Chapter 50: The Storm of Denunciation (1)

Upon hearing Zhang Heng’s words, Director Shang and Officer Yang both fell into deep contemplation. They, too, believed that Zhang Heng standing before them was unlikely to be lying.

At that moment, a policeman approached the interrogation room and said to Officer Yang, “Captain Yang, the Provincial Public Security Bureau Director has arrived; he’s right outside.”

This announcement instantly snapped Director Shang and Officer Yang back to attention.

“What? The director is at the door now?” Officer Yang asked.

“Yes,” the policeman confirmed.

“All right, noted,” Officer Yang replied.

After hearing this, the policeman left the room.

“Shang, why do you think the director has come here at this time?” Officer Yang turned to Director Shang.

“I don’t know, but if he’s here, it’s definitely not for anything good,” Shang replied, causing Yang to chuckle.

“Stop laughing. Let’s go meet him at the door,” Yang said.

“Sure, sure,” Shang agreed.

The two rose and headed toward the entrance. Upon arrival, they indeed found the director lingering by the door, his official vehicle parked nearby. When the director saw them approaching, he immediately stopped and stood firm.

“Director, it’s an honor to have you here. Please forgive our lack of preparation,” Officer Yang said respectfully and humbly.

The director smiled faintly.

“Shang, what are you doing here?” the director asked.

“Oh, I was just passing by and heard that Captain Yang had captured a familiar drug dealer. It seems it was quite a difficult arrest... I came to take a look and realized it’s someone we know,” Shang explained, then fell silent.

“Who?” the director asked, puzzled.

“The person is in the interrogation room,” Officer Yang quickly reported.

“Let’s go. Take me to see him,” the director said.

“Right this way, director,” Yang replied.

Inside the interrogation room, the director saw Zhang Heng seated and was also struck with disbelief.

Just as the director was about to speak, his phone rang. He checked and saw that the call came from a landline number at the National Public Security Ministry in the capital. Such a call to his mobile could only mean something urgent or important.

Without hesitation, he answered.

On the other end, the voice asked if he was in T City and whether they had caught Yang Xiaoqiang, the international drug dealer.

The director felt momentarily at a loss and glanced at Officer Yang and Director Shang. Both nodded vigorously, and Yang whispered, “Yes, just caught him.”

Hearing this, the director responded affirmatively to the Ministry.

The voice on the line then instructed them to secure the detainee and his gang and said that they would head to S Province soon to discuss the matter.

The director kept replying, “Understood, understood.”

Then, the voice asked if they knew the whereabouts of Comrade Zhang Heng, who had been dispatched this time.

Upon hearing this, the director handed the phone to Officer Yang.

Officer Yang took the phone and thoroughly explained the details about Zhang Heng and the drug gang, including the fact that Zhang had been caught once before.

After Yang finished, the Ministry requested that the phone be passed back to the director and asked them to record the call.

The director took the phone, activated the recording, and the voice commanded them to use any means necessary to escort Comrade Zhang Heng to Beijing at all costs. This was an order.

Then the call ended.

After the call, the director discussed with Director Shang and Officer Yang how best to escort Zhang Heng to Beijing.

They agreed on the plan. Director Shang arranged for a new police vehicle to be serviced and fueled. Once everything was ready, they picked up Zhang Heng, boarded the vehicle, and immediately set off for Beijing.

...

Thus, Zhang Heng was taken back to the capital.

Upon arrival in Beijing, following Brother Li’s instructions, Zhang first went to the city’s Public Security Bureau’s drug rehabilitation center. There, he completed the application for detoxification as directed by Brother Li and was then admitted to the center for compulsory detoxification.

...

That same day, staff at the center made the arrangements for him.

During detox, Zhang cooperated fully with the staff but also suffered the torment of withdrawal. However, determined to leave as soon as possible, he endured the pain with great fortitude.

Finally, after two weeks of detoxification and medical treatment, he successfully overcame his addiction.

With detox complete, he was free to leave the center. Just as he was about to depart, a stranger arrived, requesting to meet with him.

Today was his release day. He had woken up early at dawn, around six o’clock, full of excitement. As usual, after rising, he cleaned up and tidied his belongings, then went to the running track in the yard. It was only 6:30 a.m., the time set by the center for morning assembly. At the moment, he was the only one on the track.

He waited quietly until, ten minutes later, the instructor appeared. Zhang was especially happy today and stood at attention, saluting the instructor with a bright smile.

“Good morning, Instructor,” he greeted.

The instructor, a retired special forces soldier named Li Xiang, had served with distinction in a domestic military district’s elite special forces unit. During his service, he participated in numerous national operations: anti-drug campaigns, counterterrorism missions... In one such operation, trusting a local farmer—who was actually an enemy informant—his entire squad was ambushed. Despite this, through his steady resolve and sharp judgment, he led his squad to escape, though he was wounded. The injuries were irreversible, and after recovery, he received the devastating news that he could no longer serve in the military.

Yet, driven by his deep patriotism and exemplary record, he was assigned as an instructor at the capital’s drug rehabilitation center upon retirement, dedicating himself to helping those tormented by addiction reclaim their lives and contribute positively to society.

The instructor glanced at Zhang and smiled, saying as he passed, “Hello.”

Zhang’s excitement grew, his smile broadening.

Seeing this, the instructor asked, “How have you been during your time here?”

“Thank you, Instructor. I’ve been very well,” Zhang replied.

“Good. You’ve worked hard. On behalf of those in society not yet harmed by drugs, I thank you,” the instructor said, then straightened up and saluted Zhang.

The instructor was well aware of Zhang Heng’s unique background: a former police detective who had fallen into drug use for the sake of duty. Indeed, the center informed instructors of detainees’ information immediately upon admission, especially for someone as special as Zhang Heng.

Zhang returned the salute respectfully. “You’re too kind.”

At that moment, other patients began gathering nearby.

Zhang quickly turned to the instructor, “Instructor, I’ll line up now.”

“Mm,” the instructor nodded.

Zhang returned to the starting line on the track. The others greeted the instructor and took their places as well.

Once everyone was assembled, the instructor led them in running laps around the track, chanting, “One-two-one, one-two-one, one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four...”

...

After several laps, they finished and went to the dining hall for breakfast—a joyful time for all.

As usual, everyone lined up calmly, collected their breakfast packed in disposable bags, and returned to their seats to eat.

Afterward, they politely disposed of their trash and returned to the yard to await the instructor’s instructions on who would receive medication, who would undergo assisted treatment, and who would be released.

For all the detox patients, daily life here resembled the disciplined routine of military service.

Once gathered on the yard, the instructor arrived last, as always.

...

The instructor came to the assembly point where everyone was already standing and waiting.

“Attention!” he commanded.

Everyone stood even straighter.

The instructor habitually pulled out his phone, glanced at the screen, and addressed the group.

“Today, Zhang Feichang and Liu Chunwen will undergo medication treatment. Zhao Yang, Liu Ganggang, and Zhang Chuan will receive assisted treatment. Zhang Heng will be released today. The rest will stay and continue their studies.”

“Now, please join me in applauding Zhang Heng as we send him off.”

Everyone applauded.

After a minute, the clapping ceased.

“Dismissed,” the instructor said.

Those named then went to their designated areas. Zhang headed to his dorm room to pack his belongings, as he would be leaving today and needed to take all his personal effects.

He packed his toiletries in a bag, folded his clothes neatly, and disposed of his trash.

While doing so, a duty officer approached his room.

“Hello, are you Zhang Heng?” the officer asked.

Zhang, startled, looked up at the uniformed policeman.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Good. Come with me to the reception room. Someone wants to see you.”

After speaking, the officer turned and waited outside the room.

Zhang was puzzled and anxious, wondering who could be seeking him.

He set aside his belongings, stood, and followed the officer out of the dormitory toward the reception room near the main gate.

Upon arrival, the officer stopped and said, “Wait here for a moment.”

“Okay,” Zhang nodded.

The officer entered the room.

Several minutes later, he reappeared, walked over to Zhang, and said, “All right, you can go in now. After your meeting, please come back out and notify us before returning to pack your things.”

“Understood,” Zhang replied.

The officer then returned to the duty guard room.

Without further thought, Zhang entered the reception room.

Inside sat a middle-aged man with a dignified appearance, wearing glasses, evidently someone of director or ministerial rank. He sat politely on the sofa.

Seeing Zhang enter, the man immediately stood, approached with a kindly expression, and extended his right hand for a handshake. Zhang responded in kind.

They shook hands firmly for a minute before releasing.

The man spoke, “Comrade Zhang Heng, greetings.”

Zhang replied, “Hello.”

“You are a graduate of our National Police University, a new member of the Capital Public Security Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Team, and about a month ago...” the man began, speaking fluently and at length.

Though Zhang felt a bit impatient, he listened attentively.

The man continued, “You also assisted the Public Security Bureau of T City in S Province in dismantling the drug trafficking gang led by Yang Xiaoqiang, the international drug lord listed on Interpol’s Red Notice. You were an undercover police officer within that gang, correct?”

When the man finished, Zhang felt relieved and replied, “Yes, that’s right.”

Taking the initiative, Zhang smiled and asked, “May I know who you are?”

He looked expectantly at the man, awaiting his response.