Chapter 54: Liang Jiyong, Get Out Here

All eyes fell upon Liang Jiyong.

Over the past six months, the impression Liang Jiyong left on everyone was one of steady diligence. Classmates who had known him previously could simply not believe their eyes.

Yet, over these past few short months, they had witnessed Liang Jiyong's progress firsthand.

Take Zhao Bin, Liang Jiyong's desk mate, for instance. Previously, he and Liang Jiyong belonged to the same tier. Now, though he felt he was applying himself to his studies, compared to Liang Jiyong, he was falling far behind.

Still, after these past few months, his grades hovered around the four-hundred-point mark, more than seventy points higher than when he started. With a bit more effort, getting into a junior college was still within the realm of possibility.

"Old Liang, what's going on here? Did you get into another fight?" Zhao Bin asked in astonishment.

"It's nothing, the case is already closed. These people, humph..."

These past few days, Liang Jiyong had kept his phone in his bag, ready for use at any moment. At this point, Huang Defa was negotiating with the police officers. Liang Jiyong took out his phone directly, squatted down, and began dialing.

However, the phones of Zhou Jianguo and Zhao Guangming were both turned off, and the police officers were losing their patience, beginning to urge him along.

Huang Defa had looked over the letter of introduction and the detention warrant; neither had any issues. Although he was unsure of the exact details, he guessed this kid must have gotten into another fight.

In the past six months, Liang Jiyong had changed a lot, but he never expected this kid to have beaten someone into serious injury.

If things went poorly, short of imprisonment, he would at least face several months of administrative detention, ruining his chances at the upcoming college entrance examinations once again.

When would this kid ever learn to stay out of trouble?

"Liang Jiyong, step outside!" Huang Defa said.

Liang Jiyong was writing a name and number in his notebook. Once finished, he handed it directly to Zhao Bin along with his phone.

"If I'm not back by Monday, help me make this call!"

"Ah, oh, consider it done!"

At that moment, a police officer in his late twenties with a buzz cut and a sharp gaze walked up to the front, as their desks were right in the first row.

"What are you writing?" The officer reached out to grab it!

Only to be blocked by Liang Jiyong's hand.

"What are you doing? Trying to rob me?"

"What nonsense are you uttering?" The officer glared at Liang Jiyong.

"Liang Jiyong, watch your attitude! The letter of introduction and the detention warrant are right here. Cooperate properly with the police comrades' investigation and strive for leniency!" The teacher from the Academic Affairs Office immediately rebuked Liang Jiyong with displeasure.

This time, after countless brawls and fights, he had probably kicked an iron plate.

"Teacher Zhang, if you don't know the situation, don't talk nonsense.

A few days ago, I did beat up a bastard, but that bastard drove his car at me first. I was almost run over, and my arm is still swollen. It's letting him off easy that I didn't beat him to death.

This case has already been closed on the Yunzhou side with conclusive evidence, and I'm even going to sue him for attempted murder!

Just because his father is Pei Chengwen from Pingzhou, they want to drag me over to Changjiang.

Humph, he might as well haul me all the way to Pingzhou. He can knead me however he pleases; since my family lacks power and influence, I just have to take it when someone tries to run me over with a car!"

Liang Jiyong laid the matter bare in front of everyone, and the students in the classroom immediately burst into discussion, each one filled with righteous indignation.

"This is completely unreasonable! I'm never going to dare leave the house again. Otherwise, if someone just drives into me at random, I won't even dare run away. What if they miss me and arrest me instead?!"

"Staying home is miserable too! What if someone drives right through the wall? I won't even have a home left!"

"What are you all doing? Liang Jiyong, stop causing trouble and come with us, otherwise..." the sharp-eyed officer barked sternly.

After all, they were just a group of students, and immediately more than half of them fell silent.

At this point, Huang Defa looked at Liang Jiyong with a solemn expression and asked, "Is everything you just said true? Has the case really been closed in Yunzhou?"

"Yes, the criminal police officer in charge of the case briefed me on the situation just at noon!"

"Officer Hu, is there some misunderstanding here? Student Liang Jiyong's performance at school has been quite good. His father is a disabled veteran and a provincial/municipal labor model of many years with an impeccably clean background. He wouldn't do anything illegal!"

Previously, Liang Jiyong had felt that Huang Defa was a bit too strict and lacked warmth, but now he realized this teacher was truly reliable!

Having served as a police officer for a decade, Liang Jiyong was now certain that Zhou Jianguo and Zhao Guangming had been deliberately drawn away—someone had taken advantage of their meetings, when their phones were turned off, to haul him away.

Buying time was to his advantage!

"Teacher Huang, we are following standard legal procedures. Whether there has been any illegal or criminal behavior is not for you to decide, nor for me to decide—the evidence decides. Taking him back is also to investigate thoroughly. Let's go!"

Officer Hu made a decisive move, intending to take Liang Jiyong away immediately.

Huang Defa's expression looked rather unpleasant; his words had carried no weight.

Moreover, he almost entirely believed what Liang Jiyong had said.

"Wait..." Huang Defa hesitated slightly before making a decision.

"Teacher Huang, do not interfere with our law enforcement!" Officer Hu said with displeasure.

"Teacher Huang, thank you. It's fine; that place isn't some den of dragons and tigers. I also believe that under the bright sun, no one can subvert the law for personal gain!"

Huang Defa remained silent. Reaching into the inner pocket of his Zhongshan suit, he pulled out a blue plastic-covered telephone notebook.

Rumor had it that Teacher Huang's blue notebook could summon an army of thousands.

He had been teaching for nearly forty years, and some of his students were almost as old as he was.

Every year, First High School sent several students to Tsinghua and Peking University, so among those people, there was no shortage of talented and capable individuals.

Teacher Huang rarely resorted to his blue telephone notebook, but once he did, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish!

"I'll make a call and ask around. Gao Shiliang up at your end is my former student!"

Gao Shiliang was their superior!

Liang Jiyong hurriedly handed his phone over to Huang Defa.

Right there in the classroom, in front of everyone, Huang Defa made the call.

The call connected quickly. The person who answered was Gao Shiliang's communications orderly. Huang Defa stated his identity, and the orderly told him to wait a moment. In less than a minute, Gao Shiliang himself took the phone.

"Teacher Huang, I'm so sorry, I was in a meeting just now. Have you arrived in Changjiang? I'll come pick you up!"

Gao Shiliang's attitude was exceptionally deferential.

Back when Gao Shiliang was in school, his family had been so poor they were practically on the verge of pawning their clothes, and Huang Defa had helped him immensely.

However, higher education wasn't readily available back then; upon graduating from high school, he had joined the military and later transferred to the public security system. Now, at forty-seven years of age, he could be considered to have finally reaped the rewards after enduring hardships.

He had never forgotten the help Huang Defa gave him back then.

If not for Huang Defa, he would have tossed and turned in hunger through countless nights.

"Shiliang, I haven't gone to Changjiang; I'm currently teaching at the school. Here is the thing—I need to trouble you with a small matter."

"Teacher, please speak!"

"A few comrades from your end came over today, claiming that a student in my class beat someone and wanting to take him to Changjiang for investigation.

However, that student says there were extenuating circumstances: he was intentionally hit by that person with a car and struck out in a moment of righteous indignation. The case has already been closed on the Yunzhou side, and it wasn't his fault.

The person who drove the car into him seems to be the son of some official or another, so your people came to make an arrest again. How can things be done this way? This student is the son of Section Chief Liang from the Red Flag Factory, and he's also the son of a veteran soldier from your old unit..."

"Teacher, I'm not yet fully aware of the situation. Could you let the comrade in charge of the team take the phone..."

"Alright!" Huang Defa handed the phone to Officer Hu.

"Officer Hu, please take the call!"

Officer Hu's expression turned exceptionally grim, yet he had no choice but to take the phone. He trotted away from the classroom, stopping a dozen meters outside before speaking and explaining the gravity of the situation.

"What exactly is this Liang Jiyong's background?" Gao Shiliang asked.

"We arrived yesterday and looked into it. He really doesn't have much of a background to speak of.

His father is a disabled veteran who served as the logistics section chief at the Red Flag Factory for thirty years—a principled old cadre. His older brother and second sister are both graduates of prestigious universities, one holding a doctorate and the other a master's, but none of them possess overly complicated social connections.

Yet, word has it that both Secretary Zhao of Yunzhou and Secretary Zhou of the province care deeply about this Liang Jiyong. Who knows why!"

"Zhao Guangming should be holding the Spring Festival security mobilization meeting right now, shouldn't he?" Gao Shiliang asked.

"Yes, and Secretary Zhou seems to be presiding over the annual economic analysis meeting at this hour."

Gao Shiliang knew this was merely a dispute driven by stubborn pride.

Nothing major would happen to Liang Jiyong; at worst, he would be locked up for two or three months.

Yet for a student studying at a cram school, being locked up for two or three months meant this year would be wasted entirely.

What difference was there between wasting a year of time and serving a year in prison?

"A case pushed down from above must be handled, but we cannot hinder someone's studies. An inch of time is worth an inch of gold, yet gold cannot buy that inch of time!"

Hearing this, Hu Jin'an felt a headache coming on. With the leader speaking in such vague, cryptic terms, what was he supposed to do?

In a single word: stall!

Hu Jin'an understood!

He handed the phone back to Huang Defa. After exchanging a few more words with Gao Shiliang, Huang Defa finally hung up.

"Officer Hu, I am right in the middle of a class with my students. Why don't you and the others go have a cup of tea with Teacher Zhang? This is a critical period for our studies, and Student Liang Jiyong has always been very diligent. Once I finish my lecture, I'll have him cooperate with your investigation.

Since it's the weekend, it won't disrupt anything. We have exams this coming Monday and cannot afford any delays!"

"Alright, Teacher Huang, please go ahead with your class!"

Hu Jin'an's attitude had improved significantly—he had no choice!

He left one officer stationed outside the classroom. They could stall, but they couldn't let Liang Jiyong out of their sight!

"I'm sorry, everyone. I've taken up your time!"

After Liang Jiyong spoke, his classmates chimed in to say it was no trouble at all. He then solemnly bowed to Huang Defa to express his gratitude.

"Alright, let's continue the class!"

Huang Defa was in a good mood; his blue telephone notebook remained invincible.

Though it couldn't instantly restore Liang Jiyong's freedom, it at least bought time. He figured nothing too serious would happen; Gao Shiliang had also stated that the worst-case scenario would only cost him three to five days.

When the bell rang for the end of class, Huang Defa didn't stop immediately, finishing the day's teaching material before dismissing the class and giving Liang Jiyong a few parting instructions.

After Huang Defa left, Zhao Bin hurriedly asked, "Are you still going to make that call?"

Liang Jiyong thought about it for a moment. "Forget it, it shouldn't be anything major. No need to bother them!"

Liang Jiyong took back his phone and the slip of paper with the number.

Zhao Bin wore a disappointed expression, having wondered earlier who he might get to call using that phone over the next couple of days!

"Study hard. In the future, these will just be everyday items. If you don't study hard, you'll only end up hauling bricks at a construction site!"

"Heh, surely not. We're high school graduates, after all!" Zhao Bin said somewhat dismissively.

"High school graduates? Soon the junior college admission score lines will drop, and college graduates will be as common as cabbages. High school graduates won't even be worth rotten cabbage leaves!"

With that, Liang Jiyong packed his things. Su Wanqing hurried over, her face etched with worry.

"It's fine. At worst, I'll just take a trip to Changjiang to look around. Don't tell my dad just yet; if I'm not back by Monday, you can tell him then and have him ask Uncle Long to rescue me!"

"I—I'll go with you!" Su Wanqing said.

"Alright, alright, don't make it sound like a life-or-death parting. Changjiang is only three hours away. You'll be going off to college in another city in the future and crying your eyes out every day. Why don't I just go to school in the same city as you?"

"No, we agreed on this. I want to cultivate my own ability to live independently, and... let's not talk about that now. Let me go get some medicine for you first. No matter what, I can't let you go without treating that arm. I'll go find my mother right away!"

"Alright, then. Sorry to put you through this."

"Not at all. Actually, in my heart, I've already come to accept Uncle Zhou. He's a good official and a good husband.

It's just that I still have some emotional hurdles to cross, which is why I want to go to school in another city—to make myself stronger and more resilient, so there won't be any hurdles I can't clear!"

"Alright. From now on, I'll come see you every week."

"How is that possible? I'll probably be going to school in Beijing or Shanghai!"

"How is it not possible? I'll fly over to see you every week.

By the way, if you go to Shanghai, my older brother and I will team up and visit every weekend. Perfect—the four of us can go to the movies and eat together, and by the way, I'll teach my older brother how to date.

My future sister-in-law is a nice person. If you go to Shanghai, you two will definitely become friends."

At that moment, the police officer outside the door grew impatient. "Liang Jiyong, let's go. Don't make things difficult for us!"

"Alright. My arm is injured, is it okay to grab some medicine from my dorm?"

The police officer hesitated for a moment. "Make it quick!"

"Thanks!"

...

"Section Chief Hu, since it's just about mealtime, let me treat you all to a meal. I really feel bad about making you drive back and forth for hundreds of miles!"

"If we're going to eat, we'll eat once we reach Changjiang. My treat. We don't mistreat prisoners!"

"I'm not a prisoner!"

"Whether you are or not is not for you to say, nor for me to say—the law decides!"

Liang Jiyong couldn't help laughing. "Right now, I really feel a bit like Jing Ke crossing the Yi River: bleak and desolate!"

"Humph, know what fear is now, do you? When you beat that person, your blows were ruthless enough. I checked—he won't be getting out of bed for two months!"

"I already held back! If I hadn't reacted quickly, I wouldn't be getting up for the rest of my life either!" A wave of lingering fury still churned within Liang Jiyong's chest!

"You're a sensible person. Since you're sensible, you should know that sometimes, when you have to endure, you must endure!"

Hu Jin'an said calmly. Anyway, the person was already in the car, and the vehicle had cleared Yunzhou, currently speeding along the highway toward Changjiang.

Once they arrived in Changjiang, they would presumably reach a final verdict on how to deal with this kid!

"No help for it, it was a moment of righteous indignation. Plus, there were too many people coming and going right there; otherwise, I would have finished him off!"

Hu Jin'an chuckled—young people were truly something else!

Yet it was also the truth. If it had been a secluded spot, and Liang Jiyong had beaten Pei Haitao to death, who would have known?

Nowadays, they talked endlessly about solving every homicide case, but plenty of homicides remained unsolved.

Without witnesses or evidence, even if you had suspects, once you applied pressure and the person later retracted their confession, claiming you extracted it through torture, you'd end up empty-handed and neck-deep in trouble.

"Jingle bell..."

"Jingle bell..."

"Section Chief Hu, may I answer this?"

Liang Jiyong glanced at Hu Jin'an.

Hu Jin'an chuckled softly, turning his head to look out the window.

Liang Jiyong answered the phone.

"Jiyong, where are you?" Zhou Jianguo's voice came through.

"Uncle Zhou, I'm with a few comrades. We've already left Yunzhou and are on the way to Changjiang to clarify the situation!"

"I know about the matter. I'll communicate with them as soon as possible to ensure your studies aren't delayed!" Zhou Jianguo suppressed the anger in his heart.

...

Along the way, Liang Jiyong chatted with Hu Jin'an about everything under the sun.

As they neared the outskirts of Changjiang, they found a service area and stopped for a meal.

It was already past seven o'clock, freezing cold. A bowl of hot soup went down, and they finally felt a bit more comfortable.

"This mutton soup has a bit of a gamey taste to it, Brother Hu. If you fellows head back to Yunzhou some day, I'll treat you to some authentic wild mutton soup. It's definitely more satisfying than this!"

"We get plenty of chances to go to Yunzhou, but where is there wild mutton soup sold? I've never heard of it. Wild sheep in the mountains are scarce nowadays; most of them are farmed!"

"I guarantee the one I'm talking about is authentic. They grow up wild in the mountains around Long Shan, eating sweet green grass and various precious medicinal herbs.

Their diet is probably better than ours; the meat carries a fresh, botanical fragrance that's completely different from farm-raised ones!"

"Oh, then we really have to go try it!"

"Next time you all go, bring your wives along, and I'll whip up a pot of soft-shell turtle and mushroom soup. That stuff packs a punch—if the wives aren't around, it's a hazard!"

Everyone laughed; every man knew what kind of hazard that meant!

Upon arriving in Changjiang, Liang Jiyong felt an inexplicable sense of desolation well up inside him—yes, desolation.

Although Changjiang was vast and featured plenty of tall buildings, it always felt gloomy and devoid of vitality.

Let alone comparing it to Pingzhou, even compared to the streets of Yunzhou, it seemed somewhat rundown.

Perhaps it was just this particular district, though!

"Brother Hu, Changjiang seems to have quite a few state-owned mega-factories. How are they operating these days?"

"Heh, operating my foot—pardon my French, I shouldn't use foul language, but I really can't help it."