Chapter 18: You Must Avoid It

Raising his hand to check the watch on his wrist, Xiao Zigang’s lips curved into a faint smile. There were still two hours before the evening news broadcast. As long as the story about the “Monkey Butt” made it onto Tianhai City Television, it would surely cause a sensation.

At that time, whether it was Li Bing, Director Zhang, or even higher-ranking officials, none would dare to shield Zhang Xiao, for public opinion was irresistible.

In the year 2000, it was not yet the era of mobile internet, much less the age of social media. Back then, every household watched television and listened to the radio; official media wielded immense influence, boasting high viewership ratings and significant authority.

Some TV stations even occasionally aired programs with very explicit content. Society’s atmosphere was vibrant and open, with a boldness that dared to see the world as it was—whether good or bad, one would watch first and judge later.

To cite a recent example, most people had only seen the censored version of Titanic, yet CCTV6 boldly broadcasted the uncut, uncensored, full-frontal version on its movie channel.

In that era, television stations had not yet implemented content ratings; art and truth ran wild like untamed stallions. Xiao Zigang believed that media professionals had the courage to pioneer and break new ground. Once they decided to air something, they showed no mercy, and there was no blurring or mosaics.

Zhu Gang approached Xiao Zigang, clicking his tongue disparagingly. “Some people just don’t know their place. Li Bing is the captain of the Security Squad, a level-three police superintendent with one stripe and one star!”

“Xiao Zigang, who do you think you are? You just transferred out of the military, got lucky to be assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division. You’re just a level-two officer with a single star on your shoulder.”

“Are you crazy or just incredibly reckless, daring to ask Li Bing for paperwork? Are you looking for trouble?”

Xiao Zigang shot Zhu Gang a disdainful glance. “I just can’t figure out why you’re so eager to defend Li Bing and suck up to him. Do you think Li Bing will promote you or give you a raise for that?”

“Even though we’re in the same system, we belong to different departments. Li Bing isn’t your direct superior; there’s no need to lose your dignity like this!”

“Besides, you’re part of the Criminal Investigation team. You’re not only embarrassing yourself but dragging us all down with you.”

Zhu Gang noticed the hostile gazes all around him. Even with his usually quick reflexes, he realized he had provoked collective anger.

He hurriedly tried to backtrack, “I can’t really argue with someone like you. Do you understand how the world works? I despise people who take shortcuts. I have enough respect for my superiors…”

But the more Zhu Gang spoke, the more unsure he sounded. He threw up his hands and said, “Xiao Zigang, go ahead and be arrogant! Don’t think that just because you found a good father-in-law and are living off him, you can look down on the rest of us. Your days ahead are long!”

Xiao Zigang spared no mercy. “Look down on the rest of you? No, I just purely look down on you!”

“People like you who try to have it both ways are rare, but today I finally met one!”

“Is it really so hard to admit that I’m better than you and tougher than you?”

Zhu Gang was silenced by the retort and, throwing up his hands, walked away.

If things escalated, Zhu Gang was no match for Xiao Zigang. Rather than embarrass himself, it was better to retreat. Besides, Li Bing would soon handle the paperwork, and someone would deal with Xiao Zigang.

As Zhu Gang fled, the others snickered. They had seen many petty people before, but Zhu Gang was a textbook case.

Just as they were about to comment, the office door swung open again. Li Bing rushed in, holding a transfer notice stamped by the Public Security Bureau for the handover of a criminal suspect.

Li Bing’s anger simmered beneath the surface. Seeing Xiao Zigang, he slammed the document on the desk. “All the paperwork is complete. Can we proceed with the transfer now?”

Xiao Zigang picked up the document and examined it carefully before suddenly asking, “Are you the lead investigator on the Zhang Xiao prostitution case?”

“Of course. If not me, then who?” Li Bing said bluntly, no longer interested in maintaining a facade of politeness. Since Xiao Zigang gave him no face, Li Bing would not spare him any.

Xiao Zigang smiled without anger or pleasure. “Captain Li, if you are the lead investigator, then Zhang Xiao cannot be transferred to you.”

Li Bing’s anger flared as he pointed at Xiao Zigang’s nose and shouted, “What do you mean by that? All the paperwork is in order. Why can’t I take custody just because I’m the lead investigator?”

“Calm down, let me finish,” Xiao Zigang said, locking eyes with Li Bing. “According to the intelligence we have, you and Zhang Xiao have been jointly supporting the same mistress for a long time. By the principle of recusal, Captain Li, you are also a suspect in this case. Therefore, the Zhang Xiao prostitution case cannot be handled by you. On the contrary, you must cooperate with the investigation.”

“You’re talking nonsense, slandering me. You’re targeting me…” Li Bing’s voice grew hysterical but lacked conviction.

Everyone present worked in criminal investigations and had some knowledge of psychology. From Li Bing’s subtle expressions, it was clear: he was panicking, truly panicking.

“Whether it’s slander or targeting you needs further investigation. So, Captain Li, Zhang Xiao can be transferred to the Security Squad, but not to you. Please understand.”

“Also, you will need to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.” Xiao Zigang deliberately raised his voice. “Our people have already gone to arrest the so-called shared mistress. She will identify you soon. Or should I take a photo of you now to help her recognize you…”

Li Bing flinched and took a half-step back, muscles tense in a defensive stance. “Xiao Zigang, don’t play tricks. I…”

The office door opened again. Zhou Liang entered, leading a woman with him. He pointed at Li Bing and asked, “Look closely. Is this the person who’s been supporting you?”

The woman had long hair cascading over her shoulders, small and slight, no taller than 1.5 meters. She looked pale and pitiful, like a delicate white flower.

Her tear-filled eyes gazed at Li Bing silently, nodding without a word.

Li Bing’s defenses broke instantly. “I may eat whatever I want, but I won’t tolerate lies. I am the captain of the Security Squad, responsible for cracking down on vice. How can you tarnish my reputation?”

“Now open your eyes wide and see clearly. Is she the one supporting you or not?” Although he shouted fiercely, his eyes darted nervously.

The woman, though greedy, was not foolish. Zhang Xiao was already cuffed to the window, and Li Bing was trapped in the office. This was the moment to confess for leniency and possibly redeem herself.

“It’s you who’s been keeping me between the men outside—Monday, Wednesday, Friday with him; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday with you; and on Sundays, you two beasts even…”

Damn! The scandal was far more explosive than anyone had imagined. Everyone’s eyes widened, and they instinctively edged closer, eager to witness the spectacle.

Li Bing swayed, barely able to stand. He had come to catch Zhang Xiao but instead had been dragged down himself. Truly, it was a bitter regret, coming far too late.