Genius Playground

This attitude moved Jiang Ran, but it also made him feel deeply guilty.

Only he knew the truth: he was just an empty-headed academic thief. He hadn’t just stolen Lu Yu’s opportunity; he had interfered in his life, causing him to be tormented into a vegetative state and thrown in prison.

’Sigh, my sins are just piling up. Once I’ve dealt with this, I have to find a way to atone for them as soon as possible.’

In the office, over tea, Jiang Ran told Dean Gao all about the deaths of his classmate, Zhou Xiong, and his substitute teacher, Yan Chonghan.

He also told Dean Gao that he had some leads on the mastermind, but they were mostly speculation without any hard evidence. That was why he couldn’t just go to the police on his own. He hoped Dean Gao could intervene on his behalf.

”I know that bypassing the proper channels like this is against protocol.”

Jiang Ran admitted frankly.

”But Zhou Xiong and Yan Chonghan are barely cold in their graves, and the killer is still out there, scot-free. It’s infuriating.”

”One was my classmate, and the other was my teacher. I want to do something for them. I also want to use my mind to help catch the mastermind as soon as possible and prevent more people from being harmed.”

Gao Yan nodded after listening.

”I understand what you’re saying about those two incidents. The truth is, for years now, scientists and scholars have frequently been murdered in countries all over the world. And most of them are researchers in cutting-edge fields.”

”Many of the cases remain unsolved, and I’ve often wondered what makes them so difficult. Can this evil organization really be so powerful and untouchable?”

”Jiang Ran, I trust your mind, and I trust your judgment. Since you’re determined to use your intelligence to contribute to society, the nation, and the safety of our researchers, then of course I have to help you.”

”However, the Longke Institute is a research facility, after all. This kind of work is best left to the professionals...”

He took a sip of tea and thought for a moment.

”You’re in East Sea City, which is convenient. Have you heard of Officer Liu from the East Sea City Public Security Bureau? He should be in charge of all police affairs in East Sea now.”

”I have.”

Jiang Ran nodded.

”Officer Liu happens to be the head of the special task force for this case. If you could introduce me to him, that would be perfect.”

”Haha.”

Dean Gao put down his teacup and smiled.

”This Officer Liu... he’s the son of an old comrade-in-arms from my days at the Northwest Research Institute. We were the best of friends back then. Officer Liu has called me his godfather since he was a boy, and I even introduced him to his wife. You could say our families go way back.”

”So, don’t you worry. I’ll call Xiaoliu in a little while. When you get back to East Sea City, go find him directly. Explain your investigation and theories to him. I’m sure... he’ll give it his utmost attention.”

Jiang Ran quickly thanked Dean Gao.

Jiang Ran was incredibly grateful that the dean had agreed to help so readily, but he also felt guilty, knowing he had no way to repay the favor.

He could only make a silent vow to himself. In the future, he would have to find Lu Yu, cultivate his talents, and then deliver this prodigy to Teacher Zhang Yang or Dean Gao. Perhaps that would be enough to atone for his sins.

”Oh, Dean Gao, there’s one more thing I need your help with.”

Jiang Ran then told him about Qin Feng, hoping to leverage some official power to help find him.

Dean Gao waved his hand again.

”For that, you should also talk to Xiaoliu—the Officer Liu you know at the East Sea City Public Security Bureau.”

”The East Sea City Public Security Bureau has significant authority. As long as you can provide the relevant information and have a legitimate reason, they’ll help you look for him.”

”It might be pulling a few strings, but if it genuinely helps solve the case and contributes to national security and the safety of our researchers, then it’s a necessary step.”

With Dean Gao’s assurance, Jiang Ran was relieved. He immediately left the Longke Institute and caught a flight back to East Sea City.

...

「East Sea City Public Security Bureau. An officer’s office.」

The moment his plane landed, Jiang Ran arranged to meet with Officer Liu. There was no time to waste; the sooner they started, the better.

Dean Gao’s introduction proved very effective. Hearing that a ”super genius” with a ”peerless brain” was coming to help with the case, Officer Liu gave Jiang Ran an enthusiastic welcome.

”Oh, it’s you! Why didn’t you say so sooner?”

Officer Liu was surprised to see Jiang Ran; he hadn’t expected the genius to be the same young man whose statement he’d taken for the previous case.

After listening to Jiang Ran’s briefing and reviewing the files he had compiled, Officer Liu looked troubled.

”Wu Yuanzheng... this is going to be tricky.”

He frowned.

”I assume you’ve heard of him. He’s not just some wealthy businessman; he holds a series of official titles. The man is highly respected.”

”Without concrete evidence, we can’t investigate him, let alone move to arrest him.”

”Besides... Jiang Ran, forgive my bluntness, but most of what you’ve provided is speculation. It doesn’t even form a complete chain of evidence. We can’t move forward with this.”

”Unless... we can find a way to catch one of the people directly involved. For example, the assassin, Fang Yang, that you mentioned, or other members of the criminal organization led by Wu Yuanzheng. If we can start with them and find a concrete link to Wu Yuanzheng, then we’ll have legal grounds to take action.”

”Of course, what you’ve given us does provide some brand-new leads... the Regrets Mutual Aid Association, right? No matter how you look at it, that sounds like a cult. I’ll have my people start looking into it.”