The concept of a "spare tire"—a backup lover—has existed since ancient times, though it wasn’t called that in the past. Ultimately, it is the result of desiring someone unattainable yet refusing to give up.
From Director Lu’s words, it was clear that Wang Youfu was not only poor and unattractive but also had a rather antisocial personality. He had practically accumulated every possible flaw. Why would an attractive nurse who owned her own home ever marry him? The chances were slimmer than winning the lottery.
Yet, against all odds, it was the truth. There had to be more to the story.
Wu Yongcheng asked for a few more key details, including Wang Youfu’s family background and income. It was exactly as they had anticipated: he made enough to support himself, but buying a house was completely out of the question.
"Old Wu, if you think you’ve got enough to go on, I’ll have Wang Youfu come over now," Lu Changjiang said, standing up. "Otherwise, if he heads out to repair power lines and pipes later, you guys will have to wait."
Wu Yongcheng nodded. "Alright, then I’ll borrow your director’s office for a bit."
"Oh, come on, no need to be polite with me. I have a meeting later anyway, so I won’t hold up your investigation." Saying that, Lu Changjiang picked up the phone on his desk and gave a few brief instructions.
Seven or eight minutes later, a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
A somewhat dull-looking middle-aged man pushed the door open. Seeing three people in the room, he was visibly taken aback. Zhou Yi noticed that the man instinctively shrank back from his forward-leaning posture.
"Master Wang, these two comrades are from the City Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Detachment. They want to ask you about a few things." Seeing him hesitating at the door, Lu Changjiang went up to greet him. "Don’t be afraid. I’ve already asked them, and it has nothing to do with you. They just need your cooperation."
Since his director put it that way, Wang Youfu timidly walked in.
Lu Changjiang said, "Alright, you guys take your time chatting. I’m off to my meeting. Captain Wu, make yourselves at home."
"Will do. Thanks, Director Lu, go ahead with your work. We’ll just ask a few simple questions and be on our way."
Wu Yongcheng’s words were naturally meant for Wang Youfu to hear. The moment Lu Changjiang mentioned leaving, the man had tensed up all over again. Once Lu Changjiang left, Wang Youfu stood frozen in place, staring down at the floor like a schoolboy who had made a mistake.
Zhou Yi quickly walked over, guided him to a seat, and poured him a cup of tea. "Don’t be nervous, Master Wang. We’re just here to ask a few questions today."
Wang Youfu took a sip of tea and gave a stiff nod.
"You’re married, aren’t you, Master Wang?" Zhou Yi asked with a warm smile.
Wu Yongcheng stayed silent off to the side. When Zhou Yi had first approached the man, he already understood the young officer’s intentions. Lu Changjiang had addressed him as Captain Wu; that authoritative title would naturally put psychological pressure on Wang Youfu. Zhou Yi, on the other hand, was young and extremely polite. Having him conduct the questioning would make it much easier for the man to relax.
This was a tactic usually employed by veteran detectives. Had Zhou Yi actually thought this far ahead to take the initiative in questioning?
Wang Youfu opened his mouth but didn’t speak, seeming deeply conflicted.
"We visited your home and saw your wedding photo with Zhang Xinli. Congratulations," Zhou Yi said.
Wang Youfu looked surprised. "You... you’ve met Lili?"
"Yes, she was the one who told us where you work."
"Did something happen to Lili?" Wang Youfu asked nervously.
"No, she’s perfectly fine. We’re just here to verify some information with you." Zhou Yi maintained his friendly smile as he asked, "What time did Zhang Xinli get home yesterday?"
"A little after eleven o’clock, I think. She called home saying her stomach was acting up. I originally wanted to go pick her up, but she told me to just make her some porridge."
"After she got back, did she go out again?"
Wang Youfu paused slightly. "No. She had half a bowl of porridge, then said she felt unwell and wanted to sleep. I fetched some water for her to wash her face and feet, and then she went to bed."
"You’re truly a good husband, Master Wang. We could all learn a thing or two from you."
Wang Youfu immediately lowered his head in embarrassment. "A woman as amazing as Lili was willing to marry me. The least I can do is treat her well. I can’t offer her much else."
"How did you and Zhang Xinli meet?"
Wang Youfu thought for a moment before answering. "Five years ago, on March 9th, I was outside repairing power lines. My safety rope wasn’t tied properly, and I accidentally fell and broke my leg.
"The area was quite remote. There was absolutely no one around, and no matter how loud I shouted, no one answered.
"As it turned out, Lili was just coming home from work and happened to pass by. After discovering me, she went to find some nearby villagers to help send me to the hospital, and she even provided emergency first aid for my wounds.
"I only found out later that she was a nurse. If it hadn’t been for her, I’d probably be a cripple right now."
"That truly is destiny. No wonder the two of you tied the knot." As Zhou Yi said this, he stared intently at the man, refusing to miss even the slightest reaction.
Sure enough, upon hearing those words, the corner of Wang Youfu’s mouth twitched. He seemed to want to give a bitter smile but held it back.
Wu Yongcheng caught this detail as well. Furthermore, he believed Zhou Yi had picked up on another crucial detail. When Wang Youfu met Zhang Xinli five years ago, she must have been living in a relatively remote suburban-rural fringe area. In just five short years, Zhang Xinli had achieved a massive leap in social class. On her own? Wu Yongcheng wouldn’t believe it even if you beat him to death.
Zhou Yi continued, "Master Wang, this next question might be a bit presumptuous. I hope you don’t misunderstand; we’re just trying to clarify the facts. We don’t mean any disrespect."
Wang Youfu instantly grew tense. "Com... Comrade Police Officer, what is it?"
"Last night, did you and your wife sleep in the same room?"
Wang Youfu’s face instantly turned ugly, as if his deepest secret had just been exposed.
Just as Zhou Yi thought he already had his answer, Wang Youfu suddenly spoke up. "Yes, we slept in the same bed."
This statement caught both Zhou Yi and Wu Yongcheng completely off guard. If this was true, then either Wang Youfu was committing perjury for Zhang Xinli, or Zhang Xinli genuinely had an alibi.
"Are you finished asking questions?" Wang Youfu asked through gritted teeth, his pitch rising a few notches. He was visibly enraged. "I have a headache today. If you’re done, I’d like to take the day off and go home to rest. If you still want to ask questions, then just arrest me and interrogate me slowly!"
Wu Yongcheng replied unhurriedly, "We’re done for now. Thank you for cooperating with our work. If we need to understand any more of the situation later, you can come over to the City Bureau. The tea at your director’s office is quite average."
Wang Youfu immediately turned on his heel to leave. Just as he reached the door, Zhou Yi called out.
"Master Wang, what shoe size do you wear?"
"Huh?" Wang Youfu paused in confusion. "Size forty-two. Why?"
"Nothing, just asking. Thanks."
Wang Youfu had barely left when the pager on Wu Yongcheng’s waist went off. Wu Yongcheng took a glance at it, then immediately stood up, picked up the phone on Lu Changjiang’s desk, and dialed a number.
"Chen, go ahead."
A few minutes later, Wu Yongcheng hung up the phone and turned to Zhou Yi. "Chen Yan found it. The house is indeed under Zhang Xinli’s name.
"And we’ve also tracked down the source of the funds used to buy the house."