Tongguan Camp backed against Tianrong Iron Foundry and faced Tianshui River. A reinforced concrete bridge stretched across the river, approximately a hundred meters long, with trains passing over it day and night.

When Yan Qing and Shi Ting arrived, a train happened to come roaring by. The shrill whistle, the clatter of wheels grinding along the tracks, and the occasional hammering from the foundry combined into a duet of noise that was genuinely grating to the ears.

If a modern person had to live in this environment, they could probably not last a single minute.

Shi Ting said, “Residents nearby have lodged complaints with the local authorities on multiple occasions, but limited government funds have allowed the problem to persist to this day. After Tianrong Iron Foundry reduced its nighttime operating hours, the volume of complaints gradually dropped — partly because many residents work at the foundry. The foundry used both persuasion and pressure, and the residents were forced to adapt. But it’s still not a long-term solution.”

“If you were an official, you would certainly be the kind who cares deeply about the people’s welfare,” Yan Qing said with a smile.

Shi Ting hadn’t expected her to say something like that. He lowered his eyes. “Thank you for the compliment.”

At that moment, a man in a guard’s uniform strode over and stood smartly at attention. “Report, Commander — Team Leader Zheng and Team Leader Bai have already deployed personnel to conduct a search of the surrounding area. Results should come soon.”

It had to be said — the Jinlin Guard’s efficiency was both high and swift. In the time it had taken her and Shi Ting to arrive, the entire unit had already been mobilized.

Yan Qing cast another look of admiration at Shi Ting. Without sufficient command authority and capability, the Jinlin Guard would not have built such a strong reputation in only two years since its founding.

“When the train passed just now, did you feel the ground shaking?” Shi Ting asked suddenly.

Yan Qing said, “A little — not very strongly.”

“Jing Lan said it felt like an earthquake when trains passed, which means wherever she lives is very close to the tracks. So our search area is narrowed to within two kilometers.”

Yan Qing agreed with his reasoning, but added, “Even within two kilometers, there are so many households — searching won’t be easy.”

“Don’t forget — she also said the lights swayed.” Shi Ting continued. “Although train noise along the tracks is loud and produces vibration, it’s generally not enough to make a ceiling light fixture rock back and forth. So I deduce she lives in a basement, one that’s not far below the tracks. If we focus our search within two kilometers near the railway, looking specifically for basements, we should have results quickly.”

When he reasoned things through, his eyes were especially clear — like daylight filled with light, bringing with it a sense of hope and possibility.

In that moment, his handsome face carried a rare, almost sacred quality.

“What is it?” Noticing that Yan Qing was staring at him, Shi Ting murmured a questioning sound.

“Nothing, nothing.” Yan Qing quickly looked away. A man like this was like gold — naturally attractive, and shaped so perfectly on top of it.

This was probably what people meant when they said someone could rely on their looks alone yet still chose to make their mark through talent.

“Let me take you over for a look.” Shi Ting pushed Yan Qing’s wheelchair forward. “Perhaps your instincts will help us find her residence faster.”

“You trust my instincts that much?” Yan Qing smiled, understanding he was half joking. “You make me sound like a police dog.”

“I have a police dog — his name is Jiangguo.”

Mentioning the dog, Shi Ting’s expression visibly softened.

“How come I’ve never seen him?”

“You’re about to.” Shi Ting looked toward a spot not far off. “He’s right there.”

—