Police

Back at his house, Lin Xiao sat at his desk, the cats curled up nearby. He booted up his gaming computer, which hummed to life.

He began searching for any information related to the license plate number, the two individuals, and any incidents involving superpowered people.

He also revisited the forums where Ping'an had posted, looking for any other clues or similar cases.

Hours passed, but Lin Xiao didn't find much. The internet was surprisingly devoid of information about the kidnappings or the people involved.

It was almost as if someone had systematically erased all traces of the events.

Lin Xiao sat at his desk, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him.

He wrestled with the decision before him: should he pursue the investigation further, risking potential danger and exposure, or should he let it go and focus on a safer, more ordinary life?

However, the idea of being manipulated, of having important memories erased, gnawed at him.

He glanced at the computer screen, where the images of the man and woman from the apartment were displayed.

The license plate number was scribbled on a notepad next to him.

He knew that searching for this information online could alert the authorities or, worse, the very people he was trying to investigate.

"Should I just let it go?" Lin Xiao muttered to himself.

The thought of living in ignorance and potentially being manipulated didn't sit well with him. But he also knew he had to be smart about his approach.

Lin Xiao had more personal reasons for pursuing this investigation. The mysterious circumstances surrounding his father's death had always haunted him.

The official explanation was that he had died in an accident, but Lin Xiao had never been able to remember any details, and therapists had chalked it up to PTSD. Now, with the possibility of memory manipulation, he couldn't help but wonder.

"What if it wasn't an accident? What if someone erased my memories to cover up what really happened?" Lin Xiao thought, his heart pounding in his chest. 

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xiao decided on a compromise. He would gather information, but he would do it carefully, using methods that wouldn't easily trace back to him.

First, he needed to understand how to cover his tracks online.

He picked up his phone and dialed Zhang Wei's number. He knew that Zhang Wei is very tech-savvy, someone who could help him navigate the complexities of online anonymity without raising suspicion.

"Hey, Zhang Wei," Lin Xiao said when his friend answered. "I need your help with something. It's...kind of important."

"What's up, Lin Xiao? You sound serious."

"I need to do some research online, but I want to make sure it can't be traced back to me. You know how to do that, right?"

There was a brief pause. "Yeah, I can help with that. Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"Not exactly. Just being cautious. Can you help me out?"

"Sure thing. Come over, and we can set it up."

Lin Xiao felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks, Zhang Wei. I'll be there soon."

He hung up and quickly gathered his things. Before leaving, he looked at the two cats, Lil' Blackie and Xiao Bai, who were lounging on his bed.

"Stay here and keep an eye on the house," he said, giving them a pat. Xiao Bai's thoughts reached him, reassuring him that they would stay alert.

Lin Xiao made his way to Zhang Wei's house, his mind racing with plans. When he arrived, Zhang Wei greeted him with a curious look.

"So, what's this all about?" Zhang Wei asked as they sat down in front of his computer setup.

Lin Xiao hesitated a little but after some thinking, Lin Xiao decided to tell Zhang Wei about the memory wipe phenomenon, careful not to reveal his or his cats' abilities or the system.

"Zhang Wei, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's going to sound crazy, but please hear me out."

"Alright, Lin Xiao. What's up?" Zhang Wei replied, sensing the seriousness in his friend's tone.

"Do you remember me talking about the serial kidnappings? The ones with the balloons?"

Zhang Wei frowned, shaking his head. "No, I don't remember anything like that."

Lin Xiao sighed. "That's what I was afraid of. I think there's some kind of memory wipe going on. People are forgetting important events, and I have reason to believe it's connected to those kidnappings."

Zhang Wei stared at him, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity in his eyes. "Memory wipes? Are you serious?"

"Lin Xiao, are you sure you're not imagining things?" Zhang Wei asked, eyebrows raised.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I'm sure of it. Something is happening, and it's being covered up. Just help me with this, okay?"

Zhang Wei sighed. "Alright, I'll help. But if we don't find anything, you need to go to a mental hospital or something"

They spent hours reverse-searching the images of the man and woman Lin Xiao had seen at Ping'an's apartment.

Eventually, their persistence paid off. They found a match on a military website.

The man was identified as Colonel Wang Yong, a high-ranking officer known for his strategic acumen and involvement in classified operations.

The woman, Major Li Jing, was equally prominent, recognized for her expertise in counterintelligence and covert missions.

"Colonel Wang Yong and Major Li Jing," Zhang Wei read aloud, looking at the screen in disbelief. 

"Lin Xiao, are you sure about this? These are high-ranking military officers. If you mess with them because of some weird delusion about memory wipes and kidnappings, it could ruin your life," Zhang Wei said, his voice filled with concern.

Lin Xiao shook his head. "It's not a delusion, Zhang Wei. I know what I saw and experienced. There's something going on, and I need to find out what it is."

"Lin Xiao please, reconsider," Zhang Wei pleaded. "You're getting involved in something way over your head. These people could be dangerous. Just let it go."

Lin Xiao's face hardened with determination. "I appreciate your concern and help, Zhang Wei, but I can't let this go. Too many things don't add up, and I need to get to the bottom of it."

Zhang Wei sighed deeply, clearly worried. "Alright, but be careful. If you need help, you know where to find me."

Lin Xiao nodded, grateful for his friend's concern. "Thanks, Zhang Wei. I'll be careful."

Without wasting any more time, Lin Xiao left Zhang Wei's place as soon as possible. 

As he hurried down the street, he noticed several police vans speeding past him, sirens blaring.

He felt a chill run down his spine as the realization hit him, they were heading toward Zhang Wei's house.