Chapter 413: Chapter 413

"Oh, really? I was planning to return to the station overnight to investigate Mr. Liu’s kidnapping case. After all, it’s rare to have any leads. But since Mrs. Liu insists, I might as well accept the invitation."

Helian Yu felt deeply annoyed. "I can still prioritize my tasks. Meeting these people sooner or later makes no difference; solving the case is the main focus. But Miss Xiang, please take care of your health. Don’t overwork yourself."

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. I’ll take note of that."

Xiang Chenyu hung up the phone and tossed it back to Wen Zhou.

Wen Zhou caught it single-handedly and slipped it into his pocket.

He glanced at Xiang Chenyu. "You have a lead?"

Xiang Chenyu had solved many major cases and was quite renowned in Jingzhou. With her personality, she must have already familiarized herself with the situation in Qingzhou before arriving.

Just a few days ago, Liu Runxi was kidnapped. Though Helian Yu had tried to keep it a secret, it was unlikely to escape Xiang Chenyu’s notice.

"No," she replied forthrightly.

"Then why did you...?"

"I just dislike socializing. Listening to a group of strangers fawning and flattering is nauseating. If I didn’t claim to have a lead, would that woman have let me off so easily?"

Xiang Chenyu shot him a glance. "You’re working for that woman. If you want to sell me out, go ahead. She might even trust you more."

Wen Zhou pressed his lips together. "Don’t judge a gentleman’s intentions with a scoundrel’s mindset."

"Fine, fine, I’m the scoundrel, you’re the gentleman." Xiang Chenyu turned her head to look at the neon lights flashing past the car window.

Back at the station, two cab drivers were giving their statements. The driver who had taken Xiang Chenyu saw her and immediately stood up, visibly moved.

Xiang Chenyu walked over. "Rest assured, I’ll keep the promise I made to you."

The driver heaved a sigh of relief. "I... I didn’t even do much to help..."

"Director Xiang, here’s your luggage from the driver’s car. I brought it down for you."

Xiao Bei walked over, carrying a suitcase.

The driver looked at Xiang Chenyu in disbelief. "You... you’re the Director?"

She didn’t look a day over thirty, and she was already a director. My God...

Xiao Bei shyly scratched his head. The newly arrived Director Xiang was not only stunning but also remarkably polite—a stark contrast for those who were used to Li Minglai’s daily scoldings, leaving them a bit unprepared.

Wen Zhou let out a quiet sigh. Still so young...

"Your name is Xiao Bei, right?"

Xiao Bei quickly nodded, surprised that the beautiful director actually knew his name.

Xiang Chenyu appeared friendly. "This driver helped me arrest a criminal. Tomorrow morning, contact his company to explain the situation. Also, I promised a cash reward. Arrange with finance to advance some money from my salary for him."

Xiao Bei was touched. The beautiful director was incredibly kind—trustworthy and highly responsible.

Xiang Chenyu glanced at the time. "Take me to the interrogation room."

When she raised her head again, her expression had completely changed—dominant and cold.

Wen Zhou led the way. "Follow me."

Ten minutes later, Xiang Chenyu stepped out of the interrogation room. "This man is a fugitive my team has been pursuing. On my flight to Qingzhou, I accidentally spotted him. Though he was in disguise, he couldn’t escape my sharp eyes. So I waited until after we landed to seize an opportunity to arrest him. This guy is highly skilled in counter-surveillance. Realizing he was being followed, he took a taxi driver hostage and tried to make a getaway. That Shen nearly got caught up in it, but thankfully, everything turned out fine."

Wen Zhou said casually, "It’s getting late. I’ll have someone take you home. Leave this to me."

Xiang Chenyu waved her hand. "No need for anyone to escort me; everyone has their own tasks to handle. I’ll grab a cab myself."

Seeing her insist, Wen Zhou didn’t say anything further.

Taoyuan Street was a narrow alley untouched by the modern commercial atmosphere, filled with numerous well-preserved buildings from the Republic-era. The ancient style was palpable.

It was said that the houses on this street, no matter which one, were exorbitantly expensive. Rumor had it that only the rich and powerful could afford to live here.

Xiang Chenyu, pulling her suitcase, walked down the street. The road was narrow, allowing only one car to pass, but it was meticulously clean. Camellia bushes, known for their cold resistance, grew in the flowerbeds on both sides, bringing a warm touch to the cold winter.

The Chinese tallow trees lining the street were lush and dense. Coupled with the red lanterns hanging along the path, the alley exuded a tranquil, mysterious charm. This update is available on noveⅼfire.net

It was a secluded haven, far from the city’s hustle and bustle.

This reminded Xiang Chenyu of Gulan Street back in Jingzhou.

Finding the house number, Xiang Chenyu was about to knock when the wooden door creaked open from inside. A plainly dressed elderly woman stood in the doorway, beaming warmly.