Chapter Thirty-Four

The director was not surprised at all. Stroking his chin in feigned contemplation, he said awkwardly, “Ah... well... strictly speaking, you’re not supposed to see him, but since you’ve asked so sincerely, it wouldn’t be right for me to refuse you.”

Shen Huaiqing was taken aback. She had expected she would have to argue with the director for a while if she wanted to see Mu Jinghuai, but things turned out much easier than she imagined.

“I won’t forget this favor you’ve done for me, Director Zhou.”

“Oh, it’s nothing at all. Come with me.” With that, Director Zhou led Shen Huaiqing to a building at the back of the police station.

It was a solitary room, quite unlike the ones used to detain others. The door was covered in rust, and even through the thick barrier Shen Huaiqing could smell the nauseating scent of decay wafting from within.

She wrinkled her brow, covering her nose with her hand, her voice nasal and tinged with anger. “What is going on here? Why is he kept separate? This room clearly doesn’t meet regulations.”

Director Zhou waved his hand dismissively. “Madam, you don’t know the specifics of our station’s situation, and I can’t really explain it to you. Everything is by the book here.” His greasy smile made the fat on his face tremble.

Shen Huaiqing was well aware that Director Zhou was the type who followed orders, adept at maneuvering and smooth talk, and prying any information out of him was nearly impossible.

“Just open the door,” Shen Huaiqing said, impatience clear in her tone.

Director Zhou suddenly stood in front of her, stretching out his hand with an awkward grin. “Before you go in, you’ll have to hand over your phone.”

She scoffed coldly, folding her arms across her chest, her eyes shimmering with icy light. “What’s inside that can’t be seen? You won’t even let me take my phone?” She waved her phone in front of him but refused to hand it over.

Director Zhou didn’t get upset, simply waited for his chance, then took the phone. “It’s just the rules. There are always more regulations where problematic individuals are held—meant to guarantee fairness, justice, and transparency.”

With that, he opened the door and entered with her.

Seeing Director Zhou follow, Shen Huaiqing stretched out her leg to block him, fixing him with a look. “Now you have my phone, there’s no need for you to come in, is there?”

He scratched his head sheepishly. “Just give me a moment.” Then he shouted at the dark glass window, “Mu Jinghuai!”

The room was nothing like the usual holding cells; it was more akin to an ancient dungeon—dimly lit, the air damp and chilly, mold blossoming everywhere. The space was square, a glass window in the center separating the visitors from the inside, where there was only a single bed and a rudimentary toilet.

The temperature inside was so low that even in her trench coat, Shen Huaiqing felt the chill seep into her bones.

From the darkness came the sound of shoes scraping against the floor and the clink of metal. Mu Jinghuai approached the glass, head bowed. He looked haggard, dark circles shadowing his eyes, blood from wounds on his face congealed in thick scabs. He seemed half-dead, the iron handcuffs biting into his wrists piercing Shen Huaiqing’s heart with pain.

Director Zhou walked over, looking down his nose at Mu Jinghuai, speaking with arrogant authority. “Whatever Mrs. Fu asks, you answer. Always think before you speak!”

At the mention of “Mrs. Fu,” Mu Jinghuai’s drooping head snapped up. His bloodshot eyes darted around, a flicker of light in their depths.

But soon, the light faded, replaced by worry. He would rather Shen Huaiqing hadn’t come.

Director Zhou left after his pronouncement, and Shen Huaiqing realized he was sending a message of some kind. Clearly, the situation was even more complicated than she had anticipated.

She quickly sat down across from Mu Jinghuai, separated by the glass. He smiled at her gently, but as his lips curved, the wounds on his face split open, beads of blood welling up.

Biting her lip, Shen Huaiqing raised her hand to the glass, as if to touch his wounds. Her voice was choked with emotion. “What happened?”

Mu Jinghuai shook his head, suppressing the pain. “It’s nothing. It doesn’t concern you. You should go back.” His voice was hoarse and ragged, like a man at death’s door.

Hot tears streamed down Shen Huaiqing’s face as if a dam had burst. She spoke through her sobs, “How is that possible? I don’t believe you could do such a thing. Someone must be manipulating things behind the scenes. Tell me who it is!”

He seemed too exhausted even to speak, forcing the words out. “Don’t ask. It really is my fault. Who would waste their efforts targeting an ordinary student like me?”

She wiped at her tears, her face pale, glaring at him in anger. “Do you really think I’ll believe that?”

Mu Jinghuai grew irritated, turning his face away, his voice cold. “Do you really know me? The one who knows me is Song Hui, not you, Shen Huaiqing!”

At these words, Shen Huaiqing was shaken to her core. Her thin, frail body trembled, and for a moment her world spun. She suddenly understood what was happening.

“Yes! I’m only here as your superior, out of humanitarian concern. I haven’t held you accountable for damaging our company’s reputation, so you’d better reflect on your actions while you’re here.”

She abruptly stood, took out her makeup case and touched up her face, watching her reflection until her complexion looked less ashen.

As she pushed open the door, she saw Director Zhou waiting outside. He immediately put on a sycophantic smile. “Madam, did you get all the answers you needed? Did he give you any trouble?”

Shen Huaiqing’s face was cold as frost. In her high heels, she stood taller than the short, stout director, looking down at him with disdain. “He did well enough. I’m only concerned for our magazine’s reputation. I hope your police station can manage your staff properly and not let sensitive information leak out and damage my company financially.”

Director Zhou nodded and bowed. “Yes, yes, I’ll make sure to keep my people in line.”

“All right, you can go about your business. My staff is still waiting for me in the lobby.” With that, Shen Huaiqing strode off in her high heels.

Director Zhou watched her leave, then quickly ducked into a corner and made a phone call.

“Yes, she came, just as you expected.”

“I think she’s guessed something. Her demeanor before and after seeing him was completely different.”

“Yes, yes, there’s a hidden camera in the room. I’ll send you the footage soon.”

“Don’t worry, I can handle this. You’ll be satisfied.” His obsequiousness was on full display as he walked away further and further.

In the lobby, Yu Yunxi and He An waited anxiously for Shen Huaiqing.

“President Shen! Did you see him?” Yu Yunxi asked urgently as soon as she saw her.