Si Lei was curious and called the editorial office phone number left on the newspaper. However, there were two busy signals on the other end of the phone, and then there was no movement. She called Tan Yi's local signal center directly and asked to check the address of this number, but was soon told that it was an empty number.
Si Lei hung up the phone and saw the small words at the bottom of the masthead:
We solemnly declare that all the information you read in this newspaper is completely false and purely fictitious.
...Heh, even the phone number is fictional, right?
"Officer Si Lei!" A young police officer pushed open the door and entered, "The replacement of the City Guards has been completed."
"Okay." Si Lei put away the newspaper, "Have they all gone back, or are they evacuating in batches?"
"Uh... they are all still in Tan Yi, but they are no longer on patrol. Inspector Paul currently has them stationed in the surrounding areas so that they can be called upon when needed."
Si Lei leaned back with some confusion, "My order should be for them all to leave Tan Yi, where they came from, and go back to where they came from - right?"
"Yes, but..." The police officer was a little embarrassed, "The inspector said he felt-"
"Where are they?"
"In the office on the second floor."
…
When Si Lei stepped into Paule's office, she was not surprised to find Avinash here - Avinash was sitting in Paule's office chair, while Paule was sitting on the loveseat against the wall.
"What's the matter, Officer Si Lei?" Pauler looked sideways at Si Lei.
"I heard that you didn't withdraw the military guards that were temporarily transferred yesterday." Si Lei stood at the door and did not go in. "I want to ask why?"
"Oh, this matter..." Pauler paused, "I have asked them to station themselves on the outskirts of Tan Yi. What's wrong?"
Si Lei looked thoughtfully at the ground in front of Paul's feet, and his voice was as calm as ever, "I reminded you yesterday that at this juncture, so many unfamiliar police forces who are unfamiliar with each other are being mobilized. The murderer took advantage of the loophole, what did you say at the time?"
"Well……"
"You said you hoped that I could listen to your opinions. After all, you are more familiar with the situation here..." Si Lei blinked regretfully, "Now if you continue to let these people stationed in the suburbs, you can ensure that the murderer will not come back again." Are you going to blend in like last night and wait for an opportunity?"
Paul coughed and said, "Officer Si Lei, I think——"
"She's right." Avinash interrupted Paul, "If it weren't for the fact that the members of last night's patrol were all from military guards in different cities, and no one was familiar with each other, the murderer wouldn't have been so arrogant. Showing up directly. Not only did it cause a commotion, but it also directed everyone's attention in the wrong direction."
Avinash was playing with Pauler's pen in his hand, "Tan Yi is not that big to begin with. We don't need so many people at all. It is enough to deploy a small number of police officers to quickly patrol the city."
Pauler's expression immediately became serious, "...Oh, it would be better for everyone to withdraw to their original teams as soon as possible."
Si Lei at the door smiled politely.
"Do you have anything else, Officer Si Lei?" Avinash looked at Si Lei.
"Can I ask what you are talking about with Officer Paul now?" Si Lei leaned forward slightly and looked directly into Avinash's eyes. "If there is a change in the deployment plan tonight, it seems that you should also notice me?"
"No, the defense has not changed tonight. We are just chatting about some things that have nothing to do with work. I believe you will not be interested." Avinash replied.
In silence, Si Lei slowly raised his left eyebrow.
Pauler looked away with some guilt. He raised his hands, covered his face and yawned, pretending not to be aware of the tense confrontation in front of him.
"See you tonight."
"See you tonight."
"See you tonight."
After closing the door of Pauler's office, the corridor became darker. It was just before dark, and many public places in the police station had not yet turned on the lights. Si Lei walked in the shadow of the building.
She adjusted her breathing and reminded herself to stay calm. Although Si Lei really didn't like the current situation, it wasn't the first time this happened to her.
Pauler's cooperation obviously had reservations. As an airborne investigator, she always had to mediate in this relationship.
Avinash is a mercury needle who is completely affiliated with the coalition government. His relationship with Paul will indeed be closer. What's more, Chiba has revealed to her before that Avinash has many important officials in the third district. They all maintain good relations, and for Pauler, who is about to retire, he can be regarded as a distinguished guest.
Si Lei's cell phone rang at this moment, a monotonous ringtone twice: it wasn't a phone call, it was a text message.
Si Lei lowered his head, the letter was from none other than Qianye.
Chiba: Anything happen tonight?
A question mark slowly appeared on Si Lei's head - you are not talking nonsense...
Si Lei: What's wrong?
Chiba: Come to my apartment and treat you to dinner.
Si Lei couldn't help but frowned: Why are you so idle?
Chiba: Just say whether you’re coming or not. We’ll talk when you come. If you don’t come, forget it.
Si Lei: Address?
Chiba: C-202, AHgAs staff apartment, No. 27 Kelly Avenue, access code 1734.
Chiba: Can you still get black pepper? We forgot to buy it.
Si Lei narrowed his eyes: Us? Who else is in your apartment tonight?
After sending this message, Si Lei waited for a long time, but Qianye did not reply.
She thought for a while and then wrote: How long will this meal take?
Chiba replied instantly again: If it's short, it's an hour, if it's long, it's up to you.
Si Lei texted "ok" and then returned to the office to get his coat and car keys. There weren't many things that required her to come forward tonight - the armed forces fighting against the murderer had been transferred from the Tanyi Police Station to two mercury needle teams led by AHgAs and Avinash respectively. The only thing she needed to do was to Before and after clicking, check once again whether the city's defenses are complete.
She originally thought that Chiba would be very busy tonight, but now it seems that is not the case.
…
About half an hour later, Si Lei drove to the downstairs of Chiba's apartment.
Although I don't know if Chiba's strength is as strong as other mercury needles, but when it comes to making people's appetites, her level is really first-rate.
At this time, the administrator on the first floor of the apartment had already gone off duty, and the empty hall was dark. It wasn't until Si Lei passed through the coded door that the sensor lights in the hall turned on.
She went up the stairs to the second floor, and smelled a strong aroma of garlic when she was still in the corridor. When she arrived at Room 202, Si Lei pressed the doorbell.
The person who opened the door was so quick! "
Si Lei threw the small bag of pepper directly at her, and Qianye raised his hand to catch it.
"Find a pair of slippers for yourself." Chiba pointed to the shoe rack on the side, turned around and entered the kitchen, "Here comes the black pepper."
