Chapter 159: I Know You’re Anxious

Chapter 159: I Know You're Impatient

The West Kowloon Regional Police Station has dealt with countless hardened criminals.

For murderers, West Kowloon projects righteous authority, stern but not cruel.

Yet, for Lu Rong, Lin Yazhi was willing to extend a brief courtesy.

She finally understood why Jian Ruochen had been so insistent on claiming the Kowloon Walled City territory from Lu Rong in the interrogation room.

The critical geographical location was one reason, but there was also...

The sight of Lu Rong fuming, yet unable to vent his anger, was simply too amusing!

She absolutely loved seeing him like that!

Today’s 8-hour interrogation session concluded.

Lin Yazhi personally escorted Lu Rong out of the interrogation room, speaking gently and softly: "Mr. Lu, the exit restriction procedures have been completed. You are now prohibited from leaving Hong Kong unless absolutely necessary—and even then, you still cannot leave."

Lu Rong’s fingers tightened around his cane.

How did Lin Yazhi know he intended to contact British Hong Kong authorities to arrange his departure?

Lin Yazhi tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and smiled meaningfully. "Some criminals, when they find themselves with no way out, will desperately try to carve a new path to evade justice."

She held the elevator door open for Lu Rong, blocking the sensor, and asked with a smile, "Mr. Lu, you’re not that kind of person, are you?"

Lu Rong certainly was.

The curve of his lips stiffened, and he replied, word by word, "Certainly not."

Lin Yazhi released the elevator door. "It seems the exit restrictions don’t bother you much."

She paused, then, just before the elevator doors closed, looked up and met Lu Rong’s eyes with a smile. "That puts my mind at ease."

"Ding—"

The elevator doors closed, and the sound of descending chains echoed.

The members of the Major Crimes Unit, who had secretly followed Lin Yazhi to watch the spectacle, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Liang Xinyue propped himself up with a bamboo broom, mimicking Lu Rong’s cane-supported posture. "Cer-tain-ly not."

"Hahaha!" Zhang Xingzong laughed heartily.

So satisfying!

"What’s so funny? Done organizing the evidence?" Lin Yazhi crossed her arms and glared at them.

Liang Xinyue immediately put the broom back. "No, Madam. I'm on it."

Ding Gao, hands in his pockets, walked alongside them. "Why does Hong Kong University have exams even after Chinese New Year? I haven’t seen Consultant Jian for so long—I really miss him."

Zhang Xingzong halted. "You miss him?"

Ding Gao: "Yeah."

Zhang Xingzong looked him up and down. "Don’t say that in front of Detective Guan."

Unintentional as it may be, the listener takes it to heart.

Zhang Xingzong smacked his lips and patted Ding Gao’s shoulder. "Bro, I can only help you this much."

It’s fine to miss him, but you just can’t say it like that.

Detective Guan clearly has a jealous streak.

Ding Gao was stunned for a moment before catching up to ask, "Why can’t I say it in front of Detective Guan? Does he want us to isolate Consultant Jian?"

Zhang Xingzong looked at him with an incredulous expression.

The next day.

The specialty exams entered their final subject:

Microexpression Psychology Analysis Test and Lie Detection Test.

This test relied on computer software METT, with the shortest expressions displayed for only 1/15 of a second.

A single test lasted three hours, exactly the duration of a short interrogation at West Kowloon.

Jian Ruochen had once spent two 8-hour sessions in the interrogation room with Oliver Keith.

Working in the computer lab for three hours, making image-based judgments without any need for confrontation, was relatively easy for him.

He submitted his exam, helped Teacher Li grade the freshmen’s papers, received his upcoming assignments, and by a little after 3 p.m., had settled all school matters and stepped through the doors of the West Kowloon Regional Police Station.

First, he patronized the cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café), ordering afternoon tea snacks for all his colleagues.

Jian Ruochen carried Team A’s portion up to the Major Crimes Unit, placed the iced lemon tea on the break room table, and said with a smile, "Three-ish! Time for tea~"

Zhang Xingzong jumped up, rubbing his hands. "Wow, 'red robe iced lemon tea'! The cha chaan teng downstairs is getting more expensive—20 bucks for iced tea. They’re definitely cashing in on you."

"Let them profit then. Who knows, we might need their help someday? Supporting their business means making more friends." As he spoke, Jian Ruochen took his afternoon tea and sat at his desk.

It had been a long time since he’d been to work. The desk outside, once piled with study materials, was now neatly organized. The trash can was empty, the pen holder held only one pen, and even the new computer was positioned just right, with the keyboard and screen aligned as if measured with a ruler—clearly Guan Yingjun’s doing.

Jian Ruochen took a few sips of lemon tea but remembered he shouldn’t drink too much tea or coffee, so he handed it to Guan Yingjun as he passed by.

Guan Yingjun, just back from field work and still hot, took it without hesitation and chugged half of it.

Bi Wanwan watched the scene and exchanged a glance with Lin Yazhi, who'd come over when she heard. Both got a bit misty-eyed.

This Jian Ruochen was much better. When he was lying there listless in the hospital bed, even Team A had no spirit.

Now that Jian Ruochen was back, the entire Team A seemed to come back to life.

Team A had a quick meeting while enjoying afternoon tea, going over case details.

Guan Yingjun: "Among the diskettes Li Feiquan provided, there’s evidence of Lu Rong’s money laundering."

He tapped a stack of A4 papers beside him. "It’s all here."

"After verification, Lu Rong only used two money laundering techniques."

"First, he gave bank cards containing large amounts of dirty money to Li Feiquan, who contacted the casino management to exchange it for cash, temporarily held by the manager. Then, at a rate of 10 million daily, the cash was converted into casino chips. After fixing the games to lose 2 million to the house, the remaining 8 million was cashed back out."

"Through this process, the dirty money was laundered into clean money."

"Second, Lu Rong had Li Feiquan find winners who had played lottery, sports betting, or horseracing on the third floor. He would purchase their winning tickets at face value, exempting them from windfall tax, and then redeem the prizes himself. Through this method, the illicit funds, after avoiding the tax, were legitimized."

Guan Yingjun said softly, "According to ICAC investigations, all of Lu Rong’s shell companies were shut down after Jiang Hanyu was arrested for financial crimes."

Zhang Xingzong added, "Probably to avoid meeting the same fate."

"Besides money laundering, Lu Rong is also guilty of bribery." Guan Yingjun produced another document. "For every 10 dollars laundered, 1 dollar was given as dividends to officials who bought shares in the Lu Group."

"Depending on the method, sometimes 1 dollar out of 10 went to officials, and 2 dollars were taken by Moer Kelin as a cut. Ultimately, only 7 dollars of every 10 dollars in illicit funds were successfully cleaned."

"By the time the new casino at Victoria Harbor was investigated, Lu Rong had laundered a total of 5.9 billion U.S. dollars."

Ding Gao gasped, "That much!"

With the Hong Kong dollar’s steep decline and wild fluctuations, 5.9 billion U.S. dollars could be exchanged for nearly 50 billion Hong Kong dollars!

"If Lu Rong had used that money to work with British Hong Kong and make trouble in Hong Kong, even the entire police force might not have been able to stop him," Bi Wanwan said, rubbing her temples.

The money had already been laundered, and they had evidence of the laundering. But if Lu Rong refused to confess, he wouldn’t get much time.

Jiang Hanyu had only been sentenced to three years; Lu Rong would likely get even less.

As they say among seasoned criminals in Hong Kong, "Confess and you’ll serve a long sentence; resist and you’ll be home in time for the New Year."

People like Lu Rong were the hardest to deal with because they knew full well that letting their guard down in the interrogation room would be the end.

Jian Ruochen, tapping a ballpoint pen’s tip against the whiteboard, said, "Since he’s unwilling to talk, why not give him some space? Let him sweat a little while we keep him under surveillance. It might push him to make a rash move and give us more to work with."

This would also give West Kowloon time to question other bribed officials.

Bi Wanwan hesitated, then said, "That’s actually one way to do it."

After a moment of thought, she added, puzzled, "Why was Lu Rong laundering so much money? Was he investing in something recently? Should we take steps to keep him from harming other Hong Kong businesses?"

He couldn’t possibly be laundering money just for the sake of it—what would be the point?

At this, Jian Ruochen fell silent. "Well… it’s not that he didn’t want to invest."

He cleared his throat and, under everyone’s gaze, explained, "I got mad and snatched all the projects he wanted to invest in. Other Hong Kong businesses, seeing an opportunity, joined in and started outbidding him as well."

Jian Ruochen concluded, "Lu Rong just has money but nowhere to spend it."

Bi Wanwan was at a loss for words.

Such an unusual way to get revenge.

It was hard to make sense of.

A new form of corporate bullying had emerged!

"Did you profit from taking those projects?"

Thinking of Uncle Luo’s easing worries over the past few days, Jian Ruochen estimated conservatively, "Probably two or three times the profit. Lu Rong has a pretty good eye for projects."

Ding Gao: …

How brutal.

When it came to getting under suspects’ skin, no one at West Kowloon could match Jian Ruochen.

Zhang Xingzong suggested, "If we leave Lu Rong in the dark abruptly, he’ll definitely get suspicious. Why not bring him in first and let Consultant Jian speak with him?"

Guan Yingjun nodded. "Agreed."

As soon as Team A finalized the plan, Team D was dispatched to bring Lu Rong in from his home.

During Jian Ruochen’s time off to heal, Lu Rong had been frequently summoned. After days of eight-hour interrogations, he had clearly lost weight.

His cheeks were sunken, his suit hung loosely on his frame, and when he sat down in the interrogation room, his eyes were dark and venomous, as if he wanted to have Jian Ruochen’s hide.

Lu Rong sneered, "Mr. Jian, you’ve had all the luck."

Jian Ruochen replied modestly, "Thanks to your generosity, Mr. Lu."

Without your "help," how could Connaught’s businesses in Hong Kong have doubled so quickly?

Zhang Xingzong, seated beside Jian Ruochen, pressed his lips together tightly.

The last time he had to stifle laughter in the interrogation room felt like a lifetime ago!

When it came to provoking people, Consultant Jian was truly unmatched!

Zhang Xingzong and Ding Gao sat on either side of Jian Ruochen, like his loyal guards.

Lu Rong took a deep breath. "I’ve said it before—speak to my lawyer. No matter how many people you send, that’s all you’ll get from me."

"I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t be," Jian Ruochen said calmly, a faint smile on his face. "Take a look at this."

He slid a sheet filled with the names of officials and the bribes they had received toward Lu Rong. "Our investigation shows that these officials started associating closely with you after taking bribes. You entrusted one of them to establish a trust fund in the U.S. to transfer part of your illicit assets."

The latter part was a guess.

Lu Rong’s eyelids drooped slightly, his facial muscles tightened, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a contemptuous smirk. Before he could utter a word of ridicule, Jian Ruochen immediately corrected himself, "Oh, my mistake. Not the U.S."

Lu Rong froze.

"The U.K.," Jian Ruochen said, pretending to flip through his notes while watching Lu Rong’s reaction. Sure enough, Lu Rong’s pupils contracted, his jaw retracted slightly, his eyelids lifted, and he leaned back subtly—a classic avoidance reflex.

He had guessed right.

Jian Ruochen took a soft breath. "You set up a trust fund before your money laundering was exposed. But according to the law, that path is closed to you."

"Individuals with criminal records are prohibited from leaving the country. All assets involved in the case must be fully liquidated."

"They cannot engage in legitimate business abroad, apply for or use foreign bank accounts and credit cards, trade foreign stocks or bonds, or participate in any other overseas financial activities."

"You should withdraw the money from the trust fund as soon as possible. Otherwise, we might have to charge you with transferring assets illegally, adding to your charges."

Jian Ruochen smiled kindly. "Mr. Lu, is that clear?"

Your money, in the end, will still be seized by China.

Lu Rong paled slightly.

By now, he finally understood that he couldn't defeat Jian Ruochen on his own.

Behind Jian Ruochen stood the entire West Kowloon Regional Police Station, and the entire nation of China.

Lu Rong coughed lightly, studying Jian Ruochen's expression as he searched for a chance to counterattack.

To his horror, he realized that Jian Ruochen was almost flawless.

When it came to finance, Jian Ruochen might not be an expert, but he knew how to delegate. He never meddled in the family business, leaving everything to Luo Binwen and professional managers.

In solving cases, Jian Ruochen excelled at interrogation, so he focused solely on that. He never competed with his colleagues for other tasks. The few times he found himself forced into gunfights were only because the West Kowloon Regional Police Station was short-staffed.

As for interpersonal skills, there was no need to elaborate—he never made any enemies. Even most of the criminals he had dealt with spoke highly of him.

Lu Rong sighed, "Jian Ruochen, why are you pushing me so hard?"

"I'm just laying out the stakes to you. I never bring personal grudges into the interrogation room." Jian Ruochen tapped the paper filled with officials' names. "We will question each of these individuals one by one. What you refuse to say, they might reveal."

Lu Rong pressed his lips together and remained silent for a moment.

Jian Ruochen played on his emotions, speaking earnestly, "If you tell me now about your connection with the MI6 intelligence unit embedded in Hong Kong, how you contacted them, and how you obtained the MI6 secret files..."

"As long as you cooperate, we at West Kowloon can get you a reduced sentence. You have so many assets—even after the illegal gains are confiscated, you’ll still have at least $100 million left. Money laundering would only get you a maximum sentence of five years. The U.S. dollar is stable and isn't going to depreciate. That’s more than enough for your retirement."

Knowing that Lu Rong was unlikely to agree, he threw in a bluff: "I won’t pursue the matter of you conspiring with Oliver Keith to kill me using Preludin."

Jian Ruochen sat upright at the interrogation table, offering a light smile at Lu Rong. Then he slapped the table and announced boldly, "As long as you provide information about the MI6 intelligence organization, it will count as meritorious service! I’ll issue a letter of forgiveness and drop the charges of attempted murder against you!"

On his left, Ding Gao blurted out, "How can that be?"

On the other side, Zhang Xingzong remained silent.

He finally understood why Consultant Jian had allowed Ding Gao into the interrogation room.

Ding Gao was straightforward—he immediately believed the lie and played his part perfectly.

He was like a shill hired by dishonest antique dealers to hype up the bidding.

A buyer who wasn't interested would suddenly jump at it upon seeing someone else eager to purchase.

Seeing Ding Gao’s intense reaction, Lu Rong hesitated briefly but soon realized something was off.

The West Kowloon Regional Police Station had no evidence of his involvement in the attempt to kill Jian Ruochen!

This was a bluff!

A cold sweat broke out across Lu Rong’s back. His vision darkened, his throat tightened unconsciously, and he stammered, "Consultant Jian, I don’t know what you’re talking about."

His face twitched, his breathing grew rapid, and his ears buzzed. He barely knew what he was saying, only hearing the distant, vibrating sound of his own voice: "Why would I want to kill you?"

Seeing that his bluff had failed, Jian Ruochen wasn’t discouraged. After all, this interrogation was just for show. "So you had no intention of killing me? Then is Oliver Keith’s testimony false?"

Lu Rong stared straight at him, didn't respond for a long moment.

Zhang Xingzong gently nudged Jian Ruochen with his knee.

*Don’t push him too hard, or Lu Rong might lose it.*

Jian Ruochen said regretfully, "It seems you don’t want this opportunity."

He had planted the idea of a reduced sentence. When Lu Rong was backed into a corner, he would surely try to use that as bargaining chips with West Kowloon.

That would be Jian Ruochen’s chance to obtain a confession for "attempted murder."

Jian Ruochen said, "In that case, we’ll end here for today. We still need time to interrogate the officials you bribed."

He stepped forward and personally unlocked the cuffs restraining Lu Rong’s wrists. "After you sign the interrogation record, you can leave."