When Red is Black

Chinese Professor was abnormal.
     
    She was unable to shake off a feeling that someone other than Yin must have written this book. Peiqin then laughed at herself, shaking her head at her own reflection in a small, slightly cracked mirror on the desk.
     
    When she looked up from the book again, it was almost two o’clock. She rose and paced about in the room. It was all right for her to do so, but the manager had to walk carefully, with his head bent, in this low-ceilinged office. She called to make sure that Hua would not return that day. Then she locked the door before picking up the telephone again to call Chief Inspector Chen.
     
    After polite routine greetings, she asked a question. “What do you think of Yin as a writer, Chief Inspector Chen?”
     
    “I have not read her book yet. In the last few days, I’ve made phone calls to some people who have read it. They seem not to have a very high opinion of it. Of course, they may be biased because of her Red Guard activity.”
     
    “That I can understand. I have read the book several times. One thing keeps puzzling me. Some parts are written so amateurishly, at least so it seems to me, almost like the diary of a high school student. But other parts are really good, like the beginning of the book, which shows historical depth.”
     
    “You have made an insightful observation,” Chen said. “As to the uneven quality of her writing, one critic made a similar point, saying that Yin might have used a ghostwriter. After all, she had never written anything before.”
     
    “But that does not account for the inconsistency.”
     
    “The ghostwriter might have helped to write only part of the book.”
     
    “Perhaps you have found us the motive we are seeking. Maybe somebody demanded money from her to keep her secret—I mean either the ghostwriter or someone who had found out—” Chen paused before contradicting himself “—but no, if it she was being blackmailed, why murder her? I’m confused.”
     
    “It confuses me too.”
     
    “Still, this could be important. At least it may be a lead to a possible motive. Thank you so much, Peiqin. I have been too busy with my translation to help Yu with the case.”
     
    “You don’t have to thank me. I’ve simply read the novel. There’s not too much to do in my restaurant anyway.”
     
    “But you’re doing a lot for the investigation.”
     
    That was all she could accomplish for the moment, however. She decided to go home earlier than usual.
     
    There was something else for her to do, she remembered. Something different.
     
    * * * *
     

Chapter 12
     
     
    S
    ince the start of the translation project, Chief Inspector Chen had become accustomed to surprises. This morning’s surprise came with a lanky workman who was supposed to install electric heaters and an air-conditioning unit in Chen’s apartment. The installer was almost as surprised as the chief inspector, for Chen was positive that he had not ordered such appliances.
     
    He remembered having read about electric heaters. Most of the new buildings in the city still had no hot water system. So an electric heater was an option, a very expensive one. He had never thought about getting one for his own apartment. After all, he could always take showers at the bureau. As for an air-conditioner, he had not even dreamed of owning one.
     
    He guessed whose idea this must have been, and picked up the phone.
     
    “I cannot accept anything from you, Mr. Gu. It’s a matter of principle, you know.”
     
    “White Cloud says that it’s too cold in your room. That’s not good for your work. I have several sets left over at the Dynasty Club. So why should they go to waste? “
     
    “No, it’s too much.”
     
    “How about buying them from me?”
     
    “I cannot afford them.”
     
    “I bought a large supply, so they came at a discount. Then there’s depreciation for the three years I’ve had them. How about nine hundred Yuan? And you don’t have to pay me right now. I’ll deduct it from the payment for the translation.”
     
    “You are going out of your way for me, Mr. Gu.”
     
    “No, I am a businessman. These units are lying around, useless, in storage. And to be honest, I think a cadre of your level should have had them long ago. You’re a man of integrity, and I admire you for that.” Gu changed the topic abruptly. “Oh, if I could secure American investment because of the business proposal you are translating, my dream would