Chapter Thirty: An Unexpected Banquet

Before long, the car came to a halt before an imposing, grand castle. Haifeng glanced outside: the Gothic architecture exuded opulence, the façade of white marble gleamed like jade, and in the courtyard, atop the fountain, stood a Venus sculpted from alabaster, holding a water jug—a replica inspired by Ingres’ famed painting, “The Source.” Bathed in golden light, the entire structure glittered resplendently, especially striking against the tranquil night.

Haifeng sighed softly to Li Xian, “Tanghua really knows how to treat people. Even a dinner invitation is held in a castle. Is your precinct chief perhaps a nobleman?”

Li Xian’s expression grew somewhat awkward. It was one thing for a police chief to avoid being stingy when hosting, but this bordered on the excessively lavish. Just the venue alone made Li Xian uncomfortable. After all, while one welcomes friends from afar, Haifeng was his friend, not the police chief’s. Moreover, this standard was far too high—the cost of this meal could easily eclipse several months of his salary. As far as he knew, the chief didn’t have a gold mine at home. Was this a farewell feast, a reckless splurge? Li Xian felt uneasy, suspecting that the rumors he’d heard about the chief might not be unfounded. Yet, since they were already here and with so many people in tow, it would be inappropriate to simply walk out. Resigned, he steeled himself and led the way inside.

Upon entering the room, they found seven or eight people already waiting. A middle-aged man in a blue polo shirt greeted them, introducing everyone present to Haifeng’s group; Li Xian reciprocated, and both parties took their seats in turn.

Seated at the table, Haifeng sensed something amiss about the gathering. On his right sat Liu Zhiyang and Li Xian; on his left, in order, were Tangping Precinct’s Chief Xu Dong, Qian Group’s Deputy General Manager Qian Zhen, Deputy Chief Cao Qin (in charge of Cybersecurity), and Deputy Chief Shi Biao (in charge of Criminal Investigation). Accompanying Wenyu Xin and her companions at the same table were the Cybersecurity Division Captain, the Criminal Investigation Division Captain, and the Political Affairs Director of Tangping Precinct.

Li Xian had mentioned earlier that Tanghua’s leadership was notably youthful; those of Haifeng’s generation were often already deputy chiefs, with the division captains even younger. Thus, Haifeng found nothing improper in having deputy chiefs accompany them—perhaps it was simply to save face, matching peers with peers to avoid awkwardness.

But the presence of Qian Group’s deputy general manager at the table was harder to explain. They were all from the same system, yet this outsider’s inclusion inevitably raised suspicions.

Xu Dong seemed to sense the oddity, so he explained, “Mr. Qian is one of Tanghua’s outstanding young talents and, though we’re of different generations, we’re old friends. He’s long heard of Captain Hai’s reputation, and upon learning you were visiting Tanghua, he wished to meet you in person. So, at his request, I took the liberty of arranging this dinner. I hope you’ll forgive me, and I ask for your understanding on behalf of all from Mingzhou.”

Haifeng replied with a smile, “We’re the ones imposing. Thank you to everyone from Tangping Precinct for your hospitality.”

Xu Dong laughed, “It’s only right. We’re all part of the same system—it’s natural to help one another. Besides, I actually have deep ties with Mingzhou—my brother is still there. Captain Hai, Captain Liu, you might even be old acquaintances of his!”

“Oh? Your brother’s a police officer in Mingzhou?” asked Haifeng.

Xu Dong nodded with a smile. “Xu Wei, Chief of the Mingtan Precinct in Mingcheng, is my brother.”

Haifeng laughed, “Then we truly are old friends!”

Xu Dong grinned, “Then let me raise my glass first—to welcome you all from afar. May your time in Tanghua be smooth and joyful!”

With that, Xu Dong downed his glass, and the others followed suit. Haifeng rarely drank, but even he could taste the rarity of this vintage. He knew this was no cheap wine.

Glancing at the dishes, he saw the table adorned with all manner of rare delicacies: swallow’s nest, shark fin, abalone, fish maw, sea cucumber, and lobster, each more luxurious than the last. When the waiter introduced the menu, Haifeng was astonished—there was the Emerald Shrimp Ring from Shandong, Boiled Sliced Fish from Sichuan, Roast Suckling Pig from Canton, Crab Meat Lion’s Head from Huaiyang, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall from Fujian, Flash-Fried Eel from Zhejiang, Zu’an Shark Fin from Hunan, and Stewed Pigeon from Anhui—every one of the eight major cuisines featured. Such extravagance left him speechless. Never before had he seen all eight styles at one table. Even Li Weiwei was stunned; this was no ordinary banquet.

Xu Dong and the others simply focused on toasting the members of the White Tiger Team. Whenever Haifeng and his colleagues brought up Shi Heng, the answer was always, “Everything is under control; he’ll be in custody by tomorrow.” Amidst a flurry of toasts and small talk, time slipped by. All but the two women in the White Tiger Team were soon drunk, with Li Xian passed out as well. Xu Dong and his colleagues eventually left the room one by one.

Then Qian Zhen came over to Wenyu Xin and Li Weiwei. “Forgive us, we’ve all drunk a bit much tonight. Captain Hai and the others are in no condition to leave. I’ll have people help them to their rooms for some rest. Would you prefer to return to your hotel or stay here for the night? If I may suggest, why not put up with a little inconvenience and return with them tomorrow?”

Wenyu Xin politely declined the offer, saying she and Li Weiwei would rather return to the hotel. As Qian Zhen prepared to arrange their transportation, Zhao Zhijie suddenly staggered up from the table. Seeing Wenyu Xin and Li Weiwei about to leave, he insisted on accompanying them back to the hotel.

Qian Zhen did not object, arranging a car for the three of them. Unexpectedly, just before leaving, Zhao Zhijie went around rousing each member of the White Tiger Team awake. Strangely, those who had appeared completely inebriated immediately came to once he tapped them, and in the end, not a single one remained behind—not even Li Xian. Qian Zhen realized the second act of the evening’s drama had been wasted, but he didn’t mind; his main objective had already been achieved. He too left to return to his room.

After the drivers delivered Haifeng and his group back to the hotel and settled Li Xian into his room, they departed. Once alone, the supposedly unconscious Li Xian sat up, then went to knock on Haifeng’s door. Haifeng opened it, and before Li Xian could say a word, Haifeng pulled Liu Zhiyang out. The three returned to Li Xian’s room together.

Glancing at them, Li Xian couldn’t help but laugh, “So neither of you were really drunk? Were the others faking it too? You’re all something else—pretending en masse! Not fair at all!”

Liu Zhiyang burst out laughing. “Weren’t you pretending too? With your drinking capacity, you shouldn’t have been down so quickly! What’s the story with your Tangping Precinct chief? Is he always this hospitable with everyone?”

“Tonight’s banquet was certainly of the highest order—fit for a state dinner, perhaps? We’re hardly foreign dignitaries. This meal must’ve cost a fortune. Does Tanghua pay its police that well, or is there a patron footing the bill?”

“I always thought only those guys in Mingcheng played these games, but it turns out Tanghua can go even further. And at a higher level, too—no wonder it’s a big city. So who’s the patron? That Qian Zhen from Qian Group? He must have a golden touch—inviting guests to castles. Does his family own gold mines?”

“Your Chief Xu doesn’t seem like a newcomer here. He must be a regular guest at this castle. You’re not a frequent visitor too, are you? Remember, these are times of anti-corruption. If you get caught, it won’t be easy for me to bring you food in detention!”

“But with so many classmates here, we’ll take care of you. At least we’ll manage to get a ham into your meals. Don’t worry about your family while you serve your sentence—embezzlement and bribery aren’t capital offenses. At worst, it’s a suspended death sentence. Eat more vegetables, less meat, exercise, and who knows, maybe your wife will give you a big, healthy son while you’re rehabilitating!”

Li Xian flushed, alternating between embarrassment and irritation. “You never let up, do you? All this just because I had one meal? Now I’m sentenced to life, and my wife’s supposed to cuckold me? You’re ruthless! It’s a wonder you survived Mingzhou without someone knocking your teeth out.”

He paused, then continued, “It was my first time at a place like that too. I rarely deal with that precinct chief, and tonight was the first I’d seen such an ostentatious display. Honestly, I don’t know why it was so grand, though I’ve heard rumors of the chief’s extravagance. The only reason I accepted the invitation was because we need their help capturing Shi Heng. When they invited you, I couldn’t refuse. If it caused any trouble, I apologize.”

Haifeng replied, “No need to apologize—we ate well and broadened our horizons. It’s all for the sake of tomorrow’s operation. You did nothing wrong. Let’s just consider Chief Xu a very enthusiastic host!”

The three chatted on, reminiscing about their school days and sharing stories from the ensuing years. Laughter burst from the room at intervals. It was not until three in the morning that Haifeng and Liu Zhiyang returned to their own rooms.

Early the next morning, Haifeng took Zhang Mufeng to Tangping Precinct to inquire about Shi Heng’s capture. The reception, however, was a stark contrast to the previous night’s warmth; none of the officials from the banquet were to be found, their phones unreachable, and no one in the Cybersecurity Division could provide any answers. Left with no choice, Haifeng called Li Xian for help.

Shortly after, the Cybersecurity Division Captain from Tangping Precinct called Haifeng, explaining that Shi Heng was nowhere to be found and promising to keep an eye out and report any updates. Then the call ended.

Haifeng and Zhang Mufeng left the precinct. Not long after, Li Xian arrived, equally frustrated by the lack of cooperation. He assured Haifeng he’d call in others to assist, but Haifeng merely smiled. Whatever Haifeng said made Li Xian burst into laughter, calling him cunning before departing cheerfully, promising to help whenever needed.

That evening, Xu Dong, accompanied by Cao Qin and Shi Biao, returned to the castle, where Qian Zhen had already prepared a feast. The four drank together once more.

During the meal, Cao Qin recounted how Haifeng had been stonewalled that day, and laughter erupted around the table. Then Xu Dong said to Qian Zhen, “Your banquet yesterday was wasted—no need to have treated them. Those people can’t appreciate fine wine and food.”

Qian Zhen replied with a chuckle, “Not wasted at all. As long as you enjoyed yourself. I’d thought that Haifeng was someone remarkable, but he’s nothing special.”

Xu Dong agreed, “Exactly. He’s just as stubborn as Li Xian. If not for your sake, I wouldn’t have dined with them.”

Qian Zhen smiled, “I appreciate that. But if we hadn’t gathered them together, Shi Heng wouldn’t have slipped away so easily. So I owe you my thanks!”

Xu Dong waved it off, “It was a small matter. For you, Mr. Qian, I’m happy to oblige. He’s left Tanghua, right? I’m not worried about Haifeng from Mingzhou, but Li Xian’s close relationship with Qiao Yuqian could be trouble. Qiao is always meddling; if he takes an interest, things could get complicated.”

Qian Zhen reassured him, “Don’t worry. He’s out of Tanghua. There won’t be any problems.”

Xu Dong nodded, “Good. I trust your handling. Now we can drink in peace!”

Hearing this, Qian Zhen clapped his hands, and several alluring young women entered. The three men’s eyes lit up. Xu Dong whispered to Qian Zhen, “And these are?”

Qian Zhen leaned in, “A little token of thanks for your help yesterday.”

Xu Dong protested lightly, “But we’re public officials. It wouldn’t be right for you to send us women.”

Qian Zhen laughed, “Perish the thought! I would never ask you to break the rules. I’m simply playing matchmaker—helping you find a little romance.”

Xu Dong’s face broke into a broad smile, “Ah, yes! Romance it is. We must thank you, our matchmaker, Mr. Qian!”

The women settled in beside them, and the drinking resumed.

When Qian Zhen saw the party was well along, he clapped again, and three waiters brought in boxes, placing one before each man.

Xu Dong eyed Qian Zhen, “And what’s this?”

Qian Zhen smiled, “Room keys. You’ve all had quite a bit to drink—why not stay the night here and spend some quality time with these lovely ladies?”

Xu Dong nodded, “I see the room key, but what’s in the box beneath?”

Qian Zhen replied, “Just a little gift.”

Xu Dong opened the box and saw something gleaming within. “Some little gift! This is no trifle.”

Qian Zhen grinned, “Just a few books, not worth much.”

Xu Dong looked puzzled, “Books?”

Qian Zhen quipped, “Yes, don’t you know the saying? ‘In books, there are houses of gold and beauties like jade.’ Just a few books, nothing more!”

Xu Dong roared with laughter, “Only you could put it that way, Mr. Qian! I enjoy your style. Come, let’s keep drinking!”

And so the revelry carried on.

Meanwhile, on the campus of Tanghua University, Zhao Zhijie and Li Weiwei sat on a bench, headphones on. Li Weiwei remarked, “This Qian Zhen is a master at flattery. When it’s money and women, it’s discipline violation; when it’s career and love, it’s ideals. Are all you police so good at playing these games?”

Zhao Zhijie looked instantly embarrassed, uncertain how to respond.

Li Weiwei continued, “There’s gold in the books and beauties like jade—there really are beauties, and I bet those boxes Qian Zhen gave them contain gold. He’s generous, no wonder Captain Hai and Zhang Mufeng got the cold shoulder this morning. Good thing Captain Hai had me hack them last night, or else Shi Heng really would have gotten away! Why do you think Qian Zhen helped Shi Heng? What’s their connection?”

Zhao Zhijie shook his head, “I’m not sure, but there’s definitely something fishy between Shi Heng’s finances, Jixiang Company, and Qian Group. Otherwise, Qian Zhen wouldn’t have intervened.”

Li Weiwei grew angry, “Xu Dong is the worst—installing pinhole cameras in our hotel rooms, even in the bathroom. It meant Wen Yuxin and I couldn’t even use the restroom comfortably. How can someone like that be a police chief? I guess I wasn’t wrong—police really aren’t all good people!”

Zhao Zhijie, indignant, replied, “It’s people like him who ruin the reputation of the whole force. Ten good officers could do a hundred good deeds and no one would know, but one bad cop does a single wicked thing and the whole team’s name is tarnished. Someone like him deserves to be drawn and quartered!”

Seeing his anger, Li Weiwei quickly soothed him, “Don’t be mad—you’re scaring me! I didn’t mean all police are bad. Our team is full of good people—Captain Hai, Captain Liu, Zhang Mufeng, you. I know most police are good. I was just venting.”

Zhao Zhijie nodded, “I know. But it’s infuriating to have someone like him in the force, corrupting the team. If not for Captain Hai, we might have been in real trouble this time.”

Li Weiwei sighed, “Still, it’s uncomfortable—all these precautions, always watching what we say and do, as if we were criminals. I hope this ends soon.”

Zhao Zhijie replied firmly, “Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon. I have faith in Captain Hai.”

So the two sat in the university, talking quietly and listening to music, until Xu Dong and his companions had all returned to the hotel. Only then did they leave the campus and head back themselves.