Chapter 551: An Appointment
Hua Zifeng’s request to see Su Qing came as a surprise to Zou Ming, who instinctively tried to decline on her behalf. "The young woman involved in this case is a victim. While she is connected to it, her involvement isn’t deep. Master Zhang and the other suspect never got the chance to make a move on her. So, even if you meet her, it won’t be of much use. She doesn’t know anything; she was merely a target for the suspects."
Upon hearing this, Hua Zifeng smiled. "In that case, does Captain Zou happen to know why this Master Zhang wanted to go after Miss Su Qing?"
"We have a few leads, but the specifics still require a detailed investigation."
Zou Ming was, of course, aware of the attacks on their colleagues in Yun and Guang Provinces. He had already connected those incidents to Su Qing’s situation and surmised that she was being targeted because of last year’s operation in the mountains of Guang Province. However, with the main suspects still at large, nothing could be definitively concluded.
Hua Zifeng chuckled. "What a coincidence. I happen to know a little something as well. According to A Tai’s investigation in Kongkan Prefecture, Master Zhang and his master have been operating plantations in many foreign countries, and what they grow in those plantations is Afurong. Master Zhang’s master, Little Master Wen, recruited many disciples in Kongkan Prefecture and sent them all to work at those plantations. As for last year’s operation in the mountains of Guang Province, that cut right into the profits of Little Master Wen and his group. And that young woman, Su Qing, along with some of your colleagues from Guang and Yun Provinces, was involved in it."
Hua Zifeng paused, leaned forward slightly, and said to Zou Ming, "And according to my information, some of your colleagues in Guang and Yun Provinces were attacked, with some even dying in the line of duty. Therefore, I have reason to believe Master Zhang was targeting this Su Qing because of that incident in Guang Province last year."
Zou Ming’s expression remained impassive, but he was inwardly shocked. He never expected this detective, Hua Zifeng, to have investigated matters so thoroughly.
Hua Zifeng gave a faint smile. "No need for surprise, Captain Zou. I’ve been a detective for twenty, thirty years. Investigating cases is what I do. Following the faintest of trails to find the cause has become second nature to me. Besides, I have something of a network in most places, so it’s not surprising that I know these things. I came here today for two reasons. First, to exchange information with you on the Master Zhang case. Second, I want to meet Miss Su Qing. Of course, I could go to Beijing University and find her myself. I just felt that going through you would be more respectful."
Hearing this, Zou Ming knew that even if he refused, the man would find Su Qing on his own. After all, he even knew she was a student at Beijing University.
After a moment’s thought, Zou Ming said to Hua Zifeng, "How about this? I’ll notify Su Qing first and give her a heads-up, so we don’t startle her by just showing up unexpectedly. She’s still a student, after all. Just a kid."
"Alright, that was my thought as well," Hua Zifeng said with a smile. "Then I won’t disturb you any longer, Captain Zou. I’m staying at the Beijing Hotel. Just let me know once it’s arranged. I’ll be waiting for good news, Captain Zou."
"Alright. Thank you for your hard work today. You’ve helped us learn a great deal more about the situation." Zou Ming smiled, stood up, and shook Hua Zifeng’s hand. "We appreciate it."
"You’re too kind, Captain Zou." Hua Zifeng politely said his farewells and left the Beijing Public Security Bureau.
After Hua Zifeng left, Zou Ming glanced at the time and dialed the telephone number for Su Qing’s courtyard residence at Beijing University.
As it happened, Su Qing and a few of her dorm mates, along with Meng Yanjing, were having a get-together in the courtyard residence that afternoon after classes. They had all just gotten back.
"Qingqing, phone!" Li Huan answered. When she heard it was for Su Qing, she called toward the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Su Qing and a few friends who knew how to cook were busy working, chatting and laughing all the while. Hearing Li Huan’s call, she went to take the phone.
"Captain Zou." Hearing Zou Ming on the other end of the line, Su Qing was a little surprised, wondering why he was calling her now of all times.
Zou Ming got straight to the point. "Su Qing, there’s something I need to tell you. A detective from Xiangcheng came to see me today to discuss the Master Zhang case. He specifically requested to meet you. What’s more, he’s likely already investigated you; he knows you attend Beijing University."
"A detective from Xiangcheng?" Su Qing’s mind immediately went to Hua Zifeng. "Why does he want to see me?"
"I imagine he wants to ask you about the situation with the plantations in Guang Province." Zou Ming then briefly recounted what Hua Zifeng had told him about A Tai and Kongkan Prefecture, and also gave her Hua Zifeng’s name.
Su Qing was left a little speechless. ’So it really is the same Hua Zifeng I met on the Jixiang. I can’t believe the police in Kongkan Prefecture actually hired him to investigate the disappearance of Little Master Wen and his people. And to think he tracked the case all the way to Beijing...’
’It’s pointless to resist. If I refuse, he’ll probably just come directly to Beijing University to find me.’
After a moment’s thought, Su Qing said to Zou Ming, "Alright then. Could you schedule a time for me with him, Captain Zou? I’m generally free on weekends."
"Okay, then I’ll set it up for this weekend," Zou Ming said.
"Okay. Sorry to trouble you, Captain Zou."
"It’s no trouble. I just don’t know what this detective, Hua Zifeng, wants to find out from you. In any case, be prepared. The man is meticulous and shrewd. He’s not to be underestimated," Zou Ming cautioned.
’I’ve crossed paths with Hua Zifeng before, so I have some sense of what he’s like. Honestly, if I had a choice, I’d rather not have any further contact with him. I really thought that after we parted ways on the Jixiang, we’d never see each other again. I never imagined we’d be meeting again so soon.’
Still, Su Qing wasn’t worried. She looked completely different now than she had on the Jixiang. ’In any case,’ she thought, ’this will be the "first" time we’ve met.’
"I understand. I’ll be careful. Thank you, Captain Zou." Su Qing thanked Zou Ming and hung up. Before she could even dwell on it, Li Huan burst in. "Qingqing, are you off the phone? Quick, quick! Nobody knows how to prepare the tuna! You have to come teach them!"
Thanks to Mr. Li and the other two providing cover, Su Qing had been able to plausibly bring out the tuna she had caught in the ocean. She’d stored some of it at the courtyard residence at Beijing University. However, none of the others had ever eaten tuna before and were completely unfamiliar with how to prepare it, so they could only turn to Su Qing for help.
"Coming!" Pushing all thoughts of Hua Zifeng to the back of her mind, Su Qing linked arms with Li Huan and headed to the kitchen.