Chapter Ten: Seducing the Policewoman in the Interrogation Room, Part Two

“Alright, then I’ll ask.” Lan Qian spoke, and seeing Zhuo Nan nod in agreement, she continued, “Was it you who injured Wang Yu from Class 2, Senior Three at the Steelworks School?”

“I did it,” Zhuo Nan replied without hesitation.

Lan Qian pressed on, “What did you use to hit him?”

“Wait a second, sis. I already answered your question. Shouldn’t it be your turn to answer mine?” Zhuo Nan’s eyes darted slyly, a cunning look on his face.

Lan Qian was momentarily speechless. Was that even a real question? But since she had agreed, she wouldn’t go back on her word. “I’m twenty-two. Now, on to your next question.”

Zhuo Nan thought to himself, twenty-two—she’s seven years older than me. But looking at her figure and looks, older is fine; I don’t mind taking a little loss.

Lan Qian saw the thoughtful, almost lecherous look on Zhuo Nan’s face and instantly realized she’d been played by this kid.

“Zhuo Nan, what are you thinking about? Hurry up and answer my question!” Lan Qian decided not to be polite anymore; in her mind, Zhuo Nan was once again grouped in with the perverts.

“You haven’t asked yet,” Zhuo Nan replied meekly.

“Uh…” Lan Qian was a bit embarrassed, but quickly recovered and said sharply, “Zhuo Nan, who said you could call me ‘sis’? Address me as Officer Lan.”

“Oh, Officer Lan, do you know why I said you have a sense of justice?” Zhuo Nan swiftly switched to an honest, earnest demeanor. He really was a talent wasted if not on the stage.

Lan Qian’s curiosity was piqued again. “Why?”

“Seeing how eager you are, I’ll tell you. Last night, when my mom handed you guys money, I saw your brows furrow, like you really despised those two officers taking bribes,” Zhuo Nan explained slowly.

Lan Qian was surprised that this child had read her thoughts; she couldn’t help but look at him differently. Smiling, she said, “You’re pretty observant, aren’t you?”

“Oh, that’s nothing. I can also tell that your father must be a high-ranking official,” Zhuo Nan boasted.

“How can you tell?” Hardly anyone in the precinct knew about Lan Qian’s background; she was surprised Zhuo Nan could guess.

Zhuo Nan tilted his head. “It’s not hard. Think about it. You’re only twenty-two, just graduated from the police academy. Normally, you’d be assigned to a desk job or community policing, something easy. Yet here you are in the criminal investigation squad. That could mean one of two things: either you have no family backing and get all the tough jobs, or you have connections, so you landed in the squad.”

“You just said criminal investigation is tough work. If my family had connections, why would I be in this line of work?” Lan Qian asked deliberately. The child in front of her felt nothing like a teenager, more like someone seasoned by years in society, with a smooth way of talking.

“Sis, you think I’m stupid? Someone with your sense of justice would insist on being a detective, a scourge of evil, and would probably beg her parents to get her in. But once you’re in, your colleagues, knowing your background, won’t let you near dangerous cases. So you get stuck interrogating me. Isn’t that right?” Zhuo Nan looked mysterious and profound, making Lan Qian laugh heartily.

“Who would’ve thought! Your little brain is quite sharp,” Lan Qian said with a smile.

Zhuo Nan continued, “Those two taking bribes last night definitely don’t know who you are, otherwise they wouldn’t dare. The one standing outside—he’s probably been eyeing you for a while, hasn’t he?” He was referring to Zhang Ning, who was waiting outside the door.

At this, Lan Qian sighed. “Yes, his uncle is deputy captain of the criminal investigation division.”

With that connection, it was all too easy for Zhang Ning to know Lan Qian’s identity. His uncle was probably encouraging him to pursue her, thinking that if he succeeded, his whole family would benefit.

“Sis, I have a trick that’ll make Zhang Ning back off for good,” Zhuo Nan whispered conspiratorially.

Lan Qian was truly fed up with Zhang Ning. Her father kept telling her Zhang Ning was a good match, and his uncle was a subordinate, so marrying him would be a safe bet. But Lan Qian didn’t want that. Now, hearing Zhuo Nan’s offer, she quickly asked, “What’s your idea?”

“Come closer, I’ll tell you,” Zhuo Nan beckoned.

Lan Qian hesitated, but then walked over and bent down. As she drew near, Zhuo Nan caught a whiff of her fresh perfume, and for a moment, he was dazed. But seeing her serious expression, he moved close to her ear and whispered a few words.

The moment he finished, Lan Qian jumped back. “That’s not possible! That’s illegal!”

She had completely forgotten she was interrogating a criminal suspect; they were behaving more like friends, with Zhuo Nan helping her scheme.

Zhuo Nan stomped his foot impatiently. “Sis, you’re being silly. What’s the harm in trying? If he’s a decent guy, he won’t fall for it. But if he’s not, you’ll finally be rid of him, and he’ll be too embarrassed to bother you again.”

Lan Qian seemed persuaded. “When should we do this?”

Zhuo Nan thought for a moment. “Wait till I get out. I’ll take care of it—make his true colors show.” He put on an exaggeratedly fierce expression.

Hearing this, Lan Qian suddenly remembered she was in the middle of an interrogation. How had they ended up talking about her personal life? Yet she felt happy—the boy gave her a sense of warmth, almost like a little brother next door. He might be a tad mischievous, but his words always seemed to touch her heart.

“Enough. I almost forgot I’m here to interrogate you. Hurry up and honestly explain what happened yesterday. We can talk about the rest later.” Because of their earlier conversation, Lan Qian could no longer put on a stern face. Her tone was more like discussing things with him.

“Sis, I’m innocent!” Zhuo Nan now played the part of a wronged child, his expressive face making Lan Qian laugh.

“Innocent? You’re craftier than a fox. Come on, if you really are innocent, I’ll help you out.” Lan Qian smiled at him.

“Really? Then I’ll count on you. Here’s what happened: after school yesterday, Wang Yu blocked our class’s math representative at the school gate, insisting she go to the movies with him. She’s a gentle girl and was really scared of Wang Yu. I couldn’t stand by and watch, so I stepped in and hit him. I admit I might’ve gone a bit overboard, but Wang Yu always throws his weight around because his dad’s the deputy factory director. I’m not the only one who wants to teach him a lesson.” Zhuo Nan finished in one breath, his expression earnest.

In Lan Qian’s eyes, Zhuo Nan was just a kid. The case was nothing more than a schoolyard scuffle, except the injured party had powerful connections and wanted to make things difficult for Zhuo Nan. Added to that, Lan Qian now had a great impression of Zhuo Nan—he didn’t look like a troublemaker at all. She quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry. If things are as you say, I’ll make sure to help you. I’ll go to the school and investigate. By the way, what’s the name of the math representative?”

“Fu Xinxin.”

“She must be a pretty girl for you to get so upset and hit Wang Yu that hard. You know he broke three ribs, right?” Lan Qian’s tone was teasing, not accusatory.

Zhuo Nan blushed deeply. He did have a bit of a crush on Fu Xinxin. Lan Qian noticed his reaction and smiled to herself. At fifteen or sixteen, it’s only natural for feelings to blossom. She’d been the same at that age. Thinking this, Zhuo Nan became all the more endearing in her eyes.

After clarifying some more details, Lan Qian prepared to leave. “Alright, that’s enough for now. I’ve got everything you said. Behave yourself here, and once I get things sorted out, you’ll be released.”

“Thank you, sis. Oh, and can I have your number? So I can call you later?” Zhuo Nan asked like an adorable child.

After a moment’s thought, Lan Qian tore a piece of paper from the interrogation log, wrote her number on it, and handed it to Zhuo Nan. “This is my pager number. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay. Goodbye, sis,” Zhuo Nan replied sweetly from his chair.

“Goodbye.” Lan Qian opened the door to the interrogation room. Zhang Ning and Old Wu were not far away, chatting.

She called out, “Old Wu, I’m done here. Take him back.”

Old Wu immediately walked over. “Alright, I’ll take him now.” He entered, unlocked Zhuo Nan’s cuffs, and escorted him back to his cell.

Lan Qian gave Zhang Ning a contemptuous glance. “What were you talking to Old Wu about?”

Zhang Ning was startled. “Nothing, just chatting.”

“Zhang Ning, I’m warning you. Don’t even think about causing trouble for this kid. If anything happens to him in there, I’ll hold you personally responsible,” Lan Qian said sternly.

Zhang Ning waved his hands frantically. “No, no, I was just chatting with Old Wu.”

With a cold huff, Lan Qian turned and headed toward the car. Zhang Ning watched her leave with a sneer, muttering under his breath, “Bitch, one day I’ll have you under me and show you what I’m made of.”

In truth, he’d just told Old Wu to “take care” of Zhuo Nan in the cell, but Old Wu had only nodded and said nothing. Zhang Ning thought he’d agreed. What could Old Wu say? After all, this kid had already taken out the toughest guy in the cell, Long Kun, who now called him “Brother Nan.” Old Wu had no choice but to play along.

“Zhuo Nan, how did you manage to get on Zhang Ning’s bad side?” Old Wu asked casually as they walked.

Zhuo Nan was puzzled. Who calls their own people bastards? He didn’t care much. “It’s nothing. Just made him look bad in front of a woman.”

Old Wu smiled. “Young people are always hotheaded. Zhang Ning’s uncle is the deputy captain of the criminal investigation squad—a powerful man. It’s not wise to cross him.”

Zhuo Nan understood the advice and smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Old Wu. When I get out, I’ll buy you some good cigarettes.”

“Forget it. Keep your cigarettes. You’re young—just don’t get yourself locked up again.” Those were the most genuine words Zhuo Nan had heard since he came here.

***There will be another chapter at midnight tonight.***

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