BL Ch70
by soapaIn the venue, invited guests took their seats one after another.
Each chair had a nameplate on its back. Du Shuyan, accompanied by his secretary, searched for his seat, expecting to be placed in a back corner, but Yu Duqiu had surprisingly placed him in the front row. Perhaps not with good intentions, as he was next to the Pei brothers.
Pei Ming today wore a checked suit with gold-rimmed glasses, looking like a refined university professor. His diamond-encrusted watch added a touch of nobility, exuding an elite vibe. Seeing Du Shuyan approach, he nodded courteously, “Mr. Du.”
Du Shuyan didn’t want to go over there, his face drooping with a bitter look, but his secretary, Fei Zheng, gave him a gentle nudge, whispering, “Keep your composure.”
Du Shuyan sighed imperceptibly before quickly putting on a smile, “Mr. Pei! It’s been a while since we last met at the jewelry exhibition.”
Pei Ming’s gaze swept over him from head to toe, confirming that none of Du Shuyan’s accessories were more luxurious than his own, and a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes, though it was hard to discern behind the glasses. He gave a gentle, courteous smile, “Yes, Mr. Du, are you here today to get first-hand news material?”
“Ha, I wish, but no photography or recording is allowed at this launch, so I doubt I’ll get any. It’s strange, Duqiu is unusually low-key this time. Is he not confident in his product?”
Pei Zhuo, next to Pei Ming, scoffed, “The one thing he doesn’t lack is confidence, or should I say, arrogance.”
Pei Ming shot him a scolding look, and Pei Zhuo, always respectful of his brother like a father, immediately fell silent.
Du Shuyan seized the opportunity to continue the conversation, “Yes, Duqiu has always been confident and loves grand displays. Why is the venue so small today? And there are so few guests… I don’t see any media, just a lot of police. It’s not like his usual style… Mr. Pei, what do you think?”
Pei Ming shrugged, “Nothing he does surprises me.”
“That’s true. By the way, after the jewelry exhibition, something happened at Duqiu’s place. Did you know?”
“Of course, it was the talk of the town. When the media rushed there, they only saw a sea of white flowers. Besides his family and the police, no one knows what exactly happened.”
“I heard one of his employees died,” Du Shuyan lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously, “Took one of his supercars, was driving on a mountain road at night, lost control, and crashed through a barrier, killed instantly. Hey, doesn’t it remind you of the case from twenty years ago? I didn’t believe in curses, but this is the third death since he came back to the country. Maybe there really is some force out there stopping him…”
A flash of malice passed through Pei Ming’s dark eyes behind the glasses, and he gave a cold, humorless laugh, “Just a coincidence. How do you know so much? Who told you?”
Du Shuyan: “You forgot what I do for a living? In the media industry, we tend to get information faster than others.”
Pei Ming narrowed his eyes, “Having access to information is good, but you must sift through it carefully. It’s not like when your father was alive; the internet is too advanced now. If you post a false news piece, you’ll get debunked, and the repercussions will come back to you.”
Du Shuyan either didn’t understand the veiled warning or was too foolish to recognize it, nodding in agreement, “You’re right.”
In the last row, where both men were seated, a gaze was fixed intently on the two in front.
Ji Lin nudged Xu Sheng’s arm, “Brother Xu, is there any way to hear what Pei Ming and Du Shuyan are talking about?”
Xu Sheng glanced sideways at Peng Deyu and Feng Jinmin, who were busy with official business and not paying attention to them. However, he vividly remembered Peng Deyu’s earlier rage, with Ji Lin still sporting a large bump on the back of his head. He didn’t want to be the next victim, so he didn’t dare turn his head, keeping his eyes forward as he whispered, “It’s a bit tricky here with so many people watching us. We can’t act freely.”
“Should I move over there?”
“No, no, no, if you act on your own again, Peng will have my hide.” Xu Sheng quickly grabbed his arm, fearing another outburst from Peng Deyu, “Don’t worry, Pei Ming isn’t that foolish to plot crimes in broad daylight. They’re probably just exchanging some veiled insults. Didn’t you say they have a feud?”
Ji Lin nodded, “I heard from Yu Duqiu that Pei Ming’s father was reported by Du Shuyan’s father.”
“Wow, a generational feud, huh? But as the saying goes, if you don’t want anyone to know, don’t do it. He deserved it.” Xu Sheng wasn’t particularly interested in these old feuds but feigned attentiveness to keep his restless teammate in check.
Ji Lin continued naively, “He deserved it. I looked into the details of Pei Xianyong’s case later; he was charged with illegal possession of drugs. Allegedly, an informant provided key evidence to Du Yuanzhen, who then reported it to the police, leading to Pei Xianyong’s life sentence. But from Yu Duqiu’s hints, Pei Xianyong might have been involved in international smuggling, even illegal drug cultivation and production abroad.”
At the mention of the case, Xu Sheng became interested and actively joined the discussion, “If that’s the case, why didn’t that informant expose all these crimes as well?”
“I’m not sure. Du Yuanzhen initially claimed he had more evidence, which made the Pei family live in fear for years after Pei Xianyong went to jail. But nothing came of it in the end. Maybe the informant didn’t get more evidence, or perhaps Pei Ming found out and killed him to silence him.”
Xu Sheng thought for a moment, “Speaking of Du Shuyan’s father, I heard some things when I started working, about fifteen years ago. Many big news stories in Pingyi City were broken by him first. I heard he passed away due to health issues. Pei Ming still holds a grudge even though the man is dead? It wasn’t Du Shuyan who sent his father to prison.”
“Maybe because he didn’t get to take revenge himself, he’s not satisfied.” Ji Lin kept his eyes on the two heads in front, “But revenge wouldn’t be easy. Du Shuyan is very cautious; he’s managed the company for years without a single blemish. And at the banquet after the jewelry exhibition, I saw him networking with many wealthy businessmen, people he wouldn’t normally be able to reach. He’s got some skills.”
“Hmph, you’re not completely clueless.”
Xu Sheng jumped, stuttering, “Peng, Peng, did you hear that?”
Peng Deyu glared, his eyes wide with anger, “Do you think I’ve gone deaf with age? I heard you from the start. Pei Xianyong’s case was handled by Old Feng, and Du Yuanzhen’s case was mine. You should ask us, not speculate on your own.”
Xu Sheng was astonished, “Wasn’t Du Yuanzhen’s death due to illness? How does that involve a case?”
Ji Lin also perked up his ears to listen.
Peng Deyu, having calmed down somewhat, knew he couldn’t stop this young man’s determination to investigate. Rather than blocking him, it was better to give him more information for caution.
“Du Yuanzhen died of a brain hemorrhage ten years ago when he was only fifty. His health was always good until it suddenly deteriorated. Du Shuyan reported it to the police, suspecting foul play. We investigated, and the autopsy did find something.”
Xu Sheng asked, “What was it?”
“A type of drug you both know – ‘Happy Water’.” Peng Deyu explained, “It has stimulating and hallucinogenic effects. Over time, it causes memory loss, mood swings, physical decline, and constant lethargy, leading to cardiovascular and brain diseases in severe cases. Du Yuanzhen showed these symptoms in the six months before his death.”
Xu Sheng slapped his thigh, his voice low but excited, “Since Pei Ming’s father was put away by Du Yuanzhen, could Pei Ming have poisoned him?”
Ji Lin’s eyes darkened, “There must not have been any evidence of Pei Ming poisoning him back then; otherwise, he would have been arrested.”
Peng Deyu: “Correct, we found nothing. That’s why I didn’t agree to you searching the Pei residence earlier because ten years ago, I had already led a raid. At that time, Pei Xianyong had been imprisoned for seven or eight years; the Pei family hadn’t yet regained their footing. Everyone knew about the feud between the Du and Pei families, so we suspected them first. But after raiding their factory and home, we found nothing.”
Xu Sheng was puzzled, “Then how was the case closed?”
“It was Du Yuanzhen’s cousin, Du Shuyan’s uncle, Du Weiming, who came forward, saying Du Yuanzhen had been using drugs voluntarily, not due to someone else, and he provided evidence, clearing the Pei family’s suspicion.”
“Ah… so it might really have been a coincidence.” Xu Sheng scratched his head, embarrassed, “I jumped to conclusions.”
“But then something even stranger happened.”
“Oh?”
“Six months later, Du Weiming died in a car accident.” Peng Deyu said, “The cause was drug-induced reckless driving.”
A chill ran through Xu Sheng and Ji Lin.
First, Pei Xianyong was sentenced to life for drugs, then Du Yuanzhen died from drug-related illness, and finally, Du Weiming died in a drug-related car crash.
The fate of three tycoons, the rise and fall of two prominent families, all controlled by mere grams or even micrograms of drugs.
What terrifying vortex lies behind these cases? Who is stirring this bottomless whirlpool?
When did it start? Is it still churning today, unstopped?
“If Du Weiming hadn’t died, Du Shuyan wouldn’t be in charge of the Du family now.” Peng Deyu sighed, “I met this kid during my investigations; he’s like Pei Ming, eager to prove himself but lacks Pei Ming’s foresight and business acumen. Now, to revive the family business, he’s not above associating with unsavory characters; he’ll be dragged down sooner or later.”
Xu Sheng: “Are you talking about Yu Duqiu?”
Peng Deyu shook his head, “Yu Duqiu might be unconventional, but with his grandfather overseeing him, he probably wouldn’t do anything illegal… Even if he did, we likely wouldn’t find out.”
Feng Jinmin, sitting beside, said coolly, “As a bureau chief, you shouldn’t say such things in front of the younger generation. What will they think?”
Peng Deyu chuckled, “Old Feng, what’s your take on this?”
Feng Jinmin crossed his arms, his expression serious, “I suggest you don’t just focus on Pei Ming; it can create blind spots…”
As he spoke, the lights in the venue suddenly went out, plunging the room into pitch darkness.
“Now we’ve really gone ‘blind’. Your bad omen.” Peng Deyu jested, “Let’s see what this Yu kid is up to. He invited us here not just to listen to high-tech talks. Us old guys struggle even to fill out an electronic form; we can’t understand these brain-machine interface talks.”
“…” Xu Sheng and Ji Lin exchanged a glance and tactfully kept silent.
At that moment, a spotlight illuminated the stage not far from the front row.
A figure walked into the light.
The silver hair reflected in the light eyes, juxtaposed against this serious, real-world backdrop, was both absurd and dreamlike, like a sliver of the Milky Way shining in the bright daylight sky.
Along with Yu Duqiu, a man’s arm entered the light, helping him onto the stage before quickly retreating into the darkness. Yu Duqiu, once positioned, turned back and smiled at the figure in the dark, then faced the audience.
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend this launch event.” Yu Duqiu, wearing a wireless microphone, spoke with a pleasant voice that echoed through the hall, reaching everyone’s ears. He smiled slightly, his demeanor and speech polished and composed, with no trace of eccentricity or arrogance, “I don’t like to speak bureaucratically, nor do I want to waste your precious time, so I’ll get straight to the point – many of you might have heard that last month, my research team conducted animal experiments with initial success, leading to the production of the first wearable brain-machine interface device, which I now hold in my hand.”
As he spoke, he pulled out a ring-shaped device, looking like a combination of headphones and 3D glasses.
“From the conception of this project last December to having a physical product now, it’s only been eight months. I believe this is a speed unmatched by any brain-machine interface company on the market.”
“Although I started late, I’m not the first to develop such a device. Companies like BrainGate have already helped disabled people drink soda, type, and use wheelchairs. But I believe that’s fine; Google wasn’t the first search engine, Apple wasn’t the first phone, and Weibo wasn’t the first social media platform. The successful ones are often not the first to try but those who learn from predecessors, seize the best timing, and fully utilize their own talents.”
In the dark, the faces of the audience were hard to make out, all eyes on the radiant Yu Duqiu on stage. In a corner, Lu Qing nodded repeatedly, whispering to Niu Feng, “Mr. Yu has some knowledge; I actually think what he’s saying is quite good.”
“Good, my foot. He definitely had someone write his speech.” Niu Feng scoffed, “First, he dazzles you with words, then he starts selling. It’s the same tactic as selling health supplements to the elderly.”
Lu Qing pouted, “He’s a recognized child prodigy; what are you, a cow? Oh, your surname is Niu…”
Niu Feng was annoyed, “Why do you side with outsiders? Do you fancy him?”
“I’m not into his type; I just think he’s quite charming when he’s all serious, gives off a reliable vibe, heh heh.”
At this point, Yu Duqiu continued, “Speaking more would be pointless. Most of the guests here today aren’t experts in this field, and explaining ‘brain-machine interfaces’ in detail would take too long. So, I plan to demonstrate the advanced nature of this technology with some clear experimental data. Now, I need a volunteer to come up and wear this device for a simple lie detection game. If you lie, the values on the computer screen next to me will fluctuate, then I’ll show you its more powerful functions. Anyone willing to volunteer?”
The guests exchanged looks.
They just finished animal experiments, and now they’re doing human trials?
Has he gone mad? Who would dare to volunteer, considering what happened to Cen Wan years ago when she wore a similar device, leading to mental confusion and a tragic car accident that killed her family?
“If there are no volunteers, I’ll randomly select a lucky guest…” The launch was steering into a bizarre and eerie direction, unstoppable like eight galloping horses. Yu Duqiu’s gaze scanned the room, pinpointing a seat and a face in the front row. A barely noticeable sharp glint passed through his light eyes, only the sharp-eyed could catch the cunning in his look.
Ji Lin, having spent much time with him, knew this look all too well; it was a sign he was about to do something mischievous. He thought, “Oh no!” but it was too late to stop him.
Yu Duqiu made a “please” gesture towards someone.
“Please come up to the stage, Mr. Pei.”
Xu Sheng sharply inhaled, pinching his thigh hard, and asked Peng Deyu incredulously, “He… he wants to give Pei Ming a lie detector test?”
Peng Deyu and Feng Jinmin both had grim expressions.
Police usually only employ polygraph tests on major suspects, and the results can only serve as a reference, not as conclusive evidence. Currently, they have no evidence of Pei Ming’s involvement in any crime, making it impossible to use one on him.
Now, under the guise of conducting an experiment, Yu Duqiu was openly proposing to administer a lie detector test to Pei Ming, seemingly helping the police. However, the accuracy of this device hasn’t been certified, making it unreliable even as a reference. Moreover, Pei Ming might refuse to go on stage, and most importantly, how would Yu Duqiu ask questions related to confidential cases in front of such an audience?
Hardly any of the officers present believed that Yu Duqiu could unearth any leads; in fact, this might alert the suspect, ruining months of their hard work and sweat.
In short, it was sheer recklessness!
After a brief silence, the audience erupted into commotion.
Niu Feng: “…So this is what you call ‘reliable’.”
Lu Qing: “…All I want to say now is ‘damn it!'”