Chapter Ninety-Eight: Claiming the Credit?

Wang Zixuan and the others went back and forth over the three victims, combing through every detail. All three had, just before the crimes, happened to pick up the very same little poodle.

Hao Yingjun said, “A poodle’s sex drive is extremely strong. When it is in heat, it will cling to anything and try to mate with it. For example, teddy bears, telephone poles, electric kettles, even—”

Wang Zixuan said, “And beautiful women’s legs.”

The two of them were still discussing the case in the supermarket delivery truck, trying to see whether they had missed anything. Unexpectedly, that little troublemaker Xiaojia was eavesdropping from the back of the truck and then passed everything along to Zhou Tong.

Hao Yingjun said, “In my view, it’s probably just a dog spirit with a fetish for women’s legs. It takes the form of a poodle, acts cute to get taken in, and at night reveals its true form to commit indecency. Afterward, it even sleeps peacefully in the victim’s home. Then, the next morning, it leaves at its leisure. Truly enviable.”

Wang Zixuan said, “Enviable?”

At that moment, Wang Zixuan and the other man exchanged a glance. Their eyes held different meanings.

Hao Yingjun said, “I meant hateful. Utterly despicable, shameless, and filthy. Bah.”

Wang Zixuan said, “It’s just that this poodle is often wandering around the stray-dog feeding spots in nearby residential compounds, and in areas where dog owners frequently go. Those people are very kind to dogs. It used that to identify its targets.”

Just then, they reached a red light, and Wang Zixuan slammed on the brakes. A thud sounded from behind as something struck the vehicle. He pulled open the observation window and immediately saw Xiaojia clutching his head, wincing in pain.

Wang Zixuan shouted furiously, “Xiaojia!”

After Zhou Tong had read Xiaojia’s message in front of the two chiefs, he put down his phone and began his report.

“Chief Wang, Chief Gu, the poodle spirit frequently roams the stray-dog feeding spots in the nearby neighborhoods. Since the people there are generally very compassionate, it uses that to select its targets. That concludes our preliminary findings on the case.”

Chief Wang slapped the table. “Good. In just a few hours, the investigation has made remarkable progress. Leader Hao really lives up to his reputation.”

Zhou Tong said, “Too easy.”

At that moment, Wang Zixuan rushed in and shouted, “Chief Wang, Chief Gu, we’ve made a major breakthrough in the case!”

Gu Weimin raised his left index finger to his lips. “Shh. Sit. Sit down.”

The few of them sat down. Xiaojia sat beside Zhou Tong and even gave him a knowing look.

Gu Weimin said, “It has now been confirmed that the leg-fetish dog spirit Teddy appears in dog form around nearby residential areas, begging to be taken in. Then, in the middle of the night, it turns back into human form and commits indecent acts. The time is every Saturday afternoon. The locations are any one of the following: Moon River Park, Sunshine Gardens, or Starlight Estate. Thanks to Kexin and Xiaojia, the case has made phased progress. Everyone, applaud.”

Hearing all this, Wang Zixuan was furious beyond words, glaring again and again at the two of them.

Gu Weimin said, “Xuanxuan, you just said there was a breakthrough?”

Wang Zixuan replied, not at all politely, “There isn’t.”

Gu Weimin said, “Fine, then I’ll continue.”

Halfway through, he glanced toward Chief Wang to see what he meant.

Gu Weimin asked, “Is it time to assign tasks?”

Gu Weimin went on, “Our bureau’s personnel will be paired up, male and female, and divided into three teams to go to the three main crime locations. The women will pretend to be out for a stroll to lure the snake from its hole, while the men will remain hidden, providing protection and ready to strike at any moment.”

Wang Zixuan said, “So this time, our supermarket has nothing to do with it anymore.”