Chapter 44 Home Visit
In the evening, Jifeng strolled barefoot along the beach. A cool breeze blew gently along the shoreline in late spring and early summer, and the waves lapping at the fine sand, emitting a gentle, persistent whisper. He paced aimlessly back and forth, each step leaving a clear footprint on the soft sand, which was then quietly smoothed away by the incoming tide.
The setting sun stained the horizon a brilliant orange-red, melting the sea into a seething golden liquid. He stood on the shore, like an old man weathered by millennia of wind and waves, a deep, inky silhouette, poised between the orange-red sky and the surging, snow-capped waves. Even the roar of the waves crashing against the reefs seemed to echo the ancient breath of the Stone Old Man, flowing from the bones of his being, a symbiotic relationship with the sea.
With less than two weeks left before the one-year deadline to solve the case, the uneasiness that grew deeper and deeper within him, like an undercurrent surging beneath the surface of the ocean, made him feel the invisible impact of every ebb and flow. At this moment, the gears of fate seemed to emit a subtle, yet unignorable click.
A crisp WeChat notification chime cut through Haichao's chatter, and he instinctively reached for his pocket. His phone screen suddenly lit up in the twilight, its cold white light illuminating his dark, thin, and exhausted face, piercing the gathering darkness around him. His fingertips brushed against the cool glass as he clicked on the new message—it was from Hua Ailing.
Ji Feng tapped the screen and opened WeChat. "Is the case going well?"
Seeing this question, Ji Feng felt bitter. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "The truth has been revealed, but the reason is still unclear."
"I have good news for you. Since you solved several major cases in Yishijiang last time, there's hope for Dean Lu to be promoted again."
The moment he saw this news, it was like a shot of adrenaline, and Ji Feng's heart suddenly surged with joy. Dean Lu was both his teacher and his father, and he sincerely hoped that Dean Lu would realize his ambitions and achieve great things.
"Really? That's great! We've finally been waiting for this day!"
"The Organization Department has spoken with President Lu today and has promoted him to captain of the Criminal Investigation Corps of the Provincial Public Security Department, a deputy department-level position."
"That's great..." Ji Feng repeated these three words over and over again, pacing back and forth on the beach. The gravel under his feet was stepped into messy pits, as if he was the one who got the promotion.
"Therefore, the bet between you and Dean Lu is automatically invalid. There is no need to stick to the one-year deadline. You have plenty of time to continue the investigation at your own pace."
As the deadline approached, before he knew Hua Ailing's intention, he could only guess that Hua Ailing was trying to relieve his stress, so he replied, "No, I will strictly fulfill the contract according to the previously agreed date and will not postpone it." This was his true thought, both for the stubbornness in his bones and to give himself an explanation.
"You haven't replied to the progress of the answer." After receiving Ji Feng's "ungrateful" reply, Hua Ailing continued to ask.
When Hua Ailing asked this question, Ji Feng realized that he had just judged her by his own standards - she had no other intentions and was really just trying to relieve her stress.
After thinking for a moment, he sent a message to Hua Ailing about the fruitless search for the abandoned factory.
"Abandoned factory? A woman going to an abandoned factory in the middle of the night? The thought of it is creepy."
"Yes, not to mention a woman, even a grown man would feel terrified if he went there in broad daylight."
“Is it a large area?”
"It's not small, it covers about three to four thousand square meters."
"It must be a dilapidated scene, with cobwebs, dust, weeds, and rust, right?"
"That's right, your expertise might not be useful." After sending this message, Ji Feng felt a little uneasy. But he figured Hua Ailing had already seen it, so retracting it would be useless, so he had to give up.
"Yes. From a traceology perspective, this kind of scene is truly useless. However, I suggest you contact Dean Lu. Firstly, to congratulate him on his promotion; secondly, to ask him to assist you in transferring a few police dogs from the Provincial Public Security Department's police dog base to search the abandoned factory. This will at least save you some effort."
"Police dog? Well, that's a good suggestion." He just realized that the police dog base will soon be under the jurisdiction of Lu Zhiyao.
"Although Director Lu hasn't arrived yet, everyone in the Criminal Investigation Corps knows that he'll be taking over next week. As long as Director Lu asks, they should do their best."
"I thought so, thank you."
"You're welcome, it's just a lack of information."
He didn't want to cause trouble for Dean Lu before he officially took office, but then he thought, he couldn't refuse Hua Ailing's kindness, and sending police dogs to search could indeed improve efficiency. So he made up his mind to mention it in passing after congratulating Dean Lu tomorrow.
"Thank you for your trouble with this case." I had intended it to be polite, but after I sent it out, I felt like there was something else going on, which wasn't quite right. But on second thought, I was too lazy to change it.
"Odor traces belong to the extension of traceology, which is professional sensitivity."
"I'll go back soon and organize some classmates to hold a grand celebration banquet for President Lu."
After waiting for a while, Hua Ailing no longer responded, and Ji Feng confirmed that she had ended the conversation.
Until the very end, Hua Ailing never mentioned their bet, and Jifeng didn't know how to bring it up either. It was as if there was some unspoken understanding between the two of them. However, regardless of whether the case was solved or not, the deadline would come, and no one knew what to do next. He had even speculated a moment ago that Hua Ailing might regret having made the bet with him.
Hua Ailing's repeated attempts to help only made the bet increasingly complicated, tangling like a tangled mess. Does she still care about the bet? How should she face it? Will it all end in vain? Or... It's truly a tangled mess. Sigh, forget it. Let's just focus on solving the case first.
The next morning, Ji Feng called Dean Lu. A low and noisy background sound came from the other end of the phone. Dean Lu was handing over his work to his successor.
We couldn't chat for long. He suppressed his surging excitement and offered sincere congratulations and relief. After calming down a bit, he succinctly stated his request to coordinate with the police dog base to help solve the case.
Dean Lu remained calm and composed, with no hint of emotion. He calmly and confidently agreed to his request and instructed him to prepare to search for the source of the odor.
After hanging up the phone, thinking that the matter was a done deal, he felt refreshed again. He let out a long breath, feeling relaxed and full of energy.
He called Xin Xiao, firstly to share the good news and secondly to discuss the search for the source of the odor. Before he could even begin, Xin Xiao informed him that they had been unable to contact Aunt Zhou at the hospital, and that she had been discharged today. He asked him what to do next. He paused, then recalled the plan he had made yesterday and said, "Let's go to Qijiagou Community."
When Ji Feng broke the good news to Xin Xiao, the simple Jiaozhou man's hands trembled slightly as he gripped the steering wheel, his two rows of snow-white teeth bared. It was clear he was genuinely happy for Ji Feng. He'd felt the immense pressure Ji Feng had endured these past few months, and now that this mountain of pressure had finally been lifted, the relief Ji Feng felt seemed to radiate to him.
The source of the scent they were searching for was what gave them a lot of trouble. They discussed several options in the car, but none seemed suitable. Finally, Ji Feng asked Xin Xiao to contact a friend he'd met in the Thuja juniper community and get some Thuja juniper spice to use as a scent source for the dogs' search—a matter of chance. Xin Xiao patted his chest and declared it a piece of cake.
"I haven't asked yet, what are we going to do in Qijiagou Community?" Xin Xiao asked while driving.
"Go to Aunt Zhou's house to verify what Bo Qianqian said that day, and learn some other details. In short, try to get as many specific details as possible." Ji Feng replied.
"By the way, let's go to Bo Qianqian's house first. They live across the street, so why not go now that we're at the door?" Ji Feng seemed to remember something and added.
"That's right, I haven't seen her ID card yet." Xin Xiao continued.
"You know, for ordinary residents, asking about the case in the form of a chat at home is more relaxing and more effective than in the interrogation room of the public security agency." Ji Feng, who was in a particularly relaxed mood, made up a lie. He knew that Xin Xiao was easy to fool.
"Although I don't know, I believe it should be like this." Xin Xiao nodded in agreement.
Ji Feng had a smug smirk on his face, a smile he hadn't seen in a long time.
The car stopped at the entrance of a slightly run-down residential building in Qijiagou Community. The afternoon sun was glaring, and the air was filled with the unique atmosphere of life in an old neighborhood. Ji Feng and Xin Xiao got out of the car and walked straight to Bo Qianqian's apartment.
When they arrived at the unit door, Ji Feng grabbed Xin Xiao and whispered a few words to him. Xin Xiao nodded in understanding.
I knocked on Bo Qianqian's door, and soon I heard footsteps from inside. The door opened a crack, revealing her thin figure and slightly haggard face beneath her loose home clothes. When she saw Ji Feng and Xin Xiao, a subtle flash of surprise flashed in her eyes, which was then covered by a forced calm.
"Captain Ji? Officer Xin? Why are you here?" Bo Qianqian's voice was a little hoarse. She held the door frame and seemed to have no intention of opening the door completely.
"Ms. Bo, I'm sorry for the inconvenience. We didn't see your ID card when we went to the police station. We happened to be carrying out the temporary resident registration work, and today we are carrying out both tasks at the same time." Ji Feng said in an unquestionable tone.
"Are criminal police also responsible for registering temporary residents?" Bo Qianqian was clearly aware of the division of labor within the public security organs.
"You're still so professional. The criminal police aren't responsible for this job. We came to your home to check because we haven't seen your original ID card. We're also doing a favor for the colleagues in charge of temporary resident registration."
"Oh, I see. Then please wait a moment while I clean up. The room is a bit messy." Seeing the registration form in Xin Xiao's hand and unable to write while standing outside the door, Bo Qianqian said reluctantly.
"Okay, excuse me."
With a "bang", the door closed again.
Then, there was a clattering noise from inside the room, like someone hurriedly packing up. After waiting for about seven or eight minutes, Bo Qianqian changed into long clothes and opened the door again.
Ji Feng and Xin Xiao strolled inside. It was a two-bedroom, one-living room apartment. Located in an older neighborhood, the room didn't look new, but it was reasonably clean. The furnishings were simple, with only the essentials, no extraneous decorations or ornaments that might reveal the owner's interests. The household's furnishings generally matched her previous description of the household's lifestyle.
After leading them to sit on the sofa, Bo Qianqian turned and walked into the bedroom next door. After a moment, she handed her ID card to Ji Feng.
Ji Feng looked at the ID card and asked, "Ms. Bo, if I didn't see the ID card and only heard your accent, I would have thought you were a local." Ji Feng deliberately made the atmosphere more relaxed.
"I've been on Mo Island for a long time, and I've been influenced by what I've seen and heard."
"How many years have you been on Mo Island?"
"More than ten years."
"So, you've achieved financial freedom after working at that private hospital for less than ten years?"
“I can’t say I’m financially free, but my income is certainly satisfactory.”
"I really envy you. You can live a carefree life without working for less than ten years."
"Actually, that's not entirely true. I sometimes go to the veterinary hospital to help out and earn some living expenses."
"Oh. That's it." Jifeng nodded.
"I have to say, you look several years younger than your actual age."
"You're really good at giving compliments, thank you." The atmosphere was much more relaxed than in the interrogation room.
"What made you choose to develop in Mo Island at that time?"
"I like the sea, and the climate on Mo Island is also very pleasant."
"Why didn't you continue to practice medicine?"
"I originally wanted to continue this career. But at that time, SARS happened to hit, and all hospitals suspended recruitment. After SARS passed, a large number of fresh graduates graduated. Although I had the advantage of work experience, my academic qualifications were not strong enough and I was not competitive. I applied for several hospitals in succession, but was unsuccessful. Later, I lost my job.
It took away my motivation to work, and I’ve been free ever since.”
In her own home, Bo Qianqian felt much more comfortable and talked more.
"It's better not to work. The work pressure is quite high nowadays." Ji Feng thought he said something with high emotional intelligence.
"Let me pour you two some tea." As he said this, he stood up and went to get the teapot, which seemed to be an order to leave.
"Has your neighbor Aunt Zhou been discharged from the hospital?" Ji Feng asked knowingly, pretending to leave.
"She's been discharged from the hospital and returned early this morning. Are you going to her house?"
"Since you're here, you might as well stop by and visit."
"Okay."
"Okay, I won't bother you anymore. Thank you for your cooperation." Xin Xiao had already completed the temporary resident registration. It would be tactless for the two of them not to leave.
"You're welcome."
After leaving Bo Qianqian's house, they came to the door of Room 101 opposite.
Xin Xiao raised his hand and knocked on the door. Immediately, a loud voice and footsteps came from inside: "Who is it? I'm coming!"
The door opened with a "clatter", and a slightly plump middle-aged woman with curly gray hair and wearing floral home clothes appeared at the door with a curious and enthusiastic smile on her face. It was Aunt Zhou.
Seeing that they were wearing police uniforms, he said, "Comrade police, who are you looking for?"
"Hello, Aunt Zhou. I'm Jifeng from the Lan Valley Criminal Police Detachment. I'd like to talk to you about something."
"Langu? You've come all the way here, please come in." Aunt Zhou warmly invited them into the house.
"Auntie, how are you recovering?"
"Almost recovered. You also know that I'm sick?" Aunt Zhou looked puzzled.
Ji Feng briefly told Aunt Zhou what happened yesterday, and Aunt Zhou suddenly understood.
"Aunt Zhou, for work reasons, we would like to know some information about your neighbor, Bo Qianqian. Please tell us about her." Ji Feng got straight to the point after sitting down.
"Oh, Xixi." Aunt Zhou was a little surprised, and then sat down on the bench opposite Jifeng.
"Yes. It's nothing serious, just checking in."
"Speaking of Xixi, she's such a kindhearted person. If it weren't for her yesterday, I would have been in real danger. She gave me first aid, called 120 for emergency services, and even went to the hospital with me. As a neighbor, she did the best she could. A neighbor is worse than a distant relative."
"Enthusiastic?" Ji Feng muttered to himself, "Perhaps there are other thoughts hidden in this enthusiasm?"
"You know her well, don't you?"
"Very well. We've been neighbors since she rented my house more than ten years ago."
"Oh. She rented your house?"
"Yes. Before the demolition, my family had a little more room. After the demolition, we were allocated an extra house. I thought it would be idle anyway, so I wanted to rent it out and earn some money for groceries." Aunt Zhou was obviously a quick-talking person.
"This child is kind-hearted and honest, always thinking of others. When I send her a plate of dumplings, she always thinks of ways to buy me some fruit, milk, etc. She doesn't want to owe anyone anything."
"Does she live alone?"
"Yeah, this kid has a hard life. It's not easy for him to live alone at such an old age."
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