Chapter 112: The Matter Escalates

Zhang Xin, the chief of Weixian County Police Department, heard about a death at the Night Leisure Club and hurried over with his team. This was his sworn brother Zhang Damazi’s turf, and no matter what, he was determined to settle the matter.

On the way, Zhang Xin dialed Zhang Damazi’s number. “Hey, brother, someone died at your place, and you didn’t even call me? You’re just waiting for me to call you?”

“Heh heh, big brother, I was just about to call you. You take the guys there first, I’ll be there soon. Our boss, Sister Yue, came today, so I’m held up for a bit,” Zhang Damazi replied cautiously, not daring to mention that Song Ziyue and Ling Tian were handling business there.

“Sister Yue? Oh my god! Once this is handled, you’ve got to introduce me to her. It’s a deal!” Zhang Xin was thrilled hearing Song Ziyue was present. For someone in officialdom, she was the daughter of the Provincial Party Secretary — a powerful figure anywhere she went.

“Sure, sure. But there’s one more thing you should prepare yourself for,” Zhang Damazi said after a moment’s thought.

“What is it?” Zhang Xin asked.

“The deceased isn’t just anyone — he’s Qiao Dong, the leader of the Jin Gang. His brother Xu Shaobai is here now and won’t let this go easily. Brother, you’ll have to put in extra effort,” Zhang Damazi revealed grimly.

He knew the fallout would be massive, but this was the directive from Sister Yue and Brother Tian, so he had no choice but to comply. Personally, he held a deep grudge against the Jin Gang. If it weren’t for the risk of the case drawing suspicion — two already neutered men dying in a woman’s presence — he would have taken out Xu Shaobai too. But for now, he restrained himself.

“What?! The dead is Qiao Dong, the Jin Gang leader? Brother, don’t joke — I plan to live a few more years!” Zhang Xin broke out in a cold sweat at the news. This was serious. If he mishandled it, the Jin Gang would surely come down on him hard. This was his own turf, Weixian County, bordering Jin Province.

“Big brother, I’m not joking. I don’t know how I got so unlucky, but Qiao Dong died in my club. But rest assured, neither I nor you have anything to do with it. Qiao Dong died from a woman — the forensic exam will confirm that. As for the Jin Gang, don’t worry too much; after all, this province is Sister Yue’s territory. She and Brother Hu are good people. When I had trouble before, Brother Hu had my back,” Zhang Damazi tried to calm Zhang Xin.

“All right. I’ll handle it carefully. If necessary, I’ll report to higher-ups and contact the Jin Province Police.” Zhang Xin realized he had no choice but to rely on Song Ziyue’s influence and take it step by step.

“Thanks, brother. I’ll be there soon,” Zhang Damazi said before hanging up, his heart pounding. Qiao Dong was really dead? It felt unreal — but damn, it felt good!

Originally, Zhang Xin had brought only four or five officers, but upon learning the deceased’s identity, he summoned every cop in the department — seventy or eighty officers in total. He also called the chiefs of nearby township police stations, instructing them to prepare for deployment at a moment’s notice.

When Zhang Xin arrived at Night Leisure, Xu Shaobai’s men were already clashing with the club’s security guards. Xu Shaobai had lost his temper, demanding the club hand over the four women, suspecting foul play in Qiao Dong’s death. The club refused, and a fight broke out.

“Police!” The security guard spotted Zhang Xin’s arrival and immediately ceased fighting. In fact, Xu Shaobai’s men hadn’t gained any advantage; they were scattered and beaten.

Xu Shaobai, seeing the fully armed police, said nothing but understood this was enemy territory. It was always so — police and gangsters were intertwined here. On their turf, the police chief was one of their own. For now, he would see what the police had to say.

“Who are the deceased’s relatives?” Zhang Xin approached.

“I’m Xu Shaobai. The deceased is my big brother, Qiao Dong, leader of the Jin Gang. Officer, you must have heard of my brother’s name. I hope you’ll handle this fairly. Otherwise, I’ll wipe out all of Weixian!” Xu Shaobai glared fiercely at Zhang Xin. He didn’t even know the man’s name, but the police chief of a small county was nothing in his eyes.

“Threaten me? I’m not afraid. The Jin Gang is infamous, yes, but this is H Province. I hope Mr. Xu understands that Weixian is no place for the Jin Gang to run wild. But as a police officer, I will handle this case impartially,” Zhang Xin responded firmly.

“Fine. Let’s see if you can keep your word!” Xu Shaobai spat out threats angrily. He’d already called his contacts in Jin Province’s police department, but they hadn’t arrived yet due to the distance. He didn’t trust the local police. He had also called Jin Gang leaders in nearby Lin County, urging them to come to Weixian’s Night Leisure Club quickly.

After a forensic examination, Zhang Xin announced that Qiao Dong died from intense sexual activity causing insufficient blood supply to the heart and myocardial ischemia due to overexertion. It had nothing to do with the women present.

It turned out Ling Tian’s concoction was no joke; the forensic exam found no abnormalities at all. This was the work of a supreme doctor — no matter how thoroughly the forensic team examined, there was nothing wrong.

Xu Shaobai refused to accept the conclusion, insisting on confronting the club. He was convinced there was a cover-up. His brother never had issues with women—if not four, then ten or more.

“Mr. Xu, I understand your grief, but these are the facts. No one is responsible for Mr. Qiao’s death. Please accept my condolences,” Zhang Xin said formally, his tone official.

“Condolences my ass! Who owns this club? I want to see the person in charge!” Xu Shaobai pressed on, stalling for time until his men arrived. Even if his brother’s death was unrelated to anyone, he had to take those women back to explain to the gang. The club owner would be the scapegoat.

Just then, Zhang Damazi arrived. He walked straight up to Xu Shaobai and Zhang Xin, greeting Zhang Xin respectfully as “Chief Zhang,” but dared not call him “big brother.”

Then, facing Xu Shaobai, he put on a look of deep regret. “Mr. Xu, I’m truly sorry. Our club shares responsibility for this incident. We failed to manage properly and didn’t notice Mr. Qiao’s physical distress in time. I’m deeply saddened. We will offer compensation. Name your price — as long as it’s reasonable, we’ll do our best.”

Zhang Damazi tried to appear like a responsible businessman, but Xu Shaobai was unmoved.

“Compensation? Ha! My brother’s life isn’t something you can buy. Even selling your entire club wouldn’t be worth a single hair of his. None of you are worth his life!” Xu Shaobai’s eyes reddened with rage, his expression murderous.

Zhang Damazi calmly replied, “Mr. Xu, you’re mistaken. When I said the club bears responsibility, it was just a polite way of speaking. In truth, we have absolutely no responsibility. You can take Mr. Qiao’s body now. Chief Zhang has made it very clear — this case is as obvious as it gets. No one is at fault. Since no compensation is needed, please leave.”

He made a gesture as if to politely see him out.

“Damn! Who the hell are you? Zhang Damazi?” Xu Shaobai stared hard at Zhang Damazi’s freckled face. Suddenly, he remembered a recent clash between his man Scar and some H Province folks, one of whom was named Zhang Damazi. This meant today’s incident had deeper roots. His expression darkened.

“I am Zhang Damazi. Everyone in this county knows me. What’s the problem?” Zhang Damazi saw something in Xu Shaobai’s eyes but remained composed. With Song Ziyue and Ling Tian here, he felt confident.

“Hmph! You’re the murderer who killed my brother. You have a grudge with the Jin Gang. This time, you won’t get away. The Jin Gang brothers from nearby counties are on their way, and the main Jin Gang force is almost here. The H Province police are coming too. This case will be uncovered completely!” Xu Shaobai, estimating his reinforcements were near, spoke with growing confidence.

“Damn! I stand upright and fear no shadow. If Qiao Dong hadn’t died in my club, I wouldn’t have known you came. Otherwise, I’d fight you openly. I’m going to call my men now!” Zhang Damazi said, feigning anger as he walked away.

In truth, he did call his nearby brothers to wait in ambush around Night Leisure. Then he phoned Ling Tian and Song Ziyue. Ling Tian answered because Song Ziyue was weak and resting after their recent encounter.

“Brother Tian, things are bad. Xu Shaobai called Jin Gang members from nearby Lin County and the main Jin Gang force. He also summoned the Jin Province police. Their men should arrive soon. What do we do? He’s already recognized me as part of the Ziyue Gang and suspects me!”

“Don’t panic. Call your men first. I’ll discuss with Yue’er and have more Ziyue Gang members come support you. Yue’er can’t appear publicly to avoid suspicion, but I can. And the fact that they called in H Province police works in our favor. When they arrive, notify me. I’ll show you a good show,” Ling Tian said with a cruel smile. Xu Shaobai sure liked to stir up trouble — well, let him stir in the underworld, and accompany his dead brother there!