Chapter 821 - 691: Investigating the Problem_2

Chapter 821: Chapter 691: Investigating the Problem_2

This disparity is also reflected in the communication network, with each district having its own relatively independent communication system and a powerful regional network "firewall."

It’s not just a technical "firewall," but also a physical firewall.

The Relic Area stretches between each district, naturally having a chaotic electromagnetic field that can block or interfere with signals.

In other words, once communication signals cross districts, pinpointing them accurately becomes extremely difficult.

Chang Erbing furrowed his brow:

"Not in Zone 9? Then where is it, is there a general direction?"

The constable in charge of contact shook his head helplessly:

"The tech department says it’s hard to make a precise judgment, but judging from the frequency and attenuation patterns of the signal feedback, the signal source likely has entered the range of Zone 6, or possibly even further."

Chang Erbing’s face fell, thinking to himself:

"That means it’s at least three districts away, which is a real headache."

Between the districts of Lower City, although there are economic and trade exchanges, politically, they are under the unified leadership of Upper City and maintain a cooperative relationship. In theory, there should also be mutual assistance mechanisms between law enforcement departments.

But in reality, cross-district enforcement is only theoretically feasible; in practice, it’s filled with challenges.

Of course, there are certainly ways to overcome these difficulties, though they may not be entirely legal or compliant.

After pondering for a short while, Chang Erbing said:

"Keep trying to make the call, don’t stop!

If you get through, don’t mention the explosion, just say there’s a construction renovation issue with the villa that requires the owner to return immediately to handle it.

The tone should be urgent but natural, find a way to trick him back to Zone 9 first!"

It’s not that Chang Erbing already suspected the person, but out of caution, he prepared to deceive the person back first.

As long as the person returns to Zone 9, then whether they’re guilty or not is up to their Patrol Office to decide.

The reporting constable nodded in agreement: "Understood!"

Having worked with Li Shang for a long time, Chang Erbing had learned some real skills. He thought for a moment and then asked:

"Check when Zhang Siyang left Zone 9."

Not long after, the constable came back to report:

"The exit and entry records show that Zhang Siyang left at..."

Chang Erbing’s pupils dilated suddenly, mumbling:

"Just the day before the special agent had an incident, which makes this person even more suspicious."

Unfortunately, the person is not in Zone 9, so no matter how much you suspect, it’s useless now.

Chang Erbing furrowed his brows hard, this line of investigation seemed to have hit a dead end for now.

He could only suppress the doubts in his heart, change his thinking, and continue the investigation according to the second line pointed out by Li Shang.

minutes later.

An inconspicuous private car stopped at the corner of an old commercial street, outside a storefront of a company named "An Ju Le" Renovation Company.

The company’s scale was not large, and through the glass door, one could see that the interior renovation was somewhat dated.

Chang Erbing and his two subordinates had already changed into civilian clothes, looking like ordinary customers.

They pushed the door and entered the company, where a young girl at the front desk was lying on the table, focused on her phone. It wasn’t until she heard footsteps that she hurriedly stood up, squeezing a professional smile on her face:

"Welcome to An Ju Le Renovation, gentlemen. How may I assist you?"

Chang Erbing first pretended to casually survey the company environment before approaching the front desk to inquire: ℴℴ𝘮

"Does your company have a project manager named Jia Zhuang? A friend recommended him, said his renovation work is particularly meticulous and quality assured.

I happen to have a villa I want to renovate, so I wanted him to be in charge."

The front desk girl’s eyes lit up, nodding quickly:

"Yes, sir, Manager Jia is indeed our company’s senior project manager..."

But then, she showed a somewhat troubled expression on her face,

"However, Manager Jia has taken on quite a few projects lately, and his schedule is full.

If you’re in a hurry, I can introduce you to our company’s top project manager, whose skills are absolutely first-rate, ensuring you’ll be satisfied with the renovation results!"

She said this while subtly signaling to the workstation area beside her.

Immediately, a man with a neat buzz cut in a cheap suit came over with a broad smile, enthusiastically pulling out a cigarette to offer to Chang Erbing and his men:

"Boss, you’re looking to renovate a villa, right? Whatever ideas or requirements you have, feel free to tell me.

I’m not boasting, but I’ve been in this line of work for more than ten years, handling over eighty large homes and villas if not a hundred, experienced, fair-priced, and sure to leave you satisfied!"

He began introducing himself fluently, eager to have the contract signed immediately.

Chang Erbing patiently listened to the man’s boasting for a while, then shook his head:

"Sorry, I was specifically referred by a friend to Manager Jia.

Everyone says his work is good, so I feel more at ease. Is he not in the company today? Perhaps you could call him, or tell me where he’s working now so I can go talk to him directly."

The front desk girl reluctantly picked up the landline on the desk and dialed Jia Zhuang’s number.

Soon, the system prompt "The number you have dialed is turned off" came through the receiver.

This result was within Chang Erbing’s expectations—before arriving, they had already tried to contact Jia Zhuang and found the phone switched off, hence masquerading as customers to investigate.

Chang Erbing frowned:

"Turned off? What are we going to do... Miss, is Manager Jia coming to the company today? If so, I’ll wait here.

If not, give me his home address or the address of the construction site he’s currently working on, and I’ll go find him directly. This villa renovation is quite urgent."

The front desk girl appeared a bit hesitant.

Seeing this, Chang Erbing pulled out a few bills from his jacket pocket and casually placed them on the front desk.

The girl’s eyes lit up, quickly scanning her surroundings, then lowered her head swiftly, pretending to tidy up while discreetly sliding the money into the drawer.

She lowered her voice: "Please wait a moment, I’ll check the work records..."

Every project manager’s current construction project addresses were duly registered in the company.

The man with the buzz cut, sensing the deal slipping away, suddenly leaned in closer to Chang Erbing, pulling him slightly aside, and in an urgent whisper:

"Boss, let me give you some advice! If you really want your house renovated well, you absolutely shouldn’t go with this Jia Zhuang!"

Having become a bit impatient, Chang Erbing was about to push him away, but hearing this, his movements paused, instead letting his arm drape over the man’s shoulder, leading him further into the corner, also lowering his voice to ask suspiciously:

"Oh? What do you mean by that? My friend speaks very highly of him."

The buzz-cut man, seeing the customer’s interest, whispered conspiratorially:

"Think about it, what’s Manager Jia’s name?"

Chang Erbing played along with a puzzled expression:

"Jia Zhuang? What’s wrong?"

The buzz-cut man winked,

"Jia Zhuang, pretend... doesn’t that name make it obvious? It’s not a good omen!"

Chang Erbing’s frown deepened:

"You’re saying... there’s a problem with this guy?"

The buzz-cut man sighed, putting on an earnest face:

"Believe me, boss, even though we’re colleagues, and it’s not right to badmouth people behind their backs, I just can’t stand it and don’t want to see you get fooled.

Let me tell you secretly, Manager Jia and his crew, they all take shortcuts, they’re not by-the-book people.

Among the houses renovated by them, nine out of ten have serious corner-cutting issues. They may look good on the outside but are shoddy inside, and they start having problems once you move in!"

Chang Erbing skeptically asked back:

"You’re so sure of this, do you have any evidence?"

The buzz-cut man snorted:

"Evidence? The apartment he renovated in West City earlier this year, the owner moved in and within two months, the living room’s load-bearing wall developed cracks as thick as a pinkie.

Do you know how long the homeowner was causing a fuss at the company? Quite a few people nearby know about it. If you don’t believe me, you can check it out yourself!"