Chapter 320: with translation of chapter title

Chief Qi sensed something was wrong the moment he picked up the phone; if it were merely a routine robbery and assault, Lin Dongfan could have just dialed 110—there was no need to call him, the bureau chief.

Translation: "As soon as Department Chief Qi picked up the phone, he sensed something was off. If it were merely a ordinary robbery and assault, Lin Dongfan could have just called 110; why would he need to call him, the department chief?"

We need to keep the meaning, not add extra. Let's produce a concise translation.

We'll do: "As soon as Department Chief Qi answered the call, he felt something was wrong. If it were just a ordinary robbery and assault, Lin Dongfan could have simply dialed 110—why call him, the department chief?"

That's fine.

Out of caution, Chief Qi personally led a team to the scene.

Translation: "Out of caution, Department Chief Qi personally led a team to the scene."

Upon getting out of the car, he saw that an ambulance had already arrived; the most seriously injured, Lu Zhou of the provincial broadcasting station, was the first to be placed on a stretcher.

Translation: "Upon getting out of the car, he saw an ambulance already at the scene; the most seriously injured, Lu Zhou of the Provincial Broadcasting, was the first to be placed on a stretcher."

Next, Liu Wu, whose arm had been broken, was also lifted onto the ambulance.

Translation: "Next, Liu Wu, whose arm had been broken, was also lifted onto the ambulance."

Three more people lay on the ground.

Translation: "Three more people lay on the ground."

At first Chief Qi couldn't make out who it was; even after shining a flashlight closely, he still didn't recognize the person—their bruised and swollen head had been beaten beyond recognition.

Translation: "At first, Department Chief Qi didn't see clearly; even after shining his flashlight closely, he still couldn't recognize who it was—the person's bruised and swollen head had been beaten beyond recognition."

Until the person raised a hand to block the light.

Translation: "Until the person raised a hand to block the light."

He shouted hoarsely, "Have you taken enough pictures? I'm Zou Feiyun!"

Translation: "He let out a slurred, angry shout: 'Enough already? I'm Zou Feiyun!'"

Chief Qi's heart skipped a beat in shock, and he instantly felt the frustration of being stuck in a tough spot. This time it was like an old lady wearing a swimsuit, leaving him utterly embarrassed.

Translation: "Department Chief Qi was startled, his heart skipping a beat, and he instantly felt the vexation of being stuck on a tiger's back. This time it's really like an old lady wearing a swimsuit, leaving the old man red-faced with embarrassment."

Who would have thought that the usually impeccably dressed, high-and-mighty Young Master Zou...

Translation: "Who would have thought that the usually impeccably dressed Young Master Zou, who always acted superior wherever he went,"

... would end up tonight covered in bruises from head to toe.

Translation: "tonight would be beaten black and blue all over."

He could barely speak coherently.

Translation: "He could barely speak coherently."

Just looking at him was painful.

Translation: "Just looking at him hurt."

Chief Qi hurriedly pulled Lin Dongfan aside.

Translation: "Department Chief Qi hurriedly pulled Lin Dongfan aside."

He whispered his complaint: "As soon as I got your call I sensed something was off—I never expected you to dig a pit for me like this. Are you trying to get me killed?"

Translation: "He whispered his complaint: 'As soon as I got your call I sensed something was off; I never expected you to really dig a pit for me—are you trying to get me killed?'"

"Where's the pit?" Lin Dongfan looked around, saying, "I don't see it."

Translation: "'Where's the pit?' Lin Dongfan looked left and right: 'I don't see it.'"

Chief Qi laughed through tears: "If you didn't go into showbiz, you'd be wasting your talent—who are you even pretending to be? The guy on the ground is Zou Feiyun, yet you told me on the phone you didn't know who he was. In all my years on the force, I've never seen a bigger trap than this. Now the dirt's piled up to my neck—I'm dead either way."

Translation: "Department Chief Qi laughed through tears: 'If you didn't go into showbiz, it's a waste of talent—who are you pretending to be? The person lying on the ground is Zou Feiyun, yet you told me on the phone you didn't know who he was. In all my years on the police force, I've never seen a pit bigger than this. Now the dirt's buried up to my neck—I'm dead whether I live or die.'"

"Don't be so pessimistic," Lin Dongfan said, smiling as he patted Chief Qi on the shoulder. "What does it matter that he's a Zou? He's suspected of robbery and assault—arresting him is completely justified."

Translation: "'Don't be so pessimistic.' Lin Dongfan smiled and patted Department Chief Qi's arm: 'What does it matter that he's surnamed Zou? He's suspected of robbery and assault—arresting him is completely justified.'"

"If we actually arrest him tonight, I might end up losing my job," Chief Qi said, glancing at the two bodyguards lying on the ground. "All we can do is detain his subordinates."

Translation: "'If we actually arrest him tonight, I might lose my job.' Department Chief Qi glanced at the two bodyguards lying on the ground, then added: 'We can only arrest his subordinates.'"

"Come here."

Translation: "'Come here.'"

Worried that the prone Zou Feiyun might prick up his ears to eavesdrop, Lin Dongfan pulled Chief Qi a few steps away.

Translation: "Worried that Zou Feiyun lying on the ground might prick up his ears to eavesdrop, Lin Dongfan pulled Department Chief Qi a few steps away."

He spoke earnestly to Chief Qi: "The robbery and assault will be blamed on his two bodyguards; I know this won't actually punish him."

Translation: "He spoke earnestly to Department Chief Qi: 'As for the robbery and assault, his two bodyguards will take the blame; I know this won't settle his guilt.'"

"If you already know that, why did you summon me?" Chief Qi said, looking disgruntled.

Translation: "'Since you know that, why did you call me over?' Department Chief Qi looked sullen."

Lin Dongfan replied: "I need you here; otherwise this act can't go on."

Translation: "Lin Dongfan said: 'I have to ask you to come; otherwise this act can't be performed.'"

"What play are you trying to put on?" Chief Qi wondered, puzzled.

Translation: "'What act do you want to put on?' Department Chief Qi puzzled."

Lin Dongfan said bluntly: "I'm currently investigating his father-in-law, Sun Fucheng. He intervened, obstructing the investigation and even threatening the safety of a key witness. I have no choice—I must seize this opportunity to detain him. Regardless of whether we can ultimately punish him, I'll hold him for a while to keep him from getting in the way."

Translation: "Lin Dongfan spoke frankly: 'I'm currently investigating the matter of his father-in-law, Sun Fucheng. He jumped in to block the way, even threatening the safety of a key witness. I have no choice—I can only use this opportunity to detain him. Regardless of whether we can punish him, we should lock him up for a while to keep him from getting in the way.'"

"How many days can we hold him?" Chief Qi asked with a wry smile. "If I arrest him now, his old man will immediately call the provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Believe it or not, we'll have to release him by morning."

Translation: "'How many days can we hold him?' Department Chief Qi gave a wry smile: 'If I arrest him now, his family elder's phone will immediately ring the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Believe it or not? We'll have to release him by morning.'"

"Surely your Political and Legal Affairs heavyweight, Feng Weishan, wouldn't let Zou Yugang pull his strings, would he?"

Translation: "'Your Political and Legal Affairs heavyweight Feng Weishan wouldn't just let Zou Yugang pull his strings, would he?'"

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Translation: "'I don't even know what you're talking about.'"

Chief Qi chuckled and avoided answering Lin Dongfan's question.

Translation: "Department Chief Qi smiled and avoided answering Lin Dongfan's question."

"Regardless of whether Feng Weishan is a puppet manipulated by others, publicly speculating about leaders is always inappropriate; if it gets out, one must bear the consequences."

Translation: "Whether Feng Weishan is a puppet manipulated by others or not, publicly commenting on leadership is always inappropriate; if word gets out, one must bear the consequences."

"One thing is certain now: Feng Weishan definitely wouldn't dare to oppose Zou Yugang."

Translation: "One thing is certain now: Feng Weishan definitely wouldn't dare to oppose Zou Yugang."

"It's like when Chief Qi worked at the municipal bureau—no matter how bold he felt, he wouldn't dare to defy the provincial department; when they issued orders, he had to meekly comply."

Translation: "Just like when Department Chief Qi worked at the City Bureau back then—even if he had the courage of a bear and a leopard, he wouldn't dare to defy the Provincial Department; when the Provincial Department issued orders, he had to meekly lower his head and listen."

Chief Qi advised Lin Dongfan with a meaningful tone: "Now that Sun Fucheng is dead, you're taking the blame. I know you're eager to uncover his crimes, but this can't be rushed. Be careful not to make mistakes in the chaos and give others a handle on you. Tonight I'll at most take Zou Feiyun back for questioning, go through the motions, and release him come morning as required."

Translation: "Department Chief Qi advised Lin Dongfan with deep meaning: 'Now that Sun Fucheng is dead, you're taking the fall. I know you're eager to find evidence of his crimes, but this can't be rushed. Be careful not to make mistakes in the chaos and give others a handle on you. Tonight I'll at most take Zou Feiyun back for questioning, go through the procedures, and if he should be released at dawn, we'll have to release him.'"

"Release him at dawn?"

Translation: "Release him at dawn?"

"Then wouldn't my performance tonight be for nothing?"

Translation: "Then wouldn't my performance tonight be for nothing?"

Lin Dongfan said frankly: "Chief Qi, let me be honest—Secretary Jiang previously expressed his full support for our Anti-Corruption Bureau's work."

Translation: "Lin Dongfan spoke frankly: 'Department Chief Qi, let me be honest—Secretary Jiang has already expressed his stance, promising full support for our Anti-Corruption Bureau's work.'"

"Really?" Chief Qi replied, half-believing, half-doubting, with a skeptical smile.

Translation: "'Really?' Department Chief Qi gave a doubtful smile."

Lin Dongfan took out a cigarette, lit it, and said: "Earlier, Secretary Jiang privately invited me to a game of badminton, and we reached an agreement. I won't involve myself in Jianglan's guilt‑by‑association tactics; he backs my investigation into Sun Fucheng. Precisely because Sun Fucheng is doomed, he was killed—someone wants to sever my investigative line."

Translation: "Lin Dongfan took out a cigarette and lit it: 'Earlier, Secretary Jiang privately invited me to a badminton match, and we reached an agreement. I won't implicate nine clans in Jiang Lan; he supports my investigation of Sun Fucheng. Moreover, precisely because Sun Fucheng cannot escape disaster, he was killed—someone wants to cut off my investigative line.'"

Upon hearing this, Chief Qi was stunned speechless.

Translation: "Hearing this, Department Chief Qi was stunned speechless."

"If Secretary Jiang Huantian has indeed declared his support for Lin Dongfan, it suggests the Lin family's chances may be better; otherwise, Jiang Huantian wouldn't risk his own career."

Translation: "If Secretary Jiang Huantian has indeed expressed support for Lin Dongfan, then the Lin family's chances of success may be greater; otherwise, Jiang Huantian would never risk his own future."

"Lin Zhenhua and Zou Yugang are at each other's throats, and Jiang Huantian has sided with Lin Zhenhua!"

Translation: "Lin Zhenhua and Zou Yugang are tearing at each other, and Jiang Huantian has taken Lin Zhenhua's side!"

"Under these circumstances."

Translation: "Under these circumstances."

"The attitude of the Political and Legal Affairs heavyweight Feng Weishan is then less important; regardless of whether he's a puppet of the Zou family, if he steps forward he's nothing but cannon fodder!"

Translation: "The attitude of the Political and Legal Affairs heavyweight Feng Weishan, however, is less important; regardless of whether he's a puppet of the Zou family, as soon as he steps forward he's nothing but cannon fodder!"

"Having thought this through in silence."

Translation: "Having thought this through in silence."

Chief Qi glanced from afar at Zou Feiyun still lying on the ground, then solemnly asked Lin Dongfan: "How long do you want him detained?"

Translation: "Department Chief Qi glanced from afar at Zou Feiyun still lying on the ground, then solemnly asked Lin Dongfan: 'How long do you want him detained?'"

"That depends on how long you can hold out," Lin Dongfan said, aware that Chief Qi would soon face tremendous pressure, and he readily added: "Ideally, we should be able to hold him for more than seven days."

Translation: "'That depends on how long you can hold out.' Lin Dongfan, knowing Department Chief Qi would soon face tremendous pressure, readily gave a timeline: 'Ideally, we could hold him for more than seven days.'"

Chief Qi doubted: "In seven days, can you gather evidence of Sun Fucheng's crimes?"

Translation: "Department Chief Qi doubted: 'Seven days—can you grasp Sun Fucheng's criminal evidence in that time?'"

"Enough," Lin Dongfan replied confidently, tapping his ash. "In seven days I won't just obtain evidence of Sun Fucheng's crimes—I also intend to arrest his daughter, Sun Zhiqing."

Translation: "'Enough.' Lin Dongfan flicked ash from his cigarette with full confidence: 'In seven days I will not only obtain Sun Fucheng's criminal evidence, I will also arrest his daughter—Sun Zhiqing.'"

"Sun Zhiqing, that is, Zou Feiyun's wife."

Translation: "Sun Zhiqing, that is, Zou Feiyun's wife."

Chief Qi laughed incredulously: "No wonder you're an imperial envoy—your confidence is on another level. Fine, I'll grit my teeth and hold out for seven days. If anything happens to me, don't forget to save my life."

Translation: "Department Chief Qi laughed in disbelief: 'No wonder you're an imperial envoy—this confidence is another level. Alright, I'll grit my teeth and hold out for seven days. If I happen to meet with any mishap, don't forget to save my life then.'"

"What are you saying? I, Lin Dongfan, am not the type to watch someone die without helping," Lin Dongfan laughed. "Earlier I was worried that Yang Qing couldn't control his impulses, so I gave him five million yuan in poverty‑relief funds. Five million—using my own money to support honest officials—that's the kind of stature I have. When it comes to righteousness, I, Lin Dongfan, truly have a sterling reputation."

Translation: "'What are you saying? Am I the kind of person who sees someone die and does nothing to help?' Lin Dongfan laughed: 'Earlier I was worried that Yang Qing couldn't control his hands, so I directly gave him five million yuan in poverty-relief funds. Five million, personally funded to support honest officials—that's the breadth of vision. In terms of righteousness, I, Lin Dongfan, truly have a reputation that speaks for itself.'"

"I admire that quality of yours."

Translation: "'I just admire that about you.'"

Chief Qi chuckled: "That kid Yang Qing has good luck, but his emotional intelligence is lacking—after over a hundred blind dates he's still single, and even five million won't save his bachelorhood."

Translation: "Department Chief Qi laughed: 'That kid Yang Qing has good luck, but his emotional intelligence is lacking—after over a hundred blind dates he's still single, and even five million couldn't save his bachelor fate.'"

"Let's not talk about that jerk—it's a buzzkill."

Translation: "'Let's not talk about that despicable buddy—it's a buzzkill.'"

Lin Dongfan turned and headed back to the scene.

Translation: "Lin Dongfan turned and returned to the scene."

The ambulance had already left; its compartment couldn't hold all the wounded. Zou Feiyun and his two bodyguards still lay painfully on the ground, waiting for a second ambulance.

Translation: "The ambulance had already left; the cabin couldn't hold all the wounded. Zou Feiyun and his two bodyguards still lay painfully on the ground, waiting for the second ambulance."

Chief Qi ordered his officers: "Cuff them and send them to the hospital first."

Translation: "Department Chief Qi ordered his officers: 'Put on the handcuffs, first send them to the hospital.'"

"\"Chief Qi! \"" Zou Feiyun glared with both eyes: \"You just walked off with Lin Dongfan—were you plotting how to deal with me? I warn you: don't act foolishly when it comes to matters of principle. \"

Translation: "'Department Chief Qi!' Zou Feiyun glared with both eyes: 'You just walked that far with Lin Dongfan—were you plotting how to deal with me? I warn you! On matters of principle, don't act foolish.'"

"Who's warning me with this pitch‑black nonsense? It's completely lawless!" Qi Ting pretended to be blind, then waved his hand and said, "Handcuff this bastard for me!"

Translation: "'Who's this dark-faced fellow warning me? It's outright lawlessness.' Department Chief Qi pretended to be blind, waved a big hand: 'Cuff this bastard!'"

"\"Who's warning me in this pitch‑dark? It's outright lawlessness. \" Chief Qi pretended to be blind, then waved his hand: \"Handcuff this bastard! \"

Now

Out of caution, Qi Ting personally led people to the scene.

As soon as he got out of the car, he saw that an ambulance had already arrived at the scene; the most seriously injured Lu Zhou of the Provincial Broadcasting Station was the first to be placed on a stretcher.

Next, Liu Wu, whose arm had been broken, was also lifted onto the ambulance.

Three more people were still lying on the ground.

At first, Qi Ting didn't see clearly; even after shining his flashlight carefully, he still couldn't recognize who it was—the person's bruised and swollen head had already been beaten beyond recognition.

Until the person raised a hand to block the light.

He let out a slurred angry shout: "Have you had enough looking? I'm Zou Feiyun!"

Qi Ting's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly felt the vexation of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. This time it's really like an old lady wearing a swimsuit, leaving the old man red-faced.

Who would have thought that the usually impeccably dressed, always superior Young Master Zou

tonight he ended up bruised all over.

He could barely speak.

Just looking at him hurts.

Qi Ting flusteredly pulled Lin Dongfan to the side.

He muttered, "I felt something was off as soon as I got your call; I didn't expect you to really dig a pit for me—are you trying to get me killed?"

"Where's the pit?" Lin Dongfan looked left and right: "I don't see it."

Qi Ting laughed and cried: "If you didn't go into showbiz, you'd be wasting your talent—who are you pretending to be? The person lying on the ground is Zou Feiyun, yet you told me on the phone you didn't know who he was. After all these years on the force, I've never seen a pit bigger than this. Now the dirt's buried up to my neck—I'm dead either way."

"Don't be so pessimistic." Lin Dongfan smiled and patted Qi Ting on the shoulder: "What does it matter that he's surnamed Zou? He's suspected of robbery and assault—arresting him is completely justified."

"If we really arrest him tonight, I might lose my job." Qi Ting glanced at the two bodyguards lying on the ground, then added: "We can only arrest his subordinates."

"Come here."

Worried that Zou Feiyun lying on the ground might prick up his ears to eavesdrop, Lin Dongfan pulled Qi Ting away a few steps.

Speaking seriously to Qi Ting, he said: "As for the robbery and assault, his two bodyguards will take the blame; I know this won't settle his guilt."

"Since you know that, why did you call me over?" Qi Ting wore a sullen expression.

Lin Dongfan said: "I have to have you here; otherwise this act can't be performed."

"What act do you want to put on?" Qi Ting wondered, puzzled.

Lin Dongfan spoke frankly: "I'm currently investigating the matter of his father-in-law, Sun Fucheng. He jumped in to block the way, even threatening the safety of a key witness. I have no choice—I can only use this opportunity to arrest him. Regardless of whether we can punish him, I'll detain him for a while to keep him from getting in the way."

"How many days can we detain him?" Qi Ting gave a wry smile: "If I arrest him now, his old man will immediately call the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Believe it or not? We'll have to release him by morning."

"Your Political and Legal Affairs bigwig Feng Weishan wouldn't just let Zou Yugang push him around, would he?"

"I don't even know what you're talking about."

Qi Ting smiled and avoided answering Lin Dongfan's question.

Whether Feng Weishan is a puppet or not, publicly commenting on superiors is always inappropriate; if it gets out, one will certainly have to bear the consequences.

One thing is certain now: Feng Weishan definitely wouldn't dare to oppose Zou Yugang.

Just like when Qi Ting worked at the City Bureau back then—even if he had the gall of a bear and a leopard, he wouldn't dare to defy the Provincial Department; when the Provincial Department issued instructions, he had to meekly lower his head and listen.

Qi Ting gave Lin Dongfan a meaningful reminder: "Now that Sun Fucheng is dead, you're taking the blame. I know you're eager to find evidence of his crimes, but this can't be rushed. Be careful not to make mistakes in the chaos and give others a handle on you. Tonight I'll at most take Zou Feiyun back for questioning, go through the motions, and release him come morning if that's what's required."

Release him at dawn?

Then wouldn't my performance tonight be for nothing?

Lin Dongfan spoke frankly: "Secretary Qi, let me be honest—Secretary Jiang has already expressed his stance and will fully support our Anti-Corruption Bureau's work."

"Really?" Qi Ting smiled, half-believing, half-doubting.

Lin Dongfan took out a cigarette and lit it: "Earlier, Secretary Jiang privately invited me to a game of badminton, and we reached an agreement. I won't implicate nine clans in Jianglan; he supports my investigation of Sun Fucheng. Precisely because Sun Fucheng is doomed, he ended up killed—someone wants to cut off my investigative line."

Hearing that, Qi Ting was stunned speechless.

If Secretary Jiang Huantian has indeed expressed support for Lin Dongfan, then the Lin Family's chances of success may be greater; otherwise Jiang Huantian would never risk his own future.

Lin Zhenhua and Zou Yugang are at each other's throats, and Jiang Huantian has taken Lin Zhenhua's side!

Under these circumstances.

The attitude of the Political and Legal Affairs bigwig Feng Weishan is then less important; whether he's a puppet of the Zou family or not, as soon as he steps forward he's nothing but cannon fodder!

Having thought this through in silence.

Qi Ting glanced from afar at Zou Feiyun still lying on the ground, then solemnly asked Lin Dongfan: "How long do you want him detained?"

"That depends on how long you can hold out." Knowing Qi Ting would soon face tremendous pressure, Lin Dongfan readily gave a timeline: "Ideally, you could hold out for more than seven days."

Qi Ting doubted: "Seven days—can you grasp the evidence of Sun Fucheng's crimes?"

"Enough." Lin Dongfan flicked ash with confidence: "Seven days—I'll not only grasp the evidence of Sun Fucheng's crimes, I'll also arrest his daughter, Sun Zhiqing."

Sun Zhiqing, that is, Zou Feiyun's wife.

Qi Ting laughed incredulously: "No wonder you're an imperial envoy—this confidence is different. All right, I'll grit my teeth and hold out for seven days. If I happen to have some mishap, don't forget to save my life then."

"What are you saying? I, Lin Dongfan, am not the sort who sees someone die and does nothing." Lin Dongfan laughed: "Earlier I was worried that Yang Qing couldn't keep his hands to himself, so I gave him five million in poverty-relief funds outright. Five million—using my own money to support honest officials—that's the mark of a true patron. In matters of righteousness, I, Lin Dongfan, truly have a reputation that speaks for itself."

"I just admire that about you."

Qi Ting laughed: "That kid Yang Qing has good luck, but his emotional intelligence is lacking—after over a hundred matchmaking attempts he's still a bachelor, and even five million can't save his single fate."

"Let's not talk about that jerk—it's a buzzkill."

Lin Dongfan turned and returned to the scene.

The ambulance had already left; the cabin couldn't hold so many wounded. Zou Feiyun and his two bodyguards were still painfully lying on the ground, waiting for the second ambulance.

Qi Ting ordered his subordinates: "Put on the handcuffs, then send them to the hospital."

"Qi Ting!" Zou Feiyun glared with both eyes: "You just walked off that far with Lin Dongfan—were you plotting how to deal with me? I warn you! In matters of principle, don't act foolishly."

"Who's warning me in this pitch-dark? It's outright lawlessness." Qi Ting pretended to be blind, waved a big hand, and said: "Cuff this bastard!"