My spy diary

Chapter 597 Interrogation (Seeking monthly votes)

The mastermind behind it all is Zhao Longwen!

"Greed blinds reason!" Dai Chunfeng slammed his hand on the table, standing up with a livid face. Had Zhao Longwen gone mad? Would he even betray his own people for money? He then asked incredulously, "Can you confirm that the voice is indeed Zhao Wenwu's?"

Station Chief Tong: "Although I haven't had many interactions with Zhao Wenwu, I'm pretty sure the recording is his voice. Of course, just in case, we'll need to find a few of his acquaintances to listen to it."

Dai Chunfeng nodded to him. He didn't know how to describe his feelings at that moment, nor did he understand why things had developed this way. He rubbed his temples and looked wearily at Zhang Yi:
"What do you think?"

"Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; believe only one side and you will be misled." Zhang Yi shook his head, his face grave. "Shouldn't we listen to what Zhao Longwen has to say? Even if the person in the recording is indeed Zhao Wenwu, isn't it too hasty to conclude that Director Zhao orchestrated the whole thing based solely on this recording? Besides..."

Zhang Yi paused, and Dai Chunfeng, seeing his hesitation, knew he had a new idea. She looked up at him.
"And what?"

“Everything needs a motive. I find this matter suspicious and absurd. Zhao Longwen certainly had a motive to do this for money, but what about Zhao Wenwu? All his power and wealth came from Director Zhao. What benefit would he gain from bringing him down? Was it really for the sake of so-called justice, to sacrifice family for the greater good? Although he spoke grandly in the recording, portraying himself as very noble, is the truth really as he said?”

Upon hearing this, Station Chief Tong objected. He glared at Zhang Yi and said in an approving tone:
"Director Zhang, the recording is an indisputable fact, isn't it? The facts are right here, so there's no need for wild doubts and speculations."

Didn't the recording say that he was afraid of being exposed and punished, or even silenced, so he took a desperate gamble?

Also, Director Zhang, you may not know much about Zhao Wenwu. Although he is not as noble as he claims to be, he is by no means more despicable than some people.

Didn't you hear him sing the commemorative song at the end? It was so stirring and passionate! This shows he was a revolutionary youth with conviction—a conviction that wasn't just empty talk, but a conviction that could be terrifying when it came to him; he was willing to sacrifice even family for the greater good!

After saying that, he gave Zhang Yi a meaningful look.

"Revolutionary youth, prepare yourselves, be wise, benevolent, and courageous!" This song, originally a class anthem created by the Military Intelligence Bureau's training class in Linli, was very popular with Dai Chunfeng. He later designated it as the Bureau's anthem, and it was sung at every Military Intelligence Bureau gathering, large or small. He particularly appreciated the most essential line in the lyrics: "Maintain the safety of our leaders." Military Intelligence Bureau agents also loved singing this song, because it allowed them to deceive themselves.

Zhang Yi found it amusing that Station Master Tong could discern faith in a song, and frowned as he said:

"Is it possible that someone is impersonating Zhao Wenwu to frame Director Zhao?"

“That’s even more impossible!” Station Chief Tong said dismissively. “According to the confessions of Zhao Wenwu’s two subordinates, the power went out just as Zhao Wenwu arrived last night. They were then sent away, and when they returned, Zhao Wenwu and Li Yishan were gone. I believe he had already completed the switch by then.”

This kid did it all by himself from beginning to end. There was no third party involved, and it was impossible for anyone to control or threaten him into doing such a thing.

Therefore, I'm certain he orchestrated this entire affair from beginning to end, meticulously planning and executing it with great care. It's a shame he's not a secret agent. Think about it, while you and I are still racking our brains analyzing the case, he might already have escaped Jiangsu and Zhejiang.”

Zhang Yi fell silent, looking sullen from the mockery, but secretly he was happier than anyone else. His earlier performance was merely a show in front of Boss Dai; he desperately wanted Station Chief Tong to be the vanguard of the attack.

As for Station Chief Tong's motives, they are actually quite easy to understand. Yao Zechong is dead, the position of Director of the Investigation Department is vacant, and the position of Police Chief is also beckoning to him. Whether he takes on both roles as Director of the Investigation Department or succeeds as Chief, the benefits are much greater than those of being a station chief.

Of course, while he was thinking about it, Station Master Tong knew he couldn't appear too eager at this moment. He glanced at Boss Dai, whose face was ashen, and said:
"Of course, just to be on the safe side, we should hear what Director Zhao has to say. If he can be proven innocent, that would be best; but if it turns out he really did orchestrate it, then..."

Dai Chunfeng gritted his teeth: "If he really did this, I'll skin him alive!"

"How about we talk to him first, give him a chance to explain, and see how much he admits his guilt, before making a decision?"

Station Chief Tong secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He could tell that Boss Dai had begun to suspect Zhao Longwen. It could only be said that the words in Zhao Wenwu's recording had indeed been very effective in stirring things up. For example, his statements about using loyalty to the respected Director Dai as a cover to cultivate personal power were all designed to provoke Boss Dai's sensitive nerves. He allowed his subordinates to make mistakes and could turn a blind eye to their embezzlement and bribery, but he would never allow anyone to cultivate personal power behind his back.

“Well, let’s do as Station Chief Tong suggests. In a bit, Station Chief Tong, you and Director Zhang should go out and talk to him as soon as possible. If he really didn’t know about this, then clarify it within a certain scope.” Dai Chunfeng rubbed his temples and remained silent for a moment. “But even if he didn’t know, he can’t escape blame for Yao Zechong’s death and must give the bureau an explanation.”

He paused, then changed the subject, "If he's not sincere, then we'll investigate thoroughly. Please pass on a message to him: I'm a person who values ​​relationships."

"Yes, we'll go right away." Station Chief Tong nodded in agreement.

Zhao Longwen was being held in the next office. He looked extremely haggard; in just a few hours, he seemed to have aged considerably. Upon seeing Zhang Yi and Station Chief Tong enter, he anxiously shouted:

"How did it go? What was said at the end of the recording? That little bastard Zhao Wenwu, did he try to pin the blame on me? What did Director Dai say? I want to see Director Dai!"

His voice sounded particularly harsh in the small room.

Zhang Yi was quite sensible and voluntarily handed over the lead in the case to Station Chief Tong. He glanced at him but remained silent.

Station Chief Tong sighed and patted Zhao Longwen on the shoulder:

"Old Zhao, don't be in such a hurry. When are you going to change your temper? We're here to help you clarify the facts and find out the truth. By the way, Boss Dai also said that he's a very sentimental person."

"What do you mean by that? What's there to clarify? I was framed. Why don't you go after that bastard Zhao Wenwu, but instead come to me? Where is he? Has he already fled to avoid punishment?"

"Yes, I'm very willing to believe you, but you have to explain the recording, right?"

Faced with Zhao Longwen's righteous indignation, Station Chief Tong looked sympathetic, while Zhang Yi remained aloof, observing coldly until the discussion had reached a fever pitch before bluntly offering a reminder:
"Director Zhao, please explain. Right now it's just questioning, but once Zhao Wenwu is actually arrested, the outcome might not be what you say or wish for. In that case, no one will be able to help you. I advise you to calm down and think it over carefully."

How could Zhao Longwen remain calm?

He was furious at Zhang Yi's appearance. After all, Zhang Yi was a veteran of the Military Intelligence Bureau. When did it become your place to point fingers at me?
However, given his current situation, he spoke in as calm a tone as possible:
"You say I was negligent and careless, and that I was tricked by a villain. I can't escape blame for Yao Zechong's death, and I accept all of that. But I didn't know beforehand how Li Yishan had turned into Yao Zechong. I was kept in the dark. You can't pin the blame on me for being the mastermind!"

Seeing that he remained obstinate, Station Chief Tong put down his pen, his face darkened, and he said sternly:

“Old Zhao, Old Zhao, I sympathize with your situation. But the problem is, Yao Zechong is dead, Zhao Wenwu has disappeared, and all the evidence points to you. Shouldn’t you explain yourself? You should understand that we are having a conversation, or you could say an interrogation. Please be understanding and don’t make things too awkward.” “What do you mean? Are you going to torture me? I want to see Director Dai!” A sense of unease swept through Zhao Longwen.

Station Chief Tong shrugged: "You said it yourself. If it really comes to that, there's nothing I can do. Brother Longwen, I'm sorry, but why don't you just say something? From beginning to end, you knew nothing about this matter; Zhao Wenwu did everything behind your back. That's one version."

"Or perhaps you instructed him to do it, but he was afraid of being held accountable later, so he turned against you halfway through. 'Husbands and wives are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly away separately.' If even husbands and wives act this way, what about uncles and nephews? This is another version."

"There's another version."

"No need to say anything more, it doesn't matter which version it is." Zhao Longwen snorted and interrupted Station Chief Tong. "No matter what, you just want to find an excuse to torture yourself, right? Hmph, don't be shy, I didn't do it, killing me would have the same result."

Station Chief Tong showed a hint of approval: "Since Director Zhao has said so, then I'll have to offend you. Director Zhang, what's your opinion?"

Zhang Yi said calmly, "I'll listen to Station Chief Tong."

"Alright, since we're on the same page. Someone, come here!" Station Chief Tong called out to the door, and two plainclothes officers from the Military Intelligence Bureau walked in. "Take Director Zhao to the interrogation room. Remember to be polite."

Before Zhang Yi and his companion could even report to Dai Chunfeng after leaving the office, the police station received a report that Zhao Wenwu's body had been found.

"Are you sure it's him?"

"Based on the complainant's description, it's pretty much true."

Station Chief Tong understood and immediately called over a subordinate: "Notify the technical department immediately, have them bring cameras and surveying tools, and, together with trace and footprint technicians, head over there right away."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Bring the forensic doctor along too."

After issuing the order, Station Chief Tong didn't care about Zhang Yi anymore and went straight to Dai Chunfeng's office to report.

Half an hour later, a large number of special agents and police officers appeared in a long-abandoned temple in the wilderness.

The once deserted and dilapidated temple was now filled with a large crowd of onlookers.

As soon as Station Chief Tong arrived at the scene, he yelled at his subordinates who had arrived earlier:
"You idiot, what are you doing? They're all professionally trained, don't you know how to protect the scene?"

Outside the dilapidated temple, there were cigarette butts everywhere, as well as all sorts of footprints. Even weeds and stones had been pulled up and turned over, leaving the place in a mess.

An undercover officer said helplessly, "Station chief, the police were the first to arrive, and it was already like this when they came. There were all sorts of people everywhere, even beggars came and went in several waves, making a complete mess of the place, and the scene was already destroyed."

"Could these unruly people have even moved the corpse?"

The plainclothes officer said, "No, the first person to find the body was a beggar, one of Wang Mazi's men." He lowered his voice as he said this, "After Boss Dai arrived, the police station drove all the beggars out of the city. They had nowhere to go, so they wanted to stay here. Who would have thought that they would find money everywhere inside and outside the dilapidated temple? They were all there to pick up money."

"Find money? What do you mean?" Station Chief Tong asked with a suspicious look.

"Yes, they were all there to pick up money. Not only inside the dilapidated temple, but also around there, money was everywhere, all thrown on the ground. When they discovered the body inside, these beggars originally wanted to hide it, but it was Wang Mazi who had seen the world and knew what was important. After discovering that the dead person was Zhao Wenwu, he immediately came to report it to the police."

"How was the body discovered?" Station Chief Tong was dumbfounded, then snorted coldly, "It seems this murderer is very cunning; this was a premeditated attempt to tamper with the scene."

"Are you saying it was done by one of your own people?"

"Otherwise what? Is it possible for an ordinary person to have such strong counter-surveillance awareness as the murderer? Of course, we can't rule out gang members, but even if they had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to harm Zhao Wenwu. Let's go, let's go see the body."

Six or seven plainclothes officers formed a circle, their expressions quite stern. When Station Chief Tong approached, the crowd parted to create an opening.

Station Chief Tong walked in and saw Zhao Wenwu handcuffed to a pillar, his head drooping.

He died with his eyes wide open, unable to close them in peace.

A gleaming dagger was stuck in his chest.

The body and the murder weapon are still there. If we follow his previous speculation and Zhao Wenwu's statement in the recording, Zhao Longwen is undoubtedly a prime suspect.

Could it really be him? Station Chief Tong was somewhat suspicious. He could understand scattering money as destroying a crime scene, but doing so would destroy the scene, but it would also expose the body. Wasn't this just adding insult to injury? Zhao Longwen was a veteran agent, after all; how could he not understand this principle?
Why does it seem like the murderer couldn't wait to discover the body?

It doesn't make sense! It feels just like what Director Zhang said, strange and absurd, this case is too complicated.

No one noticed the strange expression on Station Master Tong's face; everyone was talking at once.

One person asked curiously, "I'm just wondering, the murderer was clearly very cunning, so how did he fail at this small detail, focusing on the head but not the tail?"

One person immediately said, "Even the wisest person can make a mistake. The murderer probably didn't expect that the police station would drive out even the beggars to welcome Director Dai. Besides beggars, who would come to this godforsaken place? In ten days or half a month, the body will be rotting and who will recognize that the dead person is Zhao Wenwu. Besides, it's lucky that the body was discovered by Wang Mazi's men. He just happened to know Zhao Wenwu. If they weren't related, they probably wouldn't have called the police. It just goes to show that man proposes, God disposes."

"That makes sense." While this explanation wasn't entirely plausible, no one present doubted it, given the most compelling physical evidence: the recording. Perhaps the murderer was simply careless; if he had known Zhao Wenwu had hidden the recording in the car beforehand, he probably wouldn't have done it. Of course, it's also possible the murderer ran out of time. In any case, there are many explanations, and regardless of the explanation, it won't affect the investigation.

Station Chief Tong remained silent. Just then, the forensic doctor, who was squatting on the ground carefully examining the dagger, suddenly exclaimed excitedly, "There are fingerprints on it!"

(End of this chapter)