Chapter 30: A Flash of Inspiration
"Name?"
"Yang Ming."
"Gender?"
Yang Ming thought this was ridiculous. The questioning procedure had been in place for so many years. It was still the same as what he saw on television. They still asked about gender. It's like holding a candle to the sun. However, Yang Ming knew it was necessary so he answered, "Male."
"Age?"
"Eighteen."
"Occupation?"
"Student."
"Address?"
"Song Jiang Car Factory Employee Family Compound, Block number six, 4th floor, door number one." Yang Ming answered.
"What did you do last night?" Chen Fei suddenly changed the topic.
Last night? Yang Ming reminisced, I met two robbers, then I punished them. After that, I met a girl, she wanted me to f*** her, but I retained my conscience. I didn't f*** her. I even gave her some money. That's all!
"What are you thinking? I'm asking you - what did you do last night? Explain to me in full detail right now!" Chen Fei thought Yang Ming was trying to make up some lie.
"Last night, I'm had my tutorial with Teacher Zhao until 8:30 pm, then we ate beef noodles at the night market..."
The policewoman stared at Yang Ming impatiently and said harshly, "Straight to the point!"
Yang Ming saw this policewoman and he became really angry, Son of a b****. Your captain didn't even say anything and you already became impatient. Look at your sexy body. I never thought you were a tomboy. Look at yourself; I bet you will never find a boyfriend and be a single woman. You're a woman with a hormone imbalance and wants to vent your anger on me.
Chen Fei waved to the policewoman and signaled her to stop talking. "Alright, keep going."
Yang Ming intentionally aggravated the policewoman, "Where did I stop just now?"
The policewoman shouted, "What kind of memory do you have?!"
Chen Fei reminded him, "Yang Ming, you were eating beef noodles."
"Oh right, eating beef noodles. Look at your captain's attitude. You should learn from him! This comrade is really inexperienced." Yang Ming spoke like a leader toward the policewoman. Now it wasn't like questioning him; it was more like criticizing a subordinate.
The policewoman said angrily, "You! You're complacent now, but later you will cry. You have become a murderer. It will get even better!"
"Enough Xia Xue. You shouldn't speak so much. He is right. How can you be unbiased if you behave like this? The taboo of interrogating your suspect is first being angry. You can't get any information from them and even worse, you're raising their ego." Chen Fei said, "Besides, he isn't a murderer yet. It's not for you and me to decide. Leave it for the court."
Xia Xue was speechless against Chen Fei's rebuke. She had just graduated from police school and she was still interning in the criminal police department. She was so easily provoked by Yang Ming. She had forgotten what the police academy instructor had taught. After she was disciplined by Chen Fei, she became clear-headed and immediately shut her mouth.
"Student Yang Ming, you can keep going." Chen Fei shook his head. Every year, the new recruits were pretty much the same. He once was like Xia Xue but after years of training, Chen Fei knew how to manage his emotions.
"After we ate beef noodles, we started to walk home but we met two robbers at Si Huan Street..." Yang Ming described the situation at that time.
After Yang Ming's description, Chen Fei suddenly informed him, "The thin man you talked about was dead when we reach there. After he was sent to the hospital, forensics confirmed that he died of breathing difficulty induced by a bleeding lung."
"Ah? What? You're saying that the man is dead?" Yang Ming was surprised; he didn't really think that he killed a person!
Chen Fei said, "Yes, now your story is just one-sided. The thin man's partner is still in a coma. We have to wait until he wakes up in order to come to a conclusion."
"I don't think you can ask him anything after he wakes up." Yang Ming said and sighed, "He was the first person I knocked out."
Chen Fei said, "You don't have to worry about this. Our technology department is reconstructing the case. I believe the results will be out soon. Then we will know whether your self-defense was unjustifiable or not."
At this moment, another policeman walked in and said to Chen Fei, "Captain Chen, the other suspect has woken up, but he doesn't want to talk about the case. He is acting crazy in the hospital and says he lost his memory!"
"What?" Chen Fei was taken aback. In all these years, after Chen Fei had solved so many cases, this was his first time hearing about a criminal who was making such an excuse to exonerate himself.
The policeman asked indecisively, "Captain Chen, what are we supposed to do? Without evidence, they can only be charged for the disruption of law and order based on the situation… We can't convict them of committing a heavier crime and we can only hold them for a few more days.."
Yang Ming was dumbfounded. If this man lost his memory, then it would be difficult for me to exonerate myself!
Chen Fei asked, "Did he really lose his memory?"
The policeman said, "I'm not sure about this but the doctor said his brain wasn't injured so theoretically it's impossible to lose his memory. Besides, I really think that he is just acting like a fool."
Chen Fei couldn't help but ponder, Based on the current situation, his criminal charge isn't heavy. He could even be freed from getting charged so why would he act like a fool?
Chen Fei talked to himself, "Is he trying to hide something? There's no need for it. This isn't a big crime."
Hiding? Yang Ming suddenly had a flash of inspiration. If a man loses his memory, what kind of memories would he possibly forget? He connected it to his last online novel. Yes, it's his identity!
If a man loses his memory, it's likely for others to overlook his previous identity.
The policeman suggested, "Captain Chen, I think we should follow the security regulations and lock him up for few days."
"Wait, wait!" Yang Ming abruptly interrupted, "Did you check his identity?"
Xia Xue said in a resentful way, "Identity? Why would we need to check for his identity? Didn't you hear that the guy had lost his memory? How would we check?"
Yang Ming said, "You can check by posting his photo online!"
Xia Xue said angrily, "You think we have nothing else to do, right? It's just a small case. Why do we need to search the internet?"
Chen Fei agreed and nodded, "Not bad, Yang Ming is right. Both of you quickly upload the photo to the internet."
"Yes, Captain Chen." The policeman went out.
Chen Fei gave Yang Ming a thumbs up and said, "Not bad kid. I appreciate your wits!"
Chapter 31: Turning Into a Hero
"Captain Chen, why are you listening to him? Is there anything to investigate here?" Xia Xue felt that it was quite strange after all. Wasn't this merely an attempted robbery? Is there even a need to raise such a big ruckus?
"At that time, I had already felt something was not right. As expected, there was something wrong with this person!" Chen Fei looked into Yang Ming's eyes as he said, "Thanks to you for mentioning it just now, or else, I will not be able to understand the context."
"Hmph!" Xia Xue left a cold humph in disdain. She didn't consider a senior high-school student to be very capable.
After quite a while, the policeman who left before returned excitedly. The moment he rushed into the hearing room, he shouted, "Captain Chen, we have a breakthrough! The photos of these two men were sent to all the police departments. Immediately, Province S called. Both of them are wanted for robbery, rape, and murder!"
"Not bad!" Captain Chen smacked the table and stood up. He walked in front of Yang Ming and said, "Little brat. It seems that not only are you acquitted, you even did something great."
It was only at this moment that Yang Ming sighed in relief. Since both of those guys were wanted, there shouldn't be any issue!
Surely enough, the specialist from the technology department had reached the same conclusion after a short time. Based on the overwhelming evidence at the fight scene and the fingerprints on the dagger, it was safe to conclude that Yang Ming fought back under the condition that his life was threatened. Also, based on the information from Province S, the name of the wizened man was Ji Shuisheng who was skilled in martial arts. His methods were deemed very cruel because he had murdered three people in Province S. There were no victims who survived encounters with him. Thus, it was confirmed that Yang Ming's actions were due to self-defense.
"Little buddy, I am sorry for holding you up for such a long time! We should advocate your conduct of justice. I am ready to call the chief about your official recognition..."
The door of the interrogation room opened while Chen Fei was finishing his sentence.
A middle-aged man was in the lead and came. Then, Zhao Ying and the principal of the No. 4 High School followed.
Speak of the devil, he was here. Chen Fei asked, "Chief Wang, why have you come?"
Chief Wang Aiguo pointed at Principal Li Yuejin and said, "Hey, my old schoolmate told me that one of the students in his school was arrested so, I came here to see what was happening!"
"Yang Ming, are you alright?" The moment Zhao Ying saw Yang Ming, her face was filled with joy. She immediately ran towards Yang Ming to hold his hand but, she suddenly recalled that Principal Li was behind her. She immediately let go of his hand. However, her worried expression was clearly exhibited.
After Yang Ming was taken away by the police, Zhao Ying was quite anxious. This was her first time feeling so helpless. It was nothing at first. However, once something happened to Yang Ming, Zhao Ying felt like her heart was squashed. Several thoughts came into Zhao Ying's mind. Could it be that I have fallen for him? It shouldn't be possible. He's just my student. Or was it just a feeling of concern between a brother and sister?
Yang Ming said in an appreciative manner, "Teacher Zhao, I am fine. Captain Chen treated me very well." He never thought that Zhao Ying would come so soon and even bring Principal Li.
Chief Wang Aiguo walked towards Yang Ming with a smile and said, "Little fellow, how was it? Old Chen didn't interrogate through torturing, right?"
Chen Fei shook his head with a bitter smile as he replied, "Chief Wang, don't you know my character?"
Chief Wang pointed at Yang Ming and asked, "I'm just kidding, Old Chen. What did he do that required him to be brought to this place?"
"Murder." Chen Fei's expression was serious the moment he talked about work.
"What? Murder?!" Chief Wang was shocked. His old schoolmate just contacted him about a student under arrest. Nothing further was explained on this matter and Chief Wang thought it was just a normal street fight.
"Ah?" Principal Li was surprised as well. He didn't have any knowledge about it earlier. What he learned from Zhao Ying was only that a student was arrested by the police.
"Chief Wang, stop being agitated and listen to me. Yang Ming did commit murder but it was under the condition of proper self-defense. The one he had killed was a wanted murderer from Province S. The case is like this..." Chen Fei reported the scenario clearly to Chief Wang.
"So, it is like this. When you came in, he wasn't cuffed. If he committed murder, how can he be so relaxed?" As Chief Wang grasped the situation, he said, "Old Li, ah, this time your school will be honored. A little hero's come out from your school! I will definitely spread your glory and broadcast it on television!"
Principal Li felt a sense of relief. It seemed like a good thing. Consequently, Principal Li gave a vibrant smile as he said, "If there's no issue then it is alright. Regarding the broadcasting, I think there's no need for it."
Chief Wang was puzzled. "Why? This is a great opportunity to boost the school's prestige. Why would Principal Li ignore this opportunity?"
Yang Ming sensed that something was odd. However, his thoughts were aligned with Principal Li. Even if Principal Li didn't mention it, he would have proposed to keep a low profile with regard to this matter. It was because he didn't want to have his parents worried about him. Although it was proper self-defense, it was still a murder. His parents might not be able to take it.
"Yang Ming is a Grade 12 student. The National Higher Education Entrance Examination is approaching in two months. I don't want this case to affect his studies. If a television broadcast is made, he will definitely be distracted. Therefore, such glory isn't needed!" After Principal Li finished his sentence, he looked at Yang Ming and asked, "Yang Ming, if I do it like this, will you blame me for taking away your opportunity to be famous?"
At that instance, Yang Ming was touched. His tears were close to gushing out! Yang Ming felt that Principal Li was a great principal after listening to those words. He was a principal that considered the best interest of the student! He would forgo such a great opportunity for publicity just because he was afraid that it would interfere with Yang Ming's studies! As a matter of fact, this opportunity was something that every other school desired!
Zhao Ying noticed that Yang Ming's expression wasn't quite right. Since she was afraid Yang Ming would say something improper, she promptly advised, "What is it, Yang Ming? Principal Li considered your best interest. You wouldn't be angry, right?
"Principal Li, thank you very much!" Yang Ming answered with a deep bow. "I am of the same opinion. As I am still a student, what matters to me is enrollment in a university. So, Chief Wang, please accept Principal Li's and my request."
"Hahaha, great, this brat isn't bad!" Chief Wang gave a thumbs up and said, "It is great that someone as young as you isn't greedy for material gain. Great job, Old Li. I am impressed by your ability to groom a good student."
Principal Li patted Yang Ming's shoulder and said, "Hehe. Yang Ming, I am delighted to hear that you think this way! What you said was right. To me, if you could enroll in a good university, that will be much more important than glory! Your exam score will be the best reward for the principal and teachers!"
Chief Wang instructed Chen Fei, "That's great. This case will be resolved just like you said and we will keep it low profile. Chen Fei, you will personally handle this matter. If you need any instructions, just find me!"