Inside the Municipal Public Security Bureau across the street from the apartment, Xiang Wanfeng, who had been nearly sidelined by Gao Xiaofei, sat in the middle chair of the conference room, listening to the latest case analysis while reading a novel on his phone.
"Ping An was likely framed, but we can't find him. If he cooperates with us, he can clear his name and go back home to live a comfortable life. Isn't that good?" Gao Xiaofei said. "So I think his current days are probably not easy."
Xiang Wanfeng naturally did not agree with Gao Xiaofei's statement. He closed his phone with a sense of unfinished business and picked up the documents on the table, but couldn't read a single word.
That kid Ping An was perfectly fine, even having the time and energy to update a new chapter. How could his days be difficult? It was just a pity for Su Xia, a good police officer, to die like that.
"What I can't figure out now is why Gao Min insisted that Ping An kill Su Xia? If she wanted Su Xia dead, a single shot would have done it, right? Why did she have to make Ping An do it?" Xiang Wanfeng said. "I remember that when Chen Nairong died, the evidence he left behind was also aimed at Ping An. Could it be that Gao Min wanted to send Ping An to prison? What kind of logic is that?"
"However, the most important thing now is not Ping An's whereabouts. If he is innocent, his current actions naturally have his purpose. And according to the test results, Gao Min's gang was not making drugs in the warehouse, but explosives. Based on the residual amounts calculated by experts, this group should have about 20 kilograms of plastic explosives in their hands, enough to blow up our entire Public Security Bureau building!" Xiang Wanfeng said. This was the most important situation at the moment. The higher-ups demanded that we find that group quickly and absolutely prevent the explosives from detonating in our city!
"Team Leader Xiang, after this week's operations, we have arrested three members of Gao Min's gang and seized 18 kilograms of plastic explosives. Currently, only Gao Min and the remaining two kilograms of explosives are still at large," Mei Qian said, standing up. "Furthermore, according to forensic鉴定, the charred body outside the warehouse was female. The torso was almost completely carbonized. Forensic scientists compared the samples taken with the DNA samples left by Liu Juan in the police archives. The similarity reached 80%. Although lower than the normal value, considering the carbonization, it can be basically confirmed that the person killed was Liu Juan."
"What about Su Tang? The district and municipal bureaus need to consider this fully. If we need to contact schools or social welfare homes, do so quickly. I heard that Su Tang seems to have an uncle, but he married into the family, and the two families haven't contacted each other for over ten years." Xiang Wanfeng said.
"We just received news from the hospital that Comrade Su Xia's wife has passed away," Mei Qian said. "At noon, Su Tang left the hospital with Fei Keqing and we don't know where she is now."
"Cough cough!" Xiang Wanfeng knew exactly where Su Tang and Fei Keqing had gone, but he could only cover it up for now.
"What about the photos and information found from Wu An's sister earlier? And the video material of Ren Liu found in the newspaper's email, have you found the car and the person?" Xiang Wanfeng asked.
"Not yet. According to our analysis, those photos were not taken locally, so we still have no idea where they were taken!" Gao Xiaofei replied.
Damn Ping An, he threw out a few useless photos and made the entire police station search for half a month, and he made such rapid progress. Xiang Wanfeng picked up his teacup and took a sip, thinking to himself, was Ren Liu's video another smoke bomb thrown by this kid? You want to confuse the corrupt police hidden in the police station, but you don't have to make all the police run around in circles, right? No, I must see him tonight and clarify the case. Alas, Gao Xiaofei is right, solving cases with people like Ping An is exhausting.
After dealing with her mother's funeral, Su Tang put on a mourning band and, accompanied by Gao Da and Fei Keqing, went home to collect some luggage before arriving at Ping An's house.
To be honest, before this, Su Tang had never known that Ping An's family lived in a townhouse. Were reporters that rich now? Or was her newly recognized master also a—corrupt reporter?
An Jing and Lin Dang, who had returned home earlier, saw Fei Keqing's car approaching and quickly opened the door to greet them. An Jing had already received a call from her brother and naturally knew that this tall, seemingly delicate young girl was their junior, her brother's disciple, and from now on, a family member.
"Welcome, come in quickly!" Although it was their first meeting, An Jing naturally took Su Tang's small hand and warmly invited her inside.
In the living room, Lin Dang was cutting fruit in the kitchen, Gao Da and Fei Keqing were sitting on the sofa, and Su Tang was led into Ping An's bedroom by An Jing.
"Su Tang!" An Jing softly called out, then said solemnly, "Your master has told me everything. From now on, we are a family! Once again, welcome!"
"You, your surname is An?" Su Tang asked vigilantly.
"Yes, Ping An and I are siblings. I just took my mother's surname, and your master took his father's surname!" An Jing said. "Let me introduce myself. I'm 25 years old. I own a wrestling gym and a women's self-defense training class. Since I'm your elder, you should call me Aunt from now on! Understand?"
Su Tang, who had just lost her mother and was extremely sad, couldn't help but shed tears again when she heard the word "Aunt," tears that she had finally managed to stop.
"Good child, our siblings' experiences are not much different from yours. We are all children abandoned by our parents. From now on, the three of us will stick together and be family!" An Jing said earnestly. "Your master called me for half an hour in such a difficult situation for you. Although he couldn't explain clearly, I understood. Listen, your master is a straightforward person. He can't even take care of his own life, so from now on, in terms of life and studies, you'll be with me. I will take care of you and love you like your parents, and I will educate you strictly like them. Do you understand?"
"Mm!" For some reason, facing An Jing's kind face, the naturally rebellious Su Tang became obedient.
"You've just handled your mother's funeral, so let's not talk in detail for now," An Jing said, looking around the room. "This room is your master's. He can't live here yet, so you'll stay here temporarily. Tomorrow, when I tidy up the room on the second floor, you can move upstairs."
"Besides my brother and me, there are two tenants in the house now. One is Officer Mei Qian, whom you've met. He's also my boyfriend and lives in the guest room in the living room. The other is Lin Dang, an intern reporter under your master, but I'm afraid it won't be long before she becomes your mistress."
"By the way, here is a credit card with a limit of 50,000 yuan and a savings card. The savings card currently has 3,000 yuan. Take it and buy yourself something. Don't use the credit card easily; it's for emergencies. These two cards are processed in my name. You can use them for now. After the guardianship is finalized, I'll get you new ones. Also, your tuition and living expenses will be paid by me from now on," An Jing said with a smile. "Don't worry about the household expenses. As you can see, we are not short of money. According to the living expenses standard of well-off girls in the city, I will transfer 2,000 yuan to your savings card on the first of each month for pocket money. This is just pocket money. Tuition, tutoring fees, and extracurricular class fees will all be paid by me. You don't need to worry about daily necessities, clothes, or shoes. Without your master, your aunt can afford to support you generously."
"Also, after your mother's seventh day memorial, you will start school. Your old school is too far from here, which is inconvenient. We plan to transfer you to Hechuan No. 1 Middle School nearby. It's only about 2 kilometers away from our house, which is convenient to cycle to," An Jing said seriously and confidently. "Also, your old home, I mean the house, and the property left by your parents, I will help you sort it out and hand it over to you..."
"Aunt!" Su Tang suddenly interrupted An Jing. She looked into An Jing's eyes and said, "Please take care of me in the future!"
"Take care of what! We're family from now on!" An Jing looked at Su Tang, gently hugged her, and patted her back, saying, "Believe in your master, he will avenge your father!"
Inside the room, the newly reunited aunt and niece were whispering intimately. Outside the room, shouts of argument suddenly broke out. An Jing listened carefully for a moment and knew that Gao Xiaofei and Fei Keqing were at it again.
"Let's go, it's time to eat!" An Jing held Su Tang's hand and walked out of the room.
In the living room, Gao Xiaofei stood with his hands on his hips beside the sofa, Mei Qian hid in the kitchen helping Lin Dang cook, and Gao Da sat at the dining table with his chin in his hands, pretending to be asleep. Fei Keqing sat on the sofa, saying unyieldingly, "You're blind and don't even know you've been tricked. You suspected our Ping An had problems back then, didn't you? Didn't you break off relations? Didn't you say you'd never associate with him again? And now you're rushing to come back?"
"To see you! A fool would know I want to pursue you!" Gao Xiaofei said, acting like a dead pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water.
When everyone saw An Jing leading Su Tang out, they quickly put on smiling faces.
"This is Gao Xiaofei, your master's close friend. In the kitchen, um, my dear, can you come out for a moment?" An Jing waited for Mei Qian to come out and said, "This is Mei Qian, my boyfriend!"
"You've met these two officers before. They are both trustworthy people!" An Jing said.
"Hahahaha!" Gao Xiaofei walked up to Su Tang with a laugh and said, "Let's reintroduce ourselves! But why are you here?"
"Oh, I'm planning to adopt Su Tang! Is that not allowed?" An Jing replied.
"What? Adopt Su Tang?" Gao Xiaofei asked in surprise.
Mei Qian, who came out of the kitchen, also looked surprised.
"Why didn't you discuss adopting a child with me?" Mei Qian said with some annoyance.
"You can consider it as our family owing Su Xia!" An Jing said firmly. "We are not married yet, so I have this right! Besides, according to legal regulations, there is an age limit for men adopting girls. My brother's identity is not suitable, so I have no concerns."
"So you're a mother now?" Mei Qian said with a crying face.
"What are you talking about! Su Tang will call me Aunt from now on!" An Jing glared at Mei Qian. "Besides, Su Tang will be my brother's disciple!"
"I knew you've always been in touch with Ping An, right?" Gao Xiaofei pointed at An Jing and said, "Fortunately, that kid was wrongly accused! Otherwise..."
"Otherwise what? What do you want to do? Watch me have our lawyer sue you to death!" Fei Keqing stood up and said.
"Oh, I've told you many times, I'm on your side!" Gao Xiaofei said, unable to hold back any longer, acting awkwardly.
"Girl, come here! That's great, you have an aunt now, and a master. Hmm, I'll be your godmother!" Fei Keqing ignored Gao Xiaofei and dotingly held Su Tang's hand.
"Su Tang, I'm so close to your master that we can wear the same pair of pants. Don't listen to them babbling. How about this, I'll be your godfather from now on! If you need anything, just find me!" Gao Xiaofei said, holding Su Tang's other hand, unwilling to be outdone.
"Get lost! Are you trying to take advantage of me!" Fei Keqing roared.
"Why can't I? Ping An is my brother!" Gao Xiaofei shouted.
Su Tang, who had been silent all along, gracefully let go of Fei Keqing and Gao Xiaofei's hands. She suddenly walked around the living room and went to the kitchen door, bumping into Lin Dang who was carrying a plate of food.
"Mistress, hello!" Su Tang bowed deeply and shouted, startling everyone in the house.
Lin Dang, who was not very talkative, blushed deeply at Su Tang's "Mistress."
"Don't call me that yet, just call me sister!" Lin Dang stammered shyly.
"Mistress, please take care of me in the future!" Su Tang continued to shout, indifferent to the other person's reaction.
"She truly is a true disciple, helping her master break through that last layer of mystery!" An Jing thought sweetly, her gaze towards Su Tang becoming even more gentle.
Late at night, An Jing and Lin Dang were in Su Tang's temporary bedroom, looking at photos of Ping An from his childhood with Su Tang. Gao Xiaofei, who insisted on being Su Tang's godfather, and Mei Qian, who was roped into helping, cleared out the room on the second floor with the bows and arrows in it overnight while they had nothing else to do.
"It's getting late, you should rest. Tomorrow, after you wake up, a new life will begin!" An Jing comforted Su Tang, who was lying in bed, and then left the room with Lin Dang.
Su Tang's eyes were wide open. At this moment, she had an indescribable feeling in her heart.
Living under someone else's roof?
Did Ping An adopt her out of guilt?
Was it really the right decision to follow him?
From being afraid of having no one to take care of her initially, to worrying that Ping An wouldn't adopt her, and then to Ping An's sister making such thoughtful arrangements.
Su Tang's heart couldn't settle down. She tried hard to forget everything in the past, but she still couldn't accept the seemingly warm life she was living now.
"This is still not my home!" She quietly took out the heart-shaped pendant hanging around her neck and opened it to reveal photos of her parents...
At midnight, outside the stinky tofu shop, there were no more customers queuing. Xiang Wanfeng, wearing a thick cotton coat, sat in the semi-open small shop, enjoying his fifth bowl of stinky tofu.
"Boss, one bowl, no cilantro!" A young man wearing a baseball cap suddenly sat next to Xiang Wanfeng.
"You're quite punctual!" Xiang Wanfeng looked at the young man beside him and said enthusiastically, "This stinky tofu relies on that bit of cilantro to enhance its flavor!"
"You're too nosy!" Ping An took off his hat and shook his hair, saying, "Hurry up, Su Tang is officially staying at my place tonight. I have to go back and take a look."
"Mm, that makes sense. I'll go with you later," Xiang Wanfeng said after some thought. "The forensic and technical experts have provided information that can clear your suspicion of a crime, and we've also discovered tampering with the surveillance cameras. When do you want to come to the police station? Stop messing around."
"What about the arrow that shot Chen Nairong?" Ping An asked.
"It's in the evidence room. The case is closed, and it can be returned to you!" Xiang Wanfeng said. "Thanks to that arrow, experts have identified that the arrowhead of this arrow cannot cause a fatal injury unless a mechanical crossbow is used. But you were using a bow that day, so it can be determined that you couldn't have killed Chen Nairong."
"Are there any movements from Gao Min? You've been bothering him for a week and haven't caught him," Ping An said.
"This person is very cunning. He insists on framing you. This move is very much in Mr. Ke's style," Xiang Wanfeng said. "Come back, this case needs you."
"Not yet. Moreover, you still need to cooperate with me. Tomorrow, you need to conduct a large-scale search and continue to issue a warrant for you. The more you fuss, the safer I will be," Ping An said, having finished his bowl and gesturing for another one.
"Don't overestimate yourself. What if you get caught?" Xiang Wanfeng said.
"I'll be away for a few days. You can do whatever you want in the city during these days," Ping An said. "Give it to me. I know you brought information about Gao Min and Liu Juan."
"You were anxious in your text message, so how could I not bring it!" Xiang Wanfeng took out two documents from his briefcase. "Liu Juan is already dead, why do you still want hers?"
"That woman is not simple. I know our Hechuan's forensic technology is limited. I suggest you take samples and send them to the Beijing department for further examination," Ping An said. "Do you have anything else to say? For example, something I don't know!"
"There's a piece of information that may or may not be reliable—two years ago, a drug trafficking group in Myanmar was wiped out by the government forces. Those who escaped brought about a ton of high-quality heroin and fled to the border between Myanmar and our country. These people somehow contacted Chen Nairong and conducted several transactions intermittently. Before Chen Nairong's accident, he had pre-ordered a large batch of drugs from Gao Min. According to the captured backbone of the drug trafficking group, after Chen Nairong's accident, the mastermind suddenly appeared and explicitly stated that the drugs had been purchased, and he was in urgent need of money to cover the deficit! And that batch of drugs is at least 700 kilograms, 1400 catties! It's estimated that we haven't encountered such a situation since the founding of New China!" Xiang Wanfeng said worriedly.
"Damn! So much drugs, can Hechuan City handle it?" Ping An asked in surprise.
"After the crackdown on organized crime, the drug market in Hechuan fell into a vacuum. This is also why people like Chen Nairong and Gao Min, who had no drug trafficking background, could suddenly become so powerful," Xiang Wanfeng said. "According to the captured backbone of the drug trafficking group, that batch of drugs has already entered Hechuan City. The mastermind has set a D-day! We don't know the exact date, but on that day, drug dealers from Hedong, Yanbei, and even the Northeast will gather in Hechuan, and then it will be sold off at an auction. Afterward, the mastermind will 'wash his hands of the business,' and Gao Min can continue his business or take a cut and go abroad to live a leisurely life."
"Is there any other intelligence?" Ping An asked.
"Regarding the mastermind, there's intelligence that the boss sometimes drives a common car, either brown or yellow, that we don't know the exact color of. If you encounter it, be careful," Xiang Wanfeng said. "The composition of the explosives found in the warehouse is the same as the one used to kill Wu An, which can be inferred that Gao Min was the one who killed Wu An."
"I know. Everything I know, you also know. If there's anything that needs to be communicated to you, I'll find a way to tell you," Ping An said. "I'll find a way to figure out D-day and locate that batch of drugs."
"Be careful yourself. If you can quit, then quit. Helping you like this is actually a mistake!" Xiang Wanfeng said.
"No, Old Xiang! Ever since the Niu Jian case, every step we've taken has either resulted in death without a complete body, or the clues have been interrupted, leaving us confused about why someone died!" Ping An turned around and said, "This intricate web shows that the people behind the scenes not only have a clear grasp of the case but are also very familiar with the police's next moves! By escaping, it might be easier to find more things."
"Are you targeting Gao Xiaofei because you're afraid he'll get hurt?" Xiang Wanfeng asked.
"Xiao Fei is too dangerous. Ren Liu is dead, and I know Xiao Fei's usefulness is over. He might be killed because of me one day," Ping An said.
"The photos you threw at Gao Xiaofei and Mei Qian, and Ren Liu's video, were they to help them protect themselves?" Xiang Wanfeng asked. "I only realized later. Making a big show of investigating the mastermind makes the enemy hesitant to make a move. But they haven't made any progress so far!"
"They haven't, but you have!" Ping An said with a smile. "The day you took over this case, didn't you already have a suspect in mind? And you're still asking me now!"
"So, you guessed it long ago too!" Xiang Wanfeng said. "What do you think? Tell me."
"Sad!" Ping An said. "Angry!"
"Alas!" Xiang Wanfeng said. "Alright, but you can't go out alone this time! I'll arrange two people for you. Don't worry, I've pulled them from the Ministry of State Security. They'll protect you. You don't want that, do you?"
"State Security! Boss, you're seriously violating discipline! How can you casually deploy national treasures like this?" Ping An said.
"Do you care? Do I still need to report some situations to you? Do I need to tell you that eight years ago, Mr. Ke fabricated a case to cover up foreign hostile elements carrying highly sensitive Chinese military secrets and escaping? Do I need to tell you that I was transferred to the Ministry of State Security as deputy director for several years just for this Mr. Ke?" Xiang Wanfeng looked at Ping An displeasedly and shouted towards the empty parking lot behind him—"Mai Mang, Hei Dou!"
"Report, Commander! Please instruct!" Without seeing anyone approach, two capable young men suddenly appeared in front of Ping An.
"I now order you, Consultant Ping An is a senior consultant we are using to search for Mr. Ke. You must provide close personal protection for Consultant Ping An's life safety throughout the entire process and accompany him on a trip!" Xiang Wanfeng said to Ping An. "They are genuine special forces soldiers with clean backgrounds!"
"You're thoughtful!" Ping An rubbed his mouth and said, "Let's go. Don't you want to see Su Tang with me? But before that, you have to do me a favor!"
The night fell, and Gao Xiaofei, after moving furniture, lay on the sofa in Ping An's house, pretending to be dead and not going home. Mei Qian took a shower and was also preparing to rest. Just then, Gao Xiaofei's phone suddenly rang.
"Xiao Fei, you and Mei Qian need to go to Hu County immediately!" Xiang Wanfeng said on the phone. "There's intelligence that Ping An is at the Guobiao Hot Spring Hotel in Hu County. Be careful when you get there. If it's not working out, take a hot spring first, and we'll plan our actions when I get confirmed intelligence. There's no time to delay, go now!"
Hearing their superior's instructions, Gao Xiaofei and Mei Qian quickly packed their things and left that night.
Outside Ping An's residential complex, in an SUV, Ping An watched Gao Xiaofei's car drive out of the complex before urging the driver to enter the complex.
"You're ruthless! It takes 4 hours to go to Hu County. I meant, just get them out of here for an hour." Ping An said apologetically.
"You have at least 18 hours!" Xiang Wanfeng patted Ping An's shoulder and said, "This has been difficult for you. Also, those two guys are tired. I'm letting them go to Hu County to soak in hot springs for a day, giving them a vacation. They can come back after they've had a good time. After they return, I'll issue the order to search for you."
"You're thoughtful!" Ping An nodded, got out of the car, and quickly walked towards his home.
It had been almost a month since Lin Dang had an accident. To be honest, it was hard not to miss home.
Ping An's sudden return brought unexpected joy to the three women in the house. Especially when Su Tang, who was still struggling with whether she was living under someone else's roof, suddenly saw her master returning home at great risk. At this moment, nothing could be more reassuring.
"Lin Dang, have you recovered from your injury?"
"Sister, go make some noodles, with a few more fried eggs!"
"Disciple, come here, let master see you!"
Sitting on the sofa, Ping An enjoyed being "admired" by the three women.
"Old Xiang, please sit down! And you two brothers, please sit down too. Have some noodles before you leave!" Ping An invited Xiang Wanfeng to sit down.
"No, I'll just take a look at Su Tang and leave." Xiang Wanfeng walked up to Su Tang and said, "Last time you saw me, you thought I was a bad guy. This girl is quite cunning!"
"You were sneaking around last time, who knew who you were!" Su Tang saw her master return with the strange man who had been following her last time and immediately understood that this person could be trusted.
"Hahaha, Su Tang, did your father ever tell you about someone called Bai Hu?" Xiang Wanfeng said. "Do you remember the uncle who saved you when you fell into the river when you were four years old?"
"Are you?" Su Tang was stunned by the question.
"Stop teasing the child!" Ping An said with a chuckle. "Su Tang, this is your father's master, the head of the Provincial Criminal Investigation Corps, Xiang Wanfeng. He's known as 'Bai Hu' in the police force, which makes the pretty boy feel inferior!"
"You are, you are, you were the one who introduced my father and mother?" Su Tang seemed to remember something and asked boldly.
"That's right!" Xiang Wanfeng said.
"You are a high-ranking official, why didn't you help my father!" Su Tang suddenly asked angrily.
"Alright, if it weren't for him vouching for your father, would your father still be able to wear a police uniform and be a traffic policeman?" Ping An said. "Some help, you can't see."
"Okay! Let's not talk about the child anymore," Xiang Wanfeng said. "I've seen Su Tang, she's fine. I'll be leaving now. Mai Mang, Hei Dou, Consultant Ping An is going on a dangerous mission this time. You must protect him!"
"Leaving now?" Ping An asked.
"I have to go. The Municipal Bureau is a hornet's nest right now, a mess. If I'm not there to oversee it, I'm afraid it won't be managed properly!" Xiang Wanfeng said, and then hurried away.
Watching Xiang Wanfeng leave, Ping An thought for the first time from the bottom of his heart that this old man was not bad. However, if he knew that Xiang Wanfeng, after leaving in a hurry, quietly made a phone call, would he still think so?
"Don't blame me. If I don't tell you some truths, I can't hide it from Ping An. If I'm not mistaken, Ping An already trusts me. My intention is to solidify this trust a little more, so it seems necessary to put our business on hold for now. Fortunately, Ping An hasn't noticed me and you yet. If he catches a scent of something, oh, I'm afraid he'll shoot me to death with his broken bow!" In the car, Xiang Wanfeng yawned tiredly and quietly made a call on an old mobile phone that no one had ever seen.