Negan rubbed his chin, "Who interrogated Mo Shaohong?"

"I did."

Negan looked at Michael Jett, "Are you confident in his testimony?"

"I think there's not much chance he's lying."

Negan nodded, his experience allowed him to discern much from Michael Jett's tone and demeanor.

"What about the hitman who attacked the owner of the Yueyuehao restaurant?"

"He's out of danger. I've sent someone to take his statement," Michael Jett replied.

Negan pondered for a moment, "The person who hired the hitman is likely also the one who killed Zhou Tiansheng.

Michael, you should take this seriously."

Michael Jett detected discontent in Negan's tone and quickly said, "I understand. I'll go to the hospital to interrogate him personally now."

"Good." Negan patted his shoulder and looked over at Luke, "You go to the hospital too and take another statement from Mo Shaohong."

"OK." Luke nodded.

"Very well.

I'm waiting for your good news.

Guys, stay sharp and get moving."

Negan didn't explicitly express dissatisfaction with Michael Jett, but the arrangement spoke volumes.

...

Inside a Chevrolet SUV.

Luke sat in the passenger seat, with Louise driving.

"Did you see Michael's face just now? It looked like he just got back from a trip to Africa," Louise laughed.

"Don't you like him as team leader?"

"No, I just find it amusing."

"Heh." Luke chuckled, women and their words.

Louise glanced at Luke, "Compared to him, I think Negan favors you more."

Luke raised an eyebrow, "You think so too?"

Louise shrugged, "What I think doesn't matter. It's not up to me to decide."

Luke smiled without replying.

Some positions, not just because leadership arranges them, can be steady.

If the criminal investigation department agents endorse Michael as acting leader, even if Luke parachutes in as leader, he might not gain their trust, making the position difficult.

On the contrary, if the agents don't accept Michael Jett, then Luke's parachuting becomes much easier.

Of course, Luke wasn't currently planning to take over as leader of the criminal investigation division. Being a criminal investigation consultant was fine, leisurely, and offered occasional side earnings.

Even if he returned to Los Angeles, he could continue to use this identity.

Soon, two Ford Explorers drove into the hospital.

After getting out of the car, Luke saw Michael Jett waiting ahead; they exchanged a few words in the yard.

Michael Jett's attitude towards Luke hadn't changed, probably knowing in his heart that removing the 'acting' title depended on his own ability.

If he lacked ability, even without Luke, Negan would find someone to replace him.

Moreover, from their interactions, he could sense that Luke didn't have intentions of vying for his position.

After parting with Michael Jett, Luke took Louise to Mo Shaohong's hospital room.

"Knock, knock."

Louise symbolically knocked on the door, pushed it open, and entered.

Mo Shaohong was still cuffed by his limbs, raising his head slightly, expressionless, as he looked at Luke and Louise.

Luke smiled and greeted, "Buddy, how's your recovery? Dare to fight me again?"

Mo Shaohong smirked, "I practice killing techniques, not that ring crap."

Luke warned, "I'm a petty person, so you better watch what you say."

"Just get to the point; don't disturb my rest."

Luke grinned, "My purpose today is simple. I want to ask if you want to see your wife and daughter one last time."

Mo Shaohong frowned, "Are you going to kill me?"

"NO, your wife and daughter are being deported back to Thailand."

"Fuck! That guy Michael promised to solve my wife and daughter's identity issues so they wouldn't be deported.

Why is he not keeping his word? Is that the way of your NYPD?"

"Hey, don't turn the tables! You're the one who didn't keep your word.

You lied and screwed over Agent Michael.

He probably wants to throw you into the Atlantic to feed the fish right now.

Judging by your attitude, you're probably not interested in seeing your wife and daughter.

They'll board the plane back to Thailand first thing in the morning." Luke stood up, pretending to leave.

Mo Shaohong's face changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted, "Hey, don't go.

What exactly happened?"

Luke probed, "Zheng Lagong is a New York Police Department informant; he never ordered you to kill Ma Jiansheng.

You lied.

You'll pay for it."

"Oh God." Regret crossed Mo Shaohong's face, "I'm very sorry, please give me another chance."

"What chance, another chance to fool us?"

"NO, I won't lie again, I swear.

As long as you can secure identities for my wife and daughter to stay in New York, I guarantee I won't lie again."

"Look at me." Luke pointed at his eyes, asking word by word, "Who ordered you to kill Ma Jiansheng?

You have only this one chance, don't lie again."

"Zhou Tiansheng."

"When did he give the order?"

"January 22nd."

"Have you met him?"

"Yes."

"When was the last time you saw Zhou Tiansheng?"

"In the early hours of January 24th after killing Ma Jiansheng, he gave me the remaining commission."

"Did he contact you after that?"