Chapter 843: The Art of Communication Lies in...

Chapter 843 -702: The Art of Communication Lies in…

As the glasses settled back on his nose, Feng Mu’s face returned to that gentle, trusting smile that made him so approachable.

Li Shang watched Feng Mu change expressions three times in a single second, his own thoughts spinning before he obediently sat down on the sofa.

His mind couldn’t help but recall the scene when Feng Mu first visited his home as a guest.

He sighed inwardly:

“Indeed, he’s still the madman I know; no matter how well he disguises himself, he can’t hide the madness within him.

But madmen are good; they truly open their hearts and share secrets with friends!”

After all, what normal friend would openly reveal whom they want to kill in front of you?

Isn’t this an extreme form of trust!

Li Shang saw Feng Mu’s earlier behavior as a complete lack of defense between friends, and felt warm enough to blurt out:

“Feng Mu, if you really want to kill him but find it inconvenient to do so yourself… I might be able to help you. Some things, if I do them, might be more convenient and cleaner.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the office, which had just started to relax, instantly froze again.

Chang Erbing was stunned, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.

“Wait, Captain Li, weren’t we here to question Feng Mu? How did it become offering to help him commit murder?”

Chang Erbing’s mind couldn’t process this twist, but Li Shang was thinking quickly.

Questioning needed to be done, but there was a method to the conversation; it had to be friendly and tactful.

In what way could one create a more friendly atmosphere than by first offering to kill someone for them?

Just look at Feng Mu’s expression!

Li Shang clearly saw a moved expression on Feng Mu’s face, a strong sense of emotion, but ultimately he gritted his teeth and said:

“Thank you, thank you for your kind offer, Captain Li! I will remember this kindness.

But Madam has repeatedly stressed that we must focus on the bigger picture, and during the plan’s progression, we shouldn’t complicate matters unnecessarily. So, let’s spare Wang Cong for now.”

Seeing Feng Mu’s rejection of his good intentions, Li Shang could only sigh, showing an expression of wanting to say more but holding back.

Feng Mu was indeed understanding, proactively steering the conversation back on track:

“Captain Li, you came over without calling ahead; is there something special you needed to discuss?”

Li Shang didn’t respond immediately, his brow furrowed, with acting skills that could be described as refined.

Feng Mu leaned slightly forward, showing a demeanor of openness:

“Captain Li, there’s no need for formalities between us. Are you facing difficulties that require my help?

Just say it directly, as long as it’s something I, Feng Mu, can do, or if Second Prison can assist, we won’t shy away!”

Li Shang was waiting for these words, and by now, the atmosphere had become extremely friendly, even close, thanks to the “murder suggestion” earlier.

He then revealed:

“Feng Mu, I came because of the Jade Garden case; I’ve encountered some puzzling aspects.

Do you know that there was just an explosion in the Jade Garden villa area?”

Feng Mu’s expression suddenly stiffened, utterly shocked:

“Explosion? What explosion?”

Li Shang felt that Feng Mu’s shock didn’t seem faked, and added:

“It’s the villa between the commissioner and Madam Li that exploded.”

Feng Mu’s pupils subtly contracted, as if recalling:

“Oh… I remember that villa. But as far as I recall, wasn’t it still empty, undergoing renovation, with no one living there?”

Li Shang nodded, following his lead:

“Yes, an explosion in a vacant, renovating villa is indeed strange, so the people from the Mechanical Department even told me to arrest you immediately.”

Feng Mu looked utterly confused, asking:

“Arrest me, why?”

Li Shang immediately replied:

“Because your departure was timed too coincidentally; just after you left, the explosion happened, so the Mechanical Department suspects you might be involved…”

Feng Mu’s face showed disbelief, as if he was gravely wrongly accused.

He suddenly stood up and stared directly at Li Shang, his voice lowering:

“So, Captain Li… did you come here today to arrest me?”

Even if Feng Mu’s face showed no signs of malice, being stared at like this made Li Shang feel a tingle at his scalp; he quickly shook his head:

“How could that be? We are good friends; I wouldn’t suspect you, no matter what. Even if it were true that you did it, I would…”

Li Shang gritted his teeth, showing a look of shared enemy with Feng Mu, speaking fiercely:

“Commissioner Zheng Geng from the Mechanical Department and his subordinates are clearly harboring ill intentions, trying to use the Jade Garden case for a witch hunt, eliminating rivals.

I won’t believe a word they say, but Feng Mu, you must be careful; maybe they’ve already targeted you, so you should be prepared ahead.”

Li Shang’s words were beautifully crafted.

He knew very well that if Feng Mu was indeed targeted by the Mechanical Department, it was most likely due to his own involvement or because he was too close to Li Shang.

However, he didn’t tell the truth directly; instead, he subtly blurred the cause-and-effect relationship, simultaneously signaling danger, warning, and taking the opportunity to deepen their friendship.

Feng Mu accepted this kindness, his expression slightly softening as he sat back on the sofa, his tone calm but with a hint of coldness:

“Thank you, Captain Li, for the warning. I’ll be careful, hmph— I, Feng Mu, detest being falsely accused, is it the Mechanical Department? I’ll keep this in mind.”

After pausing for a moment, Feng Mu seemed to realize something and asked:

“So, if Captain Li didn’t come to arrest me, was it just to warn me about this matter?”

Li Shang knew the setup was complete, and finally spoke in a deep voice:

“Warning you was one reason, because I don’t believe you’re involved, then I immediately sent Erbing to investigate other aspects of the explosion site and relevant clues…”

A few minutes later, Li Shang exhaled deeply:

“In summary, the ongoing investigation is full of strange elements; many clues appear clear with specific directions, but upon closer examination, they break off, as if an invisible hand is manipulating everything.

And what’s most perplexing to me is…”

He deliberately paused, looking sincerely at Feng Mu:

“The attitude of the two forensic experts you previously seconded to me when they submitted the autopsy report, and certain… um, details in the report, are quite suspicious.”

Of course, I’m not suspecting you, don’t overthink it; I’m just… uh, theoretically, the investigation process should be kept confidential, I shouldn’t be telling you.

But I suspect these matters might involve your subordinates; perhaps one of them is problematic.

I’m afraid you’re kept in the dark, drawing unwarranted connections, so I thought it necessary to tell you face-to-face, so you’re aware.”

Li Shang’s words painted a vivid picture of “sticking his neck out for a friend.”

He highlighted the forensic issue, throwing the ball to Feng Mu, while absolving himself completely, displaying a genuine friend who’s looking out for him.

Feng Mu’s face shifted continuously, with a blend of three parts emotion, five parts surprise, and two parts anger. Watching this made Li Shang’s heart race, silently assessing:

“Indeed! Feng Mu didn’t directly participate; otherwise, his reaction wouldn’t be so genuine.

But his expression… clearly indicates he’s caught something beyond the immediate conversation, recalling certain key people or events!”

Indeed, a moment later, Feng Mu took a deep breath:

“Is there an issue with Bai Ye and Qin Liang?”

His brow furrowed, mumbling to himself, it seemed less like he was asking Li Shang, more like questioning himself.

Li Shang didn’t press him, and after several seconds, Feng Mu seemed to clear up some thoughts, raising his eyes to reveal an apologetic smile to Li Shang:

“Captain Li, my apologies, please sit down. I must go out to make a call immediately.”

Watching Feng Mu’s hurried departure from the office, Li Shang increasingly confirmed his analysis:

“Feng Mu’s been kept partially in the dark, but not entirely; he certainly knows some inside details.”