He was so persuasive that he actually practiced extraordinary

After thinking for a moment, Liu Meng said, "It could be money, power, or something else. We really don't know."

Zhang Beixing nodded slightly and didn't press the matter further. He understood that he probably wouldn't get any more useful information from Liu Meng, so he decided to change his investigation strategy and start from other angles to investigate this mysterious big boss.

He stood up and said to Liu Meng, "Liu Meng, I hope you can sincerely cooperate with our investigation. If you remember any information or clues about the big boss later, be sure to tell us in time. We will protect your safety and also try to get leniency for you."

Liu Meng looked into Zhang Beixing's eyes and nodded seriously: "Okay, I've told you everything I know."

After leaving the ward, Zhang Beixing couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He felt that although Liu Meng's confession was detailed, it seemed to conceal some crucial information. Just as he was about to leave the police station to re-examine the case clues, a police officer rushed over.

"Mr. Zhang, don't go yet!" the officer said breathlessly. "Liu Meng said he has something important to tell you, it's about the big boss."

Zhang Beixing raised an eyebrow, turned around, and followed the police officer back to Liu Meng's hospital room. He saw a complex expression on Liu Meng's face, a mixture of hesitation and determination.

"Liu Meng, what have you remembered again?" Zhang Beixing asked calmly.

Liu Meng took a deep breath, his eyes suddenly hardening: "Mr. Zhang, I wasn't telling the truth before. Actually, I know the big boss."

Zhang Beixing's heart skipped a beat, as he keenly caught the key information in Liu Meng's words: "You know the big boss? Who is he?"

Liu Meng was silent for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts. Then, he slowly said, "The big boss is actually someone you know. It's just that you might have forgotten him."

Zhang Beixing frowned, his mind filled with doubt and confusion. He tried hard to recall who among his acquaintances might be involved in the case, but he had no clue.

"Liu Meng, are you kidding me?" Zhang Beixing's tone turned stern. "How could I possibly know such a big boss?"

Liu Meng shook his head, his expression somewhat agitated: "I'm not joking! Mr. Zhang, you really do know him. It's just that you might not know his other side. He is your..."

At this point, Liu Meng suddenly stopped, seemingly hesitant to continue. Zhang Beixing felt both nervous and expectant, eager to know who this big boss was.

"What is he to me?" Zhang Beixing urged, "Liu Meng, tell me quickly!"

Liu Meng took a deep breath and mustered his courage to say, "He is your old friend, your college classmate!"

Zhang Beixing was struck dumb, frozen on the spot. Memories of his university days flashed through his mind, trying to find a connection between the mysterious boss and any of his university classmates. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't link the mysterious boss to any of his classmates.

"Liu Meng, are you sure you're not mistaken?" Zhang Beixing's voice trembled slightly. "Think about it again, are you sure you haven't made a mistake?"

Liu Meng shook his head firmly: "Mr. Zhang, I'm not mistaken. Although I've never seen the big boss in person, I'm absolutely certain that his voice is that of your college classmate."

Zhang Beixing felt a wave of dizziness. He couldn't believe that his college classmate was the mastermind behind this case. He tried to calm himself and said to Liu Meng, "Okay, I believe you. But I need more evidence to prove your point. Can you provide any clues?"

Liu Meng thought for a moment and said, "The big boss once mentioned a place on the phone, saying it was a place he and you used to frequent when you were in college. It's a bar called 'Old Tree Bar'."

Zhang Beixing's heart skipped a beat. He remembered there was indeed a "Old Tree Bar" during his university days, a place where he and his classmates often gathered. Could it be that this big boss was really his university classmate?
Zhang Beixing stood in front of the empty shop, his feelings a mix of emotions. The former "Old Tree Bar" was gone; now a new shop stood there. He took a deep breath and mustered his courage to go inside.

The shop was dimly lit, yet it exuded a sense of tranquility and warmth. Zhang Beixing looked around and found the shop neatly arranged, with all the items placed in an orderly fashion. He noticed that the shop owner was blind and was sitting behind the counter, feeling his way through the ledgers.

Zhang Bei walked to the counter and asked softly, "Hello, I'm here to ask you something. Are you the owner of this shop?"

The blind shopkeeper looked up, smiled, and said, "Yes, I am the shopkeeper. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Zhang Beixing hesitated for a moment, but decided to ask the question that had been bothering him: "This used to be a place called 'Old Tree Bar,' did you know that?"

The blind shop owner nodded, a look of recollection on his face: "I know, this used to be a bar. I heard about it from others before I took over this shop."

Zhang Beixing perked up and quickly asked, "Do you know why that bar closed down? Also, have you heard of a big boss who's connected to that bar?"

The blind shop owner pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I don't know why the bar closed down. I just heard that business was bad and it couldn't stay afloat. As for the big boss, I have indeed heard some rumors."

Zhang Beixing's heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, "What rumors? Can you tell me about them?"

The blind shop owner sighed and said, "I heard that the big boss was a regular here, often coming to this bar. But then some things happened, and he suddenly disappeared. I don't know the specifics."

Zhang Beixing was somewhat disappointed, but still unwilling to give up, he asked, "Do you remember any distinguishing features of that big boss? Or do you have any other clues you can give me?"

The blind shop owner frowned, as if trying to recall. Then he said, "Although I've never seen that big boss in person, I've heard from others that he always wears sunglasses and a black suit, and he exudes a mysterious aura. As for other clues, I really don't know."

Zhang Beixing's heart skipped a beat. Sunglasses, a black suit—these features bore a resemblance to the big boss Liu Meng had described. He felt a surge of excitement, sensing he was one step closer to the truth.

He quickly thanked the blind shop owner: "Thank you so much for the information. It's so important to me. If you have any other clues or remember anything, please let me know."

The blind shopkeeper smiled and nodded: "Sure, I will. Good luck!"

After leaving the shop, Zhang Beixing was filled with hope and determination. He decided to start with the clues given by the blind shopkeeper and further investigate the identity and whereabouts of the big boss. He firmly believed that as long as he persisted, he would one day uncover the true face of this big boss! After leaving the new shop, Zhang Beixing was filled with doubt and curiosity. He decided to continue his investigation and unravel the mystery of the big boss's sudden disappearance. He knew that to find the answer, he had to trace the big boss's past movements and the people connected to him.

After some twists and turns, Zhang Beixing finally got in touch with one of the big boss's former confidants, a man named Zhao Gang. They arranged to meet at a secluded coffee shop.

When Zhang Beixing saw Zhao Gang, he noticed that Zhao Gang looked nervous and kept glancing around. Zhang Beixing understood that Zhao Gang was probably also worried about his safety.

“Zhao Gang, I know you’re the big boss’s confidant. I hope you can tell me why the big boss suddenly disappeared?” Zhang Beixing asked directly.

Zhao Gang remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Then, he took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Zhang, I do know some inside information. However, if I tell you, I might be in danger."

Zhang Beixing nodded in understanding: "I understand your concerns. However, if you don't speak up, the big boss might continue to do evil, and more people will be harmed. You are the only one who can provide clues, and I hope you can be brave."

Zhao Gang remained silent for a moment, as if struggling with his thoughts. Then, he made up his mind and said, "Fine, I'll tell you. But you have to guarantee my safety."

Zhang Beixing nodded solemnly: "I promise."

Zhao Gang took a deep breath and began to recount: "The reason the big boss suddenly disappeared was because his identity was exposed. Someone discovered his criminal activities and began tracking his movements. The big boss sensed something was wrong and decided to go into hiding."

Zhang Beixing frowned: "We were seen through? Who was it? The police?"

Zhao Gang shook his head: "It's not the police, it's a private investigator. I don't know how he found out the big boss's secret, but he started investigating him secretly. The big boss sensed the threat he was posed, so he decided to disappear for a while to avoid being caught."

Zhang Beixing's heart skipped a beat: "A private investigator? Who is he? Can you provide more information?"

Zhao Gang gave a wry smile: "All I know is that his surname is Li, and that's all I know. The big boss is very good at keeping his whereabouts secret; he hasn't even told me."

Zhang Beixing took a deep breath, filled with doubt and confusion. He realized that this private investigator might be the key figure in uncovering the true face of the big boss. He decided to continue following this lead, find the private investigator, and obtain more information.

However, he knew it wouldn't be easy. Now that the big boss had sensed the threat, he would definitely take more stringent measures to protect himself. Moreover, the private investigator might also be in danger.

Zhang Beixing decided to develop a more cautious and thorough action plan. He began working with other officers to discuss the case's progress and next steps. They analyzed the possible hiding places of the big boss and formulated a detailed search and arrest plan.

However, just as they were preparing to take action, an unexpected situation occurred. The big boss contacted Zhang Beixing and proposed a shocking deal. He demanded that Zhang Beixing stop the investigation and give him a huge ransom, or he would take extreme measures to protect himself.

Zhang Beixing faces a difficult choice. Should he accept the big boss's terms and abandon the investigation? Or should he take the huge risk, continue tracking the big boss's whereabouts, and bring him to justice?

When Zhang Beixing learned that the big boss's name was Huo Qisang, he was taken aback. This name had left a deep impression on his memories of college, because Huo Qisang had been his roommate, a lonely soul suffering from autism.

He found it hard to reconcile the taciturn, crowd-avoiding Huo Qisang with the powerful boss who now controlled a vast criminal network. But the facts were undeniable, and he had to accept this shocking truth.

Zhang Beixing took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He asked Zhao Gang again, "Are you sure the big boss is Huo Qisang? My college roommate, the one with autism?"

Zhao Gang nodded and said with certainty, "That's right, it's him. Although he has changed a lot now, I can still recognize him. His autism does make him different in some ways, but it is precisely this difference that has led him further and further astray on the path of crime."

Zhang Beixing felt a pang of heartache as he recalled the moments he shared with Huo Qisang during their university years. Back then, Huo Qisang was quiet and reserved, but possessed a kind and sensitive heart. They had spent many unforgettable times together, encouraging and supporting each other.

“How did he become like this?” Zhang Beixing muttered to himself. “Autism is not his fault. He could have had a different life.”

Zhao Gang sighed and said, "I don't know either. Maybe his autism makes him feel out of place in society, or maybe some unfortunate experiences led him down this path. But whatever the case, he can't turn back now."

Zhang Beixing remained silent for a moment, then said resolutely, "No, he still has a chance to turn over a new leaf. I must find him and bring him back to the right path."

Zhao Gang looked at Zhang Beixing, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "You're really brave. However, finding Huo Qisang won't be easy; he's hiding very well."

Zhang Beixing nodded slightly: "I understand. But I won't give up now. Do you have any clues you can provide me?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Gang said, "I only know that he may be hiding in a remote mountain area recently. There is an abandoned mine there, and it is said that he is hiding there."

Zhang Beixing's heart tightened: "An abandoned mine? Okay, I'll go check it out. Thank you, Zhao Gang."

Zhao Gang waved his hand: "No need to thank me. Actually, I'm a victim too. I just hope you can find him and end all of this as soon as possible."

Zhang Bei walked out of the coffee shop, his heart filled with determination and hope. He knew that finding Huo Qisang would not be easy, but he was willing to give anything to save his former roommate.

He immediately contacted the other officers, informing them of Huo Qisang's identity and possible hiding place. Together, they discussed and devised a detailed action plan, preparing to conduct a search in the remote mountainous area.

However, just as they were about to set off, an unexpected message arrived: Huo Qisang had contacted the police and requested to meet with Zhang Beixing.

Zhang Beixing was filled with both doubt and anticipation. He didn't understand why Huo Qisang would suddenly contact him, but he still decided to seize this opportunity to personally meet his former roommate, now a big boss.

They agreed to meet at a neutral location. When Zhang Beixing saw Huo Qisang, he could hardly believe his eyes. Huo Qisang looked haggard, his eyes filled with exhaustion and helplessness. (End of Chapter)