Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 210: Seeking Verification

Chapter 210: Chapter 210: Seeking Verification

Gu Fan doesn’t feel like going anywhere today - his hand hurts. Su Hui’s foot hurts. The two of them sit on the sofa, joined by Lu Yi, Jie, Xu Haowen, and Qin Jia, to listen to the analysis report.

Zhuo Hang has already dug up information on the three previous suspects who were silenced - their names, birthplaces, family, schools, friends, etc. Nothing seemed to connect them and no clear leads emerged.

However, one thing stood out: all three men had strained or broken relationships with their families and had no friends.

According to Su Hui this can’t be a coincidence. It seems these secret organizations intentionally choose people who have cut ties with their families and those with no friends. This minimizes the risk of information leaking out.

Gu Fan agrees. If these people have fallen out with their families, it’s unlikely their families would check on their situations - this is also a crucial point.

With these insights, they now understood the criteria this secret organization uses to recruit members. The next question was, how did this secret force know who had broken relationships with their families who were suitable for recruitment?

Gu Fan started thinking. If he was part of this mysterious force, how would he identify and recruit suitable candidates? After some contemplation, he stood up and brought out a blackboard from his house and started writing something.

He explained while writing, "It is well-known that those who run legitimate businesses do not need to collaborate with the police. It’s those involved in illicit activities that require protection from the law. This suggests that many of the city’s police officers are in covert collusion with these mysterious forces, likely involved in some illicit activities."

"That makes sense," Su Hui agreed. Being a cop for many years, she knew some criminal organizations could only exist under law enforcement’s protection.

Gu Fan knocked on the blackboard again: "What else could they get from the police?"

Zhuo Hang realized what Gu Fan was implying, "Information, that’s it. We police have access to a lot of personal information. They could easily find suitable people with the information the police provide."

"Correct. That’s also my hypothesis," said Gu Fan after contemplating for a moment. "They have people’s information, but they do need to conduct some inquiry to find those who have conflict with their families."

Agreeing, Su Hui nodded. "Generally, the police won’t question common people. They would only question those who’ve committed a minor crime, like thieves, for instance, or they interrogate people during surprise checks of entertainment venues."

Zhuo Hang chimed in, "According to the data, these three suspects don’t have any criminal record. They weren’t likely to be involved in petty theft or crimes."

Shaking his head, Gu Fan responded, "Criminal records can be deleted. So we can’t rely on them. But at least we have some idea about how they choose their recruits. We can use this method to infiltrate them."

"Alright, that sounds like a great plan. I’ll get started right away." Gu Fan’s spirits seemed to lift, as if he saw a glimmer of hope.

Su Hui was also hopeful. They had finally found a way to take down this secret organization. All thanks to Gu Fan’s imaginative thinking.

Gu Fan’s brow furrowed as he contemplated, "Entertainment venues, entertainment venues?" Then he added, "Du Jun is familiar with the owner of a nightclub. If we are lucky, we can gather some information if any police have been around lately and if anyone quit after their visit."

Lu Yi concurred, "If one nightclub isn’t enough, we will go to many places. We can’t overlook KTV lounges. But all these will cost. I’m wondering if the cops are willing to bear the cost."

Hearing this, everyone let out a scornful scowl. Lu Yi was simply scheming to fritter away public funds.

"Alright, let’s split up then. I’ll arrange for some people to commit petty crimes so we get some attention, and you guys can try your luck at the nightclub," Zhuo Hang said. Instead of leaving right away, he walked over to Su Hui, looked at her leg and asked, "Does it still hurt?"

A blush spread across Su Hui’s face. She was a bit embarrassed, and so was everyone else. The others tactfully retreated, giving the couple some space to show affection.

"Alright, Sister Su, you stay home and rest your legs. We’ll go look for clues," Gu Fan said as he and the others left, taking great pleasure in their thoughtfulness towards her.

As soon as everyone left the room, Zhuo Hang and Su Hui looked into each other’s eyes. No words were needed - all was understood. There was newfound love and sweetness in their heart. Just looking at each other made them happy enough to laugh.

On the other side, shortly after leaving, Gu Fan got Du Jun on the phone, "Hey, Du Jun. So last time you got away with a scare, we saw it as a sign of good luck and our contribution. We should celebrate."

Du Jun replied casually, "Wow, Gu Fan. You really know how to take advantage of the situation, don’t you? So, how do you want to celebrate? As long as it doesn’t put me in an awkward situation, I’ll be happy to return the favor."

Gu Fan continued, "The nightclub where you made Li Xiaoyan disappear... if I’m not wrong, it’s owned by your father’s friend. We want to visit tonight, have some fun, and maybe have a chat with the boss. Can you arrange this for us? We’d also appreciate it if you can cover the bills."

Hearing this, Du Jun looked puzzled, "I can arrange it, and I have no problem paying the bill, but what are you going to chat with the nightclub boss about?"

"Don’t worry, I’m not looking for trouble with the nightclub boss. There’s something I need to understand. I can’t say it now. You’ll know when you listen to it later." Gu Fan said with a deep meaning, which aroused Du Jun’s curiosity, so he agreed immediately.

Then Du Jun told Lin Xi about this, and Lin Xi found it very strange as well. Why would Gu Fan want to meet with the boss of the nightclub out of the blue? Could it be she had developed a strong interest in the nightclub’s business model?

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire; Lin Xi decided to go to the nightclub as well. She had Du Jun arrange it and was curious to see what trick Gu Fan was up to.

So, that night, when Gu Fan, Lu Yi, Jie, Xu Haowen, Qin Jia, and others arrived at the appointed nightclub, they were surprised to see Lin Xi sitting there, drinking, and swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Gu Fan came up to her, somewhat puzzled, "Why are you here?"

Lin Xi put on a perplexed expression, "What’s wrong? If you can come, why can’t I? I can eat, drink and have fun here too."

Gu Fan looked scornful, then countered, "I’ve brought my friends here for serious business. Now, why are you here?"

Lin Xi retorted with a cold look, "Are you sure you and your friends are here for serious business?"

"What do you mean?" When Gu Fan followed Lin Xi’s gaze, he saw Lu Yi, Jie, and Xu Haowen merrily dancing on the side. They didn’t look like they were here for any serious matters at all.

Gu Fan rubbed his temples, showing his frustration, "These unreliable fellows."

Qin Jia hadn’t joined in. Lin Xi patted the seat next to her, signaling Qin Jia to sit with her. Qin Jia unhesitatingly took a seat beside Lin Xi, which distressed Gu Fan. Three of his companions were unreliable, and one had questionable loyalties.

At this point, Du Jun walked over, "Gu Fan, I’ve made the arrangements. The nightclub owner is waiting for you in his office. But before you meet him, I want to know why you’re looking for him."

Gu Fan refused, "Sorry, there are some things I can’t talk about now."

"You must have discovered something, otherwise, you wouldn’t want to meet with the nightclub owner out of the blue. Just tell me why, we’d be glad to help." Lin Xi watched Gu Fan as if she wanted to bargain with him, which annoyed Gu Fan.

Seeing Gu Fan’s annoyed expression, Lin Xi, who knew Gu Fan’s character well, added, "Gu Fan, remember I saved Sister Su last time, and you saved Du Jun for me. So we’re even. You don’t owe me anything, and I don’t owe you anything either. Now you want us to help you. It’s only fair you also help us. I believe you’re not the type who likes to be in someone’s debt, right?"

"That’s why you’re my ex-girlfriend, you do understand me well." After saying this, Gu Fan shrugged his shoulders, "First arrange the meeting with the nightclub owner. You guys can listen in while we’re talking. Maybe then, even if I don’t say it, you’ll guess my purpose."

"Oh, it’s a good proposal and worth considering." Lin Xi nodded in agreement, and Du Jun picked up the microphone.

Soon, the nightclub staff came to guide the way. Lin Xi, Qin Jia, Du Jun, and Gu Fan all followed. Gu Fan, however, was worried about his other three companions and wasn’t sure what to do if they got carried away in their fun.

In response to this concern, Du Jun assured him, "Don’t worry, we have a lot of people here. It’s absolutely safe."

"Safe?" Gu Fan gave a bitter laugh, "If we fall out with you guys, with your superior numbers, safety could turn into danger."

"So just don’t provoke us." Lin Xi flashed a knowing smile.

Gu Fan promptly nodded, "Don’t worry. In theory, I won’t provoke you guys tonight. I don’t want to be your enemy either."

"That’s good to know." Lin Xi flaunted as she waved her finger. The gesture was full of pomp, as if telling Gu Fan the consequences of defiance.

Meanwhile, after getting her things done, Leng Le checked her phone out of habit, hoping to know Gu Fan’s current location. When she saw it, her face immediately fell. The tracker showed Gu Fan was inside a nightclub.

"Well done, Gu Fan, sneaking off to a nightclub and keeping it from me. I knew men are nothing good. Wait and see how I’ll deal with you". Leng Le assumed Gu Fan was partying, possibly flirting with other pretty girls in the nightclub, and making as much noise as he was happy.