile. “Yes, someone needed to stand up for those young people. Our team is losing its humanity—no one cares about the younger officers, only their own prospects. Restrictions increase, concern decreases. That’s not a good sign. I raised this before in Mingcheng, but no one listened to me. What can you do? ‘Better treatment for police is just a phrase, strict management is a whole book.’”

Qiu Zhiyong looked at him. “‘Better treatment for police is just a phrase, strict management is a whole book’—where did you hear that? Is it really like that?”

Haifeng replied, “You’ve been at headquarters too long; you wouldn’t know. Everyone pays special attention to strict management now—they’re responsible for their subordinates’ mistakes, and no one wants their future affected. So they think up every possible restriction and regulation. But when it’s time to treat the team well, no one wants to spend the money or make the effort—being good to your subordinates doesn’t get you promoted. So strict management is always emphasized, while better treatment is forgotten.”

Qiu Zhiyong shook his head. “What sort of officials are these? Such types should be demoted.”

Haifeng smiled. “You think that way, but others don’t. You know Xu Wei from Mingtan? When he was there, Mingtan had the worst benefits in all Mingcheng—terrible meals, the lowest welfare. Anyone with connections found a way out; the capable ones left, and the rest didn’t even dare take exams, afraid to offend him. Yet now he’s a member of Mingcheng’s municipal party committee. Does ‘better treatment for police’ get you that?”

Qiu Zhiyong looked puzzled. “Xu Wei of the Mingtan sub-bureau? I never heard he was so capable.”

Haifeng gave a bitter smile. “I wouldn’t know, you’d have to ask your level. But I remember, he has a brother named Xu Dong, who worked for Qiao Yuqian and was arrested by you, right?”

Haifeng nodded and smiled wryly. “I had no choice—he was a big backer for our target. To crack the case, we had to take him out.”

Qiu Zhiyong laughed. “Xu Wei didn’t blame you over his brother, but you should be careful. Don’t let him catch anything on you, or he’ll be sure to settle the score.”

Haifeng smiled. “It’s fine. With Li Mengyang around, what do I have to fear?”

Qiu Zhiyong laughed. “True, you have your very own slayer at your side.”

He paused, his expression turning serious. “Speaking of Li Mengyang, is he all right? Has he gotten past his sister’s ordeal? Just because he wasn’t caught this time doesn’t mean he’ll always get away with it. Killing someone in the detention center—he’s got some nerve!”

Haifeng defended him. “You’re being unfair to Li Mengyang, old mentor. The inspection department already concluded that Chai Yan died of a heart attack, triggered by drug withdrawal. It had nothing to do with Li Mengyang.”

Qiu Zhiyong said, “Don’t try to fool me. That story might convince others, but not me. You say Li Mengyang didn’t kill him, but wasn’t he there to deal with Chai Yan? You don’t need a knife to kill a man.”

Seeing Haifeng about to retort, Qiu Zhiyong gestured for him to wait and continued, “Li Mengyang is a sharp blade. But if he can’t overcome this hurdle, if he keeps acting like this, one day he’ll destroy himself—and the White Tiger Squad with him. It wasn’t easy to put together such a special team; I don’t want it dissolved because of one person.”

Haifeng replied, “Don’t worry, old mentor. What happened to Li Mengyang’s sister did affect him deeply, and made him hate people like Chai Yan even more. But he’s a good man, he has his boundaries. Honestly, I don’t think he did anything wrong.”

Haifeng glanced at Qiu Zhiyong, who remained silent, and continued, “This mission wasn’t really successful. We arrested a lot of people, but most of the streamers and clan leaders had never even met Chai Yan, and those who had wouldn’t name him, unwilling to offend their golden goose. Besides, much of Chai Yan’s money remains untraced.

Even though we did our best to build a solid case, the evidence is still shaky. Chai Yan has committed plenty of crimes, hurt many people, but if we follow the letter of the law, he’ll hire a good lawyer and be out in a few years.

If he gets out, flush with money, and resumes his reign, where’s the authority of the law? If he lives well, isn’t it the same as saying ‘murderers and arsonists wear golden sashes, bridge builders and do-gooders lie unburied’? Then who would still believe in law, who would still choose kindness?”

Qiu Zhiyong looked at Haifeng sternly. “So you sent Li Mengyang to kill Chai Yan? Don’t think I can’t see it. As team leader, you avoided interrogating Chai Yan, leaving it to Wen Yuxin, knowing full well Li Mengyang would follow. With you absent, Li Mengyang would dare to finish Chai Yan off. A psychology Ph.D. doesn’t need a knife to kill—a few tricks and a man’s life is forfeit.”

Haifeng met his gaze, knowing he couldn’t deceive this old mentor. He took a deep breath. “You’re right, I deliberately stayed away to give Li Mengyang a chance, and I knew only he could do it.

But, old mentor, don’t you think someone as evil as Chai Yan deserves to die? He’s ruined so many lives. Do you think he still deserves legal protection? What about those who died because of him? Li Tangmei from Mingcheng University was as young as Qiqi. Her life hadn’t even begun, and now it’s over.

She was tortured like a dog, forced to earn money for them like a slave. Her parents, with white hair, buried their child. Is it fair for Chai Yan to live while Li Tangmei is dead? Do you know how many girls like her were enslaved by Chai Yan? Shouldn’t he die?

I know Li Mengyang’s hatred is personal, but I don’t think he was wrong. He didn’t murder; in fact, he rid the world of a scourge. If the law can’t punish evil and reward good, what’s the point of law? I believe Li Mengyang fulfilled the true spirit of justice—there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Qiu Zhiyong shook his head. “We’re police officers. We must act according to the law, not our personal whims. Judgment and punishment are not ours to decide. We absolutely cannot take a life because of our own likes or dislikes, no matter how heinous the criminal.”

He paused, continuing, “You, Haifeng, always go your own way—I knew putting you in charge of the White Tiger Squad would mean trouble. But I also know that sometimes the usual methods just don’t work against these criminals. I only want to remind you: it wasn’t easy to form the White Tiger Squad. Don’t let your reckless acts give others a pretext to destroy it. Some things take time; don’t act solely on impulse.

As a police officer, if you don’t respect the law, how can you expect others to? You’re not young anymore—think things through, don’t always act on impulse.

You may feel satisfied in the moment, but do you know how many people resent you for this? How many will use it to attack the White Tiger Squad? The squad is a spark that could ignite a prairie fire, a beacon of hope. Your greatest mission is to nurture it, to help it flourish, not to see it extinguished before it takes root. Do you understand?”

Hearing this, Haifeng finally understood that Qiu Zhiyong wasn’t blaming him for killing Chai Yan, but was thinking further ahead, with greater foresight.

Haifeng realized that fleeting satisfaction is useless. Like his time in Mingcheng—praised by the people, corrupt officials brought to justice—yet, as time passed, the police bureau remained unchanged. He had struggled and strived, but nothing had truly changed.

Now, he understood Qiu Zhiyong. Leading the White Tiger Squad well, helping it grow strong, was what truly mattered. To achieve that, sometimes one must make sacrifices and not act willfully.

Haifeng said to Qiu Zhiyong, “Old mentor, I understand what you’re saying, and I admit you’re right. But if I changed, I wouldn’t be myself. I will protect the White Tiger Squad, and I’ll make sure the wicked get what they deserve. I know it’s fighting a losing battle, but I refuse to accept that. I became a police officer to uphold justice and protect the law. If I can’t do that, I might as well quit.”

Qiu Zhiyong looked at Haifeng, knowing he could never change his mind. He had always known Haifeng was not one to betray his principles, not one to compromise. But he also knew that now, they needed someone upright and unyielding to lead the fight against rampant cybercrime.

Qiu Zhiyong no longer wished to change Haifeng. He only hoped, before his own retirement, to lend his strength one last time, to shield Haifeng and the White Tiger Squad from the storms that lay ahead.

Looking skyward, Qiu Zhiyong said, “Then let’s hold up this blue sky together.”

Meanwhile, Li Mengyang had arrived in Jinghua, seeking out Wen Yuxin. When he found her, she was sitting in the stands, watching her son Longlong play soccer. She was a little surprised to see Li Mengyang, not knowing why he had come, but quickly regained her composure. She patted the seat beside her, inviting him to sit.

Li Mengyang, bashful, hesitated before sitting down. Wen Yuxin couldn’t help but laugh at his shyness. “What’s this? You’re a grown man and still shy? Why are you in Jinghua? Finished your work in Mingcheng?”

“The case is more or less done,” Li Mengyang replied. “Nothing left for me to do. I came to Jinghua mainly to apologize to you.”

“Apologize? For what?” Wen Yuxin asked.

“Did I frighten you that day? I heard you took leave after leaving the detention center,” Li Mengyang said.

Wen Yuxin studied him, suddenly realizing that Li Mengyang was a man of rare sensitivity, much like Zhang Mufeng, though more reserved and thus less easily noticed. She answered, “You were indeed frightening that day. Normally you seem so gentle, but when you lose your temper, you’re terrifying. If I didn’t have strong nerves, I might have fainted on the spot!”

Li Mengyang smiled awkwardly. “I was out of character that day. I’ll be careful in the future, I won’t scare you again.”

Wen Yuxin nodded. “Yes, please don’t do that again. It really was scary.”

Li Mengyang nodded as well, and both fell silent, turning their attention to the field.

After a while, Wen Yuxin spoke again. “Actually, I took leave to spend more time with my son. I couldn’t do much in Mingcheng, so I came back early. It wasn’t because you scared me. But you really were frightening that day. For a moment, I didn’t recognize you—it was as if death itself had come.”

Li Mengyang laughed. “If only I really were death, then I could just take all the bad people away and save us all the trouble.”

Wen Yuxin looked at him, then turned back to watch Longlong play. “I know Chai Yan deserved his fate, but I still hope I never see you like that again. Don’t let hatred blind you. There’s so much beauty in life.”

Li Mengyang gazed at her, sensing she knew something, though perhaps not everything. He wanted to confide in her, but before he could speak, Wen Yuxin continued, “Zhao Zhijie told me about you. After what happened, anyone would change. I just hope you don’t let hatred make you lose faith in the world, don’t let it blind you, don’t let it turn you into the thing you hate most.”

She paused, then continued, “This world is not kind to women. There’s so much prejudice and malice. If you’re pretty, you attract the wrong attention; if you’re not, you’re ignored. If you do well at work, people say you rose through connections; if you don’t, they say you’re shallow and ignorant. There’s harassment, unspoken rules—it’s exhausting.

Worse, when women are hurt, if people find out, they suffer a second wound from society. If I were you, if my sister had gone through that, I’d have lashed out too. I’d hate people like Chai Yan with every fiber of my being. But don’t let hatred destroy you. That would only break your family’s heart; it would break your sister’s heart.”

Li Mengyang said, “All I want is for her to live happily. She’s always been so gentle, so kind. I can’t understand why anyone would hurt someone so gentle, especially a teacher—someone meant to nurture lives.

At the time, I was beyond angry, and I paid the price for it.”

Looking into Wen Yuxin’s eyes, he continued, “But I have no regrets. Not all bad people will be punished by the law. Some escape.

I don’t believe justice that comes too late is justice at all. Chai Yan hurt so many, but what can the law do? He’ll get a good lawyer, serve a few years, and live well again.

If the law could solve everything, what about that little prince? Can Chai Yan’s deeds in Annam be separated from him? Isn’t he doing evil too? Has he been punished?

I don’t want my sister to suffer anymore, or anyone like her. I won’t foolishly lash out, but I won’t let the wicked walk free. If they think the law will shield them, they’re wrong. I’ll show them, through my actions, that evil will be punished.”

Wen Yuxin listened, understanding that Li Mengyang’s hatred was rooted in his sister’s suffering, but fearing that this hatred would make him forget love, forget the world’s goodness, and dwell only in darkness.

She asked, “How is your sister now? Is she all right?”

“She’s much better, thanks to Captain Hai’s help. She’s studying at Tanghua now, away from the place that hurt her. Maybe she’ll forget the pain there.”

“Yes,” Wen Yuxin said, “life has to go on. Don’t let pain or hatred stop your steps—there is still much beauty in life, don’t overlook it.”

Li Mengyang gave a bitter smile. “What beauty is left? Even the gentle can be hurt.”

Wen Yuxin smiled at him. “You have the White Tiger Squad, Captain Hai, your sister must have friends she likes and a life she enjoys, right?”

Hearing this, Li Mengyang realized she was right—there was much beauty around him. He was happy with the White Tiger Squad; his sister’s photos from Tanghua showed her laughing with friends.

Maybe Wen Yuxin was right: life is mostly beautiful, and pain will pass. He hoped his sister, too, could one day forget the past and live happily. What’s done cannot be undone, but one cannot live in the past.

He said, “I understand what you mean. It’s just guilt—I failed to protect my sister. I should have protected her.”

Wen Yuxin smiled at him. “I understand your wish to protect her—I feel the same about my family. But you have to accept that some things are out of your control. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Li Mengyang lowered his head, his eyes moist. “I know, but I still can’t get past it. I worked so hard, was already a crime-fighting expert, but I couldn’t protect my only sister.”

Wen Yuxin said, “Some things happen beyond our expectation. You shouldn’t blame yourself for everything. Don’t always dwell on the pain of the past—think more about the future.”

Seeing him silent, she continued, “Everyone has their own pain. No one’s life is smooth. I seem to have a good job and a good life, a winner in everyone’s eyes. But who would have guessed I couldn’t even keep my family together, couldn’t even keep my husband?

Seeing Li Mengyang’s puzzled look, she explained, “I’m divorced. After ten years together, he cheated and left, leaving only this child. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through, but for me, it felt like the sky was falling. I could barely breathe. There was no one to talk to, no one to help. But I got through it. Life has to go on, and I still have my child.”

Only now did Li Mengyang realize that the always-smiling Wen Yuxin had her own hidden sorrows. For a moment, he was speechless.

Wen Yuxin looked at him and said, “But unhappy times always pass, don’t they? Good things will come. Meeting you all, my days with the White Tiger Squad have made me happy. So don’t linger in the past—you have the present, and the future.”

Li Mengyang nodded. He knew she was right. No matter what happened before, what mattered most was now and what was to come.

By then, Longlong had finished his game and ran over to Wen Yuxin, drenched in sweat. As she wiped him down, she said to Li Mengyang, “Spend more time with your sister when you can. The best love is companionship. Your warmth is more powerful than hatred. If you get a chance, bring her to Jinghua—I’d love to meet her. I promise I’ll take good care of her.”

Li Mengyang smiled, looking at Wen Yuxin bathed in the glow of the setting sun, and felt warmth fill his heart once more.