Chapter 21: Retired Yet Still Has a Secretary?
Gu Bin frowned, “Grandpa knows about this?”
“Of course!” Secretary Li replied confidently, “Otherwise how could it have happened so quickly, getting people transferred from the criminal police squad?”
“Wasn’t it you who said…” Gu Bin was at a loss for words. “That you knew their station chief, so there was no need to disturb Grandpa?”
“Uh…” Secretary Li gave an awkward laugh. “It was just a coincidence. When I answered the phone, the police chief happened to be visiting the old leader, and he overheard.”
“What was he doing at our house?” Gu Bin’s brow furrowed even more. “Grandpa’s retired now and has nothing to do with government officials.”
“Old Mr. Gu commands great respect. Even in retirement, his connections run deep.” Secretary Li responded smoothly, with a hint of flattery. “Several current provincial leaders were promoted by him. Who would dare disrespect him? Whenever the old man stamps his foot, the whole officialdom trembles.”
“Enough with the compliments.” Gu Bin shot him a chilly glance, clearly annoyed. “I didn’t think this through. It’s just a bicycle, nothing more. Losing it isn’t worth all this trouble—disturbing so many people and possibly affecting Grandpa’s reputation. It’s really not worth it…”
“Xiao Bin, you can’t blame yourself.” Secretary Li’s demeanor changed instantly, abandoning the flattery for a speedy self-critique. “It’s my fault, I misunderstood your intentions. Don’t worry, if Old Mr. Gu asks, I’ll take full responsibility. You won’t be put in a difficult spot.”
“Forget it. Since they’re here, let them conduct a thorough investigation. It might serve as a deterrent to anyone with ulterior motives.”
Gu Bin sighed helplessly, abandoning his plan to argue further. “Ask them to finish the investigation quickly and wrap it up. No matter if the bike is found or not, let this be the end of it today.”
“Alright, I’ll go tell the team leader…” Secretary Li made an ‘OK’ gesture, tucked his briefcase under his arm, and walked over to the lead officer.
“Gu Bin.” Lin Xiyu watched Secretary Li leave, only now recovering from her shock and voicing her surprise. “Who is that man? He looked pretty arrogant…”
“He’s Grandpa’s secretary.” Gu Bin rubbed his forehead and sighed softly. “I called him for help, but didn’t expect him to make such a fuss.”
“Your grandpa’s retired and still has a secretary?” Lin Xiyu was utterly astonished. “He must have been a really high-ranking official before retiring.”
“Not such a big shot…” Gu Bin looked away, brushing it off casually. “Just older, with more seniority.”
“What you’re saying…” Lin Xiyu blinked, eyeing him suspiciously. “Why does it sound so unbelievable?”
“In your mind…” Gu Bin lifted a brow, turning the question back on her. “Am I really such an untrustworthy person?”
“Forget it.”
Lin Xiyu held his gaze for several seconds, then abandoned her line of questioning.
“What do you mean, ‘forget it’?” Gu Bin gave a sly smile, suddenly in the mood to tease her. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you really think that?”
“There’s nothing here for me. I’m going home.” Lin Xiyu’s ears turned red, and she spun around, dashing into her own yard.
“Hah, you heartless thing, not even inviting me in for a drink of water.” Gu Bin watched her run through the gate, laughing as he called after her. He sounded like he was complaining, but a trace of indulgence flickered in his eyes—something even he hadn't noticed.
——
The criminal police squad truly lived up to their reputation as the elite among officers—their investigative skills were formidable.
Within less than an hour, they uncovered clues and followed the trail to apprehend the suspect.
As it turned out, the suspect lived on Donghua Street, not far from Courtyard No. 9.
The motive matched Gu Bin’s speculation: seeing the phone booth unattended, he came over to call someone, spotted the bicycle, and was tempted. With no one watching, he simply carried it home.