I walked up to Building 47 and gave the door a series of sharp knocks. A retired worker, perhaps around sixty, opened the ground-floor door. Before I could speak, he recognized me. “Why are you back here? Didn't you come by yesterday?”

I forced a smile. “Sir, sorry to bother you again. It’s about the same matter as yesterday. Do you recall anything about that person? Has anything come to mind?”

“No, no! It’s bothersome. Didn't I tell you my old woman is sick? Don’t wake her up.” With a loud thud, he slammed the door shut—a sound several times louder than my knocking. I wondered if the old woman inside had been startled awake again.

I shook my head with resignation. This is what being a cop is like; to solve a case, you must endure any indignity. Some people probably think being a police officer is all about prestige, but only we truly know the bitterness. Of course, there are always a few rotten apples who abuse their authority over the public, but they are the extreme minority.

I patiently knocked on every door, floor by floor, then tiredly repeated the same question to every resident. Soon, I had finished the entire building.

I sighed. A poor start. May the Bodhisattva grant a miracle in the next two buildings, otherwise, I swear I’ll cook and eat that kid Gao Jianning.

Building 215 yielded nothing. I stood before Building 158.

I knocked on every door from the first floor to the top, opening them one by one. If no one answered, I could only assume the apartment was empty.

Still nothing. My anger was about to explode. I rushed down the stairs without stopping, eager to get back to the precinct and put someone through the wringer.

These were old buildings; there were no elevators, so I used the stairwells. As I reached the landing between the fourth and fifth floors, I suddenly collided head-on with someone. Since I was coming down, my momentum carried a strong force, sending the person tumbling backward. If he hadn't been quick on his feet, that impact would have put him in a hospital bed for days.

As he fell backward, his left hand instinctively grabbed the railing for support. Then, with a sharp lean, his right leg bent halfway, forcefully halting his backward descent. My heart leaped in shock; if he had fallen straight back, it might have been fatal.

The man stabilized himself, and then a torrent of violent cursing erupted from his throat: “You son of a—are you blind? I***”

His stream of obscenities was enough to warrant me laying down the law, but since I was at fault first, I quickly stepped forward to apologize. “I’m truly sorry, my apologies! Are you… alright?”

Just as I moved to help him up, I froze. And when he saw me, he froze too.

I stared at that ugly face, my brow deeply furrowed, then spoke slowly, articulating each syllable: “Guang, Tou, Qiang!”

Indeed, this grotesque fellow was Guang Tou Qiang. I might not recognize others, but I certainly knew that gleaming bald head.

Guang Tou Qiang didn’t recognize me at first. The last time I was in Sanhe, I was wearing mechanic’s overalls. Now, I was fully uniformed in my crisp police attire, which confused his vision.

He squinted, bewildered. “Who? Who are you calling?”

This guy was truly a ‘son of a—’ idiot. I clearly recognized him, yet he played dumb. It was obvious he had something to hide, afraid I wouldn't see through it.

And since these three buildings were connected to Jiang Hua’s disappearance, even if I were the stupidest cop in the world, I could guess that someone involved in illegal activities must have some connection to the missing person.

I made an instant decision. I drew my pistol from my hip and barked, “Get over to that corner now! Take one more step and I’ll break your legs!”

When Guang Tou Qiang saw me pull the gun, he instantly looked like a fattened hog heading to the slaughterhouse. He trembled all over, but his mind suddenly cleared, and he remembered me. He yelled, “Big Brother! It’s you! Is that really you!? It’s all my fault for being blind last time and offending a divine presence like you, respected elder! Please, don't shake—that thing is no joke.”

I didn't have time for pleasantries. I nearly lost my life over this matter yesterday. Today, even if I had to put two holes in this guy, I would find the lead I needed.

I waved the gun. “Didn't you hear me? I told you to squat in the corner!”

Guang Tou Qiang didn't dare argue further and obediently shuffled to the corner. I commanded, “Undo your belt. Untie your shoelaces too. Throw them all on the floor.”

This was no empty threat. It was just him and me now. If he bolted, he could easily dodge the trajectory of a shot around the corner, and I’d never catch him. Furthermore, this was his turf; if I tried to march him out, those desperate thugs could start shooting from hiding, and I’d be finished. Therefore, I needed to gain complete control. Untying his belt and laces was to ensure he couldn't run fast; at least until he reached the next turn, my bullet could still catch him.

Despite how tough this Guang Tou Qiang usually acted, when a gun was pointed at him, he was just one step away from wetting his pants. Trembling, he unbuckled his belt, then bent over to untie his laces and tossed them aside. I nudged the items away with my foot and ordered, “Get down on the floor, hands behind your back!”

Guang Tou Qiang was close to tears. “Big Brother, what’s going on? I really haven’t done anything! Please spare me!”

I kicked him hard on his plump backside. “Damn it, if you haven’t done anything, why shave your head so shiny you could scare people to death walking around at midnight? And you say you haven’t done anything? You’ll have plenty to say later.”

When Guang Tou Qiang was completely prone, I held the gun steady with one hand and used the other to grab the belt, wrapping it tightly around his wrists and tying a knot. I yanked upwards. “Get up. You’re coming with me!”

If it had been anyone else, I might not have gone to such lengths, but Guang Tou Qiang was the local overlord here; caution was paramount.

Guang Tou Qiang knew he was caught like a rat, and he became much more docile, though he still kept muttering, "Big Brother, you've got it wrong." I tugged the belt. “Whether you’re wrong or right, we’ll discuss that back at the station. If you truly are innocent, I’ll apologize myself!”

To be honest, I didn't have direct evidence of Guang Tou Qiang committing any specific crime yet, but relying on the fact that he was concealing his identity, I was certain he was involved in something.

This is police intuition. Some truly skilled officers can size up a person’s background just by looking at them. For instance, there was a report about an old anti-pickpocketing officer at the Capital Railway Station who had worked there for decades. Every day he would just stand there, watching the crowds, point to a random person, and a search would invariably turn up tools for theft like blades or hooks. Even more astonishing, he could spot a drug mule in a sea of thousands just by sight. In those cases, he had no direct evidence against the suspects; it was pure intuition—the result of long-term accumulation, not something built overnight.

While I haven't reached that level, when facing a guy like Guang Tou Qiang—all brawn, simple mind, practically wearing the word 'criminal' on his face—that small degree of intuition is usually reliable.

Escorting Guang Tou Qiang out of the building entrance, I paused outside the main door and made a call, asking Zhang Jiewei to send someone to meet us for backup, just in case. Then I looked outside and saw several figures lurking there.

When those guys saw me escorting Guang Tou Qiang, they immediately became agitated. I knew that panicking in such a moment would only embolden them and put me in a passive position.

I casually walked out, leading Guang Tou Qiang, waving my gun, and shouting sternly, “What are you looking at? Clear out, or I’ll take all of you in!”

Rats are naturally afraid of cats, just as these fellows, who spend their lives hiding in the shadows of society, feared me in my police uniform. Even though I was alone, they were intimidated. This is the power of justice, rooted deep in the human soul. Even if that soul is beyond redemption, the power of justice resides in its deepest core!

Surrounded by these scurrying rats, I marched Guang Tou Qiang into the police car and, under their burning gazes, sped away.

In that moment, I suddenly understood the sacred nature of police work: it represents justice, it represents light.

The entire drive, Guang Tou Qiang was utterly dejected, leaning against the seat, looking burdened by his thoughts. I inwardly chuckled. For someone with his IQ to have survived this long was a miracle. The interrogation later probably wouldn't be very difficult.

Just as I was about to leave the Sanhe boundary, I caught sight of several cars tailing us in the rearview mirror. My heart lurched: Could 'Munya' have sent men?

The cars closed in rapidly; it was clear they were after me. I stomped on the accelerator, and the patrol car shot forward.

As the speed increased, I became strangely calm. I suddenly realized that 'Munya' wasn't actually planning an armed confrontation. This was a show for his other underlings. A mere local thug like him couldn't possibly handle the charge of hijacking a police vehicle. But having one of his subordinates taken away by a single cop on his own turf? That was a public slap in the face. If he didn't find a way to save face, his subordinates would never respect him again.

It seemed 'Munya' had a bit of strategy to become the underground boss of the Sanhe area. But today, he ran into me, and that was his bad luck. Just watch me play him out!

Thinking this, I glanced at Guang Tou Qiang in the passenger seat. The only immediate worry was if he had a sudden burst of bravery and decided to cause trouble in the car. If the car crashed or he died, all of Munya’s business would die with him, and Guang Tou Qiang and I would take the fall.

Guang Tou Qiang also spotted his own people’s cars in the mirror. The muscles in his face twitched; he looked excited.

I gripped the steering wheel with one hand and gently brought my gun up with the other, resting the barrel against his forehead. I coldly warned him, “Don’t get any bright ideas. Otherwise, I’ll blow you away, and I’ll charge you with assaulting an officer.”

My words cut through Guang Tou Qiang’s fanciful notions like shards of ice. The kid was smart enough to realize that the people behind him were far away, but this killing machine next to him was terrifyingly close.

Seeing Guang Tou Qiang settle down, I relaxed, then added, “You aren't facing the death penalty. If you want to die, feel free to run into my line of fire. The bullets aren't mine anyway; they’re free to waste.”

Guang Tou Qiang finally got the message straight. He nodded frantically. “Big Brother is right to lecture me. My head is what matters most; everything else is nonsense.”

It seemed he truly understood. So, I eased up on the speed, tapped the brake lightly, and instantly cut the speed by more than half. The cars behind us hadn’t expected it; one nearly rear-ended me but managed to swerve away. This was also something I predicted, because in this society, the people best at driving are either professional racers or car thieves. Next in line are these underground types; their primary skill, honed to evade crackdowns, is evasion—not just driving fast, but handling their cars with more agility than their own legs.

Now, my police car was sandwiched between the three vehicles behind and the one in front. The other side clearly hadn't anticipated this maneuver; they were all momentarily stunned. I clearly saw one guy in the car next to me pulling out his cell phone, dialing frantically, no doubt calling 'Munya.'

Clearly, 'Munya,' the mastermind, was also frustrated that I had outmaneuvered him. He was in a tough spot now. But I knew that guys who played high-stakes games like him tended to be steady; those who weren't steady all died out ten years ago. So, I was certain he wouldn't dare order an attack on a police car.

Moreover, his subordinates surely weren't fools. Once one or two smart ones saw an exit strategy, the others would follow suit. So, while I looked endangered, I was actually perfectly safe.

Just then, another police car suddenly came roaring up ahead, prematurely ending the game. The thugs now had a way out. As one bearded fellow turned his car around, he shouted through the window toward Guang Tou Qiang, “Buddy, sorry about this! More fuzz! You hang in there, we’ll wait for you!” Then they zoomed away.

Guang Tou Qiang cursed them bitterly. I laughed. “They came to help you, what are you cursing them for?”

“I finally see these guys for who they are. Officer Big Brother, don’t worry, I, Guang Tou Qiang, will definitely turn over a new leaf and reform my life from now on.”

Hearing that, I knew this guy was a dog that couldn't change its habits. Once I let go, he’d be back to his old ways, perhaps even worse. But for someone so determined to walk the dark path to the end, I wasn't going to waste my breath lecturing him. The most important thing now was to uncover the truth of his dealings—was there any connection to Jiang Hua?

The police car ahead squealed, its rear swinging out in a smooth, controlled skid. I was momentarily surprised. Did Zhang Jiewei drive here himself?

The door opened, and I saw Gao Jianning, which surprised me. The other door opened too, and a graceful figure appeared—it was Feng Siyan.

Now I understood. No wonder the backup arrived so fast; the kid was clearly trying to show off in front of the 'Goddess.' Thank heavens nothing went wrong, or the consequences would have been unimaginable. I'd need to give him a serious political education session when we got back.

Feng Siyan used to be in the Fourth Criminal Investigation Unit, a capable female officer. She walked briskly to the front of my car, her gaze sharper than when she was in the office, with less gentleness and more intensity.

Gao Jianning was still basking in his moment of glory, completely oblivious to how dangerous his actions were. I gave him a cold look, then said, “You, come drive this car.”

Gao Jianning nearly argued with me, looking as if I were trying to steal Feng Siyan from him. I knew men at this stage wouldn't listen to reason, so I said, “I’m exhausted. That chase scared me half to death—dozens of cars chasing me! Thank goodness you came fast, or I wouldn’t have made it back. I need to rest in the back for a bit, let me catch my breath.”

With a few compliments, the kid’s face flushed redder than a monkey’s backside. He nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, Brother Lei, hurry up and go! I’ll handle this guy. If he dares move an inch, I’ll shoot him!”

Feng Siyan seemed to notice something, a slight upturn at the corner of her mouth—was she smiling, or was she thinking of something else?

I got into Feng Siyan’s car. Gao Jianning was still quite alert; he watched me settle into the back seat before getting into the driver’s seat himself.

The police car moved smoothly. Sitting in the back, I looked at Feng Siyan. She was slightly shorter than Xiao Xuan and also quieter, but I could sense an inherent strength in her. If she and Gao Jianning could actually end up together, they would make a very good couple.

I paused, then asked, “Miss Feng, when you were in the Fourth Unit, they took good care of you, right?”

Feng Siyan drove, saying, “Don’t call me 'Miss,' I can’t stand it when you sound like Wang Xuyang.”

That was good news; I could probably extract some small favors from Gao Jianning later. I continued, “I thought you and Wang Xuyang were quite close. Turns out that guy was just being overly familiar—haha, I must have overthought it.”

Feng Siyan replied, “Actually, he’s not all bad, just too smooth-talking. He acts familiar with everyone, but he’s not actually close to anyone, haha.” She ended up laughing aloud at her own observation.

I instantly became tense. Feng Siyan usually gave off an aura of cool elegance; her actually laughing out loud was abnormal. Abnormal, abnormal, a warning bell sounded in my mind.

For a woman and a man, the sequence is usually meeting and being pleased, then liking, then being madly in love. For the type of woman who cries upon seeing a man, turning sorrow into love—that only happens in TV dramas. In reality, who doesn't prefer happiness? Men and women alike.

“You rarely smile. You look very beautiful when you do. You should smile more often in the future, or you’ll get wrinkles and won’t be able to get married,” I said deliberately, using slightly frivolous language to test her.

Feng Siyan didn't seem to notice my petty scheme and continued, “I just think Wang Xuyang is a bit strange. Look at his legs; they never stop moving. I’ve never seen anyone like that.”

“It sounds like you were quite happy in the Fourth Unit. Following Gao Jianning all day must be boring you to death, right?” Every word I spoke carried multiple listening posts; if she wasn't careful, I’d capture something.