"Name!"
The police officer sitting at the interrogation desk asked emotionlessly.
In this era, not having a temporary residence permit might not make one a suspect, but it was definitely a violation of the law.
Of course, for someone like Yu Zhou, who was staying in a large hotel, such a permit wasn't necessary for a few days.
However, Yu Zhou's current demeanor didn't suggest he was on a business trip to Ning Zhou. He looked more like someone who was staying in Ning Zhou for some reason without being registered.
Under these circumstances, not arresting him on the spot, holding him for a while, and then sending him to a shelter was considered civilized law enforcement.
Of course, the current situation still needed to be investigated.
"Yu Zhou!"
Although Yu Zhou was inwardly unhappy, he was still rational.
Regardless of the police's attitude, it was his duty to cooperate with the interrogation.
He couldn't just ignore the law because he was now a well-known entrepreneur in the city, could he?
Not to mention that he wasn't an arrogant and overbearing person by nature, but even if he were, it would depend on the circumstances.
He understood the saying "when you're under someone else's roof, you have to bow your head" better than anyone.
Furthermore, he was counting on these police officers to help him contact his family and completely escape this predicament.
"Age."
The officer continued to ask detailed questions one by one. Meanwhile, Yu Zhou couldn't stop his own inner reflections.
Who would have thought that his first time in a police station would be like this?
Yet, before this, no matter whom he called, no one answered. Even if he truly wanted to do something, he had to wait until he contacted familiar people before he could proceed smoothly.
Otherwise, even if he were a big shot, it would be difficult to achieve anything in such an unfamiliar place.
Yu Zhou answered all the questions truthfully. When the officer started asking about the reason for wandering the streets, a glimmer of light finally flashed in his eyes.
The main point had finally arrived.
"I'm actually here in Ning Zhou on a business trip. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, I've found myself in a predicament with nowhere to stay. Officers, could you please lend me a phone? I need to contact my family, and I assure you that after that, my identity and everything else will be clear."
This was his last resort.
Otherwise, if he were actually sent to a shelter, he would be a laughingstock for life.
However, things did not unfold as Yu Zhou had expected. As soon as he said this, the officer glared at him.
He looked at Yu Zhou with a bewildered expression, as if thinking, "Are you out of your mind?"
They didn't know if what Yu Zhou said was true. Even if it were, whether to allow him to make a phone call was something they had to consider.
After all, why was the temporary residence permit regulation implemented, and why was it being enforced in most cities nationwide?
To put it bluntly, it was because the public security in this era was not yet very good, and the police needed to keep real-time track of residents.
Frankly speaking, if Yu Zhou were a criminal or a murderer, checking his temporary residence permit could easily lead them to uncover his associates.
Under such circumstances, allowing him to make a phone call also carried risks. Who knew if he was trying to contact his accomplices to escape after realizing he was caught?
If that were the case, letting him make a call would mean losing control of the situation entirely.
"Stop with the nonsense. If you have something to say, just tell the truth. We guarantee leniency for confession and severity for resistance."
The officer said unapologetically, occasionally tapping the table with his pen. It was clear he found the situation suspicious.
As an experienced officer, he knew that if things became suspicious, there was always a hidden story behind them.
"What I'm saying is true. Those people from the 'swing machine' project abducted me. I left without a penny. If you don't believe me, you can call the police station at＊＊ Jiangbei and ask if I exist."
Yu Zhou was helpless but knew he couldn't lose his temper at this moment.
Because he understood that such persistent questioning was unavoidable.
Even though he was inwardly dissatisfied, this was their official duty. Could he obstruct public service?
Yu Zhou had always believed he must be a law-abiding citizen. At the very least, he should show proper courtesy and cooperate fully with public officials.
However, judging by their attitude, it was as if he were a fugitive, which made him somewhat annoyed.
While it was true that there were many itinerant human traffickers, robbers, and even murderers in this era, they shouldn't judge him, who had no problems, with the same eyes.
In this environment, it was impossible for Yu Zhou to have no emotions at all, but he knew he had to suppress them and not cause any trouble at this time.
"We will investigate the police station you mentioned. As for this 'swing machine' project, what exactly is it?"
"How dare they abduct people in broad daylight? You're not trying to fool us, are you?"
The officer still found it hard to believe. Indeed, before experiencing it, Yu Zhou himself wouldn't have believed that these so-called pyramid schemes could be so audacious.
They abducted people without any regard for reason. Not only that, if the brainwashing wasn't successful, they would use even more painful methods to make you completely surrender.
However, this industry had not yet been fully regulated by law, and even those who made a lot of money in the middle and upper echelons were still living carefree lives.
Thinking of this, Yu Zhou's teeth clenched with resentment. He truly hated those people.
If it weren't for them, would he be in a situation where even explaining himself to the police was so difficult?
"For my situation, you just need to make a few phone calls. If you don't have the phone number for the＊＊ Jiangbei Police Station, you can call the Director of the Investment Promotion Department at your South Jiangsu Television Station. They can also clarify the situation. I believe they are also aware of my circumstances."
"As long as you don't fob me off and make a phone call, everything will become clear."
Yu Zhou was starting to become impatient, but to prove his identity, he had to remain patient.
Upon hearing "South Jiangsu Television," the officer was taken aback.
He turned his head with difficulty and looked at his superior behind him. Should he make this call or not?
Could this person actually be someone important?