Chapter 022: HIV

Behind the glass, Zhao Jun watched Chen Lan weep, feeling as though his heart were being torn apart.

“Son, what do we do now?” Chen Lan turned to Zhao Feng, asking.

At this moment, Zhao Feng had clearly become the pillar of the family.

He shook his head, leaving everyone puzzled as to his meaning. In truth, only Zhao Feng himself understood. If things proceeded according to the usual protocols, he had little to offer. Yet his father was unwavering, and he could not resort to force to resolve the matter. This was the source of Zhao Feng’s distress.

Everyone remained silent.

Li Changqing stepped up to the glass, glancing at Zhao Jun. “Zhao Jun, may I ask: why did you kill?”

Zhao Jun looked at Li Changqing with some confusion.

“Son, who is this?” Zhao Jun inquired.

“Dad, he’s a leader from the city bureau. He’s now in charge of your case.”

Zhao Jun nodded in realization. “So that’s how it is.”

Zhao Feng also nodded.

Li Changqing found a chair and sat down. “Zhao Jun, answer whatever I ask.”

Zhao Jun nodded. “Very well. Ask away.”

“Good.” Li Changqing pondered for a moment, then asked, “Zhao Jun, was the killing intentional or unintentional?”

Zhao Jun fell into silence, finally sighing. “I’m not sure myself whether it was intentional or not. The situation was extremely urgent when I killed William—perhaps that was unintentional. But when I killed Jess, I fear it was intentional.”

“Oh? Why do you say so?” Li Changqing pressed.

Zhao Jun was silent.

After a moment, he took a deep breath. “Could I have a cigarette?”

Li Changqing glanced at Wang Meng, who waved his hand. The guard behind the glass lit a cigarette for Zhao Jun.

Zhao Jun took it, inhaling deeply, then said slowly, “When I killed William, the situation was dire. All I thought was: this is China, a forbidden ground for mercenaries, and provocations cannot be tolerated.”

Li Changqing nodded. “I share your sentiment.”

The moment Li Changqing spoke, Wang Meng became agitated.

“Director Li, no! Killing is killing—what thoughts matter?” Wang Meng said anxiously.

Li Changqing frowned.

Zhao Feng’s expression instantly chilled. He glanced at Wang Meng, smiling coldly. “Governor Wang, I suspect your nights aren’t easy these days.”

Wang Meng was taken aback, blinking. “What do you mean?”

Zhao Feng sneered. “Your hair’s falling out every day, your sleep is terrible, and your head buzzes constantly. Am I right?”

Wang Meng’s face darkened. “Nonsense!”

Zhao Feng snorted. “If you think I’m talking nonsense, tell me—when you engage in those activities, do you feel weak? And furthermore…”

“Furthermore what?” Wang Meng retorted.

“Furthermore, I suggest you go to the hospital and check whether you’ve contracted HIV.”

Wang Meng paused. “What’s HIV?”

Laughter bubbled beneath the surface among those present, but none dared speak.

Wang Meng’s face turned dark as he looked around, realizing everyone was suppressing their amusement—this only made him angrier. Li Changqing also looked at him strangely.

He hurriedly pulled out his phone and searched. Instantly, his complexion turned liver-colored.

“You brat, all you do is spout nonsense!” Wang Meng glared at Zhao Feng.

Zhao Feng sneered. “I stand by what I say. Governor Wang, do get yourself tested soon.”

Wang Meng’s expression was grim. “I won’t stoop to your level!”

Though he pretended to be tough, Wang Meng had taken Zhao Feng’s words to heart. What is spoken in jest may be taken seriously.

Now, Wang Meng grew solemn, sullen, and dared not speak freely.

With Wang Meng silenced, everyone else was relieved.

Li Changqing turned to Zhao Jun. “Go on, please.”

Zhao Jun nodded. “When I killed William, I acted without intent, thinking only of my family and my homeland.”

Li Changqing nodded. “Understood.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Zhao Jun continued, “But when I killed Jess, it was entirely intentional. At that moment, Jess had lost the ability to resist, and yet I killed him.”

Zhao Jun’s candor made Zhao Feng tense—such honesty put them at a disadvantage.

Li Changqing asked, “How did Jess lose the ability to resist?”

“I—I…” Zhao Jun was nervous, tongue-tied. He looked at Zhao Feng, wanting to speak truth but hesitating.

Zhao Feng sighed. “Let me explain. Jess was subdued by me.”

Li Changqing frowned. “What do you mean?”

Zhao Feng touched his nose. “I seized Jess by the neck, rendering him unable to resist.”

Li Changqing frowned. “Zhao Feng, you realize what you’re saying? You will bear responsibility, too.”

Zhao Feng calmly nodded. “I’m well aware.”

Wang