Chapter 107 "Target Confirmed"

The police conducted a thorough investigation into Song Junli's testimony.

The investigation revealed that the scar on his right hand was indeed caused by an experimental accident fifteen years ago when he was twenty-nine years old, and the scar has remained with him for the rest of his life. In other words, the man with the scar on his right hand that Feng Ningyun witnessed eighteen years ago was not him.

When the investigation report was laid out on the table, the officers couldn't help but feel frustrated.

The investigation focused not only on Song Junli, but also on every medical staff member with scars on their hands on the list provided by the vice president, but again, no clues were found.

"Boss, Feng Ningyun is, after all, a mental patient. Her testimony lacks credibility and reliability, and it won't be accepted even in court..."

"Do we really need to spend so much time investigating this lead?"

Mo Zhenbang stood in front of the whiteboard and put away the list.

“We cannot rely on fragments of a patient’s memory.” He turned to the crowd. “This line of thought will be put on hold for now.”

Uncle Li flipped through the file: "We have cross-referenced the information of all employees of Mingde and Weisheng Pharmaceutical Factory, and combined it with the physical characteristics of the murderer provided by Dr. Ye, but we still haven't made any breakthroughs."

The whiteboard was covered with photos and clues, and the faces of several key figures were both familiar and unfamiliar.

Zhu Qing stared at the photo of Ke Xiaobo, who had fallen from the high-rise building, on the whiteboard, and suddenly spoke up: "In Song Junli's statement this afternoon, he also mentioned Ke Xiaobo. Back then, he also wanted to work with Dr. Ke to earn some extra money, but he was politely refused later."

"The Dr. Ke who fell to his death was working as a medical examiner for several welfare institutions at the time. His time of death, the time of the orphan's death, and the Cheng family's case all occurred within the same time period."

Zeng Yongshan sat up straight and started looking for the transcript.

"He mentioned unintentionally that Ke Xiaobo was in trouble back then, and was 'overwhelmed'. However, after the accidental fall, no one continued to investigate the orphan's mysterious death."

Mo Zhenbang reached out and took it, quickly glancing at it, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

“These events all happened eighteen years ago, or even a few days before or after the same month. The timeline is too coincidental,” he said in a low voice. “Thoroughly investigate these welfare institutions.”

The time spent reviewing the case in the meeting room was a short break. The case analysis meeting ended quickly, and Mo Zhenbang reassigned tasks, grabbed his coat, and set off again.

Busy footsteps sounded and hurriedly left until there was no one left in the conference room. Then, Sister Zhen, an office worker, pushed open the door to pack up the documents and couldn't help but shake her head and sigh.

"When will this shift ever end...?"

...

Police began visiting several welfare organizations that had previously collaborated with Ke Xiaobo.

Our first stop was the welfare home where the orphan died suddenly from an illness years ago.

Time flies, and eighteen years have passed, resulting in almost the complete replacement of the staff. After much effort, the police finally managed to contact the person in charge from back then. Aunt Lian, the former head of the nursing team, is now all white-haired.

Aunt Lian, elderly and leaning on a cane, walked shakily through the gate of the orphanage with the help of her granddaughter. With each step, she would stop and rest for a moment, gazing at the mottled walls of the courtyard, her eyes filled with deep longing.

In the past, the management of the welfare home was not standardized. In a huge archive room, no old records could be found. The elderly could only recall and recount the details of those years.

"I remember the child you were talking about, she was a girl named Tongtong."

"The couple visited several times, but each time they hesitated because of Tongtong's age. At that time, Tongtong was already seven years old. It is difficult for a child of that age to quickly establish a close relationship with their adoptive parents like a toddler."

“We have seen too many cases where older adopted children fail to learn how to be affectionate and ingratiating, and are ultimately returned by their adoptive parents. This is very damaging to the children’s mental health.”

"But perhaps the couple and Tongtong were destined to be together. After thinking about it for a long time, they finally decided to take her home. All the formalities were completed, and only the last step remained..."

Aunt Lian was lost in distant memories, her aged hand resting on the table.

"But unexpectedly, after the routine physical examination, the report came out and Tongtong was found to have a problem. In just three days..."

Zhu Qing asked, "Was the physical examination conducted by Dr. Ke? Are there any problems with the examination report?"

"Tongtong was diagnosed with an infectious disease, and then she just passed away. Her adoptive parents couldn't accept it and came to Dr. Ke many times to demand an explanation. Who knew that just a few days later, even Dr. Ke himself..."

"Later, the matter was dropped. After all, they weren't my biological parents, and I had no right to pursue it further."

"It's such a pity. I remember how happy Tongtong was when she heard that she had been chosen for adoption. Among all the children in the orphanage, she was the most cheerful. She sang songs every day and helped the caregivers take care of her younger siblings."

Zhu Qing pressed further, "Were there any other children who had sudden accidents during that time?"

"No, not at all. All the children in the orphanage were undergoing routine checkups at the time, because it was a special period for international adoptions—"

Zhu Qing and Mo Zhenbang looked up at the same time, their expressions changing drastically.

"You said all the children in the hospital are having physical examinations. When exactly did that happen?" Zhu Qing asked.

“It happened more than ten years ago… I remember it was winter, the weather was very cold, and the children were all lining up.”

"Dr. Ke and two nurses were busy from morning until night."

Mo Zhenbang interjected, "Do you know those two nurses? Are they the resident medical staff at the welfare home?"

“No, the orphanage doesn’t have that kind of equipment,” Aunt Lian continued. “Dr. Ke brought it himself.”

Zhu Qing pressed on, "What are the specific procedures for the international adoption you mentioned?"

Aunt Lian stared blankly at the two police officers: "Several foreign organizations came to select children..."

"Did any of the children who were taken away later send back thank-you notes or photos?"

Aunt Lian was stunned, and after thinking for a long time, she said, "It seems like nothing happened. Could something have occurred?"

Mo Zhenbang's voice turned somber: "We need detailed information on all the international adoptions from that year."

...

After leaving the welfare home, the police rushed to the next institution.

Several hours later, the team returned to the Yau Ma Tei Police Station with the clues they had gathered.

“The management back then was too chaotic.” Zhu Qing flipped through the missing pages of the file. “These international adoptions didn’t even have complete basic information. In the adoption agency section, they just wrote ‘International Children’s Association’, without even contact information.”

“Some institutions that were originally welfare homes no longer exist or have merged with other institutions. Even the welfare homes that are still operating today have very basic conditions, let alone those that were 18 years ago.”

Zhu Qing recalled that she was too young at the time to have any recollection of whether or not she underwent a routine physical examination.

Perhaps, when she was young, she also brushed past evil, but was unaware of it because of her ignorance.

“For these children, it’s already a blessing that they can survive and grow up,” Mo Zhenbang said in a low voice.

As the truth drew closer, a solemn expression appeared on everyone's face in the conference room.

Mo Zhenbang organized his thoughts and listed the new clues one by one.

"Eighteen years ago, Ke Xiaobo was the head of Weisheng Pharmaceutical Factory and also served as a medical examiner for several welfare homes. Suddenly, there were foreign adoptions at the welfare homes, but the adoption agencies were shell companies that could not be found at all."

"At the same time, the Cheng family was murdered, Cheng Xinglang's younger brother went missing, and Professor Yang's wife and children were urgently sent abroad."

"Ke Xiaobo fell to his death, and the pharmaceutical factory went bankrupt. Almost all the records from that time were destroyed, including those of Lai Danhe, a nurse who had worked at the Mingde Mental Health Center. All of her work records were altered and deleted."

"All of this is to cover up a bigger conspiracy."

Uncle Li took the marker and put a big question mark next to "international adoption": "Where did these children end up? Tongtong's situation is very special. She had already been selected by a local family, but Ke Xiaobo was unaware of this and still arranged the international adoption process."

"If he were alive, the adoptive parents who originally wanted to adopt Tongtong might have pursued the matter further, and the situation would have become increasingly complicated and difficult to explain."

“Those shady dealings must be hidden, therefore, Ke Xiaobo must die.”

"Only if he disappears will there be no way to prove it."

Liang Qikai stood up and handed a stack of logistics company documents to Mo Sir.

"Wei Feng's refrigerated truck purchase time was exactly three months before the start of 'international adoption'. After the pharmaceutical factory went bankrupt, he also mysteriously disappeared for two years."

Xu Jiale snorted coldly: "Tell me, what has he been doing for the past two years? The pharmaceutical factory and logistics company were clearly not doing well, yet he managed to make a fortune, and then, two years later, he invested in re-registering a company—"

"Looking back now, those who had connections with pharmaceutical companies all did quite well later on."

"The accountant from back then now owns a chain of pharmacies, and even his assistant is now the largest distributor of medical devices and supplies."

"It's such a coincidence that so many people connected to this pharmaceutical factory have become rich."

Zhu Qing gently closed the file.

"Perhaps, they all got a share of the profits in this black market industry chain."

...

Zhu Qing arrived home late at night.

The clues to the case intertwined and collided in her mind. Professor Yang and Song Junli were both under close surveillance, and Cheng Xinglang was also protected without any leaks in the safe house. This silent contest was like groping and wrestling in the dark, every step as if walking on thin ice.

The only thing that brings a smile to her face is the wake-up service that displays children as human-shaped alarm clocks in the early morning.

Before she could even open her eyes, a warm little body pounced onto the bed.

"Get up! You'll be late if you don't get up now!"

The blooming flower resembled a little koala, clinging to Zhu Qing's arm.

Suddenly, his niece, who was as strong as a superwoman, flipped him over and lifted him up, dangling him over the edge of the bed and threatening him fiercely.

"If you make another sound, throw him out—"

A burst of clear, crisp laughter filled the bedroom in the early morning.

He was hanging upside down, his two chubby little feet kicking wildly in the air: "Qingzai, Qingzai! Take me back!"

Although she was clearly crying for help, her bright, sparkling eyes were practically overflowing with laughter, and her mouth was stretched almost to her ears.

This game was repeated several times, and Zhu Qing was wide awake.

"Qingzai, Qingzai," Shengfang asked, "Is living in the Yau Ma Tei apartment fun?"

"It's not fun." Zhu Qing shook her head. "I'm all alone."

She used to live alone and was used to eating and sleeping alone. But now that she has family around, she finds it hard to adjust to going back to her old routine.

The apartment next to the Yau Ma Tei Police Station is no longer a home, but just a place to wash up and rest.

And her home is here.

Mom, Fangfang, and Aunt Ping will keep the lights on, waiting for her to come back.

"That's because I'm not here," Fangfang said confidently. "It'll be fun when I move there too."

Zhu Qing was amused by his confident demeanor.

The two agreed that once the case was over, they would return to their Yau Ma Tei apartment together. It held so many memories: the "terrible" meals cooked by the uncle and nephew, watching cartoons together on the sofa, and the little notes left on the entryway bench reminding her to drink soup when she came home late from work…

"Is it okay?" Sheng Fang asked, tilting her little face up.

Her soft, chubby face always wore a sweet, innocent smile.

Zhu Qing's heart softened, and she gently touched the tip of his nose: "Of course, no problem."

"Just the two of us," Fangfang said in a soft voice, "without my older sister and Aunt Ping."

"Could you speak a little louder?" Zhu Qing suppressed a laugh.

"Fangfang said—" Zhu Qing deliberately shouted towards the door.

The little boy immediately jumped over and covered his niece's mouth.

He looked guilty and muttered to himself, "My older sister is so grown up, does she really want to compete with a little kid like me for my niece?"

"Qingzai, you have to keep your word."

Shengfang solemnly extended her little finger and made a pinky promise with Zhu Qing.

Looking at the innocent little baby in front of her, Zhu Qing suddenly felt that the unresolved case was no longer so heavy.

Because of the time that follows the case's closure, there is new anticipation.

Her cell phone suddenly vibrated, and she carried the bundle of baby back to the center of the bed.

It was a text message from Cheng Xinglang.

Shengfang, the little girl, immediately guessed it was him. She leaned over and rested her chin on her niece's shoulder: "What did Dr. Cheng say?"

“He said he’s finished reading the comic books,” Zhu Qing chuckled. “He can only look at the ceiling now.”

“He’s so pitiful, can he come and stay with us?” Sheng Fang said. “My older sister has hired a bodyguard.”

Zhu Qing: ...

"Do you think it's appropriate to use this as a container for children?"

Fangfang sensed the disrespect in Qingzai's tone towards his elders and immediately leaned over to scold him: "You have no manners! I am Shengfang's uncle!"

...

The days of surveillance, deployment, and tracking... time slipped away quietly amidst the intense tension.

Until an urgent phone call shattered the peace.

Mo Zhenbang put down the phone and turned to the police officers, saying, "Professor Yang's condition is deteriorating; he's dying."

Almost at the same moment, another call came in.

Professor Yang's wife had just entered the country and proactively requested police protection.

Mo Zhenbang immediately reported to his superiors. After an emergency deployment, the headquarters issued orders to secretly bring Mrs. Yang back and strengthen security at the hospital.

That evening, in a heavily guarded ward, Professor Yang's wife, Tang Fanglin, trembled as she held her husband's increasingly cold hand.

As the white sheet was slowly covered Professor Yang's face, she collapsed to the ground and wept uncontrollably.

After a long while, she took out an encrypted portable hard drive from her bag and handed it to the police officer standing by.

“Over the years, we have lived apart and met only a handful of times. Until last year’s New Year’s Eve, he suddenly handed this to me. He said that if something were to happen to him in the future, he must personally hand it over to the police to help you solve the case.”

“I didn’t open it.” Tang Fanglin wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. “He said that even I couldn’t open it, otherwise… I would be in danger.”

The technical team cracked the hard drive password overnight.

In addition to a similar list of people involved in the case, there was also a confession video recorded by Professor Yang Zhengxiu using a DV camera.

"Eighteen years ago, Xinglang's parents and I were best friends. They were my best friends in this life."

"They stumbled upon that terrible secret... someone was using children from orphanages for organ trafficking."

“The two children are still young, and I am their only trusted friend. They entrusted me with the backup of the evidence.”

He paused for a long time, then closed his eyes in pain.

"Not long after, they were murdered, and Ke Xiaobo came knocking on their door."

"That was a family annihilation case that was reported in the newspaper. I never imagined that the murderer would be so cruel to them."

“I told him that if I died, all the evidence would be automatically released after 24 hours. But that was just a bluff. I didn’t explain how it would be released at all… Should I involve my wife and children? As for the courage to call the police, I didn’t have that either.”

"But to my surprise, Ke Xiaobo really didn't dare to make any rash moves."

"This whole thing was caused by Ke Xiaobo's oversight,"

"It was Ke Xiaobo who did dirty work, allowing Xinglang's parents to obtain clues and find traces. He was afraid that if his deeds were exposed, he would be in danger, so he spent money to drag me down with him, wanting me to become an accomplice as well."

"I accepted hush money to save my life. I... I just wanted to live..."

In the video, Professor Yang suddenly choked up: "I sent my wife and children away, and stayed behind myself. All these years I have been waiting, enduring the torment of my conscience, waiting for a chance to atone for my sins."

The officers stood in front of the computer screen until the image abruptly stopped, then let out a soft sigh.

"Therefore, the psychological report he submitted to the police was indeed intended to prevent Cheng Xinglang from continuing the investigation."

"Professor Yang knew how deep this water was, and he also knew that Dr. Cheng, like his parents, would never give up on finding out the truth, no matter what. So, Professor Yang used that fabricated psychological report to reduce the credibility of Dr. Cheng's testimony. He just didn't expect that it was because he stepped into the police station that he would be silenced."

Mo Zhenbang retrieved the list of information.

The names on the sign made all the officers hold their breath.

Not only were there the late Ke Xiaobo and Wei Feng, the owner of Fengsong International Logistics, but also several celebrities who now enjoy considerable social standing.

"Mr. Mo!" Xu Jiale suddenly rushed in, "There are abnormal records on Fengsong Logistics' refrigerated trucks."

“In addition to the regular fresh produce transportation, these vehicles also have an unregistered special transport trip every so often, around midnight.”

"The destination is...an abandoned warehouse at the port of entry."

Mo Zhenbang slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over each of the police officers present.

Everyone understood what the current direction of the investigation meant.

"Submit an application for multi-departmental collaboration." Mo Zhenbang's expression was serious and resolute. "Upgrade the joint operation and prepare to close the net."

The case is nearing its end; this eighteen-year manhunt is finally about to reveal the truth.

...

The child's personal bodyguard team has been just as idle as he has been these past few days.

Although her older sister hired a professional team at great expense, Zhu Qing insisted that he not step out of the house until the case was solved.

After all, this case is related to children, so she dared not be careless in the slightest.

"Qingzai is too nervous." Shengfang lay on the living room carpet, idly playing with Lego bricks, building one small stool after another for his toys.

"Let's put on another little pillow." His chubby little hands continued to work hard, putting on the Lego pillow, placing it on the carpet, turning his body over, and slowly lying down.

Just as she was about to lie down, Fangfang looked back one last time.

This time, the "little pillow" has been reinforced by the young master, so it shouldn't collapse suddenly like last time!

Sheng Peirong has also made a point of canceling all business meetings these past few days to stay home and spend time with her younger brother.

Although the little guy always complains about how boring it is, there is at least one huge advantage: he can legitimately avoid attending extracurricular classes.

Shengfang asked to stay home from school. During the day, the children have to go to school, and Qingzai also has to go to work. The only person who can answer his calls anytime is Cheng Xinglang.

They are an adult and a child, now two people with nothing to do. They chat on the phone about everything under the sun, and their relationship has progressed rapidly.

"Once we're released, we'll go line up for the limited edition Transformers," Cheng Xinglang said.

With her chubby arms resting behind her head and her short legs swinging back and forth, she said, "But you can book it for me directly, big sister."

"That's so boring!" Cheng Xinglang said. "Don't you want to set up a makeshift campsite in front of the store?"

Shengfang immediately sat up.

Setting up tents and queuing up? That's so much fun!

This was another experience that the young master of the Sheng family had never had before. Just imagining the scene in his mind was enough to make his round little face flush with excitement.

"I want to buy the entire series and fill an entire wall with them!"

But as soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered that Qingzai wasn't very polite to her Transformers.

"Really?" Cheng Xinglang's laughter came from the other end of the phone. "What if she doesn't agree?"

"I'll beg her." Sheng Fang lay back on the floor, her little ears and shoulders holding the cell phone, her hands supporting her chin. "Just keep pestering her."

Is persistent pestering effective?

"Of course, Qingzai falls for that!"

At this moment, Sheng Peirong and Aunt Ping were eavesdropping at the kitchen door.

"Several months ago when I went to pick up my son, I heard some of his friends talking about breaking up the couple."

"It's been almost half a year, it seems he's forgotten about it himself."

The two looked at each other, smiled, and shook their heads.

This child even helped Dr. Cheng...

Outside the window, raindrops fell softly.

Looking at the increasingly heavy rain, Sheng Peirong murmured, "I wonder how Coco is doing. I haven't heard from her for days."

After the secret operation began, Zhu Qing never mentioned the case when she went home, and she even went home less often.

The only thing visible on the phone's text message screen was a message she had sent three hours earlier—

"all the best."

“This rain…” Sheng Peirong stood in front of the French windows and said softly, “When will it stop?”

...

After obtaining the declassified list, the police had already placed the individuals on the list under group surveillance.

The investigation revealed that several welfare institutions had records of children being "adopted," but the adoption procedures were unclear. These orphaned children were the easiest targets for criminal gangs.

Meanwhile, the stakeouts and on-site investigations over the past few days have finally yielded results: Fengsong International Logistics Company suddenly canceled a shipment, but has now restarted it, clearly indicating that the other party can no longer hold back.

Because the operation involved cross-border organized crime, it was taken over by the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), with the Major Crimes Unit assisting in the arrests.

When the officer in charge, Madam, entered the conference room, Uncle Li awkwardly straightened his clothes and turned his head away, pretending not to care.

His ex-wife, Yu Jingying, said generously, "I never expected that we would still be able to work together after all these years."

“It’s just that now you’re the high-ranking commander,” Uncle Li said with a smirk, “and I’ve become the subordinate.”

“It’s not like you’re a subordinate for the first time.” Yu Jingying raised her eyebrows.

"Be careful, don't overexert yourself." Uncle Li paused. "I'll be retiring in a few years, we can't afford any accidents at this crucial juncture, that's how it always happens on TV..."

"Li Jingsong! Say something auspicious!"

"Don't worry, I won't die." Uncle Li patted his chest. "I still carry the amulet you gave me back then."

The two looked at each other, shook their heads, and chuckled.

They used to argue endlessly, but all the past grievances seemed insignificant in this tense moment. In this solemn atmosphere, they could even laugh out loud.

At the final deployment meeting before the operation, all officers handed over their communication devices.

"I can't take it anymore," Haozai complained. "I haven't had a proper meal in days, just instant noodles every day..."

Xiao Sun laughed and said, "Yongshan said she wanted to eat Yangji's claypot rice just a couple of days ago."

"Claypot rice?! If we're going to eat, let's eat something good, let's go to Sai Kung for seafood, Mr. Mok's treating!"

"What? It's Mo Sir again... No matter how high the salary is, it's not enough for us to eat."

"Watch out for your sister-in-law's protest!"

A burst of laughter filled the conference room.

It wasn't until Weng Zhaolin tapped on the conference table that everyone gradually stopped laughing and joking.

“Once the case is closed,” Ong Siu-lun looked around at everyone, “I will treat you all to the best seafood in Saigon.”

"But now... it's time to give the Cheng family an explanation."

When the last sentence was spoken, everyone straightened their backs.

"Yes, sir!" the entire team replied in unison, instantly getting into character as if the earlier playfulness had never happened.

...

The abandoned dock was exceptionally quiet on a rainy night.

The officers were scattered and lying in ambush in various corners, unable to distinguish whether the sound of rain or their own violently pounding hearts was mingling in their ears.

At 2 a.m., three old-fashioned refrigerated trucks slowly drove in.

Bright headlights pierced the line of sight.

The workers silently began unloading, their movements practiced and efficient. Instead of refrigerated containers meant for fresh produce, they unloaded sealed shipping containers.

Wearing a black raincoat, Wei Feng jumped out of the driver's seat and warily surveyed his surroundings. He was completely different from the impeccably dressed man in the photos, and also a far cry from the affable businessman the police had secretly followed a few days prior. Now, his eyes were sharp as knives, and he suddenly frowned, looking into the darkness.

A deep command came through the officers' headsets.

"Target confirmed."

Police rushed out from all directions in an instant, breaking the calm before the storm.

Wei Feng reacted extremely quickly, rolling to the side to dodge behind the car.

The scene immediately descended into chaos.

Amidst the screams, crashes, and struggles, several police officers seized the opportunity to rush to the back of the vehicle.

Zhu Qing gripped the refrigerator door handle tightly with both hands and pulled down sharply. With a muffled thud, the door sprang open instantly.

A cold mist filled the depths of the carriage, where seven children huddled quietly in a corner, seemingly unconscious.

Just then, a deafening gunshot ripped through the rainy night.

"Bang!"

Sparks flew and gunshots echoed over the dock for a long time.

It seems like it will never fade away.

...

The torrential rain continued late into the night, relentlessly.

A bolt of lightning flashed across the night sky, startling Shengfang awake. She groggily crawled out of bed.

When he opened his eyes, he was at the foot of the bed. He rolled around and tumbled all the way to the head of the bed.

Dim light shone through the crack in the door. Sheng Peirong and Aunt Ping were still awake, and their deliberately hushed conversation could be faintly heard.

“This rain just won’t stop…” Sheng Peirong’s voice was filled with rare anxiety.

She got up and walked around, slowly pacing, before stopping again in front of the French windows.

Aunt Ping had carefully put away the little bicycle that had been sitting there, and it was leaning against the corner of the porch.

"It will stop," Aunt Ping said gently, reassuringly. "The weather station said it will stop by tomorrow morning. Then the rain will clear up and the weather will be nice."

In the children's room, Shengfang was tossing and turning on the bed.

Half of his body was hanging off the edge of the bed, his little feet dangling in the air as he practiced riding a bicycle.

It's been a long time since I rode a bicycle; if I don't practice soon, I'll forget how.

Listening to the pattering rain outside the window, Fangfang hung upside down, deep in thought.

He's never tasted rainwater before, is it delicious?

Shengfang Baby made up her mind to wait for Qingzai to come home and take her to collect rainwater.

Both uncle and nephew should try it!