Han Yi parked the car in the visitor parking area across from the towering headquarters of the Lian Group. The skyscraper dominated the entire business district, while luxury cars arrived one after another beneath the wide entrance canopy and employees walked briskly through the revolving doors as uniformed security guards stood quietly at every entrance. Qin Yue slowly looked up at the building before letting out a quiet whistle. "No matter how many times I see buildings like this, they're still impressive." Han Yi closed the car door and adjusted his glasses. "People spend a fortune making buildings look trustworthy."
Qin Yue smiled as she walked beside him. "You don't sound impressed." Han Yi replied, "I rarely trust appearances." She laughed softly. "That's probably why you're such a difficult person to fool." Han Yi glanced at her without changing his expression. "It's kept me alive this long." Qin Yue chuckled before the two of them walked together.
The spacious lobby was cool and elegant. White marble floors and crystal chandeliers while employees carrying folders and laptops walked quietly from one elevator to another. Behind the reception desk stood silver company emblem polished until it reflected the entire lobby. The receptionist immediately noticed them and stood with a professional smile. "Good afternoon. Welcome to the Lian Group. How may I assist you today?" Han Yi returned the smile politely. "Good afternoon. We'd like to meet Mr. Lian."
The receptionist typed on her keyboard before looking back up. "Certainly. May I have your names?" "Han Yi and Qin Yue." She checked the appointment list once more before offering an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but I don't see an appointment under either name." Qin Yue smiled politely. "That's because we don't have one." The receptionist looked slightly embarrassed. "I'm afraid Mr. Lian doesn't accept visitors without a scheduled appointment." Han Yi nodded calmly. "We understand, but this matter is important." The receptionist maintained her professionalism. "May I ask what this concerns?" Han Yi answered evenly. "I'd prefer to discuss that directly with Mr. Lian." The receptionist hesitated. "I'm sorry, sir. Company policy requires me to know the purpose before requesting authorization."
Qin Yue leaned slightly against the counter with a friendly smile. "We're not here to cause trouble. We only need a few minutes of his time." The receptionist looked between the two of them before politely shaking her head. "I still need approval." Han Yi reached into his coat and slowly opened his identification wallet. "Criminal Investigation Division." The receptionist's eyes widened for a brief moment. "I... I understand." She immediately picked up the office phone. "Miss Xu? There are two officers from the Investigation Division requesting to meet Mr. Lian... Yes... They don't have an appointment... Yes... They say it's regarding an active investigation... Understood." She placed the receiver back before looking up again. "Mr. Lian's secretary will be here shortly."
A minute later, the elevator doors opened and young woman in a tailored black business suit stepped out and walked toward them with measured, confident steps. Her long dark hair was neatly tied back,and she carried a tablet in one hand.She stopped a little step away before offering a polite smile. "Good afternoon. I'm Xu Lin, Mr. Lian's executive secretary." Han Yi nodded slightly. "Captain Han Yi." Qin Yue smiled politely.
Xu Lin glanced at both of them before speaking. "Mr. Lian is currently in a meeting. Before I interrupt him, may I ask what this investigation concerns?" Han Yi answered calmly. "We need to ask Mr. Lian a few questions regarding an active missing person case." Xu Lin remained composed. "Would you mind being a little more specific?" Han Yi looked directly at her. "I'd prefer to explain it to Mr. Lian personally." Xu Lin studied him for a few silent seconds. She seemed to be deciding whether to press further before nodding. "Please wait here for a moment." She turned away and entered a private office beside the reception area.
Only two minutes later, she returned. "Mr. Lian is willing to see you now." Qin Yue raised an eyebrow slightly before whispering to Han Yi as they followed Xu Lin toward the executive elevators. "That was easier than I expected." Han Yi kept his eyes forward. "Either he's very cooperative..." He paused briefly. "...or very confident." Qin Yue couldn't help smiling. "You always assume the second option." Han Yi answered quietly. "Experience usually rewards caution."
The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor. Unlike the lively lobby below, the hallway was completely silent. Soft lighting illuminated polished wooden floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked almost the entire city skyline. Expensive paintings decorated the walls, yet nothing felt excessive. Everything reflected quiet elegance rather than luxury. Xu Lin stopped before a pair of tall walnut doors and knocked gently twice. "Mr. Lian. Captain Han Yi and Miss Qin Yue have arrived." A calm voice came from inside. "Please, bring them in."
Xu Lin slowly opened the doors. The office was remarkably spacious, with one entire wall made of glass overlooking the city. Bookshelves lined another wall, while a long table displayed several carefully arranged bonsai trees. Near the windows stood a tall man with one hand resting casually in his pocket.He slowly turned around at the sound of footsteps. He appeared to be in his early thirties, dressed in a charcoal-gray suit with no tie, the top button of his white shirt left casually undone.His sleeves were rolled to his forearms, revealing a simple black mechanical watch.
A faint smile appeared on his face. "Captain Han Yi." His voice was calm and steady. "I've heard quite a bit about you." Han Yi met his gaze without hesitation. "Hopefully nothing too troublesome." Mr. Lian chuckled softly. "That depends on who was telling the story." Qin Yue quietly observed the exchange. Neither man looked nervous. Instead, it felt more like two experienced chess players studying each other before the first move.
Mr. Lian gestured toward the seating area beside the windows. "Please, have a seat."
After everyone sat down, Xu Lin quietly placed three cups of freshly brewed tea on the table before stepping back. Mr. Lian folded his hands together. "Now then... how can the Lian Group assist the Criminal Investigation Division today?" Han Yi spoke without wasting time. "We're investigating the disappearance of a young boy named Jun Wei." Mr. Lian nodded slowly. "I've seen the reports on the news. It's unfortunate." Han Yi continued. "During our investigation, we traced a black SUV connected to the case." Mr. Lian remained silent, allowing him to continue. "Traffic cameras show that the SUV entered your underground parking garage on the night Jun Wei disappeared."
He leaned back slightly before asking, "And you believe that vehicle is connected to your investigation?" Han Yi answered calmly. "We believe it may contain an important clue." Mr. Lian nodded once. "I see." He turned toward Xu Lin. "Can Security prepare the parking surveillance footage from that evening?" Xu Lin hesitated. It was only for a brief moment, but Han Yi noticed it immediately. Mr. Lian noticed it as well. "Is there a problem?" Xu Lin lowered her eyes slightly. "There is."
Xu Lin clasped the tablet a little tighter before answering. "Mr. Lian... the underground parking surveillance system experienced a technical malfunction that evening." Mr. Lian looked at her with a slight frown. "A malfunction?" Xu Lin nodded. "Yes!According to the maintenance report, the recording server unexpectedly stopped responding." Han Yi remained expressionless. "For how long?" Xu Lin glanced down at the tablet before replying. "Approximately three hours." Han Yi asked another question immediately. "Which three hours?" Xu Lin took a slow breath. "From a little after eight o'clock until just before midnight." Qin Yue slowly turned toward Han Yi. Their eyes met for only a brief second. Neither of them spoke, but both were thinking exactly the same thing.Jun Wei had disappeared during those very hours.
Mr. Lian noticed the silent exchange between them. He calmly picked up his teacup before speaking. "I understand why that sounds suspicious." He placed the cup back onto the table. "Unfortunately, coincidence doesn't always choose a convenient time." Han Yi looked directly at him. "Coincidences have a habit of becoming evidence if they happen often enough." A faint smile appeared on Mr. Lian's face. "That's a very investigator's answer." Han Yi didn't smile back. "Occupational habit." Mr. Lian nodded once before looking toward Xu Lin again. "Retrieve the maintenance report along with the repair records." Xu Lin immediately answered, "Yes, Mr. Lian." She gave a slight bow before quietly leaving the office.
Mr. Lian leaned back comfortably in his chair. "Captain Han... may I ask you something?" Han Yi nodded. "Go ahead." Mr. Lian studied him for a moment before asking, "Do you believe someone inside my company kidnapped that child?" Qin Yue quietly looked toward Han Yi, curious how he would answer. Han Yi remained calm. "If I believed that, I wouldn't be sitting here asking questions." Mr. Lian raised an eyebrow slightly. "Then what do you believe?" Han Yi answered without hesitation. "I believe someone used your building." Mr. Lian slowly folded his hands together. "There's a difference." "A very important one," Han Yi replied. Mr. Lian gave a faint nod. "I'm glad we're having the same conversation."
A few minutes later, Qin Yue stood from her chair. "Captain, while Miss Xu is retrieving the documents, I'll take a look around." Han Yi understood immediately. "Don't go too far." Qin Yue smiled. "I won't." Mr. Lian gestured politely toward the door. "Feel free to look around the executive floor. If you need assistance, my staff will help you." Qin Yue thanked him before quietly leaving the office.
Outside,Employees walked past carrying documents before disappearing into nearby offices.Qin Yue casually wandered toward the security office near the elevators.Inside, a young security guard was watching several surveillance monitors while eating a sandwich. He quickly put it down after noticing her. "Sorry... visitors aren't usually allowed back here."Qin Yue smiled apologetically. "Don't worry. I'm just waiting while Captain Han finishes talking with Mr. Lian." The guard relaxed slightly. "Long meeting?"
Qin Yue laughed softly. "Looks like it." She glanced toward the monitors. "You must spend your whole day watching cameras." The guard grinned. "Pretty much. It gets boring after a while." Qin Yue folded her arms comfortably. "At least nothing exciting ever happens." The guard laughed. "Most of the time." She tilted her head. "I heard your surveillance system broke down recently." The guard sighed dramatically. "Please don't remind me." "Everyone blamed the security department."
Qin Yue smiled sympathetically. "You were working that night?" He nodded. "Night shift." "Worst timing imaginable." Qin Yue kept her tone completely casual. "Did anything unusual happen before the cameras stopped recording?" The guard scratched the back of his head while thinking. "Actually..." He looked toward the ceiling for a moment. "There was one thing I remember." Qin Yue remained relaxed. "What was it?" "A black SUV drove into the underground garage." She nodded slowly. "Did it leave before the system went offline?" "No." The answer came so naturally that he didn't even stop to think. "It never exited through the main gate." His smile instantly disappeared and his body stiffened.His eyes widened as he realized exactly what he had just said. He glanced toward Mr. Lian's office before lowering his voice to barely above a whisper. "I don't think I was supposed to tell you that."
Qin Yue's expression didn't change. She simply smiled as though they were still making casual conversation. "Relax." She lightly tapped the counter with one finger. "I'm only trying to understand how these systems work." The guard swallowed nervously. "I... I really shouldn't be talking about that night." He glanced toward the hallway again before lowering his voice even further. "Captain Zhao specifically told everyone not to discuss it." Qin Yue tilted her head slightly. "Captain Zhao?" The guard immediately realized he had revealed another detail. His face stiffened. "The head of building security." Qin Yue nodded as though the answer meant very little. "I see." She looked toward the monitors before casually asking, "If the SUV never came out through the main gate... was there another exit?"
The guard hesitated. His fingers tightened around the paper coffee cup in his hand. "There is..." He stopped himself halfway through the sentence. "...I don't know." Qin Yue smiled faintly. "You almost answered." The guard forced an awkward laugh. "Please don't make this difficult for me." "I'm not." Qin Yue's voice remained gentle. "I'm trying to make it easier." He looked at her in confusion. "If that vehicle entered but never left through the main entrance..." She calmly continued. "...then either it was still inside the building..." "...or it left another way." The guard remained silent. Qin Yue watched his expression carefully. He wasn't thinking about the first possibility. He was thinking about the second.
Inside Mr. Lian's office, Xu Lin returned carrying a thick blue folder and placed it on the coffee table before Han Yi. "These are the maintenance reports, server logs, and repair records from that evening." Han Yi thanked her and slowly opened the folder. Every document appeared complete.Maintenance requests, Technician signatures, and repair invoices. Even the replacement parts were listed in detail.Han Yi quietly turned each page without rushing. His eyes carefully examined every signature, every timestamp, and every handwritten note. Nothing appeared out of place. That alone made him even more cautious.
Mr. Lian noticed the thoughtful look in Han Yi's eyes. "Do you see anything unusual?" Han Yi closed the folder halfway before answering. "Not yet." Mr. Lian smiled faintly. And said,"You don't seem interested in coincidences." Han Yi looked at him and gave faint smile, "There's no coincidence in this world" Mr. Lian said,"That's an honest answer." Han Yi looked directly at him. "Honest answers usually take longer." Mr. Lian nodded slowly. "I can respect that."
Outside, the guard quietly looked around once more before leaning a little closer to Qin Yue."There is... another vehicle exit." Qin Yue remained perfectly calm,"Where?" The guard shook his head immediately. "I can't tell you." "Why not?" "Because only executives are allowed to use it." He swallowed hard. "Even most employees don't know it exists." Qin Yue's eyes narrowed slightly. "An executive exit?" The guard nodded once. "It connects directly to the private underground road behind the building." He quickly added, "Please... don't tell anyone I told you that." Qin Yue smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry." She paused briefly before asking, "Was that exit operating on the night the cameras failed?"
The guard's face instantly lost its color. He slowly looked past Qin Yue toward the end of the hallway.Qin Yue noticed the change immediately. Instead of turning too quickly, she casually followed his line of sight as though she were simply stretching her neck. At the end of the corridor stood a man who was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a perfectly pressed dark navy security uniform. A silver badge rested neatly on his chest, while a thin scar crossed the corner of his right eyebrow, making his already stern features appear even sharper. His hair was cut short, and his hands were calmly folded behind his back.
The young guard swallowed nervously. "Captain Zhao..." His voice had become noticeably weaker. Captain Zhao began walking toward them.When he reached the security desk, he didn't look at Qin Yue first. Instead, he looked directly at the young guard. "You seem busy." The guard immediately straightened his back. "J-Just answering a visitor's question, Captain." Captain Zhao remained silent for several seconds before finally turning his attention toward Qin Yue. His expression softened into a professional smile. "Good afternoon, Miss. I hope my staff hasn't kept you waiting."
Qin Yue returned the smile naturally. "Not at all. I was just asking where the restroom was." Captain Zhao held her gaze for a brief moment, then he nodded. "The restroom is at the end of the west corridor." "Thank you." Qin Yue smiled politely. Captain Zhao looked back at the young guard. "When you're finished here, come to my office." The guard's fingers tightened around the coffee cup. "Yes, Captain." Without another word, Captain Zhao turned around and calmly walked away.
Qin Yue lowered her voice. "He's strict." The guard gave a helpless laugh. "Strict?" He shook his head. "He notices everything. If he thinks I've said something I shouldn't have..." He stopped speaking halfway through the sentence. Qin Yue looked at him quietly. "You don't have to finish that sentence." The guard forced a weak smile. Qin Yue glanced toward the hallway to make sure Captain Zhao was gone before asking one final question. "Just answer yes or no." The guard hesitated before giving a tiny nod. "Did that black SUV leave through the executive exit?" The young guard stared at her for several long seconds. Finally...slightly to notice... he nodded once. Qin Yue's eyes narrowed slightly. "Thank you." She gave him a reassuring smile before turning around and walking back toward Mr. Lian's office.
Qin Yue returned to the office just as Han Yi began reviewing the footage. She walked over and stood beside him. "Anything?" she asked softly. Han Yi didn't answer his eyes remained fixed on the screen as the timestamps slowly advanced minute by minute. Employees entered, Vehicles came and went and Security guards completed their patrols.Everything appeared perfectly ordinary. Then Han Yi suddenly stopped scrolling and his eyes narrowed slightly. He zoomed in on the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
Qin Yue noticed the subtle change in his expression. "What is it?" Han Yi pointed toward the timestamp. "Look carefully." Qin Yue leaned closer. At first she saw nothing unusual then her eyes widened. "Wait." She pointed at the screen herself. "The timeline jumps." Han Yi nodded once. "Eight thirty-two..." His finger slowly moved across the screen. "...directly to nine-oh-two." Qin Yue frowned. "That's..." Han Yi finished her sentence. "Exactly thirty minutes."
Mr. Lian looked at the screen with a slight frown. "That's impossible." Xu Lin quickly stepped forward. "The report says the system failed for nearly three hours." Han Yi calmly looked at her. "The system may have failed for three hours." He tapped the screen once. "But these recovered files tell a different story." Qin Yue folded her arms. "Only one section is actually missing."
Han Yi nodded. "Exactly thirty minutes." He slowly leaned back in his chair. "Everything before those thirty minutes is intact." He clicked again. "Everything afterward is intact." His voice became quieter. "Only this specific period has been deleted." Xu Lin stared at the screen in disbelief. "Deleted?" Han Yi looked directly at her. "Not corrupted." He shook his head slightly. "Removed." Mr. Lian stood and walked over to the monitor himself. His eyes remained on the missing timeline. "Can someone do that without affecting the rest of the recordings?"
Han Yi answered without hesitation. "Yes." "Someone with administrative access." Qin Yue quietly added, "Or someone who knew exactly what they wanted to erase." Mr. Lian slowly exhaled. "Then this wasn't simply a technical malfunction." Han Yi closed the laptop. "No." He looked toward the large windows overlooking the city. "Someone wanted everyone to believe it was." Xu Lin lowered her voice. "I'll contact our IT department immediately." Han Yi raised one hand, stopping her. "Not yet." She looked confused. "Why?" Han Yi calmly replied, "If someone inside your company deleted those thirty minutes..." He looked directly into her eyes. "...warning them now only tells them we've discovered it." Xu Lin slowly nodded. "I don't understand."Han Yi walked back toward the desk. "Imagine you're the person who deleted those thirty minutes."
Xu Lin remained silent. "You believe nobody has noticed." Han Yi continued calmly. "Then suddenly the IT department is ordered to inspect the servers." He paused briefly. "What's the first thing you'd do?" Xu Lin's expression slowly changed. "...I'd realize someone found the missing footage." Han Yi nodded once. "And after that?" She quietly answered, "I'd erase everything else." Qin Yue added thoughtfully, "Or disappear before anyone could question me." Han Yi looked toward both of them. "Right now..." He rested one hand on the closed laptop. "...the person responsible still believes their secret is safe."
Mr. Lian slowly nodded. "So you intend to let them remain comfortable." Han Yi replied, "People make mistakes when they feel secure." Mr. Lian smiled faintly. "You're a patient investigator." Han Yi answered calmly. "Criminals are usually impatient. That's why patience works." Just then, Mr. Lian's phone began ringing on the desk. He glanced at the screen, his expression became noticeably more serious. He stood up. "Please excuse me for a moment." Han Yi gave a slight nod. "Of course."
Mr. Lian answered the call and walked a few steps toward the windows. His voice remained low enough that only fragments of the conversation could be heard. "...I understand." "...No, I'll be there shortly." "Don't begin without me." After ending the call, he remained standing for a moment before turning back toward the others."I'm afraid I'll have to leave unexpectedly." He buttoned his suit jacket with one smooth motion before looking at Han Yi. "Captain Han, I apologize. I won't be able to assist you personally any longer today."Han Yi stood as well. "We understand. Business comes first." Mr. Lian smiled politely. "Unfortunately, today it does." He glanced toward Xu Lin. "Anything you need, Miss Xu has full authority to assist you." Xu Lin nodded immediately. "Yes, Mr. Lian." Mr. Lian looked back at Han Yi. "I hope your investigation finds the child safely." Han Yi met his gaze. "So do we." Mr. Lian gave nod before leaving the office with calm, unhurried steps. The door closed quietly behind him.
Zheng Rui looked toward Xu Lin. "Looks like we're bothering you instead." Xu Lin shook her head with a gentle laugh. "Not at all." She placed another folder onto the table. "I'm happy to help however I can." Qin Yue smiled. "Most people become nervous the moment the police arrive." Xu Lin smiled back. "Maybe." She paused briefly before adding, "But I have a younger brother...If he ever disappeared..." She lowered her eyes for a second. "...I'd hope every investigator worked just as hard to find him."
Zheng Rui's expression changed. "Then thank you." Xu Lin nodded sincerely. "You don't need to thank me. Finding children shouldn't depend on luck."Qin Yue reached toward another folder resting on the edge of the table. "Mr. Lian won't mind if we look through these?" Xu Lin shook her head immediately. "He already instructed me to cooperate with your investigation."
Qin Yue reached for another folder on the table. Inside were the building's architectural blueprints and underground parking layout. She carefully spread the large sheets across the table.Han Yi stepped beside her. "Looking for another way out?" Qin Yue didn't answer right away her eyes moved slowly across every hallway, every elevator shaft, every maintenance room, and every emergency exit marked on the plans. She picked up a pencil and quietly traced the route the black SUV should have taken after entering the garage.
Han Yi watched her think. "If the SUV never exited through the main gate..." Qin Yue continued tracing the map. "...then it had to go somewhere." She compared the surveillance parking layout with the official construction blueprint. Several minutes passed without either of them speaking. Then she suddenly stopped and her pencil rested over one corner of the map.
Han Yi noticed immediately. "You found something." Qin Yue quietly slid the second blueprint beside the first. "Look here." He leaned closer. One drawing showed the underground parking structure. The other showed the building's original construction plans. His eyes carefully compared both pages then he frowned. "This section." He pointed toward the far western corner of the underground level. "It's different."
Qin Yue nodded slowly. "Very different." Han Yi looked more closely. "According to the official parking map..." He traced the lines with her finger. "...this should be a solid concrete wall."Han Yi turned the construction blueprint slightly. "But according to the original building plans..." His finger stopped on a narrow rectangular space hidden behind that wall. "...there used to be a service corridor." Qin Yue blinked. "A corridor?" Han Yi nodded. "Connected to two maintenance elevators and an old storage section." She looked back and forth between both drawings. "It's completely missing from the updated plans." Han Yi calmly folded his arms. "Someone removed it from the official records." Qin Yue looked directly at him. "Either the blueprints are wrong..." Han Yi finished quietly. "...or someone built something they didn't want recorded."
Just as Han Yi rolled up the blueprints, his phone suddenly vibrated inside his pocket. Qin Yue immediately looked toward him. "Another message?" Han Yi took out his phone and he saw screen displayed the same words he had seen before.Unknown Sender. Qin Yue frowned. "Again? Whoever this is... they're not even trying to hide the fact that they're watching us anymore." Han Yi unlocked the screen without answering. The moment he read the message, the faint movement in his eyes stopped.