Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

After a moment of silence, the door clicked open from the inside.

Li Zhenhua and Lin Taotao stood on either side of the door, both disheveled and with messy hair.

Li Zhenhua had a prominent black eye and a cut on the corner of his mouth.

Lin Taotao's face was flushed, her breathing was rapid, and she unconsciously pressed one hand to her chest. She looked at Li Zhenhua with eyes that seemed to want to devour him alive.

Looking at the bizarre scene before him, especially Li Zhenhua's obvious injuries, Ma Xiaowu frowned immediately and looked at Lin Taotao with displeasure and questioning in his tone.

"Captain Lin! What's going on? Why are you fighting with Section Chief Li? This is outrageous!"

Lin Taotao opened her mouth, but she was filled with grievances and anger and didn't know where to start. Could it be that this bastard humiliated her outside the black market last night?

Her eyes were red with anger. She glared at Li Zhenhua and turned her head away without saying a word.

Li Zhenhua quickly adjusted his state, as if the fierce fight had never happened. He stepped forward, extended his hand to Ma Xiaowu, and forced a smile on his face.

"Director Ma, is this you? Hello, hello! This is Li Zhenhua. It's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! Just now, Captain Lin and I... were sparring a bit, and I got carried away and disturbed everyone. I'm so sorry!"

His words were "grand and dignified," giving both sides a way out while downplaying the nature of the conflict as "a friendly exchange."

Ma Xiaowu was a man of great stature. Seeing this situation and combined with Zhao Gang's veiled reminder over the phone, he already understood seven or eight parts of the situation.

He glared at Lin Taotao, as if to say, "I'll settle the score with you later," then turned to Li Zhenhua with a warm smile and firmly grasped Li Zhenhua's hand.

"Oh, you must be Comrade Zhenhua! The political commissar just called me. Look at the mess this has made... Come on, come on, don't stand here, let's talk in my office. I happen to have some information about your factory's case that I want to discuss with you."

As he spoke, Ma Xiaowu affectionately put his arm around Li Zhenhua's shoulder and half-pushed, half-invited him to his office. Before leaving, he turned back and whispered something to Lin Taotao and the police officers watching.

"Everyone, disperse! Go do whatever you were doing!"

Lin Taotao watched Li Zhenhua and Director Ma walk away side by side. Li Zhenhua's panda eyes were particularly glaring and satisfying to her. She rubbed her still aching chest, bit her lip, and thought to herself.

Li Zhenhua, this isn't over! We'll see!

Following Ma Xiaowu into the director's office, the room was small and simply furnished, but it was clean and tidy, exuding an air of competence.

Ma Xiaowu warmly invited Li Zhenhua to sit down on the wooden chair opposite the desk and personally picked up the thermos to make him a cup of hot tea.

"Comrade Zhenhua, come, have some tea first to calm your nerves. That girl just now... sigh, Captain Lin is just a bit hot-tempered, but his skills are among the best in the station. He's just sometimes too serious. Don't take it to heart."

Ma Xiaowu pushed the teacup in front of Li Zhenhua, his tone carrying a hint of apology and an attempt to smooth things over. His gaze swept over Li Zhenhua's obvious dark circles, and his lips seemed to twitch slightly as he suppressed a laugh.

Li Zhenhua accepted the teacup and thanked him.

"Director Ma, you're too kind. It was just a small misunderstanding, nothing to worry about."

He knew in his heart that Ma Xiaowu's actions were mostly out of consideration for Zhao Gang.

Ma Xiaowu sat down in his seat, his smile fading as he became serious.

"The political commissar has already given me a general overview of the situation over the phone. The part that was found in your factory is indeed a tricky matter. However, don't put too much pressure on yourself; the key to this kind of thing is to find the right approach."

He picked up the cigarette case on the table and offered one to Li Zhenhua, who waved it off. Ma Xiaowu then lit one for himself, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke, his eyes becoming sharp and focused.

"After receiving the call from the political commissar, I immediately reviewed the relevant files and records from the past few months and have a general idea of ​​what to expect."

Ma Xiaowu tapped the table with his finger.

"First of all, we need to be clear that radio stations, once turned on and transmitting, will have signal fluctuations. There are now regulations that require all monitoring stations to record any unidentified or abnormal radio signals for at least three months."

Li Zhenhua perked up and leaned forward slightly.

"What does Director Ma mean?"

"right!"

Ma Xiaowu nodded affirmatively.

"Our first approach is to check the signal records. Your steel mill is located in a relatively isolated area, surrounded by farmland and other factories, with a relatively low density of residential areas. We can request access to recent records from radio monitoring stations around the mill, focusing on checking for any regular, unregistered, unfamiliar signal sources, especially those using older frequencies or coding methods. If we can find abnormal signals that match the time period, we can be fairly certain that there are indeed enemy stations active, and the scope can be greatly narrowed down."

Li Zhenhua's eyes lit up; this was indeed a professional path he had never considered!

This is much more efficient than aimlessly rummaging through a garbage dump.

Ma Xiaowu continued.

"The second approach is to focus on the factory premises. As you said, the steel rolling mill has strict entry and exit controls. It would be extremely difficult to smuggle such a large radio, or even if it were disassembled, with its core components, in and out undetected. Therefore, this thing is very likely still inside the factory!"

He paused, then emphasized his words.

"Therefore, we need to investigate all departments within the factory that may have access to, use, or store radios and related equipment. For example, the factory's broadcasting station, communications department, technical department's laboratory, and even old equipment that may be stored in the warehouse. We need to check ledgers, records, and personnel. In particular, we need to investigate those departments and personnel who have access to private rooms or hidden corners such as abandoned warehouses and basements."

"Director Ma, you're absolutely right!"

Li Zhenhua couldn't help but interject.

"We were only thinking about finding clues in the garbage dump, but we overlooked the most basic premise: the item might still be inside the factory!"

Ma Xiaowu smiled, clearly satisfied with Li Zhenhua's comprehension ability.

"The third approach is the human factor. Such covert activities cannot go unnoticed. We need to investigate any recent unusual behavior among factory personnel, such as whether anyone has acted suspiciously, experienced sudden changes in spending, or frequently contacted sensitive locations or information. Also, we need to check historical records to see if there are any personnel who were previously suspected but for whom there was insufficient evidence, or if any personnel have left or been transferred, potentially leaving behind hidden dangers."

He then put forward several specific points for investigation, including how to conduct preliminary screening without alerting the suspects, how to cross-verify information from different sources, and how to deal with resistance.

Every idea was clear and logical, hitting the nail on the head, demonstrating strong professional competence and rich practical experience.

Li Zhenhua was deeply moved and suddenly understood.

Compared to Ma Xiaowu's words, his previous actions of leading people to rummage through the garbage heap were like those of headless flies.

This is the true approach to handling cases!

Professional, systematic, and methodical.

"Director Ma, your guidance has truly enlightened me! Thank you so much!"

Li Zhenhua sincerely expressed his deep respect for the veteran scout recommended by Zhao Gang, and also gained a clearer understanding of his previous recklessness and lack of experience.

Ma Xiaowu waved his hand and said modestly.

"Well, it's all old news, just experience. The key is that you have to put it into practice. Here's what we'll do: for the signal recordings, I'll help you send a letter to the relevant departments requesting access to them, on behalf of the police station in cooperation with safety production. That will make the process smoother. As for the factory's internal investigation, that's up to you. You must be meticulous and pay attention to the methods you use."

After listening to Ma Xiaowu's clear and logical analysis, Li Zhenhua felt enlightened and was about to ask for detailed instructions on the specific operation when Ma Xiaowu changed the subject and showed a slightly troubled expression.

"Comrade Zhenhua."

Ma Xiaowu flicked his cigarette ash and sighed.

"To be honest, your case is special in nature and time-sensitive, so I should be personally handling it. But look at the situation in our office..."

He pointed to the still noisy courtyard outside the window.

"Last night, dozens of people were arrested on the black market. There's a ton of work to do with the subsequent interrogations, processing, and closing of the case. Plus, there are the daily security cases in the area. I'm really overwhelmed and it's probably difficult for me to go directly to your steel mill to help out."

Li Zhenhua nodded in understanding, though somewhat disappointed, he knew it was the truth.

It's impossible for a police station chief to put aside all his work to specifically assist with an internal investigation of a factory.

Moreover, if Ma Xiaowu really goes there and solves the case, who gets the credit?

"But don't worry."

Ma Xiaowu changed the subject, and a smile appeared on his face again.

"I will fully support whatever the political commissar assigns. Although I can't go myself, I can send you a capable assistant! Guaranteed to be highly competent and able to help you!"

Before Li Zhenhua could react, Ma Xiaowu picked up the internal phone on the table, dialed a number, and said briefly.

"Hello, it's me. Have Captain Lin Taotao come to my office immediately."

Upon hearing the name "Lin Taotao," Li Zhenhua felt a chill run down his spine and nearly jumped out of his chair.

He quickly waved his hand, refusing urgently.

"No! Director Ma! Please don't! Captain Lin... she's very busy, and we... there might have been a misunderstanding! I really can't trouble her! Just send me any other comrade, someone experienced..."

Ma Xiaowu, however, seemed oblivious to Li Zhenhua's embarrassment, and laughed heartily, saying something meaningful.

"It was a misunderstanding, but it's all cleared up now. Comrade Zhenhua, don't underestimate Tao Tao. She's a genuine top student from the Public Security University, a professionally trained professional with solid theoretical knowledge. She's learned a lot from me during this time, especially in crime scene investigation, clue analysis, and interrogation techniques. She's definitely a backbone of our station! Sending her is almost as good as sending me personally!"

Just then, there was a knock on the office door, which was then pushed open, and Lin Taotao walked in expressionlessly.

She had tidied herself up, but when she looked at Li Zhenhua, her eyes still held a trace of lingering coldness.

"Chief, you wanted to see me?"

Lin Taotao's voice was calm, but when her gaze swept over Li Zhenhua's panda eye, the corner of her mouth seemed to curve slightly.

"Tao Tao, you've come at the perfect time."

Ma Xiaowu stood up and introduced the product enthusiastically.

"This is Li Zhenhua, the head of the security department at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. They've discovered a tricky case at their mill, potentially involving clues to enemy espionage activities. Time is of the essence, and the task is urgent. Head Li needs professional support, so after some consideration, I've decided to send you there to fully assist him in solving this case!"

"An enemy spy case?"

Lin Taotao's originally indifferent eyes instantly lit up, as if she had spotted prey, filled with interest and a desire for challenge.

She immediately straightened her back, and her tone became much more serious.

"Mission accomplished!"

Li Zhenhua was inwardly groaning and quickly told Ma Xiaowu.

"Chief Ma, this...this isn't quite appropriate, is it? Captain Lin is the head of the criminal investigation team; so many major cases in the station rely on her. This little matter at our factory..."

"Section Chief Li,"

Lin Taotao suddenly interrupted him, took a step forward, and almost whispered in Li Zhenhua's ear, in a voice that only the two of them could hear, with a hint of threat.

"You'd better think carefully before you refuse. There was a black market in Nanluoguxiang last night..."

Li Zhenhua's body stiffened.

This woman really did use this to blackmail him!

Seeing his sudden change in expression, Lin Taotao changed her tone, adding a hint of seduction, while still keeping her voice very low.

"Of course, if you let me join this case... all the previous unpleasantness, including what happened last night, I can pretend it never happened and forgive and forget. How about it? This is a good deal, isn't it?"

Li Zhenhua's brain was working at lightning speed.

If you refuse her, she might really keep bringing up the black market, and that would be a big problem.

I agreed to let her join. Although we would have to face this "enemy," at least it resolved the immediate crisis. Moreover, Ma Xiaowu said that she was very capable and would indeed be helpful in solving the case.

Between two evils, choose the lesser one...

Li Zhenhua took a deep breath, forced a smile, and spoke to Ma Xiaowu, and also to Lin Taotao.

"Since Director Ma values ​​this so much, and Captain Lin is willing to condescend to help, then on behalf of the steel rolling mill's security department, I warmly welcome Captain Lin to join us! Please forgive the previous misunderstanding, Captain Lin."

Although Ma Xiaowu didn't hear the specific content of their whispers, he knew from Li Zhenhua's sudden change in attitude that the two had reached some kind of "reconciliation." He was happy to play dumb and laughed.

"Alright! It's settled then! Tao Tao, hand over your work to the deputy captain and report to the steel rolling mill this afternoon. Follow Section Chief Li's instructions, but make full use of your professional expertise and help the steel rolling mill get to the bottom of the case as soon as possible!"

"Yes, Chief!"

Lin Taotao saluted, then turned to Li Zhenhua, extended her hand, and wore a businesslike smile.

"Section Chief Li, it's a pleasure working with you."

Li Zhenhua reached out and shook her hand. He felt that her palm was warm and strong, and he chuckled twice.

"It's a pleasure working with you, Captain Lin."