But it quickly disappeared again.
Even if they couldn't confirm it yet, the progress was evident. They had found a lead in just one night, which was much better than relying solely on the police!
The other two also realized this, so they put their feelings aside and expressed their gratitude to Li Chonglou.
"It's nothing. Shall we go grab some breakfast first? We don't know how long our colleagues will take."
The three of them shook their heads in unison: "Forget it, we're not in the mood for that now. If you're hungry, go ahead, we'll wait for you."
Li Chonglou just wanted to find something to pass the time. Seeing their reaction, he didn't say anything more. The four of them remained near the overpass, waiting for Yue Fu's information.
They didn't wait long. Just an hour later, Yue Fu sent over a list.
"This is the list of everyone who returned from the island country within the last two years. Time was limited, so this is all I could find."
This was Yue Fu's accompanying message. The list contained over a hundred names. This was after a preliminary screening, but for Li Chonglou, the number was still too large.
Seeing that Yue Fu could no longer help, Li Chonglou had to seek help from Old Tie.
After calling, and disregarding Old Tie's complaints, Li Chonglou got straight to the point, expressing that if he couldn't help, he might not be able to keep his appointment for the bet tomorrow.
Old Tie said with some helplessness, "You're coming down on me now, aren't you? This bet seems to be something you got yourself into, right?"
Two tasks in six days, with the other party choosing, even after some adjustments on their side, Old Tie was still not very optimistic.
But, regrettably, this bet of Li Chonglou's not only involved his personal reputation but also the reputation of the General Bureau. Although Old Tie complained, he ultimately chose to help.
Compared to Yue Fu's efficiency, Old Tie's methods were undoubtedly much faster. In about half an hour, he sent over three names.
"The person you're looking for should be among these three. Two of them were on the wanted list, and the other one has been on the run, but this guy hasn't been entered into the system yet, so you won't get paid even if you catch him."
"Thanks."
With the number reduced to three, Li Chonglou's expression lit up with joy. As for the money, he truly didn't care anymore.
During these few hours, out of boredom, the three of them had been sharing their stories one by one, especially about the deceased. The more Li Chonglou listened, the more he felt that the three were all pitiful people.
They were ready to retire and live out their old age peacefully. What's more, they hadn't done anything evil in their youth; on the contrary, they had contributed to the General Bureau and to China. Yet, they suddenly encountered such a misfortune. Anyone would empathize.
Furthermore, the three deceased were just kind, ordinary people, who had to suffer before their deaths. Li Chonglou had now decided that he must find the murderer!
If he wasn't made to pay the price he deserved, it would be an offense against heaven!
At this moment, the three of them also gathered around.
"How is it?"
"Got the list, he should be on it!"
A murderous intent surged onto the faces of the three. Tong Chu even said, "What are we waiting for! Let's go find him now! Do you have the address?"
There was a general address, of course. Li Chonglou's first target was the one Old Tie specifically mentioned. However, to save time, he had them split into three groups.
The elder who lost his granddaughter had a strength of level three. Li Chonglou estimated that he was also level three, so he let him be responsible for one person alone. Tong Chu and another man were responsible for one each, and he himself was responsible for one.
The three had no objections. However, before they set off, Li Chonglou still gave an instruction: "Remember, even if you find the murderer, don't act rashly. Immediately send us information. This person should not be simple."
Seeing Li Chonglou's serious expression, the three nodded solemnly. In fact, even if he hadn't said it, they had the same plan. After all, the families of the three victims were present. If they were to kill, they would kill together!
Thus, the four of them split up. Li Chonglou headed to the location Old Tie had specifically mentioned.
It was a man known only by the nickname "Bald Monk." He was in his forties and had been wanted by the General Bureau twenty years ago for committing a crime. If it weren't for Li Chonglou suddenly needing to check this information, the General Bureau wouldn't have found his records.
In Li Chonglou's opinion, this guy was the most suspicious!
His location was also at the border of Shangjing, where there was a small town called Shangjiu Town. Thirty years ago, it was a famous town in Shangjing. However, later, the town mayor led the town into crime, and the General Bureau had to send troops to clear it out once.
After that, it had been in decline ever since.
When Li Chonglou arrived, it was already close to noon. The town was located at the foot of a mountain, with only one entrance, which required passing over a long bridge.
Although the river was not large, the current was particularly swift. Pedestrians could only cross the bridge. Furthermore, due to the bridge's length and disrepair, larger vehicles couldn't pass, so the town's decline was not without reason.
Of course, these were just minor issues. Li Chonglou changed his attire, disguised himself as a tourist, and walked across.
Despite it being midday, the place appeared exceptionally deserted. After crossing the bridge, Li Chonglou realized that even small cars were mostly parked on the other side of the bridge, because further inside, even the roads were in disrepair.
However, at this moment, a familiar license plate suddenly caught his eye.
"Isn't that Lin Qianqian's car?"
Li Chonglou's heart skipped a beat. He quickly walked over, and indeed, even the interior decorations were the same. It wasn't a fake license plate!
She was here too?
Li Chonglou suddenly remembered Yue Fu saying that Lin Qianqian was on a special mission, and he immediately understood the general situation.
"Could she also be here for this person?"
Li Chonglou finally realized the seriousness of the matter. When he was investigating the clues to the murderer, he hadn't told Lin Qianqian that the person was not ordinary. This meant that Lin Qianqian might not know the opponent's strength!
But, she was also a member of the General Bureau, wasn't she? Since she had investigated to this location, wouldn't she know some basic information about the person?
However, there was no time to think further. Li Chonglou immediately fused with Caihong and activated his Heavenly Eye to see through all things. This town was not large, and he wanted to find Lin Qianqian's location first.
But things once again exceeded his expectations. Not only could he not find Lin Qianqian after looking around, but he also couldn't see the target, Bald Monk!
"But her car is clearly here. If she's not in town, where else could she be?"
Li Chonglou's mood unconsciously became anxious, so he could only inquire about the situation in the town.
"Ah, you mean that beautiful lady? She came early this morning and bought a breakfast from me. She said she was going to check out the workshop. I tried to persuade her, but she wouldn't listen."