Deng Ligang discovered that Dashun had committed murder and dismembered the victim, but he had thrown an entire piece into the garbage truck. Upon returning home, Deng violently beat Dashun. Dashun continuously begged for mercy, and Shi Bi and Song Yuhong also helped restrain him, preventing Deng from killing Dashun. The DNA comparison results came out, and Peng Zhaolin confirmed the information with the victim’s father. He planned to take his daughter’s clothes back home for burial.
Peng Zhaolin and Cheng Guo discussed their duty schedule for the thirtieth night. Cheng Guo was obviously unhappy but knew she couldn’t rely on Peng Zhaolin, so she bought tickets and took her son to her parents’ home for the New Year.
However, on the thirtieth night, Cheng Guo came to the duty room with her child. Peng Zhaolin was not pleased to see them; instead, he was angry. They were surveilling there, which could be dangerous at any moment. Cheng Guo didn’t say anything, left the food, and walked away. Cheng Guo and Peng Zhaolin were childhood sweethearts, having grown up together. Cheng Guo’s personality was not typically feminine, and she was very broad-minded. On New Year’s Eve, Song Hongyu said she missed home and wanted to call her family, but Deng Ligang didn’t agree. Song Hongyu’s expression changed immediately, and Shi Bi quickly tried to smile. There was some relationship between Deng Ligang and Song Hongyu, but their relationship was subtle, and everyone was afraid of Deng Ligang.
Deng Ligang’s cousin, Huang Laoqi, came to deliver dumplings to Deng Ligang’s mother. Peng Zhaolin guarded all night but did not see Deng Ligang appear. Deng Ligang was very filial, and Peng Zhaolin bet that he would come back. However, Deng Ligang disappeared, saying he would return in two or three days, and drove back to Xuecheng. Deng Ligang’s younger brother, Deng Lide, was released from prison and returned home. Soon after, Huang Laoqi took Deng’s mother out, saying he would take her to meet someone. Peng Zhaolin immediately followed and arrived at the village. Huang Laoqi happily left with Deng’s mother from the house, and Peng Zhaolin went inside to inquire but was told they were only there to see a doctor, and Deng Ligang was nowhere to be seen.
Deng Ligang took Huang Laoqi back to the police station for questioning, asking if he had seen Deng Ligang. Huang Laoqi had already prepared his alibi. Peng Zhaolin reminded him that Huang Laoqi had a criminal record. The team called to say that on the way back, they saw someone who looked like Deng Ligang. Peng Zhaolin immediately rushed there, but Deng Ligang sensed something was wrong and drove the truck away. The police pursued but Deng Ligang drove recklessly up the road, causing a car accident; Deng Ligang escaped.
Two police officers were rushed to the hospital, and Peng Zhaolin also arrived at the hospital. Yang Bo was in critical condition due to massive hemorrhage. Peng Zhaolin left Huang Laoqi at the police station, and the chief personally escorted him out. Because of the brothers’ injuries, Peng Zhaolin was somewhat unable to stay calm. The chief decided to assign the case to other officers, and Peng Zhaolin was transferred out of the special task force. The chief also received a transfer order and would leave the next day. Peng Zhaolin was dejected, and Cheng Guo told him to rest for two days and spend time with the child.
Deng Ligang escaped and returned home. Peng Zhaolin invited his team to have a meal, but no one was interested. Outside the window, Zhen Zhen passed by and bought an ice lolly. At that moment, Peng Zhaolin did not know that three days later her parents would contact the police, saying she was missing.
