"Yes, we have already got the confirmation from Mr. Bai Yu. We just want to cover our bases," the officer announced. "As such, officers will be listening in on the conversation and following you at all times so that your safety is not compromised."

  He looked at her emphatically.

  "Can you tell me a bit about the procedure?" she asked. "I will consider my options after I am knowledgeable in the matter. What are the legal bounds of eavesdropping on someone and recording a conversation without their explicit consent?"

  Actually, Li Jun wanted to know too. "Yes, has the court order been issued? What are the dates on which it is valid? I want to know in detail. I don't want my client dragged into a violent situation without confirmation on the legality and surety that something good will come from this." His words left no space for tardiness.

  The officer nodded in understanding. "In order for the police to wire Miss Yun, we need to secure a warrant that would allow us to break that is known as the two-party consent rule," he began. "The law requires all people involved in a recording to be informed of and consent to their being recorded," he further explained.

  "And… what is the status on the warrant?" Li Jun asked, taking control.

  "We had to jump through a lot of hoops but we got a judge on standby. Once we have your verbal consent to participate, the warrant will be drawn up."

  Li Jun pursed his lips. "As for the right language for the warrant, that has been settled?" he asked.

  The officer nodded. "The prosecutor looked over the draft himself. We cannot reveal the contents as it is a matter of government confidentiality." He paused. "But you will be meeting with the federal authorities and city police for this matter. The agencies will coordinate to plan the operation."

  Qian Meng nodded.

  "Further, we will discuss all the different contingency plans in place and the what-ifs, so it will take a lot of time to work through all of that," the officer said.

  Qian Meng took ten minutes to talk to Li Jun personally, but she already knew she would be signing on those consent forms. But she was astute in signing documents. Once she was clear on the risks, she spoke to the officer again.

  "I'll do it," she said softly.

  The officer grinned. She was led into a bigger room. Qian Meng saw Bai Yu and his lawyer already seated inside.

  The officers on the case were also present.

  Both Bai Yu and Qian Meng were briefed on the plan. They signed the consent forms before the police placed recording devices on their bodies.

  They even placed GSP trackers in the trunk of their cars.

  "If you say the codeword, we will rush in."

  "Good to know," Qian Meng said under her breath.

  "Any sign of danger or violence and we will be inside," the officer assured again.

  Bai Yu nodded bleakly.

  Bai Yu and Qian Meng both came out of the room and he faced her.

  "Qian Meng," he said after a moment of silence. "You didn't keep your promise, did you?" he asked quietly.

  "I'm sorry, Uncle Bai. I did keep my promise," she told him. It was a small lie. She didn't inform the police directly.

  Li Jun stepped in, extending his hand. "Apologies, Mr. Bai. It was me who tipped the police off. As a lawyer, I would be a dereliction of my duty if I come across someone who has committed a crime and not report it." He bowed deeply.

  Bai Yu gave them a sad smile. "No need to apologize. It's a good thing. I would have been killed without anyone to help me if not for you taking your duty seriously," he said.

  "Please be safe," Li Jun said calmly. "I expect Mr. Bai Ye Qing to go to you rather than Miss Yun. Her residence is still a mystery to him, so you are the easier target," he said.

  The plan had been made. It was one bait after another. If Bai Ye Qing didn't fall for one chance, the second plan would be brought into action.

  "Don't worry. I have been in the business long enough."

  Qian Meng took a step forward. "Uncle, stay strong. Everything is going to be fine." What else could she say? His son was probably going to jail.

  "If… something happens to me," he started.

  "Please don't say something like that!" Qian Meng interjected. What was this talk of harm? It was never a good sign.

  "Hush, Qian Meng," Bai Yu prompted. "If something happens to me… whenever that is… you will be my legal guardian. You can take my medical decisions on my behalf. If I die, you will get a call from my lawyer. You will be responsible for executing my will, do you understand?" he asked firmly.

  "I apologize. I have no intention of executing your will. I wish for you to live for many more decades. I don't like the talk of death. It's too ominous," she gritted through her teeth. "None of that!" she said again.

  "Fine!" he told her. "We shall have a nice meal after everything is sorted. I think I will go fishing in a couple of days. Call me when you are free. Maybe we can play a hand of chess." He smiled but it was sad.

  "Absolutely," Qian Meng assured.

  She watched as Mr. Bai walked away. She was about to turn the corner when she saw Chen Yue coming to him and throwing questions at him. He hushed her up and went into the parking lot.

  Qian Meng took a cleansing breath. Thank god the old bat hadn't seen her. She couldn't imagine the drama that would happen inside this station if she caught sight of her.

  She held her heart for a second before turning to Li Jun. "Thank you again. You have been working on my cases a lot recently, haven't you?" she smiled apologetically.

  "I get paid by the hour. Don't mind me. I enjoy taking your money." He gave her an appreciative look before they went their own way.

  It was time for Qian Meng to go back home. Maybe she could lounge near the swimming pool and wait until the news came.