Chapter 3 - Character Card 229

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"Kangyang District Public Security Bureau investigators? Is it my cousin's unit looking for me?"

In a moment of instinctive apprehension, Zhang Yuanqing considered eavesdropping by the bedroom door. However, he suddenly remembered something and quickly opened his phone to delete the chat and call records with his friend "兵哥" (Brother Bing). He folded the letter he received from his friend and hid it under the potted plant on the windowsill. Satisfied with his actions, he opened a small gap in the door and observed the visitors.

From the entryway, his grandmother responded with a question, "What are you looking for him for?"

The female investigator replied with a seductive voice, "We are investigators from the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau. We have some questions for him and would like his cooperation in the investigation."

Zhang Yuanqing cautiously opened the door and examined the investigators as they entered the living room. The leading investigator was dressed in a black suit with a black vest over a white shirt. He held a black wooden cane and had a thin face with a small mustache, reminiscent of a gentleman from the Republican era.

Next to him was a beautiful young female investigator with well-defined facial features, possibly of mixed heritage. She had a playful smile and lively, watery eyes. Standing at approximately 175cm tall, she had legs that could rival those of a supermodel. Her professional attire and tucked-in blouse accentuated her slender waist and ample chest.

The last investigator seemed introverted, wearing black-rimmed glasses and messy hair, giving off a nerdy vibe.

"I am Zhang Yuanqing. What do you want with me?" Zhang Yuanqing asked as he observed the investigators.

The female investigator smiled and said, "We are investigators from the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau. We have some questions for you, please cooperate with our investigation."

Zhang Yuanqing led them to the living room and his grandmother offered them water, looking puzzled as to why the investigators were questioning her grandson.

The nerdy investigator took out a notebook and pen, ready to record the conversation. The gentleman with the big back-combed hairstyle sat on the sofa, holding his cane, and asked, "Do you know someone named Lei Yibing?"

Startled by the question, Zhang Yuanqing replied truthfully, "We are childhood friends. Why are you suddenly asking about him?"

In his mind, Zhang Yuanqing wondered why his cousin, who worked as the captain of the second squad at the Kangyang District Public Security Bureau, didn't inform him about their visit. They should have known they were visiting a family member.

The nerdy investigator reminded him, "You only need to answer yes or no."

"I see, we are good friends!" Zhang Yuanqing replied.

The gentleman then asked, "Lei Yibing has gone missing. The investigators from the Hangcheng District Public Security Bureau in Jiangnan Province contacted us and informed us that Lei Yibing sent a package on the morning before his disappearance, and you were the recipient."

His penetrating gaze seemed to read Zhang Yuanqing's mind, asking, "Is this true?"

Feeling a mix of surprise and confusion, Zhang Yuanqing responded, "Missing? How is that possible..."

The nerdy investigator interjected, "You only need to answer yes or no."

"Yes, just now, I received a package, but there was no sender's name on it, and I was curious who sent it to me," Zhang Yuanqing reluctantly admitted.

The gentleman nodded and inquired, "What was inside the package? Please be honest, as it is crucial to our investigation."

His grandmother felt relieved but also worried for Lei Yibing, whom she had watched grow up.

"It was empty," Zhang Yuanqing replied.

"Empty?" The gentleman squinted his eyes, his gaze sharp as if he could see through people's minds. "Although I lied, the black card has disappeared, and it is no different from being empty. I'm not afraid of your investigation," Zhang Yuanqing thought as he maintained eye contact and explained, "When I opened the package, I found it was empty, except for the anti-shock air cushion. Also, the package is still in my room. If you don't believe me, you can go and check."

The female investigator exchanged glances with her colleagues after examining the room.

After a moment of contemplation, the gentleman said, "If it's convenient, we'd like to check your room and your computer. Also, please show me your phone."

They checked the computer, but please do not open the browsing history and study materials on the hard drive," Zhang Yuanqing calmly unlocked his phone screen and handed it over. The big back-combed investigator took the phone and the female investigator re-entered the room.

After a few swipes with his thumb, the big back-combed investigator returned the phone and patiently waited. A moment later, the female investigator with long legs emerged from the room, shaking her head. The big back-combed investigator nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your cooperation. We won't disturb you anymore."

Zhang Yuanqing quickly asked, "Can I inquire about Lei Yibing's situation?" It was both a sincere question and an attempt to maintain the lie. If he didn't show concern about his childhood friend's disappearance, it would raise suspicion.

The big back-combed investigator patiently replied, "Lei Yibing went missing from his dormitory. The surveillance in the corridor didn't capture him leaving. According to information provided by one of his roommates, he saw Lei Yibing sleeping in his bed when he woke up that morning. However, he was gone when they woke up again. After 24 hours without any contact, his counselor notified the school, and they immediately reported it to the police. For more detailed information, you should call the local public security bureau."

It was consistent with what Lei Yibing's uncle had said. It seemed that the local police had made no progress. Zhang Yuanqing nodded and replied, "I understand."

As the investigators left towards the security door, the big back-combed investigator stopped midway and turned around, saying with a meaningful smile, "Otherwise, you might be the next one to disappear."

Zhang Yuanqing was taken aback. What did he mean by that? Was he threatening him? If he didn't hand over the black card, would he vanish like Lei Yibing?

On the other hand, what was the deal with the black card? It disappeared out of thin air... Even if he wanted to hand it over, he couldn't.

"Thank you for the reminder," Zhang Yuanqing replied with a smile that lacked warmth.

In any case, he would wait until his cousin returned from work before doing anything. He was certain that his cousin wouldn't want the black card falling into the hands of the public security bureau; otherwise, he wouldn't have sent it to him. Besides, as childhood friends and close companions, he believed that Lei Yibing wouldn't betray him.

His grandmother looked grim and said coldly, "Don't bother seeing them off."

The big back-combed investigator smiled and handed a business card from his pocket to Zhang Yuanqing, saying, "Contact me anytime if you have any information." After Zhang Yuanqing took the card, he and his two subordinates left.

"How did Bing disappear? Ah, I'll visit Bing's mother when I have time," his grandmother worriedly said after the investigators had left. They used to be neighbors for over ten years and still had some connection.

Zhang Yuanqing looked fatigued and said, "Grandma, I didn't sleep well last night, so I'll rest in my room now. If I haven't woken up by noon, there's no need to call me. If Grandpa comes back, please tell him about this and have him contact Uncle Lei."

After staying up late with his aunt until 2 or 3 in the morning, he was awakened by a recurrence of his old illness in the morning. He was already lacking sleep, and his search for Bing and the black card was mentally taxing. His brain was now getting foggy and tired.

After his grandmother nodded, Zhang Yuanqing returned to his room. He closed the door, kicked off his shoes, and collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep slumber.

In a black business car, Li Dongze sat on a leather seat, with a golden-handled cane resting against the chair, holding a highball glass filled with crimson liquid, shaking it gently.

"Guanya, what did you find in the room just now?" He turned his head and looked at the mixed-race beauty seated beside him.

Guanya lazily leaned against the soft chair, her slender thighs closed tightly together, and her pretty face serious. "I made a major discovery," she said.

"Go on," Li Dongze said with a serious tone. The engineering student in the backseat also looked up from his phone and turned to look at them.

Guanya spoke solemnly, "That guy is a black silk and mature woman enthusiast. All his study materials are about mature women, but his trash can is clean. It's simply unreasonable."

Li Dongze fell silent for a few seconds, closing his eyes. "Oh my God, I really want to kick your butt with my boot. I'm talking about serious matters, and you're saying all this nonsense. I've told you many times not to act like a rogue or make lewd jokes. It's a bad habit and very uncouth."

The long-legged beauty was undeterred by her angry boss and smiled, saying, "Don't be so boring. A little joke is good for lightening the mood."

She slowly put away her smile and continued, "I didn't find anything suspicious on his computer, but I found a letter Lei Yibing sent him under the potted plant. Lei Yibing did send something to him, most likely a character card, but I don't know what profession it represents."

"Obviously, an assassin or a Taoist," Li Dongze replied.

Guanya looked puzzled, "How do you know?"

Li Dongze closed his eyes again and said, "Come back tomorrow, if he's not missing by then."