“Tong Wei, be careful about this matter,” Chen Hai said with concern.
Qi Tong Wei nodded, indicating that he would act cautiously.
A dinner gathering, which should have been a joyous reunion with his former classmates Chen Hai and Hou Liang Ping, turned into a powder keg of confrontation.
Qi Tong Wei sat in the main seat, his eyes deep and complex, as if able to penetrate the human heart.
He raised his glass to Chen Hai, his voice low and powerful: “This toast is for you, for our friendship, and for your career.”
Chen Hai smiled and took the glass, the two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
However, Hou Liang Ping remained motionless.
He sat to the side, his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing discontent and doubt towards Qi Tong Wei.
Qi Tong Wei didn't mind, turning to Hou Liang Ping, and asked with a smile: “Liang Ping, why aren't you drinking? Do you think I'm not worthy to drink with you?”
Hou Liang Ping snorted coldly, reluctantly raised his glass, but did not touch Qi Tong Wei's, and drank it all in one go.
The atmosphere immediately became awkward.
Qi Tong Wei didn't care, he continued to ask: “Liang Ping, how have you been these years? Is your work at the procuratorate going smoothly?”
Hou Liang Ping was silent for a moment, then answered flatly: “Not bad, not as glamorous as you, the Chief of Public Security.”
Qi Tong Wei smiled and turned to Chen Hai: “And you? I heard you got promoted recently, congratulations.”
Chen Hai waved his hand and said modestly: “Not at all, just making a living.”
The dinner was halfway through when Qi Tong Wei seemed to sense the tension in the air.
He stood up and raised his glass, saying loudly: “Come, let's toast to our reunion today! No matter what happened in the past, we were once classmates and friends, this friendship is forever.”
Seeing this, Chen Hai and Hou Liang Ping also had to stand up and clink glasses with Qi Tong Wei.
However, Hou Liang Ping's eyes were still filled with disdain and indifference.
The wine flowed freely, and the dishes were plentiful.
It was already eleven o'clock at night, and the dinner was nearing its end.
Qi Tong Wei stood up and prepared to see his guests off.
However, just then, Hou Liang Ping suddenly stood up and loudly questioned: “Qi Tong Wei, what have you been doing all these years? You have done everything in your power to get promoted and get rich, are you worthy of our past friendship?”
Qi Tong Wei's face froze, he didn't expect Hou Liang Ping to question him so directly.
“Liang Ping, you misunderstood. I've never done anything to betray you. Everything I've done these years is for my ideals and aspirations. Maybe my methods are a bit radical, but I never forgot our friendship.”
However, Hou Liang Ping didn't listen to his explanation and continued to say loudly: “Don't give me that! You can even sacrifice your own marriage for promotion and wealth! You married Liang Lu, wasn't it for her background? You have the nerve to mention friendship?”
Qi Tong Wei's face became increasingly ugly, and his voice became cold: “Hou Liang Ping, watch your words! My marriage to Liang Lu is our own business, you have no right to interfere! And I have never done anything wrong to her!”
The tension between the two grew thicker, Chen Hai saw something was wrong and quickly stood up, trying to ease the tension: “Alright, alright, you're all friends for many years, why get upset over these things? It's getting late, let's go home first.”
However, Hou Liang Ping refused to give up, he continued to say loudly: “Qi Tong Wei, you must give me an explanation today! Otherwise, I will never give up!”
Qi Tong Wei's face completely sank, he looked at Hou Liang Ping coldly, his voice becoming icy and resolute: “Hou Liang Ping, don't push me too hard! I've already given you enough face today, if you continue to act unreasonably, don't blame me for being rude!”
Their eyes met in the air, as if electricity was colliding.
Seeing something was wrong, Chen Hai quickly stepped forward and pulled Hou Liang Ping, whispering: “Liang Ping, let it go, let's go.”
Although Hou Liang Ping was reluctant, he also knew it was not appropriate to make a scene at this time.
He glared fiercely at Qi Tong Wei and turned to leave.
Chen Hai apologized to Qi Tong Wei: “Tong Wei, I'm sorry, Liang Ping may not be in a good mood today.”
Qi Tong Wei waved his hand and said calmly: “It's okay, I understand.”
However, his heart was stirred by a raging storm.
He knew that the rift between him and Hou Liang Ping could never be bridged.
And the root of it all was his choice to walk a different path.
The next morning, Qi Tong Wei arrived at the Public Security Bureau early.
His face was still a little pale, apparently the hangover from last night hadn't fully subsided.
He walked into his office and saw Zhang Chun Qiang busy, so he asked: “Chun Qiang, any progress on Hou Chun Lai's case?”
Zhang Chun Qiang immediately replied: “The investigation of Hou Chun Lai's case is still ongoing. We have already obtained some clues, but they need to be further verified.”
Qi Tong Wei nodded, thought for a moment and said: “Alright, keep following up. This case is very important to us, we must solve it as soon as possible.”
Zhang Chun Qiang responded and continued his work.
Qi Tong Wei sat at his desk and fell into deep thought.
Last night's dinner was just the beginning.
As night fell, the weak glow of the computer screen illuminated Qi Tong Wei's face.
He was frowning, his fingers flying across the keyboard, the data on the screen scrolling like water, displaying a series of complex case information.
Suddenly, a rapid knock on the door broke the silence in the room.
Qi Tong Wei looked up and saw Hou Liang Ping rushing in, his face full of anxiety, followed by his family.
At this moment, his face was etched with uneasiness and worry.
“Tong Wei, you have to help me!” Hou Liang Ping said urgently, “Chun Lai...he's...he's in trouble.”