Chapter 154: Chapter 74 Suspect Clues (Please Subscribe and Vote)_2
"Well, he must be familiar with the place. He collects scrap in every village around here, how could he not be familiar?"
Zhaocheng said casually, and in a flash of inspiration, Luo Fei suddenly had an idea.
"Sun Jun, let’s not go to Shanhe Village for now. Let’s go to Yang Family Village."
"Yang Family Village? But Captain, didn’t we check Yang Family Village yesterday? Or have you found some new clues?"
"I’m not sure yet, but let’s go there first."
"Sounds good."
...
Yang Family Village Committee.
"Comrades, you’re here again!" Yang Tianfu was a bit surprised at the village committee office.
"Sorry I forgot to ask some questions yesterday. Yang Village Chief, do outsiders usually come to your village often? Do you know who they are?"
"Comrade, there are lots of them. People come to visit relatives, handle affairs, there are quite a few. If you want me to list them all, it would be difficult."
Luo Fei realized the question was tough and thought for a moment before adding, "Not everyone, just those who frequently come in and out of the village, are particularly familiar with the terrain of the village, preferably single or divorced men."
Yang Tianfu frowned, "Frequent visitors... they might be those who regularly come to collect scrap or do repairs, but I’m not clear on their marital status."
This matched Luo Fei’s line of thought, and he immediately asked, "No problem, Chief. Just tell me what you know."
"Alright then..."
Yang Tianfu indeed began to speak.
According to his account, there are about five people who frequently enter their village: one is responsible for electrical maintenance, two for network maintenance, one collects scrap, and one repairs home appliances.
"In your opinion, how are these people’s personalities? Any odd behavior when they interact with others?"
"Their personalities? All quite good, really. Given they’re often in the village, they’re all familiar with everyone, always greeting people when they meet. I haven’t heard of any conflicts."
"Chief, think again. It doesn’t have to be conflicts; it could be something unusual, like an odd habit, or perhaps preferring men?"
Luo Fei pressed on persistently.
Hearing this, Yang Tianfu had to seriously recall, and sure enough, he remembered something.
"Comrade, now that you mention it, there’s someone I remember, though he hasn’t come to our village for a year."
Luo Fei originally was just trying his luck, so he was surprised to find a lead. He quickly said, "Tell me, it’s very important to us."
Yang Tianfu began to explain, "The person I’m talking about used to collect scrap here, about forty-ish, rumored to be from Luoping County. Nobody knows why he came here to collect scrap."
Luo Fei signaled Sun Jun to note down the clues and continued, "Why did he stop coming?"
Yang Tianfu didn’t answer immediately but looked troubled before lowering his voice, "This is a long story. If I tell you, don’t spread it around!"
"Rest assured, Chief, we have regulations and won’t talk about it carelessly."
"In that case, I’m at ease. You see, the person might be the kind who likes men. Around last Spring Festival, he went to collect scrap at Old Liu’s place, a beneficiary of the Five Guarantees in our village. Old Liu kindly invited him to dinner and treated him well. But halfway through the meal, the guy suddenly, for some inexplicable reason, hugged and kissed Old Liu."
With this revelation, Luo Fei and the others exchanged glances, and they all perked up!
Yang Tianfu continued, shivering with disgust, "Old Liu was filled with anger and disgust. He called for help, and fortunately, the neighbors were home. Hearing the commotion, they rushed in and rescued Old Liu."
"After that incident, Old Liu fell ill, and you tell me, isn’t that perverse? Both he and Old Liu are men; how could he do such a thing..."
"And then? Did you report it to the police?"
"How could we report such a thing? Old Liu is old; if word got out, how could he face anyone? So, a few young men from the village beat him up and drove him away. Since then, he hasn’t dared to come back, maybe out of fear."
At this point, Luo Fei began to suspect that this person might be the perpetrator they were looking for.
"Chief, what’s this man’s name, and do you know where he lives now?"
"His name is Wang Wenbin. I heard he rented a place near the scrap station in town. But as for now, I’m not sure if he’s still there."
"Alright, Chief, thank you for the information. We’ll be off now."
Having obtained the vital clue, Luo Fei hurriedly thanked him and immediately led Sun Jun and the others straight to the scrap station in town.
In the car.
"Captain, do you think this Wang Wenbin could be the perpetrator?" Sun Jun asked.
"I can’t be sure until we see him, but based on the current clues, he’s very suspicious!"
"It’d be great if it was him. We wouldn’t have to run around like headless chickens anymore."
"Let’s hope for that now."
As they spoke, they had arrived at the town’s scrap station.
Since Yang Tianfu didn’t know Wang Wenbin’s exact address, Luo Fei decided to see if they might get lucky at the scrap station.
After all, Wang Wenbin must have sold his scrap here, so the owner might know about him.
With this thought, Luo Fei got out of the car and approached a chubby man sorting scrap.
"Hello, are you the owner here?"
The man turned and looked at him quizzically, "I’m the owner. What can I do for you?"
"I’m a police officer. I have some questions for you if you have a moment."
Luo Fei showed his credentials.
Hearing he was a police officer, the owner’s attitude changed to a more amiable one. He quickly put down what he was doing, "Of course, Officer. Go ahead, what do you need to ask?"
"I’m looking to see if you know a man named Wang Wenbin?"
"Wang Wenbin? Yes, I know him well! He often comes here to sell scrap. But Officer, did he do something wrong?"
"Don’t jump to conclusions. I just need to verify some information with him. Do you know where he lives?"
Luo Fei maintained a stern face, which discouraged any further gossip, so the owner answered truthfully, "He rents a place in the residential building behind this one. It’s the first room on the left after you go up to the second floor."
"Thank you very much!"
Having secured the information, Luo Fei quickly verified Wang Wenbin’s appearance to ensure he matched Yang Tianfu’s description. Then he returned to the car.
"How did it go, Captain? Does he know him?"
"He does, and Wang Wenbin is currently renting a room in that building behind here. We’ll all go there together shortly, but be cautious."
"Understood!"
"Let’s move then!"
Fearful that Wang Wenbin might flee, the team decided to act quickly. After a brief discussion, they headed straight for the building the scrap station owner mentioned.
The buildings in town are mostly self-built, with only one stairway up and down.
Once downstairs, Luo Fei arranged for Sun Jun and Zhaocheng to guard the window of Wang Wenbin’s room to prevent any chance of him escaping.
Meanwhile, he and Zhang Fan headed into the narrow staircase to look for Wang Wenbin.
Up on the second floor, the two scanned the surroundings. Luo Fei signaled Zhang Fan to get ready and then knocked on Wang Wenbin’s door.
Their attention was razor-sharp, entirely focused.
But after several seconds, no one came to the door, and there was no sound inside.
Could it be that no one was home?
They exchanged glances, and Luo Fei knocked once again, yet still received no response.
Feeling uneasy, Luo Fei exchanged a look with Zhang Fan, then swiftly kicked the door open.