Chapter 26: Gutter Oil

The person riding the bike past the entrance was moving so fast that Cen Lian couldn't even make out what was written in the speech bubble hovering above them.

However, Cen Lian wasn't worried that the individual would escape his sight, as the cameras at the branch office entrance could clearly capture both their front and side profiles.

"I really need to get used to this," Cen Lian said, looking at the teacup Wang Yuanteng had left on the reception desk in the lobby. "Brother Wang, don't forget your cup."

Wang Yuanteng picked up his cup in passing. "Do you have any thoughts on the Hu Tingting case?" Knowing that Cen Lian’s emotional surge had passed, he pivoted to business.

Tang Hua leaned in to listen as well.

The Hu Tingting case was simple to describe but incredibly complex to investigate. Currently, body parts were being recovered from all over the country, but the DNA from various blood samples found in the vehicle had yet to be matched to any missing persons.

"If Hu Tingting insists she only killed one person, I suspect she’s telling the truth," Cen Lian said, having reviewed the interrogation records just before coming downstairs. "Her case involving murder and dismemberment won't result in a suspended sentence regardless. Whether she confesses to more or not, the sentencing won't change."

Wang Yuanteng sighed. "That’s exactly why it’s a headache. Team Leader Tan also believes she’s likely being honest—she probably didn't even know that the trunk of that car had transported other people at some point."

"It’s hard to say if the remaining two unidentified blood samples are even from murders," Tang Hua said, still feeling that they might be overcomplicating things. "Maybe it was just a fight or a brawl."

"I hope so," Wang Yuanteng admitted, sharing that sentiment. "Now, it all depends on whether we can find anything from Chen Nan."

With no new leads on the Hu Tingting case for the moment, Cen Lian asked Yuan Chenxi to help him get the surveillance footage from the entrance for the day and opened it on his computer to examine it closely.

It had only happened about ten minutes ago. He dragged the progress bar back slightly, and a speech bubble popped up. Its length exceeded his expectations—if he were to write it all out, it would almost feel like he was padding the word count.

In short, the person was a scammer, and a repeat offender at that. This scammer was quite polite to pass by the police station entrance like that, as if he were delivering a distraction just when they were feeling stuck.

"What are you looking at now?" Tang Hua was already feeling a bit on edge. "It’s not another serial killer suspect, is it?"

"Not at all," Cen Lian waved his hand quickly, hoping not to terrify the entire office. "I think I just saw a scammer who used to operate in my old precinct."

In truth, he only knew the guy had scammed people in his former jurisdiction after reading the speech bubble. He had racked his brain for a while but couldn't recall such a case; a quick search confirmed there were no official reports. It seemed the victim in his district hadn't bothered to call the police. The man’s method of scamming was quite simple: naked video chats.

"That’s a relief," Tang Hua said, feeling the world was a safer place again. It seemed his weekend might be salvaged after all.

***

Cen Lian called Director Chen to inform him that a scammer was heading toward the jurisdiction of the Xinhe Police Station. He had tracked the individual along the main road after spotting him on the precinct's entrance camera.

Director Chen Xinying hadn't seen Cen Lian in a long time and hadn't expected the first call to be a gift of a case. His impression of Cen Lian improved even further. "Alright, leave it to us." The Director agreed immediately and soon set out with his officers to make the arrest.

Tang Hua overheard the conversation, and his anxious heart finally settled.

...

By the end of the day, the Xinhe Police Station informed Cen Lian that they had caught the man. Meanwhile, Team Leader Tan was traveling to a third province to search for the final remains. Looking at the time, Cen Lian realized he could actually leave on time for once and might even enjoy a full weekend. That was a rarity for them.

After work, Cen Lian packed a bag of laundry and hailed a taxi home. The only washing machine in the single men’s dormitory was broken.

When he reached home, the place was empty. Just as he was stuffing his clothes into his own washing machine, he heard the door open. Cen Lian poked his head out to find his beloved parents, each dragging a suitcase and wearing red tourist hats provided by their travel group, entering with glowing, radiant faces.

"So, while I was working overtime, you two went on a trip." Cen Lian suddenly felt quite miserable.

Cen Jianjun and Lian Ya only just noticed their son was home. "You’re not working overtime this weekend?" his mother asked, hitting the nail on the head.

"Not for now," Cen Lian thought for a moment, not daring to say anything too definitive. "The last case is wrapped up, and we're waiting for leads on the new one."

Cen Jianjun nodded silently, knowing better than to ask about the specifics of the cases.

"Since you're finally home, let's go out to eat." Realizing it was too late to cook, Lian Ya, who had also just returned, tossed her suitcase aside and dragged her son out the door. Cen Jianjun wanted to ask a question, but seeing the two of them heading out, he simply followed.

"Mom, where did you go on this trip?" Cen Lian asked on the way.

"We went to Yunnan," Lian Ya said, showing off the jade Buddha pendant around her neck. "Isn't it pretty? It only cost ten thousand yuan."

***

Cen Lian stopped himself from speaking, eventually offering a forced compliment. It was clear his mother was quite happy to have been fleeced.

"Your father bought a latex mattress and pillows; we'll bring them to your dorm later."

Cen Lian looked silently at his father. It seemed both of his parents had spent a small fortune. But he told himself that as long as they were happy, that was all that mattered.

As the family walked toward a restaurant they frequented downstairs, Cen Lian glanced at the kitchen and went silent.

"Mom, let's eat somewhere else today. We eat here all the time; I'm a bit tired of it," he said, inventing an excuse.

Lian Ya didn't suspect a thing and continued walking with her son. Cen Jianjun, however, cast an odd look at him. Cen Lian kept his expression neutral, terrified that if he spoke the truth, no one would want to eat dinner at all.

[Name: Wang Gui]
[Gender: Male]
[Age: 43]
[Criminal Record: Currently processing food using toxic and harmful substances (gutter oil)]
[Prison Record: None]

No wonder the food at this place downstairs was so heavily seasoned—it was to mask the taste of the gutter oil.

Cen Lian walked for a while until he found a restaurant that didn't have any speech bubbles floating above it. While Lian Ya was in the restroom, Cen Jianjun looked at his son. "Is there something wrong with that place downstairs?" Having been a scout in the military, he knew a thing or two about observing his son's expressions.

"They were caught using gutter oil," Cen Lian said, lowering his voice. "And they’ve been doing it for a long time."

Cen Jianjun’s appetite didn't seem very good anymore.