Ling Lie sat in the driver’s seat. When Fang Yuanhang yanked open the car door and rushed in, the commotion was like a firecracker exploding on the spot. Fang Yuanhang hurriedly called out “Brother Lie,” still catching his breath, his tiger-like eyes staring ahead as his entire body appeared extremely tense. Ling Lie turned to scan him over and smiled, “Hey, didn’t Captain Bu… Ming tell you that when racing to a mission, you must always buckle your seatbelt?”

Fang Yuanhang startled and quickly fastened his seatbelt. “Sorry, Brother Lie. I was too anxious.”

Ling Lie nodded, pressed the accelerator, and drove out of the municipal bureau. “Once we’re past this stretch of road, I’ll let you feel some real speed.”

Fang Yuanhang clenched his fists tightly. “Yes!”

Ling Lie spoke calmly: “The two of us will go stabilize the situation first. The others will catch up soon. On the way, think about what you’ll say when you see Da Long. I still hold my previous view—he’ll choose to conceal things like the other participants, pretending nothing happened. How you guide him at that moment will be crucial.”

Fang Yuanhang found it difficult to calm down, deeply worried about Yu Dalong’s situation. The technical investigation team had only captured usage information from one of Yu Dalong’s phone cards, but whether Yu Dalong had separated himself from his phone, whether he was safe—no one knew.

Ling Lie opened communications. Shen Xi’s voice came through the Bluetooth speaker throughout the SUV: “Brother! He turned off his phone again. His approximate location is in Yebin Town!”

Upon hearing this, Fang Yuanhang’s heart seemed to leap into his throat.

Ling Lie said, “Got it. Keep tracking. Report any new information to me immediately. If you can’t reach me, contact Ji Chenjiao.”

“Yes!”

After leaving the bustling downtown area, Ling Lie gradually increased the speed. After passing through the outer ring overpass and exiting the toll station, the speed picked up even more.

The Yebin Town that Shen Xi mentioned was already outside Xiarong City’s jurisdiction. South of the southernmost county in Xiarong City stood a mountain called Fengxia Mountain. North of this mountain was Xiarong City’s territory; to the south lay townships radiating from another city. Yebin Town was among these townships.

Precisely because they needed to traverse mountains, Ling Lie had taken out the municipal bureau’s SUV.

The vehicle raced southward on the highway. In Ling Lie’s mind appeared the terrain and township distribution around Fengxia Mountain and Yebin Town.

Due to its location at the boundary between two major cities’ radiating ranges, the townships north and south of Fengxia Mountain had considerable interaction with each other but weren’t closely connected to their respective cities. Combined with the geographical conditions, this formed a relatively closed living area.

For Xiarong City, managing the villages north of Fengxia Mountain was troublesome—the reach of authority felt inadequate.

Conversely, for groups intent on crime, that place was a “dream land.”

Earlier, he and Ji Chenjiao had discussed how Yong Huihao and his group must have disappeared to somewhere relatively large and hidden. They had vanished directly from Xiarong City with someone picking them up, but where had they been taken?

Both Zhao Jie and Zhang Chunjuan possessed what appeared to be commemorative outdoor daggers, and Zhao Jie had chosen to commit crimes during outdoor expansion activities. All of this indirectly suggested that “Building Collapse” likely chose mountainous forests.

It was just that China was too vast, with continuous mountains and rivers, making it impossible to determine which mountain.

But now, the range was rapidly narrowing.

Ling Lie’s gaze gradually sharpened. At the very least, this time—”Building Collapse’s” suspected third activity—was taking place at Fengxia Mountain?

“Little Fang, help me make a call.”

Fang Yuanhang immediately sat up straight. “Brother Lie, your orders!”

“Don’t be so tense.” Ling Lie said, “Call Captain Huang Yi from Feng City.”

“Yes!”

After a few rings, Huang Yi’s voice came through: “Teacher Ling, any progress?”

Ling Lie said, “Captain Huang, I’ve found a possible location where Xue Bin and his group were imprisoned, but I need Xue Bin’s accurate movements. How is his condition?”

“A psychological expert is intervening. He’s been severely traumatized and still refuses to speak,” Huang Yi said. “I’ll go ask again right away.”

Ling Lie continued, “Alright. Also have the tech team trace him again. Wasn’t he located when he returned near Feng City? What about earlier? See if he appeared near Fengxia Mountain.”

“Fengxia Mountain?”

“Right. And another location—Yebin Town. Use these two names to stimulate him.”

After hanging up, just as Ling Lie was considering whether to call Ji Chenjiao, his phone rang. Fang Yuanhang stared at the screen, dazed for a moment. “Boy… boyfriend?”

Ling Lie coughed and quickly answered. Ji Chenjiao’s voice came through: “Fengxia Mountain might be their activity base.”

Ling Lie chuckled softly. “Little Ji, reminder—I’m on Bluetooth right now. Student Little Fang is right beside me.”

Ji Chenjiao was currently in the technical investigation office area, surrounded by a circle of flashing monitors. He was calling Ling Lie very seriously to communicate. Did Ling Lie actually think he would start flirting mid-conversation?

Ling Lie: “So don’t casually tease me, okay?”

Ji Chenjiao: “…”

Fang Yuanhang: “…” My ears are useless now—I want to donate them!

Ling Lie cleared his throat and said seriously, “If Fengxia Mountain is the base, the surrounding townships might be utilized. Whether the locals are kept in the dark or have long been accomplices will be crucial for our next steps.”

Ji Chenjiao said, “When you arrive, do only one thing—find Yu Dalong. I’ll arrange everything else.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

The call ended. The atmosphere in the car became awkward for a moment.

But actually, only Fang Yuanhang felt awkward. Ling Lie was the type who wouldn’t feel embarrassed even if the whole world did.

“Um…” Fang Yuanhang said, “Brother Lie, you and Captain Ji…”

Ling Lie said frankly, “Ah, he’s my boyfriend.”

Fang Yuanhang: “!”

That was too direct! Are Xiarong City residents this bold?

Fang Yuanhang had been trained by Ming Shu. His direct superior and mentor’s orientation toward men was discovered by Yu Dalong’s gaydar. Although everyone in the Major Crimes Unit knew about Ming Shu and Xiao Yu’an’s relationship, it was tacitly understood—no one made a big deal of it.

Ling Lie just said it outright!

“You already saw it. Would denying it help?” Ling Lie asked.

Fang Yuanhang: “…” Seemed like it wouldn’t.

Ling Lie said, “Student Little Fang, you won’t go around telling everyone, will you?”

Fang Yuanhang: “How could I!”

He had too much experience keeping such secrets. Back then, he was the first person in the Major Crimes Unit to learn about Ming Shu’s orientation. He’d sewn his mouth shut ever since—not only keeping quiet but frantically covering for Ming Shu whenever he showed signs of coming out.

Ling Lie nodded. After driving for a while, he suddenly said, “Are you and Da Long also…?”

Fang Yuanhang initially didn’t understand what “also” meant. After reacting, his face flushed red. “I’m straight!”

Ling Lie: “Oh~”

Fang Yuanhang explained: “I really am straight. Da Long is my friend. We don’t have that kind of relationship.”

As if to convince Ling Lie that he and Yu Dalong truly weren’t a couple, Fang Yuanhang started from when they first met, describing many details. Yu Dalong came vividly to life in Ling Lie’s mind through his narration.

Fang Yuanhang clasped his hands together, his gaze becoming resolute. “He’s a very important friend to me. I must save him!”

Ling Lie said, “Now I understand what kind of person Da Long is too.”

Fang Yuanhang turned to look at the driver’s seat. The car window was cracked open, wind pouring in, blowing Ling Lie’s hair. His appearance really didn’t resemble a police officer—somewhat languid, not as upright as his mentor, not as steady as Bureau Chief Xiao. Yet the aura emanating from him was no different from theirs, all making him feel at ease.

Fang Yuanhang froze. At ease? Yes, at ease.

When had he calmed down?

From learning of Yu Dalong’s whereabouts to rushing into the car to helping Ling Lie make calls, he’d been floating above a sea of fire. He knew he bore great responsibility and should calm down quickly, but he couldn’t. His mind was chaotic, growing increasingly anxious.

The change seemed to occur when he saw “boyfriend”—his train of thought was diverted, then gradually pulled under Ling Lie’s control. Ling Lie’s casual tone was like a remarkably effective sedative. He was guided to reminisce, and his boiling emotions settled down.

Was Ling Lie doing this deliberately?

No, he certainly hadn’t deliberately come out to a colleague he’d known for such a short time. It just happened to be seen, so he frankly admitted it, then casually used the matter as a joke to adjust his mental state.

The wind howled. Fang Yuanhang said, “Brother Lie, thank you.”

He didn’t say what for, and Ling Lie didn’t ask. After the wind blew for a while, he said, “Are you cold?”

Fang Yuanhang shook his head. “The window can be opened even wider.”

Ling Lie laughed heartily. “Young people have such good health. I don’t like turning on the heater in the car during winter, and I also like opening windows to blow cold wind. Certain people’s hairstyles get messed up and they insist on telling me they have headaches. Not even thirty yet and already becoming elderly.”

At this moment, far away in Dongye City, Ming Shu: “Achoo—”

At this moment, far away in Xiarong City’s main urban area, Ji Chenjiao: “Achoo—”

Ling Lie: “Ah, I’m talking about your mentor and our Captain Ji.”

Fang Yuanhang sat properly, thinking to himself: Don’t say—these two Major Crimes Unit captains are actually quite vain.

The vain Captain Ji Chenjiao was currently pondering problems while facing a detailed map.

North and south of Fengxia Mountain were nine towns total, with countless villages large and small. If the mountain’s depths were “Building Collapse’s” base, would these villages and towns serve as the base’s shield?

Ji Chenjiao’s brow furrowed deeply as he circled Yebin Town.

Villagers weren’t easy to manage, and Yu Dalong’s signal had been easily captured by police.

Ji Chenjiao put himself in their position. If he were the decision-maker for this group, he would prefer to utilize these villages and towns, letting them help digest the flow of personnel.

Then within these villages and towns, they could very likely find traces of other missing persons.

The Major Crimes Unit and SWAT team forces needed to be dispersed to the villages and towns. The technical investigation tracking network also needed to cover these areas.

After assigning tasks, Ji Chenjiao took a brief break. Thinking of Ling Lie’s teasing remark, after a moment, he let out a light scoff and strode toward the corridor.

---

The sky had already darkened. When the sun set, Yu Dalong still felt somewhat unaccustomed. There was no day or night in the cave—all the light he could see came entirely from lamps.

Now seeing the sunset reddening the sky, as he watched, his eyes reddened too.

He had escaped, from that nightmare-like place. But he felt as if he still hadn’t awakened—his mind was a complete mess. He originally had a strong impulse to return to Dongye City, but when buying tickets, he hesitated.

The company must have already reported to police, and friends were probably searching for him too. But he hadn’t yet figured out how to account for all this. Fear exceeded all other emotions. Until he was ready, he could only temporarily remain in this small town.

Small towns differed from cities—once darkness fell, night truly descended. Yu Dalong felt hungry and went to a still-open shop to buy a bowl of rice with toppings. After two bites, he vomited.

The SUV stopped on another street. Ling Lie listened to Shen Xi’s latest report—Yu Dalong was still in Yebin Town, checked into a guesthouse.

Fang Yuanhang urgently found the guesthouse. After asking the front desk, he learned Yu Dalong had just gone out. The small town’s temperature was even lower. Ling Lie stood in the cold wind, in a place the streetlights couldn’t reach. He seemed to merge with the wall behind him, only the glowing cigarette indicating his presence.

Diagonally across, someone walked over with head bowed, hands shoved in jacket pockets, steps hurried, looking very nervous. His dress and walking posture didn’t resemble a local.

Ling Lie narrowed his eyes. As the person approached, he called out: “Yu Dalong.”

The voice struck with the cold wind. Yu Dalong was pinned in place as if by a nail, looking up in extreme terror, thinking he was about to see a masked face.

But no, it wasn’t.

The person was a beautiful man, whose indifferent, bewitching air was unlike any beauty he’d seen in the entertainment industry. He stared wide-eyed, motionless. “You… you are…”

Fang Yuanhang rushed out from the guesthouse. With an excited “Da Long,” he hugged Yu Dalong tightly.

Yu Dalong couldn’t even move his eyeballs, his whole body tense as a block of stone. Not until Fang Yuanhang released him did he ask in surprise: “Hang… Hanghang? Why did you come? I…”

He covered his forehead, showing a pained expression. Seeing something was wrong, Fang Yuanhang immediately supported him. Ling Lie walked over, leaning close to Yu Dalong until their noses nearly touched.

“Scared him. Emotions unstable,” Ling Lie said. “Let’s go upstairs first.”

The guesthouse didn’t have many guests. Ling Lie opened a standard room next to Yu Dalong’s. The three stayed in the same room. Yu Dalong’s inner clothing was already soaked with cold sweat, his hands frighteningly cold.

Though he’d thought about many things along the way, now that he’d actually found the person, Fang Yuanhang’s thoughts became confused—half police duty, half worry for his friend. The questions he asked became awkward.

“What happened to you? Why are you here? Where are those people?”

Yu Dalong shuddered, looking at Fang Yuanhang with completely unfamiliar eyes. He frantically tried to pull his hand free from Fang Yuanhang’s grasp. But Fang Yuanhang wouldn’t let go, gripping tighter. “Da Long, don’t move! Listen to me! You’re safe now! We’ve been looking for you for so long! What exactly happened to you?”

Yu Dalong was already a crybaby. With emotions on the verge of collapse, tears streamed wildly. “Don’t touch me! I don’t know! Why are you here? I was just traveling—why are you following me? What business is it of yours?”

This was already nonsense. Fang Yuanhang had never seen Yu Dalong like this. Ling Lie had said Yu Dalong would definitely conceal things, so he was mentally prepared and had planned a whole speech. He knew Yu Dalong trusted him—as long as he persuaded him properly, Yu Dalong would definitely reveal his experiences during this time.

But suddenly facing a friend who’d nearly gone mad, aside from holding him tightly, he found himself helpless. The more Yu Dalong struggled, the more he couldn’t let go.

“Alright, alright. Look at what a mess our little cutie has cried himself into?” Ling Lie stepped forward, pressing down on Fang Yuanhang’s shoulder and giving him a look.

Fang Yuanhang stiffened. The strength in his arms relaxed somewhat. Yu Dalong seized the chance to break free, hiding in the narrow corner between bed and wall, hugging himself.

Fang Yuanhang: “Brother Lie, he…”

Ling Lie pressed his index finger to his lips. “Brother Hang, go buy some food. I’ll chat with Da Long. Captain Ji and the others might call anytime—keep watch.”

Fang Yuanhang stared at Yu Dalong, very reluctant to leave.

Yu Dalong felt his burning gaze and curled up even tighter.

“You straight boy—you don’t understand us dead gays.” Ling Lie smiled. “Go on. Keep standing here and your Da Long buddy will really start to hate you.”

When Fang Yuanhang left the room, he looked back inside. After the door closed, his right hand slammed hard against the wall. Yu Dalong’s words “what business is it of yours” hurt, but what hurt more was that Yu Dalong was suffering so much, yet he couldn’t share the burden. He seemed not yet to have grown to the point of remaining calm under all circumstances. He still couldn’t be like Bureau Chief Xiao or Ling Lie.

---

In Feng City, Xue Bin looked at Huang Yi with a strange, tragic gaze, and at Zeng Shu who had rushed to the municipal bureau. He reached out to Zeng Shu, choking out: “Our kind of crime, in that kind of place, carries… the death penalty!”