chapter 14 visit

"Second Brother... Second Brother, he's back?" Robert Li said excitedly. Since childhood, he had the closest relationship with Alex Ye, and if it weren't for him, Alex Ye wouldn't have been forced to leave his hometown. So, he always felt responsible for what happened to Alex Ye. Otherwise, Alex Ye should have had a better future by now.
"I had just returned yesterday and got taken away by the police. Third Brother, I've never asked you for anything, but this time, I beg you to save Second Brother no matter what. He can't endure that kind of suffering again." Dad said on the other end of the phone with a sad tone.
"Dad, don't worry, even if you didn't say anything, I would still save Second Brother." Robert Li said.
"With you saying that, I can rest assured." Dad said.
After hanging up the phone, Robert Li didn't hesitate for a moment. He immediately called the sub-bureau where Alex Ye was detained. It was already late in the evening, and the police at the sub-bureau had long finished their shifts, leaving only a few officers on duty. When they received Robert Li's call, they were all surprised. After all, he was their immediate superior. Robert Li first asked some unrelated questions casually, then turned the conversation to Alex Ye, saying, "I heard you arrested a suspect named Alex Ye today, is that right?"
The on-duty police were taken aback, not understanding why the chief of the district public security bureau suddenly mentioned this suspect. They wondered if Alex Ye was his relative or friend. They didn't hesitate and quickly replied, "Yes, Chief, that's indeed the case. This morning, we received a report saying that someone was attacking in Moneyful Garden, so we sent officers to the scene. Captain Wang and his team arrested the suspect, Alex Ye, in the hospital in the afternoon."
"Who reported the case?" Robert Li asked.
"The victim himself reported it. He's a coal mine owner from SX Province who invested in our city. The incident happened at his home. According to the victim's statement, the suspect broke into his house, attempted to extort money, and then beat him severely when it failed," the on-duty police answered.
Robert Li thought for a moment. Although they hadn't seen each other for many years, he still knew Alex Ye well. Alex Ye would never extort someone for no reason. And having such a foolish criminal directly barge into someone's house to extort, and then resorting to violence when it failed? Given this situation, there must be some other underlying reason behind this case. "Where is the suspect now?" Robert Li continued to ask.
"He's in the detention center," the on-duty police replied.
After a moment of silence, Robert Li said, "Alright, it's fine. The World Expo is approaching, and the city is taking security very seriously. There must be no slackening whatsoever, do you understand?"
"Yes, Chief!" The on-duty police quickly responded. After Robert Li hung up, they were utterly puzzled, not understanding the meaning behind his call. If Alex Ye was his person, at the very least, he should have instructed them to take extra care, shouldn't he?
Just after hanging up, Dad called again, and Robert Li hurriedly answered. "Third Brother, how is it?" Dad asked with concern.
"Dad, I just asked. Second Brother is suspected of extortion and intentionally causing bodily harm to others, leaving an investor in our city's coal mine severely injured,” Robert Li said.
"Nonsense, why would Second Brother extort someone for no reason? He must have been framed," Dad insisted.
"I think so too. There are many doubts about this case. However, it seems that Second Brother did injure someone. Dad, do you know who Second Brother might have such a big grudge with?" Robert Li asked.
"Your brother left home eight years ago. He just returned today. Who could he possibly have a grudge with?" Dad said. After a moment of silence, he continued, "By the way, I was injured and hospitalized yesterday. It seems that the person Second Brother beat up might be him."
"Dad, are you okay?" Robert Li asked anxiously.
"I'm fine," Dad said, "Third Brother, no matter what, you must find a way to get Second Brother out."
"With the World Expo approaching, the city is cracking down hard on all kinds of security crimes. Second Brother's case might be a bit tricky,” Robert Li said after a moment of silence. "But Dad, rest assured, I will make sure Second Brother walks out of the police station unscathed."
"Good, good," Dad said.
Early the next morning, Robert Li rushed to the hospital without stopping. He was currently at a crucial point for his promotion. Any slight mistake might jeopardize his chances of promotion. Although for the sake of Alex Ye's gratitude, Robert Li could easily discard his position as the district public security bureau chief, if he were to be caught by his political enemies, not only would he get into trouble, but he might not even be able to save Alex Ye. This case was just a very ordinary public security case. As long as the victim withdrew the complaint, Alex Ye would be safe.
After inquiring with a nurse about the ward where David Zeng was staying, Robert Li went straight there with the gifts he brought.
Seeing Robert Li in a police uniform, David Zeng was slightly taken aback. When he saw the three stars on Robert Li's shoulder, the insignia of a first-level police inspector, a cadre at the official level, David Zeng was even more puzzled.
"May I ask if you're Mr. David Zeng?" Robert Li asked politely.
"Yes, yes, that's me. Is there something the leader needs?" David Zeng said obsequiously. Although he had millions in wealth, this place wasn't his territory, and the other party was a first-level cadre. He didn't dare to be even a little arrogant.
"Hehe, nothing in particular, just came to visit you." Robert Li said as he walked in, placing the gift on the nearby table, and continued, "How are you feeling? Is your health okay?"
A first-level cadre visiting him for no apparent reason, David Zeng would never believe it. Although he didn't understand Robert Li's intention in coming, David Zeng still said respectfully, "I'm much better now."
"Mr. Zeng came to invest in our city, but ended up getting injured and hospitalized. It shows that our work wasn't done properly. On behalf of the police officers in our city, I apologize to you." Robert Li said.
"Oh, Chief, please don't say that, you'd be taking my life. I believe that the leadership will seek justice for me." David Zeng said.
Robert Li was silent for a moment and then said, "Mr. Zeng, actually, the reason I came this time is twofold. To visit you and the other is... well, there's something I'd like to ask Mr. Zeng."
"Chief, whatever it is, just say it. As long as I can do it, I'll do it for you." David Zeng said.
"Just having Mr. Zeng say that is enough. Then I'll be direct." Robert Li said, "The person who injured Mr. Zeng yesterday is actually my Second Brother. So, I'm hoping Mr. Zeng could withdraw the complaint. I understand that Mr. Zeng must be in a difficult position, but I still hope Mr. Zeng can do me this favour. As for your medical expenses, we will compensate you."
..