HH Chapter 52

“Police, please get in touch with the principal,” Cheng Ye said, leaning against the security booth.

“Alright, give me a moment,” the security guard replied, glancing at Cheng Ye before picking up the phone and dialing a number.

After a short conversation, the guard hung up and said to Cheng Ye, “Go inside, take a left, and it’s the last room on the second floor.”

“Thanks,” Cheng Ye replied. He and Fang Yuan entered through the side gate.

The principal was already waiting at the door. Seeing the two officers, he greeted them, “Is this about Ms. Chen?”

“You know?” Cheng Ye asked.

The principal sighed and shook his head. “Ms. Chen’s class has been in an uproar. The students keep calling for her. When they don’t see her, they cry and throw tantrums. It’s been like this for days.”

“Chen Mengyao is dead,” Fang Yuan interjected.

The principal was taken aback, the cup he was about to drink from frozen mid-air. “Dead? How did this happen?” he stammered.

Cheng Ye asked, “You have a vice-principal named Li Cheng, right? Where is he?”

At the mention of Li Cheng’s name, the principal immediately became cautious. He stood up, walked to the door, and checked the hallway before closing it.

Sitting back down, he said, “Li Cheng got his position through connections. He has a terrible temper and often harasses our female teachers.”

He paused, then added with a start, “You don’t think it’s Li Cheng, do you…”

“No,” Fang Yuan smiled. “We just need to ask him a few questions. We’ve heard that Chen Mengyao and Li Cheng lived in the same neighborhood and had a feud?”

The principal glanced out the window. “I wouldn’t say it was a feud, but their relationship wasn’t good. Ms. Chen has a boyfriend. Li Cheng harassed her, and her boyfriend beat him up. Since then, Li Cheng held a grudge and made trouble for Ms. Chen daily. Some people even suggested she transfer to another school.”

The principal sighed again. “Even though I’m the principal, my role is just a title. Li Cheng has connections, and I can’t do much. Otherwise, I’d risk losing my job.”

As he finished speaking, there was a knock at the door. Before anyone could respond, the door swung open.

“Li Cheng?” The principal stood up, looking at the man who entered. Cheng Ye and Fang Yuan’s eyes also fixed on Li Cheng as they approached him.

“Hello, we’re from the criminal investigation unit. We need to ask you a few questions,” Cheng Ye said, showing his badge.

Li Cheng was momentarily taken aback, but then he smiled and said, “Sure, no problem. Let’s go to my office.”

“Let’s go,” Cheng Ye said, putting away his badge and motioning to Fang Yuan.

In Li Cheng’s office, he closed the door behind them. His initial look of disdain turned into a smile as he faced Cheng Ye. “What can I help you with, officers?”

“Do you know Chen Mengyao?” Cheng Ye asked.

“Yes, I know her,” Li Cheng replied.

“She’s dead.”

Li Cheng paused. “Her death has nothing to do with me. Are you sure you’re talking to the right person?”

“Where were you on the night of June 19?” Fang Yuan asked.

“I was at home, sleeping,” Li Cheng replied.

“Who can verify that?” Fang Yuan pressed.

“How can anyone prove that?” Li Cheng’s eyes shifted away.

“Are you sure?” Fang Yuan pressed harder. “Lying won’t do you any good. It will only make you more suspicious.”

Li Cheng hesitated, rubbing his hands together. After a long pause, he admitted, “I was at a bar…”

He spoke quietly, “On June 19, I was at a bar. I stayed there all night.”

“Which bar?”