CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82: VIPER IN THE NIGHT

Jiang Jingming: "Moreover, I already have a suspect."

Xu Cheng’s eyes showed intense emotion, his face filled with shock.

Before Xu Cheng could speak, Jiang Jingming continued, "However, Director Xu, I hope you don’t get involved in this matter."

Xu Cheng looked at Jiang Jingming, suspiciously asking, "What do you mean by that?"

Jiang Jingming explained, "The suspect I have in mind, we don’t have the capability to handle him right now, at least not at this moment, so I need to set a trap to make him walk into it himself, leaving him with nowhere to escape.

Otherwise, with our current situation, it’s difficult to convict him, so I would prefer you continue investigating the cases of trafficked women as if you’re unaware of this matter.

When necessary, I hope Director Xu can grant me enough authority to allocate personnel."

Xu Cheng slowly sat down, not immediately responding to Jiang Jingming’s request.

Xu Cheng knew well of Jiang Jingming’s capabilities.

But letting him take such a risk alone was something he couldn’t allow.

Yet, as Jiang Jingming pointed out, this might be the only way to catch those people.

He found himself torn with inner conflict.

Jiang Jingming wasn’t in a hurry, waiting for Xu Cheng to decide.

After a while, Xu Cheng finally said, "Alright, I understand, I’ll leave this matter to you.

As for the personnel allocation you mentioned, your position should also be reinstated for you. This is a good opportunity to restore you to your position, which should also add some flair to your new marriage."

Jiang Jingming stood up to salute, "Yes!"

...

"Knock knock knock."

"Coming, coming."

A woman’s voice came from inside, and as she spoke, the door opened.

"Jingming?" The woman’s eyes lit up upon seeing Jiang Jingming.

"Jingming, you’ve come, please come in."

The woman welcomed Jiang Jingming into the house.

Shen Shaohua was already waiting at home.

Shen Shaohua lived in a communal building.

It’s hard to imagine a city party secretary living in a communal building, but this was his choice.

Because he believed, as a servant of the people, he should live frugally, thus he lived in the communal building.

His lifestyle was also very simple, which is why he would shop at Friendship Store.

Shen Shaohua’s wife was named Jiang Mei, a woman who appeared very intellectual and gentle.

Jiang Jingming walked in, and Shen Shaohua stood up in the living room.

"Jingming, you’re here?" Shen Shaohua smiled upon seeing Jiang Jingming.

Jiang Jingming: "Uncle Shen, it’s been a while since I last visited, I hope you don’t mind."

Shen Shaohua waved his hand, "There’s no need for that, I know you’re busy with work."

Jiang Mei said as well, "Jingming, you sound like an outsider; I’m friends with your mother, you can consider yourself like half a son to me. We’re delighted you came to see us."

Shen Shaohua agreed with Jiang Mei.

"By the way, where’s your wife?" Shen Shaohua asked casually.

Jiang Jingming replied calmly, "She’s not feeling well, so it’s inconvenient for her to come. I’ll bring her along next time when there’s an opportunity to visit you both."

"No problem, health comes first, your uncle told me your wife is a very beautiful young lady," Jiang Mei said warmly.

Jiang Jingming smiled slightly.

"I’ve just finished cooking, let’s eat first," Jiang Mei suggested.

"Yes, let’s eat first."

The three sat down together.

Shen Shaohua and Jiang Mei had no children due to Jiang Mei’s health issues preventing her from bearing a child.

Shen Shaohua never resented Jiang Mei for it, their relationship was very strong.

Jiang Mei once felt sorry for Shen Shaohua and suggested adopting a child.

However, Shen Shaohua felt that if the child wasn’t theirs biologically, he couldn’t love them wholeheartedly.

So, he rejected Jiang Mei’s proposal.

And treated Jiang Mei even better.

Gradually, Jiang Mei let go of that guilt.

She never brought up adopting a child again.

"I heard the police station has been quite busy lately? Need any help?" Shen Shaohua asked casually.

Jiang Jingming’s expression remained unchanged, "It’s alright, things have mostly settled recently, we don’t need Uncle Shen’s help for now, but if we do, I won’t hesitate to ask."

Shen Shaohua laughed heartily, "Haha, alright, just say when you need assistance."

Jiang Mei chuckled, "Oh my, you two, can’t even forget about work during dinner, relax a little."

Shen Shaohua admitted, "My fault, my fault, let’s stop talking about work."

Jiang Jingming smiled slightly, not saying anything.

After dinner, it was already dark outside.

"Jingming, be careful on your way back," Jiang Mei reminded.

"Thank you, Uncle Shen and Auntie, for your hospitality," Jiang Jingming expressed gratitude.

Shen Shaohua: "It was great chatting with you today; I hope we can gather again another time."

Jiang Jingming: "Of course."

Shen Shaohua and Jiang Mei watched Jiang Jingming descend the stairs.

Jiang Mei sighed, "I didn’t expect Jingming to have matured and become so much more personable, just a pity we didn’t see his wife today."

Shen Shaohua gently comforted, "There will be opportunities."

Jiang Mei smiled, "True, I’ll go clean up now."

Shen Shaohua approached, gazing gently, "You’ve worked hard."

Jiang Mei smiled softly, "It’s what I should do."

Jiang Mei went to tidy up the kitchen, while Shen Shaohua moved to the window.

From the window, he could see downstairs, including Jiang Jingming’s car.

He watched as Jiang Jingming got in the car, started it, and drove away.

Not until the car completely vanished did Shen Shaohua retract his gaze.

He rotated the prayer beads in his hand, his face half-hidden in darkness exuding menace.

That gaze, like a serpent lurking in the dark, observing its prey.

Jiang Jingming knew Shen Shaohua was watching him from the window, this behavior confirming his suspicion that Shen Shaohua was the one behind the case.

Yet, the other party wouldn’t be unprepared, capturing evidence against them wouldn’t be easy.

He needed to proceed slowly, warming the frog in water, only the last one standing would be the victor.

...

"I heard you’re going to have a wedding ceremony again with Brother Jiang?" Xu Ru’an asked curiously.

Sang Yu nodded: "Yes."

Xu Ru’an: "Why?"

Sang Yu: "You’d have to ask Jiang Jingming."

Xu Ru’an: "Haven’t you asked Brother Jiang the reason?"

Sang Yu, embarrassed, nodded.

Upon seeing her, Xu Ru’an joked, "I know, Brother Jiang must’ve thought the first wedding was too simple, right?"

"How did you know?"

Wasn’t Xu Ru’an absent from the first wedding, how did she know?

Xu Ru’an laughed, "Of course my mom told me, otherwise how would I know."

Sang Yu forgot about Aunt Fatty.

"I really envy you two," Xu Ru’an said, leaning her chin on her hand, looking at Sang Yu with envy.

Sang Yu chuckled, "Why don’t you find yourself a partner?"

The image of Lu Yuan popped into Xu Ru’an’s mind, she shook her head, "Forget it, finding a partner is unnecessary, people like Brother Jiang are too rare, I’m better off alone."

[I was wrong, I thought tomorrow would be the Northern Little New Year, and planned to add more updates, it turns out yesterday was the Northern Little New Year, it’s my mistake

But to make up for my mistake, I’ll still add more updates tomorrow!]