Chapter 9: Hidden Affection

If Su Ye and Ding Wei truly had a romantic relationship, then would Ding Wei be suspected of aiding Su Ye in murdering Wang Meiqi? Upon learning this, Su Tianmu’s first reaction was to realize that Ding Wei could help Su Ye obtain sodium cyanide, since his own company possessed such hazardous materials.

Now, Su Ye had become the primary suspect. Although Wang Peishan also had access to sodium cyanide, his motive seemed weaker compared to Su Ye’s.

“Summon Su Ye immediately!”

Su Tianmu felt that a breakthrough might be found with Su Ye.

Inside the interrogation room, Su Ye appeared exceptionally nervous. Her already delicate and vulnerable demeanor now made her seem pitiable; if not for her position in the case, one might have mistaken her for the true victim.

“You claim you weren’t bothered when Wang Meiqi stole your interview manuscript, yet everyone says you actually cared a lot. Even your closest colleagues spoke up for you, saying you felt aggrieved.”

Su Tianmu wasted no time, pressing directly into the heart of the matter, showing not a hint of sympathy.

Visibly flustered, Su Ye seemed unsettled—perhaps the relentless torment she had recently endured from “Wang Meiqi” had eroded her composure since the incident first occurred.

“Yes, I lied! I hated her. Not only did she steal my work, but she constantly mocked me, calling us country bumpkins from a small town, saying we had no taste or knowledge, that our interviews were just the lowest quality, worthless drafts.”

She spoke, head bowed, her emotions surging. Anger flushed her cheeks bright red.

“I used to have a boyfriend, but we broke up. In the beginning, things were good between us, but whenever he came to pick me up and she was around, she’d always find ways to embarrass me. Over time, even my boyfriend lost respect for me.”

Su Ye raised her head in fury, tears glistening in her reddened eyes.

“Yes, we come from a small place. But to succeed, we have to work harder than anyone else! Why does she look down on me? What right does she have to judge us?”

She cried out passionately.

“So you killed her.”

Su Tianmu looked at her calmly. Though sympathetic to her plight, he knew it couldn’t justify murder.

“No, I didn’t kill her! Though I did think about it.”

She buried her face and began to sob.

Su Tianmu said nothing more, letting her calm herself.

Since there was no evidence, they could only keep her under surveillance and couldn’t detain her. After questioning, she was allowed to leave for the time being.

At least it was confirmed that Su Ye harbored hatred for Wang Meiqi.

Now, the next step was to determine the source of the sodium cyanide—did Ding Wei provide it to her?

Su Tianmu and Xiao Wang went to question Ding Wei a second time.

Seeing the police return, Ding Wei seemed a little surprised. However, as the owner of a large enterprise, his composure quickly returned.

“Is there something I didn’t explain clearly last time? If there’s anything else I can help with, I’m happy to oblige.”

Ding Wei remained the picture of gentlemanly poise, his words flawless.

Su Tianmu glanced around the office; it was as immaculate and orderly as before, not a single item out of place. Except for the photo frame, which remained, but the photograph had been replaced with a recent portrait of Ding Wei himself.

“We’ve learned that you’re in a relationship with Su Ye, the reporter from the magazine. Is that correct?”

Su Tianmu’s question caused Ding Wei to pause, as if caught off guard.

After a moment’s thought, he answered calmly.

“Yes, we’re together. Because of her job, we hadn’t planned to make it public, but does this relate to the case? I don’t quite understand.”

He didn’t seem to be pretending, simply a man in love.

“Are you aware of the relationship between Su Ye and Wang Meiqi? How do they get along?”

“Not really. She rarely talks to me about her work.”

Ding Wei answered sincerely.

He lied.

Su Tianmu’s suspicions deepened. Su Ye’s own testimony had mentioned venting her grievances to Ding Wei. Their acquaintance began because Ding Wei was originally Su Ye’s interview subject, only for Wang Meiqi to take over.

But Ding Wei was a man of deep cunning. Despite his interest in Su Ye, he still agreed to be interviewed by Wang Meiqi, keeping his relationship with Su Ye concealed—even now, few people knew the truth.

“So how did you and Su Ye meet? Wasn’t it Wang Meiqi who interviewed you?”

Su Tianmu pressed on, his tone unfaltering.

“Oh, that.” Ding Wei shifted slightly, leaning back and crossing his legs.

“Men, you know—always drawn to beautiful women. I met her when I went to the magazine office for some documents. It was love at first sight! Haha, you understand, don’t you?”

Ding Wei was still lying. What was he trying to hide?

Now, Su Tianmu was certain this man was problematic. Yet his suspicions needed confirmation—a catalyst, like an egg to make a cake, was still missing.

“I can see you admire your father greatly. Are you close?”

Su Tianmu glanced at the photo frame, abruptly changing the subject to catch him off guard.

A flicker of unease flashed in Ding Wei’s eyes, but it vanished instantly.

“Of course. I’ve admired my father since I was a child! I’ve mentioned, he was a soldier. Boys of that era all dreamed of wearing a green uniform, didn’t they? Haha.”

He laughed, feigning ease, as if chatting with an old friend.

Su Tianmu looked to Xiao Wang, signaling to end the questioning for today.

After they left, Ding Wei stood by the glass wall of his skyscraper, gazing at their departing figures, brow furrowed in thought.

“Xiao Wang, I think there’s something wrong with Ding Wei.”

Just outside the company’s doors, Su Tianmu spoke.

“Check Ding Wei’s father immediately. I want to know the details. I sense there’s something special in their relationship.”

Perhaps Ding Wei’s father was the key to unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ding Wei.