These fugitives, each with a life on their hands, are true desperados. Any unusual movement could cause them to bolt once more, vanishing without a trace. After all, if they're caught, it's a quick death sentence for them.
One clue was obvious: the man dispatched for the deal, Luo Zhen, was still strolling around the shopping district, awaiting further instructions. When they feel undetected, they're cautious to the extreme. But if they realize they've been exposed, they'll act out in desperation.
That's why Su Ming hung up so quickly earlier—it was a bait tactic to put them at ease, something he'd used countless times in simulated cases over the past four years.
Sitting in the back seat, Lao Chen reflected on Su Ming's strategy, impressed. "That's skillful—pulling a reverse logic tactic. For fugitives, if Skinny Dog doesn't answer for a while, he's likely detained by the police. But if he suddenly answers, it might mean he's cooperating with them. If we made it obvious by asking for the deal location directly, they'd flee. But hanging up on them? It calms their suspicion. After all, in their minds, cops desperate to catch them wouldn't hang up."
Before he could finish, Lao Chen fell silent as Su Ming picked up the call that came in again.
Putting it on speaker, Su Ming answered with a rough, impatient tone, mimicking Skinny Dog, "You looking to die? I told you I was busy! Why the hell are you blowing up my phone?"
This vulgar tone only made the fugitives relax further.
"Dog Bro, no need to be mad! I wouldn't dare disturb you unless I had a big job on my hands!"
Su Ming let a mocking smile slip. "Big job, huh? More like you're looking to rip me off."
"Big job?" he said out loud. "You think I have time for that? That five grams I gave you should last a while."
Feigning a slight slur to mimic drugged confusion, Su Ming spoke with more aggression, like an unhinged street punk.
On the other end, the fugitives were even more eager. "Dog Bro, it's a huge job! I'm not from here—I came all the way to Shanghai to buy. The five grams were just a test. Now that I see you're the real deal, I want to buy more to sell in my hometown for a profit. Got two units?"
Meanwhile, Xu Changsheng discreetly stepped out of the car and flashed an "OK" sign to the team, signaling that the tech department had tracked the fugitives' general location.
Now it was just a matter of waiting to see if the deal location matched.
Su Ming squinted and paused a moment, then responded, "Two units? You want a whole pound? What, you a cop trying to lure me out? If I get caught with that much, I won't even see prison—I'll be handed a death sentence!"
Su Ming's angry rant, filled with street slang and underground lingo, impressed even Xu Changsheng. He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, wondering where Su Ming had learned all these skills. Lockpicking, voice-changing, psychological profiling—none of these were taught in the academy. But seeing Su Ming's police uniform, Xu Changsheng set his questions aside. Wherever Su Ming had learned them, he was wearing the uniform with pride, and that was enough.
The fugitives' voices came through the phone again.
Chapter 8: Here We Go! Locate the A-Level Fugitives' Hideout! - Simulating Crime 100,000 Times, I Became an Ace Detective
"Of course not, Dog Bro!"
"How could I be a cop? If I was sent to set you up, would I still be calling? Right? I'm just trying to make a bit of cash on the side!"
"Dog Bro, you run Shanghai! Guys like us from out of town would never dare cross you!"
"So, what do you say? Are you in?"
Su Ming's mouth curved in a slight smile, realizing he had them dancing to his tune.
"As long as you're not the cops fishing, I'll make the deal. Smart choice, too! Here in Shanghai, if anyone's selling, it's me, Skinny Dog!"
"But…"
"Do you have any idea how much two units cost? You think you can handle it?"
Confident they had lured Skinny Dog into their scheme, the two fugitives didn't hesitate.
"Relax, Dog Bro!"
"We came all the way from Jilin for a big job! You don't have to worry!"
"But…"
"The amount is large, and you're the boss here, so let us choose the place for the deal. How about… the abandoned Hengsu factory on the outskirts of Dongning District?"
"With this much on the line, a busy area won't work; somewhere remote is better. We checked, and nobody goes there. It's safe for a deal!"
"Feel free to bring a guy or two if you want. We don't mind."
"After all, this is a business relationship, right? We want it to be long-term, not just a one-time deal, Dog Bro."
The abandoned Hengsu factory on the outskirts of Dongning!
Hearing the location, Su Ming glanced at Xu Changsheng, silently asking if this matched the location the Crime Investigation Department's tech team had identified.
Without any extra gestures, Xu Changsheng gave a slight nod.
With confirmation, Su Ming responded in a reluctant, annoyed tone, as if barely agreeing to the deal.
"Fine, we'll go with your choice. Damn brats, thinking Skinny Dog would double-cross you."
"Everyone in Shanghai knows my stuff is pure, and I wouldn't sell out a soul even behind bars."
"Enough talk. Wait at the factory. When I'm done with this, I'll bring the two units over!"
After speaking, Su Ming hung up without hesitation.