Chapter 35: The Death Photography Studio (4)

Han Changlin was called to the office by Director Liu. At first glance, he noticed that Director Liu was in a particularly good mood this time. He was reading some documents, and on the desk lay an open volume of Di Renjie’s Detective Cases.

Director Liu put down the papers and took off his reading glasses when he saw Han Changlin enter. With a warm smile, he gestured towards a seat. “Changlin, have a seat.”

“If the Director has something to discuss, I’d rather stand,” Han Changlin replied.

“It’s nothing serious,” Director Liu said, handing him the papers. “Last week, I attended the provincial public security department’s annual review meeting. This is the report from that meeting. Take a look.”

Han Changlin accepted the three- to four-page report, surprised that Director Liu would share such an important document with him.

He stepped back, sat down on the couch, and carefully read through it. The first two pages summarized the province’s criminal investigation work for the year, including experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions for improvement.

Then, on the third page, he saw a sentence that sent a rush of excitement through his body. A tingling sensation spread over him.

The provincial department had highly commended the work of the Jinyang Public Security Bureau in solving the November 16th family massacre case this year.

As he held the document, his fingers trembled slightly.

He read it over and over again, as if to confirm it was real. Only then did he remember he was still in Director Liu’s office.

He realized that at the upcoming year-end commendation ceremony, Director Liu would definitely highlight this achievement in front of the entire department.

Perhaps this was the year he could finally surpass Lu He.

Han Changlin carefully placed the report back on Director Liu’s desk and said with excitement, “Director Liu, I’ll make sure to keep up the hard work next year.”

Director Liu nodded, his tone carrying a hint of emotion. “To be honest, before attending the review meeting, I was uncertain. Back then, our department was still struggling under the shadow of the November 16th murder. The provincial office even called me, saying they would be sending experts to assist with the investigation.

“But I still had faith in you, Han Changlin, and in your Second Unit. I believed you could solve the case!”

Han Changlin certainly remembered the time when Director Liu called him into the office and gave him a stern reprimand before setting a ten-day deadline to solve the case. Although they ultimately exceeded the deadline, the case was finally cracked. He understood that Director Liu must have done a lot behind the scenes to maintain team morale at the time.

Director Liu spoke generously, “So, this time at the review meeting, the confidence I had came from you, Han Changlin.”

Han Changlin was flattered and quickly waved his hand, saying, “Director Liu, you give me too much credit. This was all thanks to your wise leadership and the hard work of our entire team!”

Director Liu chuckled, “No need for flattery. But today, I didn’t call you here to talk about achievements.”

Han Changlin nodded seriously.

Director Liu spoke with a heavy tone, “As officers of the People’s Police, we must always put the interests of the people first and set aside personal honors or losses. I have higher expectations for your future work, not just for next year. With the Spring Festival approaching, you must give special attention to wrapping up year-end cases and ensure that everything is handled flawlessly.”

Han Changlin immediately stood at attention and responded, “Director Liu, rest assured, I will not disappoint you or the department.”

“Also, the young officers on your team are performing well, which shows that you have been guiding them well. Keep nurturing them.”

Han Changlin understood that in the November 16th family massacre case, both Zhao Leiting and Meng Siqi had outstanding performances. Compared to the First Unit, which consistently recruited graduates from prestigious universities, Zhao Leiting and Meng Siqi had almost been rejected by the police department before the Second Unit took them in. Now, they had become integral members, bringing pride to the team. This was proof that the Second Unit was better at training young officers than the First Unit.

He solemnly replied, “Director Liu, I will continue to mentor and train them.”

“Good. I have nothing more for now. I recently bought a new collection of Di Renjie’s Detective Cases. Take it with you and have a look.” Director Liu pointed to three thick, unopened books on the table.

Everyone knew Director Liu liked Di Renjie’s Detective Cases. Everyone also knew he liked giving books to others. But this was the first time Han Changlin had received a book from him.

He carried the heavy books back to his office with large, confident strides, keeping Director Liu’s praise and advice firmly in mind.

As soon as he entered the hallway, Zhao Leiting glanced over and called out, “Captain Han, what books did you get?”

Han Changlin grinned, “None of your business.”

Zhao Leiting chuckled.

Han Changlin placed the books on the most visible and secure spot on his desk. He adjusted them back and forth to ensure they were perfectly aligned and stable.

After finishing, he leaned back in his chair, hands resting behind his head, enjoying a brief moment of satisfaction.

But soon, he remembered Director Liu’s words about wrapping up year-end work thoroughly. He straightened up and called, “Zhao Leiting!”

Zhao Leiting walked over, “Captain, you need me?”

“How’s the investigation on that photo going?”

Zhao Leiting replied, “Captain, you’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t had the chance to give you a detailed update. Meng Siqi and I have found a girl who may be missing, but we need to investigate further.”

Han Changlin had indeed been caught up in end-of-year tasks and hadn’t focused much on that photograph. He responded seriously, “Continue your investigation with Xiao Meng. Report back to me regularly. I want results before the Spring Festival.”

“Understood, Captain. Don’t worry.”

As Zhao Leiting was about to leave, Han Changlin suddenly called out, “Hey, Zhao Leiting.”

“Yes, Captain?”

“Be careful! And make sure Xiao Meng stays safe—nothing must happen to her!”

“I understand.” Zhao Leiting nodded firmly.

Zhao Leiting returned to his seat and glanced at Meng Siqi, who was not far away, bent over her desk writing. He pondered to himself—Captain Han seemed to be in a good mood today, likely after returning from Director Liu’s office. It looked like he was taking this case very seriously. Zhao Leiting figured he should team up with Meng Siqi for a deeper investigation.

As dusk fell, Zhao Leiting drove a police-issued sedan and parked near a KTV entrance. A large tree on the roadside provided cover, shielding them from prying eyes.

Both he and Meng Siqi quietly observed the KTV entrance. They had tailed Jin Yaming’s taxi all the way here.

Over the past two days, they had been covertly tracking Jin Yaming. His usual routine was simple—going to the photo studio, occasionally stepping out for meals. But this was the first time he had come to a KTV, which seemed unusual.

“Maybe he’s meeting his girlfriend for karaoke?” Zhao Leiting wondered aloud.

Meng Siqi kept her gaze fixed outside the windshield. As they watched, Jin Yaming got out of the taxi, glanced around, and quickly walked into the KTV. She said, “Should we go in and check?”

Both of them were dressed casually. Zhao Leiting thought for a moment and said, “Alright.”

They exited the car and entered the KTV. It was one of the larger establishments, with a receptionist at the lobby. A female attendant approached them, asking, “Have you booked a private room?”

Zhao Leiting nodded, then shook his head.

Meng Siqi’s eyes stayed on the front desk. Jin Yaming had just received a card and was heading towards the private room hallway. If they didn’t act fast, they would lose him.

“We’re here to sing. Hurry up and go pay,” Meng Siqi urged Zhao Leiting before turning to the attendant. “Where’s the restroom? I need to go first.”

Seeing her anxious expression, the attendant quickly pointed towards the hallway. Meng Siqi thanked her and hurriedly followed in the same direction as Jin Yaming.

Zhao Leiting understood her intention but was still worried about her safety. Before he could say anything, she had already disappeared.

Meng Siqi moved swiftly down the hallway. Just as she turned a corner, she spotted Jin Yaming standing outside a private room. The door opened, and he stepped inside.

She hadn’t noticed earlier, but this corridor was entirely enclosed by private rooms, with no windows, making the air feel thick and suffocating. The noise of off-key singing from all directions created an overwhelming sense of irritation.

Steeling herself, she approached the door he had just entered. Since she had come this far, she needed to find out more.

She decided to pose as a staff member and pretend to have entered the wrong room.

With that thought, she reached out and pushed the door slightly. Typically, KTV room doors weren’t locked. However, this one didn’t budge.

It was locked from the inside.

As she was deep in thought, a figure emerged from the distance. She quickly turned around and walked forward naturally. It was a waiter carrying a tray of drinks and fruit. As they passed each other, Meng Siqi deliberately asked, “Excuse me, is the restroom ahead?”

“Yes, just keep going straight and turn right.”

Meng Siqi had already noticed the directional sign but still thanked the waiter before continuing forward. She glanced back just in time to see the waiter knocking on Jin Yaming’s private room door. A moment later, the door opened slightly, and two hands reached out to take the tray.

Meng Siqi began to suspect that Jin Yaming wasn’t there to sing karaoke with his girlfriend. Lost in thought, she walked into the restroom to wash her hands and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror—her delicate features made her look frail. How had she ended up as a detective, let alone had the courage to track a suspect? Even she felt she was a bit too bold. She pursed her lips into a smile, silently cheering herself on.

Returning to the hallway, she walked past the private room without stopping. She planned to meet up with Zhao Leiting, but he was no longer in the lobby. Guessing he must have gone in to find her, she also knew that due to his position, he wouldn’t seek outside help.

Now they were both lost in the dark, unaware of each other’s location. She quickly approached the front desk and learned that Zhao Leiting had booked a room. She immediately turned back, opened the door to the room he had reserved, and found that the lights were on, but no one was inside.

She hesitated, unsure whether to wait inside or return to the lobby. Zhao Leiting would certainly be searching for her. Standing at the door for a while, she endured the ear-piercing off-key singing. The soundproofing in this KTV wasn’t great. Though it was considered a luxury venue, its facilities were still somewhat lacking. Strictly speaking, in this era, such places were more commonly referred to as karaoke halls or song parlors.

After waiting a moment, she started walking toward the lobby. Just as she was about to round a corner, a sudden gust of wind rushed toward her. It was as if a stampede was charging through. A tall figure swiftly turned the corner and collided with her in an instant.

The man seemed prepared, as his strong arm instinctively caught her, pulling her into his chest.

Initially, it was his arm that knocked into her, but with a quick shift, he redirected the impact, letting her head press against his chest instead.

It was a solid hit—right into his embrace. But surprisingly, it didn’t hurt at all. The mix of sweat and a woody masculine scent wasn’t unpleasant. His warm palms steadied her shoulders as she looked up, momentarily stunned.

Lu He? It was actually Lu He.

His expression flickered with brief surprise, but his gaze remained as cold as ever, showing no particular emotion. He didn’t say a word. His warm hands gently turned her body, pressing her against the wall.

What was he doing? Her heart raced with both nerves and curiosity. But just as he let go, a group of people rushed past him.

His eyelids lowered slightly, as if silently asking, “Are you okay?” Then, he merged with the team.

They were officers from the First Unit, along with several uniformed officers. A total of over ten people—they were conducting a rapid operation.

With access cards in hand, they swiftly scanned and burst into rooms, launching a thorough raid. It turned out that all these doors required an access card to be opened from the outside.

The efficiency and precision of their movements were remarkable, and for a moment, Meng Siqi was entranced by their swift execution.

“Siqi…”

Zhao Leiting finally appeared, looking anxious. “I’ve been searching for you everywhere.”

“Sorry,” she immediately apologized. “I was too hasty just now.”

“It’s fine,” Zhao Leiting said while observing the First Unit’s operation. “Should we check out and wait outside? We shouldn’t interfere with their investigation.”

He had a point. If Lu He was handling something important, the two of them standing around wouldn’t be helpful. She nodded in agreement, and together they left the building and sat in their car to monitor the scene.

Outside, three or four police vehicles were parked. The alternating red and blue lights flashed against the night, making the city and sky appear especially calm under their glow.

About twenty minutes later, officers began escorting people out. It wasn’t just the police—there were also over a dozen men and women dressed in revealing clothing being taken into custody.

Meng Siqi immediately spotted Jin Yaming. Though he kept his head lowered, his tall and thin frame and slightly curly hair were too distinctive to miss. His shirt was completely unbuttoned, exposing his chest, making him look entirely different from before.

“A prostitution raid?” Zhao Leiting speculated. “The First Unit sure is busy.”

“Or maybe they used the raid to carry out another investigation,” Meng Siqi guessed.

“That’s possible. Lu He’s methods are always hard to figure out.”

Meng Siqi kept her eyes on the scene. Lu He was the last to walk out. His expression was serious, and he wore his usual brown leather jacket—a staple in his wardrobe. His tall, lean figure made him stand out, even in the dim, flashing lights.

Slowly, he turned his head and cast a cool gaze in her direction. The streetlights and police sirens flickered across his sharply defined features.

Meng Siqi instinctively shrank back. He probably couldn’t see her in the darkness of the car, but she still felt the urge to avoid his gaze.

Her mind replayed the earlier moment—when she had collided into his firm chest. The sensation had been solid, not unpleasant, yet strangely unsettling.

“Doesn’t Jin Yaming have a girlfriend?” Zhao Leiting suddenly asked.

Meng Siqi, still lost in thought, snapped back to reality. “Hmm?”

“I didn’t see his girlfriend among the people they arrested. Could they have mistakenly taken him in? Or was he actually cheating on her?”

Meng Siqi: “…”