The lanterns of Chinatown had just begun to light up the bustling streets when a Ford car slowly pulled up to the curb.
"You wait here for me!" Xu Yi dropped a line and got out of the car, heading straight for Aileen's house.
Policeman tape had cordoned off the entrance to Aileen's home, the gate was firmly locked, and a seal was posted.
Xu Yi saw no sign of the police, so it must have been just the usual closure for a death scene, but if he were to break in by force, the ensuing police inquiry would be a hassle.
He furrowed his brows and pondered for a moment before returning to Xu's Restaurant.
Xu Changrong was swamped with work and, although a bit puzzled by Xu Yi's early return, didn't ask any further questions.
Xu Yi strode up to the second floor, pushed open the rear window.
His house happened to be right next to Aileen's, and the old-style buildings had a major flaw: by stepping on the rain shelter eaves in the back, one could climb to the neighboring window ledge.