“The perpetrator has no fixed schedule, but having tasted success, he will very likely strike again in the coming days.”

Murong pushed Yan Qing’s wheelchair out through the school gates as Yan Qing explained the details of the headbanging case to her.

“The Military Police Department has already issued a public notice urging residents to avoid being out late, and if they must be, to go with family or friends,” Murong said. “As long as everyone takes precautions, the perpetrator shouldn’t have many opportunities.”

“There are bound to be people who haven’t seen the papers, or who don’t hear the news and still go out late at night. Precaution is important, but catching the perpetrator and lifting the fear is what matters most.”

The two of them were still talking when Murong’s steps came to an abrupt stop. She looked toward a point not far ahead and said quietly, “Miss, it’s Second Young Master Shi.”

Yan Qing had already spotted him. Shi Guang was standing beneath a row of scholar trees by the road, dressed in a sharply pressed suit, every strand of hair in perfect order.

“Pay him no mind.”

Just as Murong began to change direction, Shi Guang had already stridden toward them. “Yan Qing, come have dinner with me.”

He pressed a hand to the armrest of her wheelchair. “Do me the honor.”

“I’m not hungry,” Yan Qing thought — one’s good favor comes at a price; you can’t simply demand it and expect to receive it.

“There’s something I need to say to you.”

“I have no wish to hear it.”

Each time Shi Guang attempted to close the distance between them, he met with this sort of gentle rebuff. He had always been surrounded by admirers and flatterers and had never been treated with such indifference.

And yet, rather than feeling aggrieved, he found it strangely refreshing.

“I know a Western restaurant not far from here — close enough to walk, no need for a car. We can treat it as a stroll.”

Shi Guang turned to Murong. “I’d like to take your mistress for a simple meal. There’s no need to look so frightened.”

Murong gripped the wheelchair handles tightly and would not let go.

“Or how about this — I’ll simply carry you. It’s not far.” Shi Guang said this and began to bend down.

Students and teachers were still trickling out through the school gates, and more than a few curious glances had already been cast in their direction.

Not wanting to cause a scene, Yan Qing waved a hand at Murong. “Since Second Young Master Shi is treating, it would be rude to decline.”

Shi Guang gave a slight smile. “After you.”

The Western restaurant was called Sullivan’s and occupied a prime stretch of Phoenix Avenue. The décor was in Western style — lavish and opulent.

Crystal chandeliers hung above each table, which were draped in deep green tablecloths and set with white plates, tall-stemmed wine glasses, and fine silverware.

With the manner of a perfect gentleman, Shi Guang removed a chair to make way for Yan Qing’s wheelchair, sliding her into place at the table, while Murong stood close by her side, not moving an inch.

A waiter in a white shirt and black vest, a red bow tie at his collar, approached and presented the menu with a respectful bow. Shi Guang took it and passed it directly to Yan Qing.

“Order whatever you like.”

Yan Qing accepted it without a hint of hesitation and began browsing from the beginning.

“What is the most expensive item on your menu?”

The waiter answered, “Lobster, foie gras, caviar, beef tenderloin…”

“Do you have a ten-jin lobster?”

The waiter faltered. “We — no, nothing that large.”

“What’s the largest you have?”

“About one jin.”

Yan Qing smiled pleasantly. “Then bring me ten of them. That comes to ten jin, doesn’t it?”

The waiter was completely dumbfounded. In all his years here, he had never seen anyone order like this.

“And everything else you mentioned — the foie gras, the caviar, the beef tenderloin — bring all of it. And pack two sets to go; I’ll be taking them home with me.” Yan Qing returned the menu to the waiter. “Oh, and your most expensive red wine. Two bottles.”

The waiter stared at her, somewhat stunned. After two or three years working here, this was the first time he had ever encountered a guest like this.

“Are you sure you can finish all of that?” Shi Guang’s expression shifted between a range of unflattering shades.

“What I can’t finish, I take home. My maidservant and driver haven’t eaten yet.”

Shi Guang had little choice. “Do as the lady says,” he told the waiter.

The waiter bowed and withdrew.

Shi Guang gave a short laugh. “You certainly don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.”

“Since Second Young Master Shi has been generous enough to invite me, I simply want to ensure you leave feeling that the effort was worthwhile.” Yan Qing produced a thin smile. It was the least she could do — to make you pay a proper bill, you overeager fool.

“I heard you went to the Military Police Department again?” Shi Guang wiped his hands on his napkin, in the manner of someone only idly curious.

“Second Young Master Shi certainly has an impressive reach.”

Shi Guang appeared either genuinely unable to hear the sarcasm in her words or chose to ignore it. He continued, “You and I are still bound by our betrothal. My only hope is that you’ll keep your distance from my seventh brother.”

“If Second Young Master Shi objects, he’s welcome to dissolve the engagement,” Yan Qing said, raising both hands. “I would agree without a moment’s hesitation and give you no scenes to regret.”

“Yan Qing, why are you so determined to break off our engagement?” Shi Guang’s brow creased. “You clearly have a very poor opinion of me — though you treat everyone else quite differently. We have barely met, let alone had any real dealings with each other. I cannot understand where this aversion to me comes from. Very well — even if you dislike me, can you at least tell me why? I can change.”

Yan Qing smiled. “The reason I dislike you is the engagement itself. Can you change that?”

“Yan Qing…”

At that moment, the waiter appeared carrying a gold-rimmed plate topped with a gleaming golden dome.

Not wishing to be overheard, Shi Guang forced back whatever he had been about to say.

For the remainder of the meal, Yan Qing ate with great relish. Shi Guang barely tasted a thing.

When the meal was finished, Yan Qing handed the packed-up boxes to Murong and patted the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “Thank you for dinner, Second Young Master Shi. Good evening.”

“Let me see you home.”

“There’s no need.” Yan Qing turned to him with an unhurried expression. “I have my own car.”

He watched Yan Qing until she had gone from sight, then summoned his deputy, Zuo Liang. “Go and find out about Yan Qing and Seventh Brother. What’s been going on between them lately.”

Zuo Liang asked, “Is Second Young Master concerned that Seventh Young Master and Miss Yan are… involved?”

“Just go and find out.”

Zuo Liang bowed and withdrew.

—

Inside the Military Police Department, the search within the area Shi Ting had identified was underway in earnest, though the high population density of the district meant the investigation required considerable time.

The department had deployed enormous manpower and resources, all in the effort to find the perpetrator and prevent further crimes.

“Has anyone seen Miss Han?” someone called out from the office.

Three days had now passed since the textile worker’s murder. The perpetrator remained at large, and the shadow of danger that hung over Shun Cheng had not lifted.

“No,” came the reply. “She’s probably gone home for the day.”

“She can’t have — her things are still on her desk. I have an urgent document to deal with and she has it.” The officer found Han Xiling’s drawer locked but her personal belongings still on the desktop, including her small white handbag.

“It’s nearly time to get off work anyway. She could be anywhere. Just wait a little — she probably stepped out to the lavatory and will be back shortly.”

Two officers settled into their seats. One of them said quietly, “Miss Han’s father is Minister Han of the Finance Ministry. Minister Han is one of the Commander’s closest men. You don’t think she’ll end up marrying our Director, do you?”

“Then what does that mean for Miss Yan? I’m not particularly fond of Miss Han, honestly — she gives herself airs, but I haven’t seen much real ability. If it came down to a choice between the two, I’d take Miss Yan every time. Think of how many cases she’s helped us solve since she started consulting.”

The two were so absorbed in their conversation that neither noticed Han Xiling had returned.

“So even the people of the Military Police Department enjoy gossiping behind others’ backs,” Han Xiling’s voice rang out, cold and flat.

Both officers felt a wave of embarrassment and quickly stood.

One of them said, “Miss Han, I need a certain file — if you wouldn’t mind.”

Han Xiling yanked open her drawer and slid the file across the desk. The two men made themselves scarce without further delay.

After they left, their words continued to echo in her ears. No real ability. We’d choose Miss Yan. Han Xiling felt something harden inside her. This time, she would solve the case alone. She would make every last one of these people shut their mouths.

She glanced at her watch. Still early. No need to rush.

For the past several nights, she had walked the streets and alleys within the area Shi Ting had identified. Her purpose was singular: to draw the perpetrator out, and then apprehend him herself.

She had studied arrest techniques during her time abroad. One criminal was no more than she could handle.

The lights of the Military Police Department went out one by one until only the main hall remained lit, where a handful of officers on duty continued their patient work sorting through files.

“Miss Han, aren’t you going to the river lantern ceremony?” one officer called over to where Han Xiling still sat. “They’re releasing lanterns tonight on the Liao He River for the Qixi Festival.”

“If blessings could be secured by floating a lantern down a river, no one would need to work — we could all just release lanterns every day.” Han Xiling’s remark left the officer with no choice but a dry, awkward laugh.

“Miss Han, why aren’t you leaving, then?” the officer asked with genuine concern. “The headbanging case hasn’t been solved yet — be careful on your way home. Should I walk you out?”

“No need,” Han Xiling said flatly. “I have my own car.”

“All right then. Stay safe.” The officer, having met with little warmth, went off to tend to his own work.

At ten o’clock that night, Shi Ting returned to the Military Police Department. He reviewed the compiled reports and asked the officer in charge a few questions.

“Is it just you few left?” He scanned the main office.

“Miss Han just left.”

“Han Xiling? She had no assignments tonight — what kept her here so late?”

The officer shook his head. “She’s been leaving late every day this week. I reminded her just now to be careful on the way home, since the headbanging perpetrator is still out there.”

Shi Ting walked over to Han Xiling’s desk. Several books were stacked on the surface; he moved them aside to find a folder pressed beneath. It contained detailed notes on the headbanging case, marked throughout in red ink.

“This is bad.” Shi Ting’s brow darkened. “Han Xiling has made herself the bait. She’s gone out to lure the perpetrator.”

The officer blanched. “Why didn’t she tell us?”

“She wanted to catch the perpetrator alone and make us see her in a new light.” Shi Ting’s expression was grave. “This is completely reckless. Alert First Squad and Second Squad immediately — suspend the search for the perpetrator. All focus goes to finding Han Xiling.”

Han Xiling was the only daughter of Finance Minister Han Qiren, and she had been raised with every indulgence. Minister Han was one of the Commander’s most trusted men and held in high regard. If anything happened to Han Xiling, the fallout would inevitably reach the Military Police Department.

The young officer understood the gravity of the situation and snapped to attention. “I’ll notify them at once.”

—

By then, the river lantern ceremony along the Liao He had already begun to wind down. In response to the Military Police Department’s public notice, the event had been brought to an early close.

Yan Qing held out a lantern to Murong, who crouched at the river’s edge and set it gently on the water. The lotus-shaped lantern drifted away on the current, joining the broad, shimmering expanse of colorful lights flowing downstream.

“Quick, make a wish, Miss,” Murong urged.

Yan Qing pressed her palms together and closed her eyes. She had intended to wish for peace and safety, but all that filled her mind were the details of the headbanging case.

Moonlight lay across the river’s surface, casting a clear reflection — and with it came a sudden gleam of insight.

Her eyes flew open, fixed on the water before her…

—