Chapter 2767 - 2829: Dead?

The situation continues to expand, and so does its impact, but in the end, there has to be a solution. Finally, the officials in the provincial city couldn’t remain idle anymore. This concerns the reputation of a city, and on a larger scale, the reputation of a province. Especially with Black City applying for international tourist city status, such a blemish could derail the application if it reaches the review board. So, provincial leaders directly intervened.

However, this only happened a few days later. Once the provincial leaders intervened, the city leaders could no longer act like a turtle hiding in its shell. Oh, that’s not the right description. It should be said they just started paying attention. Their explanation to the higher-ups was that the Municipal Bureau Chief’s position was vacant, which caused a delay in handling the situation. Additionally, they stated they had already begun the investigation and would definitely uncover the truth.

Online, they announced some progress in the investigation, stating that Zhao Xianjin had been detained and relieved of his duties. The police were conducting a close investigation, and the truth would be announced shortly.

This somewhat calmed the anger of netizens, but the handling was too slow, so many people were still dissatisfied. Some said that even if Black City became a tourist city, they wouldn’t visit. Others directly commented, "This is so disappointing. What kind of handling is this? Who gave the order to arrest Li Yifei? Was it a certain leader or a group of leaders? Why are they not being punished? I’ve seen a lot of strange things in my life, but it’s the first time I’ve seen things handled this way. The bad guys are not caught while the good people who report are. Is this really happening in this era?"

"Exactly, the guy upstairs spoke well. We need the truth. Whoever ordered the arrest of the veteran should come out and explain themselves. How could they give such a brainless order? Is it really like what’s said online, that the pervert’s family is so influential that they can sway the police? If that’s the case, I won’t say a word in the future because I’m convinced. I’m afraid of being pursued across provinces."

"This kind of handling is truly speechless, trying to sweep things under the rug. Can you really suppress such matters? Are some leaders just thinking about corruption and womanizing all day instead of learning and keeping up with the times to see how the internet has developed?"

Freedom of speech is normal online, with people cursing, expressing disappointment, and demanding the truth. However, the situation took a sudden turn because Zhao Xianjin died.

Zhao Xianjin died, he suddenly died silently in his own home. According to the on-site investigation, Zhao Xianjin was murdered, and before he died, he seemed to have dialed a number, but it didn’t connect. He had also drafted several messages on his phone: some threatened Li Yifei, some apologized to him, and some threatened to kill Li Yifei and his family in revenge. Knives, a homemade pistol, and more than thirty bullets were found in Zhao Xianjin’s house.

Similarly, a message was found on Zhao Xianjin’s phone written in Li Yifei’s tone, saying, "You pervert should just die; get a coffin ready."

The investigation revealed that Zhao Xianjin had died the day before, so his body already showed signs of livor mortis. He was killed with a knife, but there was no sign of the weapon. The police were shocked and quickly began investigating. Zhao Xianjin’s residence was on the twelfth floor of a high-rise. The investigation showed the culprit left through the window. The twelfth floor, through a window... could they have jumped out? Surely, anyone would have died from such a fall.

Upon repeatedly reviewing the neighborhood’s surveillance, a suspect appeared in the police’s view. The video showed the suspect was about 1.8 meters tall, with a strong build, wearing a hat, and avoiding the camera’s angle.

Meanwhile, the news about Zhao Xianjin’s murder broke out online, even including detailed descriptions of the murder. The arrow pointed directly at Li Yifei. After these revelations, someone wrote an article, claiming to be a police insider, reconstructing Zhao Xianjin’s death, directly alleging that Li Yifei killed Zhao Xianjin, enraged by his actions.

The discovery of firearms and controlled knives in Zhao Xianjin’s home was not mentioned at all.

Netizens were in an uproar. They found it hard to believe this result, thinking that the veteran wouldn’t kill anyone. He was a good man; how could he murder? This must be defamation, it must be.

And when Li Yifei heard the news, he grinned. In truth, he did want to kill the man. This evil pervert; dead, he would be less of a worry. Even if captured and imprisoned for years, who could guarantee he would reform? Who could ensure he wouldn’t become even more warped? Giving bad people a chance is giving good people a chance to despair. Surely someone understands this.

But no matter how disgusted he was by the other, Li Yifei hadn’t acted on it. This whole situation was blown up precisely to garner broad social attention, making perverts aware of the increased cost of crime; when they commit evil acts again, they’ll think of these consequences. But he never imagined Zhao Xianjin would end up murdered.

The police should not mistake suicide for murder, especially since the Provincial Department is involved. The City Bureau personnel wouldn’t dare mess around. Still, Li Yifei and his men did not kill anyone, that much could be guaranteed. Upon learning that Zhao indeed got his hands on guns and bullets, it sent chills down his spine. If that guy was hiding somewhere and shot his family, it would have been irreversible.

In that case, it indeed seems it was better for him to be dead.

In the afternoon, the security came to report that a group of police was outside the gate, with four police cars: two from the provincial city plates, one from the City Bureau, and one from Black Province, totaling more than a dozen officers. Naturally, the security wouldn’t let them in, so they kept them at a safe distance.

"What’s their purpose?"

"The City Bureau said, it’s Black Province investigators here to ask you some questions, a normal inquiry." The security report said.

"Let them in." Li Yifei said.

"Yes."

A few minutes later, these people were brought into a small building near the entrance specifically for receiving guests. The visiting police were in awe of the Li family’s luxury and scale, resembling a villa community, with lush flowers and birds flying freely. Even though it was already getting cold outside, it remained like summer here, which was almost miraculous, all bordered by a single gate.

These people couldn’t understand, nor would they appreciate the wonders of the Formation Method but only marveled at the uniqueness of the Li family.

While waiting in the conference room for a full half-hour, Li Yifei still didn’t appear. When they tried to inquire, the security blocked them, saying, "This is the Li Family Manor. Outsiders aren’t allowed to wander around freely. Letting you in to wait is already an exception. The City Bureau friends know the rules, so it’s best not to stir up trouble."

"Alright!" The Provincial Department folks nodded, knowing that Li Yifei was a formidable person. Now that they were in his home, they naturally had to abide by the rules. The Black Province people felt repressed, wondering why they guessed to wait so long. Given the presence of a deputy bureau-level leader from the Provincial Department, with greater authority, it seemed unbelievable they had to wait so long for a businessman.

"Be content, comrade. This is the Li family, and you’re here to inquire. It’s best not to get too excited, lest we spoil the mood. There’s food and drink here, no need to fret. Clan leader Li is a busy person, and just half an hour really isn’t much of a wait." The accompanying officer from the City Bureau smiled and advised. As a member of Mile City, especially within the police system, he was too acutely aware of Li Yifei’s power, so waiting was just part of the process, without a hint of impatience.

After hearing him, the Provincial Department nodded, while the Black Province group looked even more sullen. They were outsiders and thought they had respectable status. Naturally, they didn’t say any more, just sat down sullenly.

Another hour passed, and some among them even began to snore; those sleeping included people from the City Bureau, Ning Province Provincial Hall, and Black Province Provincial Hall. The reactions were different: the former was relatively calm, while the latter could hardly contain their frustration.

Li Yifei finally arrived, wearing casual home clothes. He pushed the door open and entered. The security guards behind him automatically stood outside the door and didn’t come inside.

"Clan leader Li." As soon as the door opened, the sleepers immediately opened their eyes, and with such reaction speed, it was hard to tell if they’d been sleeping or just pretending. A few people stood up and greeted Li Yifei with smiles. One of them spoke, "Clan leader Li, these are leaders from the Provincial City Provincial Hall, and these are leaders from Black Province."

"Hmm!" Li Yifei nodded and, without pleasantries, directly asked, "Did you come all this way to see me for something?"

Arrogant, domineering, and dismissive, the delegation from Black Province felt a sudden choke. The deputy bureau leader snorted, "Clan leader Li, such a big attitude, making us wait two hours!"

Li Yifei glanced at him, "Did I invite you here? I probably don’t have that ability. Since I didn’t invite you, whether you wait two hours or two days, what’s it got to do with me?"

In fact, during this hour and a half, Li Yifei wasn’t busy at all. At most, he was coaxing the child, playing with them for a while, and personally changed two diapers. That’s all. Oh, and he even squeezed in fifteen minutes to play a game on his phone. Besides those, there wasn’t anything else.

But what does this have to do with him? Not just two hours; if he didn’t want to see these people for two days or two months, they also shouldn’t expect to come in.

Not that Li Yifei intentionally left them hanging; these people... don’t actually have the standing to say this or that.

"Clan leader Li, the comrades from the neighboring province are here to discuss some matters with you. Don’t be emotional; we’re here to bear witness." The Ning Province Provincial Hall leader said.

Li Yifei gently nodded, raising his brow. "Mobilizing the Provincial Hall to make a big fuss, I wonder what great crime I’ve committed. Alright, ask your questions. I’ll answer what I know, and if I don’t, don’t force me!"

There’d need to be someone bold enough to force you, thought the City Bureau people.