Meanwhile, the Zuri that Saira was looking for was meeting someone at 'The Tea House.'
A lean young man in a black trench coat entered the tea house, drawing the attention of a server.
"Do you have a reservation, sir?"
"Yes, table five."
The server was momentarily surprised but led him to table five. Upon seeing the girl sitting there, his gloomy eyes showed a hint of astonishment.
"Are you Black?"
"Zhou Yiming."
Upon hearing her name, the man finally believed that the person who had contacted him was indeed this girl in front of him. Zhou Yiming had a sister named Zhou Ying, who disappeared a year ago in the uninhabited area of Kekexili. After fruitless searches, the family had come to terms with her loss. However, six months ago, he received a mysterious phone call revealing that his sister hadn't disappeared in Kekexili. The evidence presented convinced him entirely.
For the past six months, he had been secretly investigating and gathering evidence of Miles' crimes, determined to avenge his sister and bring the killer to justice. Half a month ago, he managed to install hidden cameras in the villa. In these two weeks, he saw Miles bring two women into the villa. The hidden cameras must have captured the man's crimes. All he needed now was to retrieve the evidence so that the beast could face trial.
After sitting down, Zhou Yiming sincerely said, "Thank you on behalf of my sister and my family. If it weren't for your tip-off, we might never have known the truth."
Zuri had sought him out because, in a few years, he would have discovered the truth. At that time, he sneaked into the villa to rescue her but was caught by Miles, ending up like his sister, unable to escape the demon's grasp.
"No, it's I who should thank you."
This heartfelt thank you transcended time and space. It was something she couldn't say in her previous life. Zhou Yiming was puzzled but saw sincerity in her eyes and knew she wasn't just being polite.
"I've done my homework. Miles is attending a banquet today and likely won't be at the villa. I'm planning to act tonight and retrieve the items. I've waited for this day for so long. Every time I see him enjoying himself outside, I wish I could end him with a knife," Zhou Yiming said painfully.
"Tonight, I'll go with you."
"Don't worry, I can handle it," Zhou Yiming didn't want her to take the risk.
"I'm not reassured."
Under Zuri's insistence, Zhou Yiming agreed.
Late at night, two dark figures crouched outside the villa, confirming that the security had left. Zhou Yiming signaled to Zuri, who nodded. He knew best where the items were installed, so he would enter the villa while Zuri kept watch outside to prevent any surprises.
Zhou Yiming entered the villa, first going to the bedroom and then the bathroom, retrieving the hidden items one by one. When he reached the study, an impulse made him push the door open, revealing a computer with a USB drive inserted.
Opening the USB drive, he found numerous videos of Miles abusing women, each video labeled with the victim's name. Finding his sister's video, his hand trembled, unable to muster the courage to watch it.
Without thinking, Zhou Yiming pulled out the USB drive, triggering an alarm he hadn't anticipated.
Outside, Zuri was startled.
What's going on?!
He must have triggered the alarm switch. Zhou Yiming hurriedly left with the USB drive but tripped over something in the living room, falling heavily and sending the USB drive flying under the sofa.
"Hurry out, the security is coming. I'll hold them off for a few minutes, but you must come out now."
Zhou Yiming felt for his pocket and realized the USB drive was missing. Frantically searching in the dark, he couldn't find it. With Zuri's urging in his ear and flashlight beams approaching, he gritted his teeth and turned to leave.
Ten minutes later, they had left the villa district. Zuri saw his distressed face and comforted him. "It's okay if we didn't get everything this time. There will be another chance."
Zhou Yiming shook his head. "It's not that. I got the items, but I found a USB drive with all of Miles' crimes. I was so stupid to lose it."
"A USB drive?" Zuri was surprised.
Zhou Yiming nodded. "Yes. I had it, but I tripped and dropped it in the living room. How could I be so stupid?" He berated himself.
Zuri grabbed his hand, "We have enough evidence to convict him."
"You're right."
They started reviewing the videos but found each one obstructed by the camera stand. The same angle and position used for filming blocked the evidence they needed.
"What now?" Zhou Yiming despaired.
"I'll go get that video."
They had to retrieve it tonight. Having alarmed Miles, he might destroy the evidence or relocate everything.
"I'll go," Zhou Yiming offered.
Zuri glanced at his injured leg, "You can't. Keep watch outside for me. I'll be back soon."
"Okay."
They returned to the villa district, seeing security patrolling.
"It looks clear, let's go."
One of the security guards called Miles, "Mr. Cheng, we've checked the area. There's no one here. We've been watching for half an hour without seeing anyone."
"Alright, thank you."
After the guards left, Zuri slipped into the villa. She didn't turn on the lights, relying on memory to navigate to the living room. She felt the cold, hard marble floor, inching her way around until she found the USB drive under the sofa. Just then, a car honked outside, and Zhou Yiming's anxious voice came through the earpiece.
"Miles is back."