Yuan Maoqiu hurriedly arrived at the warehouse with the elite bomb squad. Pushing open the door, he saw Lin Heyu sitting cross-legged on the dirty cement floor, playing games with Jiang Dongliang.
They each had a piece of paper taped to their foreheads with words written in ballpoint pen. Lin Heyu had “Ultraman” on his head, and Jiang Dongliang had “Peppa Pig.” Yuan Maoqiu immediately understood the game. He had played it with Miaomiao before. They could only see the word on each other’s forehead and had to guess what was on their own by asking yes-or-no questions.
Lin Heyu: “Am I an animal?”
Jiang Dongliang: “No. Am I a human?”
Lin Heyu: “No. Can I fly?”
Jiang Dongliang thought for a moment, “Yes. Can I talk?”
Yuan Maoqiu cleared his throat, “Sorry to interrupt, but the game needs to pause. You can continue later.”
Jiang Dongliang was momentarily confused, as if he had just realized the dire situation he was in. Uncle Lin had been talking to him, playing various games, and the innocent child had completely forgotten about the circle of detonators around him, occasionally laughing with bent eyebrows. The empty, messy warehouse had temporarily become a playground.
The fully armed bomb squad approached, and Jiang Dongliang swallowed hard, instinctively shrinking his neck. Lin Heyu patted the child’s head, his tone gentle, “This round isn’t over yet. Uncle will continue guessing with you once you come out.”
The previously fearful Jiang Dongliang instantly mustered up courage, nodding vigorously, “Okay! I’m not afraid! Uncle Lin, wait for me outside!”
Since the quarry had already been cleared, and with Zou Bin and others watching outside, there was no need for a cordon. A riot van was parked within the safety zone. The bomb squad members held a monitor connected to the warehouse, and several people watched the live feed of the bomb disposal.
Yuan Maoqiu and Lin Heyu stood outside. Yuan Maoqiu, with his arms crossed, said, “I didn’t expect this kid to be so strong-hearted. Carrying a bomb and not making a sound, calmer than adults. How did you do it?”
“Just what you saw.”
“Just playing games with him?”
“Yes.”
Yuan Maoqiu always found it hard to believe. After all, children are children; their emotional control is not as strong as adults, making it difficult to stay composed. Especially in life-and-death situations, it’s challenging even for adults to maintain their composure, let alone a kindergarten kid—such a demand is simply too harsh.
However, Jiang Dongliang’s performance on the small screen was surprising. Despite being so nervous that he dared not open his eyes, his body trembling slightly, and biting his lip hard, he did not affect the bomb disposal expert’s actions at all. Instead, he fully cooperated with the instructions, making the bomb disposal work progress quickly and smoothly.
“This kid has good psychological quality, living up to his name. If well trained, he will become a pillar of the country,” said Lin Heyu.
“I think someone who understands how to teach him is necessary. From your attitude towards Zhizhi, Miaomiao, and Xiao Shitou, I can tell. You usually don’t smile much, but you are very patient with children. Are you overflowing with fatherly love?”
“? No.”
Yuan Maoqiu seemed to suddenly think of something, coughed lightly, “Lao Lin, since you like kids so much, there are some things you should seize the moment and cherish.”
Lin Heyu didn’t quite understand what “seize the moment and cherish” referred to. A single life? He shook his head, “I’m not in a hurry.”
“It’s not about being in a hurry or not. It’s just that, um—” Yuan Maoqiu pondered over his words, looking conflicted. Lin Heyu was puzzled, “What exactly are you trying to say?”
I want to know if you’ve really turned gay, comrade Lao Lin! Yuan Maoqiu roared internally.
Perhaps his facial expression was too grim, causing Lin Heyu to sense it wouldn’t be anything good. He simply turned his head away and ignored him.
The fuse was successfully cut, and the bomb disposal expert waved his hand, giving an “OK” gesture.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. With the main task completed, Yuan Maoqiu, itching with gossip, asked, “Hey, didn’t you meet a man at the cemetery last time? What’s the deal with you two?”
“…Miaomiao told you?” Besides Lü Miaomiao, who had two mouths and six waters, Lin Heyu couldn’t think of anyone else who would spill the beans.
Yuan Maoqiu told him not to change the subject and to confess quickly. Lin Heyu, with a blank expression, dismissed it with the simple word “friend.” Yuan Maoqiu got anxious, “Hey, you being secretive like this isn’t what brothers do. It’s rare to get some news, and you’re hiding it. What’s there to hide? Even if you say it’s a future sister-in-law, I’d accept it.”
“No,” Lin Heyu reiterated, “just a somewhat special friend.”
His memory of Yi Shi wasn’t very clear, but the lingering impression of this person was “very special.” Originally, Lin Heyu wanted to explore the past through their chat records, only to sadly find out that he and Yi Shi weren’t friends on any social platform, nor did they even have each other’s phone numbers.
In that moment, Lin Heyu began to doubt the subtle relationship between him and Yi Shi. A person whose trace remained in his mind was categorized as a “friend,” yet he had no contact information in this age where everyone has a smartphone. This was unusual.
“Of course I know ‘special’; who would ask if it wasn’t special,” Yuan Maoqiu muttered, just as his phone rang. It was a call from Wen Huabei. Knowing that Lin Heyu was busy with the child strapped with explosives, Wen Huabei didn’t dare disturb him, so he reported to the second-in-command, Brother Yuan, that the person collecting the ransom had arrived. The person was driving a Volkswagen, wearing a black sweater with the collar pulled up high, covering most of his face. Despite the unfamiliar appearance, the tall and sturdy build, messy hair, and unkempt attire were unlike anyone among Tu Laogui’s associates.
Yuan Maoqiu slapped his thigh, ready to catch the person immediately. But before he could speak, Lin Heyu interrupted, “Borrow a car from the colleagues at Fushui, follow quickly, be careful not to be discovered, keep the recorder on, and report any situation promptly.”
“Is he one of Tu Laogui’s people? Xiao Bei said he looked unfamiliar.”
Lin Heyu pointed at the screen, “Does this bomb look familiar?”
Yuan Maoqiu nodded, suddenly understanding, “Oh—you mean Tu Laogui has a new partner?”
Lin Heyu was speechless. Partner? Killing and robbing is called a partnership?
Yuan Maoqiu realized that Lin Heyu was planning to cast a long line to catch a big fish. They were just worrying about not finding Tu Laogui’s gang, and now bait was delivered to their door. Since they dared to use explosives, they might be planning something big. They had to follow the clues and catch the whole gang in one go.
About five minutes later, the radio crackled with a report, “Captain Lin, it’s done. The child can be taken out.”
Yuan Maoqiu and Lin Heyu had just pushed open the warehouse door when Jiang Dongliang ran over and bumped into their legs, shouting excitedly, “Uncle Lin! I did it! I won’t die!”
Lin Heyu pressed on the Peppa Pig on his forehead, “Yes, Dongliang, you were great and very brave.”
Jiang Dongliang touched his forehead, smiling, “Is this a thumbs up for me?”
Lin Heyu paused, and Yuan Maoqiu, anticipating his slow reaction, put a hand on his shoulder, “Yes, it means that. Today, Dongliang’s performance was excellent. With this special thumbs up, you can get a signed photo of Uncle Lin for free!”
“…” Lin Heyu wanted to punch him, so that no more nonsense would come from his mouth.
The innocent child’s eyes lit up, eagerly asking if it was true. Lin Heyu, embarrassed, led him to find his father, chased all the way for the autograph. Helpless, he could only change the subject and finish the previously interrupted game.
This time, to save time, Yuan Maoqiu gave each of them a hint, telling Lin Heyu, “Yours can fight little monsters,” and telling Jiang Dongliang, “Yours looks like a hairdryer.” With such obvious hints, even an old-timer like Lin Heyu could answer in seconds. The clever kid even answered the entire family of hairdryers.
Father Jiang had been anxious, seeing the riot van enter the quarry, fearing an explosion. The police officer watching over him handed a bottle of mineral water into the car, reassuring, “Don’t worry, our province’s bomb squad ranks nationally. Your child will come out safely.”
“Thank you. I know the professionals are here, but just…” He twisted the cap off the bottle and took a gulp, wiping his mouth, “Officer, you don’t have to worry about me, just let me be alone for a while.”
The officer didn’t say anything more, believing that some solitude would indeed help.
Time ticked by slowly, and the half-hour felt like an eternity. Father Jiang sat in the car, the spring chill making him sweat profusely with tension. Just as he was about to crush the plastic bottle in his hand, the cheerful laughter of children echoed through the empty quarry, coming closer.
Father Jiang hurried out of the car, seeing that small figure, and was so excited he could hardly speak coherently: “Dongliang! My son! Dongliang—he, he’s alive! He’s okay, okay!”
“Dad!” Jiang Dongliang ran over, arms outstretched, and leaped into his father’s embrace, who lifted him high and hugged him tightly. After days of anxiety, father and son were finally reunited, holding each other and crying tears of joy.
Lin Heyu and Wen Huabei shared their location and discovered the car had gotten onto the Shengbei Highway, heading towards Dongxiang, Shengzhou, and Nanyi.
Nanyi? Lin Heyu didn’t think too much, immediately preparing to leave, but was pulled by a small hand on his sleeve.
“Uncle Lin! Are you leaving?” Jiang Dongliang poked his head out of the car window, his big eyes shining as he looked at Lin Heyu.
Lin Heyu nodded, and heard him ask hopefully, “Can I have your autograph?”
Lin Heyu glared at Yuan Maoqiu. This was all his fault—what was the point of giving an autograph? Yuan Maoqiu spread his hands, looking innocent. It was just a casual remark, but the kid took it to heart. What did that mean? It meant he genuinely admired Captain Lin from the bottom of his heart.
Jiang Dongliang rested his chin on his hand, speaking sincerely, “Uncle Lin, you saved me this time. I want to put your photo on my desk and idolize you, then study hard to become a brave policeman like you!”
Lin Heyu hadn’t taken it seriously at first, but hearing this warmed his heart. He became a policeman because he admired the profession as a child. Thinking of Jiang Dongliang’s excellent performance during the bomb disposal, he realized the boy might really have a future in law enforcement if he worked towards it.
Yuan Maoqiu put a hand on Lin Heyu’s shoulder, “See? The kid said it himself. Are you going to be that heartless?”
Lin Heyu pushed his hand away. The troublemaker dared to stir things up more. As a policeman, who carried around a headshot? Lin Heyu thought for a moment, returned to the car, and found a small envelope in the glove compartment. He shook it and out came a blue-background ID photo.
These ID photos were taken last year for a document update and had been left in the car. Unexpectedly, they came in handy now. Lin Heyu signed his name with a pen and handed it to the eager child leaning on the car window.
Jiang Dongliang took the ID photo like it was a treasure, gripping it tightly. Lin Heyu patted his head, a smile playing at his lips, “Study hard. I hope to see you in the police force when you grow up.”
Yuan Maoqiu explained to Father Jiang that although the child was rescued, Tu Laogui and his gang were still at large. Since they lost both the ransom and the explosives, they might seek revenge. For now, it was best to keep the child out of school and always have one parent with him to prevent any accidents. Father Jiang wrung his hands, his face wrinkled with worry, “The money’s not lost, right? They took the five million.”
But as long as his son was alive and well, it was worth it to him.
“Come on, do you think we police would let the hard-earned money of the people just go to waste?”
Father Jiang’s eyes lit up, grabbing Yuan Maoqiu’s hand, “Thank you, officer! I’ll wait for your good news!”
As the red SUV drove away, Lin Heyu and the others prepared to leave the quarry as well. Originally, Zou Bin was supposed to drive back, but due to the bomb incident, he had to stay and cooperate with the local police, so the driving task fell to Yuan Maoqiu.
Yuan Maoqiu had just fastened his seatbelt when Lin Heyu set the GPS and placed his phone on the holder, then closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat, “You drive first. We’ll switch in two hours.”
“In two hours, we’ll be nearly back at the station… huh? Nanyi?!” Yuan Maoqiu thought he saw it wrong and zoomed in on the map to check the destination, and sure enough, it clearly read “Nanyi.”
“Aren’t we going back to the station?” He was confused, “I’ve informed the colleagues in Nanyi, told them to keep an eye out for us. We should go back to the station, file a report, and then organize a team to head over together.”
Lin Heyu didn’t even open his eyes, “It’s a waste of time.”
“… You really are fearless, going after the heroes. I’ll call my dad, at least to inform the higher-ups, so they don’t find an excuse to trouble us later.”
“I’m sorry for dragging you into this,” Lin Heyu said blandly, without a hint of apology.
“It’s not your fault. If you’re in a hurry, there must be a reason. You’re insightful and resourceful, a true master, while we are just ordinary folks and won’t question you too much.” Yuan Maoqiu joked, sending a message, “Done!”
After sending it, he turned off his phone, not planning to see what Yuan Kang would reply. Every time he got in trouble with Lin Heyu, his father would scold him, but Lin Heyu always took the blame as the captain. Yuan Maoqiu often felt guilty for not taking any hits himself.
Eventually, Yuan Maoqiu wised up, realizing he should use his father’s influence when necessary. For impromptu actions, he would send a message to deputy chief Yuan as a report. Yuan Kang would curse for a few minutes in the office but stand firm when questioned, a typical strict but soft-hearted father.
The car sped from Fushui to the highway, and Wen Huabei sent a location update every half hour. He had followed the Volkswagen into Nanyi, but it kept winding through back roads, seemingly trying to shake him off.
“Captain Lin, it seems like he’s noticed me. He’s been circling around this area for the past ten minutes,” Wen Huabei’s voice came through the earpiece.
“In five minutes, make a U-turn and head towards the Nanyi Municipal Bureau.”
“Huh? We’re not following him anymore?” Wen Huabei was startled, “That’s five million!”
“Let our colleagues in Nanyi take over. We’ve also set up roadblocks ahead; he doesn’t have many routes left,” Lin Heyu checked the time, “You haven’t had lunch yet, have you? Get something to eat; we’ll be there in an hour.”
Since Captain Lin had given instructions, Wen Huabei deliberately slowed down, increasing the distance between him and the car in front. At this moment, a Buick emerged from the intersection and followed the Volkswagen unhurriedly. He took out his phone, photographed the license plate, and sent it to Lin Heyu, confirming it was their colleague from Nanyi, then braked hard, stopping at the red light.
After the countdown ended, Wen Huabei made a U-turn and headed towards the city. On the way to the bureau, there was a pedestrian street, and with the sunset, he saw an antique coffee shop sign at the corner opposite. The brown-red wood grain, weathered by time, had a naturally faded gradient, adding an air of vintage charm.
He slowly turned the steering wheel, engrossed in the sight, and finally found a spot to park by the roadside.
Lin Heyu received a WeChat message: [Captain Lin, I’ll wait for you here.]
Below it was the location information—Time Flies (Pingju Plaza Branch).
Lin Heyu was taken aback; these three words caught his eye, and in his mind, he automatically pictured the café’s entirety: a wooden signboard, floor-to-ceiling windows surrounded by a staggered wooden fence, inside filled with colorful flowers, and the fragrance of herbs year-round; pushing open the glass door, the interior decor was mainly in natural wood tones, with handcrafted ornaments and greenery decorating the corners; a long bar greeted visitors at the entrance, leading to a staircase to the second floor, not separated by a rigid plaster ceiling but by a layer of carved floral panels, giving the illusion of seeing the sky and oneself through the gaps.
Behind the carved floral panels was a laminated glass layer with white cloud patterns, and the plaster ceiling was painted with a scene of the changing sky. Walking from the staircase to the hall felt like transitioning from sunrise to a boundless starry night. The second floor mirrored this, with the sky at your feet, creating a sense of walking on clouds, transitioning from darkness back to light, and seamlessly connecting with the blue sky and white clouds at the staircase on the first floor.
He had been there, walking along the stars at his feet, and just happened to meet Yi Shi coming from the dawn.
Thanks for the chap!