Chapter 38: The Surveillance Plan (2)

After receiving the report from Director Shang, the superiors in Beijing were deeply shocked. Following Director Shang’s request, they immediately initiated a comprehensive investigation into Zhang Heng. To scrutinize his background and personnel files, they established a special task force. Simultaneously, they launched an investigation into Brother Li, the leader of Zhang Heng’s team, and suspended him from his leadership role, replacing him with a seasoned veteran detective. In China, particularly within the professional sphere, leaders are often held accountable for the mistakes of their subordinates. Though Brother Li was stunned by the allegations against Zhang Heng and found it impossible to believe, the mounting evidence—amplified by news coverage—left him with no choice but to accept the situation.

The task force first conducted a preliminary investigation into Brother Li, but after exhausting all avenues without finding any irregularities, they cleared him. They then turned their focus to a more thorough investigation of Zhang Heng, examining everything from his family, social circle, credit history, and personnel files to his mobile phone records. Aside from text messages between Zhang Heng and drug dealers—which clearly showed the traffickers setting a trap to lure Zhang Heng into meeting a certain "Brother Liang Song," step-by-step ensnaring him to serve as a scapegoat—no other incriminating information was found. It became evident that Zhang Heng had been framed and deceived.

To leave no stone unturned, investigators interviewed Zhang Heng’s family, friends, and former classmates. Without exception, everyone insisted that Zhang Heng was innocent and incapable of such acts. Despite this, the investigative findings remained unchanged. The task force submitted their report—concluding that Zhang Heng had been manipulated by traffickers into becoming a scapegoat—along with the chat logs, to the superiors. Faced with this report and the physical evidence, the leadership was taken aback and convened a meeting to discuss the matter. During the session, one official suggested, "We should give Comrade Zhang Heng a chance. Let him continue to communicate with the traffickers so he can infiltrate their organization and take them all down at once." This proposal received unanimous approval. Others stepped up to defend him, arguing, "Zhang Heng is undoubtedly an excellent criminal investigator. Remember the mall case in our city? He solved it in less than a week. He is clearly exceptional. Perhaps this current situation is a ruse he orchestrated to gain the traffickers' trust so he could go undercover."

The superiors did not make a final decision immediately. The following day, they organized another meeting involving members of the National Anti-Drug Brigade, senior investigators, Brother Li, and various forensic experts. Upon hearing the details of the case, the Anti-Drug Brigade representatives concluded that Zhang Heng’s actions were a deliberate performance. They reasoned that Zhang Heng knew he was being targeted as a scapegoat, and by allowing himself to be arrested, he sacrificed his reputation to gain the traffickers' trust. Once released, he could then infiltrate their ranks and dismantle the network from within. This was a classic "bitter fruit" tactic often used against major drug lords, a level of strategic foresight rarely seen in standard criminal investigators. This theory gained immediate support from everyone present.

After two meetings reached the same conclusion, the superiors communicated with Director Shang of the Taiyuan Municipal Public Security Bureau, requesting a private video conference with Zhang Heng. Director Shang arranged the call promptly. During the conference, a superior asked, "Comrade Zhang Heng, tell us honestly, what is the meaning behind your arrest for drug concealment? Do you have a larger plan in mind, as Director Shang reported?"

Zhang Heng faced the camera, saluted, and replied, "Reporting to my superiors, I, Zhang Heng, a criminal investigator from the Beijing Public Security Bureau, am here to report the truth. While investigating the Liang Lahua case involving a Shaanxi woman several years ago, I accidentally discovered that drugs were being secretly circulated on the black market in Shaanxi Province. Through clandestine investigation, I found that these drugs were being funneled into the province from outside. I have now basically mapped out the location of this group of traffickers. You are correct; I planned to approach them under the guise of a desperate man to eventually infiltrate their ranks. This criminal record for drug concealment is actually helpful to me. Please rest assured, I have full confidence in completing this mission."

"Excellent," the superior said, applauding from the other side of the screen. He turned to Director Shang and asked, "Director Shang, did you hear that? Is this comrade really a drug dealer?" Director Shang joined in the applause.

"Comrade Zhang Heng, what are your plans and strategies for this drug trafficking group moving forward?" the superior asked.

"Reporting, sir, my plan is to play the part to the end. To make the traffickers believe me, I must sacrifice my reputation. I hope you and Director Shang can coordinate to have me criminally detained for drug concealment—it would be best if you even let the news media report it. Later, you can grant me a sentence reduction and release me. Once I am out, it will be much easier to contact them legitimately and infiltrate their organization. That way, we can easily wipe out this drug trafficking ring hiding in Shaanxi," Zhang Heng explained.

"Excellent," the superior repeated, clapping once more. Some officials gave him a thumbs-up, exclaiming, "Brilliant, truly brilliant. He is a credit to the profession. Zhang Heng is no ordinary criminal investigator."

The superior then addressed Director Shang, "Director Shang, do you agree that Comrade Zhang Heng’s proposal is excellent?"

"It is excellent," Director Shang replied. "I have always felt that Comrade Zhang Heng was extraordinary. Since he arrived in Shaanxi, we knew he was different from other investigators. Today, he has proven his worth."

"Then, Director Shang, your bureau must provide every possible convenience for Comrade Zhang Heng’s mission. He is our officer, and he has been helping your province with an old case, and now he is helping you catch drug traffickers."

"Yes, of course," Director Shang agreed.

"Very well, Comrade Zhang Heng."

"Present."

"We will await the news of your victory in Beijing."

"I guarantee I will complete the mission."

"Good."

With that, the video conference concluded. It was 9:50 PM, yet Director Shang immediately began organizing for the following day’s operations. He knew that Zhang Heng was the only one capable of getting close to the drug traffickers hiding in their city. Indeed, Comrade Zhang Heng was truly unlike any other detective.