Chapter Seventy: Chief Chen's Request for Help

Chapter Seventy: Director Chen’s Request for Help

Qin Wan’er stared at the wanted notice for a long while, then said coolly, “Director Chen, is this what you wanted to discuss with me?”

“That’s right.” Chen Wei nodded, then smiled at Qin Wan’er. “Wan’er, do you know why I wanted to speak with you about this?”

Seeing the somewhat serious look on Chen Wei’s face, Qin Wan’er felt a little lost. “Since the wanted notice has already been issued and everyone has the right to report, it should be something all of us officers know about. Did you want me to return to the station and inform everyone in advance?”

Chen Wei smiled slightly. “On my way here, I already had someone send out the notice. Soon, I’ll have Xiao Li fax over the suspect’s photo as well. You don’t need to worry about those arrangements. I’m telling you for another reason.”

Qin Wan’er frowned in confusion. “What reason?”

Chen Wei gestured to the sofa. “Have a seat. If you want water, help yourself—there are paper cups by the dispenser in the kitchen.”

“No need, Director,” replied Qin Wan’er, sitting down.

Only then did Chen Wei continue, “Do you remember the A-level fugitive Gong You, the one you shot dead on the spot?”

Qin Wan’er nodded. “I remember.”

“There are some things I probably shouldn’t say, but now I must. Wan’er, I’ve been a police officer for many years, serving in all sorts of divisions—armed police, special operations, criminal investigations. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that, with just your ability, you could take down a national A-level fugitive.”

Hearing this, Qin Wan’er felt a pang of guilt, and her expression shifted, ever so slightly. Indeed, had it not been for Xu Yun and Qiu Yan that night, she wouldn’t have dared to fire, let alone had the chance.

Chen Wei was keenly observant and caught the subtle change on Qin Wan’er’s face. “Heh, so I’ve always wondered if you have some hidden expert secretly aiding you. That’s a good thing. I truly wish everyone had someone to help in moments of crisis—some of these criminals nowadays are simply beyond us.”

“I understand what you mean, Director Chen,” Qin Wan’er nodded. “You want me… to seek help from those who can assist us, is that it?”

Chen Wei kept his mild smile. “Exactly. If you’re willing to help, I’d be grateful. This Hao Kai is not a common criminal. You should remember his escape case—it was truly terrifying.”

Of course Qin Wan’er remembered such a major case. The suspect had gone to Suhang City to help a major felon escape from a high-security prison, killed two prison officers, and stolen firearms. One detective who had been tracking him disappeared midway and was presumed dead six months later. Hao Kai was eventually surrounded by the armed police at a small inn, but he broke through, killing three special ops officers with his bare hands.

To kill six law enforcement officers in such a short time—all of them from the police force—was a case of rare brutality. Ultimately, the suspect escaped with a hostage, and since then, his whereabouts had been a mystery.

It had taken six months just to put together this information, and all they really knew was his name—Hao Kai—and that he belonged to some mysterious organization. Nothing else was known. His sudden reappearance in Hedong City was due to a tip from a passenger on a Suhang to Feihe East flight.

One of the three special ops officers killed in that major incident was a relative of the tipster. The tipster only said the man looked like Hao Kai, but couldn’t be sure. Knowing how dangerous the suspect was, he dared not say anything on the plane.

After a week of confirmation, the police were now almost certain the man on the flight was indeed Hao Kai.

Seeing Qin Wan’er remain silent, Chen Wei spoke again, “Perhaps I’m overthinking it, but I can’t help feeling you have someone extraordinary lending you a hand. Heh, the Four Wolves Gang and the Axe Club have long been the two most troublesome gangs in Wenhui District, and I suspect your hidden benefactor had a hand in their downfall as well?”

“Director Chen, don’t worry. I will always fulfill my duty as an officer,” Qin Wan’er replied, not directly acknowledging Xu Yun’s existence. “No matter the method, if I can help maintain order in this city, I’ll do my utmost—regardless of whether I have a benefactor’s aid or not.”

Chen Wei looked gratified, but there was worry in his eyes. “Wan’er, that’s a good attitude, but I must warn you of one thing.”

“Please, go ahead.”

Chen Wei’s face became grave. “If you encounter this man, do not confront him directly! He’s far more dangerous than you can imagine.”

Qin Wan’er had her own pride and wouldn’t easily make such a promise. “Director, if I run into him, I’ll use my head. I won’t be foolish enough to face him head-on.”

“No!” Chen Wei immediately refused. “The detective who was killed investigating him was none other than our nationally renowned model officer, Jiang Zhi. Even he couldn’t escape Hao Kai’s grasp—you have no chance at all.”

Jiang Zhi, champion of the National Criminal Investigation Competition two years running… and yet he fell at Hao Kai’s hands. To this day, no one has found his body. That fact alone showed just how dangerous it was to hunt down Hao Kai.

Seeing how serious Chen Wei was, Qin Wan’er nodded earnestly. “I understand, Director Chen. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

Chen Wei grunted, “Go ahead. Remember what I said—never risk your life.”

Qin Wan’er smiled, took the wanted notice, and left the director’s office. Her mind was in turmoil. It turned out the director had long known there was someone helping her behind the scenes; he’d simply never mentioned it before.

Now, in need of help, he was finally bringing it up.

Qin Wan’er hailed a cab and returned to the medicinal cuisine restaurant. It was only on the ride back that she suddenly remembered she’d gone to the station to report Qi Yishan’s collusion with the gangs. Because of Director Chen’s matter, she’d completely forgotten.

In hindsight, it might have been for the best—not to add to the director’s burdens with such things when the arrival of a major criminal suspect in Hedong City must have left him exhausted, body and soul. Bringing it up now would only give him more headaches.

Better to focus on capturing Hao Kai; that would give Director Chen time to tackle the conduct of the city’s officials—especially those like Qi Yishan, who were suspected of ties to organized crime. That must be thoroughly investigated.

Catch Hao Kai? Qin Wan’er was still too inexperienced.

When she returned to the restaurant, the lunch rush was at its peak. As soon as she entered, Guoguo put her to work helping Qiu Yan serve dishes. Xu Yun was swamped, and Ruan Qingshuang had been helping out in the kitchen.

With the wanted criminal on her mind, Qin Wan’er could only put it aside for now and help serve the guests. After all, she ate and lived here for free—if she didn’t pitch in, she’d really have no excuse.

From ten in the morning until two in the afternoon, Xu Yun was so busy he barely had time for a sip of water. When the last customer finally left, everyone collapsed into their chairs, too exhausted to move.

Xu Yun brought out the food he’d prepared. “Let’s eat.”

Guoguo, as always, had an appetite. The day’s takings were nearly twenty thousand yuan, and she ate with gusto, even reciting a poem on the spot:

“In the noonday sun the farmer hoes his fields,
Sweat falls onto the soil beneath the grain,
Who knows that on the plate before us now,
Each single grain is won by toil and pain.”

“Guoguo, you’re amazing!” Qin Wan’er applauded. “You’re so clever. I was never this bright when I was your age.”

Guoguo, proud yet pretending otherwise, waved her little hand. “Oh, don’t say that, or I might get conceited!”

Xu Yun and Ruan Qingshuang were at a loss. “But you clearly already are…”

“Mama, do you want me to tell everyone what you were talking about in your sleep last night?” Guoguo threatened.

Ruan Qingshuang froze. “What did I say?”

“Do you really want me to say?” Guoguo put her hands on her hips, then squinted her eyes mischievously and imitated, “Ah, Xu Yun, no! Please, no!”

A chill went straight down Xu Yun’s spine. What the hell did that mean?!

Ruan Qingshuang’s cheeks turned crimson. She had no memory of dreaming last night! How could she have called Xu Yun’s name, and what did that “no” mean, anyway?

Qiu Yan kept on eating quietly, as if nothing had happened.

It took a while for Qin Wan’er to catch on, but when she did, she burst out laughing, food nearly spraying from her mouth. Guoguo’s mimicry had been so vivid, capturing Ruan Qingshuang’s bashful and coy expression to perfection.

“Guoguo, what do you think Mama meant by saying ‘no’?” Qin Wan’er teased, stirring the pot.

Ruan Qingshuang shot her a glare. “Wan’er, don’t talk nonsense.”

Xu Yun kept his head down and ate in silence.

Guoguo stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Well, I think when a woman says ‘no,’ she actually means the opposite—she wants it.”

Xu Yun couldn’t help picturing a scene: Ruan Qingshuang, barely dressed, murmuring, “Ah, Xu Yun, I want it—I want more…”

He nearly choked. Xu Yun swore to never again let his imagination run wild under Guoguo’s influence—it was a sure way to lose his mind!

Thanks to Guoguo, the meal ended on a light and cheerful note. To escape the awkwardness, Ruan Qingshuang hurried to clear the table and wash the dishes, refusing all offers of help. Guoguo had truly put her in a tight spot.

Qiu Yan got ready to take Guoguo upstairs for a nap, and Xu Yun planned to rest at the front desk.

At that moment, Qin Wan’er took out the wanted notice and slapped it on the table. “The wanted order is out. That S-class national fugitive has been confirmed to be hiding here in Hedong City.”

The words instantly banished all traces of sleep from Xu Yun’s mind. His first reaction was to look at Qiu Yan, who was about to lead Guoguo upstairs.

As expected, Qiu Yan froze, her whole body tensing. She gently patted Guoguo. “You go ahead; I’ll be up soon.”

Full and sleepy, Guoguo didn’t care about fugitives and toddled upstairs for her nap.

Qiu Yan walked back, her steps slow and measured. She glanced at the wanted notice and a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Without a word, she turned and followed Guoguo upstairs.