Chapter 956: Him? He’s Right Here With Us!

"Alright, then we’ll start investigating all the bathhouses."

Although there weren’t many buildings in the southern hometown, there were quite a few residents. The ground floor was mostly various shops, barbershops, vegetable stores, grain and oil shops, etc.

Additionally, since many rooms inside were co-rented, bathing was inconvenient, which led many basements to be converted into bathhouses.

Lu Chuan casually glanced around and discovered three or four bathhouses.

Some were relatively high-end, while others were very cheap.

Besides that, there were also several foot massage shops and massage parlors.

Wang Guodong awkwardly smiled, "We’ve also cleaned up around here, but considering the stability due to the population..."

In some foot massage shops and massage parlors, bare legs were openly displayed. Any discerning person would know what was going on.

The people living here were mostly migrant workers, primarily male, so certain businesses naturally sprang up.

Lu Chuan was quite understanding of this.

The personal traffic was considerable, with many migrant workers in the area of self-built houses, and the local police station didn’t have the energy to crack down on such places.

As long as no one reported them, they generally turned a blind eye.

It wasn’t because someone in the police station was acting as a protector or taking bribes, but due to considerations of stability.

With these places around, most people could vent through these means.

But without them, it might lead to more violent crimes.

From Lu Chuan’s perspective of solving cases, these places were actually important venues for information gathering.

"Zhang Yongzhi has been single all these years, and after just committing a murder, pulling off such a big case, his emotional volatility must be high. So, he might go to these places to spend money. Let’s send a team to investigate one by one, and see if anyone’s spotted Zhang Yongzhi."

Wang Guodong nodded, "Okay, I’ll arrange it."

The investigation started.

"Have you seen this person?"

At the public bathhouse, Wang Zhaokai took Zhang Yongzhi’s photo to interview the bathhouse reception desk.

"Haven’t seen him."

"We’re the police. Please cooperate and let us inspect inside."

Showing their badges, the bathhouse staff were very cooperative.

Other bathhouses, including Lu Chuan, were conducting their own investigations.

Chen Hu had just graduated from the police academy last year, a new recruit on the job.

He hadn’t yet become a full-fledged officer and was still in his probation period. In another month, he should become an official police officer.

"Teacher, why aren’t these places shut down?"

Coming out of a massage parlor, Chen Hu recognized what was going on inside by the women’s attire.

Moreover, when he and his mentor went in undercover, the other side tried to solicit them.

Hu Guojun, Chen Hu’s mentor, was over fifty with rich experience, having worked as an officer in the police station for over thirty years.

"Let me tell you a story, from a few years ago."

Hu Guojun told Chen Hu about a case they handled: "Five years ago, there was a rape and robbery case in our precinct."

"The victim was a young girl from out of town, and the suspect was also a migrant worker."

"Since there was surveillance around the crime scene, it was easy to identify and capture the suspect."

"However, during the interrogation, when asked about the motive for the crime, it turned out the suspect didn’t intend to rob."

"He was a twenty-something guy who’d been away from home for a while, so he had some unresolved physiological issues. He saw the woman on the street that night and had malicious intent, assaulted her, and tried to cover it up with robbery."

"So, in these self-built house areas, we often turn a blind eye, letting these things pass as long as it’s nothing too over the top."

Hu Guojun gave Chen Hu a lesson: "Over time, as you handle more cases, you’ll slowly understand what’s going on. Let’s go to the next place."

Red Romance Kangti City.

Just looking at the name, you could tell it wasn’t a proper place.

Even in broad daylight, neon lights were shining.

The glass door was only frosted in the middle, with the lower part transparent, revealing long legs inside.

Hu Guojun and Chen Hu pushed open the glass door, and immediately a girl stood up.

"Sir, want a massage?"

The woman had heavy makeup, a tall figure, and a frivolous tone.

One old and one young, the woman’s attention went straight to Chen Hu, since who wouldn’t like a strong young guy?

As for Hu Guojun, his face full of wrinkles, was clearly experienced.

Chen Hu, having never encountered such a situation, subconsciously retreated behind Hu Guojun, evading the woman’s outstretched arm.

Perhaps the staff at the last place were a bit too reserved.

Hu Guojun pulled out a photo, "Have you seen this person?"

The woman was startled.

She looked at Hu Guojun suspiciously, and he pulled out his badge again.

"We’re just looking for someone, don’t make a fuss."

Seeing the police badge, the woman instinctively tried to run, but Hu Guojun pulled her back.

"Officer... I-I-I..."

The woman trembled, and those seated on the sofa also caught on.

Still, some of them were clearly veterans.

This kind of situation would catch inside workers in action, but they were just outside doing none of the forbidden business.

One of the older ones stood up and approached Hu Guojun.

"Officer... we’re running a legitimate business, offering green massages, you see..."

Hu Guojun noticed, this woman was the one in charge, so he handed her the photo, "No other matters, just take a good look. Have you seen this person?"

The woman was stunned and realized they were working a case, so she took the photo and examined it carefully.

As she did, she was completely taken aback.

Immediately, her mouth dropped open: "He...h-he...he’s inside!"

Inside?!

Holy shit!

Hu Guojun’s expression changed instantly, making a gesture for silence and immediately pulling out his gun.

The women, having never seen such a scene, huddled up on the sofa in silence.

Chen Hu, who didn’t yet carry a gun, drew out his baton.

Hu Guojun lowered his voice, "Which room? Take us there!"

The woman knew something big was happening: "Room 8, but...but I’m scared!"

Hu Guojun feared she might mess up, "How long ago did he enter?"

"Just a few moments ago..."

Then she glanced inside, right when a man and a woman were coming out together.

Hu Guojun instantly recognized him as Zhang Yongzhi!

"Police! Get down, don’t move! Or I’ll shoot!"

Zhang Yongzhi was taken aback, not expecting to run into the police just after finishing his business!

And they recognized him on sight.

He’s been exposed!

Zhang Yongzhi realized he was exposed!