Chapter 64: Come, Principal Qu, Put the Handcuffs on Yourself!

After confirming that Qu Wenbiao would be the next breakthrough point, the action of the Huaihai Criminal Investigation Team was very swift, with police cars speeding down the highway.

The trip that originally took 20 minutes was shortened by nearly half due to Xu Changsheng’s quick driving.

Upon arriving at the entrance of Shude Middle School, Su Ming opened the passenger door and got out of the car. He noticed that the media interview vehicles surrounding the area had increased compared to earlier in the morning.

However, the vehicles from the Huaihai District Education Bureau had already left, likely anticipating…

This case was not as simple as expected, so they didn’t waste time waiting for the results. It was probably better for them to prepare for the worst and head back to the Education Bureau for a meeting to discuss a solution, which might prove more valuable.

After all, this case, with the exaggerated reports from unscrupulous media, had already gained considerable attention online.

…

When Su Ming and Xu Changsheng, both in police uniforms, walked into the campus, they were unexpectedly surprised to find…

Not far from the school gate, Qu Wenbiao, wearing a thin mask, was surrounded by a large group of reporters.

Some held microphones, others held mobile phones, and some even had recording pens, all trying to guide and question Qu Wenbiao.

“Principal Qu, we’ve heard that this is a case of intentional murder. Does this reveal the flaws and errors in the years of militarized management at Shude Middle School?”

“Principal Qu, we have yet to see the victim’s family here. Has your school spent a large amount of money to reach a settlement with the victim’s family?”

“Principal Qu, does this incident of a student falling from a building make you reconsider your school’s philosophy? Will you shift from a focus on grades to quality education and all-around development?”

“Principal Qu, please take off your mask…”

“Principal Qu…”

From these leading questions, it was clear that most of the people surrounding Qu Wenbiao were not official media outlets. They were mostly second-rate newspapers and various internet influencers, attempting to obtain firsthand information and sensationalize it to attract traffic.

But there was nothing they could do.

It had already been several hours since Zhang Wan’s fall, and if they didn’t respond soon, these people might fabricate all sorts of nonsense. If the fabricated reports were widely accepted by netizens and the public, even if the police later released a complete case report, it might be of no use.

In other words, most netizens would only want to hear the results they wanted, not the so-called truth.

Xu Changsheng glanced at Qu Wenbiao, surrounded by reporters, and couldn’t help but sneer.

“If I hadn’t looked up some information beforehand…”

“I might have really believed Qu Wenbiao was a good principal. In order to protect the school’s reputation, he’s having to deal with these unscrupulous media this way.”

“But with the relevant information in hand…”

“I feel like accepting interviews with these shameless media outlets now is just a way to cover up his earlier panic when he repeatedly called Director Lin.”

…

At this moment, Su Ming and Xu Changsheng had already approached the crowd.

Qu Wenbiao’s slightly hoarse voice could be clearly heard.

“Dear reporters, I’ve told you countless times, the cause of the fall is still under investigation, and I can’t provide you with any answers or thoughts at the moment.”

“As for whether the school rules or atmosphere will be adjusted, or even the management model, please wait until the truth behind this tragedy is uncovered.”

“If you still don’t believe me, I can call Director Lin from the Huaihai Criminal Investigation Team right here and have him speak about the progress of the case!”

“Compared to me, I’m sure you’d…”

Before Qu Wenbiao could finish, Xu Changsheng, standing at the back of the circle, who no one had noticed, interrupted him with a cold voice.

“Principal Qu.”

“There’s no need to call Director Lin.”

“The case is currently at a critical stage, and Director Lin is unavailable to take your call. That’s why we’ve come to escort you to the Criminal Investigation Team.”

“We’ll work together to clear up the details of the case and uncover the true cause of the fall.”

Upon hearing these words, the reporters surrounding Qu Wenbiao all turned their heads towards the source of the voice.

When they saw Xu Changsheng, dressed in a police uniform and with a cold expression, they instinctively made way, stepping aside to give him room.

Qu Wenbiao, who had half-raised his phone as if he was about to call Lin Tian, froze for a moment.

He quickly looked at Xu Changsheng and Su Ming, his expression awkward and somewhat forced, and replied.

“Hmm?”

“Director Lin wants me to go to the Criminal Investigation Team?”

“Okay, okay, let me finish up here and I’ll go with you to see the latest progress of the case.”

As Xu Changsheng clarified the intention, Su Ming’s gaze remained fixed on Qu Wenbiao’s face, carefully observing his micro-expressions.

Although he was wearing a mask, Su Ming could detect a hint of nervousness and panic in Qu Wenbiao’s eyes and the tone of his response.

Clearly, even if Qu Wenbiao wasn’t the direct perpetrator of the fall, he was definitely involved in the case!

When they first visited Shude Middle School, Qu Wenbiao had been accompanying the leaders from the Education Bureau, arranging for Vice-Principal Zhang Heng to cooperate with Su Ming and others in investigating the case, which allowed Qu Wenbiao to avoid suspicion for now.

Otherwise, in the beginning…

A simple round of questioning could have easily exposed him!

From the current situation, it was clear that Qu Wenbiao’s mental fortitude was not up to par. A simple comment from Xu Changsheng had already made him visibly tense.

In order to avoid wasting more time, Xu Changsheng walked through the gap created by the reporters, stood next to Qu Wenbiao, and coldly instructed.

“Everyone, disperse.”

“We’ll release the specific investigation results soon, so please don’t hinder our work during this time.”

“I’m sure no one here…”

“Wants to end up in the Huaihai Criminal Investigation Team, drinking tea while we expose all your secrets, right?”

Once this was said, no further words were needed.

The so-called “journalists” around them, holding various recording devices, looked at each other in silence for a moment before tacitly dispersing, not daring to utter another word.

After all, criminal police were considered an untouchable profession in the minds of most people in the Dragon Kingdom.

After these unscrupulous reporters dispersed, Xu Changsheng casually placed his arm around Qu Wenbiao’s shoulder, wearing a warm smile, as though Lin Tian had specifically sent him to invite Qu Wenbiao.

In reality, he was trying to control Qu Wenbiao and prevent any unexpected situations from occurring.

Thus, the two of them appeared to be very close as they approached the police car. After Qu Wenbiao sat in the back seat, Xu Changsheng’s smile immediately disappeared, and he coldly opened the driver’s door. He tossed the handcuffs onto the empty seat beside him, looked at the rearview mirror, and coldly said to Qu Wenbiao.

“Come on, Principal Qu.”

“You’re a highly educated scholar and a party member. I don’t want to resort to forceful measures.”

“So, put the handcuffs on yourself. I’ve already given you enough face in front of the media. I hope you don’t make things difficult for me now.”

These words made Qu Wenbiao freeze for a moment. He looked at the handcuffs on the seat beside him, opened his mouth as if to say something, but before he could speak, Xu Changsheng, with one hand on the steering wheel, turned his body slightly and gave Qu Wenbiao a cold look.

After a few seconds of silence, Qu Wenbiao lowered his head in resignation, picked up the silver handcuffs, and with a “click,” locked them onto his own wrists, his eyes dimly staring out the window…