Chapter 68: Evidence of Crime

Chapter 68: Evidence of Crime

Jiang Hanyu's hospital room was bustling with noise and activity.

Reporters stood ready with their cameras and microphones, afraid of missing any crucial information.

Sunlight poured in, making every tear glisten distinctly.

He lowered his eyelids and sobbed, his fingers gripping a corner of the bedsheet.

Lu Qian said he wasn't as clever as Jian Ruochen and that his acting wasn't as good, but what good is great acting anyway?

Men like Lu Qian and Lu Rong preferred those who seemed a little less clever.

Jiang Hanyu lifted his eyes, forcing a smile for the cameras, while scanning the room cautiously.

Were a few reporters missing?

Inside Hong Kong International Hospital.

Everything was quiet.

Reporter Chen Zhuyao stooped slightly, moving through the multi-level corridors with her cameraman partner.

The cameraman whispered, "Sis Chen... this place is deserted. There are hardly any patients. It's eerie. Let's stop filming and go back?"

Chen Zhuyao shot him a sidelong glance. "Shh."

The cameraman switched to a breathy voice, "Even if it's a task from the top boss, we don't need to go this far, right?"

"The boss said, what matters most in journalism?" Chen Zhuyao turned her head to look at the cameraman. "It's about presenting the truth to the public. Compared to that, even the boss is secondary."

She smoothed her hair. "I like our current boss. His ideas are progressive, and he's skilled at handling public opinion. Journalism needs backers like him who dare to speak the truth."

Chen Zhuyao raised her chin slightly. "See that room across there? That's the room of Elliman Howard, the British Hong Kong Administration Secretary."

"Come on, let's get to work."

The cameraman tightened his grip on the camera jib.

Meanwhile.

Under Guan Yingjun's sweeping gaze, Jian Ruochen opened the door of Chen Jincai's jeep.

Chen Jincai smiled at Guan Yingjun without saying a word, closed the door, shifted gears, and stepped on the accelerator—all in one smooth motion.

Whatever the reason, he was taking the Little God of Wealth and making a run for it first.

Zhang Xingzong watched the jeep speed away, thought of Detective Guan's temper, and reflexively—coupled with a bit of PTSD—turned to ask, "Hey, boss, did you piss off the Little God of Wealth again?"

Guan Yingjun chuckled. "No."

Remembering the faint scent of pepper emanating from Jian Ruochen, he glanced back at Sizheng Liu. "Did you give him another Mock Goose?"

"Um... yeah..." Sizheng Liu guiltily lowered his gaze.

The light ahead turned red.

Guan Yingjun stopped, a hint of laughter in his voice. "He went off to sneak a bite."

No matter how clever, no matter how strategic.

Jian Ruochen still had that vibrant, student-like energy about him.

Making it impossible to do anything about him.

Forty minutes later.

The convoy pulled up at the entrance of Hong Kong International Hospital.

Just after getting out of the car, Jian Ruochen saw a man and a woman stumbling out of the hospital's main entrance frantically.

The man was holding a camera jib, his glasses crooked on his ears, the left lens cracked.

He looked terrified, stumbling as he ran as if ghosts were chasing him.

The woman wasn't faring much better—her clothes were covered in blood, a red stain spreading across her abdomen.

The dark red bloodstain spreading across her pure white professional suit was a shocking sight.

A gentle breeze blew, the weather was slightly warm, and under the broad daylight, everything seemed eerily silent.

The police officers got out of their cars and fanned out with guns drawn without hesitation.

One team cautiously advanced toward Hong Kong International Hospital.

Another team followed Jian Ruochen to assist the apparent victims.

Jian Ruochen noticed the STN logo on the camera and asked softly, "What are your names? Are you injured? What happened?"

"We're... we're okay. In... inside..." The man breathed rapidly, his face stiff, pupils contracted, in extreme fear.

His hands trembled as he held the camera, his face pale, his whole body shaking, unable to stand steadily.

Only when he saw Jian Ruochen's face did he snap out of it: "You, you are..."

Beside him, Chen Zhuyao caught her breath and forced herself to stand straight. "I'm Chen Zhuyao, host and reporter for STN's prime-time evening news."

She paused, leaning on Jian Ruochen's support to sit on the makeshift seat at the jeep's open trunk, and said calmly, "It's fine. The blood on us isn't ours."

Jian Ruochen ignored her slightly trembling voice. "It's still better to get checked out to be safe."

He turned to Guan Yingjun, raised his hand near his ear, and gestured calling.

Guan Yingjun picked up his phone and dialed the police liaison number at Hong Kong University Hospital. "Hello? This is Senior Inspector Guan Yingjun from the West Kowloon Major Crimes Unit. We need three ambulances on standby downstairs at Hong Kong International Hospital. Yes, there's an incident here. Prepare emergency equipment..."

Jian Ruochen headed to the rear of Guan Yingjun's car, grabbed two water bottles from a pack in the trunk, twisted off the caps, and handed them to the two STN employees. "Rest for a bit, then explain carefully."

Chen Zhuyao took the water and softly thanked him.

In the distance, Chen Jincai, who had completed a sweep of the perimeter of Hong Kong International Hospital, walked back. "All clear around the hospital. It doesn't seem to be a problem from outside."

"This hospital is involved in illegal organ trading, and they might even be conducting human experimentation," Chen Zhuyao said, nudging the man beside her with her elbow.

The cameraman immediately set aside the water bottle, lifted the camera, flipped open the side display, and pressed the playback button.

A group of police officers gathered around.

A dozen-plus officers huddled together, peering at the screen.

Jian Ruochen sat right next to the cameraman, getting the clearest view.

A hospital room placard appeared on the screen.

"Elliman Howard, Room 319."

Chen Zhuyao nodded at the camera, then, looking at the doorplate, she took a deep breath and calmly raised her hand, "Mr. Elliman, I am STN reporter Chen Zhuyao. May I come in for an interview?"

"Come in."

Chen Zhuyao opened the door and entered, followed closely by the cameraman.

The camera shook slightly, making everyone uneasy.

The ward facilities were decent: there was a fan, fruits, and a TV. The middle-aged man lying on the ward bed had an IV catheter in the back of his hand and a book resting on his palm.

By the ward bed, several blood bags were placed on a steadily oscillating IV pump.

Zhang Xingzong couldn't help but remark, "Is he getting a blood transfusion? Does the political leader have anemia?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Elliman's somewhat distorted voice came from the camera, "Anemia, a chronic condition."

Chen Zhuyao neither agreed nor disagreed, instead asking his opinion on "Jiang Hanyu accepting illegal donations."

The politician's response was unremarkable, almost putting the fully focused officers to sleep.

Then the footage shifted, showing a corridor.

The lighting was extremely dim, with only the emergency exit at the end emitting a green glow.

In the recording, Chen Zhuyao frowned and said, "This exit doesn’t seem to be on the fire safety map."

"Hmm," the cameraman whispered, "According to the map, this is a medical supply room."

Chen Zhuyao: "Let’s go in and take a look."

The two lifted two layers of aged, yellowed heavy plastic sheeting, and the footage shook slightly.

"It stinks."

"Let’s go further in." Chen Zhuyao turned on a portable flashlight attached to her keys but hesitated and decided against opening it.

The sound of machinery operating mixed with faint, weak moans.

Rising and falling, now clear, now faint.

Jian Ruochen saw countless single ward beds, densely packed in a filthy, warehouse-like indoor space.

Nearby medical equipment and various tubes from medical devices were connected to the people on the beds.

The plastic medical devices had yellowed, forming a stark contrast to the upper-level ward.

Elliman's ward was clean, decent, and fully equipped.

But here it was damp, dim, and filled with desperation.

On one ward bed, a man with a pale, bluish face lay with his fingers drooping, blood dripping from his fingertips onto the ground, pooling into a dark red puddle.

Chen Zhuyao walked over and shook him gently, "Are you okay?"

A strong will to survive made the man lift his fingers, grabbing onto anything he could reach, "I didn’t... volunteer. Save me, save me, let me out."

Chen Zhuyao suppressed her panic, "Quick, get a close-up shot."

"None of us volunteered."

A woman’s voice came from off-screen.

Everyone was so absorbed they jumped in unison.

Chen Zhuyao also jolted in fright. She wanted to ask more, but footsteps sounded at the door.

"Go, go, go!"

"Run!"

The ground was slick and wet. In her panic, Chen Zhuyao fell, getting blood on her clothes.

The footage flashed, and the recording ended there.

After watching, Jian Ruochen remained silent for a long time.

This was undoubtedly a den of illegal organ trafficking and human enslavement.

Lu Qian had actually brought in so many people!

Utterly inhuman!

Chen Zhuyao lifted her clothes and pulled out a stack of papers from her waistband, "There’s more. When we were escaping, unwilling to give up, we sneaked into Jiang Hanyu’s chief physician’s office and found this."

Jian Ruochen put on cloth gloves and paged through the stack of papers. Inside were clearly the signatures of recipients recorded by the chief physician!

Flipping further, it detailed who came on which date, what surgery was performed, which organ was used, who the donor was, and even what "play" occurred—all clearly documented.

This was damning evidence!

Something the doctor recorded to threaten dignitaries for more benefits!

Jian Ruochen’s heart pounded against his chest.

Is this what it feels like to own a globally renowned media company?

Just by giving orders, his employees could bring him something this important!

Is this what it means to delegate effectively?

His heart pounded against his chest. For the first time, Jian Ruochen so clearly understood the benefits of power.

Banquets, Porsche Cayennes, aristocratic displays—all were illusions.

As a police officer, only the tangible evidence in hand was real.

Only that could make one’s heart surge with excitement!

Jian Ruochen held the corner of the logbook and flipped through, spotting a familiar name.

"British Hong Kong’s political leader Elliman Howard doesn’t have anemia at all."

Jian Ruochen held up the logbook, showing it to everyone, "He wants to achieve immortality through blood replacement."

Zhang Xingzong clenched his fists tightly: "Dog!"

"It's Lu Qian who organizes these kinds of activities who deserves to die," Chen Jincai muttered.

He couldn't even imagine how many Hong Kong citizens had vanished without a trace inside Hong Kong International Hospital.

A black videotape was still stuck behind the roster.

Jian Ruochen touched it and turned to ask, "This black box..."

"It should be the recipient videos," Chen Zhuyao said, her eyes lit up as she looked at Jian Ruochen. "Can we... broadcast it?"

Everyone on this list was a powerful figure they couldn't afford to offend!

All eyes fell on Jian Ruochen.

STN was his company. As the boss, Jian Ruochen had the authority to decide whether this news would be released.

But his identity was special.

Not only was he the owner of a media company, but he was also a consultant for Major Case Team A at the Police Headquarters.

He was also the living public face of the Police Headquarters.

His choice could almost affect the entire police force.

Chen Jincai said, "There are so many British Hong Kong officials in there. If we broadcast it... our Police Headquarters will offend a lot of people and face backlash. Lei Jinwen will face difficulties too."

"Yeah, after it's broadcast, will the higher-ups still fund the police department? The funding allocated these past few years hasn't been much to begin with."

Guan Yingjun glanced at the speaker, lowered his eyes, and said, "Consultant Jian, you don't need to consider Lei Jinwen. He's not from the British Hong Kong faction."

Ding Gao spoke bluntly, "If we don't broadcast it, how can we catch Lu Qian? I don't care. As long as no lives are lost, I can do anything."

Jian Ruochen touched the videotape, sweat trickled down his spine.

No wonder Lu Qian was so fearless. What he had control over wasn't just protection.

These were high-ranking British Hong Kong officials whose lifelines were in Lu Qian's hands!

British, Japanese, American—all bases covered.

On one side were the officers’ livelihoods, and on the other was the truth being revealed to the world.

Jian Ruochen thought for 30 seconds before saying, "I remember that in 1990, we held an anti-corruption symposium with the mainland?"

The 2030 police academy textbook mentioned this meeting, but it was only briefly covered, so he knew very little about it.

Guan Yingjun raised his sharp eyebrow slightly.

When Jian Ruochen spoke, it seemed like he subconsciously placed himself on the mainland's side?

Jian Ruochen looked up and asked, "Where is the anti-corruption unit?"

Everyone looked at each other. "It's us... didn't you know? Otherwise, why would the higher-ups assign us to handle Lu Qian's case? The commissioner even went to Beijing for a meeting... that, that thing..."

Guan Yingjun continued, "The press conference on cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong police."

Jian Ruochen carefully protected the videotape. "Let's inform Lei Jinwen. We'll contact mainland media first. The news on this tape can be released, but we'll do it in coordination with the mainland. This way, the mainland can use this opportunity to criticize British Hong Kong and replace some officials with those who align with the mainland."

He handed the videotape and the roster to Guan Yingjun. "Let's keep these with Detective Guan for now. Does anyone have any objections?"

Everyone shook their heads in unison.

What a brilliant idea! Why hadn't they thought of that?

By releasing it together with the mainland, the pressure wouldn't just be on the police from the British Hong Kong government!

The pressure would come from the mainland.

This was much more powerful than Jian Ruochen acting alone.

Chen Jincai had been a little worried at first, but now he nodded in agreement rhythmically with the group.

As he shook his head, he felt something was off.

Huh? Why did Consultant Jian have such an authoritative demeanor?

He was on par with Lin Yazhi.

Chen Zhuyao looked at Jian Ruochen with shining eyes.

She knew she had chosen the right person to follow.

Jian Ruochen was a master at manipulating public opinion and using leverage to get things done!

People like him were destined for greatness.

Her boss would achieve great things in the future!

Jian Ruochen noticed her gaze and turned to look at her. "You did very well. It's all thanks to you."

Chen Zhuyao felt a warmth in her heart and smiled. "No, we couldn't have done it without you. If you hadn't told me to pay attention to Jiang Hanyu's transplant case, how could I have broken such a huge story?"

Jian Ruochen shook his head. "If you hadn't been brave, I wouldn't have been able to get this. I'll notify Luo Binwen to give you promotions. Wait for further notice. Your salaries will be doubled."

The cameraman stared blankly, mouth agape: "Seriously?"

Just like that, doubled?

Doubled salary just like that?

"Tripled," Jian Ruochen stood up and patted both of them on the shoulder. "Once the news is broadcast, STN will definitely attract backlash from the British Hong Kong government, and you'll be the first to bear the brunt. Tripling your salary is deserved. Take this calm before the storm to spend with your families. After that, we'll provide you with protection."

The cameraman felt like kowtowing to Jian Ruochen. With a boss like this, he was willing to work harder!

So generous.

Chen Jincai was breaking out in a cold sweat.

It wasn't that being an Inspector was bad, but Jian Ruochen's company was just too tempting.

Working with Jian Ruochen was both exciting and rewarding.

Although the "simultaneous news release with the mainland" hadn't happened yet, he could already imagine how exciting it would be after the videotape was exposed.

Once this news broke, the British Hong Kong government, under pressure, would definitely crack down on Lu Qian first.

The police of the Kowloon HQ actually managed to use the otherwise adversarial British Hong Kong government to bring Lu Qian to justice!

"The world's turned upside down!" Haha!

The court will likely impose an even heavier sentence due to public pressure.

Chen Jincai shivered for no reason.

He's so decisive!

Is he not afraid at all?

How can he not be afraid of the entrenched British Hong Kong establishment?

Jian Ruochen stood up: "The ambulance is here. Quit standing around - saving people comes first."

Fortunately, watching the recording and making our plan only took about ten minutes.

Guan Yingjun said, "Chen Jincai, your team take the rescue. We’ll go arrest the attending physician. Let's split up. Meet at the police station at 5 p.m."

Chen Jincai nodded. "We'll see you at the station."