Chapter 12-Resentment IX

After the auction night, Ke Yixing and Cheng Linghua received the case details of Lu Xiyun and Zhang Tongtong. Acquiring this information wasn't challenging given their connections, and these missing cases were not highly confidential. Depending on the situation, some details were even shared publicly to engage more people in the search for the missing individuals.

The police had located Zhang Tongtong's parents, who were currently in an underdeveloped country, making communication time-consuming. Ke Yixing saw no need to delve into this aspect.

Regarding Zhang Feifei, the police faced difficulties making progress. They interviewed neighbors near the Zhang family's previous residence, as the current neighbors were unaware of another daughter. Zhang Feifei had left home at the age of 18, and there seemed to be no ongoing contact between her and the family. The daughter never visited, and the parents didn't bring her up in conversations. The neighbors, being outsiders, didn't inquire further into the matter.

Cheng Linghua had ordered their people from various backgrounds to collect more information about Zhang Feifei. "Based on our findings, Zhang Feifei is heavily in debt due to gambling. Although the casino appears legal on the surface, it is actually run by a criminal organization. Currently, she is involved in underworld activities, making it challenging for the police to trace her. Our sources indicate that she often frequents a bar where she encountered Yang Jiahui, Lu Xiyun's coworker."

Ke Yixing, who was gazing at the city through his office windows, displayed a subtle change in expression, his only reaction being a furrowed brow, upon hearing the last sentence from Cheng Linghua. Recognizing Ke Yixing was thinking, Cheng Linghua remained seated in silence, awaiting the next set of instructions.

---

Simultaneously, Ma Youwei and the rest of the team collaborated with local authorities in investigating the disappearance of Lu Xiyun.

The investigation suggested that Lu Xiyun might have been rendered unconscious or forcibly subdued during his disappearance. This assumption was based on two factors. Firstly, Zhao Bojing mentioned that the teenager wouldn't venture out on his own. Secondly, considering Lu Xiyun's aversion to physical contact and fear of people, he would have resisted anyone who wanted to touch him, drawing attention from bystanders.

The security cameras from the surrounding stores yielded no valuable information. They saw Lu Xiyun entering an alleyway, but unfortunately, no cameras covered that particular location. It was highly probable that Lu Xiyun vanished at that point.

Ma Youwei concluded that the perpetrator was acquainted with Lu Xiyun and his routines. The individual strategically chose to act when the teenager was on his way back to the cafe, maximizing the likelihood of a successful abduction. Any delay in the pickup could have prompted the store owner to call Zhao Bojing, to inquire about Lu Xiyun's whereabouts. The abductor also seemed aware of the teenager's preferred paths, opting for less crowded streets. Using this familiarity, they planned the escape route to avoid the main roads, potential eyewitnesses, and video surveillance.

It was also unusual to kidnap a person in broad daylight without a clear motive. Therefore, it was more likely that the person had some connection with Lu Xiyun or wanted something from him.

Zhao Bojing mentioned that Lu Xiyun wasn't familiar with anyone else and had no conflicts with others. So, the key point lies in the few people the teenager knows.

With all these inferences, there was only Zhao Bojing and Yang Jiahui that fitted the criteria. The only people who knew Lu Xiyun had to go out to buy strawberries were these two only. Ma Youwei suspected Yang Jiahui more than Zhao Bojing though because if Zhao Bojing wanted to do something, he could simply take action in their home. He also wouldn't need to call the police, and if anyone asked where Lu Xiyun was, he could simply say he went back to his hometown due to a family emergency.

The team decided to conduct a thorough investigation of Yang Jiahui.

-

The vibrant hues of red and orange blended seamlessly into the fading blue sky. Beneath it, a bustling city stretched out, resembling a complex network of activity. Viewed from a bird's eye perspective, the inhabitants appeared as animated ants, each engaged in various tasks. Some were constructing tunnels and chambers to enhance their nests, while others were heading back to their homes. A few industrious ants carried food crumbs. The bird descended, landing on a random spot, indifferent to the ants beneath its feet. From the bird's lofty vantage point, the tiny beings were inconsequential, unworthy of a second thought.

A rough, calloused finger drummed impatiently on the steering wheel as Ma Youwei drove towards Yang Jiahui's recorded home address. Seated beside him was Xiao An, the newest member of the team. The two had spent the entire day driving around the city in pursuit of leads.

To gather information about Yang Jiahui, they reached out to Zhao Bojing. They learned that Yang Jiahui was a student living on campus, so they visited her university.

They met with the counselor first to find out which dorm Yang Jiahui lived in. The counselor set three cups of coffee on the table and took a seat. "Student Jiahui lived in Room 201 of Building 3, but she should be at home. She has been on sick leave for the past few days. Did something happen to her?" 

"Thank you." Ma Youwei took a sip of the coffee and set it back down. "We are currently working on a case, and we believe Yang Jiahui may have information that can assist us. Could you provide more insights into her?"

"Student Jiahui's academic performance in the business major is not exceptional, but it's satisfactory," she began, prioritizing academic aspects as a counselor. "She should be able to graduate with continued hard work. She is a kind-hearted individual, always ready to assist others, making her interact well with peers and professors."

"Does she have close friends?"

"Likely. To be honest, counselors can't know everything about students. They are adults now, unlike elementary school students who openly share everything. For certain details, it would be better to speak with her family or roommates."

"We heard she works when she doesn't have classes."

"She mentioned working at a cafe. Many students work to cover tuition or personal expenses. Student Jiahui uses most of her earnings for tuition. I also assisted her with scholarship applications, but unfortunately, she didn't secure one."

"The expenses for tuition and living are not low. Her parents are probably helping her, right?" 

"She's paying it all by herself. It's quite normal that some parents don't pay their child's tuition in university. Usually, it's due to financial reasons or the child has a strong sense of independence." 

If Yang Jiahui indeed has a problem, the police officers would typically investigate potential financial or familial and peer conflicts, as they could be significant motives for criminal behavior, during their inquiries.

After finishing up with the counselor, Ma Youwei and Xiao An headed to the dorm to speak with Yang Jiahui's roommates. Like other university dormitories, four students shared a room. They arrived at a convenient time, as all three of the roommates were free during the afternoon.

"Jiahui texted in our group chat that she has a fever, so she's staying home to avoid passing it to us," one roommate explained, focused on her upcoming assignment. "I guess it's a bad fever if she's not even checking her phone. She hasn't been active in the chat these days."

Ma Youwei continued to ask similar questions to those he had posed to the counselor.

"Some of our classes are different, but I don't see her being particularly close with anyone. I think we're the closest to her, right?"

A shy girl on the side quietly confirmed, "Yeah."

"Wait a minute," interrupted the other girl lying on the upper bunk bed as she spoke on the phone. She then turned to Ma Youwei and Xiao An, saying, "She's closest to us but at the same time, not exactly. It's like there's an invisible barrier between us. We don't have any conflicts, and she's a nice roommate. But we don't interact much outside of school. Jiahui either goes to class or is busy with something."

"What does Yang Jiahui do when she's not with you all and doesn't have class?" Ma Youwei inquired.

"Uh... probably work," one of them replied. "After all, she pays tuition all by herself. We've asked her a few times before, and she always says she's working. We didn't probe further because Jiahui's family might have financial difficulties or something."

In response, Xiao An asked, "Why do you think her family might have financial problems?"

"We don't know for sure. It's just speculation," the roommate replied. "She rarely talks about her family. She's not into buying expensive clothes, dining out at fancy places, or attending social events. Maybe she's just saving up for something she really wants." She added, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Not a bad strategy though. You won't run out of money when you really need it, unlike me."

---

By the time they reached their final destination, the sun had disappeared from the horizon.

The neighborhood was eerily quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the trees and the occasional murmur of conversations from nearby windows.

Ma Youwei and Xiao An located the apartment where Yang Jiahui's family resided. They hadn't come here first, opting instead to speak with someone they already knew, namely Zhao Bojing. After learning that Yang Jiahui lived in the college dormitory, they proceeded there.

Xiao An pressed the doorbell, but there was no response. Perhaps the doorbell was broken, or the occupants couldn't hear it.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" Xiao An knocked on the door, hoping to elicit a response.

After some shuffling sounds, the door cracked open, revealing a woman in her forties who bore a striking resemblance to Yang Jiahui.

"Who are you?" she asked cautiously.

Xiao An introduced themselves and explained the purpose of their visit. "Are you Yang Jiahui's mother? Is she at home?" 

"I am, but she's not here. Why are you looking for her?"

Xiao An didn't answer directly but instead asked, "May we come in?"

The woman opened the door wider, allowing them entry. As they stepped inside, they observed the typical furnishings and decorations one would find in a home.

Using the same words Ma Youwei had spoken to the counselor, Xiao An explained, "We are currently investigating a case, and we believe Yang Jiahui may be able to assist us. We were informed by her roommates that she's at home due to a fever." He glanced towards one of the doors.

"Fever?" Yang Lin appeared momentarily confused before realization dawned. "It's embarrassing to admit, but our family is facing financial difficulties. Sometimes Jiahui uses an excuse to skip school so she can work."

The Yang family's financial troubles were confirmed.

"When do you expect her to return?" Xiao An inquired.

Yang Lin responded nonchalantly, "It depends on her work schedule. She may be back tonight or later in the week. Usually, she returns to school most of the time."

Xiao An pressed further, "Are you not concerned about her whereabouts?"

"Jiahui has always been responsible, so I trust her judgment," Yang Lin replied.

"Do you happen to know where she works?" 

"She works at a convenience store, a cafe, and a few other places, though I'm not certain of all of them."

"Have you noticed anything unusual about your daughter?"

"No, why?" 

"Is your husband at work?" Ma Youwei interjected, noticing the absence of another occupant in the apartment.

He scanned the room and noticed photo frames resting on the corner of the TV stand. One photo caught his attention: a man stood beside Yang Lin, with a younger Yang Jiahui and another girl, who closely resembled her, flanking them on either side. Presumably, the man was Yang Lin's husband, and the other girl was her sister.

Continuing his inspection, he noticed only three cups by the dishwasher in the kitchen. In the bathroom, there were no men's grooming essentials like shaving cream or a razor. Photos featuring the man were always alongside a younger version of Yang Jiahui.

Yang Lin was taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation from her daughter to her late husband, but she answered, her gaze downcast, "My husband passed away nearly 20 years ago."

Xiao An asked, "Could you share how your husband passed away?"

Yang Lin hesitated before responding, "...He was returning home from work late one night. The police determined that he took a shortcut through an alleyway and encountered a group of gangsters. It's believed he refused to give them money, resulting in a severe beating. By the time he was discovered and taken to the hospital, it was too late. The police investigated, but due to the darkness in the alleyway and the lack of surveillance footage, little progress was made. Eventually, the case was closed."

Ma Youwei then shifted the conversation to Yang Jiahui's sister. Pointing at a photo, he inquired, "This person is Yang Jiahui's sister?"

"Yes, they're twins," Yang Lin confirmed.

"Is she at school or work?" Ma Youwei noticed the absence of anyone else in the apartment during their visit.

"She's currently in class."

"Is she also studying business like Yang Jiahui? And does she also have multiple jobs?"

"No, she's attending a fashion design school. Due to her weak health since childhood, I haven't allowed her to work. It could worsen her condition," Yang Lin explained.

"Who assists her with college tuition, then?"

"I contribute a portion of my salary, and Jiahui also helps her sister financially," Yang Lin replied.

Ma Youwei paused before asking another question. With his arms crossed and a finger tapping against his arm, he inquired, "How's the relationship between Yang Jiahui and her sister?"

Yang Lin, feeling a bit perplexed by the line of questioning, responded, "Their relationship is very good. They have occasional small arguments like any siblings, but overall, they get along well. Despite being the younger one, Jiahui is more mature. Due to her sister's health issues, they share a close bond."

After a while, Ma Youwei and Xiao An bid farewell to Yang Lin, instructing her to contact them upon Yang Jiahui's return.

In the car, Xiao An discussed the information they had gathered that day. "When you asked about the relationship between the sisters, do you suspect there is a problem there?"

"Mhm. Yang Jiahui's roommates didn't mention anything about her having a twin sister, so she probably doesn't talk to them about her sister much. Based on the mom, Yang Jiahui has a good relationship with her sister, especially since contributes to her sister's tuition. Providing financial support to the sister may be due to a sense of responsibility and care in which they genuinely have a good sisterly relationship. On the other hand, if it involves personal sacrifices or strains such as having less expenses for herself, Yang Jiahui may feel frustrated and stressed." Ma Youwei's intuition, honed from solving cases, told him that there was something unusual about it.

They also couldn't locate Yang Jiahui that day. Her whereabouts were unknown. The only known workplace was the cafe, but it was currently closed. Some information, such as her father's accident, had to be verified to ensure no one was lying. Later, the entire team would share all the findings in a meeting.

Ma Youwei, Xiao An, Tang Mi, and the rest of the team were divided into groups to work more efficiently. Tang Mi and a few other members were assigned to continue searching for traces of Zhang Tongtong. Another person was investigating the background of Lu Xiyun through communication with the local authorities in other cities. Another group was finishing up the investigation of Sister Luli and the others at Lawless District.

There were many leads to follow, and everyone tried to gather as many details as possible, which was time-consuming.