Cover up

Author: Wu Heping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: A mining disaster that occurred six years ago caught the attention of Qu Jianghe, the Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau of a certain city. When he got involved in the investigation, he found that the lines between black and white in reality were no longer clearly defined. For various interests, his opponents, friends, and even his superiors all demanded to cover up the truth. This put Qu Jianghe and his comrades in a dangerous and lonely situation.
Near the Jindao Beach in Changhai City, a mysterious ship was discovered with a body cast into the rocks. As the case progressed, not only did informants die under mysterious circumstances, but the Public Security Bureau Chief and the Criminal Investigation Team Leader were also "investigated" and arrested. Beneath the dark, the undercurrent of money and conspiracy surged. The new female Public Security Bureau Chief, Yan Geng, was determined to expose the truth. Through careful investigation, she found that the location of the ship was related to a severe mining disaster. The mine owner who had been involved in manufacturing and covering up the disaster for six years was none other than her own brother, Meng Chuansheng.
Women always love to hear men's flattery, even if it's shameless and crude. Sheng Lixia knew Xia Zhongtian and knew he was a slippery character, only good for talking. He usually kept away from women and was young but firmly committed to being single. Anyone who introduced him to a partner would make him furious, but his relationship with Sheng Lixia was an exception. Xia Zhongtian's father, Yuan Tingliao, was the Secretary of the Changhai City Party Committee. When Sheng Lixia came from her hometown in the northeast to seek wealth, she had found him through an old leader in the provincial government. She quickly discovered that the mayor's son was far from the arrogant demeanor of a government official's child. He was always disheveled, searching for odd stories in every corner of Changhai City, enthusiastic about writing exclusive news online, and had become the star reporter of the Changhai Commercial News.
Behind the Eagle Rock, the ship stood mysteriously. Due to its presence, the originally lively beach had become a no-go zone, with armed police stationed nearby. Without his identity as the Deputy Chairman of the Giant Ship Group, it would have been nearly impossible for others to enter this restricted area. A autumn wind swept in from the sea, and Sheng Lixia suddenly shivered. She abruptly restrained her smile and wrapped a white lace transparent shawl tighter around her shoulders.
"Zhongtian, tell me, how can I stay safe?"
"Get married, preferably to a police officer."
Just then, a barking of a green-haired dog suddenly came from inside the eagle-shaped rock. Sheng Lixia signaled Xia Zhongtian to go take a look. Xia Zhongtian was furious at the little beast, thinking it was interrupting his conversation with the beauty, and gruffly went over. But he strangely found that the pet had already burrowed into the gap of the rock hole, whimpering and gnawing as if it had discovered something delicious. Xia Zhongtian pulled it out, but to his surprise, it went back into the hole after just a few steps, as if possessed.
With suspicion, Xia Zhongtian crawled into the dome of the rock to see what was so attractive to the dog. This time, he saw clearly: the green-haired dog was licking a small piece of branch-like wood. He kicked it with his foot, but to his surprise, the sharp object pierced his toe. Bending down to examine it closely, he was startled. It turned out to be a human big toe, already exposed as white bone due to seawater and the dog's licking.
He quickly bent down, carefully clearing the sand, and his heart nearly stopped: beneath the exposed half of the big toe was a complete concrete block, seamlessly fused with the rock. Obviously, a corpse was inside. Without hesitation, Xia Zhongtian immediately dialed 110.
A few minutes later, several police cars arrived, and a man jumped out—the Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau in charge of criminal investigation, Qu Jianghe, followed by the short and sturdy Criminal Investigation Team Leader of the Jindao Branch, Zuo Yue. Qu Jianghe quickly noticed Xia Zhongtian frantically taking photos with a flash camera and his expression immediately darkened. He snatched the camera, quickly removed the film, and threw it to Zuo Yue, shouting, "This is the free market! Who let them in? Get them out of here immediately, and all must leave the restricted area."
Sheng Lixia quickly glanced at him. He was dark and tall, with an ordinary appearance, but his eyes exuded an undeniable authority. Xia Zhongtian smiled apologetically and walked up to Qu Jianghe. "Director, as the person who reported the case, can’t I get a special exemption to do some exclusive reporting?" To get closer, he whispered near Qu Jianghe's ear, "The information is absolutely reliable. I heard you're about to become the big boss—please, just make an exception."
"Even the 'almighty' can't do this. Don't forget your lesson and get out immediately. The police will contact you if there's anything to do." With a wave of his hand, Qu Jianghe nearly knocked Xia Zhongtian's machine to the ground. Xia Zhongtian's face turned sour, as Sheng Lixia was right behind him.
"I'm the person who reported the case and a journalist—how can you confiscate my negatives?!"
"Because you interfered with official business, Xia Zhongtian. I don’t have time for your nonsense. If you want to report a case, go talk to the police." He glanced at Sheng Lixia beside Xia Zhongtian and his tone grew even harsher, "I’m telling you, leave the scene with this lady immediately, or don’t cause trouble!"
"Qu Jianghe, stop showing off your privileges in front of me. Stop acting like you’re from the old society, treating everyone like thieves. Without public support, how can a lone wolf like you and a few rotten cops solve a case? Who would believe that?!"
Sheng Lixia waved a hand at Xia Zhongtian, tossed her chestnut hair back sharply, and disdainfully said, "Zhongtian, let’s go. Why bother with him? How could they possibly solve a murder like this?"
Sheng Lixia was a woman who knew her own charm well. Though she didn’t make eye contact with Qu Jianghe, she was already aware that the gaze behind her was examining her. Indeed, she heard his voice.
"Excuse me, Ms.," he said.
Sheng Lixia stopped and slightly turned her cheek, glancing at Qu Jianghe with the corner of her eye.
"Why, are you forcing the reporter to listen to your lecture?!"
"No, I was just interested in what you said earlier. May I ask, Ms., what makes you so sure this is a murder case?"
Qu Jianghe’s gaze was sharp, and he quickly noticed a hint of panic in Sheng Lixia’s eyes. But she soon gave a cold smirk and retorted, "May I ask, Director, who would bury a bone in concrete if someone died? Perhaps those who don’t think they’re capable of murder really do have some talent."
Qu Jianghe was momentarily speechless. This brief exchange left a deep impression on him. Beyond her beauty, he was amazed by her calm demeanor and quick thinking. Just then, Xia Zhongtian furiously stepped in again.
"Qu Jianghe, don’t pick a fight with a woman. I’m warning you, Xia Zhongtian will stand his ground with you, settling both old and new accounts."
Sheng Lixia didn’t understand why they were so hostile. She saw Xia Zhongtian, usually gentle, turn red, his neck veins bulging like worms, his eyes wide and glaring, his long hair trembling as if he were a furious lion. Just as she was about to intervene, she noticed Qu Jianghe had already left.
A tall female police officer walked quickly over and made a polite gesture to the two, saying loudly, "Xia Zhongtian, please come with this lady. We need to take your report and hope you’ll cooperate."
The female officer was about 1.75 meters tall, dignified and elegant, with slightly tanned skin. Under her beret, she wore a fashionable short hairstyle, and her well-fitted police uniform accentuated her confident and spirited demeanor, earning even Sheng Lixia a few points of admiration. She also noticed that the female officer’s eyebrows arched gracefully, with a distinct black mole on her left brow.
P4-5