How could He Kao's phone be reachable? It's engaged, calling Sister Liang.
It seems the police action was sudden, armed with a search warrant, contacting the owner only at the door to prevent the suspect from moving the contraband in advance.
He Kao: "Don't worry about this for now, help me check the situation."
The courtyard gate was locked from the outside, the lock was cut open, then the house door lock was also opened, but it was a letdown for the onlookers—the police couldn't find anything.
Rumor has it, somewhat exaggerated, that Zhou Yan's family stored several truckloads of fireworks here, but after a quick look at this three-story house, the police concluded—there's nothing here.
As the police entered, Zhou Yan was ashen-faced, already slumped on the ground, but suddenly revived, grabbed a policeman's clothes demanding an explanation, finally pulled away by her husband.
Even Sister Liang was puzzled, her tone uncertain whether to be relieved for He Kao or disappointed for the audience: "Wow, why nothing? Where did that stuff go? I also want to go in and take a look, but the police won't allow it."
He Kao glanced at Huang Xiaopang and said "Thanks" to Sister Liang before hanging up the phone.
Huang Xiaopang patted He Kao's shoulder and said, "Luckily it was a false alarm, don't forget to find the police to compensate for the door locks."
He Kao wanted to speak but hesitated, already having suspicions in his mind. His aunt must have hidden the contraband fireworks at his house, otherwise, she wouldn't have reacted like that.
But where did the stuff go? It should have been transferred by Hidden Moth or Huang Si. Now he noticed, Huang Si had a peculiar smell, like the gunpowder odor of fireworks.
Earlier, in the complex-smelling restaurant, He Kao didn't notice, but now in the clutter room, with suspicions in mind, he vaguely smelled it.
He Kao was ninety-nine percent sure that Hidden Moth truly existed, and currently Hidden Moth was Huang Si. The stuff the police were looking for was promptly transferred by Huang Xiaopang, just like he took away President E's apples.
Xiaopang knew about this but didn't tell him, probably not wanting to expose his identity, or couldn't explain to an ordinary person like him.
At this moment, Huang Xiaopang spoke again: "My dad was a cop back in the day, so I know their habits. The police will definitely contact you, and they'll say they detected explosive residue in your house, trying to scare you into confessing and cooperating with the investigation."
"You don't have to be afraid, say what you need to say, you haven't even been home recently, this matter has nothing to do with you. If the police say they found explosive residue in your house, just say you set off fireworks during Chinese New Year."
"If they find firecrackers and bangers at your house, just say maybe you bought them for New Year and forgot to use them. Such small quantities don't constitute legal responsibility, the police would at most warn you a bit."
He Kao puzzled and said, "Why would there be firecrackers and bangers?"
Huang Xiaopang: "How would I know, maybe you forgot some left over from New Year, it's not a big deal. Another possibility is a false report from someone, secretly putting some stuff in, but the quantity wouldn't be large, no problem."
Upon hearing this, He Kao was somewhat apprehensive, evidently Huang Xiaopang didn't move everything completely, the large flower-like items should've been taken away, but left behind some bangers and firecrackers, possibly out of time constraints.
If the quantity isn't large, it can be explained as leftover from New Year purchases that weren't used up, couldn't just throw them away? The police might just give a warning, couldn't do much to He Kao.
Huang Xiaopang's father was indeed a cop, once the director of Jiangbei Detention Center in Qi Yuan City, but unfortunately died early, during Huang Xiaopang's college years, just over fifty.
He Kao glanced at his phone again, several missed calls all from the same number. He frowned, not calling back, afternoon work was already late, better head upstairs first.
In the afternoon, President E even came over to inquire about his physical condition. The new colleague, Qian Guran, also expressed concern when passing by his workspace, but He Kao seemed a bit absent-minded.
Why would Huang Xiaopang become Hidden Moth? He Kao had a rough guess in mind. His father, Zhou Du, was once imprisoned at the detention center, back then Uncle Huang wasn't yet director but still staff, familiar with his father since young.
Before his father passed, he likely left the legendary Hidden Moth Object with Uncle Huang, with some instructions. What his father did back then, He Kao didn't know, now Uncle Huang has passed away too.
Years later, Huang Xiaopang became the next Hidden Moth, probably because Uncle Huang passed the object to him. Thus, between father and Huang Xiaopang, there might have been another Hidden Moth, that is Uncle Huang.
By nearly four in the afternoon, He Kao received a call, the other side claimed to be Section Chief Hu from Jiangbei District Public Security Bureau Security Section, wanting to learn about his situation.
While answering the call, He Kao searched on the computer, Jiangbei Bureau Security Section indeed had a deputy section chief named Hu.
Section Chief Hu first confirmed He Kao's identity and address, the focus being confirming he was the owner of 65 Aimin Road, Pugang Town, then questioned in a harsh tone—
"We received a public report claiming you illegally stored large quantities of flammable and explosive hazardous materials, neither having legal sources nor following procedures."
"Today we applied for a search warrant, lawfully searched your property at 65 Aimin Road, Pugang Town. Why couldn't we reach you during on-site enforcement?"