Chapter 54: The Storm of Accusations (Part 5)

After spending some time at home, Zhang Heng felt it was truly a wonderful period. Indeed, upon returning home, the news about how he had solved a shocking dismemberment case in a capital city mall within three days, which had been broadcast on television, earned him widespread praise from most villagers. Moreover, he had not told anyone—not even his parents or family—that he had been dismissed from his job. This led the villagers to mistakenly believe he was still a police officer, a detective with exceptional investigative skills, which only increased their respect for him.

The villagers’ admiration made him naturally popular everywhere in the village, and he greatly enjoyed this affection. Furthermore, he brought home a substantial sum of money—over 100,000 yuan. He vaguely remembered that most of this money came from dealings with a drug trafficking gang. The first time he went to a hotel, following instructions from a message, he earned 50,000 yuan. After getting closer to the drug boss, he was generously given 60,000 yuan. Then, upon returning home as requested by a text from an unknown but presumably connected party, he received another 20,000 yuan, totaling 130,000 yuan. He used this money to cover household expenses, buy furniture, daily necessities, and gifts for his family, which earned him further praise.

Because he was spending this money on the family, his parents, especially his mother and father, doted on him even more. He remembered waking naturally each day, having meals served without lifting a finger, and never having to do chores. The family bore no complaints—such is the power of money.

Truly, his lifestyle bordered on luxury. Yet, merely enjoying this happiness while doing nothing also left him feeling bored and listless. Over time, even his family began to voice complaints. After staying at home for half a month, one day during dinner, his father asked why he had been resting at home for so long without returning to work.

When he first came home, he lied to his family, claiming he had just completed part of a major case and that the police department leaders, seeing his hard work and contributions, granted him a rest period. The exact length would depend on when the leaders called him back. Initially, he planned to rest for no more than ten days, at most half a month, and then return to work. But after a week, he became lost in the comfort of this life and kept postponing his return.

Now, faced with his father’s expectant gaze and the family's silent waiting, he hesitated but finally said, “Dad, after dinner, I’ll call my boss and find out. It should be within a day or two.”

Hearing this, his father relaxed and resumed eating. Following his father’s suggestion, Zhang Heng went outside after the meal to make a fake phone call. Looking at the sky, the earth, and everything around him, he realized he could no longer sink further. He thought about finding another job as a police officer.

Yes, he could definitely find another police job. When he left, Li Ge had told him that if he sought police work again, he must follow the rules and not cross any lines.

Well, if so, he would find another police job. This thought filled him with joy. He glanced at his home, then resolved that if he found another position, it must not be near his home or even in his city. Ideally, he would go to another province, find a good police job, and then explain to his father that he was assigned there. If his father insisted on investigating further, then he would confess the truth.

With this resolve, he took out his phone and opened recruitment apps like Boss Direct Hire, Zhilian Recruitment, and Liepin to search for police positions.

At first glance, he was delighted to see that all these platforms had police-related job openings across the country, including locally. This discovery thrilled him.

Just then, his father approached and noticed him intently staring at the phone. He asked, “Have you called?”

The question brought Zhang Heng back to reality. Seeing his father, he replied, “Dad, I just called the boss. No answer—probably busy. I’ll try again tonight.”

“Don’t worry, son. If your boss hasn’t sent you back yet, it means he really wants you to rest,” his father said with a smile.

“Alright, alright. Heng’er, how about we visit your second aunt’s house this afternoon?” his father proposed.

Zhang Heng was a bit surprised. “Dad, why? What for?”

“Heng’er, you’re not getting any younger. You’re 23 now, graduated from university, and even have a job. Isn’t it time to think about your future?” his father said.

“Do you mean I should find a girlfriend?” Zhang Heng asked.

“Yes! You’re not in a hurry, but I’m worried for you,” his father replied.

Hearing this, Zhang Heng’s thoughts drifted back to his past romances during his school years.

He clearly remembered his first relationship, which began in high school. In his first year, having scored excellently in the entrance exam—second in his class, third in the school—he was admitted to the city’s top-ranked provincial key high school.

This school had no poor students—only top achievers and those from well-off families. Because of his outstanding grades, a fellow classmate, Liang Siru, who wasn’t academically strong but came from a good family, took an interest in him.

At first, their relationship was pleasant, but over time, his grades declined. Their homeroom teacher called them in, warning them to prioritize studies over relationships, and even summoned their parents to school.

After discovering Liang Siru was dating at school, her parents transferred her to another school, ending their relationship.

Zhang Heng later realized that Liang Siru’s feelings were somewhat utilitarian—she mainly wanted his academic help. With her transfer, his first romance officially ended. They never met again, nor did he have any contact information.

His second romance also occurred in high school but during his final year. One evening after self-study, he went for a jog to exercise before sleeping. Feeling hungry afterward, he planned to buy some late-night snacks outside the campus.

Near the school gate, he found a girl lying unconscious in the woods. Her clothes were torn, and she was bleeding.

Though it was unrelated to him, he acted out of kindness, carrying her to a bench and immediately calling an ambulance. He even followed her to the hospital and used all his money to pay her medical bills.

When she recovered, the girl was deeply grateful and offered to marry him. Zhang Heng happily inquired about her background and learned she was from a neighboring class, falsely accused and beaten by classmates.

He helped her clear her name and secure compensation, which deepened her affection for him. They spent the remaining months of high school together.

After the college entrance exam, the girl was admitted to Fudan University, her dream school. Zhang Heng also qualified for Fudan but, following his father’s wishes and his own plans, enrolled at the People’s Public Security University of his country.

Since they attended different universities, their relationship quickly faded like the wind.

During university, although he wanted to date, his major left little opportunity. Now, after graduation, working under Li Ge’s team, and reflecting on all this, Zhang Heng felt a surge of emotions, like new shoots after rain.

He longed to find love again, but he currently had no job.

His father then asked, “What are you thinking about?”