Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Tang Qingqing was about to enter the Public Security Bureau when Tang Jixue pulled her back.

"Qingqing, I'm not doubting you, but this is just too absurd. How about we look for more clues first? Let's not be so impulsive."

Ever since Tang Qingqing mentioned that she suspected the old factory director was the murderer, Tang Jixue had been in a daze. Earlier, while riding his bicycle with Tang Qingqing, he almost crashed into a telephone pole.

He found it hard to accept this outcome. After the murder, he had suspected everyone around Sun Qing, but never imagined it could be the old factory director!

Tang Jianguo was groomed by the old factory director, and thus their families had always been close. Except for the years when Tang Jixue went to support the Third Front, he would visit the old factory director's home every New Year with his parents.

In Tang Jixue's eyes, the old factory director was a very kind man. Listening to his war stories from his youth was awe-inspiring.

Even after retiring, the old factory director continued to contribute. He no longer needed to assert authority as he once did, making him seem even more amiable and fair, treating everyone equally.

Right was right, wrong was wrong, and he remained straightforward even when facing higher-ups.

His retirement did not lead to neglect; instead, he became even more beloved.

Even those in power like Tang Jianguo still respected him greatly, seeking his advice on difficult matters and sometimes asking him to intervene.

Despite Sun Qing's conduct issues, they never tarnished the old factory director's reputation. Everyone acknowledged his dedication to work.

At most, people whispered privately that the old factory director was too busy with work, which led to the neglect of his younger daughter's upbringing.

It was unfair to blame him entirely for his daughter's behavior, given that his other children were successful. People tended to view father and daughter separately.

Now, Tang Jixue had to accept that this respectable elder was the one who murdered his own daughter. It was hard for him to believe.

He had seen the autopsy report and the gruesome scene, unable to reconcile the cruel murderer with the kind and dignified old man.

Only at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau did Tang Jixue snap out of his daze.

If this were reported and turned out to be false, how devastated he would be, his life's integrity questioned.

That was his own daughter, his most beloved child.

The news of Sun Qing's death had already left him bedridden, aged ten years overnight.

"I think we shouldn't act so impulsively. This is too much of a shock for an old man. He can't handle such suspicion. We need to think this through carefully."

Tang Qingqing arrived later and didn't have as deep a connection with the old factory director as Tang Jixue, but she understood his feelings.

"Third Brother, I don't want this to be true either, but the evidence is there."

Tang Qingqing initially found it hard to believe too. She double-checked everything and retraced the cane marks to find footprints.

The final result was clear: the old factory director was involved in the murder.

This was crucial evidence that she had to report immediately.

"How could this be possible? That's the old factory director!"

Tang Qingqing sighed deeply, not saying anything else, merely standing quietly beside him, waiting for Tang Jixue to process the information.

Shi Pengfei had just finished interrogating a suspect and was hungry, planning to get something to eat, when he saw Tang Jixue and Tang Qingqing standing at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau.

"What are you doing here? If you have something important, go inside quickly. What's going on? Why does the atmosphere feel off?"

Shi Pengfei's gaze fell on Tang Jixue, sensing that the problem lay with him.

Tang Jixue wiped his face and took a deep breath.

"Captain Shi, can you send my sister back later?"

Hearing this, Shi Pengfei knew something serious was happening.

Usually, no matter how busy Tang Jixue was, he wouldn't leave Tang Qingqing without escorting her back.

Especially after warning about the serial killer, Tang Jixue would normally never do this.

Knowing how busy the bureau was, Tang Jixue wouldn't ask unless something was seriously wrong.

Before Shi Pengfei could answer, Tang Jixue added:

"Never mind, I'll come back for her myself. Qingqing, I need some fresh air. Don't go back alone until I return."

With that, Tang Jixue rode away on his bicycle.

Shi Pengfei looked puzzled. "What's going on?"

Tang Qingqing watched her brother's retreating figure and sighed softly.

This brother seemed unreliable, but in reality, he was the most emotional.

For Tang Jixue, the old factory director was a hero and a role model. Now that image was shattered, leaving him struggling to accept reality.

Tang Qingqing turned her attention back and said earnestly, "Captain Shi, I've discovered an important clue."

Upon hearing Tang Qingqing's report, Shi Pengfei was surprised but, as an experienced officer, remained calm.

"That makes sense now. No wonder we couldn't find the weapon used to strike the victim's head."

Tang Qingqing: "Captain Shi, the old factory director holds a special place in the Machinery Plant, and he is currently recuperating in the hospital. I hope you can gather concrete evidence before questioning him."

Shi Pengfei: "Don't worry. We won't make a big fuss. The old factory director is a veteran revolutionary. We won't disturb him until we have solid evidence."

With this crucial clue, Shi Pengfei prepared to investigate personally.

He arranged the tasks at hand and then called out to Tang Qingqing:

"We're going to the Machinery Plant, and we'll drop you off at home on the way. Your Third Brother won't be back anytime soon, so it's pointless for you to wait here."

Tang Qingqing was about to nod when she saw someone at the entrance and froze.

"Old Plant Manager..."

Shi Pengfei quickly turned around and saw Tang Jixue supporting the Old Plant Manager as they walked in.

Everyone present looked over at him.

The Old Plant Manager straightened up with his cane, glanced around the Public Security Bureau hall, his eyes slightly red, and his voice weary, lacking his usual vigor.

"Comrades of the Public Security Bureau, I'm here to turn myself in. I've killed someone."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions showed shock and disbelief.

Those who already knew the truth, including Shi Pengfei, felt a mix of emotions.

Tang Qingqing's gaze shifted to Tang Jixue, who shook his head at her.

After he had realized what happened, he felt very troubled and decided to ride his bicycle somewhere to have a couple of drinks to calm down. He didn't expect to see the Old Plant Manager walking on the road with his cane before he could go far.

At that moment, he felt a mix of emotions, indescribable.

He wanted to confront him, asking why he did it. As a father, how could he cruelly kill his own daughter?

Sun Qing might have been promiscuous, but she didn't deserve to die. How could he bring himself to do such a thing?

Each stab was so decisive; how much hatred and psychological distortion must one have to inflict such wounds?

But he couldn't say a word, just silently watched the Old Plant Manager take heavy steps forward.

The once vigorous man who never seemed to age, who used to swim in icy waters during winter, now appeared old beyond his years.

His health deteriorated overnight, making Tang Jixue barely recognize him.

When the Old Plant Manager almost stumbled, Tang Jixue finally went to support him.

To his surprise, the Old Plant Manager was heading to the Public Security Bureau to turn himself in.

Yet, this act also reminded Tang Jixue of some aspects of the Old Plant Manager's character.

As Shi Pengfei led the Old Plant Manager away, Tang Jixue remained stunned.

Tang Qingqing walked over and patted his shoulder. "Third Brother, are you okay?"

Tang Jixue shook his head. "Actually, there's nothing incomprehensible about it. The Old Plant Manager is a man who can't tolerate any wrongdoing, especially when it comes to his reputation. With Sun Qing being so indiscreet, he couldn't bear it."

Tang Qingqing didn't comment. The Old Plant Manager was indeed admirable in his career, but his treatment of family members was another matter.

People are complex, not simply black or white. One mistake doesn't define a person entirely, much like Tang Jianguo.

She believed Tang Jianguo wasn't a good father, but he excelled in his work.

He had his flaws and strengths, depending on the perspective.

In this case, the Old Plant Manager was wrong.

They didn't rush to leave, sitting quietly in an empty seat.

The interrogation didn't last long. The Old Plant Manager, having decided to turn himself in, confessed everything straightforwardly.

The bloodstains on the cane were still visible without needing any reagent.

The search team returned quickly from the Old Plant Manager's house, finding a blood-stained shirt based on his confession.

The case was solved remarkably fast.

Leaving the interrogation room, the Old Plant Manager had handcuffs on his hands.

Passing by Tang Jixue, he said, "Child, Grandpa has disappointed you."

Tang Jixue's eyes immediately welled up. "Grandpa Sun, why? Why did you do it?"

The Old Plant Manager left without saying anything, facing legal punishment.

Shi Pengfei followed behind, sighing deeply.

Solving this case lifted some weight off his shoulders, though it was a tragic one.

The Old Plant Manager admitted he always knew his younger daughter was spoiled, but parents often overlook their children's faults, seeing them as merely mischievous.

Moreover, such matters rarely reached the Old Plant Manager's ears.

Since Sun Qing only loved to play around, and her husband didn't complain, others wouldn't bother mentioning it to the Old Plant Manager.

Even if he was fair, he couldn't help but favor his family, especially Sun Qing, whom he never scolded harshly.

Sometimes, even when Sun Qing engaged with married men, both parties were willing, and things would settle down quickly without any intention to change partners.

The Old Plant Manager: "I always thought she was just playful, but who would have thought she'd do such shameful things!"

This illusion persisted until recently, when someone revealed the truth to the Old Plant Manager.

"I went to confront her, and at first, she denied it. When I presented evidence, she still didn't care, saying it was freedom and common abroad!"

The old factory director was enraged upon hearing this.

Sun Qing continued, "Dad, Xu Minghao doesn't say anything about it. Why are you in such a hurry? It's common for men to find women outside. Why can't I find a man outside? Isn't it said that men and women are equal?"

"You are too shameless! Do you know how people mock you!"

Sun Qing laughed, "Let them laugh. Dad, you just care too much about your reputation. Even after retirement, you still strive to be seen as a good person. Why bother?"

"Is that what I'm doing!"

"Regardless of whether you are or not, I'm already grown up. From now on, don't meddle in my affairs."

Sun Qing was unyielding, and the old factory director lost his temper for the first time, striking her with a stick.

After retiring, the old factory director had always been gentle and smiling. Over time, Sun Qing had forgotten how formidable he used to be.

When the old factory director got angry, Sun Qing dared not act recklessly anymore. She promised him she would behave and live well with Xu Minghao.

But old habits die hard. After being obedient for a while, Sun Qing fell for Li Daqing, who was very attentive to her.

Although Sun Qing was bold, she wasn't completely shameless. Li Daqing was too young, almost like her own son, and she feared being scolded by her father, so they kept their relationship secret.

Some people sensed something was off but didn't know who the other person was.

Since realizing what his youngest daughter was like, the old factory director began to keep an eye on her. Whenever Sun Qing moved, he, a former reconnaissance soldier, could sense something was amiss.

The old man, due to his age and past injuries, had trouble sleeping, making his nights even shorter.

Sometimes, when he woke up, he couldn't fall back asleep, so he would go out for a walk, checking for any thieves.

With so many people in the Machinery Plant, petty thefts were common.

The old factory director often walked near Sun Qing's house, especially when Xu Minghao was away.

Unexpectedly, this time he caught them. Though he thought he had strong mental fortitude, seeing that the lover was a young man in his twenties, younger than Sun Qing's child, he couldn't sit still and went straight to his daughter's house.

Hearing the knock, Sun Qing, thinking it was Li Daqing who had forgotten something, opened the door in her nightwear.

As she opened the door, she cooed, "Daqing, what did you forget this time?"

Upon seeing her father, Sun Qing was shocked and couldn't change clothes in time.

Seeing Sun Qing like this, the old factory director's anger intensified. His suspicions were confirmed, leaving no room for excuses.

He never imagined his daughter could become so shameless and disgusting.

The old factory director swung his cane, which he disliked carrying during the day but preferred at night for protection against thieves.

Caught off guard, Sun Qing's head was struck hard by the cane. Despite his age, the old factory director was still strong, and one blow caused her head to bleed.

Sun Qing was terrified; she had never been hit by her parents before.

Before she could react, the old factory director swung again. Sun Qing dodged and saw a fruit knife on the table.

She grabbed it and threatened her father with it.

This behavior only infuriated the old factory director further. How dare she challenge him after such disgrace!

The old factory director, once known as a fierce leader, grabbed Sun Qing's hand holding the knife and thrust it into her abdomen.

Though aged, he was experienced and fit, easily overpowering the pampered Sun Qing.

Thus, Sun Qing was killed.

The old factory director sat in the house for a long time before leaving, avoiding those returning late at night.

He often took early morning walks, so people didn't find it strange to see him nearby. During investigations, they would unconsciously filter out seemingly insignificant details.

Shi Pengfei said, "It was a crime of passion. He couldn't bear his daughter's behavior, which tarnished his life."

Despite a lifetime of integrity, his daughter's misconduct and bullying deeply angered him.

This emotional trigger pushed him over the edge.

His illness was also due to his inability to accept this reality. A once-strong hero could no longer bear it.

Tang Qingqing: "If it was a crime of passion, thirty stabs seem excessive."

Due to these thirty stabs, they initially ruled out the old factory director, assuming it was revenge.

Despite her external behavior and shortcomings towards her children, Sun Qing was very filial to her father, maintaining a good relationship.

Even if the old factory director felt disgraced and killed her in a so-called 'honor killing,' the hatred seemed too extreme.

Shi Pengfei: "Frustration and disbelief led him to believe the person in front of him wasn't his daughter. He wanted to kill the impostor and save his real daughter."

Tang Jixue frowned, "That's nonsense. The old factory director doesn't believe in ghosts or gods."

Tang Qingqing: "It's a psychological defense mechanism to reduce guilt when reality is unbearable."

Regardless of the truth, the old factory director was the murderer, a fact set in stone.

The news caused a stir, leaving everyone in disbelief.

"How could it be the old factory director? Could there be a mistake?"

"I think it's normal. The old factory director is capable of such righteous action."

"I see you still think he was right. Have you forgotten how terrifying the scene was? I never would have thought he was like that!"

There's a lot of talk at the factory, with many people demanding that the Public Security Bureau reopen the investigation, believing that the old factory director would never do such a thing.

It's true that Sun Qing was wrong to cheat, but it doesn't justify killing her.

Everyone knows how much the old factory director loved his daughter.

Other children got into the factory on their own merits and climbed up through their abilities, but only Sun Qing had her position because of special treatment.

The old factory director was busy with work and didn't spend much time on family life, so he wasn't close to his other children; he barely held them as infants, except for Sun Qing.

To think that the person who killed Sun Qing was the old factory director himself—no one can accept this.

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong directly approached Tang Qingqing and asked, "Qingqing, could there be a mistake?"

"The old factory director has already confessed."

Tang Jianguo and Su Rong were in a daze, and Tang Jianguo still clung to a sliver of hope: "Could it be that he's taking the blame for someone else?"

There were many people around Sun Qing who disliked her.

The old factory director couldn't bear to see his younger generation go to prison or even face execution, so he took the blame himself, figuring that at his age, a few less years wouldn't matter.

Tang Qingqing shook her head: "Evidence was also found at his home, and witnesses confirmed seeing the old factory director near Sun Qing's house during that time."

With solid evidence and the criminal's confession, the Public Security Bureau has handed the case over to the prosecutor's office. The final verdict will depend on the court's decision.

Regardless of the outcome, the old factory director won't have much time left.

This murder case is a source of deep sorrow, and many people at the Machinery Plant don't want to mention it.

Even after the case was solved, the shadow hanging over the Machinery Plant did not dissipate; instead, it became heavier than before.

It wasn't until National Day that the once-deadly atmosphere in the factory began to show signs of joy.

The bright red flags everywhere brought vitality to the entire factory and the residential area.

People gradually returned to their usual demeanor, no longer feeling uneasy when speaking loudly.

As National Day approached, the cultural performance reached its final stages.

At this tense moment, members of the Art Troupe should be more nervous than ever, focusing solely on the performance without time for other thoughts.

Tang Zhenzhen, however, felt very conflicted. She had endured for so many years just to reach this moment.

The closer the time came, the more anxious and worried she became, fearing any unexpected mishaps.

The original protagonist's reappearance in Yang City made her fear that the plot god was correcting the world, forcing events back onto the original path. If that happened, all her years of planning would be in vain.

After a moment's consideration, Tang Zhenzhen called Tang Jidong.

When Tang Qingqing heard that Tang Jidong planned to take her sightseeing around Yang City during the National Day holiday, she was very excited.

Although she had been in Yang City for several months, she hadn't visited many places.

There were many scenic areas around Yang City, including a mountain with hot springs, which Tang Qingqing had only heard about but never visited, making her eager to go.

Before Tang Qingqing could say anything, Tang Jianguo vetoed the idea.

"Don't rush to leave on National Day. Let's watch the cultural performance together."

Su Rong added, "We have tickets this year, so we can go together."

Tang Qingqing was surprised. According to the original plot, they weren't supposed to attend the cultural performance.

This was the key moment when the male and female leads met, and there was no mention of family members being present.

What unsettled Tang Qingqing the most was an inner voice constantly urging her to attend the cultural performance.