This is the direct route to the main tank area, which is considered the core area of the entire chemical plant.

Although there are still quite a few people working here, you can see unnatural expressions on their faces, likely related to the major missing persons case from a few months ago.

Production has resumed now, but neither the morale nor the environment is what it used to be.

Ning Yitao was introducing as he walked, and Zhou Fan found his head spinning from listening.

Luo Fei quietly observed, although Ning Yitao's words were perfectly appropriate, Luo Fei's intuition told him something was very off.

Upon reaching the upper level, Luo Fei noticed the increased security around the main tank area and strengthened vigilance.

"Mr. Ning, what's going on over there? There are only two patrol guards around the plant's perimeter, why are there so many stationed here?"

Luo Fei directly raised the question.

"Oh, it's like this..."

"Recently, we've needed to intensify supervision, while also ensuring the safety of current employees. After all, the previous mysterious disappearances have left everyone on edge, so we're taking more precautions lately."

"Then why not increase security around the plant perimeter but instead station them at the main tank area, where usually nobody would go near?"

"To prevent any unforeseen incidents, Officer Zhou."

Ning Yitao quickly explained.

"In a while, after new security personnel finish their training and commence duty, comprehensive protection will be in place. Thank you both for your concern, officers."

After explaining everything, Luo Fei expressed his intention to leave. Today's investigation yielded some findings.

Ning Yitao invited both of them for a meal in the canteen. Zhou Fan initially declined, but unexpectedly, Luo Fei agreed.

Thus, the group proceeded to the company cafeteria.

"Officer Luo, Officer Zhou, did this investigation reveal anything?"

"No, it appears to be quite a challenge here indeed."

As he spoke, Luo Fei's gaze remained fixed on the other party, not shifting away.

His keen observation skills naturally detected Ning Yitao's somewhat relaxed demeanor. Usually, someone who can remain composed after such an incident possesses enough confidence to believe they won't be discovered.

On the surface, today's visit was a routine investigation, but in reality, it was intended to provoke a reaction.

The culprit and mastermind are sure to adjust their plans meticulously in response to my presence.

Currently, I've only come into contact with a few plant employees, the janitor Aunt Zhang at the gate, the security guard grandpa, and this material supervisor hosting us.

If nothing unexpected occurs, Ning Yitao, as the main suspect, orchestrated this entire affair.

But how exactly he did it remains unknown to me...

"Mr. Ning, let's leave it at that for today. We'll come back later, and hopefully, we can provide you with some new developments then."

"That would be great. I hope you officers can help me find my brother. To be honest, I no longer wish for him to be alive; I just hope for the truth, that's all."

As he spoke, Ning Yitao appeared deeply sorrowful.

Seeing him this way, Zhou Fan couldn't say much more. After all, brotherly love is profound, and he can entirely understand.

Outside, Luo Fei glanced at Ning Yitao, who appeared somewhat relieved, knowing it was time to act.

Special times call for special measures, even without a search warrant, take action first. Although whether it's too late remains uncertain.

But as long as the actions are swift enough, they can catch the opponent's flaw!

"Mr. Ning, where's the restroom?"

"I know, I'll take you there."

Zhou Fan signaled for Ning Yitao to go back to his tasks, leading Luo Fei to the restroom himself, as he had been there before.

As the two turned the corner past the wall, Zhou Fan suddenly exchanged a knowing look.

He understood Luo Fei's intentions from the moment Luo Fei gave him a meaningful look.

In such a place, apart from the plant manager, the one with all-encompassing power is none other than this supervisor.

As the material supervisor, Ning Yitao must definitely be included as a key suspect!

Luo Fei reacted quickly, checking once more before leaving, as this was crucial for breaking the case, so Zhou Fan naturally needed to cooperate with him.

"Luo Fei, what do you plan to do?"

"I'm going up to have a look. The main tank area seems suspicious, and there should be monitoring around the plant perimeter. I just need ten minutes. You divert some of the guards' attention slightly, and I'll find the opportunity."

"Understood."

Zhou Fan understood immediately and rushed over, using his authority as a criminal investigation team member to routinely question some of the guards.

After all, these were just ordinary security personnel and could only cooperate with police work demands.

Luo Fei also moved quickly into action.

He didn't believe there could be any so-called inexplicable disappearances; if someone died, they died, and if it was a murder, it was a murder.

The hidden elements in the world typically rely on only this one deceptive trick!

The main tank area has issues; the chemical materials and those missing persons don't add up, so a conjecture had already formed in Luo Fei's mind.

Bypassing the surveillance blind spot, he finally reached the top. With considerable strength, his arms held him up against the wall, reaching the target position.

The towering tank area, with ladders on both sides, bore prominent danger warnings.

Based on the wall's instructions and prior inquiries, Luo Fei knew what was stored here was hydrofluoric acid!

Not an ordinary chemical.

This is because it is used in processing, so here it is high concentration hydrofluoric acid, which can be used to make high-purity catalysts and some raw acid-washing metal reagents.

"My goodness, such a large tank of hydrofluoric acid, indeed quite dangerous."

Luo Fei scanned the area, noticing two guards being called away below; as soon as they returned, they would rotate here, so speed was essential.

Using the ladder, Luo Fei took a deep breath, bounded three steps in one, and shot upwards like an arrow, reaching the top within three seconds.

Time is critical, start the inspection quickly!

Everything around appeared normal, except for some maintenance tools, but suddenly Luo Fei noticed a few black marks not far from the filling port.

The area used for rinsing and refilling raw reagents, nearby the filling port, had some black marks that looked like ligature marks, albeit faint.

If not for his extraordinary eyesight, they would have easily been overlooked.

Why are there ligature marks here?

After noting the anomaly, Luo Fei went closer to inspect and found several traces of coarse hemp rope dragging and twisting, likely left from being suspended from above.

Leaving ligature marks on rigid metallic surfaces is no simple task...

Luo Fei swiftly took out his phone to check, fortunately, there was a signal at this height, or it would all be futile.

The power of hydrofluoric acid is no joke, its acidity comparable to concentrated sulfuric acid, though not as strong as aqua regia, but its corrosiveness is even more potent, so the entire interior is lined with coated rigid metal, including the top, as the basic protective measure.

Rope marks shouldn't be here! Truly odd!

After another round of searching, Luo Fei couldn't find any other clues; his strong olfactory senses only detected the smells of bleach and strong acid.

The timing was about right; a covert investigation must be concise and efficient!

Luo Fei leaped quietly from the side but landed, pressing his hands on the ladder, achieving a silent descent, only a faint wind passed by.

Soon, the two previously called guards returned, glanced up seeing everything intact above.

Seeing no activity, they both felt assured.

Though unsure why Supervisor Ning put such emphasis on surveillance here, their job was merely to follow orders and remain silent.

Luo Fei returned from behind the wall; Zhou Fan was already waiting there.

"How did it go?"

"Gained quite a bit, let's go! We'll discuss back at the station!"

Luo Fei smiled mysteriously, and seeing his expression, Zhou Fan instantly understood.

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