Chapter 534 Leopard Type
Qi Tongwei smiled bitterly: "I know I have made mistakes, but this is not a reason for you to kill innocent people. You and I are law enforcers, or we used to be. We should follow the legal means to deal with the problem, instead of acting like a group of thugs like we are now."
Hou Liangping laughed, but his laughter was full of bitterness and unwillingness: "Law? You have long forgotten the law. What you did in Handong, how can you look like you respect the law? Today I want to make sure you get the punishment you deserve."
Qi Tongwei shook his head: "Even if I am guilty, I should be judged by the court, not by you using this lynching method. What's the difference between you and those criminals?" He took a few steps forward, getting closer to Hou Liangping, with a hint of sincerity in his eyes: "Liangping, we used to be classmates and friends. Can't we sit down and have a good talk? Put aside the hatred and think about these innocent people."
Hou Liangping's face flashed with hesitation. He looked at the injured people and the terrified faces around him, and his heart was shaken. But when he thought of Qi Tongwei's actions, he tightened his grip on the gun again: "Qi Tongwei, don't try to deceive me with sweet words. Your crimes are too numerous to list. How can I believe that you will change your ways?"
Qi Tongwei sighed: "I know it's hard for you to believe me, but at least for now, let's stop all this. Let the court restore order and let the injured get medical treatment. We can slowly resolve the matter between us, and I won't run away."
Hou Liangping was silent for a moment, and there was a fierce struggle in his heart. On the one hand, he was hating Qi Tongwei, and on the other hand, he was facing the reality and his conscience. Finally, he slowly put down the gun in his hand and waved to his men: "Stop first."
After Hou Liangping put down his gun, he motioned Qi Tongwei to follow him to a quieter corner. It was an open space outside the courtroom, where a table was temporarily placed, and the pungent smell of gunpowder filled the air. The two men slowly walked towards the table, their eyes locked on each other, as if they were trying to find out each other's true thoughts.
The two sat down at the two ends of the table, several meters apart, but the tense atmosphere at this moment was more tense than words. Hou Liangping was the first to break the silence, his voice low but with a hint of fatigue: "Qi Tongwei, you know that it is not accidental for me to come to this point today. What you have done over the years has caused too many waves in Handong and broken too many rules."
Qi Tongwei nodded slightly, with a complex look in his eyes, showing both helplessness about the current situation and a trace of regret for the past: "Liang Ping, I don't deny that I lost my way in the process of pursuing something, but I am not as unforgivable as you think. Many things, once involved, are difficult to extricate oneself from."
Hou Liangping frowned slightly. He tapped the table lightly, as if he was choosing his words: "You cling to the powerful in the officialdom and use your power to seek personal gain for yourself and those around you. Have you ever thought about the ordinary people you squeeze and the fairness and justice that are undermined? Just like in this case of Wang Xiaohei, is there also a conflict of interest behind it?"
Qi Tongwei's body trembled slightly. He was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "I admit that I have my own purpose in this case, but it is not as dark as you think. I also want to seek justice for him, but the process involves too many other forces."
Hou Liangping stared at Qi Tongwei, trying to judge the truth from his eyes: "How can I trust you? Your credibility has long been bankrupt in my eyes. All your vows and ambitions have vanished with your fall."
Qi Tongwei sighed, "I know it's hard for you to believe me now, but I want a chance to start over, or at least to resolve the matter within a legal and fair framework. I don't want to be caught up in the fight again, and I don't want to see more innocent people get hurt because of our grievances."
Hou Liangping fell into deep thought. He thought of Qi Tongwei, who was full of fighting spirit and ideals on campus, and the classmate who talked about the future with him and was determined to fight for justice. The changes today made him sad, but he also realized that simply using violence to solve problems is not true justice. "Qi Tongwei, if I give you this opportunity, what are you going to do? How can you guarantee that you will abide by the law instead of continuing to go astray?"
Qi Tongwei sat up straight, his eyes showing a hint of determination: "I will cooperate with all investigations and tell the truth about everything I know, whether it is about this case or other inside stories in the officialdom. I am willing to accept the trial and sanctions of the law. If I am guilty, I will bear the consequences."
Hou Liangping looked at him calmly, and the hatred in his heart seemed to have loosened a little at this moment. He knew very well that if he let Qi Tongwei go, he might face a lot of doubts and pressure, but if he put him to death, it would violate the legal beliefs he had always adhered to. "You have to know that this is not my decision alone. Your case has attracted too much attention from all sides. Even if I let you go, there are other forces watching you."
Qi Tongwei smiled bitterly: "I understand. I don't expect to get away easily. I just hope there will be a fair chance for the truth to come to light."
At this time, a breeze blew gently, dispersing some of the smoke. Hou Liangping looked into the distance, feeling mixed emotions. He knew that this was a difficult decision, and once made, there would be no turning back. "Qi Tongwei, I will try to persuade the relevant parties to give you a relatively fair environment. But you must remember that this is your last chance. If you dare to cheat or betray me, I will never show mercy again."
Qi Tongwei's eyes flashed with gratitude: "Liang Ping, thank you. I will cherish this opportunity and work hard to make up for the mistakes I have made."
But as soon as he finished speaking, a twisted smile suddenly appeared on Hou Liangping's face, followed by a burst of laughter: "Qi Tongwei, you are too naive! Do you really think I will let you go so easily? This is just a delaying tactic!"
Qi Tongwei's eyes widened instantly, and before the gratitude on his face could fade away, it was replaced by shock and anger. He was about to speak, but Hou Liangping suddenly stepped forward, as agile as a cheetah, and his hands tightly grasped Qi Tongwei's neck like iron clamps.
Qi Tongwei struggled instinctively. He used both hands to pry Hou Liangping's arms and kicked on the ground with his feet, trying to break free from the sudden restraints.