582: Chapter 50: Burial 582: Chapter 50: Burial “Step aside, step aside, everyone make way!
Police, please wait outside!
Don’t get in the way!”
The ship’s doctor was loudly scolding the crowd gathered in the medical room…
Officer Ma noticed the doctor, who earlier had been reluctant to examine the deceased, and felt a bit off-put by the change in attitude.
It wasn’t this way just now.
But as they were bringing the old captain along, the crew had rushed down, abandoning their work, each with a worried look, sticking around with anxious faces.
Officer Ma understood the doctor’s inconsistent reactions.
How much respect must he mand for each crew member to feel a personal loss as if a family member were gravely ill?
“I feel like this is a family…”
Ren Ziling leaned against the door of the medical room, arms folded, and suddenly murmured.
She looked at Ali, as if she had much to say, but Ali just shook her head.
They seemed to be weighing some matters.
Mu Qinghai quietly took out a blueprint from his pocket and handed it to Officer Ma, a hoarse voice saying, “This is the blueprint, and the protractor is with that man.”
Officer Ma took it, instinctively asking, “How did you find it?”
Mu Qinghai looked at the medical room door and softly said, “My father’s health is poor.
I would secretly check on him after work each day.
I did the same last night but heard strange sounds on the way and curiously checked.
I didn’t see anyone, just found some blood drops on the floor.
A potted plant in the hallway had been moved, revealing something.
When I moved the pot, I found these two items.”
“Can you unlock it?” the Flying Eagle asked curiously.
Mu Qinghai gave Flying Eagle a cold, resentful glance, making Flying Eagle shrink back instinctively.
“I’m the deputy captain of this ship, no need for you to doubt my expertise.”
“Let’s wait for the treatment results first.” Officer Ma shook his head, bringing the blueprint to Ali and handing it over.
He quietly asked, “Ali, is there anything wrong with Mu Qinghai?”
Ali thought for a while before saying, “The important thing is the case box.
As long as it doesn’t fall into foreign hands, anything is negotiable.
Mu Qinghai is just Mu Enli’s adopted son.
He will likely face substantial political reviews.
If cleared, there won’t be any trouble.
We can no longer handle things like in the past…
However, Mu Enli probably can’t escape.”
Saying that, Ali patted Officer Ma’s shoulder.
“I can’t handle murder matters now.
But after you arrest Mu Enli under the murder charge, I’ll quietly take him away.”
“Understood.” Officer Ma suddenly lowered his voice, “But Ali…
are you entirely sure about Mu Enli?
I don’t know about the box, but concerning the murder…
I feel there are many holes.”
Ali was silent for a moment, then said, “Old Ma, I’m not a policeman anymore.
I’ll take Mu Enli away right after we return…
If you want to uncover the truth, you’ll have to do it before they land.
For now, you can question Mu Enli.”
Officer Ma hesitated, instinctively asking, “You…
submitted a report?”
“It’s too important to conceal.” Ali nodded.
“Thanks.” Officer Ma nodded…
He knew Ali had given him some leeway out of past friendship—if strictly by the book, no one would be allowed to contact Mu Enli at all.
“Hopefully, he wakes up soon.” Officer Ma sighed, silently watching the work light outside the medical room door.
…
“Adrenaline!” The ship’s doctor quickly instructed the working nurse while frowning at the nearby equipment.
The doctor suddenly opened his mouth in astonishment, feeling an intense grip on his arm.
He instinctively looked at the old captain lying there, seeing him suddenly open his eyes.
The doctor was stunned, then turned and said, “Go get me…
the medicine!
Hurry!”
The nurse hurriedly left.
The doctor then frowned and whispered, “Captain, I didn’t notice, how…
how are you okay?”
Mu Enli slowly sat up, removed the patches from his body, and softly said, “Old friend, can you do something for me…
consider it a favor.”
“Brother Mu, when my surgery failed, leading to a patient’s death and my expulsion from the hospital, you took me in to work on the ship.” The doctor shook his head.
“I will never forget your kindness…
No one on this ship hasn’t been touched by your benevolence.
As long as it’s not something heinous, not just small matters, even big ones, I’ll help you!”
“Aren’t you curious about what happened?” Mu Enli suddenly asked.
The doctor just smiled, “I only know you’re the captain of the Baiyu Cruise, and you’d never do anything to wrong it.
After all, this is our home.”
“Then give me some time.” Mu Enli sighed.
The doctor said, “Brother Mu, there’s a small door over there you can leave through.”
Mu Enli got up and walked towards the door the doctor pointed to, and just as he was about to push it open, the doctor suddenly shouted, “Brother Mu!”
Mu Enli turned back.
The doctor seriously said, “Don’t forget, after we return, you promised to treat everyone to drinks!
And your private collection!”
“Alcoholic,” Mu Enli shook his head, “…if there’s a chance.”
The old captain exited through the door.
The doctor stared blankly at the closed door, took a deep breath, and suddenly retrieved several bottles from the cabinet, pouring their contents onto a piece of gauze.
When the nurse returned with the medicine, the doctor, hiding behind the door, suddenly used the gauze to cover the nurse’s mouth, and she fell unconscious.
“Sorry, Xiao Li…
I’ll introduce you to a good man next time.” The doctor said apologetically and silently watched the time, waiting.
…
“So, Sir, this at least proves I didn’t kill anyone, right?
I request better treatment!” Flying Eagle, squatting on the ground, looked up at the people before him.
“Keep squatting!
You might not have killed anyone, but you stole a lot of things and disrupted public order!” Officer Ma snorted coldly, then clenched his fingers, “And you’re suspected of molesting women!”
Flying Eagle shivered subconsciously, and had to keep squatting…
but his hands, handcuffed behind his back, quietly reached for the sole of his slippers.
As a well-trained, sophisticated thief, how could he not have a few little tools on him…
he pulled out a pletely thin wire from the shoe sole.
Click…
the handcuffs naturally opened.
However, the people here seem to have quite good bat skills, right?
Flying Eagle’s gaze roamed around everyone, finally locking onto a seemingly harmless girl whose only skill appeared to be eating, petite in stature.
Seems like she’s called Lizi?
Flying Eagle pulled out a small blade from the sole of his other slipper, and suddenly exploded into action while everyone was off guard, sneaking behind Lizi and pressing the blade to her neck.
Lizi merely blinked, seemingly not reacting.
But Flying Eagle shouted, “Don’t move, everyone!
My hand sometimes can’t be controlled!”
“Flying Eagle!!
Stop!” Officer Ma shouted sternly as the crowd surrounded Flying Eagle, “Let her go now, and you can still turn back!”
“I said don’t move!
Get out of the way!!” Flying Eagle became defiant, “I just came to make some small bucks, I don’t want that damn box now!
Move, move!
Or if this young girl’s face gets slashed, don’t blame me!”
“Flying Eagle, I’m telling you one last time, let her go!” Officer Ma shouted angrily again!
Ali’s eyes turned cold, and she suddenly reached towards her waist.
“Hey, lady, I see you!” Flying Eagle laughed softly at this moment, making Ali stop her actions.
“Sister Ren, am I being held hostage?” Lizi subconsciously looked at Ren Ziling at this moment.
“…Could you stop eating now?” Ren Ziling looked at her assistant with a face full of frustration…
just how thick is this nerve to not react at all?
Flying Eagle, meanwhile, seized Lizi and began backing out of the crowd step by step, “Stop!
Nobody follows!
Once I am safe, I’ll naturally let her go!”
With that, Flying Eagle took Lizi out of sight and into the corridor’s corner.
“After him!”
Meanwhile, the medical room door suddenly opened, and a doctor stumbled out, looking terrified, and said, “Captain, the captain is gone!”
“What?!!” Officer Ma was stunned, swiftly glanced at Ali, then he grabbed his hair directly.
“Old Ma, you rescue the hostage, I’ll chase Mu Enli.” Ali said calmly.
“I’m counting on you!” Officer Ma nodded his head, then hurriedly rushed with a group towards the direction of Flying Eagle’s escape.
But he left a police officer here to watch Mu Qinghai.
Ali looked twice, then took the doctor into the medical room and asked him about the situation.
“Is this the small door?” Ali asked.
The doctor hesitated, “I’m not sure, I fainted at the time, and don’t know where the captain left from.
But if you didn’t see him at the main door, then it should be this small door.”
Ali calmly glanced at this doctor, the doctor’s gaze slightly shifted, and Ali immediately nodded, “Alright, I understand.”
Then she poked her head out of the door, waving to the officer watching Mu Qinghai, “e over here for a bit, I need your help with something.”
Not knowing quite who this woman was, but even Officer Ma seemed to be looking at her kindly, the officer quickly went over.
“Please, is there anything I can help with?”
“Just stand there.” Ali closed the door, calmly said.
The officer froze for about ten seconds awkwardly, then Ali slightly opened the door a crack, nodded, and walked out again.
Mu Qinghai…
disappeared.
“This…
what to do now!” The officer suddenly looked remorseful.
“It’s alright, I let him go intentionally.” Ali shook her head, then instructed, “Go catch up with your leader and help rescue the hostage.”
With that, Ali left the place.
…
…
The old captain walked quickly, yet calmly, into the Baiyu Cruise’s employee lounge.
“Captain, why are you…” In the corridor, an aunt holding cleaning tools happened to turn a corner and encountered Mu Enli.
“I’m fine.” Mu Enli shook his head, “Don’t panic, Auntie Cui.”
The cleaning lady nodded quickly, then worriedly said, “But…
but I heard those police officers…”
“It’s fine, it’ll be fine soon.” Mu Enli gently forted her.
Auntie Cui patted her chest with relief, “Captain says it’s fine, then it’ll definitely be fine.
I trust you!”
He has the magical ability to make everyone on the ship feel so assured, like a huge and heavy anchor—no matter how stormy the sea, as long as the anchor is present, Baiyu Cruise will be steady.
“I remember your child is about to enter high school, right?
Called…
oh yes, Zhang Laiming, right.” Mu Enli smiled.
“Captain, you still remember the kid’s name!”
“That child is good, he’ll be successful in the future.” Mu Enli said softly, and then instructed, “You twisted your waist last month, take care, don’t overwork yourself.”
“I understand!”
“Get to work then.”
Along the way, besides Auntie Cui, he also met a few others working on the ship, exchanging greetings and chatting a bit, yet always able to mention their family matters.
“Captain!
I’m getting married next month!
You must e!”
“Captain, e to my house for dinner next time!
My mom brought some old rice wine from back home!”
“Captain…
It seems those police are looking for you, please…
please be careful”
“Captain…”
Thank you, thank you all.
…
Standing at his bedroom door, Mu Enli took a deep breath, opened the door but did not close it, walked to the bed, and pushed it away.
Mu Enli could naturally see the wallpaper’s peeling pattern at the moved spot, thinking this must be Mu Qinghai’s doing.
He sighed, his gaze somewhat plex, then mournful, silently took out a pocket watch, similarly opened it, then flipped open the back cover, took out a very small key, and inserted it into the single keyhole.
The opened area wasn’t large, Mu Enli reached in with both hands and pulled out a box—it was a very old-fashioned leather box, with many spots on the leather already showing signs of cracking.
Mu Enli held it, gently patted it.
He didn’t speak, just walked to the wardrobe, found a clean set of captain’s uniform and hat.
After tidying himself up, Mu Enli reached out to adjust the brim of his hat, holding the old leather box, closed the door and left straight away.
This time he didn’t want to meet anyone.
So he chose a very quiet route.
He was more familiar with the Baiyu Cruise than anyone else.
If he wanted to avoid someone, naturally no one could match him.
Rarely used spiral staircases, safety passages almost never used, old extendable ladders.
He climbed to the steam whistle of Baiyu Cruise, this was not the highest place of Baiyu Cruise, yet except for maintenance, basically no one came to this place.
Mu Enli walked to the edge, set down the leather box, opened it.
He hadn’t opened this leather box in a very, very long time, but every item inside could evoke fresh memories, like seeing them yesterday.
There was an old-fashioned silver pistol, the kind that could only hold six bullets.
He took the gun out, then closed the leather box again…
Mu Enli took a deep breath, held it with both hands, clenched his teeth, and forcefully threw it out…
unseen, the leather box sank into the seawater without exception.
“This…
my sins…”
He closed his eyes, pushed the old pistol deep into his mouth, his finger lightly hooked…
yet his expression showed no trace of fear, calm…
as calm as the sea in front of him.
“Sir, if you pull the trigger, your life really ends here.”
Mu Enli instinctively opened his eyes, lowered the gun, after a while, turned around to see the person who spoke…
this voice he remembered, and now he could clearly see the appearance of this person.
This man, wearing a mask, with an immeasurable age.
Mu Enli suddenly said, “I’ve fought wars, killed pirates…
encountered all sorts of strange things, yet didn’t expect some magical things, to be beyond prediction.
Are you really going to take my soul?”
“Certainly.” Boss Luo calmly said, “As per the contract’s terms, indeed so.”
“What is a soul?” Mu Enli shook his head, “When a person dies, thoughts perish, what can a so-called soul still feel?”
“Soul…” Boss Luo turned to look at the sea, “Perhaps, it’s also a form of life’s continuation.”
“Continuation…” The old captain was silent for a while, also looking at the sea: “I already have things that continue…
such illusory stuff, don’t want to understand anymore.”
“Of course, that’s also your choice, sir.”
Luo, the boss, nodded, “I’m just here to remind you, sir, according to the contract’s terms, you actually have a few more days…
but if you insist on ending it here, we won’t change the contract terms.
So, please consider.”
Mu Enli shook his head, “Too many unforeseen events have happened…
so there’s no need anymore.
The longer it’s dragged on, the bigger the changes, I can’t afford to lose.”
“Then, I won’t disturb you.” Boss Luo nodded, retreated…
fading away.
The old captain looked at the place already devoid of people…
constantly feeling that the phrase ‘won’t disturb’ seemed familiar from somewhere.
He shook his head, the arrival of this mysterious merchant didn’t change his plan, and this interruption didn’t seem to waver his resolve to end his life.
“I’m here to acpany you.”
Mu Enli silently said in his heart, once more pushed the pistol into his mouth, propped it against the top of his palate.
“Dad—No!!”
…
“Dad!
Don’t be impulsive!!” Mu Qinghai rushed forward nervously.
He was gasping for breath, evidently having raced against time to get here.
But he didn’t dare to use force against Mu Enli…
he knew all too well his father’s stubborn nature.
“Why are you here too?
What I wanted to say to you was already made very clear in the office!
Have you forgotten!” Mu Enli looked sternly at Mu Qinghai.
It was the most severe expression Mu Qinghai had ever seen on his father’s face.
“I heard it!
I heard everything…
How could I not hear?” Mu Qinghai said painfully, “While you were talking to Officer Ma and the others, you quietly used the municator under the table, using Morse code to tell me to stay silent…
How could I not hear it?”
Mu Qinghai knelt on the ground in anguish, “I don’t care whether or not you did anything harmful thirty years ago!
I don’t care whether or not you were a so-called spy…
You raised me for thirty years, back when I was abandoned at the dock, without you, there would be no Mu Qinghai today!
Dad, even if we aren’t biologically related, if I let you take the blame, would I still be human?
But you…
why did you threaten me back then, why use your own life to threaten me!
Forcing me into silence!
Do you know how painful that is for me!”
“I don’t have long to live, not even a few days are left.” Mu Enli shook his head and sighed, “You foolish boy, is it worth sacrificing your future for me, someone who’s about to enter the grave?
Qian Guoliang wanted to negotiate with me, but I couldn’t kill him and instead let him escape.
Helpless, I had to go and swap the surveillance tapes…
You must have seen me then, right?”
Mu Qinghai nodded silently, tearful, “I…
I saw you when I went back to get the keys.
At that time, I didn’t know what you were going to do, nor did I speak up.
Just saw you erase the footage where Qian Guoliang escaped from your room…
I was originally going to ask you, but seeing you…
your expression at that time was too…
I’ve never seen you like that before, too terrifying…
too unfamiliar…”
Mu Enli shook his head and sighed, “Terrifying?
Foolish boy, when your father killed pirates back in the day, he looked ten times more terrifying…
I initially noted down Qian Guoliang’s location, but when I went over, I couldn’t find him.
It was you who took him away first, right.
When Qian Guoliang died, seeing the place where he appeared, I knew…
it was you.”
Mu Qinghai nodded, “Dad…
you, you knew it was me all along?”
Mu Enli sighed, “The little space above the storeroom, I knew it was you the moment I saw it…
Back then you were still small, I spent my days on the ship, and I’d take you along.
But you were mischievous, always hiding at random times.
That place was where you used to hide from people.
You think I’m senile?”
“Dad…
you, you still remember.”
“How could I not remember?” Mu Enli chuckled bitterly, glancing around, “Just like you found this place…
you know me well, do you think I don’t know you?
Foolish boy!”
“I…”
“But you, foolish boy!
Did you really kill because of treasure?”
“No!
It’s not!” Mu Qinghai quickly said, “I don’t care about any treasure!
It’s him!
When I found him, he told me you might be a spy!
And about the box!
He promised me a lot of benefits if I saved him!
But!”
Mu Qinghai widened his eyes and said, “I can’t do it!
I can’t do it!
I can’t let your matters be exposed!
I can’t, I can’t…
I really can’t!
I want to destroy all this!
I want you to peacefully enjoy your retirement!
I want you to see my successful career!
I want you to see me marry and settle down…
Dad!
I don’t want to see you go to prison!
Dad, if I hadn’t met you in this life, I’d probably have died on the dock already…
I definitely don’t want you to suffer!
I want you to retire gloriously from the Baiyu Cruise, I want you to always be that perfect and flawless captain in the hearts of the crew!
I won’t let it be shattered!
Dad…
I definitely won’t allow your life to have a stain!
But you…
why did you choose to confess in the end!
Why!!”
Mu Enli sighed and said, “Foolish boy, how could a person’s life have no stains…
I’m not as perfect as you imagine.
But nevertheless, I’ve explained the matter of the box, and as for Qian Guoliang…
even if you didn’t help me, he wouldn’t have lived much longer.
The box has been handed over now, and I’ve admitted to being the killer.
If you truly value the grace of my raising you, then consider it repayment and remain silent!
If you want me to die without peace, I’ve nothing to say.”
Mu Enli this time pointed the handgun at his temple, “But, I really hope to close this matter this way…
I’m exhausted and don’t want to endure endless interrogation anymore, nor do I want to face more matters.
Qinghai, consider me cowardly, consider it my final wish.”
“Dad!!
Don’t be impulsive!!” Mu Qinghai frantically crawled up from the ground, charging at Mu Enli desperately.
Boom—!!!
“Dad!!!!!!”
Mu Qinghai screamed frantically, but instinctively halted.
He saw Mu Enli’s handgun seemingly struck by something, directly falling to the deck, while Mu Enli looked shocked, clutching his wrist, showing a hint of bewilderment.
“Captain Mu Enli, our interrogation is civilized.”
…
Ali emerged calmly, still holding her small black handgun in her left hand, and said plainly, “Especially towards the elderly, the treatment will be better.”
“You…
you’re following me?” Mu Qinghai said in panic.
Ali said expressionlessly, “If I hadn’t intentionally sent people away, would you have walked away so easily?”
“What do you want to do?” Mu Enli frowned at this time, “Did you hear everything…
just now?”
Ali suddenly said, “Mu Enli, how about we make a deal privately?”
“Speak!”
“I can pretend I didn’t hear what was said just now.”
Ali said blandly, “My mission is only to find King and bring back the box.
As for Qian Guoliang’s death, for a foreign spy, regardless of who killed him, in a certain sense, it’s considered doing a good deed for the country…
I can lend a hand in Mu Qinghai’s subsequent political review, but you have to cooperate with me, don’t think about dying, and accurately reconstruct the shipbuilding pany’s plan from thirty years ago and thoroughly report all the information on the mysterious people who contacted you, the more detailed the better.
Of course, these will be conducted privately, and we guarantee it won’t affect Mu Qinghai’s daily life.”
“I agree.” Mu Enli suddenly nodded.
“Dad!” Mu Qinghai wanted to say something.
But Mu Enli shook his head, took a deep breath, and softly said, “Let’s head back.”
…
…
“Sister Ali’s marksmanship is actually more accurate than Uncle Ma’s.”
Boss Luo took off his mask.
The deck at the Baiyu Cruise’s whistle spot was already empty.
“Master, I’ve found the item.”
Luo Qiu turned around to look at You Ye…
The maid Ms.
was holding an old, wet leather suitcase with both hands, standing against the wind.
Boss Luo smiled slightly, stepped closer, and wiped off the watermarks from the suitcase, “This is…
the treasure.”
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