I surmised correctly; Zhou Jie was indeed Detective J. As for why she was after me, it was because she had received orders from higher up.
" 'Zheng Qi' has people above them?"
The moment I uttered these words, Zhou Jie was stunned. She exclaimed, "How did you know I was one of 'Zheng Qi'?"
"You used the word 'judgment' in your novel, 'Calamity Descends in Triple Layers'."
"Just because of that one word?"
I looked at her and said earnestly, "Isn't that enough? If you intended to lure me into your scheme with your novel, you should have been careful with your wording. Not many people use the word 'judgment'."
"You got me there."
"Aren't you going to say anything else?"
"It's not that I won't, it's just that saying it wouldn't have any meaning. I only know the codename and contact method of the person above. If I get caught by the police, this contact method will be severed. You won't be able to find him."
"Man or woman?"
"I don't know, they used a voice changer."
"Did you record anything? Didn't you think about keeping some evidence to save yourself?"
"There's no need. There are too many scumbags in this world who break the law they're supposed to uphold. Since we've walked this path, we didn't plan on living if we were caught."
At this point, my expression was one of helplessness. "This isn't a TV drama; there's no need to be so loyal."
"That's my business."
"Then can you tell me your story?"
"No."
It seemed this Detective J was still stubbornly loyal to the 'Zheng Qi' organization. I knew I wouldn't get anything else out of her. With a sigh, I said, "As a schemer, you've been defeated by me. Don't you have anything to say? At the very least, you should tell me who my next opponent is. That's the least amount of respect one should give their adversary in a game."
Zhou Jie was provoked by my words. She thought for a moment and said seriously, "You are facing the Four-Colored King."
"The Four-Colored King?"
"Yes. I know you did a great job dealing with 'Zheng Qi'. You thought you had uprooted 'Zheng Qi', but we are hidden deeper in the soil. Of course, all of this is thanks to you."
"Me? What does this have to do with me?"
"When the police sent the schemer's dossier to 'Zheng Qi', Cui Fang decided to create 'Zheng Qi's' strongest schemer. Thus, he meticulously selected thirteen people, each named after a playing card number. From Ace to King, without any particular order, it was said to be a random draw. The leader of the twelve people, like myself, is the Four-Colored King."
After listening, I frowned and asked, "Isn't the Four-Colored King Cui Fang?"
"At first, I thought so too. But 'Zheng Qi' organization is gone, yet the Four-Colored King still gives us orders. So, this King is not Sister Cui Fang."
"Then who is the King?"
"I don't know."
"Why are you targeting me?"
"I don't know either. I'm just following orders."
Zhou Jie's series of answers left me feeling helpless. What era is this? 'Zheng Qi' still managed to raise a bunch of fanatics. I knew that no matter how I asked, Zhou Jie wouldn't answer me anymore.
Thinking this, I turned to leave. Zhou Jie called out from behind, "Aren't you going to arrest me?"
"Why should I arrest you? I'm not a police officer. However, I guess you won't be able to escape."
...
I left the Criminal Investigation Brigade, leaving Fatty there to wait for news, and went back alone to sleep. I knew Lin Han hadn't returned to Beijing, and I would have to leave Beijing soon to find her. Therefore, the most important thing for me to do now was to rest. Thinking also requires physical strength. Since they have a considerable team, I can't afford to collapse.
I went back and slept soundly, without even dreaming, as if even my sleep was arranged according to my needs. When I woke up, I felt much better. I made a phone call. Chang Dachun had already gone to Xi'an. Da Huang had contacted Lao Tie, and they had found a lead.
According to the current situation, I wouldn't be able to fly back to my hometown until tomorrow. But I had learned a trick in Hong Kong: one could charter a plane. I chartered a plane, and it arrived at my hometown airport at seven in the morning.
Lao Tie was waiting for me at the airport. I looked at him and smiled, "It's freezing here. Haven't you slipped and fallen because of your 'iron legs'?"
Lao Tie glared at me indignantly. "Is this the time to talk about that? Da Huang is exhausted. I let him sleep for a while. Fatty has already told Da Huang about your situation in Beijing. Where did this Four-Colored King schemer come from?"