Zhou Huan looked into Dongzi's eyes and said, "Dongzi, ever since we got together, you've been following me, right up until now. You should have learned a few more things, observed your surroundings a bit more carefully. Xiaoli's trip to keep Bureau Li tied up—that’s because we’ve already found traces indicating he’s dirty. Just now outside, we overheard that so-called Police Chief is actually a corrupt official. He’s done his share of shady deals, and he hasn't missed out on oppressing the common folk either."

"What? The Police Chief? How could he do such a thing?" Dongzi still held a positive view of the police.

Hong Kun then chimed in, "In our line of work as Shoushi, it’s not just about having solid skills and knowledge. More importantly, you need a decent network of social connections—a strong way to bring the wicked to justice. So, having said that, I must tell you, police chiefs aren't always upstanding citizens. There will always be a few rotten apples. You can't think so simply about things from now on."

Listening to them, Dongzi felt like they were both talking directly to him. He snapped, "I'm not a child anymore; do you think I don't know this? It’s just because I, Dongzi, usually end up doing things that go against the rules, isn't that it?"

"That's called being impulsive!" Zhou Huan delivered the final word to Dongzi, then continued, "That’s why I didn’t let you go out—to temper your rash habits. Alright, everyone sleep now. Xiaoling, you too. We mobilize collectively tonight." After speaking to the three of them, the four retired to their respective rooms. Naturally, with Xiaoli gone, Xiaoling would share a room with Zhou Huan.

The night grew deep. It was a moonlit night, though windy. A fierce wind whipped outside, making the tree branches sway wildly. The streets were long empty of pedestrians, and the streetlights had dimmed to their lowest setting, which was still better than total darkness.

"Wake up, wake up! We’re setting off. Carry some of this for me. You keep your grandfather’s camera and come take pictures with us. I want to see exactly what these bastards have been up to. They probably won’t live much longer anyway; we’ll make sure not a single shadow of them remains in the photos." After speaking, Zhou Huan pulled out that large photograph again, smiled as he looked at the people in it, then tucked the picture into his waist pouch. He turned and left the room, waking up Dongzi and Hong Kun. The four prepared their gear for departure.

"Master, where are we going tonight?" Hong Kun asked Zhou Huan eagerly.

Zhou Huan, shouldering his large pack, replied, "The place in the photograph. It’s called San Shu Farm. We should find evidence there. Once we do, we’ll just take care of the involved parties—chop them all down and make them face the full penalty of the law."

As they spoke, the four stepped out of the inn’s entrance. Suddenly, Xiaoling stopped. "Brother Huan, I forgot to feed the toad! I’m going back for him, and I’ll buy a chicken to feed him later."

No one stopped her, but Zhou Huan asked Dongzi, "What are you keeping that toad for?"

"Hehe, Brother, you don't know about this. This toad was the first one I ever kept. I was running an experiment, but I never saw the intended result. Instead, this toad just keeps eating—a chicken a day. It’s quite demanding," Dongzi explained.

Zhou Huan and Hong Kun glanced at the toad and noticed its belly seemed tightly constricted. They didn't think much more about it and headed towards San Shu Farm with Dongzi and Xiaoling.

Upon reaching the farm, Dongzi froze. He leaned close to Zhou Huan and whispered, "Brother, this place... my toad, I got him from here. I’ve been here before."

"What's it like inside? Anything unusual?" Zhou Huan immediately pressed, noticing Dongzi’s expression turn tense, as if hiding something. Zhou Huan smiled slightly. "Dongzi, are you holding something back?"

Hearing Zhou Huan ask, Dongzi realized Zhou Huan had seen right through him. He stopped feigning ignorance. "I was here today, during the day. That kid from the morgue entrance last time—he’s part of their crew. I already dealt with the small fry guarding the entrance. There are still a few large toads inside, and they’re holding Sui Xi in their mouths. That’s all part of my research."

"What? No! We can't let Sui Xi die! If he dies, we won't find anything! Hurry!" With that, Zhou Huan grew anxious, flung his pack off, and charged through the door. The toothless old man, known as San Shu, seeing more people rush in, scrambled into a corner, allowing Zhou Huan and the others to enter the farm.

Once inside, Dongzi immediately stood dumbfounded. He sprinted out dozens of meters, looking around wildly. "This isn't right. When I left, the three toads were still here. Where is Sui Xi? Did he run off?"

Zhou Huan and the others rushed up to Dongzi, demanding, "Where are the people? Where are your toads?"

"I don't know! The toads suddenly vanished! How would I know where they went?" Dongzi was visibly agitated, his hands fumbling uselessly.

"Forget it, it’s fine if they’re gone. We’ll just look around here. Hong Kun, go outside and keep that old man pinned down so he doesn't cause trouble. We’ll leave as soon as we’re done here." The moment Zhou Huan finished speaking, Hong Kun moved with practiced speed, running back toward the structure they had just passed.

Zhou Huan pulled the photograph from his breast pocket. "We’re looking for the scenery here. I've searched all over Wenchang, and only this farm hasn't been visited. None of the other farms have this exact spot. I suspect it's right here."

"Brother, how did you know it was a farm?" Dongzi asked Zhou Huan.

Zhou Huan pointed to a very small line of text on the photograph. "I studied these few characters for a long time, and finally, I got a lead. It says, 'Farm Back Gate.'"

Dongzi squinted at the photo. "So that's it. The place where they took that original photo must be right here, then?"

"Yes. Come on, let's start searching. Using that sign as our benchmark, that spot should be easy to find." The three split up to hunt for clues. Hong Kun, guarding the entrance, kept the toothless old man firmly in check. The old man’s prostate was acting up again; it looked like he was close to wetting himself, trembling from head to toe.

"Please, sirs, I beg you! I’ll close the farm down tomorrow and stop doing this. Just stop causing trouble!" the old man pleaded, his words whistling through his gaps.

Hong Kun completely ignored him, simply turning on the nearby television and leaning close to the old man, throwing an arm around him. "Old man, keep me company watching TV. You can close up shop tomorrow if you want, but we have to finish our business today."

The old man shivered, but Hong Kun held him tight. They sat watching television together.

"Brother, Brother! Look, the sign is here!" Dongzi spotted the edge of a sign sticking out of the dirt, revealing the characters 'Farm.' In a moment, Dongzi dug the sign out and held it up.

Zhou Huan rushed over, took the sign, and confirmed it was the exact sign from the photograph. But why was it buried here? Zhou Huan surveyed the surroundings. "Dongzi, look around for a back gate. If you find one, see if there’s a place where this sign can be hung. Then hang the sign back up."

Then, both their gazes fell upon a small tree not far off. Zhou Huan, using the proportion in the photograph, stepped backward step by step, aligning the sign, taking about a dozen paces before stopping. He measured it again against the photo, and a slight curve appeared on his lips. "Dongzi, come here!"

Dongzi quickly ran over, took the sign, and hung it back on that tree. Looking closely, he saw rusted wire still clinging to a branch. The sign swayed slightly in the breeze.

"Brother, is the position right?" Dongzi asked Zhou Huan after climbing up and securing the sign.

After comparing the view, Zhou Huan shouted, "Perfect! Come over here, both of us. We need a picture taken right here."

Dongzi sprinted back to Zhou Huan’s side. Zhou Huan pointed to the camera in Xiaoling’s hands. "Take a picture of us here. Look carefully at the scenery in this photo; don't miss the sign in the background. Make sure you capture the sign."

"Brother, why take a picture like this? Why are we taking a picture of this thing?" Dongzi asked, confused.

Zhou Huan smiled mysteriously. "You’ll know after the shot. And remember, don't blink!"

Yang Xiaoling held her grandfather’s camera, comparing it with the reference photo while searching for the spot. Click, click, click went the shutter three or four times, and then she flashed an OK sign, signaling Zhou Huan that the photography session was complete.