As it turned out, Ji Ting's only request was that no one disturb his family over this matter, at any time. Whether it concerned the investigation's findings or gathering evidence, they were to contact him directly.
Fu Yongsheng had hinted, both subtly and not so subtly, that he should ask for something more, but Ji Ting had told him there was nothing else, and there never would be.
Now, having ended the call, he lowered the receiver from his ear and shook his head with a sigh.
Who was to blame for all this? Qin Zaiye, of course. His unlawful interrogation had landed them in an enormous mess.
Fu Yongsheng sighed again, then got up and went to the director's office to report on the conversation.
"Well? Did he agree this time?"
Faced with the director's expectant gaze, Fu Yongsheng said nothing. He merely lowered his head slightly and shook it.
"Ah." Now it was the director's turn to sigh. Though sick with worry, he still refused to give up. "Did he make any demands?"
"No, but I think we might have a small opening this time."
The director immediately perked up. "Go on."
"Ji Ting said that Ling Xi, who came in yesterday to cooperate with the investigation, is romantically involved with Qin Zaiye, so his testimony may well be biased in Qin Zaiye's favor."
The director frowned and thought for a moment. "Then, during questioning, did Ling Xi volunteer any information about his relationship with Qin Zaiye?"
"He never mentioned it once," Fu Yongsheng said firmly. "He said he was friends with both Ji Ting and Qin Zaiye."
"Friends?" The director scoffed. "Even now, it seems some people still haven't grasped how serious this is. Investigate!"
He jabbed a finger hard against the desk. "Investigate this Ling Xi.