Chapter 23: The Summons

Wu Yongcheng and Zhou Yi drove back to the Municipal Bureau to submit urgent summons requests for Zhang Xinli, Wang Youfu, and Zhu Xuejun. The summons for Zhu Xuejun was prioritized because, when they called the hospital’s security department to inquire, they learned that Zhu was scheduled to attend a three-day academic seminar in another province starting the next day.

Meanwhile, Wu Yongcheng took a moment to call the Nanhu Subdistrict Police Station, where Zhou Yi was stationed, informing them that Zhou was temporarily requisitioned by the Municipal Bureau due to his involvement in a major case. He withheld the specific reasons, which left the station chief sweating nervously, worried that Zhou might have gotten into trouble. After all, if an on-duty officer committed a crime, it would be a significant blot on the chief’s political career.

Shortly thereafter, the summons for Zhu Xuejun was approved. Wu Yongcheng instructed Chen Yan to further investigate Du Xiaolin’s bank accounts, paying special attention to any large transactions. After that, Chen was to visit Du Xiaolin’s parents to learn whether she typically engaged in high-value spending.

With the summons in hand, Wu Yongcheng and Zhou Yi headed straight to the hospital. Upon arrival, they proceeded directly to the administrative building. Zhu Xuejun, being the hospital’s star figure, had a large portrait and biography displayed prominently there.

“Just as polished as he looks,” Zhou Yi remarked, glancing at the photo of Zhu wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a friendly, harmless smile.

“Excuse me, which office does Zhu Xuejun work in?” Zhou stopped a young male doctor in a white coat as they walked down the corridor.

The doctor eyed them suspiciously. “Are you relatives of a patient? This is the office area; family members aren’t allowed in.”

Wu Yongcheng flashed his badge. “Criminal Investigation Unit of the Municipal Bureau. We’re on official business.”

Seeing their serious expressions, the young doctor quickly pointed them in the right direction.

At the door marked “Director’s Office,” Zhou knocked loudly. The heavy thudding startled the man inside.

“Who is it?” The door swung open, revealing Zhu Xuejun himself, eyes blazing with anger, exactly as in the photo.

In this hospital, even the director had to treat him with respect. Who dared to bang on his door?

“Who are you?” Zhu asked warily.

“Are you Zhu Xuejun?”

“Yes, who are you? Relatives of a patient? Medical representatives? I must warn you, this is a restricted area. I’ll call security!”

Zhu’s loud reprimand drew the attention of many passersby.

Wu Yongcheng produced his credentials and the summons, sneering, “We’re from the Municipal Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Unit. We need you to come with us to clarify some matters.”

The moment those words were spoken, Zhu’s arrogant demeanor softened considerably.

“Oh, so you’re police officers. Come in, please,” he said, opening the door wider and stepping back as if welcoming guests.

But Wu Yongcheng and Zhou Yi remained where they stood.

Zhou smiled faintly. “Director Zhu, perhaps we should talk somewhere more private. This place is full of people, and you never know who might be listening. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

This unspoken tacit understanding between Wu and Zhou—one playing the stern role, the other the gentler—was effective. Zhu’s expression shifted.

By now, a crowd had gathered, whispers filling the corridor.

Used to flaunting his academic achievements, Zhu suddenly felt humiliated.

Pointing at them in anger, he shouted, “Who gave you the right to make me come with you? I have two surgeries to perform today, and a seminar tomorrow. If you delay me, can you take responsibility?”

Zhou smiled calmly. “Director Zhu, it won’t take long if you cooperate.”

Zhu eyed the two men—one with a sly smile, the other stern as a judge—and his face flushed with frustration.

Suddenly, he blurted, “I’m going to call Director Xie and file a complaint against you!”

Wu Yongcheng raised his chin indifferently. “Go ahead.”

Now Zhu was dumbfounded, trapped between anger and hesitation.

Wu glanced at the phone on the desk and strode over. “If you won’t call, I will. Mind if I borrow the phone, Director Zhu?”

“Uh…”

Wu dialed a number. Seconds later, the call connected.

“Hello, Director Xie? This is Old Wu, Wu Yongcheng.”

“There’s a director at the Third Municipal Hospital named Zhu Xuejun—do you know him?”

“His surname’s Zhu. Zhu Xuejun. Sounds like he knows you.”

“Yes, yes, that’s right.”

“We’ve summoned him to assist with an investigation. He’s refusing and threatening to complain to you.”

“All the paperwork is in order—legal and proper.”

“Understood. We’ll act according to the law. No one’s face will be spared.”

“Good. With that, I’m clear on the situation.”

“You’re busy, thank you, Director.”

Click.

Wu Yongcheng ended the call with authority and turned to glare at Zhu.

“Director Zhu, still want to call anyone else? I’ve got you covered.”

Zhou quietly added, “Director Zhu, this really isn’t a big deal. But if you keep making a fuss, things might not end well.”

Zhu’s lips trembled as he pleaded, “Can I at least not wear handcuffs?”

Zhou almost laughed. Apparently, the esteemed director was a legal novice, his agitation stemming from fear of humiliation.

“Director Zhu, you’ve got it wrong. We’re just asking you to come in and cooperate. A summons isn’t the same as an arrest warrant—handcuffs are only required then.”

“Oh, I see, I see,” Zhu nodded repeatedly. “Alright… I’ll go with you.”

“Please,” Zhou gestured politely.

Wu and Zhou led the way, Zhu trailing behind at a distance, nervously explaining to curious colleagues, “I’m just helping the police with a case, just helping.”

Zhou whispered, “Wu, your acting was impressive.”

Wu looked surprised. “You noticed?”

“Not really, but I saw you dial the weather forecast number. How did you know he was bluffing?”

“Our director is very protective of his reputation. He hates anyone abusing his name for special favors.”

Zhou gave a thumbs-up. “We still have a lot to learn from you, or we’ll never keep up.”

“Flatterer!” Wu laughed.

“There’s one more thing we should watch out for.”

“What is it?”

“Zhu’s reaction was overly intense. At first, I thought it was just pride, but later, he acted like he didn’t understand the law.”

“Given his status, that’s unlikely.”

“I strongly suspect, beyond the personal scandal, there’s something else going on.”