Agent 113 (Seventh Update! Please Support with Votes!)

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Zeng Ping led Han Bin to the office of the captain of the Third Criminal Investigation Team.

Zheng Kaixuan had just returned from the first squad; they had a case today as well.

Han Bin recounted the case and suggested enlisting Wang Deli’s assistance in the investigation. Zheng Kaixuan hesitated for a moment.

“Don’t report this to the higher-ups just yet. You two go interrogate Wang Deli, gauge his attitude and see where his loyalties lie. If he shows a positive attitude and is willing to cooperate, then I’ll request approval from the leadership.”

Zeng Ping listened attentively and nodded. “Captain Zheng is always so thorough.”

“To be honest, when this idea first came up, I was uncertain too, worried about what might happen. But now that we have your backing, I feel more confident,” Han Bin smiled.

Zheng Kaixuan gave a wry smile. “Next time you flatter me like that, remind me to record it in advance. Otherwise, whenever I meet the leadership, aside from work, I have nothing to say. I really should learn from you guys.”

Zeng Ping patted Han Bin’s shoulder. “This mission’s on you. When Captain Zheng gets promoted, we’ll all move forward together.”

Han Bin remained silent.

Yeah, right. That old fox is cunning as ever.

Each one of them is more resourceful than the last. Do I really need to teach them?

After a brief chat, the three left the captain’s office. Zeng Ping and Han Bin went to interrogate Wang Deli.

Zheng Kaixuan entered the observation room beside them.

During the second interrogation, Wang Deli behaved much more cooperatively, readily providing his name, age, gender, and place of origin.

He even took the initiative to ask Han Bin and Zeng Ping’s surnames.

Previously, Wang Deli wasn’t ignorant; he was deliberately keeping his distance from the police.

“Officer Zeng, Officer Han, feel free to ask anything. I’m willing to cooperate with the investigation and hope for leniency.”

“If you’d had this attitude earlier, things wouldn’t have escalated this far,” Zeng Ping snorted.

“Yes, yes, I was foolish,” Wang Deli nodded quickly.

Han Bin raised his chin. “Wang Deli, where do you want to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival?”

“Ah?” Wang Deli was taken aback. “Officer Han, what do you mean?”

“Do you want to spend it in the detention center, or do you want to go home?”

“I... I definitely want to spend it at home!” Wang Deli grew excited, pressing his arms on the interrogation chair and leaning forward. “Officer, can you really let me go?”

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“This isn’t your home, and it’s not mine either. I don’t have the final say, and you can’t just leave whenever you want.”

Wang Deli’s spirit immediately deflated. “Officer Han, what exactly do you mean?”

“I can’t release you, but you can earn merit through cooperation, seek sentence reduction, or even probation.”

“I’m willing to do that! I want to earn merit and reduce my sentence!” Wang Deli clung to the lifeline.

“You’re currently involved in two cases: one for organizing gambling, and another for robbery. As long as you assist the police, whether by helping us catch the gambling organizers or the robbers who attacked you, that counts as meritorious service,” Han Bin encouraged.

“How can I help the police?”

“We hope you can continue participating in the gambling games, help us locate the casino, gather intelligence on the inside and the people involved. If we can round up everyone involved, that will count as merit.”

“You want me to be an undercover agent?” Wang Deli looked surprised.

“You’re far from being undercover. At most, you’ll be an informant.”

“An informant? I’ve never done that before. Can I manage?”

“Don’t worry too much. We don’t need you to do much—just carry a wiretap and camera. Record what you see and hear, and participate in the gambling as usual. Just complete the process.”

Wang Deli had already participated in the gambling games before. Having him act as an informant was more reliable than sending a newcomer undercover. It wouldn’t arouse suspicion and had a much higher chance of success.

“But what if they find out? Will they kill me?” Wang Deli twisted his hands, palms sweating.

“Article 303 of the Criminal Law states that running a casino is punishable by up to three years imprisonment, detention, or control, plus fines. For serious cases, the sentence ranges from three to ten years imprisonment plus fines,” Han Bin paused, then continued, “So even if you get caught, it’s only a few years in prison. Compared to murder, it’s much lighter. They wouldn’t dare kill you—at worst, they’d just beat you up.”

“What if they go berserk and kill me to silence me?” Wang Deli worried.

“The police will protect you covertly. If we find out you’ve been exposed, we’ll come to rescue you promptly. Of course, there’s always some risk. If you don’t want to take that risk, you can refuse.”

Han Bin didn’t sugarcoat the worst outcome, laying it out so Wang Deli could decide for himself.

“If I refuse to be an informant, how long will I be sentenced?”

“Organizing gambling for profit carries a sentence of up to three years imprisonment, detention, or control, plus fines.”

“What if I’m also charged with obstructing official duties?”

“Obstructing official duties is punishable by up to three years imprisonment, detention, control, or fines.”

“You remember all these details, huh?” Zeng Ping was surprised.

Han Bin chuckled. He’d memorized them from the criminal investigation database. Otherwise, with his busy workload, when would he have time to memorize legal codes?

“How long will I be sentenced for both charges combined?” Wang Deli asked.

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“The exact sentence depends on the degree of harm caused, your attitude towards confession, and whether you have any meritorious contributions. Significant meritorious service can reduce or even exempt punishment,” Han Bin explained.

Wang Deli looked restless. “Can I have a cigarette?”

Zeng Ping nodded in agreement.

Han Bin stood and lit a cigarette, handing it to him.

“Thanks,” Wang Deli said, taking a quick puff.

Han Bin and Zeng Ping said nothing, quietly sitting by the table, waiting for Wang Deli to decide.

Though they hoped he’d act as an informant, they wouldn’t force him. A forced cooperation never yields good results; only if Wang Deli was willing would he cooperate better with the police.

If his heart wasn’t in it, Han Bin would rather not use an informant than risk botching the case and taking the blame.

There’s no need to rush.

After Wang Deli finished the cigarette, he finally spoke. “Officer Zeng, Officer Han, if I become an informant, can I just be fined, not detained or prosecuted?”

“We can’t guarantee that,” Han Bin answered honestly.

“I just want to keep my job. Otherwise, my life’s over,” Wang Deli sighed.

“Meritorious service can reduce your sentence, that’s definite. The police will help you as much as possible. But if you expect your crimes to be wiped away and for you to be treated as if nothing happened, that’s unrealistic,” Zeng Ping said.

Han Bin knew well that with both charges combined, it was impossible for Wang Deli to keep his job at the Water Conservancy Bureau. One must be responsible for their actions.

“I’d like another cigarette.”

Han Bin got up and lit another one for him.

Time passed slowly. When the second cigarette was finished, Wang Deli made up his mind and said through clenched teeth, “Alright, I’m willing to be an informant for the police.”

Han Bin gave Wang Deli some final instructions, then left the interrogation room.

Zheng Kaixuan emerged from the observation room and tapped Han Bin on the chest. “You did a good job, kid. This case is yours to claim credit for.”

Han Bin forced a bitter smile. If he didn’t do well, how could he pay back all his merits?