Solving the case: Combining the police dog's olfactory genes at the beginning

Chen Yifan suddenly said, "I've met Ouyang Zhenghua. He's a friend of my dad. My dad is Chen Shaochuan, the deputy commander of the Eastern Theater Command."

These words caused everyone else to look at Chen Yifan in shock. Luo Fei said thoughtfully, "I see."

Luo Fei showed the convenience store surveillance video on his computer: "It can be basically confirmed that the murderer entered the hotel through this alley by climbing through a window, went up the stairs to the top floor, used a rope to descend to room 1408 to commit the crime, and then returned the same way."

He continued his analysis: "Judging from the modus operandi, the murderer is very likely a professional hitman. The person who hired him is very likely Ouyang Xiu."

Zhou Xiaobei immediately said, "I'll find a recent photo of Ouyang Xiu right now!"

Wang Feifei frowned: "But what's the motive? Why would Ouyang Xiu kill Du Xiaowan?"

Wu Peixiong speculated: "Could it be a relationship dispute? Or did Du Xiaowan find out some secret?"

Luo Fei pondered for a moment: "Regardless of the motive, let's find Ouyang Xiu first. Xiao Bei, find out his whereabouts in the last two days as soon as possible."

Yuan Bingyan suddenly said, "I have a high school classmate who works at Huaxiong Group. I can inquire about Ouyang Xiu's situation."

Luo Fei nodded: "Okay, but be careful not to alert them."

Chen Yifan suggested, "Should we summon Ouyang Xiu first?"

Luo Fei shook his head: "Without direct evidence, summoning a rich second-generation like this requires caution. Let's investigate secretly first."

Zhou Xiaobei quickly found a photo of Ouyang Xiu participating in a charity event. After examining it carefully, Luo Fei was surprised to find that there was no information about hiring someone to commit murder above Ouyang Xiu's head.

“Strange.” Luo Fei frowned. “According to Xu Dongchuan, Ouyang Xiu asked Du Xiaowan to wait for him at the hotel. Only Ouyang Xiu knows the room number, so he should be the prime suspect.”

Su Muchen reported the autopsy results: "Du Xiaowan died of suffocation. The murderer was very strong and even broke her neck."

Luo Fei analyzed, "This is very likely the work of a professional killer. It would be difficult for an ordinary person to climb up and down from the roof using a rope, and the fact that the killer did not sexually assault Du Xiaowan, who was wearing sexy pajamas, shows that he was very professional."

Yuan Bingyan asked, puzzled, "Why does the absence of sexual assault mean he's a professional killer?"

Luo Fei explained, "It's difficult for most people to control their impulses in this situation. Unless they are professionally trained killers."

Yuan Bingyan then suggested, "Perhaps the murderer was afraid of leaving bodily fluids behind?"

Luo Fei shook his head: "The hotel has condoms. If you're worried about leaving bodily fluids, you can use them. This shows that the murderer's purpose is very clear: to kill."

He decided to meet Ouyang Xiu in person, so he went to the headquarters of Huaxiong Group with Yuan Bingyan.

The headquarters of Huaxiong Group is a magnificent 70-plus-story skyscraper. The receptionist politely inquired, "Do you two have an appointment?"

Luo Fei presented his identification: "Luo Fei from the National Security Special Case Team wishes to see Mr. Ouyang Xiu."

The receptionist immediately made a phone call. A short while later, a well-dressed young man stepped out of the elevator.

"I am Ouyang Xiu. May I ask what brings you here?" the man asked politely.

Luo Fei cut straight to the point: "I have a few questions for you regarding Du Xiaowan's case."

Ouyang Xiu looked somber: "I've heard about Du Xiaowan's situation, and it's a great pity. She was a good girl."

Luo Fei cut to the chase: "What did you want to do with her at the Baroch Hotel on the evening of April 3rd?"

Ouyang Xiu answered frankly: "She is one of my sexual partners. I had made an appointment with her that day, but something came up and I had to cancel. I asked my assistant to call her at 10 p.m. to let her know."

Luo Fei pressed further, "Why did you choose that hotel? Someone of your status would usually stay in a five-star hotel, right?"

Ouyang Xiu explained, "I didn't plan to stay overnight that day; I just wanted to find a place. That hotel was close to Huanghe Road, which would be convenient for me to have a late-night snack later. I'm not a germaphobe; I've stayed in much worse hotels before."

Luo Fei used his "Genius Eye" to observe and found that Ouyang Xiu was telling the truth. He continued, "The time your assistant made the phone call was very close to the time Du Xiaowan was killed, were you aware of that?"

Ouyang Xiu looked surprised: "I really didn't know that. What a coincidence!"

Luo Fei carefully observed Ouyang Xiu's reaction and found that he was indeed unaware of the situation. Moreover, judging from Ouyang Xiu's speech and behavior, he was well-mannered, lacked the arrogance of an ordinary rich kid, and even participated in public welfare activities.

He is highly regarded within the group, who believe he is capable of serving as chairman in the future.

Finally, Luo Fei asked Ouyang Xiu a crucial question: "Why didn't you contact Du Xiaowan directly, but instead had to notify her through a company employee?"

Ouyang Xiu answered frankly, "Although we often booked rooms together, I never gave her my private contact information. I usually contacted her through my secretary. That day, my secretary wasn't there, so I just asked one of my employees to notify her."

Luo Fei and Yuan Bingyan exchanged a glance, surprised by the answer, but also understanding that it might be to avoid Du Xiaowan's entanglement.

"Thank you for your cooperation." After saying that, Luo Fei left Huaxiong Group with Yuan Bingyan.

After leaving the building, Yuan Bingyan asked curiously, "Captain Luo, wouldn't Ouyang Xiu's actions be considered soliciting prostitution?"

Luo Fei smiled and said, "Rich people have many ways to play the game; they can always find ways to circumvent the law."

Yuan Bingyan sighed, "Rich people really can do whatever they want."

Luo Fei teased, "Aren't you a rich man too?"

Yuan Bingyan shook her head modestly: "My family's money is nothing compared to the Ouyang family's."

Just then, Luo Fei's phone rang; it was Chen Xuanran calling.

"Luo Fei, how's it going with my joining the special task force? Have you asked Director Lei yet?" Chen Xuanran's voice was filled with anticipation.

Luo Fei then realized that he had been so busy that he had forgotten about it, and quickly said, "Sorry, sorry, I'll ask right away."

He immediately dialed Lei Wanting's number: "Director Lei, about the arrangements for the special task force personnel."

Lei Wanting readily agreed, "You'll be the director of the Special Cases Bureau soon, so you can decide on the personnel arrangements yourself. But you need to come back and take up your post as soon as possible!"

After hanging up the phone, Luo Fei finally felt relieved. He was already planning to include Zeng Jian and Zhou Xuan in the special case team in the future.

He immediately called Chen Xuanran back: "It's all settled! You can resign and join the special task force anytime."

Chen Xuanran's excited voice came from the other end of the phone: "Great! I'll go and process my resignation right away!" Luo Fei sent her the address of the temporary command center: "Come over as soon as you're done."

Hearing this conversation, Yuan Bingyan understood that Chen Xuanran's real purpose in joining the special case team was to monitor Luo Fei. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but quickly comforted herself: at least she wasn't the only girl in the special case team anymore.

Upon returning to the command center, Luo Fei immediately convened a meeting.

"Ouyang Xiu's suspicion has been basically ruled out," Luo Fei announced. "Now we need to readjust the direction of our investigation."

Zhou Xiaobei suggested, "Could it be one of Du Xiaowan's other suitors? Perhaps love turned to hate?"

Wang Feifei added, "Or is it jealousy from her peers? Du Xiaowan is beautiful and from a drama academy, so maybe she stole someone else's opportunity?"

Wu Peixiong said, "I've already checked Du Xiaowan's social circle and found that she's been in contact with a director recently, and it's said that she might be involved in a web series."

Luo Fei nodded: "This clue is very important. Pei Xiong, you focus your investigation on this director. Fei Fei, go to the drama academy to find out about Du Xiaowan's classmates. Xiao Bei, continue investigating the backgrounds of the hotel staff."

Chen Yifan suddenly said, "Captain Luo, I have an idea. The fact that the killer was able to perfectly avoid the surveillance cameras means they are very familiar with the hotel. Could it be an insider at the hotel?"

Su Muchen chimed in, "That's right! And only the front desk and housekeeping staff can get the room keys."

Luo Fei immediately ordered: "Yifan, Muchen, go to the hotel and investigate all employees who have access to the room keys. Pay special attention to the staff on duty on the day of the incident."

After returning to Jiangcheng and completing his resignation procedures, Chen Xuanran immediately went to the temporary command center.

She put down her luggage and the first thing she did was walk up to Luo Fei and ask him directly, "Luo Fei, tell me honestly, was it you at the Huanghe Road food street that day?"

Luo Fei paused for a moment, realizing that his previous lie could no longer continue. He sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Xuanran. I was indeed on Huanghe Road, with Yuan Bingyan at the time."

He frankly explained how Yuan Bingyan had asked him to pretend to be her boyfriend, and how he had used hypnosis to give Chen Xuanran false memories. After listening, Chen Xuanran's expression changed from anger to shock, and finally to a complex mix of emotions.

"You...you actually know hypnosis?" Chen Xuanran asked incredulously, "And you even used it on me?"

Luo Fei sincerely apologized: "I'm sorry, I really had no other choice at the time. But I promise I will never use this ability on you again."

Chen Xuanran was silent for a moment, then finally sighed: "Alright, I'll forgive you this time. But don't let it happen again!"

When the two came out of the bedroom, they found the other members of the special case team watching them, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Luo Fei quickly changed the subject: "Alright, everyone, let's have a meeting."

After a day of investigation, the special task force members reported their findings, but all came up empty-handed. No clues were found about the killer, and both Ouyang Xiu and Xu Dongchuan had alibis.

Luo Fei hadn't expected that a seemingly simple murder case would stump the entire special task force. He fell into deep thought: "I might be going in the wrong direction. After ruling out the possibility of hiring a hitman or robbery and sexual assault, this is very likely a crime of passion."

He ordered, "Everyone, investigate everyone Du Xiaowan knows and send their photos to the group chat. I will screen them."

After several days of hard work, everyone collected photos of thousands of people, but Luo Fei, after examining them with his "genius eye," did not find any suspects.

"Strange," Luo Fei frowned. "If the murderer is a stranger, how would he know which room Du Xiaowan stayed in? And how did he manage to avoid the surveillance cameras so perfectly?"

He re-examined the case and suddenly a detail came to mind: "Ouyang Xiu said he invited Du Xiaowan to the hotel to have dinner afterward, not intending to stay overnight. But that doesn't make sense."

He immediately instructed Zhou Xiaobei to investigate Ouyang Xiu's previous hotel booking records. The investigation revealed that Ouyang Xiu had never previously gone to a hotel before dining out.

"This shows that Ouyang Xiu's actions this time were intentional!" Luo Fei suddenly realized. "He probably never intended to have a relationship with Du Xiaowan, and he may have even chosen this hotel in advance!"

Chen Yifan raised a question: "But the 'Genius Eye' shows that Ouyang Xiu wasn't lying, right?"

Luo Fei pondered, "Perhaps... he didn't lie directly, but only concealed part of the truth?"

Yuan Bingyan suddenly said, "I remember now! Ouyang Xiu said he asked his assistant to call Du Xiaowan at 10 pm to cancel the date. But Du Xiaowan's time of death was also around 10 pm. What a coincidence!"

Wang Feifei added, "Furthermore, the fact that the murderer was able to perfectly evade surveillance shows that he was very familiar with the hotel. As the heir of the Huaxiong Group, Ouyang Xiu was fully capable of investigating the hotel's layout in advance."

Luo Fei immediately ordered: "Reinvestigate Ouyang Xiu! Focus on his whereabouts on the day of the incident, and his relationship with the hotel!"

Chen Xuanran cautioned, "But be careful. The Huaxiong Group is very powerful. Don't act rashly without solid evidence."

Luo Fei nodded: "Understood. We'll investigate secretly and gather evidence first."

Just then, Su Muchen received a report from the Municipal Criminal Investigation Center: "The DNA comparison results from the skin flakes under Du Xiaowan's fingernails are in! There is no match in the database!"

Wu Peixiong frowned: "The murderer has no prior criminal record? Or is he a foreigner?"

Luo Fei pondered for a moment: "Perhaps the killer is a professional hitman, so their DNA isn't in the database."

He immediately instructed Zhou Xiaobei to contact Interpol to inquire whether there were any professional killers with similar modus operandi.

Despite Ouyang Xiu being a prime suspect, Luo Fei still felt something was amiss. As the heir to a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, it seemed unnecessary for Ouyang Xiu to take such a great risk to commit murder.

Moreover, the "Genius Eye" also confirmed that Ouyang Xiu did not have any information about hiring someone to commit murder.

Luo Fei speculated: "Perhaps Ouyang Xiu was just one link in the murder-for-hire plan, and he himself didn't even know that Du Xiaowan would be killed."

He decided to continue the in-depth investigation of Ouyang Xiu and Xu Dongchuan, and demanded that the special task force investigate in great detail.

Just then, an urgent message came from the Huanghe Road Police Station: Hu Wei, the son of the owner of the Baloch Hotel, had been murdered at the abandoned dock!

Luo Fei immediately led Chen Xuanran to the scene. They found Hu Wei lying in a pool of blood, his throat slit, the murder weapon lying nearby. However, the killer was wearing gloves and hadn't left any fingerprints. Only a size 42 footprint was found at the scene.

The forensic doctor deduced: "The time of death was around 9:30 a.m. His car was parked about 300 meters away, so he must have been lured here."

Luo Fei made a decisive decision: "Investigate Hu Wei's death and Du Xiaowan's death together!"

Hu Wei's parents were devastated upon learning of their son's murder. CCTV footage showed that Hu Wei arrived at the dock alone, and the murderer did not appear in the footage.

Zhou Xiaobei discovered a shocking clue through Hu Wei's computer: "Hu Wei has connections with foreign pornographic video websites! He has sold many secretly filmed videos to these websites!"

Luo Fei immediately thought, "Could he have installed a hidden camera in his own hotel?"

He recalled the hotel owner's unusual behavior on the day of the incident, peering suspiciously outside room 1408. He speculated that the owner might have known about the security camera and was worried that police discovery would expose his son's actions, bringing devastating damage to the hotel. (End of Chapter)