<h4>Chapter 994: Chapter 986: Hidden Depths</h4>


    The next day Hua Xiangrong got up early and went to the police department. She wanted to take advantage of the time before everyone came to work to review the surveince tapes a few more times, as she felt she had overlooked some clues. She spent the whole night thinking about this and couldn’t sleep well. After she learned that only Xiao Yifei’s Green-eyed Silver-tailed Needle could heal her father’s leg injury, she decided that no matter what happens, she must get a result from this case.


    Hua Xiangrong decided to create a sketch of the suspect based on Xiao Yifei’s description and information from the videotapes. She asked a colleague skilled in sketching at the police department for help. Xiao Yifei’s description was hardly useful; he only saw the thief’s back and didn’t clearly see him at night. Moreover, human memory is prone to errors.


    However, upon learning that Hua Xiangrong was investigating this case, the colleague looked displeased and said, "This case is really not easy to investigate. It’s a thankless task, and I advise you to give up." His tone clearly suggested Hua Xiangrong should stay away from this trouble.


    "That’s not possible. How can we say the case is hard to solve and just give up? Besides, the items that were lost are important," Hua Xiangrong replied, surprised that her colleague would say such a thing.


    This is the police department, a ce where fairness and justice reside. If even this ce behaves this way, whom can the people trust? When they face unfair treatment, whom can they rely on?


    "No, this matter is not as simple as you think. If you continue to pursue it, a lot will be implicated. I’m saying this for your own good. You haven’t been working for long. If you offend people upstairs because of this, your career could be tainted," the colleague advised Hua Xiangrong.


    "If you really mean to help me, just sketch this person out for me. Even if there are powerful forces behind it, I will continue investigating this case. It’s important to me. I understand that you mean well," Hua Xiangrong said, determined not to give up on what she’s decided to do.


    Some things have to be done, and if everyone fears failing or causing trouble, especially people like them who bear the responsibility for societal stability, fairness, and justice, then these things will indeed go undone.


    If no one performs this task, then let it be me, Hua Xiangrong thought.


    "Since you are determined to do so, I won’t say more. Actually, I admire you young people sometimes—fresh to society, filled with hope for yourselves and for society, believing you can change some of the world’s unfairness by your own efforts. But as you go through things, you’ll realize that many times, we are powerless," the colleague said.


    Hua Xiangrong usually gets along well with this colleague, who joined the police department a few years earlier than she did. His words were not without reason. He also entered this field with the desire to change society. In the beginning, he worked diligently on every case, full of reverence.


    However, he went through a situation where, after nearing the resolution of a case, orders came from above to halt the investigation, and all information was blocked. He only found outter when having dinner with an older colleague; the perpetrator was the son of a local official, so the case was dropped.


    Seeing Hua Xiangrong’s current state reminded him of his past self—equally naive and stubborn. But over the years, he has changed. He now seeks only stability within the police department and can no longer do what he did back then.


    After obtaining the sketch,puter data analysis narrowed down the suspects to two individuals. Upon investigating their backgrounds carefully, Hua Xiangrong realized something shocking. One of them had a history of theft, and not ordinary theft—unlike regr thieves who steal money or valuables frommon people.


    This person was caughtst time for stealing files from a confidential agency because their ns failed before the police department cracked the case. Hence, the punishment was lenient. The suspect served three years in jail and was released early for good behavior.


    Looking at this file, Hua Xiangrong thought, how can someone like this be let out again? No matter how they reform at the time, society has many temptations; these people will always re-offend. If it’s true that this suspect stole Xiao Yifei’s things, Hua Xiangrong will not let him off easily.


    Hua Xiangrong pondered why her colleague suddenly advised her not to wade into troubled waters. Could this matter be rted to some powerful figures? But ording to Xiao Yifei, the stolen items aren’t valuable—apart from the needle inside the wallet. Why would anyone want such an item?


    Hua Xiangrong was unaware of the importance of the Green-eyed Silver-tailed Needle as described by Xiao Yifei. She once heard Xiao Yifei mention it and thought it was no more than a regr acupuncture needle used by doctors. Now it seems far more serious. Also, Xiao Yifei said his reason for being in Beijing was rted to a friend in trouble, which made Hua Xiangrong realize theplexity of these matters.


    Nevertheless, this case must be investigated, no matter how big it gets. Hua Xiangrong hasn’t faced major cases before, so encountering an important case brings her a sense of anticipation. Solving it quickly would leave asting impression on others and gain her superior’s acknowledgment.


    Although colleagues from the first level had kindly warned her, she clearly hadn’t anticipated the depths behind this case.


    During this time, Hua Xiangrong called Xiao Yifei, asking him toe to the police department. Xiao Yifei, thinking there was progress on the case, didn’t hesitate and took a cab there immediately.


    Upon arriving, he saw Hua Xiangrong busily scanning documents, trying to find some clues from them. Xiao Yifei saw Hua Xiangrong working diligently and was drawn further by her personality charm. It’s often said that serious men are the most handsome; this applies to Hua Xiangrong too, as serious women are quite alluring.


    "You’re here," Hua Xiangrong said with a bright smile as she looked up at Xiao Yifei.


    "Is there any new progress in the case?" Xiao Yifei asked, keenly interested in this particr issue.