I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 126 Investigating Corruption Cases

Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat quickened, knowing this might be a breakthrough in the case. She quickly crossed the intersection and walked briskly toward the newspaper office. The rain blurred her vision, but her mind was remarkably clear. She knew she had to uncover the truth quickly, or there might be more victims.

When she arrived at the newspaper office, Fu Siyuan was already waiting for her in the office. His face was serious, and his desk was covered with documents and photos. "Wanqing, look at this." He handed her a photo. On it was a familiar face—her friend, Su Wan.

A complex wave of emotions surged in Zhang Wanqing's heart. She looked at the photo in disbelief. "Su Wan? How could she be related to a criminal group?"

Fu Siyuan sighed, "I didn't expect that either. But during my investigation, I found that she had recently been in contact with some suspicious people. Also, a large sum of money suddenly appeared in her bank account."

Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with doubts and pain. She didn't want to believe it was true. Su Wan had been her friend for many years, and they had spent many unforgettable times together. How could she betray her and get involved in such a case?

Fu Siyuan saw her hesitation and said softly, "Wanqing, I know this is hard to accept, but we can't give up the pursuit of the truth because of personal feelings. We must find out Su Wan's true identity."

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath. She knew Fu Siyuan was right. She nodded and decided to put aside her personal feelings for the time being and investigate Su Wan as a reporter. "Where do we start?"

Fu Siyuan pointed to the documents on the table and said, "I have collected some of Su Wan's recent whereabouts. We can start from there."

They began to carefully study the documents, trying to find the connection between Su Wan and the criminal group. As time passed and the night grew deeper, they all forgot their fatigue and devoted themselves to the investigation.

At this moment, Zhang Wanqing's phone rang. It was a text message from Su Wan: "Wanqing, I know you are investigating me. Let's meet and talk."

Zhang Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. She knew this was both an opportunity and a trap. She and Fu Siyuan exchanged a glance, both understanding that this meeting could change everything.

On a rainy morning, the air was filled with the fragrance of earth, and sunlight filtered through a gap in the clouds, illuminating the wet streets. Zhang Wanqing stood at the window of the newspaper office, her phone tightly gripped. Su Wan's text message was like a ticking time bomb, leaving her heart hanging in the balance. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, but the sweat on her palms betrayed her nervousness.

Zhang Wanqing turned and faced Fu Siyuan, his eyes filled with concern. "What are you going to do?" he asked, a subtle hint of nervousness in his voice.

Zhang Wanqing bit her lip. She knew this decision wasn't going to be easy. "I have to go see her," she said finally, her voice firm. "Whatever the outcome, I need to know the truth."

Fu Siyuan nodded. He understood Zhang Wanqing's decision, even if it meant they might face greater risks. "Be careful," he warned. "I'll protect you in secret."

They agreed on a time and place to meet, a café in the city center, crowded and relatively safe. Zhang Wanqing arrived early and chose a seat by the window. Her eyes kept scanning the window, searching for Su Wan.

As time passed, Zhang Wanqing's heartbeat grew faster and faster. She recalled every detail of her relationship with Su Wan, from roommates in college to business partners. Their friendship had endured countless trials and tribulations. However, today's meeting might be the end of their friendship.

Finally, Su Wan appeared at the entrance of the cafe. She was wearing a black windbreaker, her hat pulled low, covering most of her face. She looked around and then walked straight towards Zhang Wanqing.

Zhang Wanqing stood up, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Su Wan took off her hat, revealing a pale and tired face. Her eyes held a hint of apology and helplessness.

"Wanqing," Su Wan's voice was a little hoarse, "I know you have a lot of questions."

Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath, trying to sound calm. "Su Wan, are you really related to that criminal group?" she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

Su Wan was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, but I have my reasons." There was a tremor in her voice.

Zhang Wanqing's heart sank, a sharp pain piercing her. "Reason? Is your reason to betray your friends and get involved in something so dangerous?" There was a hint of anger in her voice.

A trace of pain flashed in Su Wan's eyes. "Wanqing, you don't know what I've been through. My father is seriously ill, and I need money to pay for his medical expenses. They found me and made an offer I couldn't refuse."

Zhang Wanqing's anger gradually gave way to sympathy. She knew what Su Wan's father meant to her. "Su Wan, why didn't you tell me? We can work together to find a solution."

Su Wan shook her head. "Wanqing, you don't understand. They control me, and if I don't do what they say, my father's life will be threatened."

Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with contradictions. She knew Su Wan's situation, but she also couldn't accept Su Wan's choice. "Su Wan, you are playing with fire. Do you know that this could cost you your life?"

A trace of determination flashed in Su Wan's eyes. "I know, but I have no choice. Wanqing, I came to see you today to ask for your help."

Zhang Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know what Su Wan wanted her to do. "How can I help you?"

Su Wan took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination. "Wanqing, I know you're investigating them. I hope you can stop, at least now. They're far more powerful than you imagine. Continuing to investigate will only put you in danger."

Zhang Wanqing was in a state of conflict. She knew Su Wan's words made sense, but she couldn't give up on pursuing the truth. "Su Wan, I can't do this. I must expose their crimes and protect more innocent people."

Su Wan's face turned pale. She knew what Zhang Wanqing's decision meant. "Wanqing, you are forcing me."

Zhang Wanqing's heart ached. She knew that a crack had appeared in her friendship with Su Wan. "Su Wan, I don't want to force you. But I can't give up my principles either."

Su Wan stood up, a look of determination in her eyes. "Wanqing, if you continue your investigation, our friendship will end here."

Zhang Wanqing's heart was filled with pain. She watched Su Wan leave, and her heart was filled with loss. She knew that her friendship with Su Wan had come to an end.

Back at the newspaper office, Zhang Wanqing told Fu Siyuan about her conversation with Su Wan. His face was solemn; he knew this decision wasn't easy. "Wanqing, you did a great job. We can't give up pursuing the truth because of personal feelings."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, she knew that Fu Siyuan was right.