“I came to inform you that we’ve increased our search efforts but still haven’t found any trace of Ms. An. I advise you to prepare yourself mentally.”
An Tong lowered his gaze. “I understand.”
“Captain Li!” The young officer, who had returned, stood by the fountain and waved them over.
Li Bi glanced at An Tong and walked toward the fountain, his patience wearing thin. “What are you making such a fuss about?”
“This area has been renovated.”
Li Bi looked down at the freshly laid sod and potted plants. Casually, he said, “According to our investigation, Ms. An left the hotel in a hurry after meeting someone. We suspect that person could be the culprit, or possibly someone she knew.”
“Is that so?” An Tong’s eyes remained unreadable.
Li Bi didn’t mince words. “Mr. An, do you mind if we dig up this patch of ground for a look?”
An Tong smiled. “I don’t mind.”
The young officer, ever sharp-eyed, grabbed a shovel from the nearby garden shed. As expected, the labor fell on him. Following a nod from Li Bi, he quickly dug a hole about half a meter deep. To his surprise, all that emerged was a cluster of wilting red roses. There was nothing else.
The officer, now unsure of what to do, looked helplessly at his superior.
The shriveled red roses lay quietly on the ground, their petals decayed and beginning to rot. Li Bi’s expression stiffened. “Mr. An… do you often bury flowers?”
“Flowers can sometimes be excellent fertilizer,” An Tong said calmly. “I plan to plant white roses here soon.”
“Your mother is missing, yet you still have the leisure to tend to your garden. Quite an impressive attitude, I must say.”
“Tending to a garden isn’t about leisure; it’s about maintaining one’s composure. In stressful times, it’s important to keep a calm heart. The world won’t stop turning just because I’m in distress, don’t you agree, Officer Li?”
“Mr. An, your words are profound. I’ve learned a lot today.” Li Bi’s smile had lost its initial sincerity. “Thank you for your time. I’ll be back if there’s any news.”
“Take care, officers.”
As they left the villa, the young officer asked Li Bi in confusion, “Captain, this An Tong seems like a decent guy. Even though he’s in poor health, he loves life and nature. Why are you suspicious of him?”
“I came here intending to clear him of suspicion. Now, I’m just starting to suspect him.”
“Why?”
“He’s hiding too much.”
Li Bi’s gaze lingered on the girl who had just dashed into the villa. His thoughts were unreadable.
In the courtyard, An Tong, who had just seen off one set of guests, welcomed another. Feng Guang approached with her usual bright smile. “Long time no see! Did you miss me?”
They had just met yesterday.
An Tong looked up. “I missed you a little.”
She blinked, surprised by his response. He usually brushed off her teasing with a laugh, never giving a straight answer. But her attention soon shifted to the large hole in the once pristine lawn. She pointed at it. “What happened here?”
“Two rather interesting officers came by.”
“Is it about your mom?”
“Yeah.”
Feng Guang tilted her head. “Then why did they dig up your yard?”
“They probably suspected I buried a body here.”
Her hand flew to her mouth in shock. “No way! Are those officers crazy?”
“They’re not crazy, Feng Guang. Aren’t you the one who knows best?”
“Huh?” She blinked in confusion.
Bathed in the warm sunlight, An Tong’s smile grew more captivating, almost bewitching. “This time, I do have to thank you, Feng Guang.”
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152