Brother Huang saw his face change dramatically and laughed, "Why are you looking around like that?"
Shao Zhixin sent the link to Brother Huang and watched his reaction, anxiously asking, "Brother Huang, could
this person be you?"
Brother Huang glanced at the title and knew immediately what it was about. He called out meaningfully,
"Zhixin."
The latter obediently responded, "Yes."
Looking over the computer screen, Brother Huang's expression towards Shao Zhixin was hard to read—perhaps it
was sympathy or regret. He probably thought it was a shame that such a young, sharp-looking kid had a big
but somewhat useless head on his shoulders.
As He Chuan Zhou passed by behind Brother Huang, she overheard their conversation and was stopped by Brother
Huang, who showed her the article on the screen. He Chuan Zhou paused and pondered as well.
Brother Huang, as the captain of the major crimes unit, felt a bit responsible. After all, when Shao Zhixin
first joined their team, everyone was overjoyed. Shao Zhixin had not yet faced enough of society’s harsh
realities, and this was largely the captain’s fault.
He Chuan Zhou thought for a moment and tried to be as tactful as possible in his evaluation, "I think 'dumb'
should be considered a neutral term. When he holds us back, we call it stupid. When it’s harmless or useful,
we call it simple."
She looked sincerely at Shao Zhixin's innocent face and nodded, saying, "You are very simple."
It took Shao Zhixin a while to realize he was being mocked. After the others had left, he asked Brother
Huang, who had been watching the show, "Was Captain He calling me dumb?"
Brother Huang laughed and reassured him, "Don't be so pessimistic. Look at it another way: she was saying
you were useful."
Shao Zhixin thought to himself that was obvious! After all, he had risked his eyesight going through
surveillance footage and spent over 40 hours catching an interstate fugitive without much sleep. He was a
diligent and dependable worker.
Brother Huang was still laughing, finding this kid very amusing. "That's Captain He’s gentle way of putting
it. Think about it."
Shao Zhixin looked troubled, feeling he couldn't grasp such profound wisdom. Brother Huang added, "Also, you
didn't finish reading the article, did you? Next time, make sure to read it all before commenting."
Shao Zhixin was well aware of the case details, which is why he was surprised by the author's familiarity
with the case.
The article even briefly mentioned Yuan Lingyun's background while deliberately omitting details of the
ongoing investigation by the anti-narcotics team.
The author, known as "Jidu Qiuliang," had reconstructed the case based on interviews with relevant
individuals.
Although he couldn't interview Liu Guangyu, he clearly knew Liu's background, summarizing his troubled
upbringing and early criminal activities without additional commentary.
The article also recounted Tao Xianyong’s past, including his tragic marriage and his philanthropic efforts
after becoming successful.
Regardless of his motives, Tao Xianyong had indeed helped many, including poor patients and students in
need, who changed their lives because of his assistance.
The author interviewed several people who expressed gratitude and mourning for Tao Xianyong.
Combining this with how Tao Xianyong destroyed a promising young graduate’s life and was ultimately murdered
in revenge, the article vividly depicted the complexity of human nature.
Shao Zhixin reread the article, recalling Yuan Lingyun and Liu Guangyu's lives, feeling a surge of emotion.
This account, based on facts with some artistic adjustments, was highly credible and well-received.
Despite the deliberate ambiguity regarding the crime's timing and victim’s background, it was easy for
netizens to identify the real-life counterpart due to a recent police announcement.
"A City has been quite peaceful with few homicides in recent years. I can think of one matching person, gy,
txy."
"Stop being cryptic. It’s straightforward: Guangyi’s boss, Tao Xianyong. A grassroots entrepreneur turned
philanthropist—there aren't many like him."
"This author is something else, digging up the inside story so quickly."
"Tao Xianyong? No way! Isn't he a well-known philanthropist around here? He seemed kind."
"Kind? That pudgy face? Doesn't anyone know donations can be tax-deductible? Big companies donate all the
time. Doesn't make their bosses saints."
This article quickly became a trending topic, amassing nearly 500,000 views and over 10,000 comments within
24 hours.
Curious, Shao Zhixin searched for other reports. He found that local media had approached Guangyi's
representatives for clarification.
Tao Siyue, working in the company's finance department, was also intercepted by reporters.
"That's strange," Shao Zhixin remarked, tilting his head, "Reporters asked Tao Siyue if she knew about her
father’s crimes. Everyone else firmly denied it, but she said she didn't know."
Brother Huang interrupted his thoughts, "Why are you so interested in their family dynamics? The case is
closed. Just browse and don't overthink it."
"I know," Shao Zhixin replied.
Though no concrete evidence linked Tao Xianyong to the article's subject, Guangyi's stock predictably
plummeted, and various rumors surfaced online.
Some claimed personal victimization by Tao Xianyong, others accused him of unethical behavior during his
philanthropy, and some alleged Yuan Lingyun's voluntary involvement, questioning the article’s objectivity.
Shao Zhixin could easily spot the fabrications among these claims, puzzled by netizens' penchant for
sensationalism. He reported false information to maintain a cleaner online environment.
When his mind was functioning well, Shao Zhixin could be quite sharp. He quickly realized that the article's
author might have contacted Yuan Lingyun for key information.
Few knew about Yuan Lingyun’s connection to Tao Xianyong, and the most likely person was the mysterious
journalist who had once tracked Tao Xianyong.
Shao Zhixin nervously asked, "Could Yuan Lingyun be in danger? Guangyu lost a lot due to her revelations."
Brother Huang thought for a moment, "Probably not."
During their investigation, they confirmed that no one around Tao Xianyong knew about Yuan Lingyun. The
article did not reveal her true identity, and her connection to Liu Guangyu was almost entirely private. As
long as she stayed silent, her involvement would remain undiscovered.
Tao Xianyong's meticulous caution ended up protecting Yuan Lingyun in this situation, a clear example of
poetic justice.
Feeling relieved, Shao Zhixin turned to the latest update on the story about Officer He.
In the second chapter of the update, the author interviewed local residents of Ziyang Community to gather
their impressions of Officer He. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
The author also spoke with children whom Officer He had helped. Several teenage girls mentioned that Officer
He always avoided meeting them privately. If they needed assistance, he would refer them to a female
officer. His law enforcement actions were always accompanied by colleagues and conducted in public settings.
Additionally, he provided counseling to their families and taught them how to seek help from charitable
organizations. If necessary, he even helped organize community donations for them.
However, the author noted that this does not necessarily prove Officer He's innocence. Well-dressed
criminals are not uncommon, and dismissing the victim's testimony based on public opinion is not
appropriate.
Those advocating for Officer He's guilt included the victim's family and journalist Han.
Journalist Han published numerous highly biased articles across major channels, revealing much of Officer
He's personal information and leading protests demanding a thorough investigation.
The author was unable to contact Han, who refused to speak, so he interviewed Han's former colleagues
instead.
As Shao Zhixin scrolled down, he reached the end of the page just as his interest peaked. Frustrated, he
exclaimed, "What's with this author? He covered Tao Xianyong's case all at once but drags out Officer He's
old case in a long serial? This approach is bound to fail!"
Brother Huang, resisting the urge to knock some sense into Shao Zhixin, glanced quickly in He Chuan Zhou’s
direction and said, "Zhixin, it's time to work. How about the testimonies I asked you to collect in the
county?"
Shao Zhixin quickly put down his phone, replying, "I finished. Didn't Xu Yu tell you?"
He Chuan Zhou heard Shao Zhixin mention the old case but surprisingly didn't react with the same intensity
as before. She even calmly opened the link and read the full article.
This report was the most impartial account she had seen so far. She recognized many familiar faces, people
she had lost touch with due to her busy schedule. Their heartfelt words about He Xu brought back memories
she had overlooked.
At He Xu's funeral, those faces she couldn't remember had watched her with sympathetic eyes. Back then, she
was too absorbed in her grief to notice their kindness, standing aloof and trying to shut out the world's
noise.
For the first time while recalling He Xu, He Chuan Zhou felt emotions other than anger and sorrow.
It was as if the illusions that had haunted her were clearing up, revealing her true past as the fog lifted.
---
In the evening, Zhou Tuoxing sent her two private messages.
Zhou Tuoxing: I'm done with work. What time do you finish?
Followed by another message, sounding both sincere and somewhat cheeky.
Zhou Tuoxing: I'm available whenever.