"I've called you in today to understand the case."

The African American husband approached and shook hands with Luke, "Hello Captain Li, I am Olive Browning's father George Browning."

"Please, have a seat," Luke said.

George Browning spoke, "Captain Li, I have long admired your reputation.

Ever since my daughter's incident occurred, I've been closely following the Los Angeles Police Department's activities. I know that you are a very capable detective, having solved many major cases, including the one involving the deputy mayor's daughter. You saved her.

I'm very grateful that you're willing to take on my daughter's case. It has given us renewed hope."

Luke responded seriously, "Mr. Browning, Mrs. Browning, thank you for your trust. I will do my utmost to investigate the case."

Mrs. Browning choked up, "Thank you. I thank you on behalf of Olivia."

Luke nodded and said, "I'd like to understand the process of Liv Browning's disappearance. It's very important and the more detail, the better."

After a moment of recollection, George Browning said, "It was the evening of July 9th. Olivia was attending a birthday party at a classmate's house. We had agreed that the party would end at ten o'clock and that I would pick her up from her classmate's house.

But at nine-ten in the evening, Olivia called and insisted that my wife go to pick her up.

At the time, my wife was in the bathroom, and I answered the call. I asked her what had happened, but she wouldn't say.

I immediately sensed that something wasn't right because we had previously arranged for me to pick her up after the classmate's party, and now it was not only earlier than planned, but she specifically requested her mother, which was out of character.

I asked if she was in danger, and if there was anyone nearby?

She said no, then hung up the phone." George Browning sighed deeply, his face showing a pained expression, "My wife and I immediately drove to her classmate's house. When we arrived, however, we couldn't find her.

The classmates at the party said they saw her going out to make a phone call, and then no one saw her again."

"The incident happened without warning. My wife and I were frantic. Just as we were about to mobilize a search, my phone rang. It was from my daughter's number.

I answered the call, but the person on the other end was not my daughter, but a man's voice.

He said Olivia was in his hands. He warned against calling the police or telling anyone else, or he would 'tear the ticket.' Then he demanded one million US dollars in ransom and to wait for his call, promising to release her once the money was received.

After that, he hung up."

"A million in cash is not a small amount. Were you able to gather this money?" Luke asked.

"I run a freight company and our financial situation is decent. I could gather that sum within two days."

"When did you report the crime?" Luke inquired.

"My wife and I disagreed on reporting to the police; she was concerned for our daughter's safety and wanted to pay the ransom to save her.

I feared that the kidnapper wouldn't keep his word, and even after receiving the money, he might still harm her, so I was more inclined to inform the police.

In the end, we compromised with each other. We gathered the money while covertly contacting the police.

The Robbery and Murder Department's Unit Two took charge of the investigation."

The next morning, the kidnapper called from a disposable phone, instructing my wife to leave the one million in cash at Socrates Park by ten o'clock at night and only she could go.

Per Captain Chen's instructions, I demanded my daughter to speak on the phone. I heard her cry for help, which was the last time I heard her voice.

After knowing the situation, Captain Chen started to position his men in Socrates Park in advance.

My wife followed the kidnapper's orders to deliver the ransom, but the kidnapper never came to take the money and we heard nothing more about my daughter.

I still cannot understand how things turned out this way?" George Browning said.

Luke questioned, "Have you received any more messages from the kidnapper during this time?"

"No. We always thought Olivia... might have been harmed.

Thank you for bringing us news of Olivia.

I know her situation might be very bad, but at least she's still alive."

Mrs. Browning sobbed in a low voice, "Captain Li, please, you must rescue my daughter. You're our last hope...

I'm begging you."

"I'll do my best." Luke asked a few more questions, then personally saw the couple out.

Luke had a general idea of the circumstances of Olivia Browning's abduction after taking statements from the Brownings and receiving a description and files from Chen Kelin.

After receiving the alarm, Unit Two of the Robbery and Murder Department began its covert investigation into Olivia Browning's abduction and took statements from those who attended the party that night.

According to classmates who were at the party, they indeed saw Olivia Browning leave the party in a panic, but they didn't know why.

Unit Two's statements from the party attendees did not reveal any suspicious individuals.

As for why the suspect, after demanding a ransom, didn't come to collect it, the police also could not find a reason.

The disposable phone could not be traced back to any identity.

Eventually, all leads were exhausted, and the case became a cold case until Unit One discovered Olivia Browning's image on the colored videos.

Having learnt about the case, and combining the descriptions and files of the three individuals, Luke did not find any suspicious details. Unit Two had investigated all areas. To re-investigate would be time-consuming and with so much time passed, it would likely yield no clarity.

Thus, Luke focused the investigation on the colored videos. In the video, the man wore a mask, but the girl's face was clearly visible.

In those colored videos, there were three girls. Besides Olivia Browning, the identities of the other two girls had not been ascertained. Luke guessed that they might also be missing persons.

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