Chapter One: The Bequest

Wang Yuluo’s case began quietly and ended just as discreetly. Although Yu Mengpeng was bold in plotting the murder of her cousin, once her crime was exposed, all her masks crumbled. In the police station, her confessions were so thorough that she answered ten for every one question asked.

Her attitude left Zhao Dabao, the officer in charge of her interrogation, amused and exasperated. He joked with Ning Shuyi and the others, saying, “No wonder she studied a double major in law! She’s quicker than most. She tried to use legal loopholes to get rich, and now that she’s caught, she’s working just as hard to show a proactive confession. Not a bit of hesitation!”

But Yu Mengpeng’s plans ultimately failed. Not only did she end up imprisoned, awaiting the judgment of the law without any chance of becoming the wealthy idle lady she had hoped to be—living the life her cousin Wang Yuluo once enjoyed—but even her parents found themselves out of luck.

When the full truth came to light, Wang Yuluo’s father was deeply shaken. He had steeled himself for many possible outcomes, but never imagined that the culprit who harmed his daughter would turn out to be his own close kin.

It was especially devastating when he learned that his sister’s family had, for years, openly and secretly siphoned so much money from him, benefiting time and again, while also deliberately indulging and corrupting his daughter. Even after all those gains, their greed was insatiable, and they finally struck against their own blood. This seasoned businessman, who had battled in the marketplace for years, broke down completely.

After hospital treatments and recovery, Wang Yuluo’s father finally regained most of his health. His first act upon discharge was to send a banner of gratitude to the criminal investigation team, especially thanking Ning Shuyi and her group.

His second act was to seek out a lawyer and draft a letter of intent for a charitable bequest, stipulating that upon his death, all his assets would be donated to local welfare organizations in W City, to help children there gain better lives and education.

Because the bequest involved a considerable sum, it was reported by the local media. Although the case was not particularly sensational, when the truth was revealed, the greed it exposed stirred a great uproar in society.

Some people were shocked by the avarice and cruelty of the aunt’s family. Others envied the vast fortune Wang Yuluo’s father was donating, joking online that although he had lost his daughter, if he wanted a son—one with a college degree—he could have one any time, and they would be the first to sign up.

When the story appeared in the press, there was a flurry of discussion and sighs within the criminal investigation team. Most felt that if Wang Yuluo’s father had paid less attention to business and more to his daughter, their relationship might have been flawless, giving the aunt’s family no opportunity to sow discord. Perhaps the outcome would have been entirely different.

Huo Yan did not join in these discussions, but he followed the news all the same. Compared to the aunt’s family’s “losing everything,” he seemed more intrigued by Wang Yuluo’s father’s decision to donate his estate to welfare institutions. He sat alone with the newspaper, reading silently for a long time.

After the dust settled, Ning Shuyi’s close friends on the team and her colleagues received her customary post-case announcement.

“Team building”—a gathering at Ning Shuyi’s home.

Ning’s father was a retired head chef, having spent his life at the stove. He delighted in cooking and even more so in seeing others enjoy his food. So, at first, when he and Ning’s mother wanted to help their daughter foster harmonious relationships with her colleagues, they organized a few dinners. Apart from the three girls who knew Ning Shuyi from university days, the other colleagues were somewhat reserved.

But after a few more gatherings, as everyone became familiar with Ning’s parents, the atmosphere relaxed. Going to Ning’s home for a meal changed from an invitation to a simple notification: arrive on time.

“Fantastic! After getting motivated to eat at your place, whenever there’s a case, I can’t help but get excited! I’m full of energy! It’s just like when my dad promised to buy me a game console if I scored a hundred on my finals as a kid!” Zhao Dabao exclaimed to Ning Shuyi with anticipation.

“So, did you ever get the game console?” Ning Shuyi asked, smiling.

Zhao Dabao laughed, waving his hand, “Let’s not talk about the past! We should look ahead—like eating at your place the day after tomorrow!”

“I’m looking forward to it, really!” Luo Wei chimed in, “The meal is secondary. I mainly want to send my parents to your house for some training—to learn how to connect with their children! Out of everyone I know, your family has the closest and most harmonious parent-child relationship. So warm, no barriers, but never crossing boundaries. How do you do it? It’s a miracle of human society!”

“Easy enough,” Zhao Dabao teased. “We eat, and you bring your parents to Ning Shuyi’s house just to chat. Sounds great!”

“Dinner at my place this weekend. I’ll send you the address later!” Ning Shuyi listened to their banter, then got up and walked over to Huo Yan, tapping lightly on the desk to get his attention. “Remember to bring your lunchbox!”

Huo Yan was startled. He had intended to stay out of things and thought he’d made that clear. Unexpectedly, Ning Shuyi took the initiative to invite him.

After a brief moment of surprise, he opened his mouth to refuse, but whether it was Luo Wei and Zhao Dabao’s conversation or Ning Shuyi’s mention of the lunchbox—reminding him that he hadn’t properly thanked the two elders for their kindness last time—he found he couldn’t say no after all.

“Got it.” He nodded, a bit uneasy, and left the office.

Ning Shuyi, used to his reactions, simply returned to her seat, unfazed. But Luo Wei was surprised.

“Did Huo Yan just accept your invitation?” he asked.

Ning Shuyi nodded, “Aren’t your ears always sharp? You heard him, so why ask?”

“No, you don’t understand. Since Huo Yan joined our bureau, because of his amazing record as a sniper, lots of people have tried to befriend him—inviting him to play basketball, to eat, to work out, whatever. He always refused, straight out, not leaving anyone room for hope. Why is it so easy for you?”

Ning Shuyi hadn’t known any of this. She was a little surprised, then laughed, “Maybe that’s the power of sweet persuasion! My dad conquered him with a box of pickles!”

(End of chapter)