Chapter 23
On Duty

Xie Qing understood Tan Yi’s point. He didn’t agree with her baseless assumptions about Lei Guang, but he did agree that Lei Guang was suspicious.

Alright, she accepted the criticism.

Even so, Xie Qing wasn’t very happy and lost interest in chatting. She turned her head to look out the car window at the cyclists, the leaves chased by the wind, and the streetlights flashing by.

The young girl seemed upset.

Realizing this belatedly, Tan Yi reflected on his tone, feeling it might have been too teasing and disrespectful. He wanted to say something to ease the tension but didn’t know what or how, so he let it go.

He turned on the radio, and the host’s deep voice came through, “Thank you for your call. Here’s a song for you, ‘Don’t Guess a Girl’s Thoughts,’ wishing you a happy love life and all your dreams come true.”

“Don’t guess a girl’s thoughts, boy.”

“Don’t guess, don’t guess.”

“You’ll never figure it out.”

“Never figure it out.”

…

Tan Yi had this interest? Xie Qing turned her head in surprise, her almond eyes wide.

Tan Yi hadn’t expected this song either and felt a bit awkward. He quickly changed the channel.

“I’ll fall asleep with your name on my lips, writing the brightest star in the sky…”

Too ambiguous, not good.

Tan Yi turned off the radio with a “click” and said, “You can choose what to listen to.”

Xie Qing replied, “Bear for a while, we’ll be there soon.”

“Bear”—a good choice of words.

Tan Yi had never been in a relationship, but he had always had admirers. This was the first time he felt ignored by a woman other than his family.

Xie Qing didn’t mean it that way; she was just tired after a long day of travel and work. But Tan Yi didn’t show any reaction, so she didn’t think much of it.

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside Wolong Community.

Xie Qing thanked him, got out with her backpack, and took a few steps before hearing the car door open again. She instinctively turned back and saw Tan Yi getting out of the car.

Tan Yi said, “It’s late. Get back in the car; I’ll drive you in.”

Ten o’clock wasn’t late, and the community had streetlights, making it safe.

Xie Qing wanted to refuse, but Tan Yi clearly wasn’t asking for her opinion. He stood firmly and pointed to the front passenger seat.

“Thank you,” Xie Qing said, quickly getting back in the car.

Those who know the times are wise, she thought. Shen Yi’s case was still unsolved, so caution was wise.

Tan Yi released the handbrake, “It’s my duty.”

Wolong Community was a large, high-end neighborhood. The villas were close to the sea but far from the gate. Driving at over 30 km/h, it took more than two minutes.

Xie Qing got out at her doorstep, thanked him again, and went into the yard.

The car turned around but didn’t leave immediately.

Xie Qing took out her key, inserted it into the lock, and glanced back, seeing a red glow in the car.

So, he needed a smoke.

She opened the door, went in, and closed it. This time, she heard the car drive away.

“Is that you, Qing Qing?” Xie Xun called from the bedroom.

“It’s me,” Xie Qing replied loudly. “Dad, go to sleep. I’m back.”

Wrapped in his pajamas, Xie Xun came out, “So many cases at the city bureau?”

Xie Qing said, “It’s a case in Feng’an District. Four people died, so our city bureau is involved.”

“Four?” Xie Xun was shocked. “Have they caught the killer?”

Xie Qing shook her head, “The killer is cunning. We don’t have many clues yet and need to do a lot of investigation.”

Xie Xun poured two glasses of water, one for himself and one for Xie Qing, and sat by the dining table, “Anhai City doesn’t seem very peaceful lately. After the holiday, I’ll get some retractable security windows installed.”

Xie Qing didn’t like security windows as they obstructed the view, but the community’s management was lacking, posing safety risks. Moreover, under Xie Yun’s management, the family’s financial situation would improve, and in the middle of the novel, the house would be robbed twice, causing significant losses. She said, “I agree, but I don’t think Mom will.”

Xie Xun hesitated, then smiled, “I’ll arrange it tomorrow and try to get it done before your mom returns.”

Xie Qing also smiled, “Be careful.”

Xie Xun nodded, then explained, “It’s not that I’m afraid of your mom; I just don’t want to argue. Harmony brings wealth.”

Xie Qing said, “If you don’t mind spending money, you could buy a bigger duplex. It’s low-key, safe, and retains value.”

Xie Xun looked at her in surprise, “You know about this? Did your sister tell you?”

Xie Yun had convinced Xie Xun to buy stocks early on but hadn’t persuaded him to invest in real estate.

Real estate tied up liquid assets, and it was uncertain if it could be sold, so Xie Xun’s caution wasn’t wrong.

But Xie Qing knew the novel’s plot well. And if the family prospered, she would benefit too. Giving Xie Xun a push was the right thing to do.

She said, “Captain Tan drove me home, and we talked about real estate. He’s from Beijing, doesn’t stay in the dormitory, and bought a house in Zui Long Bay.”

“Captain Tan?” Xie Xun hadn’t heard of him. He pushed the water glass to Xie Qing, “Sit down, have some water.”

Xie Qing said, “I just came back. I’ll change clothes first.”

Xie Xun understood, “That’s a good habit, so your mom and sister won’t feel uncomfortable.”

Xie Qing didn’t want to talk about Chen Yuehua and continued the previous topic, “Captain Tan is Tan Yi. He’s friends with Chai Yu and attended my brother’s birthday party.”

“Oh…” Xie Xun realized, “In that case, his opinion is worth considering.”

…

Xie Xun usually went to bed early, so after a few words, he was yawning.

Xie Qing said goodnight and went upstairs to wash up. It was her first time sleeping in the original owner’s room, familiar yet strange. The mattress was an imported Simmons, soft and comfortable, even better than her modern bed.

That’s the charm of money. She suddenly looked forward to the wealth that would soon surge in the stock market.

…

With Chen Yuehua away, Xie Qing felt at ease. Every morning, she went jogging by the sea with Xie Xun and bought fresh seafood at the dock on the way home, enjoying a hearty meal.

Life was good.

On October 3rd, Xie Qing was on duty. Xie Xun dropped her off at the office on his way to work. As soon as she arrived, Li Ke came in, shaking water off her hands, “I knew you’d be here.”

Xie Qing asked, “When did you get here?”

Li Ke replied, “I just arrived. I’m leaving soon. Want to come?”

“I’m on duty, can’t leave.” Xie Qing found a cloth and sprayed it with water, “Which case are you working on today?”

Tan Yi had taken over Shen Yi’s case, holding meetings and working hard.

Li Ke said, “The Lei family case. It’s been three and a half days, and the main suspects have either been cleared or lack evidence. Captain Tan is getting anxious and has been at the bureau every day.”

Xie Qing had contacted Li Ji.

The neighbors on both sides of the Lei house didn’t have ladders. If they needed one, they had to borrow it, and everyone knew about it, so Han Feng’s theory was dismissed. The couple who drank with Lei Yan and his wife had also drunk a lot. The man vomited several times after returning home, and they had witnesses.

Xie Qing and Fu Da’s theories were also disproven.

Lei Sheng has no alibi and is still under investigation.

Lei Guang has been ruled out as a suspect. He is an electrician working as a maintenance worker at the Electric Power Bureau. A few days ago, he had an accident, falling from a ladder and fracturing his shinbone, leaving him housebound for several days. Regarding his injury, doctors at the city hospital re-examined him and found no signs of worsening, indicating he hadn’t engaged in strenuous activity. The trace evidence team also stated that, based on the footprints left at the scene, the perpetrator was unlikely to have mobility issues.

According to Li Ji, Xie Qing was mercilessly mocked by Du Zhun—though he didn’t dare do it in front of Tan Yi.

Xie Qing didn’t want to talk about Tan Yi, “Where are you going next?”

Li Ke said, “We’re going to check around Lei Guang’s house. I think it’s just routine.”

Xie Qing said, “Don’t rush. Observe carefully. The investigation targets in this case are limited. With patience, it will be solved.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Li Ke turned to leave, “Captain Tan said to meet at 8:30. It’s almost time. We’ll talk later.”

The young girl seemed eager.

Xie Qing shook her head. The girl was fine in every way, except her looks couldn’t compare to Xie Yun. Tan Yi had a good background and was a police officer, so he was unlikely to seek a marriage partner among colleagues. Moreover, Tan Yi, Xie Yun, and Gu Ling should have met because of Shen Yi’s case.

She glanced at herself in the mirror behind the door, thinking: I have to admit, the original owner of this face wasn’t bad. Though not as gentle as Chen Yuehua or Xie Yun, it had her grandmother’s liveliness.

After cleaning up, Xie Qing reorganized the recent cases she had handled, archiving and supplementing as needed.

By noon, Xie Qing went to the cafeteria for lunch.

“Qing Qing.” As soon as she entered, she heard Li Ke’s loud voice, “Saved you a seat. Come over.”

Xie Qing waved, “Coming.”

During the National Day holiday, the cafeteria food was good. Xie Qing got braised chicken with mushrooms, three delicacies, and half a spoonful of fish-flavored pork. She carried her tray to the table and sat down, “Where did you go? Any findings?”

Li Ke shook her head, “We checked Lei Guang’s wife and her family, but found nothing for now.”

Xie Qing asked, “What are her family members like? Who did you see?”

Li Ke poked a piece of potato, “Her parents, an older brother, a mentally challenged younger brother with the intelligence of a five-year-old, two nieces, and a nephew. The family isn’t wealthy, and their house is small, barely enough to live in.”

“Oh…” Xie Qing ate while thinking.

If Lei Guang’s wife liked to support her brother, her motive for the crime would be greater.

No, no!

She couldn’t label someone a criminal without evidence. There are many poor people in the world; do they all rob and kill?

Obviously not!

“Hey, what are you thinking?” Li Ke knocked on the table in front of her, “Brother Du is talking to you.”

“Sorry, I was lost in thought.” Xie Qing looked up and saw Du Zhun and Fu Da sitting across from her, “What did Brother Du say?”

Fu Da said, “What good could he say? Xiao Xie, don’t mind him. Eat.”

Du Zhun laughed, “I was saying Lei Guang is really crippled.”

“Yes, I called Li Ji.” Xie Qing said, “Did you investigate the circumstances of his accident?”

Du Zhun glanced slyly at Tan Yi, “Captain Tan personally led us. No problem.”

Tan Yi seemed to have heard his name and looked over.

Xie Qing had to greet him, “Captain Tan.”

“Take your time eating.” Tan Yi stood up and headed to the water room.

Today, he wore beige casual pants and a dark brown short jacket, his broad shoulders and long legs making him particularly noticeable.

Li Ke took a few more glances.

Xie Qing, afraid she’d be teased by Old Du, quickly asked, “What are you investigating next?”

Li Ke snapped back, “Captain Tan said he wants to re-examine the scene.”