Chapter 417: Expert Thief (2/2)
At the end of our rendezvous, I said, ”Ladies and gentlemen, we can’t let anyone else know our plans. What we’re about to do goes beyond the limits of the law, so we must be extra careful!”
”To restore Xiaotao-jiejie’s innocence, it doesn’t matter even if we end up in handcuffs!” Dali patted his chest.
After the five of us said our goodbyes, Bingxin turned to me and shouted, ”Song Yang-gege, you must be careful!”
It was still early in the day so it wasn’t convenient to visit Professor Li. Since we hadn’t eaten yet, I suggested to Song Xingchen, ”Let's have something to eat, my treat. I've known you for so long, but I still don't know what you like.”
”Green peppers and shredded potatoes,” he replied.
At first, I thought he was joking. After finding a restaurant nearby, we sat down to order. I didn’t think the two of us could stomach a sumptuous meal of meat and fish so we each ordered a green pepper and shredded potato rice set and two cups of bubble tea.
After lunch, I turned to Song Xingchen, ”Get me a weapon for self-defense.”
”There’s no need for that. I will protect you!”
”Just get me one. I can't always rely on the Eyes of Yama. I've been drinking so much milk I have excessive heat in the body,” I smiled wryly.
”Then I’ll bring you something tomorrow morning,” agreed Song Xingchen.
We took a cab to Professor Li's neighborhood where I asked around about his appearance. At about six in the evening, Professor Li came home with his briefcase.
I walked up to him and greeted, ”Hello Professor Li, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”
Professor Li frowned, ”And you are...”
The staff at the material evidence center didn't usually have much contact with me so they didn’t know me. I showed him my identification which assured him at once. When I asked about the ballistics results, Professor Li instantly refused, ”These are confidential and I’m not allowed to say anything to anyone unless you are involved in the investigation!”
”Let’s not talk about that,” I smiled. “I’d like to ask you some personal questions. Have you been working in the material evidence center throughout the year?”
”Yes, what's the matter?” Professor Li fixed a suspicious gaze at me.
”Have you heard of the name Dog Trainer?” I added.
”Who is that? A pet seller?” He seemed unaware.
Judging by his body language and use of words, he wasn’t lying. It seemed that he wasn’t working for the Dog Trainer. ”Who came into contact with the gun on the way to the ballistics center?” I continued.
”I can’t disclose that. Officer, what's going on? Don't you believe in my ballistics report? You have seriously exceeded your powers by asking questions like this. I am an officer of the law as well. You have no right to doubt me.” Professor Li appeared downhearted.
”I know what I’m doing doesn’t conform to regulations but please help me. The suspect is my friend and I’m trying to clear her name!” I pleaded.
”Young man, I understand your good intentions but there are some things I can't disclose. I’m really sorry.”
When Professor Li walked away, Song Xingchen whispered to me, ”Do you want my help?”
”No, no,” I shook my head. “Forget it.”
I was walking out of the community, dejected by my failure when I felt Song Xingchen nudge me. Turning around, I noticed a piece of paper had fallen from Professor Li’s briefcase just as he was unlocking the door. He turned a blind eye and entered his home.