Impossible, absolutely impossible.
Unknowingly, Li Zhaofeng's back was already drenched in sweat.
The male officer cleared his throat, "Mr. Li, did you hear what I said? Do I need to ask you again?"
Li Zhaonian opened his mouth but still didn't know how to respond. He wasn't someone easily fazed, but when it concerned his own son...
His mind was in turmoil.
A Volvo stopped in front of the restaurant.
Luke and his two sons stepped out.
Luke entered the restaurant, eyeing the two officers inside.
Li Zhaonian breathed a sigh of relief, as if he'd found his backbone, "Luke, you're here.
These two officers are looking for Will, saying they want to understand yesterday's murder case."
The male officer looked towards Luke, "Do you know where Will is?"
Luke didn't answer, instead asked, "Could I see your badges?"
"Of course." The male officer nodded, gesturing to the female officer beside him.
The female officer took out her badge and handed it to Luke, blinking with a thoughtful expression, "You look very familiar."
"I know, Keanu Reeves, everyone says that." Luke laughed and returned the badge, "Why are you looking for Will?"
"We are investigating the 1.22 Chinatown murder case. According to the information we have, he may have some connection to this murder case."
Luke asked back, "Do you have any evidence?"
The male officer asked back, "Who are you? A lawyer?"
"I'm Will's brother."
The male officer followed up, "Do you know where Will is?"
"Sir, how may I address you?"
"My last name is Liu, just call me Officer Liu."
"Officer Liu, I respect the NYPD and am willing to assist in your investigation, but before that, I want to understand what exactly happened?
I believe trust should be mutual, don't you think?"
We are recording statements from those involved; someone identified Will, saying he had a conflict with the deceased.
There is some evidence against Will, I can't disclose too much...
So, we need to find Will to verify the situation, not to arrest him.
This is a necessary procedure."
Luke nodded in understanding, "Will had a fight with his father and ran away from home, we don't know where he is now either."
Officer Liu pointed at himself and Luke, "We both have Chinese heritage. We understand the significance of the New Year, why would he choose this time to run away?"
Luke said, "For a 'big boy' in his rebellious phase, running away has nothing to do with time or holidays."
The 'big boy' Luke referred to was about psychological age, not biological age.
"OK, let's assume you don't know where he is.
Then, I'd like to ask, was there any conflict between him and the deceased?"
Luke knew there was no hiding this, and there was no need; being vague would only make the NYPD suspicious, "I don't know who the deceased is."
Officer Liu took out a photo, "Do you recognize him?"
"I've seen him once, but I don't know him."
"His name is Zhang Qilong. We found his body in a trash can in Chinatown yesterday.
Did he ever have a conflict with Will?"
On the night of January 20th, I came to the restaurant to eat.
I was chatting with Will at the time, and a table of guests nearby was about to leave.
Will went over to ask if they needed to pack anything.
They said no and were about to leave.
Will reminded them they forgot to pay.
The deceased and his friend didn't want to pay, and there was a small argument.
But it didn't get physical.
The deceased and his companions just left." Luke shrugged, indifferent, "In my opinion, this was just a trivial matter, hardly a conflict."
The female officer said, "Not paying for a meal isn't a trivial conflict.
If it were me, I'd definitely hit them."
Luke said, "That's why you're a cop.
And my uncle is just a small restaurant owner who can't avoid these situations."
Officer Liu asked, "If it really was a small matter.
Why would Will run away from home?"
Luke explained, "Will didn't run away because of this, but because he doesn't want to work in the restaurant. He's still young, he wants to start his own career, not spend every day serving tables in the restaurant.
And my uncle hopes he can stay and eventually take over the restaurant, that was the cause of their argument.
To be honest, I wouldn't want to serve tables either, if it were me, I might've left long ago."
Officer Liu pursed his lips, clearly understanding that Luke had been trying to distance Will from any conflict with the deceased, which would negate any motive for murder, "You should consider getting a law license."
Luke laughed, "Would you hire me?"
"I'll give you a discount."
Officer Liu handed Luke a business card, "Have Will contact me if he returns, you know, it's necessary procedure."
Officer Liu looked at Luke, then at the Li couple, before turning and leaving with the female officer.
In the car, the female officer still seemed a bit absent-minded.
Officer Liu looked at his female partner, "Did you discover anything?"
The female officer said confidently, "I think I've seen him before."
Officer Liu shrugged, "Then let it go.
He's quite eloquent, but we're looking for Will, so don't worry too much."