Chapter 197: Chapter 197: Something’s Off at the Motel
Soon, the two walked side by side to the hotel entrance. At that moment, a woman in her forties approached, dressed flamboyantly — probably the hotel owner doubling as a receptionist.
"Hello, are you two looking for a room?"
The woman glanced at Chen Tianlong indifferently, but when she looked at Zhang Yufei, she was stunned. Dressed so gorgeously and irresistibly charming, yet coming to a small hotel like this.
This made the owner disdain Chen Tianlong a bit, thinking he was too stingy. Having such a beautiful woman companion yet staying in a shabby place instead of enjoying a fancy hotel.
"Oh, sorry, we’re here to conduct an inspection."
At this moment, Zhang Yufei stepped forward and flipped her hand to reveal a police badge.
The owner was startled; luckily, it was a man and woman who came. If it was just a man, she would’ve offered special services.
"Ah? So you’re a police officer? What brings you here for an inspection?" The owner wasn’t influenced by anyone but was concerned about the guests in her rooms.
There were frequent transactions here. She didn’t know if anyone was currently enjoying such services. If the police stumbled upon them, wouldn’t it be disastrous?
"Haha, aren’t inspections supposed to be sudden? If we inform beforehand, what’s the point of the inspection?"
Zhang Yufei chuckled awkwardly, uncertain if the owner was genuinely clueless or just pretending.
"Haha, you’re right. Look at me, my brain’s not working well during menopause." The owner self-deprecatingly said, though her heart was still anxious.
At this moment, Chen Tianlong observed keenly, but this didn’t necessarily mean Hao Jian was here. Various things could scare the owner, like illicit acts or transactions in the rooms.
"..."
Zhang Yufei was speechless; this owner was a talent, even blaming menopause.
Soon she realized that typically when something’s up, the owner liked changing the topic: "Can you check if this person stayed here?"
After saying this, Zhang Yufei activated her phone and showed a photo to the owner.
"No!"
The owner’s response was firm, her expression unchanged, leaving Zhang Yufei unable to discern any clues.
However, when Zhang Yufei sighed, the owner’s eye corner flashed a faint sneer, instantly caught by Chen Tianlong.
Capturing subtle emotions was his expertise.
Though the owner thought she covered well, she wasn’t aware that they had already discovered an issue.
"Are you sure?"
Chen Tianlong smiled faintly, approaching the owner: "If we find out later, you’ll be guilty of harboring a criminal. This is a murderer; once discovered, not only will your business collapse, but you may also end up in jail!"
"Haha, are you still sure you haven’t seen this person?"
Chen Tianlong’s playful expression made the owner’s face turn somber.
"No... no, really no!"
After taking a deep breath, the owner still refused to speak, frustrating Chen Tianlong.
Imagine if Hao Jian was indeed here; what benefits would the owner gain to risk such a liability?
"Alright, let’s search first. If truly not found, then we’ll apologize!" After Chen Tianlong said this, he signaled Zhang Yufei with a glance.
Just now, Zhang Yufei detected the owner’s hesitation, seemingly less confident.
Logically, if truly innocent, there should be no worry. The owner’s change in attitude might suggest Hao Jian was here?
But they weren’t too sure!
"Inspect... inspect the rooms! Should I inform them to prepare, wary they might not be dressed appropriately? After all, officer, you’re a woman, wouldn’t that be improper?" The owner explained hurriedly.
"No need, it’s fine."
Zhang Yufei’s reply caught Chen Tianlong off guard — damn, this girl was fierce! Assuming what if she walks in on someone in bed, would she be unfazed?
But just as Zhang Yufei finished speaking, she began walking upstairs.
It’s a five-story building, and Chen Tianlong didn’t immediately follow but gestured for the owner to walk between them. This way, even if the owner wanted to tip someone off, it’d be impossible.
Sure enough, the owner started showing signs of unease. But what exactly caused the unease, Chen Tianlong couldn’t determine.
Each floor had only six rooms, and Zhang Yufei knocked on each door. If there was a delay in opening, she’d ask the owner to unlock it.
After all, it’s a hotel, and the landlord holds all the keys.
Sure enough, on the second floor, Zhang Yufei caught a pair conducting a transaction. But at this moment, she couldn’t be bothered, issuing a warning before leaving the room.
The owner was sweating profusely, her face filled with embarrassment.
"Owner, you’re doing well as a landlord; you even provide this service?"
Chen Tianlong chuckled playfully.
"Ah? That... no, they must’ve arranged it themselves; I’m not fully aware." The owner smiled wryly, knowing the police obviously didn’t believe her, but she had to offer an excuse.
"Haha, really?"
Chen Tianlong glanced at the woman, instantly recognizing she was a hooker, heavily made up, and her clothes on the side were practically X-ray attire.
The owner had seen it all — how could she not realize?
"Alright, enough of this; our main purpose is to find Hao Jian this time." Zhang Yufei interrupted Chen Tianlong’s questioning; she didn’t want to get entangled any further.
Anyway, these things couldn’t be fully eradicated; currently, Hao Jian’s issue was most pressing.
Chen Tianlong nodded, continued searching the second floor, which was quite orderly, with no significant disturbances. But as they prepared to move to the third floor, the owner suddenly reacted.
"Sorry you two, I urgently need to use the restroom." The owner apologized.
"..."
Chen Tianlong was speechless but knew something was definitely up on the third floor; otherwise, the owner wouldn’t make such an excuse. How could someone suddenly be so desperate two minutes ago — holding a bit won’t kill her?
"Alright, go ahead."
Zhang Yufei agreed promptly.
Chen Tianlong remained silent, understanding her meaning — let things reveal themselves rather than pursuing blindly.
With permission, the owner quickly ran downstairs.
After all, her room was on the first floor, and Zhang Yufei and Chen Tianlong didn’t follow her down. For a simple reason — the closer you follow, the less likely you find any leads.
"Yufei, go check the third-floor corridors. If a phone rings, don’t rush; wait for my signal." Chen Tianlong thought of an issue — if Hao Jian was here, he wouldn’t be alone.
And the layout of the building was quite troublesome; the back is also densely packed with houses. If someone escapes from there, both of them on the floor above would be pointless, no?