Chapter 029: Touring the Mansion

This story is purely fictional.

The pier swayed gently, its silhouette cast against the ink-black river, where lanterns on boats and the shadows of tea drinkers danced across the surface. The river, occasionally swept by fierce gusts, rolled up waves on its otherwise calm expanse, producing the thunderous sound of water breaking against boats. Water splashed onto the wooden boards of the pier, soaking wide stretches of the walkway. Wu Zhengzhe called out, “Wow, the water is so cold—my pants are soaked!”

Wu Zhengzhe rolled up his pant legs and walked on the windward side, shielding Zhaoming from the breeze. Zhaoming supported the stumbling Xiao Jin. “Don’t you go on boats all the time? Why are you tottering like a child who’s learning to walk? And you’re a police officer, too! How did you pass your physical exam? I have my doubts.”

“In those days, I was nothing like this. Among my batch of officers, I ranked near the top in every assessment. But during a special assignment one year, I was injured. Ever since, it’s been like a lingering illness—I never quite regained my strength. My name, Jin, was given to me because I always had boundless energy. That’s why my parents chose it, you see?” Xiao Jin spoke with pride as he explained the origin of his name.

Wu Zhengzhe burst out laughing. “That’s hilarious! You say you had endless energy, but honestly, with your surname, your name together sounds more like ‘Inferior’ than anything else!” He showed Xiao Jin no mercy.

“Wu Zhengzhe, that’s not fair! How am I ‘inferior’? Tell me! My fitness may not match yours, but it’s still decent, isn’t it?” Xiao Jin protested.

“Don’t take it to heart—your physical fitness is a bit lacking, but that’s understandable. I wasn’t going to bring it up, since you made sacrifices in your career. You forget you’re missing a crucial part. So, being a little weaker is normal, and I always look out for you.” Wu Zhengzhe finished with a laugh.

Wu Zhengzhe’s words made Xiao Jin realize—he remembered how an injury had cost him one of his prized possessions. Fortunately, one remained; otherwise, he’d have no future lineage. Though he felt a little disheartened by the teasing, the thought of a single heir left him relieved.

When they boarded the boat, business was booming—there were no seats left for tea. The owner, spotting the familiar Officer Xiao, hurried over to greet him. He glanced around to see if any guests were about to leave, but the clientele were in high spirits, deep in conversation, showing no inclination to depart.

Seeing the owner’s dilemma, Zhaoming quickly said, “We’re just here for a few drinks. We’ve come specially, hearing your hangover tea is exceptional. It’s fine if there are no seats—just bring us a few bowls of your hangover tea, and we’ll be on our way.”

The owner promptly called to his assistant, “Quick, bring our distinguished guests some hangover tea!”

“Yes, three bowls of hangover tea,” the assistant called out as he hurried away.

Soon, the assistant returned with three bowls of tea, handing them to the trio.

They each lifted their bowls and drank the tea in a single gulp. Wu Zhengzhe looked around, feeling their behavior was a little exaggerated, then wiped his mouth with a sleeve. “Wow, this really is the best—one sip and I feel totally refreshed!”

“I wasn’t lying, brothers. No matter how drunk you are, one bowl of this tea, and the haze is gone. Since there are no seats, my home is just by the riverbank. Let me invite you to my humble abode—will you do me the honor?”

With Xiao Jin’s invitation, there was no reason to refuse. “We’re already at your doorstep; it would be rude not to enter!” Wu Zhengzhe said to Zhaoming.

“Absolutely, let’s go see what a mansion looks like,” Zhaoming chimed in.

At the gate, the security guard saw Officer Xiao being helped inside by two companions, just as usual. Xiao Jin entered, gave a not-quite-perfect salute, glanced at the guard, and thanked him.

The riverside garden estate was elegant and tranquil. Spotlights buried in the deep grass illuminated lush thickets. Nearby, crickets chirped in the darkness.

In the center was an artificial lotus pond, glowing white under the moonlight. Fireflies flitted sparsely along the pond’s edge. A few solitary lotuses had broken through the water’s surface. Unopened buds stood tall in the middle of the pond, plump like snail hammers, elegant and upright. From time to time, the faint sound of fish feeding and playing could be heard.

Riverside Garden was the first riverside development on the Great River. Back then, people didn’t much consider buying property—it was enough to have a place to settle in such a vast city.

When Zhaoming had just left the military, the policy of welfare-based housing allocation was abolished. The unit still had a few leftover apartments, and after much effort, Zhaoming was assigned a seventy-square-meter flat, with the property certificate already in hand. But when he and Dujuan went to see the apartment, they were utterly disappointed.

The couple disliked the flat mainly because it was several kilometers from their current lively district, making commuting and daily life inconvenient. Moreover, the flood of 1998 had soaked the walls up to more than a meter, leaving visible water stains. Most unacceptable of all, the previous owner had cleverly installed the bathroom tub so that it extended into the living room—a repulsive arrangement. Dujuan, who was always neat and tidy, felt as if she were stepping into a bathroom. That was why they immediately decided to dispose of the allotted apartment; otherwise, they would have been unable to pay the unit over ten thousand yuan.

Seeing Zhaoming lost in thought, Xiao Jin patted his shoulder. “What are you thinking about, so absorbed?”

The elevator doors opened. Zhaoming snapped back to reality. “Oh, just thinking about the old days.”

Xiao Jin approached the door, pressed the code, and the lock clicked open. He turned the handle and entered.

Inside the foyer, to the left was a wall-length shoe cabinet. Xiao Jin took out two new pairs of slippers for his guests.

To the right was a massive fish tank, home to many deep-sea species—colorful fish of all kinds swam joyfully. Some searched for food among the stones at the bottom, and countless bubbles rose in a chain from below.

The living room décor was painstakingly chosen—simple, but every material had been handpicked by the owner. The TV wall was covered with high-quality wallpaper, its edges framed in gold. The background’s pale pattern showed peacocks spreading their tails.

On the wall behind the sofa hung a famous oil painting, though it was a replica, not an original. Zhaoming immediately recognized it as a work by Michelangelo, the great painter, sculptor, architect, and poet of the Italian Renaissance, who, along with Raphael and Da Vinci, was known as one of the three masters.

Xiao Jin, surprised by Zhaoming’s recognition, remarked, “I didn’t expect Director Chi to know this. That’s quite unexpected.”

Wu Zhenzhe explained, “You underestimate Zhaoming. He’s a top student in the arts—basic cultural knowledge is no challenge for him. His artistic ability is beyond doubt.”

“Impressive, impressive. Few who visit recognize this painting,” Xiao Jin admitted, gesturing for Wu Zhengzhe to sit.

On the living room’s high-definition television, a Serie Y league match was being broadcast—Xiao Jin’s regular channel for sports.

Zhaoming approached the wall of floor-to-ceiling glass, gazing at the scenery outside. The great river looked like a ribbon stretched across his vision.

Far off, the dark expanse of the river shimmered under lights; the reflections made it seem like a mirage, placing him in a world of ethereal illusion.

From the distance came the sound of a ship’s horn—so familiar, yet it brought a touch of sorrow to Chi Zhaoming at that moment.

He tried hard to restrain his thoughts, not to dwell on the past.

Looking toward the direction of the horn, he saw the lights of the great river bridge not far away. Like a ribbon from a city of stars, the lights wound and twisted, spilling across his sight.

He opened the window to get a clearer view.

A cool breeze brushed his face, filling him with incomparable comfort.

Zhaoming, noticing the wind was picking up, quickly closed the window, hearing Xiao Jin call out behind him.

“Director Chi, Wu Zhengzhe, come have some tea! I’ve brewed my favorite Da Hong Pao.” Xiao Jin busied himself with his tea set, pouring tea into several small cups like a professional tea master.

As he poured, he spoke on the art of tea. Wu Zhengzhe interrupted, “You brew such strong tea for us—are you trying to keep us awake? We have work tomorrow, so we should head home soon, or your wife will nag you.”

Xiao Jin put his cup down on the tea table. “I may not have many skills, but I know how to handle my wife. If I say east, she wouldn’t dare go west.”

“Are you really that tough at home? I haven’t met many men like you who can boast so freely. If you’re so capable, call her right now and have her come make us a late-night snack. I was so busy drinking earlier, my stomach is grumbling,” Wu Zhengzhe teased.

Xiao Jin realized he was being provoked but dialed his wife Jin Yan anyway, turning on the speaker. “Listen up, everyone—watch how I command my wife.”

The phone rang over and over, but Jin Yan never answered.

When Xiao Jin finally hung up, he shook his head and found himself an excuse. “My wife must be playing mahjong, probably has her phone on silent.”

“Hahaha, you said we’d see you command your wife! You claim if you say east she wouldn’t dare go west—but honestly, how many women are still out playing mahjong at this hour? Who knows, maybe she’s lying in some other man’s arms right now.”

Xiao Jin grew agitated. “She wouldn’t dare! If she ever gave me a green hat, I’d ruin her!”

“And how would you ruin her? Is she a martial arts master or some kind of supernatural power? Would you ruin her looks? She’s the belle of the commerce bureau! Look at you—not much to speak of, but somehow you lucked out with a beauty. Still, you act all macho, calling the shots at home, but no woman really likes that. I honestly don’t know what your wife sees in you, Officer Xiao,” Wu Zhengzhe mocked.

“She likes everything about me. Am I that bad? Sure, my features aren’t great—maybe I look a bit sharp-faced and monkey-like—but I have my strengths. The charisma of a real man—do you have that? You’re good at solving cases, but women don’t like that. Otherwise, you wouldn’t still be single. I may not be handsome, but I make money, and that’s a huge talent. As they say, a talented man and a beautiful woman—I have talent, don’t you agree?” Xiao Jin said, full of self-assurance.

Just then, the sound of the password lock on the outer door rang out.

“Look, my wife is home! You’ll have your late-night snack.” Xiao Jin boasted.

The three looked at the door, which opened to reveal Xiao Jin’s daughter, Xiao Yi. Seeing Wu Zhengzhe, she called out, “Hello, Uncle!”

Xiao Yi regarded Zhaoming as a stranger, so Xiao Jin quickly introduced him. “This is Uncle Chi from the television station.”

“Nice to meet you, Uncle Chi,” Xiao Yi said, bowing in greeting.

“It's getting late. Tomorrow Wu Zhengzhe and I have to go back to the countryside, so we won’t stay any longer. Rest well!” Chi Zhaoming pulled Wu Zhengzhe away.

When Chi Zhaoming got home, it was already deep into the night. Though he moved carefully, he still woke Dujuan.

“Out for dinner and back so late. You said you’re going home tomorrow—how will you drive if you don’t rest?” Dujuan asked.

“Wu Zhengzhe will drive. Go to sleep.” Chi Zhaoming switched off the lamp. (To be continued)