Hey! The Criminal Assistance System Can Even Be Used Like This? 105

Song Xian Cai had only fallen asleep in the early morning once again. For the past few days, it had been like this: his son Song Yang’s troubles, his wife’s illness, and the dwindling family savings loomed over him. Every time he thought of these, it felt like a heavy boulder pressing down on his chest, making it hard for him to breathe. Yet, in front of his wife, he dared not show any of this.

He had to reassure her that their son would receive a lenient sentence and would be out in a couple of years. But privately, he had wept countless times.

After enduring a few more days, when his wife was finally cleared for discharge from the hospital, he let out a sigh of relief. The house, neglected for over a month, was a complete mess. After making sure his wife was settled, he went to clean.

The computer had already been taken away, leaving behind a desk thick with dust. He picked up the scattered trash and started dusting, followed by mopping the floor. His wife, wanting to help, attempted to get out of bed, but he instructed her to lie back down, fearing she would aggravate her injury.

Their apartment in Jiang City was an old place they purchased years ago, with just two bedrooms and a living room, simply decorated and sparsely furnished. After finishing the cleaning in his son’s room, it was soon time to tackle the living room.

While picking up a feather duster to sweep away the dust on the sofa and shoe rack, his gaze fell upon a light blue sticky note placed in a basket. Curious, Song Xian Cai picked it up. Due to his limited education, it took him a while to comprehend the contents.

Then, his expression changed, for the note claimed that Xu Zhizhi was the one who had sent his son to prison. The note went on to say that Xu Zhizhi was complicit in the wrongdoing. It asserted that his son’s offense would not have led to arrest had it not been for Xu Zhizhi meddling in matters that didn’t concern her.

There was no signature on the note, only the ominous instruction: “Burn after reading.”

After reading it, Song Xian Cai was puzzled, wondering if this meant he should burn the note? It also made him involuntarily recall the scene when he first saw Xu Zhizhi that day.

He had thought to himself, just a little star, what business did she have at the police station? It turned out she was helping those wealthy people to suppress folks like him!

Song Yang had done nothing wrong; he was merely using his talent, while the money of those people was dirty. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to earn?

He clenched his fists, indignation flashing in his eyes. “Xu Zhizhi, you made my child face so many years in prison! You think you’ll get away easy!”

As someone who worked on construction sites, laws meant nothing to him. His son had done nothing wrong. He crumpled the note and shoved it into his pocket, biting his lip as he continued to clean.

But within him, countless thoughts began to germinate. Song Yang was only seventeen; he was still a child, just overly passionate. He should be educated and then let go. How dare they think of sentencing him for several years? If there was no collusion or setup, he wouldn’t believe it at all.

Ordinary folks like them had no way to bail their kids out; they would just let the puppet masters feel his wrath. He resolutely decided he would take revenge on Xu Zhizhi!

…….

“Dingling, dingling, dingling…” The doorbell rang frantically due to lack of response.

The sound of rain was still urgent, intertwining with the doorbell’s ringing, creating a horrific nightmare that felt like it never would wake her up.

Xu Zhizhi, still asleep, vaguely realized she was dreaming. She jerked awake.

She opened her eyes to glance at the ceiling, staring blankly before letting out a long breath. In her dream, someone had been incessantly ringing the doorbell, mixed with the sound of rain, evoking a chilling atmosphere reminiscent of a murder case in a rain-soaked night.

In the South, rain fell, filling the room with a hint of dampness that made Xu Zhizhi feel somewhat uncomfortable.

She picked up her phone from the bedside table, squinting at the screen to check the time: three in the morning.

Putting her phone down, she resolved to go back to sleep. However, as she relaxed, she quickly slipped into a drowsy state. Just as she was about to doze off, amid the noisy rain, the doorbell abruptly rang again.

Xu Zhizhi’s almond-shaped eyes shot open, her gaze sharpening.

She was certain she hadn’t misheard; someone was indeed ringing her doorbell. The film base where she lived had been established quite some time ago, around 2006 or 2007. The apartments rented by the film crew were similarly aged. Due to their age, they had retained the old-fashioned doorbells that could be rung.

However, since moving in, she had never heard the doorbell ring. The sudden sound startled her.

After pondering a moment, she recalled that it must be the doorbell ringing.

Thinking it over, she sat up from her bed, turned on the lights, and slowly made her way toward the door. At that moment, the sharp ringing of the doorbell sounded again.

Xu Zhizhi jumped slightly, glancing at the locked door with a sturdy security chain. She sighed in relief, grateful that she had the habit of ensuring everything was secure.

This place had a coded entrance and a video doorbell, but Xu Zhizhi didn’t step forward to open it.

She knew that whatever the intentions were at three in the morning, it couldn’t be anything good.

From the frequency of the ringing, it was most likely intimidation.

Xu Zhizhi stepped forward, directly silencing the doorbell and removing the already yellowed doorbell unit, tearing off the attached wires.

After completing this, she turned around, re-entering her room, closing and locking the door, before making a call.

When Qin Su arrived, it was nearly three-thirty in the morning.

Xu Zhizhi asked him to look around the lobby while she went back to sleep. The bloody scenes she had witnessed, along with the threats from those vicious individuals, had made her bored with murderers being too concerned about her.

Now, this kind of small-scale harassment impacted her like a buzzing mosquito, annoying but trivial.

She felt she had already grown accustomed to a life surrounded by criminals.

It wasn’t only the System’s skills that attracted her; it felt more like she inherently drew in perverts.

They all seemed to seek resonance with her, wanting to claim her, trying to ruin her, pulling her into the dirt with them.

The last of these was referring to Chen Xu, whose intentions to drag her down had been all too obvious.

As this happened more frequently, Xu Zhizhi learned that in a panic, solutions wouldn’t resolve the issue and might lead to internal strife.

So she turned around, secured her door, and let everything else fall to Qin Su.

Earlier, Qin Su had been outside, taking a look around the apartment complex but found no one.

Seeing Xu Zhizhi’s action of retreating made him realize she was tired, so he refrained from asking further. Instead, he called his colleagues to look for traces and fingerprints.

The video doorbell had a surveillance function, but it could only capture the figure of someone heavily bundled up.

There was only one clue to reference; they would have to rely on footage from other cameras for leads.

With such methods of operation, finding the person wouldn’t be too difficult, especially since there were few people out at night.

They aimed to pull up nearby surveillance and rewind the footage to find a similar figure.

Unfortunately, after an hour or two without spotting the individual, they had to push the time back even further to try and locate the person.

Finally, under the streetlights at night, they saw a figure crouching beside a lamp at the film studio, busying themselves.

Though the clothing was different, the stature was strikingly similar.

The person had been crouching there for a long time, and when Xu Zhizhi’s group arrived, they feared being discovered and darted behind a wall.

However, Xu Zhizhi didn’t approach. That person clenched their fists in frustration for two beats before turning to flee.

It seemed the individual had their own calculations, sneaking around the streets, making three or four laps around one block.

Finally, after an hour, they entered a store, buying a package that seemed to contain clothing before heading to the public restroom.

By this time, it was already close to ten at night, yet there was still no sign of the individual coming out.

If it weren’t for the fact that the restroom had only one exit, they would have thought that person had vanished inside.

Finally, at around two-thirty in the morning, someone dressed in all black and wearing a mask emerged from the restroom.

The person glanced around cautiously, as if checking for cameras, then made moves to evade the surveillance.

Qin Su’s teammate licked their lips and held back a laugh. “He can’t think his disguise is that good…” one of Qin Su’s colleagues muttered quietly.

Qin Su fell silent for a moment before stating, “He might be cutting the cameras off around the apartments.”

They were currently at the security room.

This building had already been searched, confirming the suspect had left, so they went to review the surveillance footage instead.

Quickly, they saw the individual in black creeping toward the apartment.

It appeared they had some lock-picking skills, as they spent twenty minutes sawing through the apartment’s front door.

In the dead of night, the security personnel were sleeping soundly, oblivious to the sound of the lock being cut.

The person checked their surroundings thoroughly and noticeably exhaled in relief.

Then, they quietly made their way to the same floor as Xu Zhizhi.

If one were to say that this person was unintelligent, they understood to use the stairs to avoid the cameras. But if they were intelligent, then they were directly exposed to the hallway’s surveillance.

After stealthily moving up, the individual did nothing but ring the doorbell several times while wearing white wool gloves.

These gloves were rough, costing about two or three yuan a pair, or a dozen for a handful.

They seemed to carry nothing, merely pressing the doorbell a few times, looking around furtively before leaving.

Qin Su’s gaze fell upon the individual’s gloves, a glimmer of realization flashing in his eyes.

The gloves looked plain, but they were a glaring flaw.

They were the type of gloves only movers or construction workers would use—many industries nowadays wouldn’t employ those cheap white wool safety gloves.

Of course, it wasn’t definitive.

However, it was evident that there could be other paths to consider.

For instance, whoever Xu Zhizhi had recently offended, the person most likely possessing those gloves would be the prime suspect.

No need for extensive thought; a name sprang to mind: Song Xian Cai.

Comparing the back profile, along with the posture and habits from their prior encounters, Qin Su was quite certain it was him.

The other two also began to make connections regarding the possible suspect; after all, only this individual had enmity with Xu Zhizhi.

Moreover, he had seen her before; it was their intense emotions paired with an unexpected collision that had led the two to meet.

However, Qin Su and his teammates were puzzled as to why Song Xian Cai would know about Xu Zhizhi’s involvement in sending his son to prison.

People in Beijing and Jiang City might know about her situation, but these were things that Song Xian Cai typically couldn’t get ahold of.

The three exchanged looks, sensing an unusual scent in the air.

After contemplating, they decided to pay a visit to Song Xian Cai’s home.

However, on their way, they contacted the nearby police station, asking them to send someone to watch over Xu Zhizhi for her safety.

Song Xian Cai’s house wasn’t far, and they arrived quickly.

Just as they prepared to knock on the door, Qin Su stopped his colleagues.

Qin Su thought it over, “Most likely, he hasn’t returned. The ground at the entrance is still dry, no water marks.

Based on his earlier actions, he would be looping around the streets, trying to shake off our surveillance.

Then he’ll find a place he feels lacks cameras to return. Let’s wait by the safety door for him to come back.”

“Alright, let’s wait a bit,” the other two nodded, squatting in place while they waited for Song Xian Cai to return.

Though they were referring to him as the suspect, all three knew it was nearly certain it was Song Xian Cai.

Most likely, he had learned about Xu Zhizhi’s involvement in sending his son to prison and was trying to intimidate her as revenge.

That was evident from the fact he had entered without any weapon, his demeanor indicating an immense amount of guilt.

What he hadn’t expected was that surveillance had become so advanced that it was exceedingly difficult to ensure the police wouldn’t catch on.

At the very least, it couldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision but needed to go through meticulous planning and reconnaissance.

Song Xian Cai was genuinely frightened of getting caught; he delayed his return for a full two hours before finally heading back.

Uncertain where he had changed his clothes, he ironically seemed to have trouble parting with the outfit he had worn earlier, bringing it back packed in a bag.

Looking around nervously, with his air conditioning on and shivering hands, he finally took out his keys to unlock the door.

Because the old house’s sensor lights had not been replaced due to negligence, he could only illuminate his smartphone, bending down to search for the keyhole.

Finally, with trembling hands, he managed to insert the key, preparing to turn the lock.

At that moment, a large, strong hand landed on his shoulder.

Suddenly, two beams of light shone upon him, casting his slumped silhouette on the door, making the emaciated man look pitiful.

The man’s body instantly stiffened, his heart racing, and his face lost all color.

Bending over, he awkwardly turned his body to face a familiar visage.

Qin Su’s eyes gleamed with coldness as he calmly said, “Song Xian Cai, come with us.”

“You… why are you here? Is there something wrong?” Song Xian Cai’s eyelids quivered, though he put on a brave front, trying to act normally.

Another person patted him on the shoulder, his gaze falling on the bag he held in his hand with pointed implication, “Of course, there’s a matter. Shall we discuss it inside?”

Song Xian Cai shivered and bit his lip, remaining silent.

“I know you don’t want your wife to know. But still, the same old saying: confess and be lenient, resist and be strict.”

Qin Su coaxed gently, “If you confess, perhaps with some merit for reporting, we won’t make it difficult for you.”

As the officer investigating Song Yang’s hacking case, Qin Su was acutely aware of the Song family’s situation.

He understood that Song Xian Cai was not very educated, so his words were direct and implied.

Song Xian Cai had damaged public property and intimidated others, even if the circumstances were minor, he would be detained for at least fifteen days.

If the situation was severe, it could exceed a year.

But if he confessed, showed good attitude, and was willing to report others, that could definitely mitigate the punishment.

While they were stuck with Song Yang’s case, perhaps they could find a way through Song Xian Cai’s insight.

Song Xian Cai took the key he was preparing to use to unlock the door into his heart, panting heavily as he contemplated for a long while.

When he ceased his panting, he slowly said, “I didn’t expect you all to come so quickly. Intimidating Xu Zhizhi was my doing. I confess.”

“Take him away. No more talking here at the door,” Qin Su waved his hand.

The other two took Song Xian Cai away from both sides but did not cuff him.

In the police station’s interrogation room, Qin Su’s two teammates began taking notes.

Qin Su didn’t go in; he went to fetch Xu Zhizhi instead.

It was now approaching seven in the morning, and Qin Su had already informed Xu Zhizhi.

Yesterday, that girl went to bed early; waking up at seven shouldn’t be too harsh.

When Xu Zhizhi got into the car, upon hearing that it was Song Yang’s father threatening her, she was taken aback and asked, “How did he know I assisted in capturing Song Yang?”

“You’re very perceptive. Although because we took you back and forth to the police station before, and applied for various rewards without concealing your involvement, it still should be confined within a certain scope. If the other party knows it’s you, that’s odd.”

He gazed out at the bustling red-green traffic lights, adding, “Unless…”

“Unless someone specifically told him, intending for Song Yang’s father to retaliate against me! Even wanting to kill me?” Xu Zhizhi interjected.

Qin Su nodded affirmatively, “Correct.”

Xu Zhizhi fell into contemplation; her situation seemed dire indeed.

“Aren’t you afraid?” Qin Su asked.

He worried about Xu Zhizhi’s mental state. According to his estimate, if an ordinary person were entangled in such chaotic and grim situations, they would undoubtedly face some psychological issues.

They might even question their own existence, wondering if something was wrong with them.

Xu Zhizhi shook her head firmly, looking perplexedly at Qin Su, “What they did to me, it’s clearly their fault! I’m feeling depressed or anxious about what? What I should do is give them a taste of their own medicine.”

Fear and panic were inevitable, but those emotions wouldn’t linger long with Xu Zhizhi; within a few hours, they would evaporate, directly disappearing from her mind.

It was like cleaning up junk data from a computer or phone, deleting it all and leaving behind a brand-new self.

“I worried too much,” Qin Su sighed helplessly before speaking slowly.

Indeed, he had worried too much; Xu Zhizhi would never let such people cause her long-lasting distress.

She didn’t even seem to care about the threats they posed.

Qin Su didn’t quite grasp the origin of such a mindset.

Xu Zhizhi seemed to see what Qin Su was thinking and smiled, “Because I’m also quite powerful~ and I have many strong police officers helping me! Being framed for no reason half a year ago, you all actively helped me clear my name—wasn’t that enough to make me unafraid?”

Besides, she didn’t see herself as naive or pure; she simply understood there was no path of retreat in backing down.

Overly guarding her information wouldn’t bear fruit, as the other side could exploit loopholes to block Song Yang’s fingerprint information. This battle was inevitable.

Only by facing it would she avoid being genuinely overwhelmed.

Qin Su fell silent, focusing on the driving route.

He was relieved that Xu Zhizhi had this personality; fortunately, it was exactly this personality.

If she were a little softer or easier to compromise, those bad people would have left her with nothing but bones.

Upon arrival, both parties met in the mediation room.

This case had already been handed over to ordinary police officers due to no signs of violent intent from the other side in either inquiries or facts.

Thus, both parties needed to mediate, resolving the misunderstandings to prevent any unpleasant circumstances from arising later.

The officer in the middle glanced at Xu Zhizhi’s beautiful face before directing his gaze to Song Xian Cai.

Clearing his throat, the leading officer stated, “Song Xian Cai, please explain why you did what you did.”

“I just wanted to intimidate her; she was the one who assisted the police in capturing my son.” Song Xian Cai mumbled, not daring to look at the police or Xu Zhizhi, gazing down instead.

The officer’s expression turned stern as he forcefully tapped the table twice with his pen, “You have no grounds to lash out! Assist the police in capturing criminals; Miss Xu Zhizhi has done nothing wrong!”

The officer appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five, with a righteous aura full of indignation.

Had it not been for the order against profanity, he would have likely been giving a continuous stream of curses.

“You all only favor her because she’s beautiful and wealthy. My son’s business suffered no just losses, just a bit of trash money! Forcing my son to serve so many years behind bars will ruin him when he gets out! This is collusion between officials and businesses!” Hearing the officer’s reprimand, Song Xian Cai’s face flushed as he shouted.

The officer narrowed his eyes, his expression filled with bewilderment.

“Do you… have you thought about what consequences would arise from letting your son go on like this?”

“What consequences? It’s just squeezing a little money out of the weal

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