After completing the scene investigation, the group returned to the precinct.
Chen Luyan and her boyfriend, Xiang Shaoming, also came along to the station.
Chen Luyan was emotionally unstable, so Zeng Ping arranged for her to rest in the lounge.
Inside Team Two's office:
Zeng Ping glanced at his watch. "It's 11 a.m. We've got eight hours until 7 tonight."
Han Bin nodded. "Plenty of time for setting up surveillance."
Li Hui added, "People often go to People's Square for a walk in the evening. It's a large, open space—making an arrest will be challenging."
Zeng Ping waved his hand firmly. "No matter how difficult it is, we must catch the suspect tonight."
Tian Li frowned. "But we don't even know what the suspect looks like."
"Yeah, this suspect is very good at hiding," Zeng Ping agreed.
"I think the tech team should check the computer for fingerprints," Han Bin suggested.
Li Hui looked confused. "Isn't that Yu Hefeng's computer? What's the point?"
"I want to see if anyone else has used it."
"Han Bin's right," Tian Li chimed in. "I've seen the blackmail photos and the secret videos. The shower photos were likely screenshots from those videos."
Li Hui followed up, "So the suspect got the shower photos from Yu Hefeng's computer and used them to blackmail Chen Luyan."
Zeng Ping suddenly remembered something. "What about the surveillance at the apartment building?"
"Nothing useful," Li Hui replied.
"Same as yesterday," Zeng Ping said. "Copy the footage and show it to Chen Luyan again. Maybe she'll notice something suspicious."
"Yes, sir."
Tian Li suggested, "Since the apartment's cameras didn't catch the suspect, should we expand our surveillance to the surrounding area?"
"Good idea. The suspect couldn't have appeared out of thin air. If we check the nearby surveillance, we might find a lead," Zeng Ping said.
"The suspect could've used a car, taxi, bus, subway, bicycle, or even walked. If we investigate carefully, we should be able to track their movements," Han Bin added.
"Alright," Zeng Ping paused to reassign tasks:
"The tech team will handle the fingerprint check on the computer."
"Zhao Ming, go back to Anyang Apartments for a stakeout. The suspect probably won't return, but we can't let another blackmail letter show up. If that happens again, I'll lose all credibility as team leader."
"Captain Zeng, it's hard to manage alone," Zhao Ming said, a bit helpless.
"Go to the local police station and ask for two officers to assist you."
"Yes, sir."
"Li Hui and Tian Li, check the surveillance around the apartment and see if you can find any trace of the suspect."
"Yes, sir."
"Han Bin, come with me to People's Square to set up surveillance."
Tian Li asked, "Just the two of you? Isn't that too few people?"
"I'll ask the local precinct to help. They're more familiar with the area. You and Li Hui meet us there by 6 p.m."
"Yes, sir."
With the assignments given, Team Two members split up.
Qindao City, People's Square
Han Bin was quite familiar with People's Square. When he was a child, his parents would sometimes bring him here to play. It's one of the city's landmarks.
Right across the square was a restaurant called Braised Bone Noodle House.
They served two main dishes: braised pork bones and hand-shaved noodles.
Han Bin rarely ate out as a child, but he once came here with his dad and was hooked ever since. The taste left a strong impression on him.
And today, by chance, they were back here.
Han Bin and Zeng Ping arrived at People's Square around noon. Han Bin suggested they eat at that same restaurant.
Zeng Ping, being the team leader, was worried about tonight's operation and didn't care much about food—but he agreed anyway.
Han Bin ordered a serving of braised pork bones.
Soon, a server brought over a large, steaming metal tray filled with pork bones—very generous portions.
Han Bin picked up a piece, took a bite, and smiled. "Tastes just like I remember."
"You've eaten here before?" Zeng Ping asked.
"Yeah, my dad brought me here when I was in school."
"If it's your dad's choice, it must be good. Let me try." Zeng Ping took a bite. "Delicious!"
Han Bin poured vinegar over his bones. "Want some vinegar? It hits differently with it."
"Sure."
Like most detectives, Zeng Ping had a hearty appetite. Even though he'd been worried, gnawing on bones helped him forget most of it. His eating pace matched Han Bin's.
It was summer, and with the air conditioner on, they happily dug into the meal.
Once they finished most of the bones, Han Bin ordered two bowls of hand-shaved noodles.
You never know when the next proper meal will come.
After eating, they didn't leave right away. They sat at a table by the entrance, looking across at People's Square.
"Captain Zeng, how are we setting up the surveillance later?" Han Bin asked in a low voice.
They were now the only two customers in the shop.
"No rush. We'll plan when the officers from the local precinct arrive. They know this area better than we do."
This area was under the jurisdiction of Ningbei Road Police Station. The officer helping with the operation was Sergeant Sun Hao.
Sun Hao called Zeng Ping to ask for their location.
Soon after, Sun Hao arrived at the restaurant—he clearly knew the area better than Han Bin and Zeng Ping.
He brought three other officers with him.
"Zeng, you sure know how to enjoy yourself, hiding out in this air-conditioned place," Sun Hao joked as he entered.
"Come on, Sun. You're practically the host here. I didn't make you buy lunch, so don't complain." Zeng Ping patted Sun Hao on the shoulder. Clearly, the two were old acquaintances.
Zeng Ping introduced Han Bin.
Sun Hao introduced the three officers with him. Now that everyone knew each other, coordination would be easier.
Zeng Ping invited them to sit. "Sun, since you know this area well, help us find a discreet place to plan the setup."
It was summer, the sun was blazing, and there wasn't much cover around the square. Standing outside would not only be hot, but it'd also attract too much attention.
Around 6 p.m., the weather would cool, and more people would gather at the square—making it easier to blend in and carry out the operation.
Just then, the restaurant server walked over.
"Would you like to order anything? The kitchen's about to close. If you wait too long, we won't be able to cook."
"Can you call your boss over?" Sun Hao asked.
"What for?" the server looked puzzled.
"From the police station. We just need to ask something." He showed his badge.
The server quickly ran into the kitchen.
Soon, a middle-aged woman walked out. "Officers, how can I help you?"
"You're the owner?" Sun Hao, dressed in plainclothes, flashed his ID.
"Yes, I am. What can I do for you?"
"We've got a task nearby. Would it be alright if we use your shop as a base until around 5:30? We'll leave before your evening business starts."
"No problem! We fully support the police." She turned and shouted to the server, "Xiaoya, go make a pot of good tea for the officers."
"Got it!"
"One more thing," Sun Hao added, "please help us keep this quiet. If our identities are revealed, it could compromise the operation."
"Don't worry. That girl's my niece—tight-lipped."
"Thanks a lot," Sun Hao said.
He chuckled and turned to Zeng Ping. "Zeng, what do you think of this spot? Right across from the square, and you're out of the sun."
Zeng Ping gave a thumbs-up. "Great spot. And the owner—what a straightforward woman!"
(End of Chapter)