Chapter 16: The Nacity Case (Part Nine)

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Li Rui sighed; when it came to Wen Rou, there was simply nothing he could do. Whether it was studying, matters of the heart, or now, the same held true.

A soft chuckle escaped Qi Wei as she saw the usually eloquent Li Rui caught in an awkward moment.

“Director Wen, I’ve discovered a secret…” she whispered close to Wen Rou’s ear.

Wen Rou asked, “What secret?”

“You two have a history,” Qi Wei smiled.

“Uh…” Wen Rou paused, then lightly pinched her arm. “Young lady, don’t speak nonsense.”

“Hehe.”

Because it was a red-eye flight, the task force had managed some rest on the plane. As soon as they landed, they headed straight to the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau.

The saying goes: “Above is heaven, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou.”

Qi Wei’s attention was captured by the scenery outside the window.

The ancient capital of Hangzhou still retained its unique charm and character. Time seemed peaceful here, and the city’s development quietly proceeded, weaving history and modernity into a distinctive tapestry.

Waiting to pick them up was Feng Feng, deputy captain of the Criminal Investigation Unit at Hangzhou Municipal Bureau, and also Lei Chen’s senior from their academy.

“Lei Chen, long time no see. You’re looking stronger than ever,” Feng Feng said.

Lei Chen scratched the back of his head. “Senior, didn’t expect you to be the one picking us up.”

“As soon as I saw the assistance report with your name on it, I knew it had to be you!”

After some brief greetings, Lei Chen introduced, “Senior, let me introduce you. This is Director Wen from the Provincial Forensic Center.”

Wen Rou extended her hand graciously, smiling, “I’m Wen Rou, pleased to meet you, Captain Feng.”

“I’ve heard so much about you, Director Wen. Finally meeting you in person!” Feng Feng smiled.

“This gentleman here deserves a grand introduction — he’s the renowned…”

Before Lei Chen finished, Feng Feng blurted out the name, “Li Rui, the forensic expert!”

“Uh, how did you know that?” Lei Chen’s eyes widened.

“Oh, that’s nothing. Li the forensic expert is practically a celebrity — solving the headless case in 24 hours, the Purple Ice case in 48 hours; those are all in the internal newsletters.”

Li Rui beamed with pride and extended his hand. “Captain Feng, these are just empty titles. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation!”

“Pleasure working together!”

“Tch, look at him, so smug!” Wen Rou leaned slightly toward Qi Wei, whispering.

“You still say there’s nothing between you two? That’s exactly the kind of thing couples say when they’re arguing,” Qi Wei laughed.

“*Ahem*...” Li Rui cleared his throat, not hearing exactly what they said, but it was clearly not flattering.

“Oh, and this is Xiao Qi, a computer expert. Thanks to her, we found crucial clues; otherwise, we wouldn’t have come to Hangzhou so quickly.”

“Hello, Captain Feng,” Qi Wei greeted.

“Hello, Xiao Qi.”

Feng Feng said, “I have a general understanding of the situation. However, the suspects you’re after are all ‘three-nos’: no real information, no fixed addresses, no social connections. It’s going to be hard to track them down quickly. But rest assured, since you’re here, we’ll cooperate fully. As long as they’re still in Hangzhou, they won’t get past our ‘Five Finger Mountain’!”

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“Thank you for your efforts, Captain Feng!”

…

Hangzhou Municipal Bureau conference room.

“Everyone, our bureau’s resources are limited, so we can’t provide a dedicated office for you. You’ll have to make do with this conference room,” Feng Feng said.

“That’s fine. Having a place to settle is good enough,” Lei Chen replied.

“Nonsense, Captain Feng. All police officers are one family. Family doesn’t argue,” Wen Rou said warmly.

“Alright then, if you need anything, just call on me anytime.”

“Definitely.”

After Feng Feng left, Wen Rou said to Lei Chen, “Report to Director Han that we’ve arrived safely in Hangzhou.”

Lei Chen nodded and left.

Everyone busied themselves with their tasks. Li Rui stood by the window, gazing outside.

“Hangzhou is truly beautiful. No wonder the scholars of the Southern Song dynasty were so enchanted by the warm breeze that they regarded this place as their own Bianzhou.”

“Heh, since when did you get so poetic, Li the forensic expert?” Wen Rou teased.

“I’m pondering a question.”

“Playing the deep thinker?”

“Tch, not joking.”

“Alright, then tell me. What’s on your mind?”

“Why did they choose Hangzhou?”

Wen Rou considered briefly. “Because the economy here is developed, and people are generally well-off.”

“Anything else?”

“Lots of transient population, complex social structures — good for hiding.”

“Hmm, anything more?”

Wen Rou shook her head. “I can’t think of any.”

“People tend to be lazy. Though murder and theft bring quick money, they’re risky and volatile, with many uncertainties. They don’t bring in money as fast as staged ‘honey traps.’ Hangzhou has long been a place of wine, women, and song — ideal for this line of work.”

When the money flows quickly, people naturally don’t want to leave.

“You seem to understand human nature.”

“No, I understand men.”

“Heh, I doubt that,” Wen Rou glanced at him suggestively. “You don’t even understand women, how can you understand men?”

Li Rui shook his head helplessly. “Wen Rou, after all these years, have you still not forgiven me?”

“It’s not about forgiveness. We’re both adults.”

“Actually…”

“Enough. Let the past be the past,” Wen Rou said. “Don’t forget why we’re here. If you want to apologize for the past, it’s unnecessary.”

Li Rui awkwardly said, “Actually, I meant… if we try our luck now, maybe we can gain something.”

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Wen Rou had thought Li Rui genuinely wanted to apologize and was prepared for it. Instead, he took a sudden turn that almost made her choke.

She rolled her eyes and asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Don’t forget, Jia Wenming now has accomplices — not just two mistresses, but also a man named Hao Jianping. And it’s very likely there are others in the gang,” Li Rui analyzed.

“Right. These honey trap gangs usually have many members; otherwise, their intimidation wouldn’t be effective.”

“Where do these gangs usually hang out?”

“How would I know? I’m not a man,” Wen Rou retorted.

Li Rui smiled. “Honey traps differ from prostitution. The women involved don’t look like streetwalkers; they appear like respectable ladies.”

“Why’s that?” Wen Rou was curious.

“You should ask Lei Chen — he knows more about this,” Li Rui said with a sly smile before turning and saying, “Xiao Qi, check which area Hao Jianping was arrested in.”

Qi Wei replied immediately, “He was caught by the Jianggan Branch, near the train station.”

Li Rui looked surprised. “You remember all that?”

“Hehe, I have a good memory. For stuff under ten lines, I remember after one glance!”

“Wow, you really have that talent!” Li Rui exclaimed.

“Well done, Xiao Qi — speed reading and photographic memory!” Wen Rou praised.

“Alright then, no time to waste. Let’s go try our luck,” Li Rui called.

Just then, Lei Chen returned from a phone call. Hearing they planned to visit the train station, he borrowed a car from the bureau.

“Li the forensic expert, do you want Captain Feng to send some officers to support us?” Lei Chen asked.

Li Rui shook his head. “No need. We’re just taking a look; we might not find anything.”

“Alright then,” Lei Chen smiled. “Let’s also enjoy the scenery of Hangzhou.”

Inside the bustling train station, crowds surged and swirled.

Travelers dragged suitcases, hurrying through the waiting hall. Footsteps and chatter blended into a noisy symphony. The electronic boards flashed train schedules, drawing countless eyes. Queues for ticket checks snaked like dragons. Children’s laughter, announcements, and the roar of trains formed a vivid, busy yet orderly travel scene.

The air was thick with urgency and anticipation, as if every moment pressed people toward their destinations.

Li Rui bought some stinky tofu, leaned against the railing, and observed the diverse crowd.

“Hey, why did you think of staking out the train station?”

This wasn’t about using the restroom; it meant to wait at a specific spot, hoping suspects would appear.

They paired off — Wen Rou and Li Rui together.

“Didn’t Xiao Qi say this is their old haunt?” Li Rui said casually.

“Is it really that simple?”

“Actually, what I thought, you already thought. No need to ask so much.”