Sweeping Mouse Ridge – Chapter Two : 3

Around 3:30 p.m., two Buick GL8s with coated glass windows slowly pulled up in front of Building D of the Runtang High Tech Incubation Park.

The Runtang High Tech Incubation Park was a real estate project built in recent years in the western suburbs to attract investment. The park was very large; four buses could park side by side at the entrance. The overall layout centered on a tacky Roman column circular fountain plaza, surrounded by a ring of gray-white semicircular buildings. Viewed from above, it looked liked a pile of dinosaur eggs being cooked in a 9×9 grid. The designers covered the entire park with lawns, planted low saplings interspersed with irregular stone paths, added a stream here, a rockery there, and installed solar panels on the mountaintops, all to emphasize the themes of technology, fashion, and environmental protection. Unfortunately, many companies had closed down or moved away in the past two years, leaving the park unusually deserted and desolate; even a cough from a passerby occasionally echoed several times.

“Besides this west gate, Building D also has an east gate and a small gate on the south side used for transporting cleaning waste, but usually only cleaning staff use it,” the office director of the park, a short man with slightly crossed eyes, explained to Du Jianping from inside a GL8. “Mingyi Public Relations Company is on the first floor, in the north office area. Should I go in first to check if the person you’re looking for is there?”

Du Jianping glanced at his slightly trembling fingertips, recalling the terrified look on his face when he was called out of the office earlier. He figured this guy was either having an affair or embezzling company funds; the devil in his heart could act out half a movie, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on those things.

After discovering that Zhou Liping had driven a black Spyder sedan from south to north through the Qingshikou East Lane traffic light around 10 p.m. last night, the police immediately retrieved the vehicle’s registration information. The vehicle belonged to Mingyi Public Relations Company. Browsing the company’s official website, it was discovered that the owner’s surname was Zheng. He had previously served as the director of the advertising department of a public welfare newspaper before resigning and starting this company. The company’s main business was organizing fundraising events and galas for various official and nongovernmental charitable organizations in the city. Reports submitted to the industrial and commercial tax departments proved that the “Love and Charity Foundation” was the company’s largest financial backer.

It was still unknown what position Zhou Liping held or what his specific job was in the company. To avoid leaks, it was best not to inquire recklessly. Time was of the essence, and Du Jianping immediately decided to arrest Zhou Liping. “Once we catch him, we can find a crack in the stone!”

This statement was purely to boost his subordinates’ morale. Honestly, Du Jianping knew he was facing an opponent he could not underestimate. Yes, capturing Zhou Liping might not be difficult, but defeating him was extremely difficult—as everything that had happened ten years ago had proven. This suspected perpetrator of the “Western Suburbs Serial Murders” case, due to his silence after arrest, insufficient police evidence, and intervention from Lin Xiangming, was ultimately convicted only of murdering Fang Zhifeng. Because he was under 18, he was sentenced to only ten years in prison… At the time, many detectives were indignant. For example, Li Ziyong, a year later, drunk and with red eyes, yelled at him. “Do you believe Zhou Liping will be released before serving ten years? Do you believe he’ll kill even more people when he gets out?!” Those accusations still echoed in his ears.

The tragedy that had occurred on Sweeping Mouse Ridge now proved that Li Ziyong’s accusations were not unfounded.

Who should be blamed?

Du Jianping glanced at Liu Simiao subconsciously.

Liu Simiao pretended not to see.

Within a very short time, the city’s No. 1 Prison, the local police station, the neighborhood committee, and the rehabilitation center all reported the situation: Two years ago, after being released early for good behavior in prison, Zhou Liping neither went to find his biological parents nor bothered his adoptive aunt. Instead, he rented a cheap apartment. Initially, renting a place was difficult. He signed the contract and paid the deposit, but the landlord, somehow finding out he was a convicted murderer, immediately broke the contract. After several attempts, even the real estate agent felt bad and helped him rent a small one-bedroom apartment. The landlord lived in the United States and rarely returned, so everything was handled by the agency, which reduced the hassle. After settling down completely, Zhou Liping reported to the local police station on time. The police officers hated him and never made things easy for him, even when they were handling official business. However, he remained silent in the face of any ridicule, scorn, or reprimands. He followed orders and went from one grassroots government department to another, registering, signing, and stamping documents. Eventually, he got a new household registration and ID card and, with the help of a rehabilitation organization, found a job as a traffic assistant.

A young man in his early twenties, wearing a small red hat and an orange-yellow vest, stood at the traffic lights every morning and evening, directing traffic and holding a red flag. When thirsty, he would drink tap water from a nearby public restroom; when hungry, he would buy a steamed bun from a local food stall… Perhaps because this wild beast seemed genuinely tamed, the police station and the neighborhood committee gradually lowered their guard. Even during the subsequent “gun finding incident,” the neighborhood director spoke up for him, saying, “That young man seems to have reformed.”

Du Jianping knew some of this, and some he didn’t. Therefore, he hated the local officials, hated how they could believe a bloodthirsty tiger had turned into a docile cat, and also hated himself. In that “gun finding incident,” if he had believed Li Ziyong and relentlessly pursued Zhou Liping until he was brought to justice, the tragedy on Sweeping Mouse Ridge wouldn’t have happened, and a comrade wouldn’t have been lost in vain…

The team tasked with apprehending Zhou Liping split into two: Team A, led by Lin Fengchong, went to Zhou Liping’s home, accompanied by Chu Tianying. This way, regardless of whether they could catch Zhou Liping at home, they could immediately begin searching and investigating his residence. Team B, personally led by Du Jianping, went to Mingyi Public Relations Company, as the phone’s location was currently in the Runtang High Tech Incubation Park area, based on tracking data.

Upon arriving at the Runtang High Tech Incubation Park, the police met with the park’s office director to obtain detailed information about the internal structure of Building D, access routes, and the exact location of Mingyi Public Relations Company. Du Jianping addressed the detectives in the vehicle: “As you all know, Zhou Liping is an old nemesis of ours. Ten years ago, he murdered several civilians—including a policewoman—but for various reasons, he didn’t serve his entire sentence. Whether he can continue to be so lucky this time depends on you!”

A burly detective sneered, “Don’t worry, boss. This time, we’re not only going to catch that bastard, but we’ll also chop him up, pack him up, and send him to the King of Hell.”

“That’s right!” Du Jianping nodded. “However, be careful to avoid firing during the arrest operation. Try to capture Zhou Liping alive; otherwise, giving him a quick death would be too lenient. Considering his extreme danger and the possibility of him carrying a weapon, if he fires a shot to resist arrest, we can fire as a last resort, but avoid hitting vital organs and be mindful of the safety of the civilians.”

At this moment, Lin Fengchong called, saying that Zhou Liping had not been found at his residence. This almost certainly meant that Zhou Liping was inside Building D.

The detectives, their eyes wide, awaited Du Jianping’s order to attack. But at the crucial moment, Du Jianping felt a heavy weight in his heart. An extremely vicious juvenile murderer, after eight years in prison, would have significantly “improved” his criminal skills, psychological understanding, and even physical abilities. If he resisted arrest, his henchmen would face death or injury, and innocent civilians would inevitably suffer. The best approach would be to send someone into Mingyi Company to scout out Zhou Liping’s work location and status and even evacuate the entire company and the employees of Building D beforehand. However, this car full of detectives were seasoned officers with years of experience apprehending serious criminals; their faces were etched with suspicion. Even ordinary people would avoid them, let alone the experienced Zhou Liping. And Zhou Liping, having just committed a crime, would be alert to any disturbance and would certainly not be indifferent to the evacuation of civilians. If all else failed… a direct assault would be the only option.

Just as Du Jianping was steeling himself, preparing to issue the order, someone suddenly started banging on the GL8’s door.

Everyone in the car was startled. Du Jianping turned to look out the window and was both surprised and delighted. He flung open the car door, and standing there was his old subordinate, Li Ziyong!

Two years had passed. Li Ziyong had gained some weight, but his small nose and eyes still held that stubborn, somewhat naive look. His hair was neatly combed, and his beard was clean-shaven. His black suit, though a little wrinkled, looked far sharper than when he was a detective. Seeing his former boss and several old colleagues in the car, Li Ziyong was overjoyed and greeted them warmly.

“What are you doing here?” Du Jianping asked.

“I was just about to ask you what you’re doing here!” said Li Ziyong. “I don’t recognize the others, but these two GL8s are old buddies of our detective team—is there a case?”

Du Jianping grunted and fell silent. Li Ziyong knew the rules; when the police are investigating a case, they can’t reveal a single detail to outsiders.

He suddenly asked, “You’re here to arrest Zhou Liping?”

Du Jianping glanced at him. “How did you know?”

“What kind of place is this? A high-tech incubator,” Li Ziyong said. “If you said an economic criminal or a fraudster, I’d believe you, but that wouldn’t require our entire detective team to be mobilized. Since we’re arresting a criminal case, this kind of mobilization means it’s a major crime. The only person I can think of in the whole park is Zhou Liping.”

“Old detective, you really have a sharp eye,” Du Jianping smiled, then followed up, “How did you know Zhou Liping was in this park?”

Li Ziyong said, “We both work at Mingyi Company in Building D.”

The cat and the mouse were in the same hole, and the cat had even been skinned alive by the mouse—everyone was stunned! Although he wasn’t quite sure what was going on, Du Jianping knew that the person he’d been waiting for—the one who knew Mingyi Company inside and out—was right in front of him: “Is Zhou Liping in the company?”

“Yes!” Li Ziyong also became serious. “I left work early. When I came out, he was still at his workstation.”

Du Jianping nodded. “Could you cooperate with our arrest operation?”

“I’ve been looking forward to this day!” Li Ziyong said. “I’ll go back to the office platform. Have your men guard the east and west gates. I’ll call you to report the situation before we move.”

“Good job!” Du Jianping slapped his arm hard with delight.

“Ouch!” Li Ziyong cried out in pain.

“What’s wrong?” Du Jianping was taken aback. “I didn’t use much force.”

“It’s nothing; I twisted my ankle yesterday while moving furniture at the company,” Li Ziyong said, turning and walking towards Building D.

Once Li Ziyong entered Building D, Du Jianping immediately jumped out of his car. The detectives from the two GL8s also poured out, each wearing a brown or black leather jacket, their expressions serious and alert. Du Jianping waved his hand, and the detectives, like a pack of wolves hunting, crouched low and rushed towards Building D. One team secured the west entrance, while the other circled around from the south to the east entrance, then stopped abruptly at the gate, silently awaiting the next command.

Just then, Du Jianping’s phone rang. Upon answering, Li Ziyong’s anxious voice came through: “Zhou Liping’s escaped!”

Du Jianping’s head buzzed. He immediately drew his pistol from his waist, smashed open the glass door, and rushed into Building D. The detective followed him into the lobby, both brandishing loaded pistols. Their chaotic shadows were reflected on the gleaming white marble floor.

They stormed into the main entrance of Mingyi Company. Behind the reception desk, decorated with a pale yellow backdrop, sat a stylishly dressed young woman. Startled, she jumped up from her seat. Before she could utter a sound, Li Ziyong, from the same company, ran out and met the menacing intruders.

“Didn’t you say he was just here?” Du Jianping asked.

“Yeah, I saw him sitting at his desk looking at his computer when I came out.”

“Then why did he run away so quickly? Is his briefcase still at his desk?”

“He’s a driver; he always goes to and from work empty-handed…”

“East Gate! East Gate! Have you seen Zhou Liping come out?!” Du Jianping shouted into the police communicator.

“No! No!”

Perhaps Zhou Liping saw Li Ziyong waving at them at the car door earlier, and that’s why he ran away… Du Jianping’s large forehead was covered in sweat. If they let this important suspect escape like this, it would be difficult to catch him alive again. Du Jianping stamped his foot, turned, and walked towards the door, bumping into someone who was slowly walking in.

Du Jianping looked closely: it was Zhou Liping! Du Jianping grabbed Zhou Liping’s arm, twisted it sharply, and tripped him with his right foot. Zhou Liping fell to the ground with a thud. A group of detectives pounced on him, some pressing his head down, others choking him, and still others handcuffing him. At first, Zhou Liping cried out in pain, but later, perhaps because his neck was being choked, a strange whimpering sound, like a dog, came from his throat.

The receptionist screamed in terror. Employees of Mingyi Company peeked out from behind the partition between the reception area and the office area, wanting to see but afraid to.

“Boss,” one of the detectives said, looking at Du Jianping, and shook his head, indicating that no weapons had been found on Zhou Liping.

Du Jianping crouched down, grabbed Zhou Liping’s hair, and asked, “Name?”

“Zhou Liping.”

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“No.”

“Fine! We’ll teach you a lesson somewhere else!”

Several detectives lifted him up like a chick, practically carrying him outside Building D.

Throughout the entire ordeal, the other offices in the hallway remained eerily quiet; not a single person came out to watch the spectacle, like rows of crystal coffins awaiting a visitor.