Chapter 204: Chapter 203 Call me brother, let me hear_1
In the laboratory.
Mr. Zhao turned on the light, and several people approached the table, where a white cloth was draped over something. Zhou Ning glanced at Hu Guangjian, and seeing him nod toward him, gently lifted the white cloth.
Tan Ran’s skeleton had been completely cleaned and was arranged neatly—in fact, this sight was much better than the decaying mess in the box. Mr. Tan and his wife stood at the edge of the table.
Mrs. Tan cried out, while Mr. Tan patted his wife’s hand and touched the white bones.
After a long while, Mr. Tan lifted his gaze.
"That’s enough, our wish has been fulfilled. Mr. Hu, can you tell me, who is the murderer, and exactly why was Ranran killed?"
"Mr. Tan, I can’t reveal too much for the time being, but we can give you a copy of the accounts we’ve put together. This detailed list includes the debts related to Tan Ran. Some are transfer records, and some are acknowledged loan amounts."
As he spoke, a piece of paper was handed to Mr. Tan. He glanced at it and Hu Guangjian pulled him toward the outside. Mr. Zhao hurriedly covered the skeleton again.
....
The next day.
Zhou Ning was late. He jogged into the office to find Mr. Zhao and the others had already arrived. The group was continuously organizing relevant reports, and it was obvious from the full file boxes that they had entered the final stage.
"Is everything ready?"
Zhu Xingxing and Mr. Zhao nodded together. Zhu Xingxing said with a smile:
"Team leader, you just need to sign, and we’ve finished organizing all the materials. We’ll send them to Mr. Xu shortly."
Zhou Ning looked over the documents. The autopsy report and related tests were actually done yesterday, but now everything was compiled, ready for his signature. He signed and handed the documents to Zhu Xingxing, who quickly left.
Mr. Zhao moved closer, a look of mystery on his face, pulling Zhou Ning to the window.
"What’s up? Did Mr. Pang come looking for me?"
Zhou Ning was a bit perplexed as he stared at Mr. Zhao.
"Yesterday, after the case investigation was completed, Wang Ligang wasn’t let go. Early this morning, Tan Ran’s father, with reporters from the provincial TV station and investigators from the provincial sports commission, staged a confrontation at the city bureau. Mr. Tan was holding a stack of receipts, one of which was for a Camry purchased for Wang Ligang.
"Of course, there were also many transfer records and records of expensive gifts. All the items were tallied up, amounting to 1.74 million. Wang Ligang was dumbstruck on the spot. Seeing the evidence so irrefutable, the provincial sports commission’s investigators immediately stated they would cooperate with the public security organ in their investigation."
Zhou Ning was also dumbstruck. He hadn’t expected Mr. Tan to make such arrangements overnight.
But thinking about it, he felt relieved. Knowing his child might have been murdered before coming over, Mr. Tan would naturally be prepared. After all, with his years of experience in the business world, he would certainly have some tactics.
"And then?"
"Then, Mr. Tan immediately reported to the police, and Wang Ligang was directly taken away by the economic investigation team. Zhuang Chunlan wanted to plead with Mr. Tan, but Mr. and Mrs. Tan supported each other and said that since Tan Ran liked Xing Xiaoli, they could let go of the one million he borrowed, considering it a gift from Tan Ran.
"As for the other expenses and the money they demanded from him, that’s different in nature. If the child were alive and well, it wouldn’t matter whether they achieved results in their training—whatever amount he was willing to give.
"But they gave up on Tan Ran, and now that the child is gone, although they are not the murderers, if not for their negligence, Tan Ran would not have died. Naturally, they must be properly held accountable."
Zhou Ning sighed.
Mr. Tan was right—Wang Ligang did indeed give up on Tan Ran and allowed everything to happen. If he had cared more about Tan Ran at the time, if he had inquired about her when she was injured, perhaps the subsequent events would not have occurred.
"If Wang Ligang is convicted of soliciting bribes, given the large amount involved, he won’t escape a sentence of three to ten years, plus a fine. After all, Tan Ran’s athletic career also ended because of his negligence, which will be taken into consideration in sentencing."
Mr. Zhao nodded and spat.
"He got what he deserved! But what about Xing Xiaoli and Wang Ying, will their sports careers also come to an end?"
Zhou Ning shook his head.
"I don’t know, that’s not our responsibility. But Xing Xiaoli has been enjoying Tan Ran’s care all these years in good conscience. How could he possibly be unaware of Tan Ran’s feelings for him? Yet, he enjoyed those benefits while breaking up with Tan Ran, then got involved with Wang Ying, not even avoiding Tan Ran.
"Once this case is made public and the provincial TV station reports on it, the whole province and even the entire country will know about this case, and Xing Xiaoli’s character. I don’t think anyone would want to employ an athlete with such a tainted record."
...
A few days later, on the weekend.
Zhou Ning brought his grandfather to the new house, and of course, his uncle and aunt came along too.
After touring around, his aunt was so happy she couldn’t stop smiling.
"This house is really beautiful, and the decoration is fashionable. But Xiao Ning, just let Xiaoyu stay in the dormitory. There’s no need for her to disturb you. You’re busy enough with work. Moreover, living so close to Mr. Xia, it’s convenient for you two to be together. If she comes over, wouldn’t she become a third wheel?"
Zhou Ning, supporting his grandfather, smiled.
"Aunt, don’t worry. It’s Xiaoyu who takes care of me. She’ll even cook for me now. Plus, Doctor He has bought a house nearby and has already moved in. He also comes over occasionally. This way, they have more opportunities to interact and it’s better for their relationship to develop, isn’t it?"
Hearing this, his aunt was over the moon, patting Zhou Ning’s hand with a face full of gratification.
"Auntie didn’t pamper you for nothing. Xiaoyu moving on from that incident with Cui Guanglin so quickly is also your credit. As for changing jobs, it was Mr. Xia’s father who helped. We haven’t had a chance to visit to express our gratitude, and I thought it wouldn’t be appropriate to go thank him in person. Your uncle and I have prepared some gifts, so you can deliver them to Mr. Xia when the time comes."
Zhou Ning was a bit surprised; he didn’t know that Xia Momo had also helped with the arrangement. Just as he was about to refuse, the elder spoke up directly.
"No need for formal thanks, just drop by Mr. Xia’s place when you have the time."
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Grandpa, since you’re here, why don’t you stay with me for a while? The room here is spacious, and I’ve also started to learn cooking. I can stir-fry a couple of dishes, so don’t worry; you won’t go hungry."
The elder looked up and chuckled, patting Zhou Ning’s hand, his affection almost overflowing.
"My grandson has grown up. Still, don’t fuss too much. Just coming to see you is enough. Your auntie’s cooking suits my taste, and a couple of old friends have also moved into our community. Unlike before, I’m not alone. We play chess every day, and we’re busier than ever.
"Just focus on your work, your research, and your software. Since Xiaoyu is going to live here, then stay together. You can take care of each other. Grandpa will provide you with money to hire a housekeeper to cook for you every day."
"Grandpa, that’s not necessary. I don’t eat many meals at home. I usually handle breakfast and lunch at the unit, and I don’t know what time I’ll be back in the evening if there’s a case. Even if there’s no case, I might go to Qindao University with Doctor Lu. The cafeteria there is pretty good, and the same goes for Xiaoyu."
Zhou Ning didn’t insist any further. After all, it’s hard for the elderly to leave their familiar surroundings.
"Busted!"
The aunt pointed at Zhou Ning and glanced inside the refrigerator. She then took a small notebook out of her pocket and started writing in it continuously.
"In the future, let your uncle come over every weekend to bring you some food and drink and fill up your fridge. Don’t just order takeout when you’re too lazy to cook. The food outside is heavy on oil and salt and not healthy. Besides, you love the dumplings and wontons I make, right? And don’t forget the smoked mackerel."
Zhou Ning scratched his head; in fact, just by listening to his aunt’s words, he couldn’t help but salivate.
"Okay, then we’ll be waiting for Auntie’s delivery."
"Alright, we’ve had a look, and now we’ll head back."
Zhou Ning was taken aback.
"You’re leaving just after a short visit? Xiaoyu hasn’t returned from the supermarket yet. Let’s wait for her to come back and then we can go out for a meal together."
The uncle waved his hand.
"No need for such formality among family. Okay, your grandpa has made a promise with Elder Zheng to settle the score today. He was even reviewing chess strategies last night. If we’re late, he might forget them all."
Everyone laughed. The uncle carried in a bunch of big and small bags, and the fridge was nearly bursting. He clapped his hands and said to Zhou Ning,
"Alright, freeze the seafood for a while. You can take it to Mr. Xia’s place this evening or whenever you have time. I bought it at the dock; all fresh, local sea produce. The shrimp dumplings on the bottom shelf are for you two to eat; the rest should be sent to Mr. Xia, and don’t forget!"
Zhou Ning kept nodding. He went downstairs to see off his uncle and stood outside for a long time, not moving.
Your family always worries about what you eat and wear. This warmth, too, is their deepest concern. Actually, sometimes I think, not having memories of my parents might, in a way, be a good thing for me.
At least it filled my childhood with happy memories, free of traumatic repercussions, and spared me from being affected by nightmares, becoming twisted in personality, or shutting myself off.
It’s all thanks to Grandpa’s love and Uncle and Auntie’s meticulous care. Otherwise, how could I have everything I have today?
As I was thinking, a hand suddenly rested on Zhou Ning’s shoulder. The unexpected touch startled him, and he quickly turned around to find it was He Shancun, with Zhou Xiaoyu following behind.
"Bro, what are you looking at?"
"Your parents and Grandpa just left. I came out to see them off. Mr. He, are you not working overtime today?"
He Shancun rolled his eyes at Zhou Ning.
"I’m not sold to the hospital. But spit out those words. Your curse is too strong. The last time we planned an outing, we ended up finding a body on a deserted island. With your luck, you’re really one of a kind. I don’t want that rubbing off on me."
Zhou Ning laughed and motioned to Zhou Xiaoyu.
"Head upstairs and take the seafood from the freezer. Help me deliver it to Mr. Xia."
"Why should I?"
"Because I’m your brother!"
Zhou Xiaoyu pouted, clearly displeased, but she quickly went upstairs. He Shancun raised his fist at Zhou Ning as a sign that he was going to help. Zhou Ning held the door to stop him.
Mr. He looked puzzled and gazed at Zhou Ning’s hand, exclaiming:
"Zhou Xiaozhou, what are you up to? Xiaoyu has been tutoring some students with poor grades all day; she’s exhausted. And you’re still bossing her around? I’ll help, and you have a problem with that?"
Zhou Ning shook his head.
"No problem. I just want to ask you something. How do you feel about Xiaoyu? Do you like her? Do you want to marry her?"
"Nonsense, do you need to ask? If I had known you had a cousin like her, I would have made my move a long time ago. Relax, I know what you mean. Xiaoyu and I have discussed it. We’ll meet the parents in a few days. Our ages are not getting any younger, and we plan to move marriage up on our agenda. End of the year might be rushing it, so let’s aim for next year!"
Zhou Ning nodded with a smile.
"Damn, that was fast. How about you call me ’brother’ and let me hear it!"
