Chapter 55: Zhang Deshui

The next morning, Han Bin rose early and went downstairs to his parents’ home for breakfast.

Wang Huifang knew her son was working on a case and must be exhausted, so she prepared a lavish breakfast. Li Hui was invited to join them as well. At first, Li Hui felt a bit embarrassed and tried to refuse, but seeing Han Bin’s sincere attitude—and feeling genuinely hungry—he finally accepted.

Wang Huifang had made sandwiches that morning: slices of bread, fried eggs, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, making for a sumptuous meal. Both Han Bin and Li Hui had hearty appetites, each eating two sandwiches and drinking a glass of milk. After the meal, they hurried out the door.

“Ah,” Li Hui burped and rubbed his stomach, “that was a great meal. Auntie’s cooking is simply unmatched.”

“As long as you’re full. Who knows when we’ll get another meal like this,” Han Bin replied, yawning. He still hadn’t had enough sleep.

While starting the car, Li Hui asked, “Do you think Captain Zeng will come in today?”

“I don’t know. I’ve been wondering about that myself.”

“He rarely takes leave. Maybe something happened at home?” Li Hui speculated.

“Captain Zheng wouldn’t say, and it’s not our place to ask directly.”

“How about after work tonight, we drop by Captain Zeng’s place and check in on him?” Li Hui suggested.

“Who knows how late we’ll finish. Maybe we four should discuss it and, if anyone has free time, video call him and see what he’s up to.”

“That’s a good idea. No one should be left out,” Li Hui agreed.

“Let’s talk it over with Tian Li and Zhao Ming when we get in.”

—

Qindao Sub-Bureau.

Since the case was a joint operation between three teams, Zheng Kaixuan gathered all the members from both groups in the meeting room.

Team Two was still Han Bin’s group of four; Zeng Ping had yet to return to work. Team One was led by Zhao Ying, who brought six people, including two who hadn’t participated in the case yesterday.

“How’s the information gathering on individuals with prior theft convictions?” Zheng Kaixuan asked.

“Centered around Linfang Community, we’ve identified several people with theft records,” Zhao Ying replied, producing a file. “Sun Xing and Du Qi compiled the data, including contact details and addresses, so we can proceed directly with investigations.”

“Sun Xing, Du Qi, thank you for your hard work. Take a good rest during the day,” Zheng Kaixuan said.

“Yes, sir.”

“Now, let me assign the tasks,” Zheng Kaixuan continued, organizing his words. “Team One will screen individuals with theft records, especially those who lack an alibi for the timeframe in question. Team Two will review surveillance footage, focusing on suspicious persons entering or leaving the community before and after the crime.”

He clapped his hands, “Let’s get moving. Be ready for a 24-hour operation today.”

“Yes, sir.”

—

After the meeting.

“Captain Zheng, I have something to report,” Han Bin said.

“What is it?”

“I’d like to revisit the scene.”

“Did you miss a clue?”

“Yesterday, two households reported late, and it was already dark when we investigated. I want to go again today and see if I can find any footprints.”

“Go ahead.”

“Yes, sir.”

—

“Bin, you’re going back to the scene?” Li Hui was surprised.

“Yes.”

“Bin, want me to come with you?” Zhao Ming asked, eager.

“You stay and help review the surveillance. I’ll go alone,” Han Bin said, patting him on the shoulder.

“Yeah, don’t even think about escaping, kid. There’s a mountain of footage to review, and if it’s just Tian Li and me, we won’t get through it all today,” Li Hui remarked.

“Does anyone have a drone?” Han Bin asked.

“I do!” Zhao Ming answered quickly.

“Then bring it over to Linfang Community.”

“Sure thing,” Zhao Ming grinned—so long as he didn’t have to review footage, he’d do anything.

“No slacking off. Once you deliver the drone, fly it, and hurry back,” Tian Li said, waving a fist.

—

Now, to another thread.

Zhao Ying, seasoned and efficient, got straight to work. With the data on those with prior convictions, she conducted a screening and identified several key suspects. She dispatched three team members, enlisting local police to assist in summoning these individuals for investigation. Zhao Ying and another teammate stayed at the sub-bureau to conduct interviews.

In her hands were three files, all concerning individuals with theft records: one named Zhang Deshui, another Chen Kangning, and the third Zhou Peng.

Zhang Deshui was the suspect she had arrested three years ago for a high-altitude theft. As for Chen Kangning, he lived in Linfang Community, making him a primary suspect. Zhou Peng had been in and out of prison four times, incorrigible, and sentenced to four years for his last theft—the most serious offender among the three.

Zhang Deshui was the prime suspect and the first to be summoned. Zhao Ying personally took his statement. Team member Wei Zimo was responsible for recording.

The man in the chair was in his thirties, short, thin, and wiry, his hands covered in calluses.

“Name, gender, age, place of origin…”

“Zhao Deshui, male, thirty-three…”

“Zhang Deshui, do you remember me?” Zhao Ying asked.

“I remember. You’re Leader Zhao.”

“Last time, I was the one who arrested you. Do you hold a grudge against me?”

“When I first went in, I was frustrated and blamed you. Later, I thought it over. This is my fate. Maybe it was a good thing you caught me—otherwise, I might have committed worse crimes, and whether I’d ever get out again is uncertain.”

“It’s best that you’ve come to terms with it yourself.”

“Leader, what’s the reason you called me here today?” Zhang Deshui ventured.

“Yesterday, there was a high-altitude theft in a suburban community. I’d like you to help with the investigation.”

“Leader, this has nothing to do with me. Since I got out, I’ve been living honestly, haven’t done anything wrong.” Zhang Deshui hastily defended himself.

“Don’t be nervous. I just want you to help analyze and see if you can spot any clues.”

“I really haven’t done anything, so I can’t help.”

“Do you still keep in touch with your old friends?”

“No.”

“Think carefully before you answer, don’t just blurt it out.”

Zhao Ying snorted and changed her questioning tactic. “From eleven in the morning on August eleventh to five in the morning on August twelfth, where were you?”

“Leader, I can’t remember right away,” Zhang Deshui said nervously.

“That was just the day before yesterday. You honestly can’t remember? Who are you trying to fool?” Wei Zimo, recording, scolded.

“Leader Zhao, to be honest, seeing you makes me nervous—I can’t remember anything.”

“Relax. Think it over. I’m not a tiger; I won’t eat you.”

“Leader, I’ve really turned over a new leaf. I don’t want to go back in there,” Zhang Deshui said.

“I’m just taking your statement, not interrogating you. What are you afraid of?”

“You’re right. Yes, this is a statement, not an interrogation.” Zhang Deshui swallowed.

“Answer my questions honestly, and you’ll be free to go.”

“Let me think…” Zhang Deshui recalled for a moment. “I remember now. The day before yesterday, I wasn’t in the city. I only returned to Qindao at noon yesterday.”

“Where did you go?”

“I went to Fuping Mountain.”

“That place is all mountains. What were you doing there?” Zhao Ying pressed.

“I’m a climbing instructor now—teaching students how to climb.”

Zhao Ying smiled. “That job suits you quite well.”