046 The Arrest

There are more than twenty taxi companies in Qindao City.

After lunch, Han Bin and his partner took a photo of Yu Wei and visited every taxi company in Qindao, asking the drivers if they had picked up Yu Wei near Anyang Apartments in the past few days.

The following morning, two companies responded. One, Shunhe Taxi Company, had two drivers who recalled picking up a young woman resembling Yu Wei near Anyang Apartments. The other, Beitong Taxi Company, had a driver who dropped off a woman matching Yu Wei’s description at Anyang Apartments.

Han Bin invited all three drivers to the Qindao Branch Bureau.

He interviewed them separately. The two Shunhe drivers had transported Yu Wei on the night of August 3rd. The Beitong driver had dropped her off on the night of August 4th.

This confirmed that Yu Wei was indeed at Anyang Apartments during the timeframe of the incident—an essential link in the chain of evidence.

…

Around two in the afternoon, Zhao Ming and Tian Li arrived from the internet café. With everyone present, Zeng Ping convened an analysis meeting.

Leaning against the table, a cigarette between his fingers, Zeng Ping said, “We’ve got search and detention warrants. Now it’s up to you to gather the evidence.”

“Three taxi drivers have confirmed they picked up Yu Wei near Anyang Apartments on the nights of August 3rd and 4th,” Li Hui reported.

“Can you confirm it was really her?”

“Yes. Taxis have video cameras. We compared the footage—it’s definitely Yu Wei.” Li Hui distributed several photos.

“This evidence is critical,” Zeng Ping commented, habitually taking a drag from his cigarette—only to realize it wasn’t lit.

“Zeng, we’ve found something as well,” Zhao Ming, young and energetic, was eager not to be left behind.

Zeng Ping smiled, “Alright, let’s hear it.”

“We canvassed internet cafés near Yu Wei’s home and discovered that on August 4th, Yu Wei visited a café called Whirlwind Net Bar. We reviewed their surveillance and saw her apparently preparing a ransom letter,” Zhao Ming said.

“Was the surveillance clear enough?”

“The content of the letter wasn’t visible,” Zhao Ming admitted with some regret, “but the flash drive and envelope she used matched exactly those found at the crime scene.”

“Excellent.” Zeng Ping praised, “With these two key pieces of evidence, we can make the arrest.”

“Zeng, should we set up at the school or at Yu Wei’s home?” Han Bin asked.

“Hold on, let me make a call,” Zeng Ping replied, moving to the corner of the office.

After a brief phone call, Zeng Ping returned, “I’ve received word—Yu Wei is at Latte Café on Victory East Road. Let’s head there immediately.”

“How did you know?” Zhao Ming asked, surprised.

“With Zeng’s position, he’s bound to have informants. Don’t be so shocked,” Li Hui shrugged.

“Informants? Do you have any?” Zhao Ming was curious.

“None of your business,” Li Hui snorted.

“Bin, what about you?” Zhao Ming turned to Han Bin.

Han Bin smiled but said nothing.

“Enough with the nonsense. Let’s move,” Zeng Ping commanded sternly.

…

The five split into two teams.

Zeng Ping, Han Bin, and Tian Li went to Latte Café on Victory East Road to apprehend Yu Wei.

Li Hui and Zhao Ming, with the technical team, headed to Yu Wei’s home for a second search. The first had focused on He Feng; this time the target was Yu Wei.

…

Half an hour later.

Han Bin’s group arrived at Latte Café.

Yu Wei sat by the window with a young man, chatting affectionately.

Han Bin immediately recognized the man as the same one he’d seen before—likely Yu Wei’s boyfriend.

Though Zeng Ping’s group wore plain clothes, their bearing set them apart. As they approached, Yu Wei looked up with alertness and surprise. “What are you doing here?”

“Yu Wei, we suspect you’re involved in a blackmail case. Please return to the station to assist with our investigation,” Han Bin said, presenting the detention warrant.

“What nonsense! How could a female college student be involved in blackmail?” Yu Wei’s expression changed.

“Yu Wei, this is an era of gender equality. Women and men are no different, you understand?” Tian Li retorted.

“Are you sure you’re not mistaken? I haven’t done anything,” Yu Wei protested.

“Will you come with us willingly, or should I use force?” Tian Li produced handcuffs.

“You have the wrong person, I’m innocent,” Yu Wei insisted, unyielding.

“Yes, Weiwei is kind-hearted. You must be mistaken,” her boyfriend was bewildered but chose to trust Yu Wei.

Han Bin pressed, “What is your relationship with Yu Wei?”

“I’m her boyfriend.”

“Good. We have a few questions for you as well. Come with us for a statement,” Han Bin said.

“This has nothing to do with me. I know nothing,” Yu Wei’s boyfriend hurried to distance himself.

“Enough talk, take them away,” Zeng Ping said impatiently.

…

Han Bin and the others brought Yu Wei and her boyfriend back to the station. Yu Wei’s fingerprints, DNA, and phone were handed over to the technical team.

Yu Wei was escorted to the interrogation room.

Han Bin led the questioning, Tian Li recorded.

“Name, gender, age, place of origin…”

“Yu Wei, gender—look for yourself, age eighteen, place of origin—the planet Earth…”

“Bang!” Tian Li slapped the table, scolding, “Is this supposed to be funny? Do you think you’re at home? Show some respect.”

“I’ve studied law. Even suspects have rights. Why are you being so aggressive?” Yu Wei rolled her eyes.

Han Bin smiled—such an arrogant suspect was rare. “Since you’ve studied law, why break it? Why resort to blackmail?”

“Do you have any evidence, old man?” Yu Wei’s tone had a hint of provocation.

“Before arresting you, we thoroughly investigated. Give up your illusions—cooperating honestly is your best option,” Han Bin said confidently.

“Hmph,” Yu Wei snorted coldly.

“Think I’m bluffing?”

“If you have evidence, show it. If not, let me go. What’s the point?”

“Fine. If you won’t confess, I’ll spell it out. Don’t blame me for denying you any chance for a lighter sentence.” Han Bin stood, moving to the front of the interrogation table:

“On the night of August 3rd, you took a taxi to Anyang Apartments and delivered the first ransom letter to the suspect’s home. The next day, the suspect called the police, and we arrested your father.

“To clear your father of suspicion, on August 4th you went to Whirlwind Net Bar to prepare a second ransom letter. That evening, you took a taxi to Anyang Apartments and delivered the second letter, helping your father escape suspicion.”

Han Bin stared at her, pressing, “Am I right?”

Yu Wei was no longer composed; her hands twisted together, anxiety churning within her.

Han Bin’s account matched the exact sequence of her actions.