Chapter 700: Choosing and Watching Targets

"Very likely!"

Chen Xiao also thought that if the murderer changed tactics slightly, the knife could very well end up aimed at Sun Zhou and Director Chang.

Because the effect of killing those two would be almost the same as killing Cao Xiuyuan.

Without Cao Xiuyuan, Sun Zhou could still preside over the task force’s matters.

Similarly, without Cao Xiuyuan and Sun Zhou, Director Chang could preside as well.

Although Director Chang is just a forensic expert, with his autopsy skills, he has solved many major cases over the years.

Therefore, the three big shots in their respective units within the task force would each bring a heavy blow to the team if anything happened to them.

It was precisely because of this thought that Chen Xiao felt that if the murderer was targeting and alternating among the three, it would indeed be hard to pin down.

Qin Fei shared the same thoughts as Chen Xiao, leading the two to face a new decision.

Who to choose among the three!

After thinking for a while, Qin Fei looked at Chen Xiao with a bitter expression: "What about you? Who do you think it is?"

"There’s a 30% probability, or perhaps a 50% probability for each; if we don’t want any mishaps, it would be best to keep tabs on all of them."

"Then should we each watch one?"

"We’re in the light, and the enemy is in the dark. Xiaozhuang South Town is so small, any of our movements could be easily noticed by the killer." Chen Xiao shook his head, dismissing Qin Fei’s suggestion.

The latter thought for a moment and nodded: "Indeed, since we arrived in Xiaozhuang South Town, we’ve been together. If that person’s eyes are constantly on us, then even if we split up or show up in places unrelated to the case, it might arouse his suspicion."

While speaking, a thought suddenly struck Qin Fei’s mind: "What if we had Mr. Wen arrange someone to watch over them?"

Chen Xiao was about to agree but shook his head again the next moment: "I am accustomed to seeing the adversary in a case as thorough, very cautious, and meticulous, so, in my view, a perpetrator capable of giving elite detectives trouble should still have enough vigilance."

"Wen’s subordinates might have the advantage of being new faces, but that very aspect could also make them more suspicious."

"So what you mean is getting familiar faces to secretly monitor?"

"Exactly, some people who are professional but wouldn’t draw attention within any range of Xiaozhuang South Town."

"As you say, besides the police officers of Xiaozhuang South Town’s station, there’s no one else suitable!" Qin Fei directly mentioned the candidate that Chen Xiao had in mind.

Chen Xiao nodded with a smile: "That’s what I think."

"But I’m a bit concerned about the professional ability of the town’s police officers..."

It’s understandable not to be assured about the capability of the town’s police officers.

"But we don’t have a better choice. They can observe Cao Xiuyuan and the others in a way that seems like a routine patrol, which makes sense... and it’s not easy to arouse suspicion. Of course, it would be better if there are ambitious officers in the station, like those known for aiming to join higher departments."

Qin Fei thought for a moment and replied: "We should ask the folks at the police station, or go straight to Director Ye Changhuai, shouldn’t we?"

"That’s possible, but tonight is very important, and Ye Changhuai might have already gone off duty?"

"Then let’s go to the police station, and figure out a way to get him to return to work."

Chen Xiao didn’t say anything more, implicitly agreeing with Qin Fei’s suggestion.

The parked car finally started moving.

Before long, they arrived at the township police station.

Upon reaching the station’s entrance, they happened to see a nearly fifty-year-old man carrying a briefcase with a weary look coming out.

Seeing the man, Chen Xiao and Qin Fei were first taken aback but then delighted.

"Our luck isn’t bad at all!"

"Yes, let’s quickly invite Director Ye into the car for a chat," Chen Xiao said with a smile.

Soon, Ye Changhuai was invited into their car.

Looking at Chen Xiao and Qin Fei’s smiling faces, Ye Changhuai asked somewhat bewildered:

"You two, what is this?"

Qin Fei spoke first: "Director Ye, can we take two minutes of your time? We mainly wish to ask you for a favor, but this matter requires absolute secrecy."

Upon hearing this, Ye Changhuai became serious: "Is it related to the case?"

Qin Fei nodded: "Yes, and it needs to be implemented tonight."

"Alright, you tell me, and I’ll assist you. By the way, is this an order from the task force or a separate request from you two?"

"We are members of the task force; everything we do is to solve the case." Qin Fei’s words were ambiguous, but Ye Changhuai understood.

Chen Xiao quickly picked up the conversation: "We need a few officers. First: they must be highly capable in your station; second, they must have strong emotional restraint; third, they need to be highly ambitious and known for wanting to climb up the ladder in the station!"

Chen Xiao mentioned these traits to prevent an officer from attracting attention when approaching the three team leaders.

But if the person is an officer with a strong desire to climb up, then cozying up to the task force will not seem so strange.

After listening, Ye Changhuai quickly came up with an idea:

"The people you’re looking for are few, and they’re young officers assigned to our station last year. They intended to spend a few months here and then transfer out, but ended up staying for over a year."

"Get them to meet us, and try not to let anyone know. Also, Director Ye, please don’t mention meeting us to anyone." Chen Xiao reminded again.

Ye Changhuai nodded: "I understand. You two wait in the car; they’ll be here shortly."

With that said, Ye Changhuai got out of the car and continued heading home.

Chen Xiao and Qin Fei waited silently in the car. During this time, they noticed that several patrol cars returned to the station and then departed again for patrol in new areas.

Watching those flashing police lights, Qin Fei kept an eye on the time.

Seeing his demeanor, Chen Xiao said: "Don’t worry, the murderer won’t act so soon. I looked carefully at Xiaozhuang South Town and didn’t find any place that could cause a stir."

Upon hearing this, Qin Fei noticed that Chen Xiao was holding a paper map.

Qin Fei leaned over and said while looking at it:

"The scale of the township is small, indeed, but Xiaozhuang South Town is a town within a city, with many outsiders. Based on our general impression of the killer, the more crowded the place, the more likely it is for him to make a move."

"Xiaozhuang South Town belongs to Fengshan County, which has many small factories attracting lots of migrant workers. But if we talk about the most crowded places, it should be the industrial area that was established a couple of years ago." Chen Xiao analyzed.

Qin Fei pondered and then said with a tight gaze:

"So if a move is made within the Fengshan County area, then the industrial area would be a very suitable location for dumping a body!"

Chen Xiao nodded: "That’s right, as soon as dawn breaks, people will start going to work in the industrial area. Once most people know about it, there’s no way to keep it a secret!"