Chapter 334: Chapter 334: Substantial Reward
Sang Ning and Li Juezhou were meeting Shen Fang at a private restaurant. Originally, they thought it would be appropriate to treat Shen Fang to a big meal since they had new clues that might trouble him.
But after Shen Fang spoke, Sang Ning lost her appetite.
The police force is already limited, so they naturally prioritize more urgent matters. For someone like Doctor Zhou, whose own family has given up seeking the truth, how could one expect the police to care?
Perhaps a responsible officer would classify this case as a suspicious one and continue investigating the truth, but how long that would take is unknown.
Sang Youming and Hu Zhi couldn’t wait that long, and neither could she.
"Alright, I understand. Thank you, Officer Shen." Sang Ning spoke in a relatively calm tone, "Could you possibly give me a contact for Doctor Zhou’s family? I’d like to meet them in person."
"I’m afraid not." Shen Fang shook his head in difficulty, "They are probably abroad by now, and contacting them might not be so easy."
Sang Ning fell silent, her brows furrowed deeply in thought, "Whichever way I go is blocked. It seems heaven doesn’t favor the unlucky like me."
"Sangsang, don’t worry. There are always more solutions than problems. Rest assured, I will definitely find a way for you." Li Juezhou comforted her from the side.
Though Sang Ning was anxious, she responded to Li Juezhou with a heartfelt smile.
Even the police have temporarily suspended the investigation. This matter isn’t as simple as Li Juezhou said; the road isn’t just there as he claims.
However, he has indeed worked hard during this period, accompanying Sang Ning to visit each household to inquire about the situation.
At first, Li Juezhou’s method of impersonating a police officer was still effective, but whenever he encountered a shrewd homeowner, they immediately saw through his clumsy trick and regarded him as a scammer, not only chasing him away with a broom but even threatening to call the police to have him arrested.
It was finally resolved by Li Juezhou’s money power. When talking about this, Sang Ning was also shocked. Money really is good, and she had to admit its power.
For those unwilling to cooperate, Li Juezhou would directly hand out a wad of cash to them, with no arrogance of throwing money around, instead politely saying, "This is a fee for your trouble in providing information. May I have a chance to chat with you?"
Sang Ning didn’t expect Li Juezhou to be quite down-to-earth. His appearance, combined with his gentle and courteous demeanor, and most attractively, his financial clout—who could refuse to offer him a bit of insignificant information?
Although Shen Fang promised Sang Ning he would continue to pay attention to this matter, she didn’t hold much hope. He’s so busy—where would he find the time to keep an eye on this every day? It’s more reliable to seek technical support from him.
The meeting with Shen Fang ended hastily since he had police duties and couldn’t spare too much time.
Sang Ning also had things to do. She decided to continue her persistence in visiting every household in the neighborhood, just not willing to believe she couldn’t uncover any secrets.
"Are you free this afternoon? I want to keep going around the neighborhood. Maybe we’ll have unexpected findings," Sang Ning asked Li Juezhou. She had become accustomed to having him by her side; he really was very useful.
"Sangsang, I have something to do in a bit, so I may not be able to accompany you. You’ve been running non-stop for days; how about taking a break today, and I’ll go with you again tomorrow," Li Juezhou replied.
Sang Ning didn’t delve into what exactly Li Juezhou had to do. He had been accompanying her every day from dawn till dusk these past few days.
It’s impossible to be sure all the residents are home at the same time, so for the households they miss, they have to keep coming back, and the intensity is quite high.
So even if Li Juezhou had nothing major to do and just wanted to take a break, Sang Ning found it reasonable and justified.
Even a donkey on a farm needs some rest time.
"It’s okay, go handle your business, Xiao Li. You’ve worked hard these days; this is your reward," Sang Ning said, then stood on tiptoe to lightly brush her lips against Li Juezhou’s. "I think this kind of reward might be more meaningful to you."
Sang Ning unabashedly said, feeling that for someone like Li Juezhou, who wasn’t short on money, giving him money wouldn’t stir any emotions, but a kiss might.
"Sangsang, if you truly want to reward me, could you be a bit more sincere?" Li Juezhou, dissatisfied with the brief touch, raised his hand to hold the back of Sang Ning’s head, bringing his lips to hers in an emotional kiss.
Sang Ning didn’t resist, hugging Li Juezhou and responding eagerly until she felt the air depleting and her breath nearly halted. Only then did she push him away. "Watch out, this is a private restaurant, not a deserted one. If someone saw us, it wouldn’t be good."
Li Juezhou, with a satisfied look, chuckled, "Got it, you’re hinting we should arrange to meet somewhere private next time, right?"
Sang Ning gave him a sidelong glance and said speechlessly, "Your skin is getting thicker by the day."
...
Though she might risk being recognized and beaten without Li Juezhou accompanying her, Sang Ning decided to try acting alone.
The place where Doctor Zhou lived was an old neighborhood inhabited mostly by elderly residents. They might not be keen on following entertainment news and probably didn’t even know her name.
While Sang Ning acted alone, Li Juezhou kept his appointment with Chu Tian at the agreed time.
Meeting with Li Juezhou, Chu Tian and Li Sulan were extremely anxious. They had prepared the best hotel under the Chu Group to host him but still feared they might not impress him.
After all, he’s the head of the Hai Chuan Group, likely used to the most luxurious venues. Their best hotel might not even catch his eye.
In their very anxious state, Chu Tian and Li Sulan awaited the person they were eager to meet. But the moment they saw the person, Li Sulan felt her world started shaking, as if it would collapse at any moment.
To show their respect for Li Juezhou, Chu Tian and Li Sulan arrived early to wait at the hotel, even taking on the role of waitstaff, standing at the private room door to personally greet him.
They only knew from Duan Wenhu that the head of Hai Chuan Group had the surname Li, without knowing his exact name.
Upon hearing distant footsteps, Chu Tian and Li Sulan held their breath to await the arrival of a distinguished person.
But when seeing a face both unfamiliar and familiar, Li Sulan instantly dropped her facade and forgot to respond with respect to the newcomer.
With her left hand covering her mouth and her right hand raised to point at him, she incredulously said, "Aren’t you... aren’t you that bodyguard!"
Upon hearing Li Sulan’s words, Chu Tian quickly searched his memory, and then his pupils dilated in shock, "You are Mr. Li?"