Episode Three
11
In Class A of the fourth grade at Qingshui Public School on Qingshui Street,
the moment Teacher Miura Tomokazu stepped into the classroom, he noticed that one seat was empty.
Miura asked,
“Why is Yang Xintai absent today?”
Dawang raised his hand and said,
“Sir, I know.”
Miura said,
“You know? Dawang?”
Dawang stood up and said,
“Yesterday afternoon, an uncle came to school looking for him. He said his kasan (mother) had been in a traffic accident, and his tosan (father) told him to go home first.”
Miura said,
“So that’s what happened. Then why didn’t you report it to me yesterday?”
Dawang replied,
“Sir, I forgot at the time. I only remembered after I got home.”
Miura said,
“All right. Let’s begin class first. Children, open your arithmetic books to page six.”
Just then, Patrolman Musashi, in uniform, entered the classroom accompanied by Principal Itsuki Tokugawa (fifty-five years old).
Itsuki said,
“Teacher Miura, this is urgent—we’ll need to interrupt your lesson for a few minutes.”
Musashi said,
“Before school ended yesterday, did any of you see Yang Xintai leave the school?”
Miura pointed at Dawang and said,
“Wang Dawang knows. Dawang, stand up and answer the policeman.”
Dawang stood up.
“Yes, sir.”
Musashi took Dawang aside to question him. Dozens of pairs of eyes in the classroom stared at the two of them. After finishing the questioning, Musashi walked over to Principal Itsuki.
Musashi said,
“Principal, this child has seen the criminal before. I will take him back to the precinct to identify the suspect, and then escort him home.”
Itsuki said,
“Teacher Miura, the police will first take Wang Dawang to the station to assist with the investigation.”
Musashi said,
“Sir, sorry for the disturbance.”
Seizing the moment for moral instruction, Itsuki said,
“Children, yesterday Yang Xintai was tricked away from the school by a criminal and hasn’t returned home yet. From now on, if a stranger tries to take you away from school, you must first report it to your teachers. Do you understand?”
The whole class replied in unison,
“Yes, we understand!”
Dawang packed his schoolbag and followed Itsuki and Musashi out of the classroom.
12
Another train pulled into the station.
Yang Xintai appeared on the platform of Qingshui Street Railway Station and was recognized by Sub-Inspector Koizumi.
Koizumi pointed and said,
“Reporting to the Director—Dean Yang’s son has appeared!”
Hashimoto said,
“Don’t approach yet. Watch whether there’s anyone suspicious following him.”
Koizumi replied sharply,
“Yes, sir!”
Yang Xintai followed the crowd out of the station, while Koizumi kept his distance and trailed behind.
Inside the main hall, Nishikawa Riko saw Xintai. From afar, she opened her arms wide, tears welling in her eyes. Seeing that his mother was safe and unharmed, Xintai ran into her embrace.
Koizumi saw no suspicious individuals and walked over to them.
Koizumi said joyfully,
“Madam, the young master has returned safely!”
Director Hashimoto followed.
Riko said gratefully,
“Officer, thank you—thank you all so much.”
Hashimoto said,
“Fortunately, the child is safe. The kidnapper seems timid. Koizumi, notify Chief Yahata at Dajia Station—detain all passengers in the waiting hall except the elderly, women, and children. Search them one by one. Anyone suspicious is to be taken to the precinct first. I believe the kidnapper is on one of these two trains.”
Koizumi stood at attention.
“Yes, Director!”
Riko asked,
“Xintai, where did you go last night?”
Xintai said,
“Kasan, an uncle came to school and said you were injured in a traffic accident and were having surgery at a hospital in Dajia…”
Hashimoto said,
“It appears Young Master Yang was deceived away from the school by the criminal.”
13
A passerby entered the reception desk of Yang General Hospital on Qingshui Street and reported to the nurse on duty:
“There’s a man lying under the utility pole in front of your hospital. There’s blood all over his face and clothes—it looks serious.”
Nurse A waved urgently and shouted,
“Dr. Zhang! Dr. Zhang! There’s an injured man collapsed near the hospital entrance!”
Doctor Zhang Wenming hurried over.
Nurse A said,
“Please come quickly and take a look.”
The two medical staff followed the passerby to the utility pole and found the injured man.
Nurse A said,
“I recognize him—his surname is Li. Not long ago his wife brought him here to quit opium.”
Doctor Zhang supported Li Zixian.
Doctor Zhang said,
“The patient’s breathing is weak. His injuries may be severe. Let’s carry him back immediately and notify his wife at once.”
Nurse A replied,
“Yes, doctor.”
The three of them supported the injured man and headed back toward the hospital.
14
Li Wang Meihao rushed into the emergency room at Yang General Hospital.
Meihao asked,
“I’m Zixian’s wife. How is my husband now?”
Doctor Zhang said,
“Your husband’s condition is critical. We’re performing emergency treatment. He seems to have something to tell you.”
Meihao leaned close to the bed.
“Xian, who did this to you?”
“It was Fang… Fangming House’s… Black… Black Dog. I shouldn’t have stolen your necklace. I really regret smoking opium…”
Li Zixian struggled to force the words out. After speaking, he fainted again.
Meihao cried out,
“Xian! Hold on—hold on…”
She shouted,
“Doctor, please save my husband! Save my husband!”
Doctor Zhang said,
“Nurse! The patient’s breathing and heartbeat have stopped. Get the defibrillator—restore his heartbeat immediately!”
Nurse B answered,
“Yes!”
She handed over the defibrillator and opened the patient’s shirt. Doctor Zhang repeatedly shocked his chest more than ten times.
Doctor Zhang said solemnly,
“We’ve done everything we could. Mrs. Li… please accept our condolences.”
Nurse B pulled up a white sheet to cover the deceased man’s face and turned to comfort Meihao.
Meihao burst into loud sobs, her cries echoing through the emergency room.
15
A train pulled into Dajia District Station.
In uniform, Yahata Yuki led several uniformed officers and plainclothes detectives blocking the exit.
Among the line of passengers getting off were Yang Zhaohua and Chen Qiu. Fukuda and several undercover officers followed behind the crowd.
Yahata blew his whistle and gestured.
“You two—come over here for inspection.”
The two middle-aged men obeyed and stepped forward for a body search.
Officer A asked,
“Where did you come from? What are you doing in Dajia?”
Man B said,
“I boarded in Changhua. I’m here to wholesale straw hats and sell them.”
Man C said,
“I came to worship and pray at the Dajia Mazu Temple.”
Plainclothes Officer A said,
“You came to worship—then why didn’t you bring flowers or offerings? That’s suspicious. Stay here and don’t leave.”
Man C protested,
“Sir, I haven’t done anything illegal. Why are you detaining me?”
Yahata said,
“We’re screening suspects. You’ll find out the rest at the station.”
One after another, more than a dozen men were detained—including Chen Qiu.
Inspector Fukuda said,
“Dean Yang, the criminal may already be aware of our operation. That’s why he hasn’t dared to come forward to collect the ransom.”
Yang Zhaohua said,
“My main concern is the child’s safety.”
Yahata said,
“Reporting, Inspector—Sub-Inspector Koizumi just called. Young Master Yang has been found. The Director ordered us to screen suspicious passengers and take them to the station for identification by the boy.”
Yang Zhaohua said,
“Then I’m relieved.”
Fukuda said,
“Yahata, take these dozen men back to the precinct.”
Yahata replied,
“Yes, Inspector!”
16
Inside the isolation room of the interrogation section at Qingshui Police Precinct,
more than a dozen suspects who had been brought back stood lined up in a row.
Sub-Inspector Koizumi first brought in Wang Dawang.
Separated by the glass window, Dawang immediately pointed out Chen Qiu at first glance.
Koizumi led Dawang out, then brought Yang Xintai in next.
Xintai also pointed directly at Chen Qiu.
Inspector Fukuda said with confidence,
“This kidnapping case was most likely carried out by Chen Qiu alone.”
Hashimoto said,
“We should still interrogate Chen Qiu first—to confirm whether there were accomplices.”
Fukuda said,
“Of course. Koizumi, bring Chen Qiu into the interrogation room.”
Koizumi obeyed, turned, walked into the isolation room, and escorted Chen Qiu out.
Inside the interrogation room, Inspector Fukuda questioned Chen Qiu.
Fukuda asked,
“Chen Qiu, do you hold a grudge against Dean Yang? Why did you kidnap his son?”
Chen Qiu confessed,
“I had no money to buy opium paste, so I thought of extorting ransom from Dean Yang. I knew he was wealthy—but I never intended to harm his son.”
Fukuda asked,
“Didn’t you know that kidnapping for ransom carries a heavy sentence?”
Chen Qiu said,
“Black Dog from Fangming House wouldn’t sell me opium on credit. Without money to stop my cravings, I felt unbearable torment and didn’t think about the consequences!”
Officer A reported,
“Inspector, the family of a deceased victim has come to file a case.”
Fukuda ordered,
“Lock Chen Qiu in the detention cell first. I’ll go over right away.”
The officer replied,
“Yes, sir.”
At the duty counter, Sub-Inspector Koizumi was recording the statement.
Fukuda asked,
“Koizumi—is it a homicide?”
Koizumi answered,
“Yes, sir. Li Zixian’s wife reported that Li Zixian was beaten to death by Black Dog, the enforcer of Fangming House.”
Fukuda said angrily,
“Again Fangming House? Again that Black Dog?”
Wang Meihao, her face full of sorrow, pleaded,
“Officer, please uphold justice for this poor woman.”
Fukuda asked,
“Where is the body?”
Koizumi said,
“The body is currently in the morgue at Yang General Hospital. The death certificate lists the cause as acute internal hemorrhaging caused by ruptured organs.”
Fukuda said,
“Mrs. Li, we will pursue Black Dog and his accomplices according to the law and restore justice for the deceased.
Koizumi—effective tonight, all officers are suspended from leave. No one is allowed to go out or use public or private telephones to prevent leaks. Tomorrow morning I will personally lead the operation to arrest everyone at Fangming House.”
Koizumi replied,
“Yes, sir! I will issue the order immediately. Inspector, the Director requests your presence in his office.”
Fukuda said,
“Understood. I’ll go right away.”
Fukuda stood up and entered the Director’s office.
Hashimoto said,
“Inspector, these two major criminal cases recently both involve Black Dog. Fangming House has long been backed by underworld forces in our district. I’m concerned this will be difficult to handle.”
Fukuda said,
“Director, Black Dog must be severely punished.
But Fangming House itself is like a ticking time bomb in the community. Rather than letting it continue causing harm, we should take this opportunity to sweep it away and drive them out of our jurisdiction.”
Hashimoto said,
“But Fangming House is a legally registered business—we can’t simply revoke its license. Besides, these opium addicts still need somewhere to go.”
Fukuda said,
“Driving Fangming House out isn’t difficult. First we arrest Black Dog and his men. Then we conduct daily inspections—station officers there, screen everyone entering and leaving. Within a month, Fangming House will shut down on its own.
As for the registered addicts, I propose asking Dean Yang to establish a rehabilitation clinic to treat them. That would solve the opium problem in our district once and for all.”
Hashimoto asked,
“Would Dean Yang be willing to help?”
Fukuda said,
“Dean Yang is a physician with a warm heart for the public good. A few years ago, when cholera broke out here, if he hadn’t stepped forward to treat patients and contain the epidemic, countless people along the coastal region would have died.”
Hashimoto said,
“Very well. Since you’re confident, I’ll go with you to see Dean Yang.”
17
Accompanied by Principal Itsuki and Teacher Miura, Yang Xintai entered the classroom.
All the students looked at him with curiosity.
Itsuki said,
“I’ll leave the child to you, Miura.”
Miura replied,
“Yes, Principal.”
Yang Xintai walked back to his seat while Miura stepped up to the podium.
Miura said,
“Children, the day before yesterday in the afternoon, Xintai was tricked away from the school by a stranger. From now on, if anyone claims to be a student’s parent or relative and tries to take you away, you must first report to the teacher and only leave with the teacher’s permission. Do you understand clearly?”
The whole class answered in unison,
“Yes, we understand!”
Miura said,
“Open your language textbooks…”
Liao Yingjun, sitting beside Xintai, whispered,
“Xintai, Xintai… you—”
Teacher Miura noticed and glared angrily at him.
Yingjun immediately lowered his head.
18
Nishikawa Riko personally came to Qingshui Public School to pick up her son after class.
The crossing guard noticed and asked them to go to the principal’s office.
Inside the office, Principal Itsuki received the mother and son personally.
Teacher Miura was also summoned.
Itsuki said,
“Madam Dean, regarding the incident in which your son was taken away by criminals from the school, I offer my deepest apologies. After serious review with the administrators, we have decided to hire security guards to strengthen access control and ensure students’ safety during arrival and dismissal.”
Miura bowed deeply.
“Madam, I bear significant responsibility for allowing Xintai to be abducted. I have requested disciplinary action from the principal and sincerely apologize to you.”
Riko said,
“Principal, Teacher Miura, I have no intention of pursuing the school’s responsibility. I only hope such an incident will never happen again. Every child is a parent’s treasure—no parent would ever wish their child to suffer harm without cause.”
Itsuki said,
“Yes, Madam Dean. Your words of admonition are firmly in my heart. I will require all staff to heighten vigilance and prevent any recurrence.”
Riko said,
“From now on, I will personally escort my child to and from school. Thank you for your time—I’ll take my leave.”
Itsuki said,
“Teacher Miura, please see Madam out.”
Riko bowed.
“Teacher Miura, no need to trouble yourself.”
Riko and Yang Xintai turned and left.
In the corridor, Principal Itsuki and Teacher Miura watched their retreating figures.
19
Early in the morning, just as Fangming House opium den opened for business,
Fukuda Ei arrived with a squad of armed officers.
You Fangming asked in surprise,
“Inspector Fukuda, such an early inspection today?”
Fukuda asked,
“Where is your man Black Dog? I’m looking for him.”
You Fangming said,
“Kid—go call Black Dog over.”
Underling A replied,
“Yes, boss.”
Black Dog walked over with several subordinates.
Seeing Fukuda and the armed officers behind him, he immediately sensed something was wrong.
Forcing calm, Black Dog said,
“Inspector Fukuda, you’re looking for me? Don’t tell me you’ve come to smoke some opium today?”
Fukuda said,
“I have no such habit. Black Dog, I am arresting you under the order of the district prosecutor. This is the warrant.”
Fukuda produced the arrest warrant.
Black Dog panicked.
“Sir, I haven’t broken the law!”
Fukuda said sternly,
“Li Zixian succumbed to his injuries yesterday at Yang General Hospital. Before dying, he stated that you instructed your men to beat him.”
Black Dog cried out in alarm,
“Sir, I’ve been wronged! I only meant for my men to teach Li Zixian a lesson. That kid came here more than once to smoke white opium—I never knew he was so fragile!”
Fukuda said,
“The man is dead. Telling me this is useless.
Koizumi—handcuff Black Dog and his three men and take them away!”
Koizumi replied,
“Yes, Inspector!”
Koizumi and the armed officers immediately cuffed Black Dog and his subordinates.
Black Dog screamed in terror,
“Boss, save me! You have to save me!”
You Fangming said bitterly,
“This time I can’t even save myself!”
Fukuda said,
“Boss You, please come with us to the precinct to assist the investigation.”
You Fangming answered,
“Yes, sir.”
Beside him, his business partner Yoshinaga Jirō (40) said,
“Don’t worry—I’ll go with you.”
20
Inside the interrogation room of Qingshui Police Precinct.
Yoshinaga Jirō said,
“Director Hashimoto, regarding the death of the addict Li, it was not instigated by my partner You Fangming. It was solely Black Dog’s personal action. He intended only to discipline Li, but his men struck too heavily by accident.
We are willing to negotiate compensation with the victim’s family in good faith. We request that these key points be recorded in the interrogation transcript.”
Hashimoto said,
“The cause of Li Zixian’s death was indeed Black Dog’s instigation. Black Dog is your enforcer. The man was beaten to death in your establishment—how can you deny responsibility?
Moreover, the kidnapping of Dean Yang’s son by the addict Chen Qiu also originated at Fangming House. Fangming House is truly a cancer to local public safety.”
You Fangming said,
“Sir, harmony brings wealth. We operate an opium house purely to serve addicts. Besides, opium prices are supervised by the authorities—it’s strictly cash on delivery. Still, some addicts insist on credit and treat us like a charity.”
Fukuda said sharply,
“According to our registry, there are only about a hundred addicts officially registered on this street—but the number entering Fangming House is no less than three to four hundred, isn’t it?
I’ve heard addicts say you operate a head-hunting commission—anyone who brings in a new customer earns twenty percent each time.
Those unlicensed customers you’ve drawn in can legally be reported and shut down. Don’t take me for an ignorant inspector.”
Yoshinaga said,
“Since Inspector Fukuda understands our business so clearly, let’s be frank. How much monthly support does your entire force require? You two may name the price.”
Fukuda sneered.
“Are you openly attempting to bribe us?”
Yoshinaga said,
“Officials endure years to reach positions of authority—if not for money, then for what? Consider this our industry’s token of respect.”
Fukuda said righteously,
“Do you think the integrity of the Director and myself is worth only a few hundred yen a month?”
Yoshinaga said,
“Then are you planning to drive us to ruin—cut off our livelihood entirely?”
Fukuda said,
“You lure decent citizens into addiction with commissions. Once addicted, they sell everything they own to feed their cravings, and eventually resort to theft, robbery, abduction, and fraud.
Chen Qiu kidnapped Dean Yang’s son precisely because he had no money to buy opium. After interrogating him, this was made clear. Can you truly say these crimes have nothing to do with your opium house?”
Yoshinaga said,
“Sir, opium houses operate under government license. We pay more taxes than other businesses. Besides, every town has one—surely you can’t target only Fangming House.”
Fukuda said,
“We are not targeting Fangming House alone. We demand that you operate within the law—stop recruiting decent people with commissions and increasing the addict population.
If you refuse to comply, we will shut you down according to the law.”
