Chapter 38: ABO world countdown

Translator: Abo Dammen

☆

Case Two: Dance of the Night Charm

They arrived at Shao Hui’s home before the morning rush hour, only to learn that after returning last night, he had gone to the hospital due to heart discomfort. The investigation team dispatched by the superior police department hadn’t officially stationed itself at the Binshi Police Department yet, but he had already succumbed to the pressure, his body giving out first. 

It was the same hospital where Lin Mei had been admitted after the sniper attack.

Returning here, the surrounding hostile gazes were gone. The citizens had new focal points and no longer gossiped about He Yixun.

They went straight to the VIP floor. In the private room, a nurse was finishing her morning rounds.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window was the urban scene of the morning rush hour. Sunlight spilled onto the glass curtain walls of the skyscrapers, dyeing the entire city a pale gold. Traffic was backed up in a long line on the overpass. In the distance, crowds poured out of the subway station entrance, only to halt abruptly at a red light. The city’s pulse beat most powerfully at this moment, yet the luxurious hospital room was lifeless, forming a stark contrast with the world outside. 

After taking his blood pressure and temperature, the nurse filled out the data on the chart at the head of the bed and quietly closed the door behind her.

He Yixun withdrew his gaze from the window and looked at Shao Hui, who was half-reclining on the bed. “Heart trouble?”

“It was beating too fast, and I found it hard to breathe,” said Shao Hui.

His thin cheeks showed obvious puffy eye bags, likely from a sleepless night. His sparse hair was messy against his forehead, lacking its usual authority. 

He said his heart was beating too fast, but the ECG monitor emitted a regular beep. Who knew if it was psychological.

“What did the doctor say?” He Yixun asked.

Shao Hui didn’t answer immediately. He sat up straighter, took the thermos from the bedside table, and drank some American ginseng tea, his expression calm. “Anyway, I don’t have long to live.”

Putting down the cup, he asked, “How did you end up at the Vidley Winery?” 

He should be the one asking questions—no, to be precise, conducting an interrogation. But for this special suspect, He Yixun didn’t mind starting with small talk.

“Investigating the Progressive Society,” He Yixun answered. “I heard you’re a senior member.”

Shao Hui smiled faintly, with a hint of self-mockery. “Yes, I’m one of the founders, you could say. When I first joined, I was just the head of the Major Crimes Division.”

Then he asked again, “Did someone get you into the ball?” 

Still trying to fish for information during small talk. How tiresome.

“You’d better answer my questions first,” He Yixun changed the subject. “How long have you been having these parties?”

“Actually, not that long, about four or five years. After He Jun took over his father’s business, he groomed a group of young men and women to provide sexual bribes for some officials. Gradually, it evolved into this kind of ball.”

“So the reason I could never fully eradicate He Maohu’s remaining operations was because you were providing protection from behind.” 

“Leave some room for others, so you can meet again in the future,” Shao Hui quoted his life philosophy. “That’s enough. No need to drive them into a corner.”

“If He Jun hadn’t died and failed to notify his men in time, I probably wouldn’t have been able to bust that drug line either.”

Shao Hui didn’t respond, tacitly admitting it.

Xu Pei suddenly understood why the city’s underworld industry was so rampant. The police chief himself was the protective umbrella for the criminal forces. What use was having a cleaner like He Yixun? If not for He Yixun’s special status, He Maohu’s guilt towards him, and Lin Mei needing him to boost her public image, he probably wouldn’t have been able to serve as Senior Superintendent so securely. 

“Back to the ball,” He Yixun said, his gaze fixed on Shao Hui, his tone icy and sharp. “Were there other heavyweight figures among the participants? Otherwise, it doesn’t explain why you stepped forward.”

“No,” Shao Hui let out a breath and said calmly, “I just felt… I should step forward.”

He Yixun: “Don’t tell me you have a spirit of dedication.”

“Not long ago, I was diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer.” 

The room fell silent. Xu Pei looked at He Yixun and found him also processing this news.

“That assailant you shot downstairs, the one who took the doctor hostage,” Shao Hui recounted this little-known secret calmly, “I took his liver donor match.”

“However, I determined your shooting was justified. It wasn’t that I wanted him dead, his life or death had nothing to do with me. It was that he truly had self-destructive tendencies. Your judgment wasn’t wrong.”

Xu Pei’s lips parted slightly in shock, his eyes wide, unable to imagine someone could say something so cruel so calmly. 

And Shao Hui, as if aware of his own nature, turned his gaze to the window. His turbid eyes were exposed in the sunlight. “It’s probably retribution. The rejection after my transplant was very severe. You often see I wasn’t at the station. I wasn’t actually in meetings. I was here at the hospital receiving treatment.

“The doctor said my condition is very unstable. Liver failure could happen at any time. I thought it was time to let go of power. Stepping back to a secondary role like Qian Kuang wouldn’t be so bad.

“So last night’s party was the retirement ceremony I set for myself. I planned to enjoy this one last time and then focus on recuperating. Who knew…

“How did you get in?” 

Shao Hui seemed very fixated on this matter.

He hadn’t been among those surrounding Xu Pei. He probably didn’t care for men, so he hadn’t noticed that Xu Pei had also infiltrated.

“What does it matter if you know?” He Yixun asked flatly. “So you can tighten security next time?”

Shao Hui shook his head. “There won’t be a next time.

“If I hadn’t stepped forward this time to protect the others, the consequences would have been unthinkable. That group probably won’t have the guts to continue.” He paused, and, seeming skeptical of human nature, added, “At least not in the short term, or not under the name of the Progressive Society anymore.”

“You protected those people,” He Yixun said coldly, “and you seem to wear it as a badge of honor rather than feeling ashamed.”

“After all, the Progressive Society was part of my career,” Shao Hui coughed twice before taking a sip of ginseng tea to soothe his throat. “Actually, in the early days when the Progressive Society was first founded, we did some practical work, like promoting the establishment of labor organizations, advocating for freedom of speech, and so on. 

“But as our social influence grew, everyone’s mindset changed somewhat. We started enjoying the conveniences that power brought. Don’t think I’m being hypocritical. I believe any normal person would find it hard to resist that kind of temptation.

“Some people started doing dirty deeds under the name of the Progressive Society. Initially, we all turned a blind eye to it. But Si Lei insisted on exposing it.” Shao Hui suddenly brought up the key figure in the Zhen Li case but didn’t elaborate. “After that, the nature of the Progressive Society completely changed.

“Originally, everyone was still somewhat discreet, mindful of their status and position, thinking they couldn’t ruin the Progressive Society’s good name. But after Si Lei’s death, it was like poking a hole in the window paper. We reaffirmed one thing: the Progressive Society is a power organization, and its ultimate goal is to secure benefits for its members.”

“So Si Lei wasn’t killed by Zhen Li,” He Yixun confirmed. 

This was already clear.

Shao Hui moved his lips as if to say something but ultimately just took a sip of his tea. “Go ask your mother.”

“She won’t say anything.”

“Then I have nothing more to say either.” Shao Hui placed the cup back on the bedside table, patted the soft down pillow, and lay back down. “It’s about time for my IV drip. You should go.” 

He didn’t ask about the progress of the Wei Tai case, probably because someone within the police department was keeping him informed. The reason he talked so much with He Yixun was simply curiosity about how He Yixun had infiltrated the winery and some reflections on karma.

Since he couldn’t get the answers he wanted and had finished his musings, he didn’t wish to speak further with He Yixun.

“The investigation team will probably come for you soon,” said He Yixun.

After this, there was nothing more for him to do regarding Shao Hui. 

“I know,” Shao Hui said, closing his eyes peacefully and pressing the switch by the bed. The smart curtains slowly closed, blocking out the sunlight and his final shred of dignity.

He Yixun led Xu Pei towards the door, but Shao Hui suddenly called out to him, “You’re acting chief now. Has your access level increased?”

“I have full access rights now,” He Yixun acknowledged.

“Then go take a look in the archives room,” Shao Hui added. “What you’re looking for is there.” 

The nurse hooked up Shao Hui’s IV drip. The liquid dripping down, drop by drop, was like a countdown to life.

Xu Pei took one last look, then caught up with He Yixun and asked, “Does he mean there’s information about the Zhen Li case in the archives room?”

“Mm,” He Yixun said.

“Then we can help Dr. Zhen overturn his conviction.” 

This was undoubtedly fantastic news, but He Yixun showed little reaction. He walked straight to the elevator and pressed the down button.

Zhen Li’s case being overturned meant Xu Pei would be leaving.

An indescribable restlessness began to coil in his heart again.

With a “ding,” the chime of the VIP elevator interrupted He Yixun’s thoughts. The doors slid open, and a woman in a black suit stepped out. Seeing He Yixun and Xu Pei, she raised an eyebrow in slight surprise but showed no desire to converse, moving past them towards the patient rooms. 

“I have something to say to you,” He Yixun called out, stopping the woman.

The sound of high heels halted abruptly. Lin Mei turned halfway, not impatient but not friendly either. “Speak.”

Whether it was Xu Pei’s illusion or not, after stepping down as mayor, Lin Mei’s speech seemed less rushed, perhaps more composed. Maybe letting go of things one cares about brings a sudden clarity.

The VIP floor saw few people. The elevator lobby was empty, making it suitable for conversation. 

“Did you know about the incident at the Vidley Winery?” He Yixun asked.

“If you’re talking about their orgy, I didn’t know,” Lin Mei answered coldly. “I had an idea He Jun might bribe them, but I didn’t know it was in this form.”

“Now you know,” said He Yixun. “Are you comfortable being the chairman?”

Xu Pei wasn’t sure what Lin Mei thought, but being a woman excluded by a group of men within an organization—using an inappropriate term, they didn’t “include her in their games”—of course, she might not have wanted to play, but being completely kept in the dark, while she was the chairman of this organization… The feeling was subtle. 

Moreover, most Night Charms were women, tragically becoming playthings under money and power. As a woman fighting her own battles in the world of fame and fortune, shouldn’t she feel something about this?

“You’re too inexperienced to lecture me,” Lin Mei said expressionlessly, starting to walk forward again.

“Luo En is dead,” He Yixun’s words made Lin Mei stop once more. “Qian Kuang and Wei Tai are dead too. Shao Hui has one foot in the grave. You’re the only senior member of your Progressive Society left.”

Lin Mei frowned. “What exactly are you trying to say?” 

“I just want to ask, what’s in it for you?”

A flicker of hesitation passed between her brows. For a moment, Lin Mei seemed stumped by He Yixun’s question. But this hesitation was fleeting. Her frown deepened. “What do you know?”

“I don’t know how someone could be so keen on doing things that harm heaven and reason,” He Yixun said.

“Harm heaven and reason?” Faced with such a serious accusation, Lin Mei laughed in anger. “I act according to my principles, just as you act according to yours. How come I’m harming heaven and reason, and you’re the righteous crusader? I also don’t understand why you’re helping Zhen Li overturn his case. Since you’re so convinced there are no good people in the Progressive Society, how can you believe he is a good person?” 

“Did he kill Si Lei?” He Yixun asked, hitting the nail on the head.

Lin Mei’s face darkened with anger, as if a storm was brewing, looking like any word from her could rain down abuse. But faced with He Yixun’s question, she was speechless for a long moment. Her chest heaved continuously. She wanted to refute but couldn’t. Finally, it all condensed into an indignant sentence, “I have nothing to say to you.”

Seeing Lin Mei about to leave again, He Yixun quickened his pace. “Do you know He Maohu has washed his hands oFf the business? He’s gone into seclusion with his wife.”

“So? You want to say ‘repent and be saved’?” Lin Mei’s anger flared hotter, like an elder being lectured by an unqualified junior, her face turning livid. “He should marry that nanny. He Jun is dead, shouldn’t he compensate her? He always hoped his son would inherit his business. He couldn’t count on you at all. What else is he supposed to do now if not wash his hands off it?” 

Clearly, Lin Mei’s focus was on He Maohu marrying another woman and going into seclusion.

But that wasn’t what He Yixun meant.

“You’re the only one left now.”

Whether in career or in emotions. 

Lin Mei’s expression froze abruptly, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over the peak of her anger, rapidly cooling the lava into stone.

He Yixun said no more. He pressed the elevator button and said to Xu Pei, “Let’s go.”

At that moment, his phone suddenly rang. It was the report from the medical examiner.

The cause of Wei Tai’s death was “Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.”