Chapter 953: I Give You a Promise

Unfortunately, it wasn’t that her accounting skills were inadequate, but that the vegetable brigade simply had no spare cash.

Put it this way—even the landlord had no surplus grain.

Except at year-end, the meager balance in the accounts was something the brigade leader kept fixedly staring at.

What if, like a hen, it could hatch a few chicks? If the big unity could produce a few small unities, wouldn’t that be profit?

Instead of small unities hatching, even the big unity vanished without a trace.

The brigade leader was scratching his head over this case: if he punished her, the girl had powerful backers; if he let her go, the whole thing was infuriating.

Fortunately, Du Xiaoyan had given so much over the years to the man at the grain station—she’d even had two abortions.

Of course, one of those wasn’t his, since he couldn’t marry her; so during those years, Du Xiaoyan wasn’t idle—she’d also met an older brother working at the police outpost.

No wonder they called her a clever girl—she’d always maintained excellent relationships, had countless friends, and so the brigade leader chose not to report her, letting her off with a warning.

She hadn’t even spent the five hundred yuan—she returned it untouched to the brigade.

How could someone with dirty hands still hold such a position? Even if the leadership didn’t pursue it, she herself had no face to stay.

The man at the grain station had already found a new lover; he’d seen clearly that this old flame was nothing but trouble, and kept dodging her requests to help transfer her job.

Ah! You think Du Xiaoyan was some chaste heroine, clinging solely to this big tree? She turned right around and went to the older brother—thanks to their “deeply pregnant friendship,” within three days she was transferred to the credit cooperative.

In this era, the credit cooperative was a coveted unit—everybody envied it. All her devotion to the older brother had truly paid off.

When she first entered the credit cooperative, she was cautious and restrained, strictly disciplining herself—but once she’d stabilized her position, she kicked the older brother to the curb.

Not because of anything else—every time he helped her, he was too rough. After she’d built ties with the credit cooperative’s leadership, she no longer wanted to endure that kind of suffering.

A person’s fate is preordained; when someone’s destined for glory, no one can stop them.

With the help of the credit cooperative’s leadership, Du Xiaoyan fought her way through checkpoints, steadily transferring from the suburbs into the city.

During this time, she met her current husband, Zhao Ziliang—a man just as cunning and ruthless as she was.

They were truly made for each other—fated to be together.

At first, the couple hid their dark pasts from each other, but distance reveals a horse’s strength, and time reveals a person’s heart.

Gradually, they learned each other’s histories—she looked at his, he looked at hers; well then, neither could blame the other—they were both rotten to the core.

Especially after marriage, neither of them stayed idle—she listed her lovers, he listed his.

Whoever had one less than the other felt cheated, so the couple raced like madmen, chasing and being chased, neither willing to yield.

But how come they didn’t divorce, given how both were like this?

Why on earth would they?

Do you know how hard it is to find someone so perfectly suited?

At home, they played the devoted couple, harmonious as lute and zither—no pointless quarrels. Outside, neither restricted the other; everyone was happy.

Zhao Ziliang often traveled, which suited her perfectly—this couple truly achieved freedom, enjoying independent lives.

People say men turn bad when they get rich, but everyone forgets the next line: women turn bad and get rich.

Whether or not a promiscuous woman counts as “bad,” she had indeed slowly begun to grow wealthy.

At nineteen, Du Xiaoyan became an accountant at the suburban credit cooperative; by twenty-one, she was an accountant in the city’s credit cooperative—her advancement was astonishingly fast.

She’d once wanted to be a good person, but heaven refused to grant her wish—obstacles lay everywhere.

Shortly after transferring to the Dongsi Shitiao Credit Cooperative, a major restructuring hit—the layoffs began.

To put it simply, the urbanization reforms from the 1950s to the 1960s had failed.

Workers recruited en masse from the countryside were now being sent back to their hometowns to farm.

Du Xiaoyan herself was a rural household registration—no matter how they cut, she’d never be laid off; so by the end of the cuts, she was the only one left in finance.

She hadn’t moved a muscle and suddenly found herself in the finals—before she even realized what was happening, she’d won the chicken.

What a mess—she became the sole remaining employee in the credit cooperative’s accounting department.

Du Xiaoyan was both cashier and accountant, controlling all financial authority; taking money from public funds was almost effortless.

After getting together with Zhao Ziliang, her entire attitude toward spending changed.

Even when they were dating, Zhao Ziliang took her to big department stores, showed her how fashionable women dressed, and taught her how to style herself.

Good heavens—once a woman opens one door, another world bursts wide open.

If you don’t know what this feeling is, it’s simple: buy your girlfriend a lace eye mask, put it on her during intimacy, and you’ll understand completely.

Du Xiaoyan learned new tricks from her husband Zhao Ziliang—and couldn’t stop.

Not only did she grow increasingly fond of dressing up, she also grew increasingly fond of enjoying life.

Clothes, shoes, radios, bicycles—all required money, but Du Xiaoyan’s salary was pitifully low, utterly insufficient to cover such expenses.

There’s a saying: steal a needle as a child, steal gold as an adult. She dared to steal a hundred yuan right at the start—how bold must she be now?

Especially since every time, a good older brother helped her cover it up—her courage grew bigger than the sky.

So she used her position to reach into places she shouldn’t have touched.

Soon after starting at Dongsi Shitiao Credit Cooperative, people around her noticed a dramatic change in Du Xiaoyan; those unaware of the truth began envying her job.

And she loved the envious glances—once this vanity became addictive, she couldn’t break free.

She didn’t just buy for herself and Zhao Ziliang’s little family—she bought for her parents and brothers too.

Her family had always lived in the suburbs, yet within two years, their old house was renovated, fully furnished with appliances; every family member had a branded watch, let alone clothes and shoes.

Even Li Xuewu, hearing her story, thought it sounded like a fairy tale—his father, Li Shun, had earned over fifty yuan a month when he first started, which was considered extremely impressive.

What had he saved all these years? Just a sewing machine—and even that, only because Li Shun often took his medicine case out for private consultations.

But look at Du Xiaoyan’s life—fine silks, jade meals, luxurious abundance.

Sewing machines, radios, bicycles—these were luxuries most families dreamed of; Du Xiaoyan’s family had them all.

Every time she returned home, fresh fish and shrimp, softshell turtles—whenever she wanted, she bought half a basket, never asking the price.

Century eggs, jellyfish skin, salted pork, dried bamboo shoots, dried clams—these long-lasting foods, she bought by the basketful.

Ordinary families struggled to eat meat once a week; her family added shrimp to stir-fried greens.

Fruit? Naturally never lacking—bought by the basketful; when it spoiled, they fed it to chickens and pigs.

Every year, the couple traveled abroad for vacations, touring mountains and rivers, living a blissful life.

Li Xuewu and Zheng Fuhua had never heard this before; they weren’t stunned, but internally they were awestruck.

Zheng Fuhua’s family background was unknown, but Li Xuewu knew he himself was well-off—he’d been married to Gu Ning for over half a year and had never experienced such a life.

Damn it, these past six months were wasted—couldn’t even compare to her luck.

At this moment, Du Xiaoyan realized she’d said too much—she tried to stop, but it was already too late.

From the very first question, Li Xuewu’s interrogation left no trace—it felt like two friends chatting.

Mostly, Du Xiaoyan was talking; Li Xuewu occasionally interjected a sentence or two, keeping her testimony on track.

Now she fell silent again, so Li Xuewu had to keep guiding her.

“What you’re revealing now isn’t worsening your crime—it’s an act of self-redemption.”

Li Xuewu said calmly: “Our comrades have already contacted the relevant parties; every detail will be clarified step by step.”

“Now tell us how you’ve evaded internal audits all these years.”

“I…”

Du Xiaoyan glanced at Li Xuewu, then hesitantly asked: “Has Han Luyao been arrested by you?”

“What do you think?”

Li Xuewu didn’t answer her question but retorted, “You’re not still clinging to any false hopes, are you?”

“It’s unnecessary.”

Xiang Yun added: “We’ve said this much—really, this case is now just about making arrests.”

“You name one, we arrest one. If you don’t speak, those already arrested will name the ones behind them.”

“Conversely, your voluntary confession now puts you at an advantage—after all, Director Zheng is here, Director Li is here; cooperating and redeeming yourself can reduce your sentence—you know that.”

“I… I’m scared~”

Now Du Xiaoyan was scared—she covered her face and burst into tears.

Li Xuewu signaled a security officer to hand her tissues; whether intimidating or soothing her, the goal was to get her to confess quickly.

Interrogations have cycles—if one attempt fails, the next time the suspect will be on guard.

She’s a woman, and this is a joint case; I’m only supporting—so I can’t use my little hammer to force a confession.

No choice—have to proceed step by step, extract whatever we can.

As Xiang Yun said: she names one person, we arrest one.

If it’s under the discipline commission’s jurisdiction, they take security personnel to make the arrest; if it’s under the branch’s jurisdiction, the criminal investigation team handles it.

Because this case is growing larger, the discipline commission has already started clearing space for us.

“Don’t worry—say whatever you want, start with whoever you like.”

Li Xuewu’s meaning was clear: you can start with official misconduct, or you can start with fraud or murder—it doesn’t matter.

Either scenario alone would be enough to destroy Du Xiaoyan—her pressure was immense now.

Tears won’t save her; only confession and leniency can.

Actually, her method of siphoning money from the credit cooperative was simple: when short on cash, she’d issue her own checks, withdraw cash from the bank, and never record the check stubs.

Everyone knows this is easy to detect.

So why, over five long years, through repeated audits, did Du Xiaoyan never get caught?

That brings us to her good older brothers—especially those within the credit cooperative system—who were especially helpful.

During her time at the credit cooperative, Du Xiaoyan, under the pretense of hosting family dinners and drinking, befriended a large number of grassroots cadres, including within the credit cooperative system.

Now that she’d said this much, Du Xiaoyan opened up fully—she wanted to live, so she no longer cared about the lives of her good older brothers.

Since she started working, every person who had any relationship with her or received favors from her was named, without exception.

Among them, over thirty were from her county, over thirty from the commune, and more than forty were heads of various state-owned and collective enterprises.

Some began with their first close contact, others through friends’ introductions, but most came from business dealings—drinking together once or twice, gradually becoming honored guests at the Du family’s table and forming the umbrella that protected her family.

Seven of them, either holding high rank and power or being young and handsome, were developed by Du Xiaoyan into “intimate lovers.”

According to her, this wasn’t shameless—it was pursuing true love.

There’s no wall that doesn’t let wind through; some insiders familiar with the details composed a satirical doggerel:

“Longjing tea steeped in Tianwater, cat’s whiskers curled on lips, feasting, drinking, and reveling—then finally, sleep as payment.”

Du Xiaoyan’s home was constantly filled with cadres, effectively becoming the township’s “cadre guesthouse.”

Precisely because of this dense web of connections and the protective umbrella, Du Xiaoyan lived comfortably and safely for nearly five years.

The money Du Xiaoyan siphoned from the credit cooperative was not only for her own spending but also used to cultivate ties with higher-ups.

Many knew she had financial problems, yet turned a blind eye—even during audits, they tipped her off and helped her conceal evidence, allowing her to evade inspection multiple times.

Of course, to repay these cadres’ “care,” Du Xiaoyan had to make a “self-sacrifice.”

For her, this wasn’t difficult; since marrying and meeting the grain station director, she had understood what it took to gain power and benefits.

She kept talking while three recorders worked frantically, writing down each statement on a sheet, handing it to Xiang Yun for review, then sending it outside for investigation.

The Discipline and Supervision Office didn’t arrest people—they brought them in for investigation—but Du Xiaoyan no longer needed to falsely implicate others.

Every time she named someone, she provided the location of evidence; over the years, to protect herself, she had kept plenty of proof.

One could say that reaching this point and exposing such a massive scandal was by no means her alone’s achievement.

Li Xuewu heard several familiar names among those she confessed to—names he never expected.

Seeing the case’s gravity, Xiang Yun couldn’t sit still anymore; he informed Li Xuewu and Zheng Fuhua that they needed to seek instructions from their superiors.

If they kept arresting people like this, he alone couldn’t possibly hold up.

Zheng Fuhua’s concerns were no less than his; hearing so many connections from Du Xiaoyan, the bank fraud case must be deeply entangled too.

Finally, Li Xuewu spoke up, comforted Du Xiaoyan a few words, asked her to rest, drink some water, and resume later.

Du Xiaoyan had truly unburdened herself—she was truly cut out for finance; every name, position, and relationship involved was accounted for, perfectly matching.

Even more impressive, she clearly recalled the exact forms and amounts of benefit transfers, whether they had slept together, how many times, and where—she nearly described the precise execution process to them.

Since readers are upright gentlemen, Li Xuewu didn’t write any of it down; after all, nobody likes reading this.

Before leaving, Du Xiaoyan asked Li Xuewu one question: Would she die?

Li Xuewu glanced at Zheng Fuhua, then waved to the recorders, signaling them to leave first.

The Security Department officers understood his intent; after hesitation, they stepped farther away.

When only Li Xuewu, Zheng Fuhua, and Xiang Yun remained before Du Xiaoyan, he explained seriously: “This case carries a crime of enormous gravity—you alone cannot survive it.”

“Ah?!”

Du Xiaoyan panicked, nearly collapsing to the floor, but Li Xuewu acted quickly and caught her.

He waved again at the anxious Security officers, signaling them not to approach.

“First, we’ll handle your disciplinary violations.”

Li Xuewu gently guided her: “The details you’ve given about these people are true, and the evidence is true, correct?”

“Yes! I swear!”

Du Xiaoyan solemnly swore: “All key evidence is where I’ve indicated—go get it, you’ll see for yourself.”

“Good. I’ll give you a guarantee too.”

Li Xuewu said seriously: “If what you’ve disclosed about these people is true, and their offenses outweigh yours, then your own issues are no longer the main problem—do you understand?”

“I understand!”

Du Xiaoyan was now panicked; Li Xuewu’s words had already disrupted her normal thinking.

Besides, it made sense: in normal logic, when two people are in the same case, the one who caused the bigger mess suffers the most, right?

“I want to expose and denounce!”

She spoke with unusual eagerness and initiative: “I want to reveal the facts about Zhang Shuqin’s death.”

“Not yet.”

Li Xuewu placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered: “First, give us time to consolidate what we’ve got. Don’t bite off more than you can chew—get these people’s cases cleared first. Then, carefully organize your thoughts on the murder case, write them down, and we’ll come back to ask you later, okay?”

“Director Li!”

Seeing Li Xuewu about to leave, Du Xiaoyan grabbed his arm like a drowning person clutching a lifeline.

“I’m the first to confess voluntarily—I’m the one who exposed everything...”

“I understand. I get what you mean.”

Li Xuewu realized Du Xiaoyan’s mental logic had collapsed; pushing further now could cause disaster.

Even if she confessed everything, if her mental state broke down in court, it would all be useless.

So Li Xuewu insisted on stability: since the disciplinary violations were already exposed, let Xiang Yun and his team handle them.

Give Du Xiaoyan space to recover mentally, and give Xiang Yun time to seek higher instructions.

Zheng Fuhua was clearly anxious—he needed to leave and make arrangements; Gao Zhen was waiting for his reply.

Also, pausing the interrogation was good—it kept Du Xiaoyan tense, preventing her from relaxing too much, and maintained her drive to redeem herself.

“I guarantee you—we’ll question you first, giving you the chance to earn merit.”

Li Xuewu made many promises today: “Remember, no matter which case you’re involved in, it’s a death sentence!”

He gently tugged her sleeve and whispered: “But your conduct in the disciplinary case has been exceptional—I guarantee you won’t die.”

“Think carefully: in the murder case, who is the mastermind? Who is the killer? Who is the tall one who can take the bullet for you? If you find that person, you live—do you understand?”

“I understand~ I understand~”

Du Xiaoyan’s mental state was already off; Xiang Yun noticed too, and didn’t utter a single extra word while Li Xuewu did his psychological guidance.

Li Xuewu had fully earned Du Xiaoyan’s trust—whatever he said, she believed.

“You understand. Someone like you, if you perform well, and given the current situation outside—need I say more?”

What did he say?

Actually, he said nothing—but Du Xiaoyan’s mind was already imagining a better future for herself.

Human nature is like this: when disaster strikes, everyone hopes for the best, especially when someone offers a glimmer of hope—you cling to it desperately.

Du Xiaoyan watched Li Xuewu walk out of the interrogation room with shining eyes, ignoring the tea offered by the Security officer, grabbing paper and pen to begin writing immediately.

She feared someone outside had already confessed earlier, stealing her chance for leniency.

At this moment, no old friendships mattered—she needed to live, and someone had to take the bullet for her.

Previously, she had been the one shielding others’ “gunshots”; now it was their turn to pay the debt.

In the corridor outside the first-floor interrogation rooms, Li Xuewu stepped out to find guards with long rifles standing at every door.

Even the door they’d just left had one—clearly, the Discipline and Supervision leadership now understood the case’s severity.

Xiang Yun stepped out, greeted someone, then followed the leader’s secretary upstairs.

Zheng Fuhua said nothing to Li Xuewu, went straight to the duty room, and made a phone call.

Only Li Xuewu remained, unsure what to do.

He was only responsible for interrogation—he hadn’t realized he’d become idle.

Go back and chat with Du Xiaoyan?

No, that was impossible—not just because of discipline, but because one person listening wouldn’t suffice; it could easily land him in trouble.

So he headed toward the lobby, looking for a bench to rest.

Just as he exited the corridor, he saw his old friend Duan Youting, Director of the Beixinqiao Branch, sitting on a bench, frowning and sighing heavily.

“Oh! Director Duan! Long time no see!”

Li Xuewu loudly greeted him, then raised an eyebrow: “You here to investigate a case?”

“Director Li, don’t mock me!”

Duan Youting had already seen Li Xuewu exit the interrogation room, along with Director Zheng—he didn’t believe Li Xuewu was unaware of his situation.

“Oh? Am I mocking you?”

Li Xuewu pulled out cigarettes, sat beside Duan Youting, lit one for himself, then offered another.

Duan Youting glanced at the cigarette in Li Xuewu’s hand, hesitated, then took it and lit up.

“Sigh~ I never imagined things would come to this.”

“Really? I was just thinking the same thing.”

Li Xuewu took a drag, exhaled smoke: “I never imagined you, big-browed, big-eyed old Duan, would betray the organization?!”

“No, no, it’s not that serious!”

Duan Youting quickly cut him off—if he kept talking, Duan would be shot on the spot.

“I just couldn’t resist temptation back then—I made a mistake every man makes.”

“Heh.”

Li Xuewu sneered: “Now you blame her for tempting you? What about you?”

“How old was she then? Seventeen?”

“Monster! You dared to kill someone at seventeen? How could you do it?”

“Look at me—I was barely twenty, yet I held onto my principles, upheld righteousness, and stayed a good man!”

“I was wrong.”

Duan Youting, humiliated by Li Xuewu’s words, blushed furiously, wishing he could vanish into a crack in the floor.

“I’m not as good as you—I’m culturally underdeveloped, made a lowbrow mistake, and strayed from the organization’s path…”

“Enough, you’re such an idiot.”

Li Xuewu lit a cigarette and looked at him. “Do you know how people describe you?”

“A selfless, helpful, generous, kind-hearted big brother who never expects anything in return.”

“This…”

Duan Youting looked up, bewildered, at Li Xuewu. “She… she really said that about me?”

“You don’t actually think that’s a compliment, do you?!”

Li Xuewu was stunned by Duan Youting’s sycophantic nature—he couldn’t even tell praise from insult.

“I… I need to think.”

Duan Youting lowered his head again, hugging his skull. “We haven’t been in contact for a long time. Back then, she was young, immature…”

“Hold it right there!”

Li Xuewu slapped Duan Youting’s shoulder. “Are you sure the person you’re talking about is the same one I just met?”

“Did she tell you she was divorced before?”

“Of course—what do you think I do?”

Duan Youting spoke with full confidence. “Don’t doubt my professional ability because of this. She confessed to me—she had an unhappy marriage.”

“That’s true!”

Seeing Li Xuewu’s shocked expression, Duan Youting declared firmly: “I’m certain everything she told me was the truth.”

“Not necessarily—but the unhappiness? That part’s real.”

Li Xuewu took a drag of his cigarette and said dryly: “But the one who suffered wasn’t her—it was her ex-husband.”

“What?”

Duan Youting frowned. “She told me her ex was a gambler and a playboy—he squandered all their money and beat her when he came home.”

“Then you were definitely fooled by her.”

Li Xuewu looked at Duan Youting with pity. “Her husband was a cook—never gambled, never played around, a quiet, honest man.”

“They married at eighteen. Her husband worked outside with his master catering banquets; she stayed home and messed around with another man.”

“You didn’t know?”

Li Xuewu exhaled smoke. “Her lover was caught in their house by the cook—and she actually encouraged the man to cripple her husband’s leg.”

“What?”

Duan Youting was utterly stunned by Li Xuewu’s words, his face filled with disbelief.

But Li Xuewu ignored his shock and spoke calmly: “Don’t tell me you helped cover up that incident.”

“No, not me.”

Duan Youting shook his head, frowning. “I met her when she was already working at the Vegetable Brigade. At that time, she was single—I’m sure of it.”

“Hmm, you’re sure of a lot of things.”

Li Xuewu flicked ash and looked at Duan Youting. “What did she tell you when you were together? Did she ever mention she had another lover?”

“How would I know?!”

Duan Youting was now visibly agitated, jumping up and down. “She didn’t tell me anything like that!”

“Jump! Jump! Now you’re the victim?”

Li Xuewu asked him: “Tell me—were you married at the time?”

“I…”

Duan Youting was silenced by that one question—no defense remained.

“Old Duan, we’ve come this far—it wasn’t easy.”

Li Xuewu spoke solemnly. “Especially at your age—family harmony matters. Don’t ruin your reputation now.”

“Think about why you’ve been stuck in place all these years. Have you ever been honest with the organization? Have you ever been an honest man?”

“Sigh~”

He sighed, pitying Duan Youting. “You earned your position through real achievements—but because you let your guard down, slackened your self-discipline, you ended up making a grave mistake.”

“I never saw this coming.”

Duan Youting sighed. “When we got together, she came to me first—said she’d been hurt and needed comfort.”

“So she used you?”

Li Xuewu raised an eyebrow. “Is she ugly? Short on men? Did she really need to comfort herself with an old, ugly guy like you?”

“Don’t you reflect? Why was she so eager? Wasn’t it because of your uniform?”

“No.”

Duan Youting frowned and shook his head. “She never asked me for any favors, never caused me trouble.”

“The only time she changed jobs—it was because the Credit Union had an opening. I just helped her learn about it and apply. I did nothing else.”

“Besides,”

Duan Youting added, “after that, her situation improved, and we drifted apart—nothing else happened.”

“Hmm, at least she didn’t cause you trouble—that’s lucky.”

Li Xuewu stared at him. “She never told you she got pregnant while with you, did she? And she aborted your child.”

“What?!”

Duan Youting was stunned again—he had no idea about this at all.

Li Xuewu patted his thigh, voice tinged with regret. “I say you’re lucky because back then, she was still seeing that guy from the Grain Station.”

“She couldn’t have used that pregnancy to threaten you—two investigations would’ve exposed her, and the trouble would’ve fallen on her.”

“Think it through yourself.”

Li Xuewu looked at him. “If she’d had only you as her lover, and used the pregnancy to force you to divorce and marry her—what would you have done?”

Duan Youting was speechless. In his mind, Du Xiaoyan had always been a gentle, virtuous little sister—he never imagined she could be so cruel.

Li Xuewu smirked at his expression. “With your level of cunning, I advise you to just live quietly and stop playing games.”

“You? Even a little country girl tricked you into a daze—and you still dare to talk about your professional competence?”

“If I walked down the street and picked any three street-smart girls to give you pointers, they’d swindle you into bankruptcy and divorce—would you believe me?”

“I… believe you.”

Duan Youting lowered his head—he’d seen Li Xuewu’s talent for deception. In scheming, a hundred of him couldn’t match one Li Xuewu.

Just look at Li Xuewu’s position—and his own. The difference was clear.

Zheng Fuhua finished his call and stepped out of the duty room, seeing Li Xuewu and Duan Youting sitting there. He walked over.

Seeing Zheng Fuhua, Duan Youting immediately stood up, standing there with a face full of shame.

Zheng Fuhua ignored him and spoke to Li Xuewu: “Director Gao’s instruction: wrap this case up quickly. Avoid complications.”

“I’ve got work tonight.”

Li Xuewu replied immediately: “I promised my boss the investigation wouldn’t interfere with official duties.”

“Is this work not official?”

Zheng Fuhua glared at Li Xuewu. “If your boss has issues, come to me. If I can’t handle him, I’ll go to the city, to the ministry!”

“Dè~ dè~ dè~ I can’t deal with you guys~”

Li Xuewu waved his hand helplessly. “Our foreign clients are here tonight—this is the welcome banquet. I’m the lead organizer. If I flake on this and give my boss the cold shoulder, you might as well kill me.”

“I don’t care about any of that. Call Director Gao if you have problems.”

Zheng Fuhua glanced at Duan Youting, still standing with his head down. “I’m sure Director Gao will help you get leave from the ministry.”

“Raise your head.”

After scolding Li Xuewu, he turned on Duan Youting. “What kind of behavior is this? Arrogant, reckless—do you even respect the organization?!”

Li Xuewu saw him berating Duan Youting and realized he should step back.

He’d just scolded Old Duan too—but as a friend, as a brother.

Zheng Fuhua was his superior, and Duan Youting’s offense was minor. Du Xiaoyan herself said she got the Credit Union job through him—but didn’t get any special favors.

Duan Youting always treated her like a daughter, pushing her toward the right path—but she’d long grown used to the wrong path. Why would she like him?

Their relationship was already corrupt—what right path was there?

Zheng Fuhua could still scold him—that meant there was still hope. That meant this mistake in romantic affairs could still be fixed.

After all, it happened six or seven years ago, and caused no real damage. A minor reprimand would be enough.

Li Xuewu patted his arm, nodded toward the door, and stepped outside.

“Wei Wei.”

At the door, Li Xuewu stopped Wei Wei, who was struggling up the steps with his cane.

Wei Wei saw him too—his eyes showed surprise, then understanding.

“Leader, good evening. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

Li Xuewu smiled faintly, returning Wei Wei’s smile. “Let me help you.”

He stepped down and took Wei Wei’s arm. “Who came to pick you up?”

“They said it was from the branch… was…”

Wei Wei hesitated. “Did something happen to Du Xiaoyan?”

“You still remember her?”

Li Xuewu whispered a few words, supported him inside the door, and pointed to the corner of the hall. “Come, sit down and rest for a bit.”

“Thank you, leader.”

Wei Wei gently pulled his arm free from Li Xuewu’s grasp. After all these years, he had grown accustomed to strength—or rather, to having no choice but to be strong.

Perhaps because he knew why he had come, his master had dressed him in clean clothes, washed his face, and made him look neat and tidy.

Li Xuewu did not press him, and led him to sit on the long bench against the wall.

Duan Youting and Zheng Fuhua were no longer in the hall; after all, this was not something glorious, and if it needed handling, it would be done privately.

Duan Youting’s case would inevitably go through the Discipline and Supervision Office, but if it could be handed back to the branch for resolution, it would be beneficial for both Duan Youting and the branch.

This case was too big—anyone involved would face aggravated punishment.

Even if Duan Youting had caused no direct loss, he would still suffer severe repercussions.

Zheng Fuhua was protecting Duan Youting—and also protecting the branch’s reputation.

Of course, the Discipline and Supervision Office had taken the case from the branch, so Xiang Yun would surely grant this courtesy.

A squad leader of a detachment wasn’t worth a real clash with Zheng Fuhua; he understood the dynamics here.

Today, Li Xuewu came here to help largely out of respect for Zheng Fuhua’s face—including facilitating cooperation between the Confidentiality Department and them.

The brief conversation Li Xuewu had with Duan Youting in the hall had fully expressed his stance.

Duan Youting can be saved—and he will be saved.

“Wei Wei, why didn’t you ever mention this to me?”

Li Xuewu’s gaze swept over his legs, then settled on the man’s face. “We’ve known each other for a while now, haven’t we?”

“Yes.”

Over the years, Wei Wei had grown accustomed not just to strength, but to silence.

After hesitating for a long while, he finally spoke: “I was afraid of causing you trouble. I’m already very satisfied with the life I have now.”

“Everyone else wants to come to me for favors.”

Li Xuewu smiled as he studied Wei Wei. “Yet you avoid me, afraid of bringing me trouble.”

“It’s kind of embarrassing.”

Wei Wei lowered his head. “It’s been so many years—I’ve almost forgotten her, forgotten this whole thing.”

“Mm, I believe you.”

Li Xuewu nodded slowly. “You’re a strong person. Simply surviving hardship is already remarkable; what’s even rarer is holding onto this mindset.”

“When Du Xiaoyan mentioned you, she said you were kind—that you were the love she missed.”

“Why bring up all that now?”

Wei Wei smiled indifferently. “It’s all in the past. My leg won’t stand again, will it?”

“Mm, that’s true.”

Li Xuewu saw the stubbornness in his eyes—a lingering effect of strength, a final resentment toward life, toward Du Xiaoyan.

He never intended to explain anything for Du Xiaoyan, nor did he wish for Wei Wei to forgive her. He only sought to help him forgive himself, to let himself go.

Life had already inflicted him with profound suffering; clinging to it would only let the pain sink into his bones.

Evil brings its own retribution—Du Xiaoyan will ultimately pay for her reckless actions.

He did make a promise to Du Xiaoyan, but think about it: why did he purge those others, and why did he make that promise only in front of Xiang Yunnian and Zheng Fuhua?

The boastful Ji Weidong once said: the dumbest thing he ever did was believe Li Xuewu—so only fools believe Li Xuewu’s promises.