Chapter 213: Han wakes up.
Before Mihou could even answer, Liwu pulled her handcuffs, raising her brows.
Mihou raised her hands, "Easy detective, I didn’t violate any laws related to ongoing investigations and information access. I have a friend that works in City hall and she overheard Mr. Cross Ho asking what phoenixes eat. She shared the question in a group chat. I heard that birds had been found on Chen Guowei’s property and I put two and two together."
Liwu scoffed. "You are clever, but I advise you to act dumb when the occasion calls for it. I also advise you against sharing false information with the world because you are in a rush to claim glory that doesn’t belong to you."
Mihou clenched her fists. Liwu’s meaning could not have been anymore clearer. It was a warning, not advise. She smiled stiffly, "I am not a glutton for false glory. I have never claimed credit for a story that was not mine. Han risked his life chasing this...whatever it is. He deserves to tell it in his own words. At the end of the day, when he looks good, I look good."
Liwu nodded. "Then we have an understanding."
Mihou curled her upwards, the look in her eyes said she was not convinced. She turned to walk away, and then stopped. "I thought you didn’t like him." She said, without turning back.
The words sounded funny to Liwu, so she laughed. "Liking someone and being professional are two different things. I am on the side of fairness, always. Besides, there are so many people I don’t like in the world. If I allowed that to lead me in making decisions, I would not be fit for this job."
Mihou walked away, her face a mask of unpleasantness. Liwu shook her head, watching the woman’s back disappear. Mihou had too much ambition, but she didn’t dare to take the risks. Why be envious of others then? Han’s story was his to tell and even then, it was hard to tell if he would share it with the world. The bureau had a lot of details they would be looking to eliminate from story before it went public.
Liwu rose and walked into the room. She hovered over the unconscious Han for a moment, and then settled into a chair. She took a true crime novel from her bag and lost herself in it until sleep overwhelmed her.
****
When she finally opened her eyes, twelve hours had vanished. The sterile white ceiling above her hummed faintly, and the faint scent of disinfectant clung to the air. She blinked, recalling that she was in Sleazy Han’s hospital room, not her bedroom at home.
The reporter was awake, propped against his pillows, looking far too smug for someone who had nearly died. His color had returned, and he was halfway to recovery, sipping broth like it was fine wine.
At his bedside sat Detective Xuanji. He was reading aloud from an old copy of The Velveteen Rabbit, his voice dramatic, as though narrating the news.
"When you are real you don’t mind being hurt," Xuanji intoned solemnly, pausing for effect. "I think that is wrong. When you are real, you mind being hurt the most because nobody likes pain. I am sure you thought of that many times when Chen Guowei was bashing your head in. Right?"
Liwu groaned, dragging herself upright. "Xuanji, that story is about stuffed animals becoming real. Han escaped death narrowly. You should find a more appropriate story."
Xuanji grinned. "Everything is a metaphor."
Liwu snorted. "Ten bucks, you don’t know the meaning of metaphor."
Sleazy Han chuckled weakly. "Actually, Detective Xuanji is very knowledgeable. I have had intellectual conversations with me on at least three different occasions."
Xuanji smirked. "Hear that Liwu? I am an intellect."
Liwu rubbed her temples, already bracing herself. She had questions, sharp and pointed ones. Why Han had been following Chen Guowei and his friends. What he knew about the ledgers. How he had been kidnapped. Who else was involved in what looked like a conspiracy.
But before she could speak, the door opened.
Weijun stepped in, carrying a bouquet of flowers. He crossed the room with his usual calm authority, placing the bouquet in Liwu’s hands. "For you, my dear."
She raised her brows curiously. "Err...thank you, but I am lost. Flowers in hospitals are usually gifted to patients."
Xuanji piped up. "It’s a romantic gesture. Ten out of ten in my books. Though if he had brought you dinner, I would have given him a twelve. Daddy needs to make another trip."
Weijun ignored him, his gaze steady on Liwu. "He is awake, we can go home now. You need to rest."
Her lips twitched. "Rest? With Xuanji reading about stuffed rabbits to a reporter that thinks he is invincible, resting is impossible. Han needs to start talking."
The reporter cleared his throat, drawing all eyes back to him. His expression shifted, serious now. "I knew you would start drilling me for answers as soon as you opened your eyes. I am sure you already know that all six men are connected."
Liwu leaned forward, heart pounding. "Connected how?"
Han’s eyes flicked to Weijun, then back to Liwu. "Need I say more? They are friends. All of them. And not just casual acquaintances. They share ties, meetings, favors. And your husband, is one of them."
The room froze.
Xuanji dropped the book with a dramatic thud. "Well, this has escalated faster than my last blind date."
Liwu’s grip tightened on the flowers, her knuckles white. She turned to her husband, searching his face. Her remained calm, unreadable, but the silence was heavy.
Han pressed on, his voice gaining strength. "Mr. Mayor, all six of these men are your donors. Each of them is involved in suspicious activities that the bureau needs to look into. The money they donate to you and your foundation, is it a bribe to look the other way? Before you shut me up, just know that I will write my story either way. It is better if you give me a quote. Are they your friends, allies, or maybe, conspirators. What do you have to say?"
Comments