Every perpetrator has a motive—power, lust, fa, profit, vendetta—there's always one. But based on the current situation, the target discovered surprisingly has no motive and no ti. While ti can be resolved through other ans, what about motive? How could an ordinary fisherman co to steal the Heavenly Pearl? Unless he isn't an ordinary fisherman.
The bizarre case has left Luo Zheng puzzled. Hearing Lan Bo's words, Luo Zheng paused, pondered carefully, and sensed so logic. He curiously asked, "Why?"
"You detectives are used to starting from motives, while we businessn are accustod to starting from human nature—just the nature of humans. The Heavenly Pearl is a sacred object with countless worshippers of the faith. This kind of religious artifact isn't a historical relic that anyone would dare to collect, for fear of incurring guilt. Without collection, there's no trade, which excludes many possibilities. Other than political struggle, I can't think of anyone in this world who'd dare collect the Heavenly Pearl." Lan Bo explained earnestly.
"Rumor has it that it can bring the dead back to life. Could soone in desperation steal it for personal use? Or perhaps a religious zealot took it ho for worship?" Lan Xing curiously inquired.
"Worship is impossible—it's a taboo. It's clear you completely misunderstand this sect. Private use is also unlikely. Think about it: anyone who can hire such an expert to steal the Heavenly Pearl must be wealthy. Such people naturally have a broad vision, and at least aren't naive. If the Pearl truly could resurrect the dead, it'd have been used over its three thousand years—like an emperor seeking immortality. Would they have waited until now? Wealthy people may be capricious but aren't stupid." Lan Bo replied.
"True, despite their whims, wealthy individuals aren't rash, especially concerning such grave matters that could lead to ruin and disgrace. The Heavenly Pearl is extraordinary; touching it is akin to opposing countless devotees. The causal implications aren't shallow. We've basically ruled out collection or personal use, leaving only hatred or provocation. That significantly narrows the range." Lan Xue said seriously, looking at Luo Zheng.
"Yes, let's see if Shi Feng and his team have results soon." Luo Zheng replied.
Just then, the phone rang. Luo Zheng picked it up, and it was Shi Feng calling. He answered promptly and heard Shi Feng say eagerly, "The suspect has been investigated—he's just an ordinary fisherman with a good local reputation—honest, reliable, never wronged, never left the village—a native through and through—with calloused hands and dark skin just like any regular fisherman. These details can't be faked; my team has verified them."
"So, he can be completely excluded?" Luo Zheng asked, surprised and doubtful.
"He can be excluded; our lead has broken again." Shi Feng said, angrily.
"Not necessarily, imdiately look into his family—could there be twins?" Luo Zheng advised.
"Makes sense, how did I overlook that? I'll check right away and call you." Shi Feng said, hurriedly disconnecting the call.
Luo Zheng explained the situation briefly, adding, "Looks like this matter is really troubleso."
Everyone continued chatting while eating, finishing the al in a few minutes. Lan Xue and her sister cleaned up. Luo Zheng accompanied Lan Bo to the living room for a chat. Before long, Shi Feng called again, excitedly saying, "Checked—it appears there's a twin brother who went missing at the age of five and has never been heard from since. Everyone thought he was dead and even erected a cenotaph. Could the thief be his lost brother?"
"It's possible, bring him to Beijing right away. I'll head to you now." Luo Zheng exclaid with delight and quickly advised, apologetically looking at Lan Bo, "Uncle Lan, I'm afraid I have to leave early."
"Of course, important tasks co first—go ahead but visit when you can." Lan Bo smiled.
"Thank you, Uncle Lan." Luo Zheng gratefully replied, saying goodbye to Lan Xue and her sister, then hurriedly left. He stepped outside to find it was already dark, quickened his pace, and flagged a taxi at the community entrance.
When the taxi arrived at the city bureau entrance, Luo Zheng saw Shi Feng waiting anxiously at the door. Luo Zheng paused and quickly approached to ask, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, just cold. Let's go inside and talk." Shi Feng said warmly, ushering Luo Zheng toward the office building.
Luo Zheng understood Shi Feng's pressure—the deadline was tightening—calm wasn't an option. He refrained from probing further and followed Shi Feng to his office, sat on the sofa as Shi Feng handed a cup of hot water, sat casually beside him, and said, "My team already has the fisherman on the plane. He'll arrive in an hour. Ti is tight; any ideas?"
"Simple, imdiately leak unofficial news through other channels saying the suspect has been caught and is en route. The real suspect will surely be curious and might go to the airport to check. Your task is to secure the airport. An hour is enough to organize many things." Luo Zheng proposed.
"I had the sa idea—it seems we think alike, so let's do it." Shi Feng, confident hearing Luo Zheng's similar thoughts, appeared resolute, took out his phone, and prepared to issue orders.
Beside him, Luo Zheng quickly reminded, "Wait, there's a problem. This theft isn't just a regular case; it might involve espionage. Consider who would dare collect the Heavenly Pearl. I suspect enemy special agents are acting here, trying to provoke relations between our country and the sect to prompt independence in the West."
"If that's true, then it's serious. What do you suggest?" Shi Feng, startled, grew cautious, pondering and asking, brows furrowed.
"We shouldn't worry about the conspiracy; focus on catching the thief. Without stirring the waters, it's hard to fish. But preparation must be comprehensive—avoid alarming national security. Special agents fear them. Seeing them mobilize would deter them, but elite troops must be stationed covertly at the airport and road junctions—ready to capture the suspect once found. Also, beware of silencing murder." Luo Zheng advised.
"Silencing murder?" Shi Feng, surprised, asked.
"Yes, if it's an espionage act, they're ruthless—goal-oriented. Knowing our capture is false, they'd still kill to silence. The twin brother issue complicates things—the brother discovering his kin can't stay calm. His partners would kill to silence for sure." Luo Zheng emphasized.
"Makes sense." Shi Feng nodding gravely, noticing no further advice from Luo Zheng, then proceeded to call the relevant departnts.
Luo Zheng patiently waited, seeing Shi Feng make over a dozen detailed and orderly calls, feeling relieved. Then, after finishing, Shi Feng said, "I must head to the airport to command—join for peace of mind?"
"Alright, let's go." Luo Zheng casually replied, committed to see it through.
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