At the time of the incident, he also saw two suspicious individuals, and he reported this situation to William Thompson.

"The two people you mentioned are very likely connected to the kidnapping case. However, it's also possible they have nothing to do with it at all," William Thompson said slowly.

Andrew Carter's unyielding spirit was something he admired.

But cases like this kidnapping are not something just anyone can solve.

Andrew Carter's cover identity was as a patrolman; as long as he did his job well, that was the best cover.

"No matter what, I want to give it a try," Andrew Carter said firmly.

"Then you need to be careful. It's very possible you'll find no clues and end up with nothing," William Thompson reminded him.

"If I don't try, I'll always feel uneasy," Andrew Carter said with a self-deprecating smile.

"As the saying goes, 'A distant thief must have a nearby nest.' Usually, when a criminal commits a crime, they will leave traces in the British concession. But the concession is so large, finding them is like looking for a needle in a haystack," William Thompson said.

For cases like this, you have to scout the area in advance, and it's best to arrange accommodation nearby. In a kidnapping, there also needs to be a place to hold the victim.

All these things will leave traces; it just depends on whether the investigators can find the clues, unravel the threads, and discover the real culprit.

In theory, as long as people are active, they will leave traces.

In reality, finding those traces is extremely difficult.

After hearing William Thompson's words, Andrew Carter fell into deep thought.

After a long while, his gaze grew more determined. No matter the reason, he wanted to try his hand at this case.

Afterwards, Andrew Carter reported to William Thompson about his visit to Guangfa Hotel at Ren'anli on Campbell Road.

"You just learned David Bolton's true identity and immediately went to Ren'anli. That was a bit reckless," William Thompson said, glancing at Andrew Carter and offering a criticism.

"If David Bolton really has another identity, he will definitely notice me. Maybe he'll come looking for me in the next couple of days," Andrew Carter analyzed.

By observing David Bolton's actions in response to his own, he could draw a final conclusion.

"What if he doesn't come to you?" William Thompson asked, a bit dissatisfied that Andrew Carter hadn't realized his mistake.

"Then I'll go again and wait for him at Guangfa Hotel," Andrew Carter said, planning to corner David Bolton at the hotel and see what he would do.

"Your task is to remain undercover at the police department. As for investigating David Bolton, the organization will make other arrangements," William Thompson said seriously.

"Alright," Andrew Carter said helplessly. Since William Thompson didn't agree to him going to Ren'anli again, he could only obey orders.

However, when Andrew Carter returned to Gordon Hall and was almost at the dormitory, he found David Bolton waiting for him by the roadside.

Seeing David Bolton, Andrew Carter secretly smiled to himself—sure enough, David Bolton couldn't hold back.

Andrew Carter had only stayed outside Guangfa Hotel at Ren'anli for a few minutes; an ordinary person might not have noticed.

Not only did David Bolton notice, but he also reacted so quickly—clearly, his identity was not ordinary.

When Andrew Carter met with David Bolton, he had fewer reservations.

The two of them found a secluded pavilion in the nearby Victoria Park. It was convenient to talk here, and if anyone was around, they could see clearly.

"Buddy Carter, I apologize for any offense before. I am not actually surnamed Wu, nor am I called Wu Zhiren. I chose that name at the time just as a pun—'no such person,' you see," David Bolton introduced himself with a smile, not at all embarrassed, as if he were just joking with Andrew Carter.

"I wonder, Boss Bolton, with such careful planning, what exactly are your intentions?" Andrew Carter crossed his arms, a sign of high alert.

David Bolton came straight to the point, which actually made Andrew Carter a bit suspicious.

He really wanted to figure out the other party's true identity, and also wanted to know David Bolton's real intentions.

At the same time, Andrew Carter was a bit worried—David Bolton was clearly an old fox; could he really handle him?

"Don't worry, my friend, I have absolutely no ill intentions. I've looked into your background and know you have a sense of justice and are deeply concerned about the country's future..." David Bolton looked at Andrew Carter and spoke slowly.

Chapter 7: Retreat to Advance

Andrew Carter's reaction was exactly what David Bolton had expected.

This was the reaction a regular policeman should have; if Andrew Carter had been too calm, David Bolton would have been suspicious.

"Boss Bolton, just get to the point. I have things to do and no time for beating around the bush," Andrew Carter said coldly.

"It's really nothing much, I just wanted to explain myself so there wouldn't be any misunderstandings," David Bolton said cautiously, glancing around.

"Alright, since Boss Bolton means well, next time I repay the money, I'll come directly to Guangfa Hotel, so you don't have to go to any extra trouble," Andrew Carter deliberately mentioned "Guangfa Hotel," wanting to let David Bolton know that he was well aware of his background.

"No rush about the money. If you have nothing to do, you can also come by Guangfa Hotel and sit for a while," David Bolton took the opportunity to say.

He thought to himself, Andrew Carter really had investigated him.

This wasn't necessarily a bad thing; at least it showed Andrew Carter wasn't a fool.

"Alright, I'll come by when I have time," Andrew Carter nodded.