Chapter 157 He Sheng's Choice

Initially, none of us noticed it. It was only when Ling Xiaotao pointed it out that we realized this poem, "Chun Wang" (Spring Hope), was not a Song dynasty lyric but a Tang dynasty poem.

I nodded and said, "Exactly. It's a work by Du Fu. What does that mean? Could it be that the poem wasn't left by Yi Chengwen?"

"While I verify these remains, you can pay more attention to the scene. I suspect there's more to it."

At the time, I didn't take Ling Xiaotao's words to heart. Liu Yuning and I found He Xin and confirmed Yi Chengwen's last known accommodation. He was a mystery writer who liked to travel, so he wasn't staying at his previous location.

It was a place called Kairong Apartment. According to the records, the landlord informed me that Yi Chengwen was staying in apartment 401 on the upper floor.

Upon arriving here, we searched the apartment again and found his used laptop. I had come here specifically to find such a communication device.

Yi Chengwen had previously mentioned being affiliated with an organization called the Black Night Forest. I wanted to find records of his communication with people from this organization, which would allow us to investigate them more thoroughly.

After taking the laptop, I collected more fingerprints and hair from Yi Chengwen's last residence for comparison. I also carefully examined his personal belongings, but found nothing unusual. We then departed.

Back at the station, the laptop, along with Yi Chengwen's previously submitted phone, was handed over to He Xin. With the help of several technical officers, she began searching for information about the Black Night Forest.

Soon, they discovered that Yi Chengwen frequently communicated online with someone codenamed "cc" about criminal tasks. The messages detailed assignments: On April 30, 2020, at Fujiwara Road, Fuhai Apartment, fifth floor, room 503, delete all photos from the computer in the room.

On May 4, 2020, at Huanghai Road, at the Xinghe Noodle Shop, swap the breakfast of a woman in yellow who eats there at 7:20 AM.

On June 23, 2020, at Detian Villa, place thumbtacks on the staircase of the third floor.

These were all criminal tasks that the person codenamed "cc" had sent to Yi Chengwen. After January of this year, he stopped accepting these tasks. By then, he likely possessed the hypnotic control techniques and had gained some prestige within the organization, allowing his fans or others to complete these tasks for him.

This also proved that Yi Chengwen's earlier statement about meeting with people from the Black Night Forest on April 25, 2020, was true. After the 30th of that month, he began accepting criminal tasks. Those five days were likely his adaptation period.

The people in the Black Night Forest might already know that Yi Chengwen had been caught, but He Xin was unwilling to give up. She sent a message to the person with the online alias "cc": "Are you there? Long time no see, how have you been?"

The other party replied without hesitation: "I'm alright. You're working alone now, Writer Yi. Is it exciting?"

Seeing the reply, we were all astonished. Could it be that they didn't know Yi Chengwen had been caught? Or was this "cc" not actually a member of the organization?

However, their conversation was highly suspicious, very similar to the information Yi Chengwen had revealed. It was likely them.

He Xin looked at me, asking for my instructions on how to respond. I said, "Great, thank you for bringing me in back then. By the way, I want to introduce a newcomer."

He Xin didn't overthink it and typed furiously. After sending the message, she curiously asked me, "Dad, are you trying to get someone to infiltrate?"

"Yes, let's see how he responds."

"Da Xiong, I am indeed a bit short-handed right now. If you think that person is trustworthy, bring him along!"

"Alright, the address is still..." I deliberately made He Xin pause before finishing the sentence. The other party indeed replied, "It's this address on Leyuan Street. I've sent you the location. Did you forget because we haven't contacted each other in so long, Da Xiong?"

"cc, no, I just went to the restroom!" He Xin cleverly and tactfully replied.

"Oh, I see. Lately, the boss has been mentioning you often, talking about how capable you are and how you've expanded our organization. Let's get together sometime!"

"Sure."

However, they would never have that chance, as Yi Chengwen was already dead.

He Xin clasped her hands together and said, "Done. Now we just need to send someone over. But who should we find?"

"You should first arrange a time with cc."

"Okay!" He Xin chatted with him for a few more sentences. Later, he set the time for 10 PM on April 26th, which was today.

"It seems we don't have much time left. Let's discuss this with Captain Guo first," Liu Yuning said, checking her watch.

I agreed and quickly notified Captain Guo. They were waiting in the conference room. When we arrived, Captain Guo said, "So, you mean this mission requires an undercover agent?"

"Exactly. This time, we have a high probability of infiltrating the Black Night Forest!" I said confidently.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course. This is the only way we can thoroughly resolve this case!"

Captain Guo closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "But who should be the undercover agent?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he looked around at everyone present. An older detective raised his hand and volunteered, "Captain Guo, send me."

Captain Guo quickly shook his head, "You look too old. The person they agreed to is a newcomer, preferably between 20 and 25 years old. Among those present, only..."

Before Captain Guo could finish, He Xin immediately said, "Let me do it! I look very young, and my hacking skills are top-notch. If I infiltrate, I can guarantee their computers will be disrupted."

"That has some merit, but it's dangerous for a young woman to go undercover."

Captain Guo's words were true, and at this moment, everyone's gaze turned to me!

Before I could react, Liu Yuning slammed her hand on the table, "I won't agree!"

"Yuning, calm down. This is a good opportunity to strike at the Black Night Forest. Although we still don't know much about them, if I succeed, I can definitely find out what they are and even have a chance to capture them all!"

"But do you know how dangerous this mission is? We have no idea what kind of entity they are internally. This organization is even more mysterious than Polaris. I can't let you take such a risk!"

"I understand, but I have a way. It seems it's time to use another of the He family's secret arts..."

"What did you say?"

I didn't explain to Liu Yuning. I suddenly stood up and held up three fingers in front of Captain Guo: "There are still 5 hours until the appointed time, but I only need 3 hours. I accept this mission. When I return, help me arrange a new identity. I will return briefly at 9 PM. During this time, I might disappear, but don't worry, I will return safely!"