CHAPTER 846: CHAPTER 846: RELEASED

"Thank you for telling me all this. I won’t admit to something I haven’t done, and I also believe the police will prove my innocence and give me justice. Besides, I also want to know how that watch ended up in my suitcase," Xu Ke said calmly.

To the old policeman, Xu Ke’s behavior seemed like typical passive resistance, making it extremely inconvenient for their investigation.

The old policeman gave Xu Ke a long look, sighed, and walked out of the interrogation room.

"Still not willing to say anything?" a colleague at the police station asked the old policeman, seeing this scene. "I bet he did it, otherwise how did the watch end up in his suitcase? And just after the boss lost his watch, he checked out and left. He looks very suspicious, and you’re still speaking up for him."

"But these things only prove he’s more suspicious. Otherwise, how do you explain what method he used to steal the watch? Apart from the watch showing up in his suitcase, we don’t have any evidence indicating he stole it. Besides, the watch has none of his fingerprints," the old policeman said.

"As police officers, we need to speak with evidence. We can’t convict someone on instinct or first impressions. Our position is special; sometimes our words can change a family’s fate. We must act prudently, exclude personal emotions, and speak from a just and fair perspective, using the evidence we have," the old policeman said, seeing the young policeman’s expression slowly turn to one of shame, and he gave a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"You’re young, impulsive, which is normal. I was the same when I was young, acting on feelings. But I hope you can correct this flaw soon. When a policeman acts on feelings, he shows the least respect for his position and uniform."

The young policeman lowered his head at the old policeman’s words, but he held no resentment in his expression, only deep thought, pondering the old policeman’s advice.

While people at the police station were thinking of how to handle the case, a breakthrough occurred, leading to a complete reversal of events.

"You can go; the case has been solved, and it has nothing to do with you. You’re also a victim," the old policeman said cheerfully as he walked into the interrogation room to Xu Ke.

"Solved? Can I know who took the watch?" Xu Ke didn’t rush to leave; he sat on the chair in the interrogation room and asked the old policeman.

"The one who took the watch was the hotel receptionist. The case has now been solved, and you can leave now. Oh, and you have the hotel owner to thank for this. If he hadn’t noticed something wrong with the receptionist in time, the case might have come down on you eventually," the old policeman said, looking both relieved and anxious.

"The hotel owner is waiting for you outside; he said he wants to apologize to you in person. Go on out," the old policeman said, opening the interrogation room door and letting the fresh air in.

Xu Ke walked out of the interrogation room, and sure enough, the hotel owner was waiting outside and walked over with an apologetic look as soon as he saw Xu Ke. "You must be Xu Ke. I’m really sorry about what happened today. I didn’t expect you to get dragged into this and miss your train. If you don’t mind, you can continue staying at our hotel, and to show my apology, from today on, all your expenses here will be on my tab."

"There’s no need for that. We’re both victims in this. Besides, it’s quite late now, and I reckon the train I was supposed to take has already left," Xu Ke said, glancing outside at the pitch-dark sky.

"If it’s convenient, could you help me take me and my suitcase back to the hotel? I’ll stay one more night, and I’ll leave tomorrow. Of course, I’ll still pay for the room," Xu Ke said with a smile.

"The room charge is really unnecessary. If you pay me, I’ll truly feel uneasy. And if you’re only staying for one more night, just consider it on me to make up for my apology, okay?" The hotel owner’s sincere words were endearing.

For just one night’s room charge, Xu Ke didn’t argue further with the owner. "Then I’ll gladly accept your offer, thank you."

The hotel owner was the complete opposite of the receptionist. If the receptionist had a terrible temper, the owner was the epitome of kindness. While chatting with Xu Ke, he was patient and gentle, with a soft-spoken demeanor, entirely non-threatening. By the time they returned to the hotel, they were practically close friends.

"I should have met you earlier. I didn’t expect us to have such a great conversation. If you have the chance, I truly hope you can stay here a little longer, so I can learn more about the world outside through you," the owner said with a warm smile.

"If you’d like, I can take you out scouting with me," Xu Ke invited him.

"My health doesn’t allow it. I’m afraid I’d only hold you back if I went out scouting with you," the owner said, showing a hint of longing yet a touch of sadness on his face.

"How about this: I’ll stay in town for a few more days. I don’t have anything urgent to do outside; I’m just planning my next scouting location, and there’s no constraint on where I do that," Xu Ke said.

As Xu Ke expressed his willingness to stay in town, the owner, who had been quiet, suddenly opened his eyes wide with excitement, unable to conceal his delight.

"Are you really willing to stay in town longer?" The owner, afraid that he was imagining things, quickly asked for confirmation.

"Yes, we’re friends. Why can’t I stay longer to keep you company? Why are you so excited?" Xu Ke said with a smile.

"Don’t laugh, but I’ve never made a friend before. You’re the first friend I’ve made, and you’re willing to stay in this town for me. I’m truly touched."

"Don’t give me that look. If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll think you’ve fallen for me," Xu Ke joked, teasing him lightly, yet his eyes remained devoid of any warmth.

If a third person were present and observing closely, they’d notice that the owner, like Xu Ke, also had eyes filled with such icy coldness.

Like wolves waiting in the snow, ready to deliver a deadly strike to their prey.