rebirth retreat

Chapter 60

Arriving in Province B by plane, after changing cars twice, Tang Qian finally arrived at the place where Zeng Kai used to work - Li County in the evening.

Compared with the bustling and tense metropolis, Li County looks very leisurely and peaceful. The buildings are well arranged and the vehicles move slowly. Everyone seems to be filled with a sense of satisfaction on the road.Walking out of the bus terminal, seeing such a scene, and being blown by the warm wind from Li County, Tang Qian could feel his tense nerves completely relax.

This is really a good place for retirement living, he exclaimed.Then, he frowned tightly.

After Zeng Kai was released from prison, he would choose a small county like Li County as a new starting point, probably because he wanted to reform himself.Of course, it is normal for ordinary people to resign, let alone someone with a criminal record like Zeng Kai.However, the problem came after he resigned.As Wang Kun said, Zeng Kai did not use his ID card for any registration. Either he was still in Li County and did not go out to find a job, or he had disappeared.

With a serious look on his face, Tang Qian raised his hand to hail a taxi and got in it.

"Master, please go to this address." Tang Qian turned out the address given by Wang Kun and said to the taxi driver.The driver took a look, then started the car, and drove Tang Qian to that address.

"Not a local?" the taxi driver asked on the road.

Tang Qian smiled and said, "Master has really good eyesight."

"Li County is not well-known, there are no interesting tourist attractions, and the economy is not developed, so you outsiders can tell the difference at a glance." Tang Qian's praise made the driver completely open the conversation, "My brother is coming to Li County. Visiting relatives?"

"It's not visiting relatives, it's visiting friends." Tang Qian chatted with the driver when he was bored, "How many years has the master been in this business?"

"It's been more than [-] years. I used to drive a small three-wheeler. Now that the economic conditions are better, I can change to a bigger one." The driver laughed.

"So you are familiar with the route in Li County?" Tang Qian asked with a smile.

"That's it," the driver said proudly, "I can send you to your destination even with my eyes closed!"

"Is there only one bus station in Li County?" Tang Qian asked.

The driver said, "No, there are two."

"Oh?" Tang Qian raised his eyebrows, "Where is the other one?"

"It's in the south, you want to go to the countryside?" the driver asked.

Go to the countryside?In other words, that bus station is dedicated to commuting between the county seat and the township?Tang Qian said: "No, I just came here, and I'm curious to ask. By the way, do I need an ID card to ride at that station?"

"Yes." The driver said, "Where do I not need an ID card now? It is said to be for the sake of travel safety, but it is actually troublesome."

Tang Qian echoed, and asked again: "Then is there any car that can travel without an ID card?"

The driver froze for a moment, then lowered his voice: "You mean a black car?"

Tang Qian smiled and said, "Yes."

"What, did you lose my ID card?" the driver asked.

"It's not mine, it's my friend's." Tang Qian said, "He wants to leave Li County with me, and he's leaving tomorrow, so it's too late to make up."

"So that's how it is," the driver nodded suddenly. "There are black cars, but they generally don't run long distances. If you want to leave, it's still a bit difficult. However, it's not impossible."

Tang Qian's heart trembled, and he said, "What way?"

"Logistics company, you can go out with them without an ID card. As long as you discuss it and give them enough money, they will consider taking you for a ride." The driver said.

"I see." Tang Qian said, and then sighed with deep meaning: "Hey, how can you go out without an ID card these days..."

Li County is not big, so after chatting for a while, the taxi arrived at Tang Qian's destination.After paying the money and thanking the driver, Tang Qian got out of the car.At this time, the night was dark, and the street lights were lit up, and the neon lights were flickering, which felt a bit like a big city.

Tang Qian stood on the side of the road, raised his head, and looked at the sign not far away.

It was a photo studio with an inconspicuous name, but it was decorated quite gorgeously. It was also the place where Wang Kun found out that Zeng Kai worked before.Thinking of this, the smile on Tang Qian's face faded, and he started walking there.

The consumption power of small counties is not comparable to that of big cities, and it happens that there is a meal at this time, so the studio is very deserted.So as soon as Tang Qian walked into the gate of the studio, the receptionist immediately greeted him enthusiastically.

"Sir, do you want to take pictures? Do you want to take ID photos, artistic photos, or wedding photos? Our photo studio has a promotional event. There are very generous gifts for personal portraits or wedding photos!"

Looking at the expectant receptionist, Tang Qian smiled and said, "I want to take pictures, but... I wonder if customers in your store can choose photographers themselves?"

The girl at the reception was stunned for a moment, then she smiled and said, "Okay, sir, sit here, and I'll show you our promotional album."

Tang Qian took advantage of the opportunity and sat down on the sofa. The receptionist took the brochures, stacked them in front of him, and rushed to pour tea for him.Picking up a booklet, Tang Qian flipped through it casually, and asked casually: "I heard from others that you have a photographer named Zeng Kai who is very good at taking pictures. I don't know which of these booklets belong to him." What about the work?"

The reception girl put the tea on the table, and frowned suspiciously: "Zeng Kai? We don't seem to have such a person here."

Tang Qian's flipping hands paused, his warm eyebrows curled up: "Really?"

Seeing Tang Qian's smile, the receptionist girl blushed, and said falteringly: "Actually, I don't know too well, I've only been here for two months. Why don't you wait a little while, our boss has gone to dinner, it's very late Come back soon, and you can ask him."

"Okay." Tang Qian smiled, "Thank you."

The receptionist girl blushed even more, coughed lightly, and enthusiastically approached Tang Qian to introduce her business.Tang Qian has a good temper, a pleasant voice, and a gentle smile. He quickly captured the receptionist girl and obtained a lot of useful information.

This photo studio has the best reputation and the largest one in Li County. Although it is a little deserted and there are no people, but once it hits a holiday, the business is very hot, so the staff treatment is not bad, not only insurance, but also insurance. Eat and live.The receptionist also said that their dormitory is quite close to the photo studio, and it only takes about 10 minutes to walk there.

Staff dormitory...

Tang Qian narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.In other words, as soon as Zeng Kai leaves his job, he will move out of the dormitory?Since the remuneration of the photo studio is considered high in a small county, why did Zeng Kai resign?Is there a better place in Li County than this photo studio?

Just as he was thinking, there was a sudden voice in the studio. Before Tang Qian could react, the receptionist beside him said, "Mr. Tang, our boss is back!"

Tang Qian raised his head. Outside the door, a man and a woman were walking in while talking.The receiving girl went forward and said something to the man among them, and immediately, the man followed her and walked towards Tang Qian.

"Mr. Tang, this is our boss." The girl introduced.

Tang Qian got up and shook hands with the owner of the photo studio, and said with a smile, "Hello."

The reception girl said again: "Boss, this Mr. Tang wants to take a photo, but he wants to appoint a photographer named Zeng Kai to help him take the photo. Do we have such a person here?"

"Zeng Kai?" The studio owner sized Tang Qian up after listening, "He resigned as early as last year. Where did you hear about him?"

Tang Qian was surprised: "Resigned?" Then he sighed regretfully: "That's a pity. I heard from my friends that he used to be a director and made many movies, so he came here because of his reputation."

"It's a pity, but he has already left." The owner of the studio said, and then greeted with a smile, "You can consider other photographers in our studio, they are also very good at taking pictures! Lingling, quickly show the brochure to Mr. Tang one look!"

"Really? But I still want to ask Zeng Kai for help. Do you know where he went after he resigned?" Tang Qian asked.

"When he resigned, he said that he would go back to his hometown for a blind date and get married. He is probably no longer in Li County." The owner of the photo studio said, "I advise you not to look for him. When he left, he said that he would not do this business again. Even if you find him, he probably won't help you."

Go back to your hometown for a blind date and get married?Where is Zeng Kai's hometown?Is it in Li County, or somewhere else?But whether it's going back to his hometown or getting married, he will definitely use his ID card, right?How could it be like the world has evaporated?

With more and more doubts in his heart, Tang Qian didn't want to wait any longer, so he smiled and said, "Thank you then, I won't bother you anymore."

I don't know if it was because he was reluctant to leave Tang Qian, or because he lost a little commission. The receptionist was very disappointed, and she asked, "Mr. Tang, don't you think about our other photographers?"

"It's getting late, I have other things to do, so don't delay. If I really want to shoot, I will come back tomorrow." Tang Qian said, waved his hand after speaking, turned and walked out quickly.

After leaving the studio, Tang Qian immediately took out his cell phone and called Wang Kun.

Knowing that he came to Province B, Wang Kun asked the first sentence after answering the phone: "Brother Qian, did you find anything?"

Tang Qian said: "There are some clues, but I just haven't figured it out. They said that Zeng Kai went back to his hometown for a blind date and got married. Please help me find out the address of Zeng Kai's hometown. It would be best if you could also tell me his hometown phone number."

Wang Kun said: "Wait a minute, I'll check it for you right away."

Tang Qian hummed and hung up the phone. Ten minutes later, Wang Kun sent an address and a string of phone numbers to his mobile phone by text message.Tang Qian opened it and took a look. Zeng Kai's hometown is in Province D, which is considered a neighbor to Province B. It's not far, but not close.

Just after reading the address, Wang Kun's call came again.

"He must still be in Li County," Wang Kun said, "If he really left, it is impossible that there is no record at all."

Tang Qian looked at his watch, and it was only close to eight o'clock, which is the time when most people stay at home and watch soap operas at eight o'clock.He said to Wang Kun: "Don't rush to make a conclusion. I'll make a phone call to his hometown to find out the situation. If he is really in his hometown, then I can rest assured. If he is not... I'm afraid I've finished checking here. You have to go there again."

"Thank you, Brother Qian." Wang Kun said.

"Okay, I'll call you if I need anything."

When he came to the hotel, he opened a single room casually, ordered a fast food, and Tang Qian locked himself in the room.

After grabbing a few bites of fast food at random to fill his long-empty stomach, Tang Qian looked at the time again.At [-]:[-] in the evening, it was not too late, so I took out my mobile phone, opened the text message Wang Kun sent him, and dialed the fixed number.

The phone rang six times before being picked up.

"Hello, how are you?" It was an old female voice, quite angry, and it should be Zeng Kai's mother according to her age.

Although the other party couldn't see it, Tang Qian still put on a smile and said, "Hello, Auntie, is Zeng Kai at home?"

The phone paused for two seconds before replying, "Who are you? What are you looking for?"

Hearing the vigilance in her voice, Tang Qian hurriedly said: "Oh, I'm a friend he made in Li County. I just came back from abroad. I heard that he went back to his hometown, so I wanted to call him to say hello. Auntie, he's at home ?"

Zeng Kai's mother still had that vigilant tone: "Ah Kai has gone out to play cards, and he won't be home for a while."

Tang Qian remembered that Zeng Kai was a person who often went to and from casinos in the information Wang Kun found, and he understood.The old mother probably thought he was here to sniff out, right?After all, "gambling" is illegal in this country, and Zeng Kai has a criminal record, so the old mother may not be able to bear her son going in again.

Feeling relieved, Tang Qian said, "Forget it if he's not there, I'll catch up with him next time I have a chance."

"If you are in a hurry to find him, just call his cell phone." Zeng Kai's mother added.

Tang Qian smiled wryly, and if he really called Zeng Kai's cell phone, he would be exposed.But he still said: "Okay, please give me his mobile phone number."

After writing down a series of numbers and thanking Zeng Kai's mother, Tang Qian hung up the phone.

Sitting on the head of the bed, Tang Qian looked at the numbers written on the tissue and edited a text message to Wang Kun.

"Check the location, holder and usage of this number: 138XXXXXXXX."

After a while, Wang Kun came back: "The temporary number of Li County is in use."

Tang Qian clenched his phone tightly, closed his eyes and collected his thoughts.

Although Zeng Kai's mother's attitude was a little cold, but according to her words, it can be concluded that Zeng Kai should be in his hometown.First of all, "playing cards" is indeed Zeng Kai's hobby; secondly, although it is a temporary number, it should have been used by Zeng Kai before, and it only takes one phone call to identify the authenticity.What's more, there is no need for the old man to lie and give him an unused number.

As for how he left without using his ID card, it should be like the taxi driver said, he went out with the logistics company's car, right?As for Zeng Kai's ID card, it is very likely that he lost it, otherwise he would not still be using the temporary phone number until now.

It's just that the only thing he couldn't figure out was why Zeng Kai didn't apply to report the loss of his ID card, but chose to live in such an ignorant way?

Suddenly, Tang Qian's cell phone rang again.He opened his eyes and found that it was Wang Kun's call, so he quickly answered it.

"what happened?"

Wang Kundao: "I just checked that number carefully, and found that since last September, that is, after Zeng Kai left Li County, every month, 9 yuan will be recharged at the beginning of the month, but the strange thing is that this The number has not had any outgoing call records since September, but there are a few incoming calls."

Tang Qian pondered for a while, and said: "After this number leaves Li County, it is in the roaming state. In order to save phone charges, it is normal not to call out, but to answer."

Wang Kun was stunned for a moment, and said, "That's right. But...if he doesn't breathe out, how can Zeng Kai contact others?"

"Maybe, it's the landline at home." Tang Qian frowned.

"So, did Zeng Kai really go back to his hometown?" Wang Kun asked a little uncertainly.

"According to the clues, it looks like this."

"Then do you want to continue the investigation?" Wang Kun asked again.

Being able to find out here is already very close to Zeng Kai, but it seems that now is not the time to find him and ask the truth about that year.As long as he is sure that he is not in city A and will not pose a threat to Yan Dongting, Gu Liuguang or Gu De, then his purpose of coming to province B this time has been achieved.

"No, further investigation may make Zeng Kai and his family suspicious. After all, he is a person who committed crimes, so it's not easy to startle the snake." Tang Qian said. "I'll go back tomorrow."

"Okay." Wang Kun replied.

"I will ask you to work harder in the future, and help me keep an eye on Zeng Kai's movements. If you find anything wrong, remember to notify me immediately."

"I will." Wang Kun replied readily.

After hanging up the phone, Tang Qian heaved a long sigh of relief, got up and went to the window, and looked out through the glass window of the hotel.Outside the window, the night in Li County was extraordinarily warm.

At this moment, he suddenly missed a certain person who was always bluffing.

The author has something to say: Today is even later!I went to my best friend’s house to eat and drink_(:з」∠)_