Wang Xiaoliang's back stiffened.
It took two people to tie someone up with a single rope.
Zhou Qiang had said there were two.
One person could manage two ropes, but binding an entire body with a single rope took at least two people working together.
Zhou Qiang had lied about this point.
Why?
He did not dare interrupt Kong Xiuyun, and he even unconsciously quieted his breathing. His mind was a jumble, but he suppressed it and strained his ears to keep listening.
Kong Xiuyun continued.
"When Zhou Qiang woke up, dawn was just breaking. He had this habit when he drank-he tended to wake early. He was bound so tightly he couldn't move, but his mind was perfectly clear."
"He didn't shout?"
"No. You know what Zhou Qiang's like. The more urgent things get, the calmer he is. First, he tested how tight the ropes were. Once he realized he couldn't break free, he stopped moving. The door was ajar, and people were talking outside."
"Li Lanxiang's mother's voice."
Kong Xiuyun slowed a little, as though recalling the exact words Zhou Qiang had relayed to her.
"Dong Hongmei was scolding Li Lanxiang. Her tone was harsh, but she kept her voice down. Zhou Qiang heard Dong Hongmei ask, 'Were you wrong?'"
"Li Lanxiang said nothing."
"Then came a sharp smack."
"Zhou Qiang figured it was a slap. Only after that did Li Lanxiang speak. 'I was wrong.'"
"Dong Hongmei asked, 'What did you do wrong?'"
"Li Lanxiang said, 'I shouldn't have kept the evidence.'"
"Dong Hongmei asked again, 'What else?'"
"Li Lanxiang said, 'I should be content with what I have.'"
Kong Xiuyun paused for two seconds.
"Dong Hongmei said, 'If I hadn't noticed that Qiang had touched that stupid notebook of yours, you might already be facing charges.'"