Chapter Fifty-Two: Dreams Fulfilled

This stern and forceful reprimand immediately made Director Tang and Wang Maocai so weak in the knees that they could barely stand. The Military Intelligence Investigation Department was notorious; others might not know, but the police certainly did. That was their superior authority, dealing only with the gravest and most significant cases. Who would have thought that Liu Datou had been telling the truth all along, and that these two criminals were actually involved in such a major case!

There was nothing more to say. Director Tang reacted instantly, swinging his hand and landing a resounding slap across Wang Maocai’s face. “You fool! Who gave you the courage to privately interrogate the prime suspects captured by the Military Intelligence Department?”

With that, he quickly turned around, fearfully explaining to Ning Zhiheng, “Captain Ning, I had no knowledge of this matter whatsoever. As for the confessions and interrogation records Wang Maocai obtained, I have never seen any of them. I have absolutely nothing to do with this! Nothing at all! If you don’t believe me, you can interrogate them thoroughly.”

Director Tang was truly terrified this time. He was merely the chief of a small district police station—a nobody in Nanjing, where high officials clustered and government departments abounded.

But he was painfully aware of what kind of department the Military Intelligence Investigation Department was. Even the big shots of the military government would avoid crossing such a behemoth.

If he were to be dragged into such a case, his family would be destroyed in an instant, and he’d disappear without a trace, as if thrown into the sea without a ripple.

At that moment, he hated Wang Maocai to his very bones. That wretch had the gall to cause such a huge disaster and now wanted to drag him down as well. Luckily, he hadn’t seen a single confession or interrogation record—otherwise, even if he jumped into the Yellow River, he couldn’t clear his name.

He knew he had to sever all ties with Wang Maocai immediately—make his position clear, assert his innocence, and avoid being swept into this whirlpool at all costs.

As for Wang Maocai, he was already paralyzed with fear. Director Tang’s slap had jolted him awake. He staggered forward, fell to his knees with a thud, and wailed, “Sir, I really didn’t know anything! I know nothing! I just wanted to make a little extra on the side, that’s all! Sir, I didn’t ask anything!”

Ning Zhiheng ignored his pleas, saying coldly, “This spy case is of great importance. You interfered in the interrogation and made unauthorized contact with suspects. I now suspect your identity. Hand over your interrogation records and come with us to the Military Intelligence Department for a thorough investigation.”

Records? What records? All he’d done was torture and extort money—how could there be any records? Who would dare document such deeds?

What? They even suspected his identity? Wang Maocai was petrified. If it were only dereliction of duty or leaking information, he might still have a chance to survive. But if they deemed him a spy or a member of the underground Red Party, there was not the slightest hope of survival.

He muttered, “No, no—there are no records. We kept nothing at all…”

Everyone watched the scene unfold. Seeing Wang Maocai, once so arrogant and overbearing, now cowering on the ground like a whipped dog, drenched in cold sweat, they themselves were terrified by the ruthlessness of the Military Intelligence Department.

Even Liu Datong’s own men stood silent and stiff, not daring to utter a word.

Wang Maocai had long heard of the Military Intelligence Department’s reputation. If he were taken there, he would never return alive. The sky seemed to be falling, his mind flooded with terror, desperately searching for a lifeline.

Still kneeling, he begged pitifully, “I really don’t know anything! I was just trying to get some benefits! I’ll return everything, hand it all over. Sir, believe me, I’m innocent—I have nothing to do with this case!”

Suddenly, he caught sight of Liu Datong nearby, rushed over, and clutched his leg, pleading, “Brother Datong, it was my momentary greed—I was blind to your greatness and offended you. For the sake of my wife and children, please say a word for me! Please! I will never forget your kindness, I beg you, help me! Help me!”

Liu Datong kicked him away forcefully. “Wang, you’ve finally met your day. All the evil you’ve done! At the beginning of the year, Old Chen from the grocery offended you, and you arrested him for trafficking contraband. He begged you just as desperately for mercy, but in the end, you broke both his legs. His shop was lost, he was crippled, his family scattered. Did you think to spare him then? Remember this: evil done in this world never goes unpunished; heaven's justice always comes around!”

At that, a member of the action team stepped forward, slapped handcuffs on Wang Maocai, and dragged him aside. Annoyed by his incessant wailing, they stuffed a rag in his mouth, silencing him instantly.

With the tables turned so drastically, Liu Datong and his men finally felt vindicated, their spirits soaring. At last, they had found a powerful backer. The Military Intelligence Department’s fearsome reputation was obvious—just look at Director Tang, usually so high and mighty, now reduced to a stammering, helpless mess.

After today, who in the police station would dare look down on them again?

Ning Zhiheng paid Wang Maocai no further mind, turning instead to Director Tang. “Director Tang, your officer Wang Maocai is of questionable identity and implicated in a major case. We’re taking him for thorough investigation.” Then, pointing to Liu Datou beside him, he added, “I see that Liu Datou is reliable. He’ll fill Wang Maocai’s position. What do you think?”

Director Tang, still shaken, felt as if he’d come back to life. As long as Captain Ning had requests, it meant he was still useful and not about to be dragged into the case. He was being spared!

He quickly agreed, “Yes, yes, Liu Datong is always diligent and capable—a true talent. I’ve had my eye on him for some time. Captain Ning truly has a discerning eye. I’ll process the paperwork and complete all procedures today—he’ll take up the post of police chief immediately.”

Standing by, Liu Datong’s eyes widened with joy. After more than ten years of hard work, a single word from Commander Ning had changed everything.

He straightened and saluted Ning Zhiheng. “Thank you for your trust, Commander Ning. I, Liu Datou, will serve with unwavering loyalty and devotion, no matter the cost!”

Ning Zhiheng smiled. “No need to thank me. It’s Director Tang who’s promoted you.”

Liu Datong understood instantly and turned to salute Director Tang. “Thank you, Director Tang, for your support.”

Director Tang, not daring to act superior, smiled broadly. “Chief Liu is a rare talent. I’ve long wanted to promote you. Now, with Captain Ning’s endorsement, there can be no mistake. Hahaha!” As he spoke, he patted Liu Datong warmly on the shoulder, his demeanor completely changed from the man who moments before had threatened to detain him.

Ning Zhiheng had no intention of wasting another glance on Director Tang’s hypocrisy. With Liu Datong’s affairs settled, he had accomplished his purpose in coming—by making such a public show of support, he ensured that no one in the station would dare hinder Liu Datong in the future, making things easier for his operations.

Soon, several prison guards brought out the two human traffickers. Both were battered and bruised, barely able to stand, and had to be half-carried out.

Ning Zhiheng glanced around and beckoned to Zhao Jiang, a member of the action team. “Zhao Jiang, take four men, escort these two prisoners, and catch today’s train to Hangzhou. Deliver them to Director Chen Guangran of the Hangzhou Public Office. Here’s the address.”

Zhao Jiang was one of Ning Zhiheng’s favored subordinates—quick-witted, perceptive, and good at reading his intentions, a capable man. Ning Zhiheng wrote down Director Chen’s address on a slip of paper, then handed Zhao Jiang a stack of cash.

“Don’t stint on yourselves for the journey—spend what you need. When you get to Director Chen, he’ll make sure you’re well rewarded. Consider it well-earned compensation for your hard work!”

Zhao Jiang was delighted. Commander Ning always handled things generously, thinking of everything in advance. Travel expenses would be minimal, and with Director Chen’s reward, a two-day round trip would mean each man would earn more than a year’s salary—a fat assignment indeed!

The other team members’ eyes lit up as well, all hoping Zhao Jiang would choose them. Zhao Jiang, not hesitating, picked four men he trusted, and together they quickly left with the two prisoners.

Ning Zhiheng was deliberately boosting Zhao Jiang’s standing among the team, making it easier to entrust him with important tasks in the future—just as he had done with Liu Datong.

With all matters settled and a few final instructions given to Liu Datong, Ning Zhiheng, under the respectful gazes of all present, gathered his men and returned to the Military Intelligence Investigation Department.