152: Gao Ze's upper-level network, meeting with Jiang Ruiming

“Alright, alright, I hope Officer Gao can find my grandson tomorrow afternoon!”

Han Fenglin’s eyes were cold. He patted Gao Ze’s shoulder lightly and said no more, though Gao Ze could tell he was in a bad mood.

“Jingmei, if there’s any news or new developments about Xinchen, call me immediately!”

“The Police will fully assist you. If anyone fails to investigate or is negligent in their duties, I will support you and give you an explanation!”

As a high-ranking leader, Han Fenglin did not linger. After a quick glance at Gao Ze, he got into the black Audi sedan.

“Officer Gao, I apologize, my father-in-law’s tone wasn’t very good!”

When Zhou Xiaodong saw Han Fenglin had completely left, he showed a look of apology to Gao Ze.

“I understand!”

Gao Ze glanced at the calm Han Jingmei and finally understood why Zhou Xiaodong could tolerate his wife, Han Jingmei. It wasn't just their relationship; it was probably also because of Han Jingmei’s father, Han Fenglin.

Zhou Xiaodong bowed deeply to Gao Ze, saying, “Thank you for your understanding. Please do your best to help me find my son, Zhou Xinchen!”

Gao Ze helped Zhou Xiaodong up and said, “Understood, I will do my best to help find your son. However, understanding is one thing, but I don’t accept it. I’m going to make a call!”

Han Fenglin’s last words before leaving, that an unsuccessful investigation meant dereliction of duty, were clearly a warning directed at him.

If he hadn't had connections before, he would have just endured it.

But now, Gao Ze wouldn’t swallow this insult.

He must find someone!

In front of Han Jingmei and Zhou Xiaodong, he walked to an uninhabited corner of the street, took out his phone, and called Zhao Mingsheng, the top leader of the Municipal Bureau.

In fact, he could have also called his mother-in-law, Shen Xiuyan, and asked her to step in.

However, his relationship with Li Qingyan had only recently become public and was met with disapproval from all sides. He didn’t want to use his wife Li Qingyan’s background connections and invite criticism.

He had his own connections at the top!

That was Zhao Mingsheng, the top leader of the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

He was someone Zhao Mingsheng valued and appreciated, his direct subordinate. Moreover, unlike a simple factional distinction, in the Xingsheng Bank robbery incident, he could be said to have saved Zhao Mingsheng’s political career, and Zhao Mingsheng owed him a great favor.

Now was the time to test the value of their friendship.

“Xiao Gao, why are you calling me?”

After the call connected, Zhao Mingsheng’s curious and hearty voice came from the other end of the phone.

“Shouldn’t you be recuperating at the Municipal Hospital right now? What, have you encountered another case?”

“I have indeed encountered a case.”

“Ah, another major case?”

Zhao Mingsheng suddenly became alert, a shiver running through him. He said, “What major incident is it this time?”

“It’s not a major incident, but I encountered a kidnapping case. The specific details are like this…”

Gao Ze explained in detail the disappearance of Zhou Xiaodong and Han Jingmei’s child, and Han Fenglin’s appearance, then asked, “Director Zhao, do you know that Mr. Han Fenglin?”

“Yes, I always meet him when there are big meetings in the city. He is the Deputy District Head of Huangpu District.”

Deputy District Head, Departmental level!

Gao Ze’s expression changed slightly. This was a leader of the same rank as Zhao Mingsheng, only half a level lower than Zhao Mingsheng.

“Xiao Gao, I already know about this kidnapping case!”

“Don’t take District Head Han’s words to heart. Just do your best to investigate this case and find the kidnapped child, Zhou Xinchen.”

Hearing Gao Ze remain silent, Zhao Mingsheng said calmly and forcefully, “If you can’t solve it, it doesn’t matter. Han Fenglin won’t be able to trouble you; I’ll block him for you!”

“Besides, he is in charge of investment promotion and has never touched Police work, so he can’t interfere with our Police force’s internal affairs!”

“Understood!”

Gao Ze felt the pressure on him suddenly disappear. Zhao Mingsheng completely treated him as a confidant.

Zhao Mingsheng smiled, “Xiao Gao, improve yourself well and focus on handling cases. This way, you will only be appreciated by more people.”

“Remember to attend the commendation conference held for you at the Municipal Bureau tomorrow afternoon. This time the scale is much larger than last time, and many leaders from the city will attend, many of whom are higher-ranking than Zhao Mingsheng.”

“At that time, you might even gain the appreciation of even greater leaders.”

“Thank you, Director Zhao, for your guidance!” Gao Ze nodded in agreement and, after ending the call, walked towards Zhou Xiaodong and Han Jingmei.

At this moment, Wei Haoran had already led his team out of the parking lot and appeared beside the two, his face showing unease, clearly aware of Han Fenglin’s arrival.

If the kidnapping case remained unsolved, he would probably also suffer a downfall.

“Officer Gao, how are you?”

Wei Haoran’s mouth held a hint of a smile. Gao Ze was very innocent; the kidnapping case of Han Jingmei’s child was clearly not his responsibility, but belonged to the Jinghai District Criminal Investigation Brigade. Yet, Han Fenglin had identified him as the responsible person.

Indeed, being capable isn’t always a good thing!

Gao Ze did not hide Zhao Mingsheng’s attitude, saying, “I’ve already called Director Zhao. He told me to just do my best!”

Damn it!

Gao Ze actually had a backer, and it was the head of the Municipal Police Bureau.

Wei Haoran’s heart was moved, and a bitter expression appeared on his square face. If Gao Ze had Director Zhao’s assurance, then Han Fenglin’s pressure would naturally be eliminated.

At that time, if Gao Ze could solve the case, the credit would be his. If he couldn't solve it, the responsibility would fall on him, along with Han Fenglin’s wrath.

This was the advantage of having a powerful connection.

He didn’t have one. If he called Director Zhao, he would probably face questioning.

Gao Ze didn’t know what Wei Haoran was thinking and asked, “Have the license plate surveillance cameras in that parking lot been retrieved? Have you found the license plate?”

“The license plate has been found!”

Wei Haoran sighed inwardly and announced the investigation results, saying, “Just as Officer Gao guessed, a vehicle with license plate Hai A8534 drove out of the parking lot at 12:45 PM.”

“So, does that mean this car was driven by the culprit, and we can find the culprit through the license plate?”

Han Jingmei said excitedly upon hearing this.

“If there are no surprises, we can find them through the license plate.”

Wei Haoran said, “I have already dispatched criminal Police to the traffic management office to investigate this license plate information and driver information.”

Han Jingmei pressed, “How long will it take to find out?”

“At least two hours at the quickest, and three to four hours at the slowest. It should be found!”

Wei Haoran’s tone was hesitant, without much confidence. Based on his experience with criminal cases, if a criminal perpetrator commits a kidnapping, there is a very small probability that they will use a real license plate, and even if it is a real license plate, the driver may not be the actual criminal perpetrator.

Hearing the long wait, Han Jingmei frowned: “What about us now?”

“We have to wait for the kidnappers to call and make their demands!”

Gao Ze said, “Typically, kidnappers have an intention or purpose when they kidnap, and most of them demand ransom. If the kidnappers don’t call proactively, then we can only track them step by step through the license plate!”

“Yes!”

Wei Haoran nodded and asked Gao Ze, “Officer Gao, do you think the kidnappers will call and make demands this time?”

He felt that this kidnapping case was different from previous ones. Judging by the text message Han Jingmei received, the kidnappers harbored deep hatred towards her and might directly kill the hostage.

“It seems Captain Wei realizes this kidnapping case is not simple!”

Gao Ze glanced at Wei Haoran and smiled, “Definitely, even though the kidnappers hate Ms. Han, the moment they sent the text message, it proved they would never give up easily and would continue to act.”

“At least, the moment Ms. Han sees her child’s death, that is the true moment of hatred’s release. But the kidnappers did not send a video of the child Zhou Xinchen’s death.”

“Officer Gao, what are you saying?”

Han Jingmei suddenly grabbed Gao Ze’s arm with her five fingers, her eyes wide with anger.

“My meaning is very simple, Ms. Han, stop hiding what you did in the past and who you offended!”

With a gentle shake of his arm, Han Jingmei nearly fell backward. Gao Ze looked at Zhou Xiaodong: “Mr. Zhou, I need to deal with Jiang Ruiming’s matter later. Please walk with me; I have some questions I want to ask you!”

Having wasted an entire afternoon, the kidnapping case had only yielded a few clues with no significant progress.

Gao Ze decided to first fulfill his agreement with Jiang Qianyu, heading to Peace Hotel to resolve Jiang Ruiming's matter, while Wei Haoran remained behind to wait for the kidnappers' call.

However, it was highly likely that they wouldn't receive a call.

He felt that the kidnappers would likely make Han Jingmei experience prolonged torment and then call tomorrow to make their demands.

“Officer Gao, whatever you want to ask me, I will tell you everything I know!”

Zhou Xiaodong followed Gao Ze, leaving his wife Han Jingmei’s sight.

“Still that question!”

Gao Ze asked, “Tell me the truth, and don’t worry about your father-in-law Han Fenglin. Tell me what enemies your wife Han Jingmei made in the past!”

“My wife didn’t lie, she indeed rarely gets into conflicts with people!”

Zhou Xiaodong said faintly, “But she did offend someone!”

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