Chapter 223 Competing to Confess

The ones who came to turn themselves in were naturally Qi Donghao and Cui Yuan—ever since Old He tracked down Song Xiaobin, they knew this matter could no longer be hidden.

The rain pattered noisily outside the window. Inside Old He's small office, chaos reigned as everyone argued fiercely.

"It was the two of us! What does it have to do with you!" The two young men spoke loudly and forcefully. "Where were you involved? Where's the proof?! It was us two the whole time! We couldn't stand that bastard Qin Guan any longer! We'd long suspected he killed Uncle Xu and Aunt Min!"

Gong Xiaoyu pushed them aside like an elder sister. "You two are crazy! Go home! If you keep spouting nonsense, I swear I'll smack you!"

Even Feng Zhi had come.

He entered with Feng Xiangping. When they saw the others, everyone froze in mutual surprise.

He had actually run back.

"Stop arguing. This was my idea from the very beginning," Feng Zhi said. Though the youngest, his voice was the calmest. "A few months ago, my mother told me Qin Guan was having an affair, and my sister suspected Uncle's death might be related to Qin Guan. I knew then I couldn't stand by and do nothing."

His clothes were soaked through by the rain, making him look thoroughly drenched, but his resolve was firmer than anyone else's.

"A few days ago, my sister rushed me and practically forced me onto a plane. But I couldn't focus on studying over there. I discussed it with my mom. I have to step forward. I must step forward. Because I was the one who decided everything. Their work assignments, what to do, who to follow—all the details are here."

Feng Zhi took a notebook from his backpack and opened it. Inside were densely packed lines of his handwriting.

"I did it. I'll take responsibility."

He took a deep breath, as if finally shedding the thousand-pound burden weighing on his heart. "Uncle Xu and Aunt Min extended a helping hand to my mother in her darkest hour. They found her a job and even helped raise me. I was determined to repay this kindness. So, after learning of Qin Guan's evil deeds, I found Sister Ruyi and proposed taking revenge on Qin Guan. I also brought in Sister Xiaoyu, Donghao, and Cui Yuan. My initial plan is recorded here too. I just didn't expect that before we could implement it, we discovered Qin Guan had killed Qi Min. So, we had to change tactics. We tracked him, gathered information, and after witnessing Qi Min's murder with our own eyes, we feared the experienced Qin Guan might escape justice. That's why we moved the body—to absolutely nail him for the 'Qi Min disappearance case'."

His explanation was logical and well-reasoned.

Behind him, leaning against the wall, Feng Xiangping watched her son silently, her eyes brimming with tears.

"You idiot! What about your studies?! Why did you run back?!" Gong Xiaoyu was furious and tried to snatch the notebook, but seeing Old He nearby, she just pushed it away and angrily punched Feng Zhi's arm.

"Cut it out! You think scribbling some notes means you did it?!" Qi Donghao, however, shoved the notebook further away and slammed his own phone onto the table.

"I have videos here! Cui Yuan and I recorded the whole thing while we were doing it! We're men! We dare to act and dare to take responsibility! We don't need anyone to take the fall for us!"

"I said it was me! It was me! Why are you kids so stubborn!" Gong Xiaoyu was almost crying. "None of you are even married yet! Are you all crazy?! I told you long ago, if something happened, I would take it! I would! I'm the big sister! I'm married! I've had kids! I'm not afraid of anything! What are you interfering for?! You're all so young!"

Xu Ruyi said nothing.

She stood to the side, leaning against a desk, her face already streaked with tears.

…

Also unable to control their tears were Qi Zhifei and Old He—they stood at the doorway, silently watching this incredible scene they had never witnessed in all their years on the job. It had to be noted that almost every suspect brought in reacted instinctively by shirking responsibility.

"I didn't do it," "It wasn't intentional," "I was tricked," "This has nothing to do with me"...

This was the first time they had seen so many people competing and scrambling to shoulder the blame.

"Xu Qian and Min Huifen… it was unfortunate they raised a beast like Qin Guan, but they also raised a group of good kids..." Qi Zhifei took a deep breath, swallowing back the hot tears in his eyes, and put an arm around Old He's shoulder. "Master, let's find them a good lawyer. For this matter, we'll do our best. Our utmost best!"

Yes, their best. Their absolute utmost best—Old He wiped the tears from the corner of his eye, sniffed, and walked in calmly.

He took Feng Zhi's notebook and Qi Donghao's phone.

The phone indeed contained videos—these two young men, though appearing inexperienced, had been thorough. There was a complete video of them dragging the suitcase away at the construction site and opening it, footage inside the chemical factory workshop, and scenes by the lake at the Lakeside Charm Hotel.

"Ironclad proof. We did it," Cui Yuan said tersely, pushing aside Feng Zhi and Gong Xiaoyu. "Sister Ruyi is innocent. She lost her parents and was overwhelmed with grief. She just listened to us the whole time. Please arrest us!"

He held out his hands.

But Old He didn't move.

Old He carefully examined the videos. A good idea began to form in his mind.