My Dearest General: It Has Always Been You

Chapter 47 - Sweet Talker

After the breakthrough analysis in Ru Meiqi's apartment, Jin Renguang pulled a continuous all-nighter until three days later, he managed to form a comprehensive report to send to the Director of Police Bureau for acceptance.

Subsequently, he was engaged in a heated argument with Director Fen over the conclusion of Ru Meiqi's analysis. Director Fen roared through the phone, "Evidence! I want evidence! What is with that analysis?! How can I submit it to higher-ups, saying that we can predict the culprit's movement just by drawing a damn sun?!"

Jin Renguang roared back. "I will give you the evidence if you sign the application! Without authority, I can't casually deploy people to monitor the Recreational Park!"

They went back and forth for two hours, the content of their conversation revolved around proof and logic. Jin Renguang had realized that the way Ru Meiqi did things was different, totally different from how the detectives worked.

They relied on proof to chase the criminal's trail while Ru Meiqi relied on the trail the criminal left behind to find the proof. It was like having your views upside down, no one could accept it wholly at first.

But Jin Renguang had firm confidence in her. In the end, he dropped an ultimatum. "I am willing to take all of the responsibility! If I don't find the body part there, then I will resign as the Captain of Special Criminal Investigation Unit!"

Director Fen was silent. "…Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. 120% sure! Director, how long have you known me? Am I the kind of person who will talk nonsense with you?!"

"Fine…" A hint of exasperation could be detected from the other line of the phone. "I will cover you. Just this once. If you fail…"

"Yes, yes, I know. I will not fail you!"

Finally the matter was settled and he could spread the net. A knock sounded from the door. Jin Renguang pinched his brows and said tiredly. "Come in."

Tang Wei pushed open the door and reported. "Captain! CEO Jiang's assistant, Mr. Si Zhening just confirmed that he will come to the police station tomorrow on behalf of CEO Jiang!"

"Nice!" Jin Renguang grinned wildly. "Tell Ke Shao to receive him."

Tang Wei saluted. "Aye aye Captain!"

Si Zhening said that he would arrive at the police station at ten and there he was, not even one second of deviation. As Jin Renguang demanded, he was escorted into the interrogation room. There was only a plain table with two chairs, a surveillance camera that shot squarely on Si Zhening's face and one side of the wall being a one sided mirror.

Jin Renguang sat on the other side of the room as he scrutinized Si Zhening through the one sided mirror, the rest of the detectives behind him.

They had already investigated Si Zhening before they came, so they weren't surprised to find such an out of place human amidst the barbaric and sleep deprived police officers. He was like a butler in Mediterranean era, he wore a slim fit suit with white shirt beneath it, gold rimmed glasses with silver chains hung by the side of his face, with shoulder length hair which he tied back in a ponytail behind his neck.

He carried a small briefcase in his hand and when Ke Shao gestured for him to sit, he smiled courteously and even shared his gratitude. "Thank you very much, police officer. You've worked hard. I know that CEO Jiang has burdened you and I am sorry on his behalf. I am willing to cooperate with your investigation, just ask me and I will answer to my utmost ability."

Sweet talker, Jin Renguang narrowed his eyes. Faker, he added.

Then, he pulled the chair out softly, putting the suitcase neatly on the table and sat down calmly. He looked around with a faint smile on his face, not even a hint of nervousness could be detected.

Ke Shao licked his finger and flipped the page of the document in his hand. Compared to Si Zhening, Ke Shao who only had time to wash his face and brush his teeth looked like a beggar on the verge of attack. "Thank you for coming all your way here, Mr. Si. I hope that you will answer all of our questions honestly."

"That's for sure," Si Zhening smiled gently.

"Your name."

"Si Zhening."

"Age."

"24."

"Occupation."

"I am one of the assistants of CEO Jiang. I am responsible for his affair when he is gone on business trips."

"How long have you been working for CEO Jiang?"

"Hmm, let's see. As of today, it will be 2 years, 4 months and 17 days."

Ke Shao nodded without a change of expression, the hands turning the page paused. "You're born in City S?" He asked casually.

"Well, yes. I am a native of City S, but I moved to City A when I was accepted in Jiang Corporation. Is something the matter?"

"No," Ke Shao seized the chance to catch him off guard. "Mr. Si, on 12th April around 5pm to 9pm, can you tell us your whereabouts and what you were doing at that time?" That was the date when they found Yang Shijin's leg in the parking lot of Jiang Park Mall. Because the area was a blind spot of surveillance record, they could only estimate the time when the bag was being dropped off.

A flash of surprise passed through Si Zhening's eyes. "What? You're suspecting me? Aren't you supposed to ask CEO Jiang about that?"

Ke Shao gave a fake smile. "This is just our procedure, Mr. Si. Sorry for the inconvenience but if you may, please give an answer. On 12th April around 5pm to 9pm, can you tell us what you were doing at that time?"

Si Zhening lowered his eyes, his lips curled gently. "Hmm, wait. 12th April…let me think for a moment."

Jin Renguang never took his eyes off Si Zhening's face, his gaze deep and profound.

***

"Thank you very much for your cooperation, Mr. Si. We will notify you on the further development." Ke Shao's smile became much more genuine as he escorted Si Zhening out.

The man smiled, still with that impeccable and polite smile. "No, it's my pleasure. Please contact me if you need me again."

His back was straight, his steps casual and long as he strode out of the police station. The chauffeur stood beside the black Benz, caught sight of him and opened the passenger door. Si Zhening smiled and said his thanks as he slipped into the back seat.

Ke Shao was still standing in his place and when the car started, Si Zhening lowered the window and nodded briefly at him.

"Mr. Si, where are we going next?" The chauffeur asked.

It was almost noon. The sun was glaring and the air inside the car was quite stuffy. The buzz of the air conditioner blasted cold and fresh air, mixed with the scented pouch that CEO Jiang chose himself. It smelled like a mixture of coffee, ash and vomit.

Si Zhening leaned himself back on the seat and let out an inaudible sigh. He unbuttoned the top of his shirt, the previous courtesy he showed to Ke Shao was nowhere to be seen, only a faint indifference and annoyance.

But when he heard the chauffeur's question, his smile deepened. "To City A's hospital, please.. Thank you very much."