I nodded and explained some of the general details of the case, omitting any confidential information. The receptionist then exclaimed, "No way! Mr. Li Si is that kind of person?"
"Do you have a frontal photo of him, or can you provide any other information?" Liu Yuning pressed, seeing an opening.
"I definitely don't have a frontal photo, but he comes here often and always sits in the same spot. I can check the surveillance footage for you!"
We returned to the security room, where we learned that this thin man named Li Si even knew the security guards. If he hadn't been a regular, it wouldn't have been like this.
With the receptionist's help, we quickly found footage of Li Si drinking and eating steak in a specific seat. The surveillance covered only a week, and we saw him here four days prior.
The person who took the two children was very likely Li Si. Based on the current situation, we could obtain a warrant. We enlisted He Xin's assistance and alerted all police stations, precincts, and public security bureaus. Finally, at 1:16 PM on June 29, 2022, the suspect, Li Mou, was apprehended.
When we arrested him, the guy actually denied everything and resisted. However, our Xiao Yuande pinned him to the ground. He was as helpless as a crab, completely unable to move.
Back in the interrogation room, I played the video of him abducting the children – his "masterpiece" – on a tablet.
"Look at this. What bad deeds did you do? You don't need to deny it anymore. Did you think you wouldn't be caught by wrapping yourself up like a mummy?" Liu Yuning stared sternly at Li Si.
"Is that me? Don't assume just because someone is thin like me, it's me!" Li Si's voice was weak, and it did sound somewhat feminine.
"Heh, I knew you'd say that. This video here, isn't this you eating?"
I showed Li Si another scene, but he insisted, "That's me, but the person taking the children isn't. It just looks similar to my build. You might say, aren't there many people as thin as me? Why did you have to arrest me?"
"You're quite the辯才 (biàncái - arguer), but we were prepared!"
"This car is yours, isn't it? It has your hair and the hair of the two children on it!"
We had already found that unmarked Volkswagen; otherwise, we wouldn't have brought him to the interrogation room.
Faced with irrefutable evidence, Li Si looked at the reports and swallowed. "No wonder you dared to arrest me. You've already investigated all this? Didn't I push that Volkswagen into the sea? How is there still hair?"
"Foolish. Do you think the police are incompetent?" I slammed the table in mock anger.
"Uh, Officer, I told you, the reason I did these things was mainly to get their attention."
"Them? Who are you referring to?"
"My bosses. I haven't been able to contact them recently. What's going on? Do you know?"
"Your boss is Guo Dafu?"
"Yes, yes! It's him! And his wife!"
I was a bit speechless. So that's what it was. "You didn't harm the girl, did you?"
"No, no. I originally intended to, but you arrested me. I handled the boy according to the methods they taught me before. Who knew it still wouldn't get their attention? Tell me, what happened to them?"
"They were arrested and have been sentenced. Do you realize now how foolish your actions were? All for that little bit of faith. You didn't have to kill anyone!"
"No, I participated in several murders. I participated in one before I couldn't contact them."
"Alright, since you've confessed to everything, we don't need to waste any more time. Please sign this document."
Li Si didn't hesitate. He looked at the stack of files and sighed. However, I could tell he seemed to know his boss had been sentenced, so he had no further concerns. He seemed to be facing his fate generously.
Faith can sometimes be a dangerous thing. No wonder some followers blindly commit excessive acts, like this Li Si before me. If his boss told him to kill someone, he probably would have done it without a second thought.
Now, the leader is no more, but his followers are still at large.
After arresting Li Si, we found the girl and released her. However, several more dismemberment cases followed. We relentlessly searched for those followers, and the task took several weeks to complete.
I won't detail every subsequent event, as it would be too lengthy. I recorded Li Si's case because it was rather interesting. My work at the Provincial Department is very busy, so I only write down cases that are truly significant, allowing readers to follow and deduce.
Even with my clumsy writing, I can at least explain the whole story clearly. If it's not good enough, I'll find some editors to help polish it, or perhaps some streamers.
Closing my laptop, I took a deep breath and exhaled outside the window. I watched several sparrows perched on a willow tree, chirping. Fresh air wafted into my room from the lawn. That's right, I had snuck away for a bit to visit the Siheyuan. Just as I finished writing this passage, my phone rang again. It was a message from "Dad."
"Child, you are indeed smart. Yes, you handled this case very well. I saw it from over here too."
"Thank you, Dad. You must have secretly helped this time, right?"
"Ahaha, He Sheng, you've truly improved so much faster than before. That makes me relieved."
"Dad, are you doing alright over there? Should I burn some paper money or something for you?"
"No, no, I have enough. If you have difficulties next time, you can still find me!"
"Okay."
Actually, I was acting just now, testing him. But this "Dad" didn't slip up. However, I don't believe it's his ghost. I don't know who is impersonating him and has been helping me.
But it doesn't matter. I think it's fine this way. The next day, I returned to the Provincial Department. It seemed a few newcomers from the nearby Public Security Bureau had arrived. Xiahou went to greet them. It was a bit busy over there, so I was alone in the office, bored and playing match-three games.
Police officers are generally like this. They are extremely busy when there's a case, but incredibly bored when there isn't.
However, I won't just waste time. I'll take this opportunity to review some case files.