"Investigator from Kangyang District Public Security Bureau? Cousin's workplace… here to see me?"
Zhang Yuanqing felt a sudden chill. Just as he was about to slip quietly to the bedroom door and eavesdrop, he suddenly remembered something. He pulled out his phone and quickly deleted all the chat logs and call records he had with Bing Ge.
Then, he folded the letter Bing Ge had sent him and pressed it under a potted plant on the windowsill.
Only then did he cautiously crack open the door a little and watch in secret.
From the entrance, his grandmother's voice rose, questioning without waiting for an answer:"What do you want with him?"
She didn't invite the investigators inside but blocked the doorway.
"We need to ask him a few questions. Here are our credentials."The speaker was a young woman, her voice sultry.
Grandma glanced briefly at the badges, frowned, and then stepped aside.
Zhang Yuanqing opened the door wider just in time to see the investigators enter the living room.
The lead investigator was dressed in a sharp black suit, white shirt, and black vest. He leaned on a dark ebony cane. His face was thin, with a neatly groomed mustache and slicked-back hair—reminiscent of an English gentleman returned from abroad in the Republican era.
To his left was a striking young woman with sharply defined features, possibly mixed-race, her smiling lips and bright, sparkling eyes full of life. She stood about 175 cm tall, with model-like long legs. Her formal shirt was tucked into her pants, outlining a slender waist and a curvy bust, her appearance both professional and refined.
The last investigator looked dull and wore thick-rimmed glasses. His hair was a bit messy, and he had the typical vibe of a science nerd.
"I'm Zhang Yuanqing. What do you want with me?" he asked as he assessed them.
The mixed-race woman smiled sweetly:"We're investigators from Kangyang District Public Security Bureau. We have some questions for you and need your cooperation."
"All right…" Zhang Yuanqing led them to the sofa. Grandma poured water for the three and looked at her grandson with puzzled concern.
She couldn't imagine why her outgoing, sociable grandson—the child she raised herself—would suddenly have police investigators come knocking.
The disheveled young investigator took out a notebook and pen, twisting off the cap.
The slick-backed man sat with both hands on his cane and spoke seriously:"Do you know Lei Yibing?"
Sure enough, it was about Bing Ge. So fast… Zhang Yuanqing answered truthfully:"We grew up together, best friends. Why do you suddenly ask?"
A question lingered in his mind—his cousin was the captain of the second team of the district security bureau. If these investigators came to interview him, they must've already checked the family background.
Logically, since they knew the interviewee was related to the team captain, as colleagues, shouldn't they have at least given a heads-up?Even if they didn't come themselves, they'd make a phone call, right?
This was bureaucracy—they should understand basic professional courtesy.
But there was no sign from his cousin. Apparently, he didn't know. Otherwise, he would've at least called.
"Oh, a sworn brother!"The man clicked his polished leather shoes calmly."It's like this—Lei Yibing has gone missing. The Public Security Bureau in Hangcheng, Jiangnan Province, contacted us. They found that Lei Yibing sent a package the morning before he disappeared. The recipient is you."
He fixed Zhang Yuanqing with a deep, penetrating gaze, as if trying to peer into his soul."Is this true?"
Zhang Yuanqing looked shocked and confused."Missing? That can't be…"
The nerdy investigator reminded him flatly:"Just answer yes or no."
"Yes. I did receive a package, but the sender's name wasn't on it. I was wondering who sent it," Zhang Yuanqing said gravely.
No use denying—if the bureau can trace the delivery, they surely checked the neighborhood surveillance too.
The slick-backed man nodded and asked:"What was inside the package? Please be truthful. This is an important lead for us."
Grandma sighed with relief but worried about Lei Yibing. That kid grew up under her care, even though they moved away years ago.
Zhang Yuanqing replied:"The package was empty."
"Empty?" The man squinted, scrutinizing him.Though I lied, the black card disappeared like thin air—just like empty. I'm not afraid of your checks… Zhang Yuanqing met his gaze sincerely and said,"When I opened it, there was nothing inside but some bubble wrap. The package is still in my room if you want to see."
If Bing Ge's disappearance was what he suspected, he had to keep it secret for now. Wait for cousin to come home before explaining.
Matters like this carried risks. Discussing it with family first was safest.
The man signaled to the woman, who smiled and walked into the room. Moments later, she returned and nodded to her companions.
The lead investigator hesitated a moment and said:"If it's convenient, we'd like to check your room and computer. Also, please let me see your phone."
Checking the computer was fine, but please don't look at browsing history or study files… Zhang Yuanqing unlocked his phone calmly and handed it over.
The man swiped a few times and returned it, then waited patiently.
Fifteen minutes later, the woman with long legs came out, shaking her head.
The lead man nodded slightly and said kindly:"Thanks for your cooperation. We won't bother you anymore."
Zhang Yuanqing quickly asked:"Can I ask about Lei Yibing's situation?"
Partly out of genuine concern, partly to cover his lie—he couldn't not ask after hearing about his childhood friend's disappearance.
The lead man answered patiently:"Lei Yibing vanished from his dorm. Surveillance in the hallway didn't capture him leaving. One roommate said he saw Lei Yibing sleeping in bed when he got up to use the bathroom that night."
"But in the morning, he was gone. After 24 hours of no contact, the counselor notified the school, and they reported it to the police."
"For more details, you'll have to contact the local Public Security Bureau."
Just like Uncle Lei said. Seems like the local bureau has no progress. Or maybe they just don't want to tell me… Zhang Yuanqing nodded:"Got it."
The lead man and his two companions headed for the door, then paused and turned back:"If you find anything, report it to us immediately. Don't keep secrets."
Zhang Yuanqing was about to nod when the man smiled meaningfully:"Otherwise, the next missing person might be you."
Me? The next missing one? What does he mean? Threatening me? If I don't hand over the black card, I'll disappear like Bing Ge?
And that card—how did it vanish into thin air? Even if I want to hand it over, I can't.
"Thanks for the warning!"He gave a faint, humorless smile.
No matter what, he'd wait for cousin to come home.
Bing Ge wouldn't want the card to fall into the bureau's hands. That's why he sent it to him.
Besides, as a sworn brother and childhood friend, he trusted Bing Ge wouldn't trick him.
Grandma's face darkened, cold as ice:"Don't hand it over."
What's wrong with this guy? Cursing her grandson for no reason.
The lead man smiled and pulled a business card from his suit pocket, handing it over."Contact me anytime if you need."
After Zhang Yuanqing took it, they left.
"Bing Ge disappeared? I should visit his mother when I have time." Grandma sighed anxiously.
The two families used to be neighbors, seeing each other for over ten years—there was some affection.
Zhang Yuanqing looked exhausted:"Grandma, I didn't sleep well last night. I'm going to rest in my room. If I don't wake up by noon, don't call me."
"If Grandpa's home, tell him about this and have him contact Uncle Lei."
He played with his little aunt until past two in the morning, then woke up with old health problems. Already sleep-deprived, he pushed his brain to the limit searching for Bing Ge and the black card.
His head throbbed with fatigue.
After grandma nodded, Zhang Yuanqing returned to his room.
Closing the door, he kicked off his shoes and collapsed on the bed, instantly falling into a deep sleep.
...
Inside a sleek black business car, Li Dongze sat in a soft leather chair, his cane with a gold handle leaning beside him. He held a goblet, swirling the crimson wine inside.
"Guan Ya, did you find anything in his room?"
He turned to the mixed-race beauty next to him.
Guan Ya lounged lazily in her chair, her long legs tightly crossed. Her expression was serious.
"Yes, a major discovery."
"Speak." Li Dongze was all business.
The nerdy man in the back lifted his gaze from his phone.
Guan Ya's tone turned grave:"That kid has a thing for black-silk mature women. His study files are full of images of mature women, but his trash bin is suspiciously clean."
"His social circle is vast—he's in all kinds of groups—but only active in game and… lsp groups. All other groups are muted. His room has nothing but game consoles, no other entertainment. He's a bit of a recluse."
"By the way, Chief, you know what lsp means, right?"
The mixed-race beauty made a suggestive gesture mimicking 'LOL'.
The two men stared in stunned silence. Li Dongze quickly raised his hand to interrupt and snapped angrily:"Oh my god, I really want to kick your ass with a boot. I'm talking business, not this nonsense. I've told you many times—no dirty jokes or lewd talk. It's bad manners and unprofessional."
The long-legged woman wasn't intimidated by his anger and smiled:"Don't be such a bore. A little humor livens the mood."
She quickly sobered:"I didn't find anything suspicious on his computer, but under the windowsill plant, I found a letter Lei Yibing sent him. So Lei Yibing did send something—it's probably a character card, but the profession is unknown."
Li Dongze was silent for a moment, closing his eyes to gather himself:"Come by again tomorrow—if he hasn't disappeared by then."