As You Ming Xu gently squeezed through the window, just about to jump down, she froze.

Through the kitchen doorway, she caught a glimpse of a figure flashing past in the living room.

A chill ran through her body as her mind rapidly made a series of calculations: Xiang Rong? No, his car wasn’t in the private parking spot outside, and if the owner were home, they would have shouted or come to investigate the noise, not turn tail and run.

Then who?

Who else had come to investigate Xiang Rong’s home?

You Ming Xu leaped down from the window and gave chase. The person didn’t try to hide anymore, yanking open the living room door and running, leaving You Ming Xu with only a view of a tall, thin silhouette—a young man.

You Ming Xu gave a cold laugh and pursued.

The man wore a black hoodie and track pants, moving with surprising agility, darting out of the hallway in just a few steps. But You Ming Xu was faster, practically flying—the agility of a judo expert was beyond imagination. Just as the man reached the garden outside, You Ming Xu launched herself from the flower bed, reached out, and tackled him to the ground.

The man rolled over and tried to run again, his long, slender legs remarkably nimble. He twisted his head away, seemingly afraid to let You Ming Xu see his face. Something clicked in You Ming Xu’s mind, and she barked, “Down!”

The man was startled. His legs were grabbed from behind, throwing him off balance, and then a heavy blow to his back sent him sprawling. You Ming Xu pounced, instantly pinning his arms behind his back. When she lifted his head to look, she froze in surprise.

You Ming Xu called for backup, secured the suspect in the car, and then returned to Xiang Rong’s house to investigate. She immediately noticed several drawers standing open and signs that the cabinets had been searched. The man had been looking for something. You Ming Xu quickly searched the entire house but found no evidence linking Xiang Rong to any secret organization. She restored everything to its original state and slipped out.

Still, catching that person—she wasn’t sure if that counted as progress…

At the police station, You Ming Xu didn’t take him to an interrogation room, instead chose an empty conference room and led him in handcuffs.

She made two cups of coffee, one for herself and one for him. Entering the conference room, she found him sitting with his head down, exposing a small stretch of pale neck. His legs were pressed tightly together, his cuffed hands clenched into fists, his face red, and his forehead covered in a fine sheen of sweat—extremely nervous.

On the drive back, You Ming Xu had already observed him. He wore semi-worn athletic shoes, the soles worn thicker on the outside than inside, heavier at the toe than the heel—characteristics typical of experienced thieves. During their chase, his movements and running style also revealed him to be a professional.

So this artist working for Yin Feng was an experienced, skilled thief?

You Ming Xu placed the coffee in front of him. “Drink.”

Xiao Yan didn’t move or make a sound, remaining tense.

You Ming Xu sat across from him, crossed her legs, and had a sudden flash of insight: “Yin Feng learned his lock-picking skills from you? He’s good, but not as professional as you.”

The mention of Yin Feng seemed to relax the young man slightly. He lifted his head a bit, glancing at her quickly before looking away. “Yes. The teacher said it was interesting, so he learned a trick or two from me.”

You Ming Xu smiled.

Previously, because he was Yin Feng’s man and appeared to be a cultured artist, she hadn’t thought to investigate him. With skills like his, which house couldn’t this artist enter? He likely had quite a record. But subconsciously, since he was Yin Feng’s man, You Ming Xu had assumed he couldn’t be problematic. Otherwise, why would Yin Feng employ him?

Stop—why would being Yin Feng’s man mean he wasn’t problematic? All the more reason to investigate thoroughly!

Her resolve hardening, she asked casually, “Why were you there today?”

Xiao Yan lowered his head.

“Do you know what that place is?”

He remained silent.

“Who sent you? Was it Yin Feng? What was his purpose?”

Xiao Yan’s neck flushed red. You Ming Xu silently concluded: he appeared terrified of the police and of being questioned.

“Miss You today…” he said softly, “also went there, didn’t you? And it seems you also broke in.”

You Ming Xu: “…”

Her temper flared, but she maintained her composure. Damn, he was just like his master—appearing honest and simple but quite cunning!

“I’m asking the questions,” she said coolly. “The police don’t need to explain their actions to you. Whether you talk or not, I have my ways. I’ll see who comes to bail you out, and then I’ll know who’s behind this.”

However, Xiao Yan had decided to remain tight-lipped. He finished his coffee with his head down, continuing to blush in silence.

You Ming Xu left him there, temporarily setting the matter aside.

Sure enough, it wasn’t long before someone came to get him.

You Ming Xu was still sitting with Xiao Yan in the conference room, looking down at case files, when a colleague brought in the visitor.

Chen Feng maintained his usual well-dressed, refined appearance as he smiled and said, “Miss You, I’m sorry, but I’m here to collect him.”

You Ming Xu didn’t even lift her head, ignoring him completely. Beside her, Xiao Yan stared at Chen Feng, his face showing both shame and gratitude.

Chen Feng gave him a look, signaling him to stay calm. Seeing You Ming Xu’s cold attitude, he approached the table and said quietly, “Teacher Yin reviewed the youth exchange murder case files again and suspected Xiang Rong might be involved, so he sent Xiao Yan to investigate. After all, you see, the police haven’t taken any action, but since it involves Teacher Yin, we couldn’t just let it be, right? I’m sorry for the trouble—I’m here to take him back.”

In response, You Ming Xu, still without looking up, said flatly: “You can’t take him.”

Chen Feng paused, understanding dawning on him. He sighed inwardly, then without any protest, nodded and said, “I’ll have him come.” Then he turned and left.