Chapter 097: Following the Trail

A few minutes later, Han Bin called Chen San into the SUV.

Chen San was quick-witted; as soon as he got in, he greeted them, “Captain Zeng, Brother Bin.”

Zeng Ping sized him up and cautioned, “Han Bin has already told me about your situation. It’s good that you want to turn over a new leaf and make up for your past mistakes, but let me remind you—don’t go back down that path.”

“Yes, yes, I was young and foolish back then. With Brother Bin’s guidance and help, I’ve changed. I won’t dare mess up again.” Chen San patted his chest and promised.

“I hope you mean what you say,” Zeng Ping replied.

“I do, absolutely.” Chen San nodded eagerly.

“Tell us about your surveillance,” Han Bin prompted.

“Around nine this morning, the two people I was watching left their place. I checked with Brother Bin and followed them. They went straight to Zero Point Café and met a guy there—looked to be in his twenties, seemed like someone with money,” Chen San explained.

“Do you have a photo?”

“Yes.” Chen San pulled out his phone and showed them.

Han Bin glanced at it and spoke to Zeng Ping, “That’s Luo Xinghua.”

“What did the three of them do?” Zeng Ping pressed.

“I didn’t dare get too close, couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Luo Xinghua handed them a travel bag,” Chen San said, showing another photo on his phone.

“Do you know what was inside?”

“I didn’t at first, just thought the bag seemed pretty heavy.” Chen San shook his head, then looked envious. “After leaving the café, the two went straight to the bank. I followed them and took a number. Guess what?”

“Was it cash inside?” Han Bin guessed.

“Half a million.” Chen San held up his palm, smacking his lips. “The two tellers counted the money so fast, red bills one after another—fifty stacks in total. That’s the most real cash I’ve ever seen in my life, not gonna lie, my eyes nearly went blurry.”

“On the phone earlier, you said Xiang Hongbo picked up a phone and hurriedly took a cab toward the hotel, cursing along the way. Did you catch what he was saying?” Han Bin asked.

“He was shouting pretty loudly, first cursing, then saying something like, ‘It’s definitely him, the little bastard burned the bridge after crossing, actually stole the phone. If he pisses me off, I’ll go all out against him.’”

Han Bin took out his phone and brought up a surveillance photo. “Take a good look at this picture.”

“Is this the guy who stole from the hotel?” Chen San asked.

Han Bin nodded. “Do you recognize him?”

“He’s wrapped up way too tightly, wearing a hat, head down, can’t see his face at all. Unless you know him well, it’s hard to tell.” Chen San rubbed his chin. “Want me to ask around?”

“No need. We’ll look for other ways,” Han Bin replied.

“Captain Zeng, Brother Bin, anything else you need?” Chen San asked.

Han Bin glanced at Zeng Ping, saw he had nothing to add, and said, “That’s all. You’ve been on watch all night, go home and get some rest.”

“You two are busy, I’ll take off.” Chen San gave a quick farewell, checked the surroundings through the window, then got out and left.

Zeng Ping took out two cigarettes, handing one to Han Bin. “Half a million isn’t a small sum.”

Han Bin lit Zeng Ping’s cigarette first with his lighter. “We’ll need to go to the bank and pull their surveillance footage later.”

“According to Chen San, Xiang Hongbo mentioned a phone after learning about the theft. Could it be He Shirui’s phone—the victim’s?” Zeng Ping analyzed.

“If Luo Xinghua killed someone and evidence is on that phone, Xiang Hongbo and Tang Yu could be blackmailing him. That would explain both incidents,” Han Bin said.

“This theft might just be the breakthrough for the female corpse case,” Zeng Ping mused.

Tap tap—Li Hui knocked on the window, then opened the door and entered, curiosity in his voice, “Captain Zeng, what are you two discussing?”

“Talking about how to catch the thief,” Han Bin replied.

“If you ask me, we’re short-staffed. We should focus on the female corpse case and let the precinct handle the theft. If Chief Sun finds any clue related to our case, he’ll definitely tell us,” Li Hui suggested.

“The key clue in the corpse case might be tied to this theft. We have to concentrate our efforts to solve the theft quickly. If we wait for the precinct to crack it and hand over clues, it might be too late,” Zeng Ping said.

“What important clue?” Li Hui wondered.

Han Bin took a drag. “We suspect the thief’s target was He Shirui’s phone.”

“Who would want to steal He Shirui’s phone? Could it be Luo Xinghua?” Li Hui guessed.

“With the evidence we have, Luo Xinghua is highly suspicious.”

“So, the three of them are fighting among themselves?”

“Exactly. Because they’re at odds, we should shift our investigation. If we press too hard, they’ll unite. If we look elsewhere, maybe they’ll keep fighting. Once cracks appear between them, we can take each down one by one,” Zeng Ping smiled.

“Captain Zeng, you’re sharp—saw right through the key point,” Han Bin gave a thumbs up.

“To be able to plan ahead, you’re not bad yourself,” Zeng Ping said with a smile.

Li Hui rolled his eyes and muttered, “Let’s keep praising each other till we reach the pinnacle of life.”

“What are you mumbling about?” Zeng Ping asked.

Li Hui scratched his head, grinning. “I said I should take you two as my role models, improve my detective skills, and become a well-rounded officer.”

Zeng Ping and Han Bin both exclaimed, “Brown-noser!”

Li Hui was at a loss—why was it flattery when he did it, but just mutual praise for the other two?

He felt wronged.

Zeng Ping took a deep drag and stubbed out his cigarette. “Enough joking. Let’s talk about how to catch the thief.”

“Check Sky Net—there are so many cameras, we’re bound to find the thief’s trail,” Li Hui suggested.

Zeng Ping nodded. Though Li Hui’s idea was old hat, it was indeed a sound investigative approach, just more time-consuming.

Han Bin felt the car was getting stuffy and turned up the air conditioning. “Any clues from Room 405 at the hotel?”

“I surveyed Room 405 and checked the precinct’s report with the victim. Nothing obvious turned up,” Li Hui replied.

Han Bin considered for a moment. “Captain Zeng, I have an immature suggestion.”

“Then say it. We’ll discuss it and mature it together.”

“If Luo Xinghua was behind the theft, there must be contact between him and the thief. I suggest we check Luo Xinghua’s communication records around the time of the crime—see if there’s a contact whose timing matches,” Han Bin proposed.

Zeng Ping smiled. “That’s a great idea. That contact is likely the thief. If we follow the trail, we’ll catch him.”

Li Hui’s eyes lit up. He thought, wow, cases can be handled this way—why didn’t I think of that?