120 Tracking

1:00 p.m.

Li Hui, Tian Li, and the others gradually returned to the office.

Zheng Kaixuan glanced around at everyone and said, “Everyone, take a seat. Let’s talk about the case.”

As his words fell, everyone gathered around. Han Bin also pulled over a chair and sat to Zheng Kaixuan’s right.

Tian Li approached holding some chewing gum and handed it to Zheng Kaixuan, who was seated.

Zheng Kaixuan instinctively asked, “What’s this for?”

“Trainee Captain Zheng, our team has an unspoken rule: no smoking in the office. If you get a craving, just chew some gum,” Tian Li explained.

“Hey, you little girl, don’t talk to Captain Zheng like that,” Zeng Ping waved his hand.

Zheng Kaixuan smiled and said, “Not a bad idea. Keep it up—I’ll have two pieces too.”

Zheng Kaixuan chewed a piece of gum, and the others took one or two as well.

“Not bad. It’s been years since I had gum; the flavor’s still pretty good,” Zheng Kaixuan praised, then sobered and said seriously: “Let’s get back on track. How’s the investigation into Zhou Tianrong and Biao Ge going?”

“Captain Zheng, Zhao Ming and I went near Zhou Tianrong’s house and reviewed the morning’s surveillance footage from yesterday. We saw that around 6:30 a.m., he was indeed near his home having a meal. His house is about a half-hour drive from Wang Deli’s place, so he couldn’t have reached the robbery scene in time,” Li Hui reported.

“If that’s the case, we can temporarily rule out Zhou Tianrong as a suspect in the robbery,” Zeng Ping said.

“Is it possible he worked with others—scoping out targets while his accomplices carried out the robbery?” Zhao Ming speculated.

“If we followed that line of thinking, everyone who attended the gambling event would be a suspect,” Han Bin shook his head and analyzed. “Besides, if it was premeditated, there’d be no need to clash with Wang Deli. So, I think it’s unlikely he was involved in the robbery.”

Zheng Kaixuan nodded. “Tian Li, what about Biao Ge’s identity? Any progress?”

“According to Zhou Tianrong’s statement, Biao Ge’s real name is Zhang Hailong. I searched the police database for that name—there are quite a few. Then I had both Zhou Tianrong and Wang Deli identify photos, and they both pointed to the same person,” Tian Li reported.

“So, we’ve found him,” Zheng Kaixuan showed a glimmer of satisfaction.

Tian Li moved over to the projector and placed a file on it.

Name: Zhang Hailong
Gender: Male
Age: 33
Place of Origin: Qindao City, Daliu Town
Phone: 13825465XXX
Address: Nanjiao Town, Qindao City

Tian Li explained, “Zhang Hailong has a criminal record. He’s been arrested before for organizing gambling, disturbing the peace, and theft.”

“Looking at it this way, Zhou Tianrong’s words seem somewhat credible,” Zheng Kaixuan frowned deeply.

“In other words, Zhang Hailong might actually have a cousin running a business near the Nanjiao Town Police Station who’s secretly keeping an eye out and passing information,” Zeng Ping analyzed.

“Does that mean we can’t request assistance from the Nanjiao Police Station for the arrest?” Tian Li asked in surprise.

“Not necessarily. It just means we can’t mobilize a large police force like before, or we risk being noticed,” Zheng Kaixuan murmured.

“So, what about tonight’s gambling event? Are we still going to take action?” Li Hui asked.

“Of course. This is an opportunity to get a feel for the casino. Otherwise, how can we arrest anyone if we’re completely in the dark?” Zheng Kaixuan replied.

“Captain Zheng, from what you’re saying, we’re not going to arrest anyone at the casino this time?” Zhao Ming was puzzled.

Zheng Kaixuan smiled, “Do you know the exact location of the casino?”

“No.”

“Do you know how many thugs they have there?”

Zhao Ming shook his head.

“You don’t know, I don’t know, so how can we make an arrest?” Zheng Kaixuan spread his hands.

“Captain Zheng, what is the purpose of this operation then?”

“Two purposes. First, to understand the casino’s situation—how many organizers there are, what weapons they have, and what the environment inside is like.”

“Second, the suspect in the Wang Deli robbery likely attends the gambling event as well. We want Wang Deli to watch closely for anyone suspicious. Also, who wins the most, who loses money—these details can provide important clues.”

“Captain Zheng, should we install cameras and tracking devices on Wang Deli?” Zhao Ming asked.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’ve already applied through the precinct. We have cameras, audio recording, tracking—all the latest tech. Wang Deli’s trip is not just for reconnaissance but also to help gather evidence,” Zheng Kaixuan explained.

“Captain Zheng, what kind of high-tech gear are we talking about? Tell us,” Zhao Ming was curious.

“Let Zeng Ping explain. Tonight, besides your team, other departments will also cooperate. I need to contact them first.” Zheng Kaixuan glanced at his watch and stood up to leave.

…

10:00 p.m.

A black SUV was parked nearby.

Han Bin, Li Hui, and Zhao Ming sat inside.

Li Hui was driving. Han Bin sat in the front passenger seat, loading bullets into a magazine one by one. This mission was somewhat dangerous, so both Han Bin and Li Hui were armed.

Zhao Ming sat in the back, fiddling with a remote control.

The remote had two parts: a handle below and a screen above.

“Zhao Ming, are you up to this?” Li Hui asked.

“Brother Hui, I’ve been flying drones for years.”

“This is police-grade, not your civilian kind,” Li Hui snorted.

“Almost the same. I’ll get familiar with it.”

“It’s already ten o’clock. The bus should be arriving soon. Don’t mess up at the critical moment,” Li Hui warned.

Zhao Ming said nothing and operated the controls to slowly lift the drone into the air. The ascent was steady and slow to ensure clear video.

“Turn sideways and let me see,” Li Hui reached to grab Zhao Ming’s arm.

“Riiing…” Han Bin’s phone rang. He answered, “It’s Captain Zeng. The bus is heading this way and should arrive in about five minutes.”

“How many people are involved tonight?” Li Hui asked.

“Our team—three people—and two officers from the Nanjiao Town Police Station. About ten people total,” Han Bin replied.

“Isn’t it risky to involve the Nanjiao police? What if the news leaks?” Li Hui worried.

“Having two officers is normal. Even if Zhang Hailong’s cousin sees them, she won’t suspect we’re coming to bust the gambling ring. Plus, these two officers are veterans familiar with the area, which helps us find the casino’s exact location,” Han Bin explained.

“True. It’s pitch black out here in the mountains at night. These gamblers must be looking for thrills,” Li Hui snorted.

“When you’re driving later, don’t follow too closely or they might notice,” Han Bin reminded.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got experience,” Li Hui winked.

Zhao Ming stared at the monitor and said, “Brother Bin, Brother Hui, the bus is here.”