Not only that, but the investigation from the police also provided me with some very valuable intel.
First, the police believe that the perpetrator was a habitual thief; this was based on their analysis of the footprints found on the crime scene. While the outer side of his shoe sole seemed severely worn, the inner side seemed relatively well preserved. Similarly, the sole of the shoe had little wear. I agreed with their analysis because that man did seem exceptionally light-footed. As such, it would seem that this man had received some level of training.
But why would an expert thief all of a sudden turn to abducting children? Did he want to change his vocation?
Previously, I thought the police were unaware of the perpetrators face, but they had actually examined the surveillance cameras on the streets. They had already obtained a picture of his face; it was the face I saw that night. The police had even obtained his fingerprints. Yet, the police had no records of the fingerprints or his face, so they could not identify him. As such, they failed to locate any of the children.
The case did not seem complicated from the perspective of purely the case details. However, I felt there were things hidden at every turn that I could not explain currently. I brought the information with me, intending to find Wu Yu. For some reason, on my way to the repair shop, I kept having this feeling that I had missed something important, something I just could not put together.
At the shop, Xiaohua told me that Wu Yu had gone out with two of his colleagues to a restaurant on the next street for food. He even kindly gave me the restaurant address and Wu Yus phone number.
I parked my car in front of an old and run-down restaurant with an oily damp patch on the street in front of it. The outdoor area was still packed with customers even though it was already two in the afternoon. I saw Wu Yu and his colleagues sitting inside right away and was thinking about whether I should head in. At that moment, he saw me and called out, Tan Jiao.
His two colleagues immediately recognized me when I walked over and let out surprised smiles before turning their gaze toward Wu Yu to tease him. Yet, Wu Yu seemed unaffected by them and pulled over a chair beside himself, gesturing for me to come sit before giving his colleges a shut-it look. Although they let out chuckles, they did not say much.
Naturally, I am casual about it. After all, there was nothing between Wu Yu and I. He had only touched my face and hand, no big deal. But when I sat down beside him, being so close to him in public with his eyes on me, I suddenly felt my face burning up and dryness in my throat.
Also hunger.
As I realized the fact that I had not eaten anything since morning, I abruptly felt that the leftover cold food in front of me looked tasty.
Wu Yu asked, Is there something you want to discuss?
I nodded.
Alright, lets talk later.
Okay.
Had lunch?
No, I answered honestly.
He let out a smile before handing me the simple-looking menu. Get a couple of dishes. I took the menu and looked at it with reservation while his two colleagues stood up and said, Brother Yu, well be heading back now.
Sure. You guys head off. Ill pay for this meal.
The other guy let out an approving smile when he heard that and said, Of course, youre buying. Wu Yu did not respond.
I pretended I did not hear that and ordered two other dishes while Wu Yu got the waiter to clear the table before pouring us each a cup of water. As we waited for the food, I passed him the information which he read carefully; it seemed we were the quietest customers in the restaurant.
After some time, I asked, Since something so big has happened, why are you still working today? Why didnt you look for me to discuss the next step?
He raised his face to look at me. Didnt you say you need some time to yourself?
Er I did say that.
He lowered his head again and continued, But if you didnt come to me by tonight, Id go to find you.
Oh, I replied while suddenly feeling a sliver of warmth in my heart.