So that’s what this was about. It occurred to Li briefly to wonder how Zeng already knew that the Chao Heng case was a murder and not a suicide, but then it wasn’t exactly a secret, and he was a Deputy Procurator General. “Her expertise was invaluable in determining that what appeared to be a suicide was, in fact, murder. And since Professor Xie was the lead pathologist, he will be available to give evidence when, hopefully, we bring the case to court.” He saw that Zeng was about to pass some further comment, and added quickly, “Of course, her offer of assistance was entirely unofficial, a personal favour to Section Chief Chen.”

“Yes, so I understand. I also understand that the Public Security University offered her services for the rest of the investigation—and that you turned them down.”

He was up to date, Li thought. “That’s correct,” he said.

“Good. I don’t think it would have been politic to have some American thinking they can show us how it’s done.”

“That’s a pity.” Li was starting to find his feet. “Because I changed my mind this morning and took them up on the offer after all.”

Zeng’s face darkened. “Why?”

“After discussing it with my uncle . . . I realised that to turn down the chance of such expert assistance simply because she was an American would have been small-minded and petty. At least, that was my uncle’s view. But if you disagree . . .”

“Good God, who am I to take issue with your uncle?” Zeng was visibly annoyed. It was clearly on his mind to go further, but he thought better of it. He cast a more appraising look in Li’s direction. “I think, perhaps, I can see now why you haven’t found it such a problem following in your uncle’s footsteps.”

“They are big footsteps, Deputy Procurator General. I still have some way to go before I can fill them.”

Zeng rocked gently back and forth in his chair and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit up, without offering one to Li. Suddenly he leaned forward, elbows on the desk, a decision having been made. “I’d like a daily written report from you on this case. Chao Heng was a very senior scientist and government adviser. We take his murder very seriously. I want you to write up the report yourself, every night, so that it is on my desk first thing every morning. Is that clear?” Li nodded. “That’ll be all.” Zeng drew a file towards him and opened it. Li realised he had just been dismissed.

II