Diary of a Criminal Investigator
Chapter 493: Qingshuihe Clubhouse
Qingshuihe French Restaurant Clubhouse.
"Come, try this salt-baked snail. I heard from Third Brother that it’s pretty good."
Lu Chuan carefully picked a plump salt-baked snail for Forensic Doctor Shen, looking relaxed.
Lately, the Criminal Investigation Team has been pretty busy, with major cases coming one after another, especially on Lu Chuan’s end.
Not only did he have to deal with the cases here at the Criminal Investigation Team, but there was also work from the Provincial Task Force, leaving him with barely any time to go out for a meal with Forensic Doctor Shen.
Today, Shen Yan wore a light purple dress, its tailored fit outlining her perfect figure, and her light makeup was just right, exuding endless charm.
This figure would make most models die of envy and shame.
"Thank you."
After softly expressing her gratitude, Shen Yan opened her small mouth to accept the snail Lu Chuan fed her, chewing like a squirrel.
Lu Chuan enjoyed these leisurely moments, with just the two of them, serene and joyful.
No tension of solving cases, no exhaustion of working overtime, only Lu Chuan and Shen Yan together.
In the distance, the waiter watched the two quietly enjoying their meal, a look of envy flashing in his eyes.
Qingshuihe French Restaurant Clubhouse is the top French dining spot in Haizhou City, bar none.
All ingredients are imported from abroad, with international French chefs hired to take charge of the cooking.
Even the tableware is imported from abroad; while the taste might vary, it’s undoubtedly authentic.
The Qingshuihe Clubhouse is also very famous in the provincial capital, attracting many people from afar just to enjoy an authentic meal at the Qingshuihe French Restaurant Clubhouse.
Of course, enjoying such authentic French food comes at a hefty price, such as the wine on Lu Chuan’s table corner, Romanée-Conti. Although it’s not the topmost Romanée, it still costs nearly a hundred thousand.
Of course, Lu Chuan didn’t buy this wine himself; it was gifted by Lu Yao.
Ever since Lu Chuan helped Lu Yao recover the New Year’s money he was scammed out of, Lu Yao was utterly grateful and impressed with him.
Previously, Lu Chuan earned respect in the family with his achievements and commendations, which were displayed in the ancestral hall.
But Lu Yao was different; he personally benefited, to the tune of millions.
Lu Chuan heard that Lu Yao’s racetrack recently implemented a new rule.
Playing with cars is just playing; no investing.
Especially no investments for women, absolutely none.
The rich second-generation playing with him didn’t mind, but this rule thrilled the fathers of these rich kids.
In fact, because of this rule, quite a few rich kids have joined Lu Yao’s racetrack recently.
What do the first-generation wealthy fear?
Have they earned money to fear their sons spending on cars? Spending on girls? Spending on eating and drinking?
No fear at all!
Not even a little.
How much does a sports car cost? Two or three million for a good one; how much can spending on girls cost? A couple hundred thousand can get any girl; how much could eating and drinking cost? You can’t eat multi-thousand-dollar meals every day.
The first-generation rich are most afraid of the second-generation starting businesses; as long as they don’t, they can eat, drink, and play as much as they want; it’s no problem even if they play to death.
Shen Yan, however, didn’t think much of the nearly hundred-thousand-a-bottle wine; it just seemed expensive and not worth it.
"Is the case almost wrapped up?"
"Yeah, I heard this morning at the meeting, Captain Qin briefly said the murderer has been caught, and Liang Dezhong has confessed with conclusive evidence, seemingly no major problems."
"Yesterday in the cafeteria, I ran into the office’s Yaoyao; she said during our chat that Liang Dezhong is bisexual?"
In the forensic lab, Shen Yan worked in a technical role, and Wang Changjiang generally didn’t discuss case details with her, especially concerning matters like this.
Forensic Doctor Shen asked lightly, but her eyes were filled with an intense curiosity.
"This..."
Lu Chuan thought for a moment, "Well, sort of."
"Sort of? Tell me more, you guys must know more than us!"
"Ahem, there’s not much else to say, I’m not entirely sure myself. We handle the technical work; it’s Brother Hui who does the interrogations."
"I don’t believe you."
"Don’t be like that, come, have a snail, and we can go watch a movie later."
The snails at the Qingshuihe French Restaurant Clubhouse were quite good, and Forensic Doctor Shen really liked them.
While the two enjoyed their French meal, Qin Yong wasn’t having a break.
In Song Jiangguo’s office, Qin Yong and the Captain of the Haizhou City Public Security Bureau Anti-drug Detachment, Cai Yongqiang, were present.
Qin Yong briefly reported the discovery of incense and sought Song Jiangguo’s instructions on the next steps.
After pondering for a moment, Song Jiangguo looked towards Cai Yongqiang.
Regarding the situation in Yun Province, the Anti-drug Detachment had more previous contact.
Cai Yongqiang went on business trips there about two or three times a year, so he was relatively familiar with the situation there.
"Old Cai, you’re more familiar with the situation there. Tell us about it."
"Psilocybe mushrooms are found abundantly in the mountains of Yun Province; they’re not cultivated, just naturally occurring and wild."
"There are also many varieties besides psilocybe mushrooms, including other poisonous varieties like the Amanita muscaria."
"Some of these mushrooms have medicinal uses, but most are just poisonous with no real value."
"What Old Qin mentioned about extracting hallucinogenic compounds from psilocybe mushrooms to make incense is actually a local method to aid sleep."
"Aid sleep?"
Cai Yongqiang nodded, "Yes, this kind of thing has appeared in other provinces before, and there was a significant amount at one time. The ministries above investigated, and a task force was once set up which I participated in."
"The incense you’re mentioning is roughly crafted in varying thickness, typically handmade by locals. They grind the psilocybe mushrooms into powder and mix them into incense materials which, when lit, have mild hallucinogenic effects."
"My suggestion is to inform the local police and have them take responsibility for the investigation."
"After all, locals are more familiar with the local situation, and as I understand it, the sale of this incense is also prohibited locally, meaning it is technically illegal."
"But in reality, there is a small circulation of this incense among the people; strictly speaking, it can be considered a form of traditional Chinese medicine ingredient."
"I think it would be more convenient to confirm the salespeople’s information through our channels and then directly investigate."
Song Jiangguo and Qin Yong understood Cai Yongqiang’s point.
The case isn’t major, mostly not worth making a trip.
"Okay then, Qin Yong, let’s go with Old Cai’s suggestion. What do you think?"
"That’s fine with me. Additionally, since Captain Cai’s detachment is familiar with that area, let’s directly transfer this lead to our Anti-drug Detachment and have them liaison with that side for convenience."
"Alright, no problem."
"Good, if that’s everything, we’ll adjourn for today?"
"Hold on!"
Cai Yongqiang suddenly spoke, his expression grave as he looked towards Song Jiangguo and Qin Yong, "Director Song, there’s something that may require help from Old Qin’s side."
"What’s up?"
After a moment of silence, Cai Yongqiang solemnly said, "One of my undercover agents... has gone missing."