Chapter 139: Identification List

Xiang Yan immediately decided that all actions would follow the strategy analyzed by Ning Zhiheng. At this point in the case, all progress was once again under Ning Zhiheng’s control. Even Xiang Yan found himself unconsciously aligning his work with Ning’s rhythm.

Shao Wenguang felt this keenly, silently marveling to himself that some people are born to control the tempo of things, able to make those around them move to their tune. Ning Zhiheng and Wei Liangbi were undoubtedly such men.

When he first met Wei Liangbi, Shao had initially been able to offer some guidance, but Wei soon naturally became the decision-maker between the two. That feeling was even more pronounced now in his interactions with Ning Zhiheng.

Early the next morning, Guo Xueyi and Kang Shundong called to report that Tian Liqun had shown no abnormal behavior so far.

Xiang Yan and Ning Zhiheng finally confirmed that the program Tian Liqun edited was indeed the signal he had sent to activate their plan.

Xiang Yan picked up the phone and called the police station overseeing West Cangqiao Bridge, ordering the secret assembly and selection of six patrol and household registration officers most familiar with the local population. They were to be in plainclothes, on standby at any moment, ready for deployment.

The police chief, upon receiving Xiang Yan’s call, wasted no time and immediately selected six candidates as instructed, awaiting further orders.

The group swiftly returned to Erma Alley on West Cangqiao Street.

To avoid alerting the target, Xiang Yan ordered that no one enter Erma Alley itself. Since the exact location of the mailbox was unknown, they abandoned surveillance inside the alley, instead setting up posts at the two entrances.

Xiang Yan and Ning Zhiheng split their forces, each leading part of the team along with three patrol and household registration officers to monitor the two alley entrances.

Ning Zhiheng patrolled near one of the exits several times before choosing an ideal observation point—a residence about ten meters from the alley entrance.

Shao Wenguang negotiated with the homeowner, renting a street-facing room for a high price of two legal tender yuan per day.

From the window, they could clearly observe the faces of pedestrians passing in and out of the alley.

Ning Zhiheng instructed the three plainclothes officers, “Do you see the alley entrance?”

The three nodded quickly. They had been summoned individually by the chief early that morning and were given special orders: this mission was under the command of the Military Intelligence Investigation Department, and they were to maintain utmost vigilance without any slack.

Seeing this young officer now, the three felt uneasy, uncertain of the task ahead.

“Your job is simple. Your eyes must never leave the entrance. Watch every person who enters or exits Erma Alley. When I instruct, identify the individuals I select, especially those you recognize—local literate residents. Understood?”

The three exchanged glances and nodded firmly.

By now, people had started moving along the street. Soon, the crisp calls of newspaper hawkers echoed nearby.

The pedestrian flow increased gradually. Time ticked by until finally, someone entered the alley. Ning Zhiheng and the team sharpened their focus, carefully scrutinizing each passerby.

“Is that man in the long gown a local resident? No? Let him go.”

“What about that short, balding man? Recognize him? Yes. Record his name and address—write down all details you remember.”

“The woman in the cheongsam? Recognize her? Good, note it down.”

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Using his keen eyesight, Ning Zhiheng identified every potential target, then questioned the three officers. Anyone they recalled as local residents was meticulously recorded. Fortunately, few people passed through Erma Alley, and most did not meet Ning’s criteria, so the list remained manageable.

As time passed, the notebook filled steadily. The entire day slipped away. Ning Zhiheng waited until dusk, checking the time—it was already eight in the evening. The alley was deserted, and he breathed a sigh of relief. The three plainclothes officers beside him were visibly worn out.

He turned to Shao Wenguang. “That should be enough. You take over the watch here. If anyone enters Erma Alley this late, capture them immediately. It’s better to catch someone by mistake than to let anyone slip away.”

He opened his notebook and counted—fifty-three individuals recorded, all local residents whose appearance, complexion, behavior, and attire matched the suspicious profile.

Ning Zhiheng stepped through the door and hurried into Erma Alley. It was empty. He glanced around, then crossed to the other exit, where Chu Guang waited outside a house.

The two nodded to each other, and Ning pushed open the door to the observation post set up by Xiang Yan.

Xiang Yan looked fatigued, clearly having endured a long day. Seeing Ning enter, a faint smile appeared. “I was just about to notify you. How’s it going? Have you recorded all the suspects?”

Ning Zhiheng raised his notebook with a smile. “All noted. Quite a few—today’s workload was heavy.”

“I have a similar list,” Xiang Yan said, picking up his own notebook, densely filled with notes.

They began cross-checking the data. Xiang Yan’s list recorded fifty-seven names, a number close to Ning’s.

Many suspects appeared on both lists due to entering and exiting the alley at different points.

After consolidating, they finalized seventy-four suspects.

At that moment, a knock came. Chu Guang entered. “Chief, per your orders, the five newsstand owners in this district have been brought in.”

Xiang Yan nodded. “Bring them in quickly.”

Chu led in five nervous men. They had been forcibly rounded up by the task force with plainclothes officers. The men were terrified, barely daring to breathe as they faced Xiang Yan and Ning Zhiheng.

Ning Zhiheng silently noted how swiftly Xiang Yan had arranged everything—truly an experienced operator.

Ning placed the compiled list on the table and addressed the newsstand owners. “You’re here for no other reason than to provide information. You run newsstands nearby and must be familiar with regular customers, some of whom subscribe long-term. Today, I need you to identify those customers.”

He continued sternly, “Let me be clear: those who cooperate will be rewarded. Those who conceal information deliberately, if we find out, will be locked up for life. Think carefully.”

Pointing to the list, he ordered, “Each of you will step forward and identify subscribers who regularly buy the Minsheng Newspaper at your stands. No omissions, no mistakes. I emphasize again: don’t ruin your life for someone unrelated.”

Drawing a Browning pistol from his waist, he placed it on the table, his gaze icy and intimidating.

The men were visibly shaken, nodding repeatedly in agreement. “We won’t dare!”

One by one, they came forward to scrutinize the list. Ning Zhiheng watched their behavior closely, wary of any deception. Chu Guang took notes.

Within twenty minutes, the identification was complete.

Of the seventy-four suspects, nine were confirmed as long-term subscribers or regular customers of the five stands.

Xiang Yan took the list from Chu Guang and nodded approvingly at Ning Zhiheng. Ning then turned to the five men. “You’ve done well, but you won’t be going home tonight. You’ll stay here at the station. If you behave, you’ll be released tomorrow.”

Ning’s caution stemmed from fear they might leak information if allowed to leave immediately—better safe than sorry.

The newsstand owners were terrified at the prospect of spending the night in custody. One braver man fell to his knees, pleading, “Officer, we’ve only done what you asked. Please have mercy and let us go!”

The others also begged desperately, their nerves frayed after being hauled in at gunpoint late at night. They knew well the dangers of being locked up.

Chu Guang’s expression darkened. “No more excuses. Our chief’s word is law. One night in jail is one night—no more, no less. If you cause trouble…”

He drew his sidearm and lowered his voice threateningly, “I can make sure you never return.”

The sight of Chu’s fierce demeanor silenced the men. Under the task force’s escort, they were taken away.

Xiang Yan paid no mind to the small drama. Studying the list of nine confirmed suspects, he furrowed his brow and asked Ning Zhiheng, “You said you’ll hold them overnight. Does that mean you plan to take action tonight?”