The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1816: The Missing Persons Case

"Speaking of which, back in Linxian, you acted like a fool. People who didn’t know might have thought you escaped from a mental hospital." Zhang Ting also recalled last time in Linxian, feeling quite frustrated. She finally ran into Ye Shikai at the police station, whom she’d been searching for months without success, yet there he was, acting possessed, digging up soil in the middle of the night on the mountain, for some unknown reason.

"Uh, there was a reason for that, I’ll explain it later, and my mind is perfectly normal, not mentally ill." Ye Shikai felt embarrassed. At that time, he had just traveled back from the Qin Dynasty and was almost "half an ancient person," feeling a bit unadjusted was normal. But Zhang Ting was unaware and mistakenly thought Ye Shikai had "gone mad."

"Every mentally ill person claims they’re normal. You really should have your head checked." Zhang Ting mocked.

"Alright, I’m here to thank you. If it hadn’t been for your help in Linxian, I might not have made it back."

"And then what?" Zhang Ting continued.

"Uh, maybe I can treat you to a meal to express my gratitude." Ye Shikai continued. Besides this, he couldn’t think of any other way to thank her. Meeting Zhang Ting was an "accident" as well. Initially, they didn’t see eye to eye, but later developed a friendship while investigating a case together. They became friends through "disagreement."

"Well... I could accept that. But lately, I’m swamped with cases. How about we wait until I have some free time, then you can treat me to that meal?" Zhang Ting appeared a bit troubled. Although she could be "bossy" at times, she was incredibly serious about her cases, embodying the "workaholic" personality.

"Why, is there another major case?" Ye Shikai asked curiously. Zhang Ting seemed to remember something suddenly and dragged him into her office.

"Hey, what are you doing, doing this in public..."

"Less talk, look at these." Zhang Ting handed him a pile of materials directly, with no room for negotiation.

"What is this?"

"Case files. I realized you have the potential to be a detective. If you look at these cases, maybe you can spot new clues." Zhang Ting went on.

"You’re being reckless, how can you just show case files to someone?" Ye Shikai questioned. It again proved that if Zhang Ting could turn her attitude around a hundred and eighty degrees, there was only one possibility—she needed help.

"You’re not really a stranger. We investigated a case together before, and now you’re an instructor in the army. I trust you." Zhang Ting pressed his shoulders, making him sit down. Ye Shikai, out of curiosity, didn’t refuse. The pile was thick with information and photos.

"What’s with these photos, no people in them. Isn’t this a murder case?" Ye Shikai asked. The photos contained everything: thick abandoned pipes, abandoned factories, and shanty areas—a mix of unmanaged and remote places.

"What’s going on here?" Ye Shikai questioned further.

"You’re right. This isn’t a murder case; it’s a missing persons case." Zhang Ting nodded.

"A missing persons case? Even if someone goes missing, it shouldn’t involve the major crimes unit. People disappear all the time; missing person notices are everywhere." Ye Shikai asked curiously.

"The missing people aren’t wealthy or powerful. They’re beggars, the homeless, scavengers, even some small-time thugs." Zhang Ting continued and scratched her head with both hands, looking troubled. "But this is the sixteenth case this month, all missing persons."

"But it’s only been ten days this month." Ye Shikai muttered.

"That’s why it’s urgent. With so many people missing, it’s not a good thing."

"Indeed, the missing are society’s lower strata, not usually noticed and easily overlooked. Once missing, it’s likely no one will notice." Ye Shikai wasn’t concerned about the missing people, but about the people behind the cases. They clearly targeted these individuals to avoid drawing attention, but what was their motive?

"Hey, are you listening to me, hey."

"Ahem, of course, I’m listening. Continue." Ye Shikai snapped back to reality, feeling that this case was anything but simple.

"You worked with me to crack the Mothman case before, so I know you have some skills. So... will you help with this?"

"Alright, I agree to help you investigate for clues, but these files and photos aren’t enough. I need more details, like some testimonies." Ye Shikai continued asking, "What did the first person to report the case say?"

"The first one to report was an old scavenger. I’ve recorded his testimony, I’ll get it for you right away."

..................

Chen family.

With that, instead of treating Zhang Ting to a meal, Ye Shikai took on a case, agreeing to help investigate. But he didn’t mind. He wasn’t doing anything at the moment. Matters at the Netherworld Palace were handed over to Nightmare, who was now the new Netherworld King. Since the Kunlun Ruins closed, the major families had been much "quieter." He had nothing else on his hands besides looking after Chen Yuxin. Assisting Zhang Ting with the case was actually a good choice, as it gave him something to do and maintained social order.

"Kai, try this dish, I made it myself." At the dining table, Chen Yuxin was very attentive. Ye Shikai’s attitude towards her had become much more kind, and he was more attentive to her, which moved Chen Yuxin greatly. Since their marriage, she felt "warmth" for the first time.

"Right, Xin, there’s something I need to tell you." Ye Shikai put down his knife and fork.

"What is it?"

"I have a friend working in the police station, named Zhang Ting. You might know her. She’s been having trouble with a case recently and asked for my help. So, I might be going out to help her for a while, but don’t worry, it’s not like I’m going on a business trip. I’ll come home to see you every day." Ye Shikai explained.

"A case, what kind of case?" Chen Yuxin asked.

"That’s not important; what’s important is that I’ve already agreed. I can’t just break my promise."

"Kai, perhaps you should reconsider." Chen Yuxin seemed a little reluctant. "Handling cases can be dangerous. What if something happens."

"Don’t worry. It’s nothing major. Besides, I’m a cultivator; ordinary people can’t possibly harm me."