Chapter Six: The Orphan (3/4)

Meanwhile, Zheng Huiwen arrived at the fourth-floor conference hall of the Administrative Building, and sure enough saw police officer He Shaobin sitting behind a stack of documents, head bowed in thought. Sensing someone had arrived, he closed the files and looked her over, asking with a hint of a teasing smile, "You're Zheng Huiwen?"

"Yes."

"Have a seat."

"Officer, whatever you have to say, say it. I have things to do."

"Your business—is it investigating the case?"

Zheng Huiwen wasn't surprised, only paused to think for a brief second.

"Don't you know that without police permission, unrelated persons aren't allowed to get involved in a case?"

"Seems like walls have ears—even that's known to people."

"Don't dodge the question, young lady."

"Officer, I've already answered what you asked. You simply didn't understand it. I don't mind explaining it again."

"You... since you already knew, why would you knowingly break the rule?"

"You said unrelated persons mustn't get involved in the case—may I ask, is that a crime, a legal violation, or does it interfere with police investigation? I studied law. I know what can be done and what can't."

"You..." He Shaobin gave a dry laugh. "This is out of concern for your safety. Aren't you afraid of bringing trouble on yourself?"

"If everyone were afraid of bringing trouble on themselves, then you police might as well stop bothering too, and just look out for your own skins."

"Hey," He Shaobin protested, "it's our duty as public security officers to investigate cases and catch criminals. What duty do you have to meddle in this?"

"Officer, I don't want to bicker with you, because I don't enjoy winning arguments for their own sake. I'm simply asking—though the police are powerful, surely there are places you can't reach. I know I can't ask about your investigation's progress, but I can also tell that your progress doesn't seem to be going well."

"You... how do you know that?"

"Just looking at these documents on your desk, I can tell that your current investigation into Dong Qian only covers her class relationships and private life. Nothing else shows any sign of progress."

"You..." He Shaobin instinctively covered the documents in front of him, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "You really are something—sharp-eyed and careful."

"Not only that, I've also worked out that your name is He Shaobin, you're a first-class police officer, probably around twenty-seven years old, and your position—should be a captain, either a squadron leader or a section chief."

"You..." He Shaobin gave a helpless laugh, glancing at his badge. "How do you see through everything?"

"Just facts laid out in plain sight. Anyone could tell at a glance."

"Well then, since you're so capable, may I ask how far along your own investigation has gotten?"

"No comment. I'm not a criminal, after all."

"You really do have a sharp tongue. But I must tell you, in many murder cases, the killer keeps a close watch on how things develop at all times. We police don't need to worry, but you, a young girl with nothing to defend yourself with—what if the killer sets his sights on you?"

"I believe you wouldn't stand by and watch someone die."

"That's quite a compliment you're paying us, but we can't watch over you every moment of the day—how would we know when you're in danger and when you're safe?"

"If I tell you, wouldn't you know then?"

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone knows the emergency number. Even if your phone's out of service, you can still dial it. No need to worry about you not finding out."

"Young lady," He Shaobin said, brushing his hair back from his forehead, "it's normal for young people to be bold and love taking risks, but let me tell you from years of experience handling cases—investigating isn't child's play. It's not something you can pick up and put down as you please."

"I know. I'm an adult too, and I've already considered the consequences of my actions. Is there anything else you'd like to say, Officer He?"

He Shaobin asked helplessly, "So it seems you're determined to investigate no matter what?"

"Yes."

"Fine, then I'll report this to my superiors, and allow you to cooperate with the police in investigating the case."

He Shaobin said this so naturally that Zheng Huiwen was a little startled to hear it. He then handed her a document and said, "Fill in your information. When it's ready, you'll get a case investigation permit, stamped with the official seal of the public security bureau. It should help you a great deal in your investigation. Also, give me your phone number, WeChat ID, QQ number, email address—all your contact information. In case something really does happen to you, I'll know right away."

"Why do you want to cooperate with me?"

"Because—" He Shaobin's eyes shifted, "because I sense you're a clever person, and at the same time, someone without fear. Since you're determined to investigate anyway, wouldn't investigating together with the police benefit us both? Besides, you're all alone—not even a gun or a horse to your name—and I really am worried about your safety. Public security, after all, needs to guard against trouble before it happens."

"So you're saying you approve of what I'm doing?"

"That's right." He Shaobin nodded generously, a hint of secret delight in his eyes.

"Well then," Zheng Huiwen said calmly, nodding with a faint smile, "how rare, that we should turn out to be kindred spirits."