067 Upgrade

"Send a text message saying you can lend her money. As soon as she answers your call, transfer the money to her," Han Bin instructed.

"Alright," He Ru replied, her voice faint with nervousness. Her palms were already sweating.

She took a deep breath, waited until she felt a little calmer, then began composing the message.

This time, a reply arrived soon after.

He Ru read aloud, "I'm with your sister. She's safe. You don't need to worry."

After finishing, He Ru became flustered. "Officer Han, is my sister really being held hostage?"

Buzz—

Another message arrived, this time a photo of He Yan's ID card, along with a note: "Prepare thirty thousand yuan. Transfer it to this bank account. Your sister will come home."

"Officer Han, what should I do now?" He Ru asked anxiously.

"Tell him the money isn't a problem, but you want to speak to your sister," Han Bin said, wanting to confirm He Yan's safety.

He Ru sent another message.

Ring—

He Ru's phone rang. She glanced down. "It's my sister calling."

"Answer it."

He Ru pressed the button. "Hello?"

"Your sister is with me. Get thirty thousand yuan ready, or you'll be collecting her corpse," a man's voice threatened through the phone.

"Who are you? Let my sister speak!"

"Your sister can't talk right now. Money first, then she'll be released. Don't try anything clever," the man said, then hung up.

"Officer Han, my sister won't be hurt, will she?" He Ru clutched Han Bin's arm, helpless and anxious.

"Try to raise the money. Leave the rest to us," Han Bin assured her.

"But... I can't come up with that much money all at once," He Ru said, distressed.

Buzz—

Another text beeped. He Ru checked—it was a bank account number.

"Call your sister's number again," Han Bin instructed.

"Alright." He Ru immediately dialed.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is switched off."

"It's off again," He Ru said, resigned.

"Contact your brother-in-law and your sister's mother-in-law. Get them to help raise the money," Han Bin said, ushering He Ru into the SUV, while he and Li Hui stayed outside.

"Bin, what now?"

"Let’s sort out our thoughts first, figure out how to report to Captain Zheng and Captain Zeng."

"You're right. I'm a bit muddled myself." Li Hui scratched his head. "It just doesn't feel like an ordinary kidnapping."

"He Yan's phone and ID are in the caller's hands. That suggests she may really have been abducted," Han Bin analyzed.

"Normally, kidnappers demand ransom right after the abduction. But this one only asked for money a day later. Isn't that odd?" Li Hui wondered.

"This kidnapper isn't professional. First he asked for six thousand, then thirty thousand. Either he's inexperienced or acting on impulse," Han Bin said, taking out a pack of cigarettes and handing one to Li Hui, lighting one himself.

"Risking so much for just thirty thousand? That's too little," Li Hui said, taking a drag.

"And he sent a bank account. Does he want money or does he not care about getting caught?" Han Bin flicked the ash.

"Will you report to Captain Zeng, or shall I?" Li Hui asked.

"You do it. I'll keep thinking," Han Bin replied.

***

An hour later.

A camper van appeared near He Yan's home.

Han Bin and Li Hui parked their SUV behind it.

The camper's door swung open, and they stepped inside.

Unlike a regular camper, this was a command vehicle.

Police equipment lined the interior.

He Yan's home was a two-story house, a standalone building. Too many people entering would attract attention.

If the kidnapper noticed anything suspicious or learned the police had been contacted, He Yan could be in danger.

Inside the camper sat six people: Zheng Kaixuan, Zeng Ping, Han Bin, Li Hui, Tian Li, and Zhao Ming.

Zheng Kaixuan sipped tea, then gestured to Han Bin and Li Hui. "You two, give us a detailed rundown."

"I'll speak," Li Hui said, and recounted the details of the case.

After listening, Zheng Kaixuan pondered for a moment. "This doesn't feel like a straightforward kidnapping."

"Captain Zheng, Li Hui and I think so as well," Han Bin agreed.

"There are several angles to investigate. We may not have enough manpower," Zeng Ping said.

"The first team has another case. We'll need local officers to assist," Zheng Kaixuan said, handing his teacup to Zhao Ming by the kettle. "Pour some water."

"Captain Zheng, it's been an hour since the kidnapper's last call. I suggest we quickly decide on our investigation approach," Han Bin proposed.

"Any clue why He Yan went out?" Zheng Kaixuan turned to Han Bin.

"He Yan's mother-in-law has been evasive, and her husband's phone is off. We can't reach him."

"No time to waste. I'll assign tasks," Zheng Kaixuan said, pointing to Zeng Ping.

"Zeng, check the bank owner's identity for the account given by the kidnapper."

"Zhao Ming, review nearby surveillance footage and determine what transport He Yan used to leave, and where she went."

"Tian Li, investigate her recent contacts at the telecom company and messaging app firms."

"Han Bin, Li Hui, you two track down Chen Zili. He's missing, and may be connected to He Yan's disappearance. Use local officers for help."

"I'll personally coordinate with the tech team. Once we locate the suspect's texting location, I'll notify everyone for the arrest."

"Understood," everyone replied.

"Anyone have anything to add?" Zheng Kaixuan asked.

Li Hui hesitated. "The kidnapper keeps contacting He Ru. If there are new developments, he'll reach out to her. Should we bring her to the command vehicle?"

"Good idea. Bring her over. That way, we can respond immediately to any updates from the kidnapper."

"Yes, sir."

***

With tasks assigned, everyone set to work.

Han Bin and Li Hui exited the camper, returned to the SUV, and called He Ru, asking her to leave her house.

They reminded her to be cautious about being followed.

Soon, He Ru arrived, visibly nervous.

After getting in the car, she asked hurriedly, "Officer Han, Officer Li, have you found the person who kidnapped my sister?"

"Not yet. We need more clues," Han Bin replied.

"What should I do? I've told you everything I know," He Ru sighed.

"Have you contacted your brother-in-law?"

"No, his phone is still off."

Han Bin took out his mobile, added He Ru's messaging account. "Send me Chen Zili's phone number and photo."

"Are you going to look for my brother-in-law?"

Han Bin nodded.

"What about my sister?"

"Other colleagues are handling that," Han Bin answered, then changed the subject. "Have you gathered the money?"

He Ru managed a bitter smile. "My brother-in-law isn't home, and my sister's mother-in-law is no help. I've only managed to collect a little over ten thousand."

Hearing this, Han Bin became even more convinced something was wrong. This family was far from wealthy—why would the kidnapper target He Yan?