Chapter Ninety-Eight: Gao Qinghua's Doubts

The next afternoon at four o’clock, Kang Ning, who was quietly holding Lu Jing on the sofa and whispering sweet nothings, was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. He glanced at the clock on the wall, knowing that Meng Meng wouldn’t be off work so early. Hesitating for a moment, he went to open the door.

Gao Qinghua burst in, still without changing his shoes, and plopped down on the nearby short sofa. Smiling at Lu Jing, he said, “Xiaolin gave birth to a baby girl this morning, six and a half pounds, so delicate! Haha!”

“That’s wonderful! I’ll visit her at the hospital later. Oh my god, I’m an aunt now, hehe, I’m so happy! Xiao Ning, get ready; we’re going out right away.” Lu Jing happily stood up and walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind her, obviously to change clothes.

Gao Qinghua pointed at the bedroom door and asked Kang Ning, “Your belly’s grown, and you still don’t plan to get married?”

Kang Ning gave an awkward smile. “It doesn’t matter. This kind of lifestyle is popular now.”

“That’s too irresponsible,” Gao Qinghua said, shaking his head. Seeing Kang Ning just chuckling foolishly, he grew serious. “When did you get home after we broke up last night?”

Kang Ning replied in confusion, “Around eleven something. I bought some sliced rabbit meat and came back. I saw Lu Jing asleep, so I ate it right away to keep it fresh. Why? Judging by your expression, did something happen?”

Leaning forward slightly, Gao Qinghua lowered his voice. “Early this morning, the manager of Sixth Construction Company was found dead. Xiao Du told me the preliminary conclusion was drunk driving and falling into a fish pond. Just now, when I was downstairs, Xiao Du called again, saying the autopsy confirmed the same conclusion. Further tests will only be clear tomorrow. Sigh—You don’t know how worried I was, so I rushed over here.”

“That kind of person is better off dead. Is it worth your trouble? Let me change clothes, and I’ll come with you to visit my sister-in-law at the hospital.” Kang Ning stood and walked back to his bedroom. Gao Qinghua stared at Kang Ning’s back, suspicious.

He really couldn’t tell if Kang Ning was acting strangely. He thought, if such a calm and collected young man were truly the killer, then his scheming would be incredibly deep. From his behavior, there was nothing suspicious. But just over ten days ago, millions were stolen from Sixth Construction Company, and now the manager has drowned in a pond while drunk. Surely it’s not all coincidence? Besides, Kang Ning has detailed information about Sixth Construction Company and possesses formidable martial skills. Uncle Wang’s death was vaguely linked to Ni San’s criminal gang. So how could Kang Ning’s motive be ruled out?

Soon, Kang Ning and Lu Jing came out, dressed neatly. Gao Qinghua put aside his doubts, went downstairs, and drove them to the city hospital in his compact car.

Upon entering Lu Lin’s ward, Lu Jing greeted her younger sister, who resembled her by about seventy percent. Then she warmly greeted Gao Qinghua’s parents before joyfully gazing at the baby in the small crib, her face full of love and longing.

After Kang Ning exchanged a few words with Lu Lin, Gao Qinghua pulled him outside to the balcony at the end of the corridor for a private chat.

Lighting a cigarette and taking two drags, Gao Qinghua locked eyes with Kang Ning and whispered, “Be honest with me—did you do this?”

“How could that be? I only met that man for the first time yesterday. If Brother Du hadn’t told me later, I wouldn’t have known that idiot was the manager of Sixth Construction Company! Why would you have such an absurd thought?” Kang Ning asked in surprise, his expression perfectly convincing.

Gao Qinghua shook his head with a sigh. “Good if it’s not true. I’m really worried. I heard Ni San was furious after hearing the news—he smashed over a dozen expensive porcelain vases and broke a Suzhou embroidery screen worth 120,000 yuan. He swore that if it was confirmed to be murder, he’d wipe out the killer’s entire family to vent his rage. If it weren’t for inspections by officials from the province and city stationed all over Leijiang, the city would have already erupted.”

Kang Ning’s smile remained calm but his heart skipped a beat. “What does Brother Du think about this?”

“He doesn’t think much! Judging by his tone, he’s probably thrilled. For two years, he’s suffered from those bastards. Now that Ni San’s right-hand man is gone, what do you think he feels? The case is in his hands. He told me, from any angle, pinning it on that guy nicknamed ‘Tank’ as drunk driving causing the accident is best. That way, no one up or down the chain will have peace. I heard the bureau chiefs agree—they’re all afraid of another big incident that could cost them their jobs.” Gao Qinghua detailed the messy officialdom and his disdain for the situation.

Kang Ning laughed lightly. “Isn’t that perfect? Much simpler! You, don’t be so paranoid, or I’ll sue you for slander.”

Gao Qinghua punched Kang Ning playfully. “Alright, we’ll leave it be for now. But I still don’t quite believe you’re innocent. By the way, I heard that Tank guy is pretty tough. Someone even saw him kick through a wooden post as thick as a bowl’s mouth. By your logic, do you think he really got drunk and caused the accident?”

“Very possible. You saw him last night—he downed two bottles of strong Luzhou Laojiao. After we left, who knows if he kept drinking? Driving drunk and not having an accident would be strange! Anyway, don’t waste your energy worrying. Spend more time with sister-in-law and the baby. If you have time, take me out shooting sometime. I’ve never fired a pistol, only shot a semi-automatic rifle in military training at school and scored a 46—pretty decent.” Kang Ning steered the conversation away.

“Have you finished studying the handwritten manual I gave you?” Gao Qinghua asked.

“I’ve memorized it and learned twelve new intricate knot-tying techniques. Honestly, you’re no scout. Judging by your skills and that manual, you’re practically a special forces soldier! Don’t try to hide it from me or Brother Du. Just looking at the calluses on his hands, I know what he’s good at.” Kang Ning smirked at Gao Qinghua.

Gao Qinghua said nothing, flicked his cigarette butt away, and led Kang Ning back to Lu Lin’s ward. After some more chatting and laughter, they saw Lu Lin preparing to breastfeed the baby. Kang Ning and Lu Jing excused themselves and left. Gao Qinghua drove them back to their apartment complex and warned Kang Ning to stay indoors as much as possible in the coming days before finally driving off.

Back home, Lu Jing looked at Kang Ning oddly. “Why does my brother-in-law act so secretive with you? Are you hiding something from me?”

Kang Ning gently embraced Lu Jing. “No, he’s probably been overdoing his training lately and feeling a little scattered, so he’s been asking me for advice.”

“That won’t do! You should get him checked at the hospital. What if something bad happens?” Lu Jing worried aloud.

Kang Ning softly caressed her cheek. “It’s nothing. He’s probably just anxious. I told him to rest his mind; in a few days, everything will be fine. Don’t believe all those exaggerated stories written by Jin Yong and Liang Yusheng—martial arts aren’t nearly as dramatic as in the books. Well, Meng Meng should be back soon. You’re tired—rest a bit. I’ll go make dinner.”