Early the next morning, Han Bin got up and went downstairs to eat breakfast at his parents' place.
Knowing her son was working on a case and must be exhausted, Wang Huifang had prepared a hearty breakfast.
Li Hui had also been invited to eat with them.
Initially, Li Hui felt a bit embarrassed and tried to decline.
But seeing how sincere Han Bin was—and realizing how hungry he was—he eventually gave in and joined.
Wang Huifang made sandwiches that morning:
Slices of bread, fried eggs, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes—very generous portions.
Both Han Bin and Li Hui had big appetites. Each of them ate two sandwiches and drank a glass of milk.
After the meal, they hurried out the door.
"Ugh," Li Hui let out a satisfied burp and rubbed his belly. "That hit the spot. Auntie's cooking is amazing."
"As long as you're full. Who knows when the next proper meal will be," Han Bin yawned—still not fully rested.
As Li Hui started the car, he asked, "Do you think Captain Zeng will show up today?"
"No idea. I was wondering about that myself."
"He rarely takes time off. Maybe something happened at home?" Li Hui speculated.
"Captain Zheng won't say anything, and it's not our place to pry directly."
"How about after work tonight, we visit Captain Zeng's place?" Li Hui suggested.
"Who knows what time we'll even get off. It might be better to ask the four of us to do a video call with him and see what he's up to."
"Good idea. No one should skip it," Li Hui agreed.
"Let's talk to Tian Li and Zhao Ming about it later."
—
At the Qindao branch police station.
Since this was a joint investigation between three teams, Zheng Kaixuan had called all the members of the two main squads into the conference room.
Team Two still had the same four members. Zeng Ping was still absent.
Team One was led by Zhao Ying, who brought six officers, including two who hadn't been part of the case the day before.
"How's the intel collection on people with prior theft records?" Zheng Kaixuan asked.
"We focused on the Linfang neighborhood," Zhao Ying replied, handing over a folder. "Sun Xing and Du Qi compiled a list. It includes contact info and addresses, ready for follow-up investigations."
"You've worked hard, Sun Xing and Du Qi. Take the day off to rest," said Zheng.
"Yes, sir."
"Okay, here's the assignment." Zheng organized his thoughts and laid out the tasks:
"Team One will investigate the individuals with theft records—especially those who can't account for their whereabouts during the time of the crime."
"Team Two will review surveillance footage, focusing on suspicious individuals entering or leaving the community around the time of the incident."
Clap clap! Zheng clapped his hands.
"Let's move—prepare for 24 hours of non-stop work today."
"Yes, sir!"
—
After the meeting—
"Captain Zheng, I have something to report," Han Bin said.
"What is it?"
"I'd like to revisit the crime scene."
"Did you miss anything?"
"Two of the homes reported too late yesterday. By the time we arrived, it was already dark. I want to go back in daylight and see if I can find any footprints."
"Go ahead."
"Yes, sir."
—
"You're heading to the scene again?" Li Hui looked surprised.
"Yeah."
"Want me to come with you, Bin-ge?" Zhao Ming offered eagerly.
"You stay here and keep watching the surveillance. I'll go alone," Han Bin said, patting him on the shoulder.
"Yeah, don't even think about bailing on us. There's a mountain of footage to go through. If it's just Tian Li and me, we'll never finish," Li Hui added.
"Anyone got a drone?" Han Bin asked.
"I do!" Zhao Ming replied quickly.
"Then go get it for me and bring it to the Linfang neighborhood."
"Sure thing." Zhao Ming grinned. He'd do anything to avoid surveillance duty.
"Don't slack off! After you deliver the drone, get back here ASAP," Tian Li warned, playfully waving her fist.
—
Meanwhile—
Zhao Ying, with her years of experience, worked efficiently and decisively.
After reviewing the profiles of suspects with prior records, she narrowed down several high-risk targets.
She dispatched three of her team members with help from local officers to summon those suspects for questioning.
Zhao Ying stayed back at the station with another officer to handle the interrogations.
She had three case files in hand:
Zhang Deshui
Chen Kangning
Zhou Peng
Zhang Deshui had been arrested by her three years ago for high-rise theft.
Chen Kangning lived in the Linfang neighborhood, making him a key suspect by proximity.
Zhou Peng was a four-time repeat offender, notorious for being incorrigible. His last sentence was four years for theft—the most severe record among the three.
Zhang Deshui was the most suspicious and the first to be summoned. Zhao Ying decided to question him personally.
Team One's Wei Zimo was responsible for taking notes.
The man sitting across from them looked to be in his early 30s—short, skinny, with calloused hands.
"Name, gender, age, place of origin…"
"Zhang Deshui, male, 33…"
"Zhang Deshui, remember me?" Zhao Ying asked.
"I do. You're Officer Zhao."
"I arrested you last time. Do you hold a grudge?"
"I was bitter at first," Zhang said honestly. "But later I came to terms with it. Maybe getting caught was a good thing—if I hadn't been arrested then, who knows what worse crimes I might've committed. I might not have even made it out."
"It's good you figured that out."
"Officer, why did you bring me in today?" Zhang asked cautiously.
"There was a high-rise burglary in a neighborhood on the outskirts yesterday. We'd like your help in the investigation."
"Officer, that's not me! I've been clean since I got out. Haven't done anything illegal," Zhang said, panicked.
"No need to panic. I just want your perspective—maybe you can help us find clues."
"I really didn't do it. I don't know how I could help."
"Still in contact with your old buddies?"
"No."
"Think carefully before answering. Don't just say whatever comes to mind."
Zhao Ying snorted, changing her approach:
"Where were you between 11 a.m. on August 11 and 5 a.m. on August 12?"
"Officer, I… I can't remember."
"That was just the day before yesterday! Who are you trying to fool?" Wei Zimo scolded him.
"Officer Zhao, to be honest, I get nervous when I see you. My mind goes blank."
"Relax. Think it over. I'm not a tiger—I'm not going to eat you."
"I swear, I've turned over a new leaf. I really don't want to go back inside," Zhang pleaded.
"This is a statement, not an interrogation. Why so scared?"
"You're right… it's just a statement, not an interrogation." Zhang swallowed hard.
"Answer truthfully and you'll be free to go."
"Let me think…" Zhang thought for a while. "I remember now—I wasn't in the city that day. I only came back to Qindao around noon yesterday."
"Where'd you go?"
"I went to Fuping Mountain."
"That's all hills. What were you doing there?" Zhao Ying probed.
"I'm a rock climbing instructor now. I was teaching students."
Zhao Ying smiled. "That job actually suits you."
(End of Chapter)