chapter 6 This matter is not over yet

As night descended, the neon lights bathed the streets and alleys of Donghai in their vibrant glow, casting a slower, more enchanting ambiance upon this city, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient. The oppressive weight of the day was lifted, and the city breathed more freely under the cover of darkness.
In the evening hours, the renowned affluent neighborhood of Ziyuan Garden in the East China Sea was tranquil. Much like upscale neighborhoods in cities nationwide, the villas in Ziyuan Garden had all been sold out several years ago, yet they appeared somewhat deserted. Less than half of the expansive affluent area's villas were illuminated.
"Father, why don't we accompany Tyrone Qin to the police station for the statement?" Diana Zhang had changed into adorable pajamas in a Ziyuan Garden villa and posed the question to Tim Zhang, who sat sipping tea on the living room sofa.
Throughout her upbringing, she rarely referred to Tim Zhang as "father" and typically addressed him as "Lao Zhang."
"I thought you might be unnerved by what occurred this afternoon, so I wanted you to return home and rest. Regarding the statement, I'll send someone to handle it," Tim Zhang replied.
"I'm fine, and this isn't the first time something like this has happened to me. There's no need for me to be frightened," Diana Zhang asserted, feigning nonchalance.
"Well..." Tim Zhang couldn't help but sigh in response.
Despite being a prominent tycoon in the Yangtze River Delta and even the southern half of the country, there were still individuals seeking his downfall. Over the years, he had been the target of numerous assassination attempts, including one that tragically claimed the life of his wife. Diana Zhang had also been present during several of these incidents.
This was the very reason he had spared no expense in hiring two elite bodyguards to protect Diana Zhang. However, even with such security measures in place, Diana Zhang had come dangerously close to encountering an accident.
"Old Zhang, that Tyrone Qin guy doesn't have any contact information, and he didn't accept your business card. If we don't head to the police station shortly, won't we lose the opportunity to see him?" Diana Zhang questioned.
"Do you truly wish to see him?" Tim Zhang inquired.
Huh? Diana Zhang was initially taken aback by this query, her heart skipping an inexplicable beat. She responded with a slight sense of urgency, "He saved my life; it's only reasonable that we express our gratitude, or at the very least, invite him to a meal..."
"Well, I'll make the arrangements," Tim Zhang nodded, though his brows furrowed involuntarily.
He couldn't quite figure out Tyrone Qin, but his intuition and judgment told him that Tyrone Qin was a potentially dangerous individual. He didn't want his daughter to get too close to Tyrone Qin, and he even hoped that their paths would never cross in the future.
However, Diana Zhang's reaction a moment ago had not escaped his notice, leaving him with a nagging unease.
Ten minutes later, Tim Zhang escorted Diana Zhang to her bedroom door, then turned and proceeded to the study located at the end of the corridor.
Inside the study, a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses had been waiting. Upon Tim Zhang's entrance, he promptly closed the door behind him.
This man had accompanied Tim Zhang to the train station to retrieve Diana Zhang and had immediately leveraged all available channels to gather information on the assassin.
"Philip, have you obtained the necessary information?" Tim Zhang settled into the rosewood desk chair and lit a cigarette, a box of Double Happiness which cost seven yuan and fifty cents.
Double Happiness was the brand he had smoked when he was just starting out. Despite his current fame throughout the Yangtze River Delta, he still preferred Double Happiness.
"Brother, the assassin goes by the name Kenneth Huang, also known as Evil Huang. His modus operandi is ruthlessly cunning, specializing in disguise and seizing opportune moments to strike. He's one of the most notorious contract killers in the country, with a flawless track record since he first entered the scene," reported the man named Philip Zhu, his tone somber.
Philip Zhu was a longtime confidant of Tim Zhang and now served as his chief strategist. He was well-acquainted with some of Tim Zhang's adversaries, but he hadn't anticipated that one of them would be so ruthless.
"Where is the individual who saved Diana?" Tim Zhang inquired.
"With just photos to go by, we're unable to pinpoint his identity at the moment," Philip Zhu shook his head, his expression growing even more grave. He understood the implications of this all too well.
"Oh?" Tim Zhang slightly narrowed his eyes upon hearing this, then extinguished his cigarette and tapped the desk lightly.
Philip Zhu said nothing, aware that this was Tim Zhang's customary behavior. Whenever Tim Zhang engaged in this action, it signified deep contemplation and that he should not be disturbed.
"Philip, what's your assessment of the situation?" Tim Zhang inquired after a few minutes of contemplation.
"When you shook hands with him, I noticed his physique. He appeared incredibly robust and possessed explosive strength. His arms were longer than the average person's, his joints were well-maintained, and there were noticeable calluses on his index fingers, while also easily saving Diana," Philip Zhu recalled the encounter with Tyrone Qin and shared his assessment. "Based on this information, I would surmise he's had military training, possibly even Special Forces."
"That would be quite fortunate if he's a special forces operative," Tim Zhang sighed softly.
"Brother, what do you mean?" Philip Zhu comprehended Tim Zhang's implication but sought clarification.
"A person who dismisses my business card either doesn't comprehend its significance or possesses an air of arrogance, looking down on it. There's another possibility; they might be intentionally feigning ignorance," Tim Zhang explained with a hint of amusement. "As one grows older, matters tend to become more complicated and extreme in consideration. I hope my speculation is incorrect."
"Brother, are you suggesting we dispatch someone to follow and investigate him?" Philip Zhu hesitated but inquired.
"Regardless of which category he falls into, it's immaterial. After all, he harbors no ill will toward Diana and poses no threat to her. There's no need to alert the serpent," Tim Zhang waved off the idea. But his tone suddenly turned icy as he added, "Yet someone has delivered us a gift, and we cannot remain passive."
"It's impolite not to reciprocate for gifts. Rest assured, Brother, once we uncover the puppet master behind this, I'll ensure we deliver an equally grand gift in return," Philip Zhu declared, a glint of cold determination in his eyes.
"Very well," Tim Zhang nodded in agreement and issued another directive. "Furthermore, you should go to the Criminal Police Brigade in person. Collaborate with the police on recording statements and take the opportunity to thank Tyrone Qin again. Regardless of whether he seeks any rewards or not, we must adhere to etiquette."
"Understood," Philip Zhu acknowledged the order respectfully before exiting the study.
Tim Zhang then lit another Double Happiness cigarette and drew from it contemplatively, reminiscing about his encounter with Tyrone Qin.
Meanwhile, in the Hongqiao Area Criminal Police Brigade of Donghai City, Tyrone Qin had his backpack confiscated upon arrival and was led into an interrogation room.
"Miss, it's unusual for someone to conduct interviews in an interrogation room, isn't it?" Tyrone Qin walked into the room, observed the intense overhead lighting, and took note of the imposing "tiger bench." He turned around, furrowing his brow, and addressed Hannah Wang, who was behind him.
Bang! The answer to Tyrone Qin's query was the resounding slam of the iron door, locking them inside the interrogation room.
"It appears you're quite familiar with police stations and their layouts, given your observations," Hannah Wang remarked with a cold tone as she sneered. "You think you can play the hero because you stopped a kidnapping? You'll find that doesn't exempt you from questioning."
"Are you sure you have the right person?" Tyrone Qin raised an eyebrow, perplexed. "Because of a police oversight, Miss Zhang was almost kidnapped by a murderer, and I intervened in time, yet here I am, facing interrogation?"
"I told you to sit down and answer my questions. Sit there and spare me your nonsense," Hannah Wang retorted firmly.
"Are you certain?" Tyrone Qin seemed baffled. "Officer, you might want to have your hormones checked, or maybe your aunt has come to visit."
"Snap!" Hannah Wang frowned and slammed her hand on the table. She spoke sternly, "Let me make myself clear: don't assume that because Tim Zhang is protecting you, you can act with impunity!"
"I'll make this equally clear: if you don't provide me with a reasonable explanation, I won't let this matter rest with you," Tyrone Qin responded, his attitude growing more assertive.