Yu Yan immediately felt a lot more at ease upon hearing this.
It turned out they were also looking for someone. There was an idiom, "misery loves company," suggesting that people in similar situations wouldn't have any other intentions.
After some self-consolation, Yu Yan's expression also relaxed.
"Is Brother Hua looking for a friend or family member who's gone missing?"
"A friend, I suppose. I'll recognize him when I see him."
This description felt a bit strange, but Li Zhonglou didn't give her much time to ponder, changing the subject to ask about basic circumstances.
The three of them chatted as they walked towards the residential complex. The distance wasn't far, and within a few minutes, they arrived at an old market.
Although the crowd here wasn't large, it was still a public place with passersby, and Yu Yan's heart completely relaxed.
Through casual conversation, Li Zhonglou learned that the three were indeed close friends, having known each other since university. They used to travel together for most trips.
It was just unexpected that they would get separated and go missing in Shangjing.
Perhaps because it hadn't been long, or because the matter was too serious, Yu Yan had no immediate plans to notify the other party's family.
"Didn't you ask the police?"
Da Bao voiced a crucial point. According to normal official procedures, if someone couldn't be contacted, their family's contact information should at least be recorded. This would help determine if there was any conflict between the three, and if the missing individuals were intentionally avoiding her.
But Yu Yan only shook her head in response.
"They only asked me for some basic information and my friends' names and appearances, nothing else."
This was too irresponsible!
Da Bao was speechless, finding it hard to imagine such an official entity existing in Shangjing.
However, Li Zhonglou sensed something amiss.
"Did they not ask, or did you not say?"
Li Zhonglou suddenly stopped and stared at Yu Yan. Visibly, Yu Yan's expression showed avoidance and discomfort as her gaze shifted elsewhere. She replied, "Actually, I'm not too sure of their family's contact details either. I only know their names."
As Yu Yan spoke, Li Zhonglou kept his eyes fixed on hers.
"I see. That explains it. Shangjing is short on police manpower everywhere, and they probably don't have the time to deal with cases where the nature of the incident hasn't even been determined yet."
"Mm-hmm, that's why I wanted to look for them myself first. If I still haven't found them in another day, they should take it seriously, right? If worse comes to worst, I'll..."
Yu Yan didn't finish what she was going to say.
Only when Da Bao asked in confusion did she continue, "I'll go to the police station again. If someone's been missing for twenty-four hours, they should take it seriously, right?"
There was indeed something going on.
Li Zhonglou exchanged another look with Da Bao. In this day and age, what was this twenty-four-hour rule? As soon as a report was filed and the person was genuinely missing, the official system would have a record. In such a situation, no police station would dare not investigate!
Even if it were just a formality, they would follow the procedures meticulously. It was highly unlikely for the situation Yu Yan described to occur.
Just as Da Bao was about to expose her, Li Zhonglou interrupted him first, "Then let's search around here first. Maybe someone has seen them."
"Oh, right. Send me your friends' photos first, and we'll split up to ask around here."
Upon hearing about splitting up, Yu Yan's remaining guard completely vanished.
So, it was her own petty suspicion. They genuinely wanted to help her. Recalling her initial fear that they might have ulterior motives, Yu Yan felt a pang of guilt.
The two exchanged contact information, and Yu Yan sent the pictures. Then they parted ways, one heading left down the street to ask, the other to inquire to the right.
Da Bao naturally followed Li Zhonglou.
"Brother Hua, what exactly are you planning? Are we really going to help her find someone?"
"Why not? She's a young girl in a strange place, and her friend suddenly disappeared. It would be unreasonable not to lend a hand."
Da Bao was astonished. "Don't we still need to find someone?"
"This is just a detour."
A detour, my foot! This place was almost a kilometer away from the private casino that guy frequented. How was this considered looking for someone?
Of course, he didn't dare voice these questions to Li Zhonglou, as his own life was in the other man's hands.
Da Bao could only change his approach. "That A Yan is clearly hiding something from us. Maybe even looking for her friend is fake. What she said about reporting to the police is full of loopholes."
Li Zhonglou nodded. "I know. I suspect she hasn't reported it at all."
Da Bao was instantly stunned.
"Then why do you still say you want to help her?"
Li Zhonglou suddenly stopped and turned to Da Bao, saying earnestly, "What if the person is genuinely missing?"
"Do you remember that guy from earlier? Do you really think I'd let him go that easily?"
Li Zhonglou sneered, "I'm a citizen of Huaxia, after all. If I don't do anything about scumbags like that, I'd be unworthy of being a Huaxian."
Such high moral consciousness!
Da Bao was momentarily speechless. He also considered himself a Huaxian, and opposing this now would be inconsistent with his own identity.
Li Zhonglou continued, "That guy ran this way when he left. If Yu Yan is telling the truth, this is undoubtedly a clue."
"You suspect that guy is responsible for the disappearance?"
Not suspected, but certain.
Li Zhonglou didn't say it aloud but simply nodded.
Da Bao's expression became rather complicated. He felt he needed to redefine his perception of this elder gentleman.
When they first met, Li Zhonglou had given him the impression of being someone from the underworld. How could an ordinary person possess such abilities and composure?
Even when using poison, he hadn't seen much abnormality on Li Zhonglou's face, giving an impression of being accustomed to it.
Such a person would generally not concern themselves with the affairs of ordinary people, let alone seek trouble for the sake of Huaxia.
When their own lives were uncertain, who would have the mood for such things!
But now, Li Zhonglou gave him a completely different impression.
At least the term "helpful," which was extremely foreign to their profession, could now be applied to him.
"Then let's look."
With things having reached this point, what else could he do?
Li Zhonglou patted Da Bao's shoulder and reassured him, "Don't feel like we're meddling. Like I said, if what Yu Yan said is true, the disappearance should be related to that guy."
"You understand 'birds of a feather flock together,' right? Maybe that guy is also connected to the person we're looking for."
Da Bao remained silent.
One was a pervert, the other a professional human trafficker. How could they possibly be connected!
However, he didn't overthink it, merely assuming Li Zhonglou was finding an excuse to help someone.