...
Returning to the city, Si Chen and Tong Yao headed straight to the police station. Upon learning that they were the ones who had reported the incident at the town, the policemen interviewed them once again. This time, an experienced policeman in his forties led the questioning.
After reviewing the clues provided by Tong Yao, he raised a question, "How did you know that they had left from Lutun Town and planned to go to Hai City along the mountain road?"
Tong Yao cast a glance to Si Chen, who remained silent, before replying hesitantly, "Ma Xiulan revealed it accidentally when chatting with me. I didn't pay much attention at first, but it came to me when I reported the police so I mentioned it."
On their way, Tong Yao had anticipated that some officers might question her narrative as Si Chen did, so she had prepared a response in advance.
Indeed, it came in handy.
The officer pondered for a moment before further questioning, "What else did she say?"