A Straightforward Person

After completing the on-site investigation, the group returned to the precinct.

Chen Luyan and her boyfriend, Xiang Shaoming, also arrived at the station.

Chen Luyan’s emotions were somewhat unstable, so Zeng Ping arranged for her to rest in the lounge.

Inside the second unit’s office.

Zeng Ping glanced at his watch. “It’s eleven o’clock now. We have eight hours until seven tonight.”

“We have plenty of time to set up surveillance,” Han Bin said.

“Once evening comes, People’s Square is filled with people out for a stroll, and the area is quite open. Arresting someone will be difficult,” Li Hui commented.

“No matter how difficult it is, we must apprehend the suspect tonight,” Zeng Ping declared.

“We don’t even know what the suspect looks like,” Tian Li said, spreading her hands.

“Yes, this suspect is very good at hiding,” Zeng Ping said.

“I think we should have the technical team check for fingerprints on the computer,” Han Bin suggested.

“Isn’t the computer Yu Hefeng’s? Is there any need to check?” Li Hui asked in confusion.

“I want to see if anyone else has used his computer,” Han Bin explained.

“Han Bin’s right. I’ve seen the ransom photos and the surveillance footage. Those bathing photos must have been taken as screenshots from the videos on the computer,” Tian Li said.

“The suspect obtained bathing photos from Yu Hefeng’s computer and then blackmailed Chen Luyan,” Li Hui continued.

“By the way, any clues from the apartment’s surveillance?” Zeng Ping asked.

“None,” Li Hui replied.

“It’s the same as yesterday. Copy the surveillance footage and let Chen Luyan see if anyone looks suspicious,” Zeng Ping directed.

“Understood.”

“If the apartment’s surveillance didn’t catch the suspect, should we broaden the surveillance area?” Tian Li suggested.

“That’s a good idea. The suspect couldn’t have appeared out of thin air. If we check the surveillance around the apartment building, we should discover something,” Zeng Ping said.

“The suspect’s means of transportation are limited to a car, taxi, bus, subway, bicycle, or walking. If we investigate carefully, we should be able to find their movements,” Han Bin said.

“All right, let me rearrange the tasks,” Zeng Ping said after a brief pause.

“The technical team will be responsible for collecting fingerprints from the computer.”

“Zhao Ming, go stake out Anyang Apartment. Although it’s unlikely the suspect will return, we can’t let today’s incident repeat itself. If we receive a third ransom letter, I’ll have no face left as team leader.”

“Captain Zheng, it’s hard for me to do this alone,” Zhao Ming said.

“You can ask the local police station for two officers to assist with the stakeout.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Li Hui, Tian Li, you two go canvass the area near the apartment and check the surrounding surveillance for any trace of the suspect.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Han Bin, come with me to People’s Square to set up surveillance.”

“Captain Zeng, isn’t it too few people for just the two of you to set up surveillance?” Tian Li asked.

“I’ll ask the local police station to help. They know the area better. Before six o’clock, you and Li Hui come to People’s Square to support.”

“Yes.”

After Zeng Ping assigned the tasks, the second unit’s members split up.

…

Qindao City, People’s Square.

Han Bin wasn’t unfamiliar with People’s Square. When he was young, his parents would bring him here whenever they had free time. It was one of the city’s landmarks.

Across from People’s Square was a restaurant called Braised Bone Noodle House.

The restaurant mainly served two dishes: braised pork bones and hand-cut noodles.

Han Bin rarely ate out as a child, but once went with his father and found the food exceptionally delicious, always craving another taste.

Today, by coincidence, he returned.

Han Bin and Zeng Ping arrived at People’s Square around noon, and Han Bin suggested they eat at the noodle house.

Zeng Ping, as the leader of the second unit, carried the responsibility for any slip-ups at the scene. He was preoccupied, so eating didn’t matter much to him.

Han Bin ordered a serving of braised bones.

Soon, the waiter brought in a large rectangular iron tray filled with steaming braised bones, generous in portion.

Han Bin picked up a bone and took a bite of the meat. “It’s still the same taste.”

“You’ve eaten here before?”

“My father brought me here when I was in school,” Han Bin said.

“Director Han has good taste; I’d like to try it too.” Zeng Ping picked up a bone and bit into it. “Delicious!”

Han Bin poured some vinegar over the ribs. “Captain Zeng, want some? It’s another flavor.”

“Sure.”

Most detectives have hearty appetites, and Zeng Ping was no exception. Though he was troubled at first, gnawing on the bones made him forget most of his worries, and his eating pace was no slower than Han Bin’s.

It was summer, the air conditioning was on, and they enjoyed the braised bones with satisfaction.

After finishing most of the bones, Han Bin ordered two servings of hand-cut noodles.

After this meal, who knows when their next would be.

Once full, the two didn’t rush to leave, but sat at the table by the door, looking across at People’s Square.

“Captain Zeng, how are we going to set up surveillance later?” Han Bin asked quietly.

At this moment, they were the only customers left in the restaurant.

“We’ll discuss it when the officers from the police station arrive. They know this area well,” Zeng Ping replied.

This area fell under Ningbei Road Police Station’s jurisdiction, and the officer assisting with surveillance was Sergeant Sun Hao.

Sun Hao called Zeng Ping to ask for their location.

Soon after, Sun Hao found the noodle house. He was far more familiar with the area than Han Bin and Zeng Ping.

Besides Sun Hao, three police officers accompanied him.

“Zeng, you sure know how to enjoy yourself, holed up in this air-conditioned place,” Sun Hao greeted cheerfully as he entered.

“Sun, you’re half a host here; it’s good enough I haven’t asked you to treat us,” Zeng Ping replied, walking over and patting Sun Hao’s shoulder.

The two seemed well acquainted.

“Let me introduce you—this is Han Bin from our unit.”

Sun Hao introduced the three police officers from the station as well, making cooperation easier.

“Sun, you know this place well. Let’s find somewhere discreet to plan the surveillance,” Zeng Ping suggested.

It was midsummer, the sun blazed, and the area around the square was bare, with nowhere to hide. If they stayed outside, not only would it be hot, but they’d also be conspicuous.

Around six, when the weather cooled, people would gather around the square, making the surveillance less obvious.

Just then, the waiter approached.

“Would you gentlemen like anything? The kitchen’s about to close; if you’re late, nothing will be available.”

“Please call your boss over,” Sun Hao said.

“Is there something you need from the boss?” the waiter asked, puzzled.

“We’re from the police station and want some information,” Sun Hao replied.

The waiter hurried to the kitchen.

Soon, a middle-aged woman emerged. “Officers from the police station, what can I do for you?”

“You’re the owner?” Sun Hao, dressed in plain clothes, showed his police badge.

“Yes, what do you need?”

“What time does your restaurant close?”

“Around two in the afternoon. When there are no customers, we rest and reopen around five,” replied the owner.

“How about this? We have a task here and would like to use your restaurant. We’ll leave when you reopen at five-thirty and won’t affect your business,” Sun Hao proposed.

“No problem, I’ll definitely cooperate with the police station.” The owner was quick-witted and called out to the waiter, “Xiaoya, go brew a pot of good tea and bring it over for the officers.”

“Okay.”

“Ma’am, please help us keep this confidential, so our identities aren’t revealed and the operation isn’t compromised,” Sun Hao said.

“Don’t worry, she’s my niece and very discreet,” the owner assured.

“Thank you,” Sun Hao replied.

Sun Hao chuckled, “Zeng, how’s this spot for planning surveillance? It’s right across from People’s Square, and you won’t get sunburned.”

Zeng Ping gave a thumbs up and praised, “The location is great, and the owner is a straightforward person!”