1782

When he heard this, he realized that Traceless must have seen through him long ago.

Hence the reason she had turned up had been to show her upper hand.

Back then, he had been recently appointed as team leader to the crime unit.

That was the first time he crossed paths with Qiao Lian.

But that first meeting left a deep impression in him.

Traceless’ recklessness put him in a predicament.

Later on, they started crossing paths more often.

There was an important case at the security bureau that required him to acquire an object. And for this, he needed an exceptionally skillful thief.

Inevitably, Traceless came to his mind.

If Traceless were to help them, wouldn’t it imply they were recruiting her?

Consequently, wouldn’t that mean that all her previous crimes were forgiven?

This would even mean that Traceless could finally face the world with her head held high.

Hence, he kept looking for Traceless on the internet.

Using his previously successful method to contact her, he explained to her what the mission required and then ended the message on this note:

[I know that I’ve only met you once and you may not trust me. But I think this opportunity is important to you. I understand that there is much freedom in the world of organized crime, but do you really wish to go through life stuck behind a mask?]

Perhaps it was this closing remark that moved her.

She very quickly replied.

[Traceless: Alright.]

Liang Liang was taken aback. [So you’ve agreed?]

[Traceless: I agree of course. And why not? But the same rule applies. If I manage to steal this object for you, it will cost you ten thousand.]

Liang Liang: [Have you misunderstood my intentions? I’m saying that if you help me, I can apply for you to be on the payroll. And it means that in future-]

Before he could send that message, Traceless had sent hers.

[Officer, I understand your good intentions, but my mother is a thief, and my grandmother is a thief. And in my generation, I’m destined to be a thief. I’m willing to contribute to the country, and I don’t need any reward.]

At that instant, Liang Liang was stunned by her words.

In his eyes, Traceless was a person who didn’t care about the greater perspective.

He had never expected that she had her own opinion about the country and her duties.

He thought for a long time before he replied:

[This matter is important, it’s not suitable to discuss it over the computer. Can we meet up?]

[Traceless: Sure.]

When Liang Liang saw her affirmative reply, he felt compelled to ask: [Aren’t you worried that I’m laying a trap?]

Traceless’ answer was bold and reckless: [Even if so, do you think I won’t be able to escape?]

Her arrogant words stumped him.

After a brief moment, Traceless sent through another message:

[Traceless: Just kidding. But I think a police officer who would let me go not to harm a child is worth trusting.]

Suddenly, the man was full of cheer.

So she did trust him!

He smiled at once, completely clueless as to why he was feeling so happy.

Later on, they arranged to meet at a cafe. This brought them into close contact for a second time.

Their feelings gradually developed through their collaborations and, slowly, they became a couple.

Liang Liang remembered clearly how he had confessed his feelings to Traceless and how she had accepted. But within ten days of this, things between them had changed drastically.

When he heard this, he realized that Traceless must have seen through him long ago.

Hence the reason she had turned up had been to show her upper hand.

Back then, he had been recently appointed as team leader to the crime unit.

That was the first time he crossed paths with Qiao Lian.

But that first meeting left a deep impression in him.

Traceless’ recklessness put him in a predicament.

Later on, they started crossing paths more often.

There was an important case at the security bureau that required him to acquire an object. And for this, he needed an exceptionally skillful thief.

Inevitably, Traceless came to his mind.

If Traceless were to help them, wouldn’t it imply they were recruiting her?

Consequently, wouldn’t that mean that all her previous crimes were forgiven?

This would even mean that Traceless could finally face the world with her head held high.

Hence, he kept looking for Traceless on the internet.

Using his previously successful method to contact her, he explained to her what the mission required and then ended the message on this note:

[I know that I’ve only met you once and you may not trust me. But I think this opportunity is important to you. I understand that there is much freedom in the world of organized crime, but do you really wish to go through life stuck behind a mask?]

Perhaps it was this closing remark that moved her.

She very quickly replied.

[Traceless: Alright.]

Liang Liang was taken aback. [So you’ve agreed?]

[Traceless: I agree of course. And why not? But the same rule applies. If I manage to steal this object for you, it will cost you ten thousand.]

Liang Liang: [Have you misunderstood my intentions? I’m saying that if you help me, I can apply for you to be on the payroll. And it means that in future-]

Before he could send that message, Traceless had sent hers.

[Officer, I understand your good intentions, but my mother is a thief, and my grandmother is a thief. And in my generation, I’m destined to be a thief. I’m willing to contribute to the country, and I don’t need any reward.]

At that instant, Liang Liang was stunned by her words.

In his eyes, Traceless was a person who didn’t care about the greater perspective.

He had never expected that she had her own opinion about the country and her duties.

He thought for a long time before he replied:

[This matter is important, it’s not suitable to discuss it over the computer. Can we meet up?]

[Traceless: Sure.]

When Liang Liang saw her affirmative reply, he felt compelled to ask: [Aren’t you worried that I’m laying a trap?]

Traceless’ answer was bold and reckless: [Even if so, do you think I won’t be able to escape?]

Her arrogant words stumped him.

After a brief moment, Traceless sent through another message:

[Traceless: Just kidding. But I think a police officer who would let me go not to harm a child is worth trusting.]

Suddenly, the man was full of cheer.

So she did trust him!

He smiled at once, completely clueless as to why he was feeling so happy.

Later on, they arranged to meet at a cafe. This brought them into close contact for a second time.

Their feelings gradually developed through their collaborations and, slowly, they became a couple.

Liang Liang remembered clearly how he had confessed his feelings to Traceless and how she had accepted. But within ten days of this, things between them had changed drastically.