Chapter Thirty-Nine: Doesn't Look Like a Good Person

"Exactly." Ning Shuyi nodded. "The reason thieves typically choose to steal covertly is precisely to minimize the risk of being discovered, which could lead to confrontation and an escalation of the crime. In other words, whether it's pickpocketing or burglary, these individuals hope to gain the maximum profit with the minimum amount of risk.

"Robbers, however, are different. The very act of robbery involves using violence to force the victim to surrender their property. If the victim refuses to comply, the robber will take action to inflict physical harm, which can lead to severe consequences, or even death. If the intruder was a robber—or a group of them—then concluding that the motive was to kill for money seems reasonable.

"But a habitual thief? Someone who, even after being released from prison, is so careful to scout locations and calculate theft amounts just to avoid the consequences of escalating their crimes through violence—to avoid a second or third stint behind bars—what is the probability that they would suddenly, recklessly, develop the intent to kill?"

The question she posed left Huo Yan hesitant. "Isn't it said that there is no one in this world who can resist temptation, only that the temptation isn't great enough? If the temptation were large enough, would a habitual thief who specializes in empty-house break-ins proactively escalate a theft into a robbery when encountering resistance?"

Ning Shuyi had also considered that possibility. "You're right, but the premise is that there really was 500,000 in cash hidden in Deng Qingrong’s home, and that she actually let it be known to the outside world, inviting the attention of thieves. We’ve questioned the neighbors around both her previous and current residences; it seems no one knew about the compensation money, and no one thought Deng Qingrong had any money. In that case, how would a thief have known? That’s assuming there was actually 500,000 hidden in her home. There’s another hypothesis: what if the money wasn't in her possession at all? If she withdrew it and closed the account, and no one can trace where that cash went, how it could have drawn the attention of a thief is a real puzzle."

Huo Yan furrowed his brow as he listened to Ning Shuyi’s dilemma, then sighed slowly. "Compared to now, the things I used to do had a higher risk factor, but at least I knew where the enemy was. In this situation, I can't even make sense of it."

"When things are abnormal, there must be a demon at work." Ning Shuyi rubbed her temples, which were aching from tension. "Deng Qingrong's behavior and speech were completely different at her previous address compared to her current one. As for Chang Junchao, he was the kind of obedient son that even in this day and age, someone wouldn't dare to write into a story.

"Even while the late Chang Rong was still alive, this family of three had very little social activity, and their bank accounts were pitifully few—only Chang Rong and Chang Junchao had them because they needed them for their salaries. Even when it came to paying rent, despite Chang Junchao having a bank card and access to mobile payments, Deng Qingrong insisted he pay in cash. Beyond strictly controlling her son's income and savings to ensure he had no 'liquid cash' on hand, I always felt Deng Qingrong had other motives for doing so—likely an effort to avoid something."

She thought for a moment and checked the time. "Let’s go take a look around the crime scene. That day, when a large crowd gathered at the entrance—secretly livestreaming and watching the commotion—I deliberately asked those who were willing to provide leads to stay behind so they could follow our vehicle back to the station for statements. When those people were scared off and left in a hurry, I noticed an elderly man who looked like he had something to say, but he was forcefully pulled away by his wife after she gave him a warning look. I have a feeling that man knows something. Judging by his attire that day, he must be a resident of that unit, or at least that building. Let's head over, keep an eye out for him, and try to find an opportunity to talk to him."

"We aren't going to his door?" Huo Yan asked.

Ning Shuyi waved her hand. "The way the woman gave him a look and he obediently followed her away shows that he’s under 'strict domestic discipline.' Even if we find out where he lives and knock on the door, she might not be willing to let us talk to him. One glance from her, and he’d shut his mouth tight, making our trip a waste of time. It’s better to watch from the outside and approach him when he’s alone."

After she finished, she noticed Huo Yan looking at her with a strange expression. She thought about it and couldn't help but laugh. "What I just said—did that sound a bit like something a villain would say?"

Huo Yan couldn't help but smile, nodding. "It certainly did."

After they reached an agreement, they drove back to the area of the crime scene. A few days had passed, and the place had returned to its usual routine. As dusk approached, there was plenty of activity downstairs—people returning from work or school, and elderly residents who had eaten dinner early and were now out for a stroll.

The world changes every second, yet it seems as if it never changes at all. No matter how horrific a crime occurred in one of the rooms in that building, the sun still rose and set, the earth kept spinning, and everyone else’s lives had to continue on schedule.

Huo Yan parked the car at an intersection not far from the building, where they could keep an eye on all movements from three directions. The view was good, but stakeouts are inherently tedious, and when one is extremely exhausted, monotonous work becomes the most challenging.

Before long, the overwhelming fatigue made Ning Shuyi’s eyelids feel like they weighed a thousand pounds. Her consciousness drifted in and out of focus, and soon, she tilted her head against the headrest and fell asleep.

When she opened her eyes again, the light outside had dimmed further, and the low, dim streetlamps had flickered to life. Huo Yan’s jacket was draped over her, and the driver’s seat next to her was empty.

Seeing the empty seat, the remaining sleepiness vanished, and she sat up straight, looking outside. Through the window, she could see two people sitting at a small stone table in the distance—one was Huo Yan, and the other was the elderly man she had been looking for.

They seemed to have been playing for a while. The old man was pondering his next move while saying something to Huo Yan. Ning Shuyi wanted to go over, but she was afraid that her appearance would break the atmosphere of communication that Huo Yan had built, so she suppressed her curiosity and waited in the car.