119. Belated Fear

"How did you get this information?" Han Bin pressed.

"This..." Zhou Tianrong hesitated.

"Speak up. If this information is confirmed to be true, it will be a significant contribution, and we will take it into account for leniency," Han Bin said.

"Alright, with your word, I feel at ease." Zhou Tianrong responded. After organizing his thoughts, he continued: "At the beginning, the casino didn't have many people. 'Brother Biao' didn't dare to advertise; he mainly relied on people he knew well to make introductions, and that’s how he built up the business."

"You were one of those people he knew well, weren't you?" Han Bin smiled.

"Yes, I’ve been involved in the scene for a while. I’ve known Brother Biao for two or three years."

"What is Brother Biao's real name?"

"Zhang Hailong."

"Have them run a check on this person," Han Bin directed. Li Hui took out his phone and sent a WeChat message to Tian Li.

"How did you and Zhang Hailong meet?"

"We met playing cards. Back then, it was all small-time stuff. He was an ambitious guy who just wanted to do something big."

"What’s your relationship like?"

"Just drinking buddies, I suppose. When the casino first opened, he was all 'brother this, brother that,' asking me to introduce reliable gamblers. Now that he’s hit it big, he doesn't even remember me as a brother anymore," Zhou Tianrong said, gritting his teeth.

"Have you heard anything about the robbery involving San Dezi?"

"No." Zhou Tianrong shook his head. "Officer Han, can I have a cigarette?"

Han Bin lit a cigarette and handed it to him. Zhou took a drag and asked, "How did you find me?"

"We found another mobile number of yours," Han Bin replied.

"I figured as much," Zhou muttered, taking another puff. "Did you get it from that old geezer, Zou Huaiyuan?"

"You know Zou Huaiyuan?"

"Heh." Zhou chuckled, mocking himself. "I've been in the game for so many years. I may not have any great skills, but I’m well-informed."

"So, you’re okay with him being with your mother?"

"Sigh, I’m an unfilial son with no real prospects. I can’t be there for my mother every day. As long as she’s happy, I don't care," Zhou shrugged.

"Zou Huaiyuan doesn't know we were investigating you," Han Bin added.

Zhou Tianrong nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you."

"Get some rest. If you need anything, call us," Han Bin said before leaving the interrogation room.

"Binzi, do you believe him?"

"Let's verify it first," Han Bin replied.

***

Based on micro-expression analysis, Han Bin felt Zhou Tianrong was fairly credible, but everything still had to be backed by evidence.

"I'll take Zhao Ming to investigate near the Kangping residential complex to see if Zhou Tianrong has an alibi for the time of the crime. You go report to Captain Zheng and Captain Zeng," Li Hui suggested.

"Alright." Han Bin nodded. The newly acquired information was crucial and needed to be reported to Zheng Kaixuan and Zeng Ping as soon as possible.

***

Meanwhile, in another interrogation room, Wang Deli sat in the interrogation chair, facing Zheng Kaixuan and Zeng Ping.

"Wang Deli, we’ve laid out the policy for you. Give me a clear answer now: are you willing to act as a police informant?" Zheng Kaixuan asked.

"Sir, I am willing," Wang Deli said solemnly. Having worked at the Water Conservancy Bureau for so many years, he may not have been brilliant, but he had a sharp eye. He could tell these two were not ordinary; they were clearly a cut above the two young officers he had dealt with earlier.

"If you agree now, there is no turning back. Do you understand?" Zheng Kaixuan confirmed again. There were many people involved in the gambling ring, and dozens of officers would be participating in the raid. If Wang Deli backed out at the last minute, Zheng would be the one to suffer. He had to be certain.

"Don't worry, sir. I am willing to make amends for my crimes."

"Perform well, and we will try to secure a reduced sentence for you," Zheng said.

"Yes."

Zheng Kaixuan opened his notebook and asked, "Where is your meeting point?"

"The bus station."

"Be specific. Which bus station?"

"Xiangyun Bus Station."

"Where do you return to?"

"Near the Blue Star Macalline on Jianbei Road."

"Walk me through the process of every gambling session in detail."

"We meet at the Xiangyun Bus Station at 10:00 PM, then take a bus together. Once we get on, someone collects our phones and returns them when we get back," Wang Deli recalled.

"Where is the specific location of the casino?"

"I’m not entirely sure. I just know we keep driving south for about half an hour. It’s pitch black and winding through the mountains; I can’t tell where it is."

Zheng Kaixuan rubbed his chin, deep in thought. The Xiangyun Bus Station was already on the outskirts. Half an hour didn't sound long, but with no traffic at night, they could cover a lot of ground, making it difficult to pinpoint the location.

"Captain Zheng, that area should fall under the jurisdiction of the Nanqiao Town Police Station," Zeng Ping noted.

Zheng Kaixuan nodded. He wasn't familiar with that area, and if he wanted to conduct a raid in the mountains, he would need the assistance of the local officers.

"Buzz..." Just then, the phone on the interrogation table rang.

***

The phone was inside a plastic bag, making the sound muffled. Zeng Ping picked it up and checked. "It's a message from a WeChat group."

"Which group?" Wang Deli asked.

"The Tianshan Card Players Group."

"Sir, that’s the one. Before every game, Brother Biao sends a message in this group," Wang Deli explained.

Zeng Ping opened WeChat and checked the message: "Tonight, the Tianshan sword fight. The sword is in my hand; the heroes of the world, who dares to compete?"

"What kind of nonsense is that? It doesn't even rhyme," Zeng Ping muttered.

"It just means the gambling is starting tonight," Wang Deli clarified.

Zheng Kaixuan smiled. "Impressive."

"Captain Zheng, are we moving tonight?" Zeng Ping asked.

Zheng Kaixuan hesitated. This raid wasn't just about the Criminal Investigation Third Team; he had to consider the resources of other departments. "I’ll contact the Chief of the Nanqiao Town Police Station to see how much manpower they can spare tonight."

"Knock, knock."

There was a knock at the door, and Han Bin walked in. "Captain Zheng, Captain Zeng, I have a report."

Zheng Kaixuan stood up and told Zeng Ping, "Keep digging for more information. I’m going to make a call."

"Understood."

Zheng Kaixuan gestured for Han Bin to follow him out. "How did the interrogation of Zhou Tianrong go?"

Han Bin closed the door and said, "Captain Zheng, let’s go back to the office."

"Looks like you’ve made quite the catch," Zheng Kaixuan smiled, returning to the Second Team’s office with Han Bin.

The office was empty, as everyone else was busy. Han Bin got straight to the point: "According to Zhou Tianrong, Brother Biao’s real name is Zhang Hailong. His cousin runs a small shop near the local police station. If the station mobilizes any officers, Zhang Hailong will be tipped off."

Zheng Kaixuan looked shocked. "Is this information confirmed?"

"We are verifying it now."

Zheng Kaixuan took a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief. If he had been one step later, he would have contacted the local police station. Once the police mobilization was leaked to Zhang Hailong, all their efforts would have been in vain.