The Logical Closed Loop

Lin Xiaosu said, "You voluntarily revealing case details is a violation of discipline, but analyzing the case isn't. Let me ask you: the mastermind they mentioned, is it Ghost Eye Lao Qi?"

The three people in the room were shocked simultaneously...

Captain Zhang frowned, "You know Ghost Eye Lao Qi?"

"Before you arrived, I already asked him. He told me it was Ghost Eye Lao Qi."

That made sense!

Detective's instinct. If he himself was attacked, he'd naturally investigate the mastermind.

"Ghost Eye Lao Qi, that name entered our sight a long time ago. We suspect the operator behind Fengcheng's massive black curtain is Ghost Eye Lao Qi. However, this person is extremely cunning. Their communication with subordinates is incredibly secretive, and they've never shown their true face. This assassination attempt, according to these two killers, they both received text messages to carry it out."

This was starting to sound like a case analysis.

Captain Zhang didn't want to miss such a good opportunity. Lin Xiaosu's previous actions had been too miraculous, almost always hitting the mark, which gave him a certain kind of hope.

That's why he revealed the name Ghost Eye Lao Qi, which had troubled him for years, to Lin Xiaosu.

"Do you believe what they said?" Lin Xiaosu slowly raised his gaze.

Captain Zhang smiled faintly, "A police officer's instinct is to suspect everything! Naturally, we wouldn't easily believe the confessions of suspects. So, I've already arranged for people to investigate the movements of these two individuals during this period. They should report back in about two hours. Would you... be willing to wait?"

Willing to wait?

Those four words held deep meaning.

Arranging for people to investigate the movements of criminal suspects would yield firsthand clues.

Theoretically, Lin Xiaosu should leave.

But Captain Zhang specifically asked if he was willing to wait.

Lin Xiaosu said, "Does Captain Zhang mean I can be deeply involved in this case?"

"Some things are contradictory. From a disciplinary standpoint, I can't allow you to participate. However, I truly wish to see a breakthrough in this case. For over ten years, on this ancient land, too many tragedies have unfolded daily. I think the tears of the people after losing their fortunes, the corpses lying in pools of blood, and the widespread fear under the shroud of evil are probably not something that the word 'discipline' can encompass... Therefore, if I can exchange a violation of discipline for the capture of those scoundrels, I think I'm willing!"

Lin Xiaosu let out a soft breath, "Since Captain Zhang says so, I only have one word: Let's do it!"

Captain Zhang laughed heartily, "Do you play chess?"

"Chinese chess or Go?"

Captain Zhang said, "Go is too mentally taxing. I don't have many brain cells to begin with, and I can't afford to expend them. Let's stick with Chinese chess!"

The two of them began playing chess.

Sun Yang tilted his head, offering advice from the side.

Zhou Mei didn't understand chess very well, so she didn't add to the confusion. After refilling their water, she leaned back in her chair and played on her phone, and then... there was no then. She fell asleep.

Lin Xiaosu held a chess piece between his fingers, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Mei's face before settling on Captain Zhang.

Captain Zhang didn't look at him, calmly replying, "I didn't sleep at all last night. In our line of work, you have to be able to sleep anytime."

"Before I met you all, I didn't have a very good impression of you," Lin Xiaosu said with a smile.

"Why? Did you get caught gambling or soliciting prostitutes? Or were you caught driving without a license and fined 2,000...?"

"Damn it! Captain Zhang, do you have to check my record? When did I ever gamble or solicit?"

"What are you shouting about? Zhou Mei just fell asleep. Would you feel good about waking her up?"

Sun Yang chuckled beside them.

He had never seen Captain Zhang like this before.

He could even crack jokes...

Time ticked by.

The county town gradually grew quiet.

The bustling streets became quiet, with cars passing by only occasionally.

The Criminal Investigation building also fell silent.

Suddenly, a crisp "ding" sound from the elevator echoed.

Both of them looked up simultaneously.

The conference room door opened, and two police officers entered side-by-side, "Captain Zhang, we've found something..."

Their gazes fell on Lin Xiaosu, and they didn't continue speaking.

Because a stranger was present.

Zhou Mei also woke up. She had probably slept for about two hours.

"Go ahead!" Captain Zhang said.

"Yes!" A police officer on the left walked to the computer, connected an external hard drive, and plugged it into the computer.

The screen in front lit up, projecting the computer's display.

"The recent activity logs of these two suspects are here..." The police officer gently moved the mouse, highlighting seven locations.

"One of the vehicles caught our attention because the suspects got into this car twice within three days. This person is highly suspicious!"

A video feed appeared, zoomed in!

This is a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

Captain Zhang's pupils constricted sharply, "Qi Hongzhong!"

The police officer asked, "Captain Zhang knows him? Should I introduce you?"

Captain Zhang waved his hand gently, "No need for an introduction. The information is in the file. We'll look at it ourselves. Is there anything... not in the file?"

"Yes!" another officer said, "We just checked Qi Hongzhong's movements. He's left the country!"

Captain Zhang shot to his feet, "When did he leave? Where is he headed?"

"He took a plane yesterday at 3 PM. His destination is Qingmai, the capital of Qingmian Country. We checked his visa; he has permanent residency in Qingmian Country!"

Captain Zhang's face became as dark as water. He slowly looked up, "Is there any other information?"

"No!"

"Go get some rest!"

"Yes!"

The two officers left the conference room.

Captain Zhang walked over to the computer and reviewed all the information he had received…

Lin Xiaosu, Zhou Mei, and Sun Yang were completely awake now, all staring at the computer screen.

Various signs indicated that this assassination was planned by Qi Hongzhong.

Moreover, Zhou Mei had a wild idea concerning the overall structure of the Fengcheng criminal syndicate…

"You've all seen it. Any thoughts?" Captain Zhang slowly looked up from the computer.

Zhou Mei spoke, "Captain Zhang, I think the Ghost Eye Lao Qi we've been desperately searching for is very likely him."

"Explain your reasoning…"

Zhou Mei organized her thoughts and began…

It was a long-standing consensus that Fengcheng had a Ghost Eye Lao Qi.

But no one knew who Ghost Eye Lao Qi was, only that this person had connections everywhere and was linked to all the major operations.

He was closely associated with a local group.

Although this group hadn't openly formed a gang, it was already highly factionalized internally. The police had also been watching them for a long time, referring to them as the "Flying Tiger Gang."

The Flying Tiger Gang had five key members: Brother Tiger Zhao Yihu, Brother Crane Li Henian, Sister Feng Wang Sanfeng, Brother Qing Song Qingliang, and Brother Shui Zhong Shuiping.

Brother Tiger was in construction.

Brother Crane ran restaurants.

Brother Qing was the president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Sister Feng was the chairwoman of a science and trade company in the industrial park.

Brother Shui had the wildest connections; he was involved in the aquatic products industry, with his reach extending to various townships. His influence could be seen in almost all larger bodies of water.

These individuals were leaders in their respective fields, each commanding a vast team.

The signs of gang-like management had been apparent for a long time, but their shrewdness lay in not being overt. They didn't engage in crude acts like vandalism or assault. Of course, there had been several fatal incidents where their shadow loomed, but it was only a shadow, far from concrete evidence.

The police suspected that the speed at which these people accumulated wealth was too rapid, with subtle indications suggesting a connection to the underground drug trade.

Individuals like them, with such extensive networks and far-reaching influence, were the most ideal candidates to be the kingpins behind the drug operations.

At the very least, it would be more convenient for them to conduct transactions.

However, a drug syndicate couldn't operate without a direct leader, and this person was presumed to be Ghost Eye Lao Qi.

Therefore, Ghost Eye Lao Qi had to possess several qualifications…

Firstly, he must have the means to interact with these industry elites.

Secondly, he needed a supply of goods.

Thirdly, he also needed the capability to manage things.

Who was this Qi Hongzhong?

He was from a multinational corporation in Qingmian Country, holding the title of Commercial Agent for Great Xia.

To be a commercial agent for a major country, his capabilities were undoubtedly strong.

Furthermore, this man was also a success coach.

Many prominent business figures in Great Xia had attended his lectures.

Therefore, the success seminar he held in Fengcheng attracted industry elites from almost every sector, including the five individuals mentioned above.

After that seminar, these Fengcheng elites treated him as an honored guest.

Several of them invited him to give speeches at their respective companies.

This meant he had the means to connect with these five "Tiger Generals."

What's more, Qingmian Country is the global hub for narcotics. Eighty percent of Great Xia's drugs originate from Qingmian Country. While others can't get their supply, this legendary lecturer, who can command the winds and rain in the business world, can probably get it easily!

With that, Captain Zhang's eyes gleamed. "Anything else?"

"Just one last thing! His surname is Qi!" Zhou Mei said.

After she finished, she seemed quite excited...

"Surname 'Qi', Ghost Eye Lao 'Qi'..." Captain Zhang tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "Xiaosu, what do you think?"

While Zhou Mei was speaking, Lin Xiaosu had been staring out the window the entire time. This might be a habit of his when he thinks...

At this moment, Captain Zhang directly called his name.

Lin Xiaosu slowly shifted his gaze back. "Captain Zhang, first, let me ask a basic common sense question. Is there any way to extradite this Qi Hongzhong from Qingmian Country?"

"There's no way. Qingmian Country has no extradition treaty with any country. That's the peculiarity of this drug kingdom."

Lin Xiaosu continued, "Is there another peculiarity... Qingmian Country is extremely chaotic. Even if an agent enters Qingmian Country, they have a nine out of ten chance of dying. So, if he doesn't want to come back, there's almost no way to capture him."

"That's right!"

"Good, I have a second question!" Lin Xiaosu said. "If we identify Ghost Eye Lao Qi as him, can we afford not to make a move against the drug syndicates here in Fengcheng until we've apprehended him?"

"Yes! That's common sense when dealing with such criminal groups. Before we have solid leads on the core figures and the supply source, we absolutely cannot alert them."

Lin Xiaosu nodded slowly. "The logic forms a closed loop!"