Chapter Twenty-Six: A New Journey

When Li Weiwei received Zhao Zhijie’s call asking her to report to the base for a new assignment, she couldn’t help but leap for joy, jumping right up in the office. She grabbed her backpack in a hurry, greeted Secretary Zhou, and dashed off. Watching her retreating figure, Secretary Zhou shook his head helplessly. Such a grown woman, yet still like a child. But seeing her so happy, she must be off to play the superhero again, he thought, and couldn’t help but smile.

By the time Li Weiwei arrived at the base, everyone else was already there. Haifeng signaled her to sit, then began the briefing.

He turned off the lights and switched on the projector. “During our last operation, thanks to Zhao Zhijie and Li Weiwei’s data recovery, we uncovered a crucial lead: a clue about an online usury case. That, in fact, was the most fatal blow that drove Huang Guan to despair.”

Haifeng paused, then continued, “What we know is that ‘Li Mengyao’ persuaded Huang Guan into taking out an online loan, gave the money to ‘Li Mengyao’, who never returned it, which put immense pressure on Huang Guan.”

“I asked Zhao Zhijie to analyze this loan specifically, and it turns out it's far from a simple transaction. They don’t care about the borrower’s situation, don’t ask about their finances, just lend the money with ease. Rather than a lifeline, it’s a poisoned bait, trapping borrowers.”

He glanced around. Everyone was listening intently. Haifeng went on, “We also found the interest rates to be highly suspicious. On the surface, they comply with legal requirements, but to receive the loan, you have to sign agreements for information system usage and financial intermediary services, and pay associated fees.”

“In other words, if you borrow a hundred thousand, you might only receive eighty thousand. Calculating based on what you actually get, the interest far exceeds legal limits. But interest isn’t their real profit—it's the penalties. Triple penalty rates can enslave borrowers for life, and that's the most lethal part.”

Wen Yuxin was startled by Haifeng’s explanation. She’d never imagined loans could be manipulated like this. In the age of the internet, online finance is rampant. She’d used online loans herself, always finding them convenient and considerate, free from the arrogant airs of banks. She never had to beg for money, and thought of it as a satisfying innovation.

But hearing Haifeng now, Wen Yuxin realized there were hidden depths to these schemes, and a chill ran down her spine. Had she been too naive? She never expected such terrifying things could exist in society. For the first time, Wen Yuxin felt grateful for the presence of these police officers. Without their burdensome vigilance, how could people like herself enjoy peace? She looked around at the officers present, applauding them inwardly, and felt proud to be part of their team.

Haifeng continued, “Now, about these so-called system providers and financial intermediaries—on the surface, they have nothing to do with the lending company, each with distinct legal representatives. But years of investigative experience tell me there's something fishy here. Our mission is to investigate these three companies and see what tricks they’re up to.”

“Zhao Zhijie has already checked their registration: the lending company is in Tanghua, the system provider in Jinghua, and the financial intermediary in Pingzhou, Yanbei Province. Our first step is to split into groups and visit them, confirm whether these companies actually exist, and assess their scale. Once we’ve verified that, we’ll plan our next moves. Go home and pack tonight, send me your ID information, I’ll book your tickets, and we’ll depart together tomorrow.”

After Haifeng finished, people left the room one by one, leaving only Liu Zhiyang and Haifeng.

Liu Zhiyang waited for everyone to leave, then asked Haifeng, “Do you really know what you’re up against this time?”

Haifeng nodded. “We’re hardly experts in economic crime—it’s bound to be tough. But it’s a challenge, and without challenges, there’s no progress, right?”

Liu Zhiyang stared at him. Seeing Haifeng’s calm face, he couldn’t help but say, “It’s not just about expertise. There are too many issues this time. First, it’s questionable whether this loan even qualifies as usury. You yourself said the contract’s interest rate fully complies with national regulations—legally, there’s no issue. Clearly drafted by professionals, you won’t find any illegal evidence. As long as the system usage fees and intermediary fees are charged by certified companies, that’s lawful too.”

“In other words, it’s normal economic activity. On what grounds do you call it usury? Even if it is usury, when have you ever heard usury itself is a crime? Law only says if the annual rate agreed by both parties exceeds 24% but not 36%, it’s not protected by law—it’s a natural debt. If it exceeds 36%, the excess is invalid, but there’s no crime.”

“If private loans didn’t carry high interest, who would lend? It’s not illegal—can it make a case? Where do police get jurisdiction? Do you even have the authority to meddle in economic disputes? Usury isn’t a crime, but abuse of power is. We might end up worse off than the criminals, have you considered that?”

“Even if it’s usury with violent collection, do you have jurisdiction? Are there victims or suspects in Mingcheng? Do you have authority? You think it’s easy to get special jurisdiction? Is the Ministry your family business?”

“Even if all that checks out, do you think a legally compliant financial company would risk violent collection without protection? Their legal experts know how to draft contracts; would they ignore collection laws?”

“Most likely, debt collection is outsourced. Even if you, Haifeng, crack the case, you’ll just catch a few collectors. The real operators will go on as usual. What’s the point—you mobilize everyone just to return empty-handed? Or is taxpayers’ money just for your travel? Can you really bring the culprits to justice?”

“And another thing—none of these places are in Mingzhou. You’re crossing into someone else’s jurisdiction. If it’s a small workshop, fine, but if it’s a big company, imagine the social upheaval. Will they let you run wild?”

“You might not even be able to bring them back. All you have is a clue, and you’re ready to charge ahead—have you thought this through? You’re not a child. You’re almost fifty—can’t just act on impulse, right?”

Haifeng listened to Liu Zhiyang’s pointed arguments in silence. He knew every word was true, and these were real issues he had to face. Haifeng, after all, was a graduate of Jinghua Police University. While he didn’t have the deep legal background or years of experience handling legal documents like Liu Zhiyang, he’d spent half a lifetime as a cop. He didn’t need Liu Zhiyang to tell him about these problems. Yet Haifeng was determined to investigate these companies and pursue the case.

He poured Liu Zhiyang a glass of water, pulled up a chair for him, and finally spoke slowly. “Do you remember what you said to me back in school? Remember why we chose Jinghua Police University, why we wanted to be police officers?”

“Of course!” Liu Zhiyang straightened up. “To uphold justice and protect the law!”

“Good!” Haifeng raised his hand, stopping Liu Zhiyang from saying more, and continued, “To uphold justice, protect the law—this is every police officer’s original conviction. You remember, I remember, but many have forgotten.”

“These years in Mingcheng, I’ve seen too many people break the law for selfish gain, too many who twist truth for profit—and these were our comrades, our leaders, our colleagues, our subordinates. What happened? Isn’t it said, ‘never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your goal’? Where is their original intention? How many still remember their conviction?”

He paused, then said, “I’ve seen leaders take bribes to interfere with cases, seen them take money from suspects’ families for bail, for early release from compulsory rehab. I’ve seen promotions based on money and connections, not merit—even party membership spots require money and relationships.”

“I’ve seen it all, and some in our own group have experienced it firsthand. Is this what it means to uphold justice and protect the law?”

Liu Zhiyang listened, knowing it was all true. Though he hadn’t worked as many positions as Haifeng, he’d spent years at the grassroots, and his experiences were not far behind.

What Haifeng described was a major reason Liu Zhiyang chose to leave Mingcheng, but he still didn’t understand why Haifeng was telling him this, or what it had to do with their case. He was about to ask, but Haifeng stopped him.

Haifeng went on, “To these people, ordinary folk’s lives don’t matter, the country’s fate doesn’t matter—as long as they can climb the ranks and get rich, nothing matters. Even if the party and country collapse, they don’t care, as long as they can take their money and move abroad. But what about the people? What about us?”

His voice choked a little. He paused and said, “The law is meant to protect good people, not shield the wicked. We know their actions harm the people and the country, yet still call them legal and compliant—is that right? Aren’t we supposed to be guardians? When did we become accomplices to criminals?”

Liu Zhiyang watched Haifeng. He wasn’t a talkative man, usually silent. If not for years of friendship and Liu’s habit of monologuing, they’d have little in common. But today, Haifeng spoke more than Liu, and the usually eloquent Liu fell silent.

Haifeng pressed on, “You and I both know the devastation caused by usury. I’ve seen countless families ruined by it in the criminal unit. Online usury is even more damaging—more hidden, reaching more victims. I once handled a case where a young couple, overwhelmed by online loan pressure, chose suicide. One was twenty-two, the other just twenty—their lives had barely begun, and they were gone.”

The more he spoke, the angrier he became. He paused to regain composure, then continued, “Have you heard of credit loans? Just an ID card, and you can borrow substantial sums, often beyond your means. You think it’s convenient, but many are crushed by the interest.”

“Have you heard of ‘714 high cannon’? Short-term loans, interest stays within legal limits, but if you miss a payment, the penalties are terrifyingly high. That’s not the worst—have you heard of nude loans, campus loans, beauty loans? These people will do anything for profit, even corrupt schools. Students—the country’s hope, its future pillars—they’re destroying the foundation and future of the nation!”

Some terms were new to Liu Zhiyang, but hearing them made his skin crawl. Even this veteran officer broke into a cold sweat.

Haifeng continued, “So what are we doing? We, the guardians of the people—what are we doing? Just push away responsibility with ‘it’s legal’? Don’t investigate, don’t inquire, wait until someone dies before caring? Only care about promotion and wealth, never about people’s lives? Is this justice, law? Where is justice?”

He looked at Liu Zhiyang, his gaze unwavering. “You know what kind of man I am. I’ve seen plenty of those bastards, and many have ended up in jail because of me. I refuse to be like them, to wallow in the same filth.”

“I became a police officer to uphold justice and protect the law—before, and now. So I will pursue this case—not just for Huang Guan, but for the people, for the party, for the country. I am a police officer. I protect good people, not bad ones. You think hiring a few legal experts and drafting contracts lets them run amok, harming the country and people? You think I’ll stand by? If you think the risk is too great and want to withdraw, I won’t stop you. Everyone has their difficulties, and I understand. But I will not retreat—not a single step!”

Liu Zhiyang looked at his old classmate—still stubborn, still naïve about the ways of the world. Yet he’d always admired this so-called “menace to crooks,” and was willing to work alongside him. At that moment, Liu Zhiyang felt a renewed respect for his friend.

“To uphold justice and protect the law”—every police officer knows these words, but Haifeng has always acted on them. His lack of sophistication is simply his refusal to forget his original purpose. Even Liu Zhiyang hadn’t managed that. He felt a pang of shame, and finally understood why Zhou Zhiyong wanted Haifeng to lead the White Tiger team.

Liu Zhiyang stood up, facing Haifeng. “What are you thinking? That I’ll quit, so you can be the hero and everyone else is a coward? Don’t underestimate me. I, Liu Zhiyang, am a true man—who have I ever feared? Except my daughter.”

“I’m telling you, Haifeng, don’t put on airs. I know the law better than you. You’re not going to sideline me and play the lone hero—I’m also part of the White Tiger team. As long as I’m here, they can’t escape justice with a few legal tricks and contracts. That’s wishful thinking.”

“Ever since Director Zhou came to me, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. This time, I’ll wade into the muck with you. I want to see what they’re really made of.” With that, Liu Zhiyang put a hand on Haifeng’s shoulder. “You’re not the only one who remembers those eight words: ‘To uphold justice and protect the law.’ I haven’t forgotten, and never will.”

Li Mengyang stood outside the door, leaning against the wall, listening to their conversation in full. He was deeply moved, proud to work alongside such men. He’d seen those who looked noble on stage but were vile off it, and despised such hypocrites—his own sister had suffered at their hands.

But when Haifeng and Liu Zhiyang spoke of justice, of not forgetting their purpose, Li Mengyang felt nothing but admiration, knowing their words came from the heart, knowing they truly wanted to make a difference. He hoped to achieve great things with them.

Across the hall, Zhang Mufeng patted Li Mengyang’s shoulder, signaling his understanding and that Haifeng and Liu Zhiyang were about to come out. The two of them then left the base together.