"Placed into the chemical vat area?"

"All thrown into the strong acid?"

Everyone, including Zhao Donglai, took a deep, cold breath. Zhou Fan directly slumped into the chair.

They dared not imagine that terrifying scene.

The heart-wrenching pain, the peeling flesh, the blood and meat dissolved away, what kind of feeling must that be?

At this moment, goosebumps rose on everyone's skin.

Luo Fei also felt a chill deep inside, considering the recent increase in security personnel around the chemical vat area; Ning Zitao surely wanted to prevent anyone from discovering it. If that's true, that place would be the first crime scene!

"What a beast!"

Zhou Fan suddenly stood up, eyes blazing.

He played the most crucial role in this event, because months ago he was the one leading the investigation, and now he was onsite with Luo Fei again for a second round of clue collection.

During this time, he had contact with Ning Zitao and was touched by the other's sincere emotions.

He believed that the man who lost his brother faced significant struggles, and he didn't suspect him. He even tried to absolve him when Luo Fei proposed a series of conjectures.

Unexpectedly, connecting all the cause and effect, it was indeed this fellow who did it!

Even if he had to admit it himself, the current biggest suspect was Ning Zitao!

He arranged the security personnel after becoming the person in charge, thus making it the first reason!

Colleagues, subordinates, and even his brother were involved, yet in the end, only he managed to escape, becoming the deputy leader under the factory director.

Isn't he the biggest beneficiary?

If all these crimes were proven, he wished he could shoot him dead.

A person capable of such means is definitely a complete psychopath; regrettably, he lacks law enforcement authority! But as a police officer, maintaining composure is crucial now.

"But, Luo Fei, if indeed the entire vat area was soaked, corroded by tonnes of original reagent solution, massacred victims, wouldn't there still be some calcified bones remaining?"

Zhou Fan asked in a low voice.

"There would indeed be remnants."

Luo Fei answered seriously, then looked towards him.

"Moreover, it's right under our noses..."

"You mean..."

"Do you remember the technical department employee we encountered on our way to the workshop with Ning Zitao? He reported an incident at that time, saying the lower pipeline was blocked!"

Zhou Fan was enlightened, his eyes instantly filled with horror.

"Does that mean those incomplete pieces discharged from the vat area, those remaining calcified bones, all... all..."

At this moment, Zhou Fan couldn't continue speaking.

He hadn't imagined things would be so terrifying.

"It seems there's only one explanation."

Luo Fei looked at the others.

"When that technical department employee reported to Ning Zitao, detailing the situation below, his reaction caught my attention."

"The counterpart didn't suggest replacing the pipeline and proceeding with repairs, opting instead to use block-clearing agents for a temporary solution, stating that a complete overhaul would occur at year-end."

"Initially, I thought he was simply stingy or trying to save costs. After all, for a large chemical factory, tackling such a pipeline overhaul, which affects the entire industrial chain, is a major project, but now, thinking about it, it seems increasingly suspicious."

"The frequent blockages occurring recently signal there's surely an issue!"

The others also nodded in agreement.

Zhao Donglai gazed intently at the display board.

"So, the remains of the nine murdered victims have been completely eroded, the last traces caught in the lower pipeline among broken calcium fluoride?"

Luo Fei nodded.

He finally pieced everything together, realizing these clues couldn't be hidden.

Liao Xingyu stood up and glanced at Zhao Donglai.

"Team Zhao, give the order. Directly apply for a search warrant, let's go take a look."

"That's right, if the evidence is down there, we'll definitely gain something."

Hearing everyone's consensus, Zhao Donglai coughed lightly.

"A detective's job is to investigate, not to recklessly search. What would distinguish us from tyrannical officials? While we can analyze or infer evidence, without persuasive conditions, we cannot act rashly."

"Indeed..."

Luo Fei, lost in thought, also spoke up, pondering a new question.

If Ning Zitao truly did this, how did he divert attention?

Nine living people, trying to submerge them into the vat area must take time, but directly tossing them inside would make too much noise. There would be reactions within, and the outside world would perceive them.

Yet, being the first crime scene, what exactly was the method used?

Unconsciously, after extended discussion, it was already nighttime.

The group went downstairs for a supper; Zhao Donglai and others were still deliberating, opting to eat in batches.

Luo Fei's group found a noodle shop, preparing to have something simple for two meals.

Just as everyone was ready to eat, the phone suddenly rang.

Luo Fei noticed it was Yang Mei calling; the other party was initiating a video call.

This seemed more personal!

Luo Fei stood up, went outside to answer, and upon connecting, his eyes went wide, taking a deep breath.

Although it's his girlfriend on the other end, he hadn't seen such a view before: pink shorts, a cool strapless tank top, with sea breeze blowing around, her figure appeared very alluring under the night sky.

"What's wrong? Awestruck?"

Yang Mei's light laughter sounded.

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