Chapter 35 – The Room

Chapter 35 - The Room

Absorbed in savoring the freshly served scallops, Tang Yun, oblivious to the emotions in those eyes, naively explained, "Of course, he does! His family is quite wealthy with a big mansion. But his parents are currently vacationing in Hainan, leaving him alone. So, I invited him to stay with me for a while, for mutual support. Besides, I'm here in Yanzhou on a business trip, and I need him to help look after the law books."

Kuang Yanhe took a bite of the scallion chicken, chewed it twice, and realized something was off. Distracted by watching Tang Yun eat, he had forgotten to remove the scallion leaves.

It wasn't proper to spit it out, so he reluctantly swallowed it and asked, “How long have you known Liang Song?”

“It's been many years. I met him in my freshman year,” Tang Yun calculated in his head, “My God, almost a decade now. Time flies!”

In a seemingly casual manner, Kuang Yanhe inquired, “Is he seeing someone?”

Today, Tang Yun felt that Kuang Yanhe was acting a bit unusual, constantly asking about Liang Song. Was he, like Qin Yuming, also taking an interest in Liang Song? To be fair, Liang Song was quite attractive; delicate and fair-skinned with prominent double eyelids. Though in his thirties, he still had a boyish charm and impressive facial features.

Tang Yun remembered the recent pictures he posted in his social circle, many of which featured Liang Song and Fadian frolicking together. While some were goofy, most were charming and cute. Had Kuang Yanhe seen them too?

Suddenly losing his appetite, Tang Yun asked, “Why are you asking about this?”

“Just curious how the two of you can live together for so long. I find it challenging to share a space with someone; conflicts arise,” Kuang Yanhe mentioned.

Relieved, Tang Yun responded, “I guess our values align. Liang Song is a soft-hearted person and very easy to appease, so we don't have any clashes.”

Kuang Yanhe bit down on his chopstick.

Back in the car, Tang Yun briefly inquired about the entire sequence of events. However, since no one had managed to contact Zhang Yuwei yet, the perspective was solely from Kuang Yanhe's viewpoint.

"Have you contacted Li Xiaobo's wife?" Tang Yun questioned, "Is there any chance she leaked the information about Li Xiaobo's detention? This would give your competitors an opportunity to join forces with Zhang Yuwei and manipulate public opinion."

Kuang Yanhe replied, “It's unlikely.”

After the incident, both Kuang Yanhe and Yan Chu personally visited Dong Hui to ask if she knew about any of her husband's external affairs.

Dong Hui sent her child upstairs to do homework and poured water for Yan Chu and Kuang Yanhe. Calmly, she said, “The police mentioned the charge when they took him away: suspected rape.”

Kuang Yanhe remarked, “You don't seem surprised at all.”

“Who said I wasn't surprised? I thought he was just visiting prostitutes occasionally, but having a girlfriend was unexpected,” Dong Hui replied, her tone detached as though discussing someone else's affairs.

Raising an eyebrow, Yan Chu queried, “He frequents prostitutes?”

Dong Hui responded, “I believe so. I've seen payment records on his phone. Spending thousands on mere foot massages and coming home reeking of alcohol and women's perfume. What else could it be, if not that?”

“Do you have any evidence of this?” Yan Chu asked.

“No need,” Dong Hui chuckled bitterly, her expression nonchalant, “As long as he comes home, that's all that matters.”

Kuang Yanhe couldn't help but suspect that the two were in a marriage of convenience, but he refrained from voicing such an offensive question.

"During this period, apart from the police, has anyone else reached out to you?"

Dong Hui shook her head, "No. Initially, I assumed he had merely visited a prostitute and got scammed. I thought if the price was agreed upon, he would be released. But days passed and that woman refused to meet my lawyer. I assumed she might be trying to extort a larger sum until I saw the trending news. I'm baffled."

Yan Chu asked, "Do you believe your husband would rape her?"

After a moment's reflection, Dong Hui responded indifferently, "I don't know. We sleep in separate rooms and barely exchange a few words daily. He's not the Li Xiaobo I once knew."

As the car slowed to a stop at a red light, Kuang Yanhe turned to Tang Yun and said, "According to Dong Hui, their marriage is practically over in all but name. They remain married for the sake of their child. She, a full-time homemaker, depends on her husband's monthly allowance of thirty thousand. She doesn't interfere in his extramarital affairs. The only reason she covered for him was to protect his million-yuan salary from the scandal."

"She doesn't want anyone to know about his arrest."

Tang Yun frowned, a hint of disdain in her eyes, "A million a year and he gives her just thirty thousand a month?"

Kuang Yanhe explained, "That million is pre-tax. The tax rate in our industry is high, so there's not much left post-tax. However, there are some under-the-table earnings. I'm not certain about his exact annual income."

Grasping the situation, Tang Yun inquired after a pause, "You mentioned earlier that there's something you need my help with. Is it about monitoring negative comments under the trending topics?"

"Are you always this astute?"

She replied, "I suspected some comments might be from competitors spreading rumors, so I saved screenshots as evidence. If you plan to sue, I can help identify them."

Kuang Yanhe looked at her, genuinely surprised, "You saved them?"

"Yes," Tang Yun raised an eyebrow in triumph, "One of the comments mentioned the developer running away. Isn't that your company? If it were true, you wouldn't be standing here."

He chuckled, "You're quite sharp."

Tang Yun felt a rush of pride, sensing deep trust from his words. Overwhelmed, she voiced her long-held query, "Why didn't you contact me immediately yesterday?"

Kuang Yanhe fell silent, causing Tang Yun to regret her outburst. She quickly realized her tone had been laden with resentment and entitlement.

It's his prerogative whom he seeks out. There's no law stating he must only hire Tang Yun as his legal counsel.

She had overstepped her boundaries.

Just as she was about to change the subject, Kuang Yanhe murmured, "I did consider reaching out to you, but... it seemed too distant."

"It's not too bad, I used to come to Yanzhou for business trips quite often."

Whether it was mere pleasantries or not, Tang Yun heard what she wanted to hear, feeling warmth spread throughout her body.

"Are we heading straight to the Public Security Bureau now?" he asked.

"Zhuang Lu has already been to the Public Security Bureau," Kuang Yanhe paused, emphasizing, "He's the lawyer recommended by the deputy director, quite mediocre in skills."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Tang Yun's mouth; she nodded forcefully, signaling that she understood.

Kuang Yanhe said, "Zhuang Lu mentioned that they're not allowing bail right now, and the police won't permit meetings with the involved party."

"What's the reason?"

"They said the investigation is still ongoing and visits are not allowed."

"Tsk," just as expected.

According to the law, once the suspect has been interrogated by the investigation agency for the first time or coercive measures are initiated, a designated lawyer can meet the detained suspect, provide legal assistance, and there's no limit to the number of visits. Moreover, the police are not allowed to eavesdrop on the conversation during the visit.

However, in practice, law enforcement agencies often misuse their approval power, placing arbitrary restrictions and monitoring on lawyer visits. Lawyers often face three major challenges: difficulties in meeting, reviewing case files, and gathering evidence.

Without the right connections, it's truly impossible to proceed further.

Tang Yun immediately called her mentor, Jiang Xun—when anyone at the law firm faced insurmountable obstacles, they'd default to referring to Jiang Xun. He was a mysterious figure, rarely seen at the firm, yet he had vast connections. No one truly knew the depth of his background, but everyone knew he was influential.

Tang Yun had personally witnessed Jiang Xun summon a busy vice mayor to dine with him using just a single phone call. Over the meal, they discussed high-speed train construction and relocation plans.

The vice mayor's attitude towards Jiang Xun was similar to Tang Yun's: respectful with a hint of pitiable hope, much like how one might approach the God of Wealth during the Lunar New Year.

Because of Jiang Xun's omnipotence, he earned the nickname "Tathagata Buddha". If there's an issue that even Jiang Xun couldn't resolve, then truly, there was no hope left.

Five minutes later, Jiang Xun replied with a message: [13934511789, belongs to Director Lu.]

"It should be okay now," Tang Yun said, "I've got the phone number of the chief of Yanzhou Public Security Bureau."

Kuang Yanhe briefly showed surprise before giving a thumbs up, "Impressive."

With that number, it was as if they had secured a fast pass ticket in an amusement park. Every hurdle became easy. Tang Yun simply had to show her credentials, and everyone treated her with utmost respect, greeting her with smiles.

Even the head of the criminal police division personally brewed a pot of tea for Tang Yun and Kuang Yanhe, but the barely veiled displeasure was evident on his thinly smiling face.

"Pardon the intrusion," Tang Yun courteously accepted the tea cup, "Could you please show me the way?"

"Ah, of course," the captain called to an obviously rookie officer, "Chen, guide him to the detention center. He wishes to see Li Xiaobo."

As Chen approached the captain, the latter whispered, "Keep an eye on their meeting time."

Kuang Yanhe wasn't an attorney and thus couldn't meet with the suspect. He was directed to the mediation room to wait. After a good fifty minutes, Tang Yun returned with a frosted file bag containing a few photocopied pages.

The moment they were in the car, Kuang Yanhe eagerly opened the bag to find the meeting transcript between Tang Yun and Li Xiaobo, with questions posed by Tang Yun and answers from Li Xiaobo.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, in this day and age, the responses in the meeting transcript were still handwritten.

Tang Yun's handwriting was indistinguishable from a doctor's prescription. Kuang Yanhe almost strained his eyes and could only decipher five words: Li Xiaobo, Married.

"What... what is all this?"

"This is Li Xiaobo's account of events," Tang Yun replied. "You can't read it?"

Kuang Yanhe quipped, "Your handwriting is atrocious... or is it that lawyers learn a special kind of shorthand language?"

Tang Yun snatched back the laboriously handwritten transcript, slipping it back into the bag, "In short, he claims he's been framed. He never raped Zhang Yuwei, let alone filmed any video."

The story seemed unexpected. Kuang Yanhe furrowed his brow and started the car, "You better explain in detail."

According to Li Xiaobo's statement, he met Zhang Yuwei at a party two years ago. As Zhang Yuwei mentioned, Li Xiaobo did pursue her for two weeks. However, he honestly informed her about his marital status, being estranged from his wife and living separately due to their disagreements. They hadn’t divorced because they had two children to raise together.

Knowing his situation, Zhang Yuwei willingly became his mistress. In return, Li Xiaobo gave her a monthly allowance of 20,000 yuan for living expenses, with additional gifts and bonuses during festivals.

Over these

two

years, he has spent at least two million yuan on her.

On the 11th, Li Xiaobo did indeed receive a call from Zhang Yuwei, asking him to meet at the rented apartment. However, she didn’t break up with him but instead inquired about when he’d divorce Dong Hui.

Li Xiaobo had never considered divorcing. After all, his wife was understanding and never interfered with his freedom. Plus, they had two children together. He was content with the current arrangement, so he evasively told Zhang Yuwei to wait a bit longer.

Seeing Zhang Yuwei's disappointment, Li Xiaobo promised to buy her a villa at the end of the year after receiving his bonus, offering her a stable home.

Zhang Yuwei smiled satisfactorily and moved closer to him, initiating an intimate moment. After some foreplay, they became more physically involved, consummating their relationship twice, without any recording taking place.

"The first time was traditional, the second was more... unconventional. The entire act lasted around forty-five minutes without protection," Tang Yun calmly recollected her conversation with Li Xiaobo.

Kuang Yanhe shifted uncomfortably, "You don’t need to go into such detail."

Tang Yun found Kuang Yanhe's reaction amusing, "Quite a vivid picture, isn't it?"

Without answering, Kuang Yanhe inquired, "Do your investigations always go into such depth?"

Tang Yun nodded, "Absolutely. It’s crucial."

It wasn’t out of malice or an intrusion into privacy. All criminal cases required this thorough, intricate process.

"The devil's in the details. Only by cross-checking statements with evidence can we hope to uncover the truth and identify any inconsistencies or lies."

Kuang Yanhe understood, comparing it to playing a murder mystery game.

"What happened after their intimate encounter?"

"They parted ways."

"Pardon?"

Tang Yun continued, "Exactly that. Oh, but there was a mention of someone named Cao Mengmeng. She used to share an apartment with Zhang Yuwei, and they were close friends. Cao Mengmeng once disapproved of Zhang's relationship with Li Xiaobo due to his marital status. Yet, somehow, Zhang persuaded Cao, and the two remained close. Last year, on Cao Mengmeng's birthday, she even invited both Zhang Yuwei and Li Xiaobo."

Kuang Yanhe proposed, "So, if Cao Mengmeng can vouch for Zhang Yuwei's inconsistencies, it would be favorable for Li Xiaobo."

"Exactly," Tang Yun acknowledged with a nod, praising his acumen, "If it’s a long-term relationship, the chances of a conviction for assault would decrease."

Kuang Yanhe pondered, "But having been involved for so long, aren't there any chat records proving the nature of their relationship?"

Tang Yun chuckled at his naivety, "Would you keep compromising chats if you were in a secretive relationship?"

"Apologies, I'm unfamiliar with such dynamics."

Tang Yun sensed a sarcastic undertone but had no evidence.

Explaining further, she said, "Li Xiaobo isn't one for endless chats. He rarely flirted with Zhang Yuwei online. He'd rather meet directly and never mentioned his wife online. As for any transaction records, they only confirm their acquaintance, not the nature of their relationship."

Kuang Yanhe queried again, "Do you have contact details for this Cao Mengmeng?"

"I have her home address," Tang Yun said, "I plan on visiting her tomorrow."

Kuang Yanhe inquired, "May I accompany you?"

Tang Yun hesitated for a moment, "Sure, but don't mention you're associated with Xiang Heng."

"Understood," Kuang Yanhe nodded, a slight smirk gracing his lips, "I'll pretend to be your personal assistant then."

Tang Yun recalled their previous encounter at the Wan Sheng property sales office, where Kuang Yanhe's adaptability had impressed her, teasingly she said, "I didn't expect Mr. Kuang to have a penchant for role-playing."

Kuang Yanhe yawned, massaging his temples.

Tang Yun immediately expressed her concern, "You seem off; have you not been sleeping well lately?"

"I haven't had proper rest, indeed."

As Kuang Yanhe reached for his coffee, hoping for a jolt of energy, a hand swiftly took it away from him.

"No more caffeine for you; it'll only keep you awake," Tang Yun motioned with her chin, "Pull over at the next junction. I'll drive."

"It's unnecessary. We don't have much further to go."

Tang Yun didn't respond, her gaze fixated on him, radiating a clear warning as if saying, "This isn't the attitude of someone who's supposed to be my assistant."

Kuang Yanhe checked the rear-view mirror for oncoming traffic and pulled over.

Their destination was a five-star hotel in Jingzhou, where Tang Yun was staying for the night.

Upon reaching the hotel's parking garage, Kuang Yanhe told Tang Yun, "You should head up and rest. I have some business matters to address at the company."

Tang Yun, having unbuckled her seatbelt, re-fastened it upon hearing this, "I'll drop you off. Don't risk driving when you're so fatigued. For a top executive, you sure lack safety awareness. Even someone like me, who doesn't have much, knows life is precious."

A smile broke on Kuang Yanhe's face, "Got it. I'll have my assistant pick me up."

"Alright," Tang Yun, after a long day herself, was visibly tired, "I'll head up then."

"Okay," Kuang Yanhe nodded, pausing momentarily before adding, "Oh, Yan Chu mentioned there's a special service on the third floor. You might enjoy trying it out."

Startled, Tang Yun queried, "Special service? What kind of 'special' are we talking about?"

He was aware that many wealthy businessmen would offer extra services when dining with influential officials. Their intent was to have a hold over these officials, binding everyone involved so that none could escape their obligations. Surprisingly, Kuang Yanhe was well versed in such tactics.

Kuang Yanhe spoke in his typically cold tone, “Thai SPA, Northeastern Chinese scrubbing baths, Chengdu ear cleaning— they're all said to be performed by experts, identical to what one would experience locally.”

“...” Oh.

“Sounds intriguing,” Tang Yun inquired, “Are you coming with me later?”

“I'll pass. I’ve got a ton of work piled up,” he replied with a tone reminiscent of an adult humoring an eager child.

“Oh…”

A hint of disappointment flashed across Tang Yun's face. He had thought that Kuang Yanhe would join him for dinner.

However, his disappointment vanished instantly when he pushed open the room door.

The modern, luxurious presidential suite spanned two levels and was about 500 square meters in size. Tang Yun stood at the entrance for a solid five seconds, finding it hard to believe that this room, where he would spend several delightful nights, was arranged for him by Kuang Yanhe.

Is this a business trip? It feels more like a vacation!

He declared emphatically that, among all the wealthy benefactors he knew, Kuang Yanhe was the most generous, considerate, and handsome.

The room's decor reminded him of the luxurious homes portrayed in TV dramas, primarily in shades of white and gray. The brighter colors enhanced rather than disrupted the overall aesthetics, resembling the finishing touch to a masterpiece. There were many delicate and seemingly expensive items around.

Tang Yun moved carefully, fearing he might break something. Even if Kuang Yanhe would likely cover the cost of any accidents, Tang Yun wasn’t keen on indebting himself to him for life.

Confirming he was alone in the room, Tang Yun's nerves finally settled. He eagerly dived onto the couch, bouncing a few times on his knees before sending a video message to Liang Song, announcing this massive surprise.

“A presidential suite! I've never stayed in such a luxurious room in my entire life!”

Holding up his phone, Tang Yun toured the room as if he were in a museum, “Holy cow, there’s even a pool table in here. And a mahjong table!”

“Seems like your sugar daddy really doesn’t know where to spend his money,” Liang Song remarked sarcastically, “Given your small stature, do you really need such a vast space? Isn’t this like putting a tiny flower in a huge vase—a sheer waste?”

Ignoring the tease, Tang Yun was further astounded by a piano and a drum set in another room.

“Damn... I always wished I had my own piano when I was a kid.”

After a few brief notes, Liang Song chastised him for the noise, urging him to stop.

The first floor was dedicated to work and relaxation spaces. Tang Yun ascended the stairs and casually opened a door.

The living room, dressing room, bathroom, and study were all interconnected, separated by sliding doors. At the deepest end, there were two more bedrooms, making it more suitable for accommodating a family.

"Such a vast space for me alone seems quite excessive," Tang Yun remarked, stretching out his long limbs on the bed and playfully rolling around several times.

The place where the affluent reside truly stands out. Even the bed sheets and covers smelled fragrant. The bedside thoughtfully provided daily necessities, charging cables, and a variety of branded perfumes. The wardrobe alone boasted over ten types of pajamas to choose from.

Liang Song chimed in, "It might be better if they just gave you the money directly, huh?"

Tang Yun chuckled, "You get me. But occasionally living it up like this isn't too bad. After all, it might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

After settling his belongings, Tang Yun headed to the third floor to try out the special services Kuang Yanhe mentioned. By the time he returned, it was already quite late.

Recalling that he hadn't seen Fa Dian today, Tang Yun, while lounging on the sofa, initiated another video call with Liang Song.

"What now?"

"Has Fa Dian eaten? Did he poop today?"

"He's eaten, and he pooped," Liang Song responded, "Why don't you ever ask about my bowel movements?"

"Buzz off."

Just as Tang Yun's voice trailed off, the sound of a card being swiped echoed from outside the door. Glancing in that direction, he was momentarily stunned as he heard the door unlock.

Who else has a key card to this room?

Room service, perhaps?

The door opened with a soft click, revealing Kuang Yanhe wheeling in a large black suitcase. He calmly slipped into some slippers and glanced at Tang Yun, as if this was just another ordinary end to a busy day.

"Holy crap!" Startled, Tang Yun tumbled over, spilling a fruit plate in the process. Frantically picking up his phone, he whispered, "Kuang's here, I'll talk to you later!"

Kuang Yanhe looked down at the flustered Tang Yun, a hint of an ambiguous smirk gracing his lips.