Fateful Consequences: A Guardian Story

Zhao Yunlan made it to the university campus in record time.  He hurtled through the corridors until he reached Shen Wei's office.  Locked.

Turning, he noticed a teaching assistant coming towards him.

"Where's Professor Shen?" he asked, without preamble.

I...I don't know," she stammered.  He doesn't usually have classes after lunch on Mondays.  He might be in a meeting.

"Never mind," said Yunlan, quickly.  "Where's Professor Cheng's office?"

The young woman smiled, relieved that this was a question she could answer.

"The other side of the building.  Go back to the main lobby and take the corridor on the right.  It's the second door on the left."

Yunlan was gone almost before she had finished speaking.

Fortunately, just as he was entering the lobby for the second time, he ran into Chu Shuzhi, who fell easily into step alongside him.  Within seconds, they had reached their destination.

Not bothering to knock, Yunlan flung open the door, to be met with what was pretty high on his list of worst-case scenarios.

Professor Cheng was sat at his desk leaning forward, his attention focussed completely on the person sat opposite him, whose hand was tightly encased in his own.  It was Shen Wei.

Surprised by the sudden intrusion, both men leapt to their feet.

Yunlan took a deep breath.

"Gentlemen, I'm very sorry to disturb you, but we need to have a word with Professor Cheng at the station and I'm afraid it can't wait."

Turning his head slightly, he motioned to Chu Shuzhi to take the lead.

"I would appreciate it if you would come with me, Professor," his second-in-command said.  "We will try not to keep you any longer than necessary."

Professor Cheng was remarkably unruffled.

"Of course.  Whatever I can do to help."  He turned to Shen Wei.

"Professor Shen, I look forward to continuing the discussion about the retreat at another time, once this has all been cleared up.  Once again, thank you for your company yesterday, and for your offer to try your new tea."  He smiled warmly.

Yunlan's eyes narrowed.  He looked at Chu Shuzhi.

"Chu, take Professor Cheng back to SCD.  I will join you when I'm finished here.  Professor Shen, a word in your office please."

Chu looked at the young professor, then back at his boss.  Wisely, he decided to say nothing.

Shen Wei did not speak, not even when they were back in his office.  He simply stood and waited coolly for Yunlan to start talking.  If anything, it only made the police chief even more frustrated.

"What the hell are you doing?  I told you to be careful.  I told you to..."

"What?"  Shen Wei's voice remained as calm as ever.  "You asked me to avoid spending time with people who may or may not be suspects out of working hours.  You just barged in on a work meeting to plan a student event.  Are you now saying that I shouldn't even be doing my job?"

"And what about yesterday?  What was that?  Is there something I should know about you and Professor Cheng?"  Yunlan countered.

Shen Wei's conscience was clear but, nonetheless, he realised he was on less firm ground, and his eyes darted to one side, unwilling to meet Yunlan's gaze as he spoke.