Any case can be solved as long as there's a clue. Luo Zheng discovered a clue, and the police quickly found the person. Strangely, the identity was wrong. The clues left at the scene led to soone else entirely, a person who had no ti or motive to commit the cri. Initially planning to head ho, Luo Zheng now found himself intrigued. He called back the departing cop and turned to Shi Feng, saying, "Don't you find it odd? Facial recognition plus cranial scans all point to another person. Why is that?"
"Are you suggesting there's an error in our tech departnt?" the cop asked in disbelief.
"No, I have no doubt about your tech departnt's capabilities. This is not a difficult task; it's quite easy to achieve. But look at this person," Luo Zheng pondered aloud. Seeing Shi Feng and the cop both deep in thought, he clarified, "Think about it, why would it be him?"
"Are you suggesting the fish seller is suspicious?" Shi Feng asked, puzzled.
"It's too early to make a conclusion about him. What's strange to is this whole story or this person. Suppose the suspect rushed back from Beijing to the faraway Coastal Province fishing village; or, if it's not him, it suggests two people, implying he might have a twin. Then, the fish seller clearly knows inside information. Let's detain him for questioning," Luo Zheng analyzed seriously.
"Makes sense," Shi Feng agreed, then instructed the cop, "Send a letter to request cooperation from the locals. Keep an eye on him, don't let him escape. Bring soone over for investigation, and handle him with civility unless there's sufficient evidence—no use of violent law enforcent. Rember to search his room."
"Understood," the cop replied and hurried off.
Shi Feng thanked Luo Zheng, saying, "Thanks to you for finding the breakthrough, or the case would still be at a deadlock. Bringing in the suspect will take so ti—do you want to send you ho first?"
"No need to send back. You're busy enough as it is; no need to add more trouble. I'll leave first, but contact if anything cos up. I'll be in Beijing these days, and my phone is always on," Luo Zheng smiled.
Shi Feng saw Luo Zheng out of the municipal office and, with a brief farewell, returned to work. Luo Zheng hailed a cab ho but suddenly rembered the upcoming New Year. Out of courtesy, he thought it would be appropriate to visit Lan Xue's ho. He called Lan Xue, and upon connection, heard a lazy voice, and couldn't help but laugh, "You lazybones, still in bed?"
"Yeah, it's a luxury to sleep when you can. You're thoughtful enough to call," Lan Xue replied softly.
"I'm planning to visit your place. Is Uncle Lan ho? Should I bring a gift?" Luo Zheng smiled.
"It's not your first ti visiting, why bring a gift? I'll be happy when you're here. Co over; I'm guessing he's watching TV in the living room now. Little sister is here too. Have dinner with us and notify your parents so they won't wait," Lan Xue instructed.
"Alright, I'll follow your lead," Luo Zheng agreed and hung up. Seeing a nearby departnt store, he asked the taxi driver to stop, paid, got out, and entered the store to pick out so tea. Although Lan Xue said not to bring gifts, Luo Zheng didn't dare to co empty-handed; it's a matter of etiquette.
Leaving the departnt store, Luo Zheng hailed another taxi to Lan Xue's ho. The cab stopped at the entrance of the community, where high-end residences don't allow taxis inside, so Luo Zheng had to carry the gifts and walk in. Fortunately, he'd been there a few tis, so he knew the way.
A few minutes later, he arrived at a villa entrance and rang the doorbell. A familiar face opened the door—Lan Xue herself. Seeing the tea leaves in Luo Zheng's hand, which her father indeed liked, her heart felt warm, yet she feigned dissatisfaction and said, "You should've just co by yourself."
"Is that Luo Zheng? Co in now," Lan Bo's voice resonated from the living room.
Lan Xue stepped aside, handing over a pair of cotton slippers. Luo Zheng then noticed Lan Xue was only wearing a cotton robe, treating him as family—it ward his heart. He accepted the slippers and put them on, greeting, "Uncle Lan, hello."
"Hello! I was just thinking. Your timing is perfect! Xue Er said you're pretty good at chess; shall we play a couple of rounds?" Lan Bo said delightedly.
"Sure, but you'll have to go easy on ," Luo Zheng replied courteously.
"How can we go easy? That would make it boring. Xue Er says you're good, so you must be. No going easy; each of us using our skills makes it fun," Lan Bo laughed, highly pleased with Luo Zheng's modesty and manners.
"Sis' husband, don't go easy on my dad. He uses his chess skills to bully us sisters often. You must fight back and defeat him utterly," Lan Xing's voice sounded from the room.
Luo Zheng entered the living room to see Lan Bo watching TV, which was explaining chess endga strategies—clearly an old chess enthusiast. But it didn't matter to Luo Zheng; he'd been playing chess since his father forced him into it at age five, freed only after joining the army. Over the years, his skills weren't bad either. He saw Lan Xing in casual attire, sitting aside reading a magazine in a lazy manner—hardly the fierce information officer aura she was known for. Luo Zheng smiled, "Hello, little sister."
"Hello nothing; you didn't bring a gift. Half the mission bonus is mine," Lan Xing teased.
"No way, that savings is for marrying your sister. Can you bear to see your sister living a tough life with ?" Luo Zheng knew Lan Xing was joking and responded cheerfully.
"Have a seat, no need for the teasing," Lan Xue joined in, shutting the door, her face blushing as she shot Lan Xing a glance. After signaling Luo Zheng to sit down, she turned to her father and continued, "Dad, he'll play chess with you. I'll head to the kitchen to prepare dinner. What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."
"I'm easy, not picky. How about you?" Lan Bo looked at Luo Zheng with a smile, his eyes full of satisfaction.
"Snow knows my preferences; I'm not picky either," Luo Zheng laughed. Seeing Lan Bo soliciting his opinion, it felt like acceptance—the implication delighted him. Noticing the chess board nearby, he continued, "Uncle Lan, shall we start the match?"
"Yes, let's begin," Lan Bo exclaid in delight.
"With their chess skills, this will be fun. Sis, hold off cooking a bit and watch the show," Lan Xing said with a grin.
Lan Xue was equally curious about Luo Zheng's chess skills and decided to sit down and watch them instead. Luo Zheng courteously let Lan Bo make the first move, and Lan Bo didn't hesitate. Both set up their pieces and began battling. After a few moves, Luo Zheng noticed Lan Bo was indeed highly skilled, but focused on tactics—engaging primarily in small-scale battles with a lack of strategic layout. Gaining insight from this, he ignored Lan Bo's pursuit and blockade, silently setting up a checkmate situation.
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