While working with such people indeed improves efficiency, Li Zhonglou could accept this. After all, saving time was also very important to him.
Previously, he had not understood Lin Qianqian's working style, so Li Zhonglou said nothing at this moment, merely nodding to show he understood.
Lin Qianqian frowned and said nothing further. After they returned to the police station, Li Zhonglou immediately went back to her office and began to examine the files carefully.
It was then that he discovered the matter was far more complex than he had imagined.
This Yuanjing Group was not just a transnational criminal organization; its specific location and information within the country had yet to be found. The external personnel information they had could not shake its foundation at all.
"Not even a single core member's information. It truly lives up to being a major case," Li Zhonglou said, scratching his head with slight helplessness. It was clear Lin Qianqian had treated him as a mere tool this time, handing him a goal but leaving the implementation and completion as a complete unknown.
Having so much information on external personnel but none on core members undoubtedly indicated that the organization's hierarchy was extremely well-structured, allowing them to sever ties with subordinates at any time should issues arise.
In short, all this data did was inform him how complex and serious the situation was, nothing more.
Thinking this, Li Zhonglou frowned, "That's not right. If it were just this, she wouldn't have asked me to look at these files. There must be something I've missed."
So, Li Zhonglou changed his approach and reviewed the files again.
This time, he did make a new discovery.
"I understand, it's the Qing Gang. Many of these are Qing Gang members."
At this moment, Lin Qianqian, who had just finished interrogating someone, also entered the room. Hearing this news, Li Zhonglou, holding the files, directly asked, "Are you saying you want me to investigate within the Qing Gang?"
Lin Qianqian's expression froze, then she looked surprised, her beautiful eyes unable to help but scan Li Zhonglou up and down.
"I didn't expect this. Although you're a bit lazy, your mind is quite sharp."
Lin Qianqian nodded with great satisfaction, returned to her seat, and unreservedly propped her feet up on the desk, crossing her arms.
"The Yuanjing Group's activities in Shangjing are extremely clandestine. We've tracked them for months but only caught some small fry. A significant reason for this is our insufficient authority."
"By authority, I mean the resources we can utilize. You know our official identities are sensitive, and we can't act overtly in many matters, or even touch certain things."
Lin Qianqian looked directly at Li Zhonglou as she spoke and continued.
"As far as I know, your Qing Gang has four 'Masters,' right? Your task is very simple: find out from them who the contact person is that the Qing Gang is dealing with."
Li Zhonglou's brow furrowed. This sounded simple, but in reality, it was extremely difficult. For example, to meet Fourth Master, with his current position as deputy supervisor, he still needed an appointment through Li Meixia, let alone inquire about internal matters.
To achieve this, he would have to climb to a position equivalent to Li Meixia's.
Seeing Li Zhonglou's silence, Lin Qianqian chuckled and changed the subject, "I know this is perhaps asking the impossible of you. It's not that I look down on you; I know a little about the Qing Gang. No matter how skilled you are, without connections inside, it's hard to reach a high position."
"So, this is just a suggestion; I don't really have any expectations for it. What I hope you do now is to find opportunities to encounter that contact person, by any means necessary. Do you understand?"
This point was more realistic than what she had said before. However, Li Zhonglou still agreed internally with her first suggestion. Compared to spending so much time searching for the contact person, directly approaching the Qing Gang leadership was much more direct.
Yet, Li Zhonglou's contemplation was interpreted by Lin Qianqian as timidity.
Her brow furrowed, and she showed displeasure, saying, "You don't need to worry too much about your own safety. We in the police will provide support from behind. Moreover, if this matter is successful, you will smoothly become one of our internal personnel. I believe you know what that means."
Still preoccupied with how to reach Li Meixia's position, Li Zhonglou merely nodded casually at Lin Qianqian's words. He already had a preliminary plan forming in his mind.
Silently sitting aside, Li Zhonglou continuously refined the plan in his mind.
Lin Qianqian's eyes, however, flashed with disappointment.
"I thought he was truly different from other men, but it turns out that at the final step..."
Lin Qianqian suddenly felt a sense of loss.
Yes, Li Zhonglou's previous performance had given her an astonishing impression: decisive, calm, brave, and most importantly, his unfathomable strength.
It was because of this that she had directly brought out the Yuanjing Group matter, only to find Li Zhonglou hesitant after reviewing the information.
Even fearful.
Was my expectation of him too high?
Lin Qianqian picked up the files on the desk. In fact, besides the information on external members, there were also records of the crimes committed by the Shangjing Group.
Things like murder and adultery were child's play here. Human trafficking, mass murder, and cruel torture were commonplace.
What was truly terrifying was that these criminals and victims, from civilians to government officials, practically spanned the entire social stratum!
It seemed the Yuanjing Group was a phantom that was everywhere yet nowhere to be found, lurking in the shadows.
Honestly, Lin Qianqian's reaction when she first saw these files was not much better than Li Zhonglou's. But as she said, she thought she had met an extraordinary man.
To her surprise, it turned out she had just been overthinking.
"Sigh."
Lin Qianqian sighed deeply, which interrupted Li Zhonglou's thoughts.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, we'll take this one step at a time."
Li Zhonglou nodded slowly. He had just thought it through carefully; at this moment, the matter truly couldn't be rushed.
Firstly, his position had already been usurped by someone else due to the Chi Biao incident. Although Li Meixia had arranged another meeting with Fourth Master soon, bringing this matter up at this juncture would be too hasty. Therefore, it would be best to secure the supervisor position first before steadily climbing.
Secondly, he wanted to use a more direct approach.
With this thought, a glint flashed in Li Zhonglou's eyes. The mist in Shangjing was now gradually being cleared by him.