As Ye Yun and Wang Wenwen’s figures disappeared into the distance, Zhang Jinzhong’s gaze remained fixed.
“What’s wrong, Jinzhong? You don't actually believe him, do you?” Wu Xinmin frowned, sensing something was off.
Something was definitely amiss. Zhang Jinzhong had seemed eager to devour Ye Yun just moments ago, yet now he looked somewhat dazed. But if he truly believed Ye Yun’s words, he wouldn’t be Zhang Jinzhong. So, what was with his current demeanor?
Zhang Jinzhong shook his head. “I don’t know him. I just find the matter a bit peculiar.”
“Peculiar? Why?” Wu Xinmin pressed. He had brought Zhang Jinzhong along partly because of his straightforwardness and ability to break stalemates, but more importantly, Zhang Jinzhong was a true talent in criminal investigation. It was as if he was born to solve cases; his sensitivity towards them surpassed ordinary comprehension. Sometimes, a sudden flash of inspiration from him would become the key to cracking a case. Wu Xinmin had to admit, among everyone he knew, Zhang Jinzhong was unequivocally the most suited for investigative work, bar none. Yet now, he claimed there was something peculiar about this situation. What had he discovered?
“Mr. Wu, Elder Wang, the Wu Qian case was under my charge. Actually, the entire incident hinged on a girl named Du Meili publicizing Wu Qian’s misconduct online,” Zhang Jinzhong said, his brow furrowed. “The matter escalated, and it was only when we, the police, intervened that Wu Qian was apprehended. When I interrogated Du Meili, this young girl stated that a mysterious netizen had advised her and given her the courage to accuse Wu Qian. Most importantly, I checked the surveillance footage from the shop where Du Meili chatted with this mysterious person. The camera didn’t capture a clear face, but the back of that mysterious person’s head bore a striking resemblance to this charlatan!”
“What? You mean, this Mr. Ye is that mysterious person who advised Du Meili?” Wu Xinmin exclaimed, startled, and instinctively glanced towards the main gate of the Wang family residence. His eyelids twitched violently, almost dislodging his gold-rimmed glasses.
“I don’t know, but I have a hunch that this charlatan might be that person,” Zhang Jinzhong stated after a moment’s hesitation.
A hunch? Might be? Zhang Jinzhong’s sensitivity to cases was exceptionally high. Furthermore, the resemblance in their silhouettes, and the fact that Ye Yun seemed to be involved in everything, made Wang Weiguo’s heart pound. If Ye Yun hadn’t taken the lead in shorting the Haixin Group, he wouldn’t have connected that mysterious person with Ye Yun. But Ye Yun had acted at the most opportune moment, and the reasons he’d given earlier were somewhat flimsy. From Wu Qian’s arrest to the exposure of Xian Shang Ren Jian… it seemed improbable? No! The mysterious person behind Du Meili was definitely Ye Yun! But how had he managed it? How did he know that once Wu Qian was apprehended, he would confess and implicate Xian Shang Ren Jian? This ordinary person had manipulated the entire situation from behind the scenes! Wang Weiguo’s mind raced.
“Teacher, you?” Wu Xinmin, being perceptive, quickly noticed Wang Weiguo’s unusual demeanor.
“It’s nothing. I was just thinking about the Hai Lin matter and how my own son could end up incarcerated one day. As for what Jinzhong said, I don’t believe Ye Yun is that mysterious person. Too many people have similar back profiles. Besides, he’s just an ordinary person who happened to visit Xian Shang Ren Jian by chance. Compared to Xian Shang Ren Jian or Haixin, his influence is negligible, making it unlikely he’s the mastermind.” Even Wang Weiguo himself didn’t know why he instinctively covered for Ye Yun. He knew that if he voiced his suspicions, both Wu Xinmin and Zhang Jinzhong would investigate Ye Yun. Even if Ye Yun’s actions were not illegal, some scrutiny would be necessary. Thus, Wang Weiguo subconsciously concealed his thoughts. Of course, deep down, Wang Weiguo’s curiosity about Ye Yun grew stronger. A person who could produce a groundbreaking herbal medicine, and who, as an ordinary individual, could cause Wu Qian and even Xian Shang Ren Jian to fall. Several targeted actions had significantly increased his assets. In just over a month, his net worth had reached hundreds of millions. There was definitely a big secret here! So, was Ye Yun’s previously displayed persona of a drunkard, gambler, and scoundrel his true nature, or a carefully crafted disguise? Was his ability to achieve such miraculous feats due to his own capabilities, or was he merely a puppet pushed forward by an expert pulling the strings from behind?
Meanwhile, Wu Xinmin’s eyes narrowed. Wang Weiguo’s somewhat flustered words suggested he might be hiding something. As for whether Ye Yun was that mysterious person, it remained to be seen. However, his teacher’s attitude strongly indicated he likely was! Of course, while thinking this, Wu Xinmin verbally agreed, “Teacher, rest assured. Once the Wang family’s reputation is cleared, I guarantee Hai Lin will emerge unscathed.”
Ye Yun would never have imagined that his earlier guidance to Du Meili would directly arouse Zhang Jinzhong’s suspicion, and thus pique the interest of both Wang Weiguo and Wu Xinmin. Of course, this wasn't to say Ye Yun was careless or negligent. After all, he hadn't revealed his face when he met Du Meili, and he had even deliberately worn ill-fitting clothes. It could only be attributed to Zhang Jinzhong’s extraordinary sensitivity to cases.
“If things are as Elder Wang says, perhaps I was overthinking it,” Zhang Jinzhong said with a wry smile, shaking his head. “Never mind. These matters are irrelevant now. Who the mysterious person behind Du Meili is doesn't ultimately matter. We’ve ensured the information hasn’t leaked, so we need to plan carefully and thoroughly eradicate this cancer of Jinling’s underworld! We must bring a clear and bright sky to Jinling!”
“Are we ready to move?” Wang Weiguo asked instinctively, realizing something from Zhang Jinzhong’s words.
“Yes. Since Wu Qian voluntarily reported and exposed Xian Shang Ren Jian, we've been thoroughly investigating it and discovered that Xian Shang Ren Jian’s protection was none other than the Haixin Group. Li family members are also implicated!” Wu Xinmin’s gaze turned sharp. “The evidence is now conclusive. Once we act, it will be a thunderous strike!”
“Teacher, to avoid alerting the suspects, the personnel drawn for the operation against Xian Shang Ren Jian are from surrounding cities. Only the three of us present, and… Mr. Ye, are aware of this in Jinling. Let’s three carefully plan to ensure everything goes smoothly! I suspect these criminals might be armed with weapons like handguns. Any misstep could lead to unnecessary casualties.”
“Alright, let’s discuss the specific strategy thoroughly!” Wang Weiguo said sternly, quickly heading inside. Zhang Jinzhong and Wu Xinmin followed closely.
No one knew what a storm these three individuals’ actions today would stir up in Jinling tomorrow.