HH Chapter 58

Jiang Fei took a sip of water and turned to Pei Qinghuai, “Professor Pei, what did you guys mean earlier when you said you know who the culprit is?”

Pei Qinghuai nodded and recounted what happened in the car to Jiang Fei and Yan Ya. Yan Ya snorted and said with a smile, “He’s been hiding pretty well.”

She paused, “When do we catch him?”

“When he completely reveals his hand,” Pei Qinghuai replied.

---

Over the next few days, Chen Xiaonuan deliberately returned home very late. As usual, Feng Daqiang would greet her, and to outsiders, their interactions seemed quite friendly. But only they knew the truth: he was just scouting for his next target.

One night, Fang Yuan leaned back in his chair, looking despondent. “When do you think Feng Daqiang will make his move? The public pressure is mounting again these past few days.”

Cheng Ye yawned and looked up. “Let’s wait a bit longer.”

Around midnight, Feng Daqiang finished his usual patrol. The three people in the car kept a close eye on him. A little past one, Chen Xiaonuan requested to go downstairs, planning to lure the fish with one final bait.

Chen Xiaonuan walked to the entrance and glanced at the security room. She chuckled, “Hey, Uncle Feng, you’re not asleep yet?”

Feng Daqiang frowned at first but then quickly changed his expression to a smile when he saw it was Chen Xiaonuan. “I’m just listening to the radio for a bit before I sleep. It’s already past one; what are you doing out so late?”

Chen Xiaonuan shrugged, “Just broke up with my boyfriend, going to get some drinks.”

Feng Daqiang looked down at his feet, then smiled warmly at Chen Xiaonuan. “Well, make sure you come back soon and stay safe.”

“Sure thing, Uncle Feng,” Chen Xiaonuan replied with a smile.

When Chen Xiaonuan returned and looked towards the security room, Feng Daqiang was no longer there. Chen Xiaonuan coughed lightly and said in a low voice, “Feng Daqiang is not in the security room anymore.”

Fang Yuan snickered, visibly more relaxed, “I see. He’s probably lurking downstairs, waiting for you.”

Chen Xiaonuan scoffed, “Don’t make it sound so creepy, you’re making me nervous.”

“Don’t be nervous, don’t be nervous,” Fang Yuan teased but then seriously reminded her, “Just be careful and don’t get hurt.”

“Got it!” Chen Xiaonuan responded with a smile.

In the quiet Huamian community, only a few cicadas occasionally chirped. With no streetlights, the flashlight beams cast long shadows.

Standing under the building, Chen Xiaonuan looked up. She exhaled, “I’m going in.”

“Click… click…” Chen Xiaonuan’s footsteps echoed in the stairwell. She was close, almost at her apartment door. Her heart was pounding as she prepared to unlock the door. Suddenly, a man’s voice echoed from afar.

“Xiaonuan?” The figure slowly approached. Chen Xiaonuan’s anxiety grew as she fumbled with the key. The figure moved faster and faster until it was close enough to reveal his face.

A long, narrow face appeared, with sallow skin and heavy dark circles, looking even more pronounced than before. This was clearly someone used to staying up all night.

“Oh, it’s Uncle Feng,” Chen Xiaonuan feigned relief, slowing her movements with the key.

Feng Daqiang had one hand behind his back, smiling awkwardly. “I’m on patrol. I thought you were a thief. Didn’t expect you to come back so soon.”

Chen Xiaonuan opened the outer gate and turned her head, raising her voice intentionally, “Uncle Feng, are you still not leaving?”