Chapter 112: Undercover (Sixth Watch)

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Li Hui reached out and pointed at Zhao Ming. "You're nothing but pure jealousy."

Zeng Ping waved his hand, signaling the two to stop talking nonsense. "Tell me, how exactly is this a two-birds-with-one-stone plan?"

"Those who robbed Wang Deli were very likely his fellow gamblers at the poker game. If we send someone undercover to the casino, we can not only get a clear picture of the casino's situation but also investigate the robbery suspect at the same time," Li Hui proposed.

Zeng Ping pondered for a moment and glanced at Han Bin beside him. "What do you think?"

"You need the right person for undercover work. Who do you think in the second unit is suitable?" Han Bin countered.

Zeng Ping hesitated briefly before shaking his head. "Forget it. The risk of undercover work is too high. If the person is exposed, it won’t just alert the suspect but also endanger the undercover agent."

Just as Han Bin said, no one present was suitable for undercover work.

"Captain Zeng, how about I give it a try?" Zhao Ming was eager.

"Li Hui watches too many TV dramas. What nonsense are you spouting?" Han Bin stopped him.

Zhao Ming had courage but lacked experience.

Han Bin had at least three years as a police officer, while Zhao Ming had just graduated from the police academy.

"Captain Zeng, Brother Bin, how do you know I can’t do it if I don’t try?" Zhao Ming was unwilling to give up.

"Enough, don’t add to the chaos," Zeng Ping waved his hand and shot Li Hui a glare. That kid either stayed silent or came up with terrible ideas.

Undercover work requires professional training, strong psychological resilience, patience, on-the-spot experience, and adaptability. It’s not something just anyone can do.

Han Bin refilled his tea and patted Li Hui’s shoulder as he passed by. "Though Li Hui’s idea is a bit rash, I agree on one point: the suspect who robbed Wang Deli is very likely someone from the gambling circle."

"Any leads?" Tian Li asked.

"There were about twenty or thirty people at the poker game. Some won money, some lost. Robbing someone who lost makes no sense. Only those involved in the game would know who walked away with the winnings," Han Bin analyzed.

"I see."

Tian Li muttered under her breath and then shifted the conversation. "But is it possible that Wang Deli’s robbery was just a coincidence, unrelated to whether he went to the gambling den or not?"

Han Bin placed his teacup on the table and spoke slowly, "I think the possibility of coincidence is slim."

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"Why?"

"The timing doesn’t fit. Random robberies usually happen late at night in secluded areas—easier for the crime and escape," Han Bin paused briefly, organizing his thoughts. "This case happened at 7 a.m. The chance of a random robbery at that hour is very low. Unless there was a specific target and a highly focused motive, they wouldn’t choose that time."

Zeng Ping nodded in agreement with Han Bin’s analysis. The time of the crime is crucial. A robbery at night could be random, but one early in the morning, especially with over fifty thousand yuan taken, is very unlikely.

"Wang Deli mentioned a guy named Rong Ge who had conflicts with him and a motive. Should we investigate him?" Li Hui asked.

"Any leads on this Rong Ge?"

"No."

Li Hui shook his head. "Wang Deli just knew the guy—they played cards together but never had deeper contact. He didn’t even know his real name."

Han Bin flipped open his notebook and reviewed the interrogation records. "Actually, it’s not like we have no leads. We can check the chat group and ask WeChat to provide registration info."

"Good idea. That way, we’ll immediately know everyone’s identity and won’t miss anyone," Zhao Ming approved.

"That’s a direction for investigation," Zeng Ping replied, then analyzed further: "But catching thieves and recovering stolen goods can’t be based solely on a chat group. If someone intends to commit a crime, they might not use their real WeChat ID."

Tian Li reached for Zhao Ming’s tablet and tapped it. "The most direct way is to check surveillance footage. By analyzing a large number of videos, we’re bound to find clues about the suspect."

"According to Wang Deli, the attacker wore a red helmet. When reviewing surveillance, keep an eye out for that," Li Hui reminded.

"So the suspect likely used a motorcycle," Tian Li guessed.

Zeng Ping thought for a moment, then tapped the table with his finger. "Since we have a new direction regarding the surveillance, Tian Li and Zhao Ming, you two take charge. One checks the city’s surveillance grid, the other reviews footage from nearby shops, then cross-reference your findings."

"Understood," Tian Li and Zhao Ming responded.

"Captain Zeng, what about us?" Li Hui asked.

"You two go back to the scene to see if the robber left any other evidence. If you run into Wang Dongfang, take his statement," Zeng Ping said, still fixated on that.

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"What about the suspect Rong Ge?"

"I’ll contact WeChat to see if we can identify him," Zeng Ping said. He’d dealt with WeChat many times; experience had made communication smoother than others.

Han Bin frowned, thinking deeply. "Captain Zeng, I have another suggestion."

"Go ahead."

"Can we release Wang Deli and his wife for now, have them cooperate with the investigation to redeem themselves? This way, we won’t alert the suspect and can have Wang Deli help locate and understand the casino."

"I’ll consider it."

Zeng Ping frowned. He understood Han Bin’s point, but releasing suspects wasn’t a small matter. He couldn’t decide on his own and needed to report to Zheng Kaixuan and the precinct leadership.

"You should decide quickly. I suspect there might be another robbery," Han Bin said seriously.

"You think the suspect will strike again?" Zeng Ping asked.

"Not that bold, I hope," Li Hui said, picking a toothpick from somewhere and picking his teeth.

"The suspect got a big haul this time—should last a while. From my past cases, robbers usually lay low after a hit, then strike again when the money runs low."

"Don’t forget, the suspect probably has a second identity: a gambler," Han Bin habitually pulled out a cigarette.

Before he could put it to his mouth, Tian Li snatched it away, scanning everyone. "No smoking in the office from now on."

The office was a shared space; Han Bin knew he was wrong and said nothing.

Tian Li took out a pack of gum and squatted on the table. "If anyone craves a smoke hereafter, chew this instead."

Han Bin didn’t refuse, popping two pieces into his mouth and continuing, "For a gambler, there are only two financial states: winning or losing. If they win, they spend freely. If they lose, they might commit crimes again. As for targets, they’re all ready-made."

Zeng Ping’s expression grew serious. The second unit had taken the case, and if the suspect struck again, he, as team leader, would bear some responsibility.

"Han Bin, stay here. Everyone else, split up and investigate."