Bai Lixin: “What’s strange?”
The duty officer fell into contemplation, “We traced the movements of that elderly couple. After receiving the money, they bought a train ticket to the neighboring city. However, in that neighboring city, we found no trace of them whatsoever. It’s as if they vanished on that train.”
Bai Lixin: “Are you sure they boarded the train?”
The duty officer shook his head, “Honestly, we’re not sure about that. Surveillance and information checks weren’t as sophisticated back then, and not all train stations were meticulous about ticket checks.”
“And there’s another oddity. The developer gave the couple a total of 20 million in demolition compensation, and the money was transferred to an account opened in the woman’s name. However, when we investigated later, the money in that account had disappeared. It all flowed into a platform, and after dispersing through the platform, it went into a foreign account.”
Bai Lixin frowned, “Pyramid scheme? Or fraud?”
The duty police officer shook his head. “It doesn’t seem like it. The elderly couple were both in their seventies, they used bank passbooks as their primary means of banking. They didn’t use smartphones, and according to neighbors, they lived frugally and were quite aware of scams. It’s unlikely for people like them to get involved in pyramid schemes or fraud.”
Bai Lixin asked, “Then was the money recovered later?”
Big Zhuang quickly added, “Yeah, people die for money. Maybe the disappearance of the elderly couple is related to the missing money. If we find out who transferred the money, we might identify the killer.”
The duty police officer sighed. “At that time, we already considered what you’re thinking. The Cybersecurity Department conducted a special tracking investigation, but the money flowed out through a virtual network. Once the money is involved in that platform, it gets mixed with all the money on the platform. We couldn’t trace the exact destination of this money.”
Bai Lixin: “But you mentioned earlier that the money flowed into a foreign account.”
The duty police officer clarified, “Because all the money on that platform eventually ends up in foreign accounts. While we’re not certain which account received it, we can be sure it went into a foreign account.”
Bai Lixin: “Money laundering?”
The duty officer looked at Bai Lixin but didn’t continue, indicating he wouldn’t delve further into the topic. “These cases are confidential. I’m telling you all this today because I want you to know that being young doesn’t mean you should take risks. Do you know how many people die from accidents and homicides in the country every day? While others struggle to live another day, you’re playing with your lives.”
“In the future, don’t go to dangerous places for no reason. Live well, contribute to society—it’s better than anything else!”
The duty officer unexpectedly concluded the conversation. Big Zhuang stood awkwardly in place, feeling like he was back in middle school and was being scolded by the head teacher.
He nodded repeatedly, wishing he could just bury his head into the ground.
After the officer finished criticizing them, they were ushered to the rest area.
After sitting for a while, a middle-aged couple with anxious expressions hurriedly entered from outside.
The two looked around in the lobby. Big Zhuang nudged Bai Lixin’s arm with his elbow.
When Bai Lixin raised his head, he locked eyes with the middle-aged couple. Their initially panicked expressions instantly brightened and hurriedly came over, “Xiao Xin, we finally found you! Where have you been these days? You scared Mom and Dad to death.”
Bai Lixin didn’t recognize them. Faced with their enthusiasm, he subconsciously stood up from his chair and took two steps back, creating a safe distance.
The on-duty police officer at the reception called out, “Hey, you two, come over and register first. Do you have your ID cards? The kid has amnesia, and he probably doesn’t recognize you now. Don’t startle the child.”
S419M: [Heh, long live the kid, amazing.]
Bai Lixin: [……]
Upon hearing about Bai Lixin’s amnesia, the woman’s expression immediately turned sorrowful. She exchanged a glance with the man, rushed to the police officer, and fumbled to retrieve her identification from her backpack.
Bai Lixin stood not too close or too far from them, silently observing.
Despite their hurried arrival, their attire suggested affluence.
The woman’s hair was a bit disheveled, and there were dark circles around her eyes, but it couldn’t conceal her beauty and dignity.
The man hadn’t spoken since entering, only looking at Bai Lixin anxiously. However, the well-tailored suit he wore indicated it was quite valuable.
“Bai Lixin,” Big Zhuang quietly walked to Bai Lixin’s side and gently poked his arm, “Seems like you’re a young master from a wealthy family.”
Bai Lixin looked at Big Zhuang with a questioning gaze, “What makes you say that?”
Big Zhuang narrowed his eyes and sniffed in the direction behind the couple, “Hmm, the scent of money. Believe it or not, besides being a supernatural anchor, I’m particularly sensitive to anything related to money. I can tell if someone has money with just one look.”
Big Zhuang looked at Bai Lixin with some envy, “Congratulations, rich young master. Who would have thought that the random person Mouse found would turn out to be a runaway young master.”
Bai Lixin repeated with skepticism, “Runaway?”
Big Zhuang: “Yeah, look at your parents. When they first entered the police station, their faces were full of worry. They almost cried when they saw you. They rushed in, panting. You probably receive a lot of attention and pampering at home. Why would a young master like you leave home? There’s only one reason: you must have had a quarrel with your family and ran away.”
“I just don’t know what happened after you ran away, so you lost your memory.”
“You’re quite arrogant compared to me. This amnesia is a lesson for you. Let’s see if you dare to wander around recklessly in the future.”
“The air outside might be free, but it’s also dangerous. As vast and beautiful as the world may be, it’s not as comfortable as being at home.”
“Good brother, when wealth and honor come, don’t forget each other,” Big Zhuang looked at Bai Lixin with a sincere expression, “We’ve at least formed a bond of fate, right?”
“This young man is right; as big and beautiful as the world is, home is still the best,” the middle-aged woman’s voice interjected, “Xiao Xin, promise Mom thy you can’t run around like this again, okay?”
Bai Lixin looked at the woman with a pale face and slightly trembling fingers. He nodded silently, “Okay.”
The woman broke into a tearful smile, “Your identity has been verified, Xiao Xin. Let’s go home. Look at you, you’ve lost weight these past few days. You must not have eaten or slept well outside. When we get home, I’ll have Aunt Wang make you a big meal to replenish yourself.”
Bai Lixin: “…”
Seeing the woman and the man about to leave with Bai Lixin, Big Zhuang quickly stood behind them and shouted, “Uncle, Auntie, we found Bai Lixin on the road. This poor child was standing there, not knowing anything. He probably couldn’t find his way home, so I drove him to the police station.”
The woman and the man exchanged glances, immediately understanding Big Zhuang’s intention.
She took out her phone and said gratefully, “Thank you very much, young man. In appreciation, how about you give Auntie your payment code? Auntie will transfer you some money, okay?”
Big Zhuang glanced at Bai Lixin and spoke with righteousness, “No need, Auntie. Seeing Bai Lixin reunited with his family makes me happier than anything. I’m not someone who loves money. You’ve misunderstood me. I just wanted to make sure Bai Lixin could safely return home. As the saying goes, when you escort a Buddha, escort him all the way to the west. This way, I can be at ease.”
The woman glanced at the man next to her with some embarrassment.
At that moment, Bai Lixin slowly spoke up, “Since Big Zhuang said that, let him come home with us as a guest. It’s late, and they haven’t rested for a night.”
The woman contemplated for two seconds before nodding, “Alright, since Xiao Xin has spoken, we’ll do as you say.”
Seeing Big Zhuang, Red-Hair and Mr. Mouse quickly standing up to follow, Bai Lixin silently glanced at the woman and the man in front of him.
Were they happy to see him?
But he saw the expressions on their faces when they first entered. They were obviously shocked and scared, there was no happiness at all.
