Hong Kong variety show: Starting from Cold War 1994

Chapter 46 Mary breaks down, Han Chen begs for mercy

Shen Shaofeng and Peng Yingqi sat down opposite Mary without speaking immediately.

According to police regulations, a female police officer must be present when questioning a female suspect or witness.

Peng Yingqi took a bottle of mineral water out of the plastic bag and handed it to Mary.

"Ms. Mary, please have some water."

Mary didn't move, but silently observed Shen Shaofeng.

This policeman must be the same inspector my husband often mentioned who arrested Gandhi and Guo Hua.

Shen Shaofeng didn't say anything either, but took out a bottle of mineral water and gulped it down.

The silence lasted for about three minutes.

Finally, Mary couldn't help but speak first: "Officer, is my husband alright?"

Shen Shaofeng did not answer immediately: "Ms. Mary, I believe the Madam next to me has already told you the details."

"Let me formally introduce myself. I am Inspector Shen Shaofeng from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), and I am in charge of investigating the Ni family and related individuals."

Mary repeated impatiently, "I know, Mr. Shen. But I have the right to know how my husband, Han Chen, is doing, don't I?"

Shen Shaofeng nodded: "Of course you can. You're assisting our police investigation now, and you see we haven't even taken you to the interrogation room."

"Mr. Han is currently communicating with his lawyer."

"However, we're talking about you now. Regarding the 1991 murder of Ni Kun, is there anything you'd like to tell the police?"

Mary had calmed down by now, unlike when she had just received Liu Jianming's secret report at home.

Since Huang Zhicheng is dead, the police should not have direct evidence against him, so what are they afraid of?

She shook her head: "No, I don't know anything."

"Yeah?"

Shen Shaofeng opened a folder and gave Mary a meaningful look.

He didn't press Ni Kun further, but instead abruptly changed the subject: "Inspector Huang Zhicheng, you know him, right?"

Mary looked up abruptly, a flicker of surprise in her eyes: "What do you mean?"

"We've checked, and you and your husband Han Chen grew up in the same housing estate as Inspector Wong Chi-shing of the West Kowloon Regional Crime Unit."

"There is evidence that you and Inspector Wong Chi-shing have had numerous contacts and private meetings over the past few years."

Shen Shaofeng revealed a playful expression: "The meeting place may include, but is not limited to, a club, a coffee shop, or even... a hotel."

Shen Shaofeng emphasized the word "hotel".

It's hard to believe that a man and a woman would go to a hotel alone to have a heart-to-heart talk.

Mary's face grew increasingly grim, and she glared angrily at Shen Shaofeng: "Shen Sir, you're violating my privacy..."

Shen Shaofeng waved his hand, stopping her from throwing a tantrum: "I have no interest in your private life, Ms. Mary."

"I just want to know, in the days surrounding Ni Kun's murder, the two of you seemed to have been talking on the phone quite frequently. What did you talk about at that time?"

"We...we didn't talk about anything, we were just chatting like ordinary friends." Mary's voice was already tinged with obvious panic.

"Just chatting with ordinary friends? Ms. Mary, you are Han Chen's wife, you should know very well that we police do not make baseless accusations when investigating cases."

"The fact that we were able to invite you here and ask these questions means that we have more information than you think."

"I have an obligation to remind you that whether or not you voluntarily confess is an important factor in the judge's sentencing decision."

Shen Shaofeng's relentless pressure made Mary increasingly nervous.

She went over it in her mind again and concluded that it was impossible for the police to have any concrete evidence.

"I'm sure it was just a normal chat. If you have evidence, then sue me!"

"Understood, thank you for your cooperation. You can leave after you finish the formalities."

To Mary's surprise, Shen Shaofeng actually stood up and prepared to leave the interrogation room with Peng Yingqi, who was in charge of taking notes.

"Oh, by the way, after I check some simple questions with Mr. Han, he can leave with you."

Just before leaving, Shen Shaofeng mentioned something seemingly casually.

Mary's expression changed drastically, and she shouted, "Sir Shen, wait!"

"I...I'm telling you, you absolutely must not tell my husband about my affair with Huang Zhicheng!"

Shen Shaofeng and Peng Yingqi exchanged a glance, sat back down, and handed the mineral water to Mary again, gesturing for her to sit down.

Mary took the bottled water, drank a few sips, composed herself, and then said, "It was all Huang Zhicheng's fault. He said he wanted to deal with Ni Kun and asked me to find out everything about Ni Kun..."

Peng Yingqi was taking notes diligently, while Shen Shaofeng shook his head inwardly: This woman is still avoiding the important issues.

Mary recounted her carefully crafted lie, becoming increasingly calm as she spoke.

"Is that all? Is there anything else?"

"No, Inspector Shen, I've cooperated fully and hope I can help your police."

Shen Shaofeng nodded: "Okay, we'll check with the person involved..."

Before he could finish speaking, Mary scoffed.

What kind of rising star in the police force is this?

She crossed her arms over her chest, leaned back in her chair, and said smugly, "Sir Shen, don't think I really don't understand the law. The benefit of the doubt goes to the defendant. Huang Zhicheng is dead; there's no way to verify anything now. What are you verifying?"

"Oh?"

Shen Shaofeng leaned forward slightly, staring at Mary: "When did I tell you that Inspector Huang Zhicheng was dead?"

The interrogation room was deathly silent.

Peng Yingqi burst out laughing.

She was professionally trained not to laugh, no matter how funny it was—unless she couldn't help it.

Mary's face turned deathly pale, and she pointed at Shen Shaofeng, stammering, "You...you..."

"Was it a mole within West Kowloon who told you?"

Before Mary could respond, Shen Shaofeng took out his phone and made a call in front of her.

"Hello, Kwong Sir, it's me, Shen Shaofeng from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau."

"You work in West Kowloon, right? Here's a favor for you: investigate a plainclothes police officer named Lau Kin-ming..."

"Okay, that's settled then. Don't be shy, have some tea sometime."

Upon hearing the name "Liu Jianming," Mary finally broke down, covering her face and weeping bitterly.

Peng Yingqi handed her a pack of tissues. After a long while, Mary finally spoke, "Sir Shen, I'm willing to cooperate with the police and confess everything, but my husband is truly innocent. I'd like to see him first..."

"Can."

……

Half an hour later, in the interrogation room.

Different locations, same interrogators and recorders.

Han Chen's eyes were red, clearly indicating that he hadn't fully calmed down after talking with Mary.

"Mr. Han, I am Inspector Shen Shaofeng from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), and this is my assistant, Constable Peng Yingqi."

"You are now being interrogated in accordance with the law, and you have the right to request that a lawyer be present."

Han Chen shook his head: "No need, I'm willing to cooperate with the police."

Shen Shaofeng nodded and said, "Very good, thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Han. Let's start with the case of Ni Kun's murder in 1991."

Han Chen took a deep breath: "I can tell you everything I know about the Ni family, including Uncle Kun, but I have one request."

"Please speak."

"Please, Inspector Shen, save my wife's life!"