Chapter 432: The Most Insecure Hotel

Chapter 432: The Most Insecure Hotel (5 Updates)

Inside the Criminal Investigation Team’s conference room.

“According to Ge Xuyang’s statement, he had been involved in two previous murder cases, but neither had any connection to the dismemberment case we’re investigating now.”

“The first murder occurred when Ge Xuyang was in his third year of high school, committing the crime alongside Liu Changcheng…”

“It all started when he suspected his master of hiding secrets, intending to steal every trick his master had up his sleeve.”

“Liu Changcheng’s motive was bizarre—he was psychologically twisted and was infatuated with their master’s toenails.”

“Frankly, such a reason for murder sounds more like a joke.”

“Yet, the two hit it off immediately and even joined forces to kill their own master!”

“The second murder took place during their college days.”

“In that case, Ge Xuyang killed his junior, Yu Jianhui.”

“The motive? Yu Jianhui’s girlfriend—who is now Ge Xuyang’s wife—had caught his eye, mostly for her money!”

“Again, Ge Xuyang collaborated with Liu Changcheng to murder Yu Jianhui, and Liu even took Yu Jianhui’s toenails…”

“However, the current dismemberment murder case clearly has nothing to do with Ge Xuyang. In recent years, he rarely meets up with Liu Changcheng, though they see each other a few times every year.”

“Five months ago, Liu Changcheng suddenly approached Ge Xuyang, claiming he had a… ritual artifact to give him.”

“At that moment, Ge Xuyang already suspected that Liu might be planning another murder and even tried to warn him, but Liu refused to listen.”

“Two days ago, Liu met with Ge Xuyang again. This time he brought a ritual artifact… an art piece constructed using the toenails of four victims as its decorative frame.”

“Originally, Ge Xuyang intended to discreetly dispose of it, but his wife happened to discover it and, thinking it was beautiful, decided to keep it.”

“As for Liu Changcheng’s whereabouts, Ge Xuyang isn’t entirely sure. However, he did unwittingly reveal a crucial clue.”

“Liu Changcheng operates under two identities, although Ge has no details about the second one.”

“Nonetheless, by checking the surveillance footage from a certain coffee shop where they met and the Tianyan Surveillance Camera outside it, we traced Liu Changcheng to a certain area…”

“I’ve already informed the City Bureau and requested that Bincheng police forces and all relevant units assist our Criminal Investigation Team in sealing off the area for a thorough sweep.”

Xiao Yu looked up at all the field Criminal Police in the team and declared, “Operation Joint Manhunt is a go!”

“Yes!” All the officers stood up.

……

Bincheng J District.

Hotels, apartments, day lodgings, illegal rentals, and residential areas—numerous police began a thorough search for Liu Changcheng.

At the same time, Xiao Yu led Wang Cheng and Guo Qiang into a certain hotel to inspect the rooms.

“Hello, we’re police.”

Guo Qiang produced his badge and said to the two receptionists, “We need to conduct a temporary inspection at nine o’clock. Please provide the information for all current guests and allow us to check all rooms. The hotel must cooperate.”

“Uh…”

One receptionist whispered, “Can you leave your phone number and badge details?”

“Police searches are allowed, but you must provide contact information.”

The hotel also needs to verify with the local police station.

Because the hotel is understandably wary of imposters posing as police.

After the receptionist confirmed Guo Qiang’s badge and identity with the local police station,

the search began.

“This hotel seems to be pretty decent.”

The three boarded an elevator. Wang Cheng said to his seniors, “With this kind of management, I doubt any criminals would dare commit misdeeds here.”

“Haha.”

Xiao Yu and Guo Qiang laughed in unison.

“Am I wrong then?”

Seeing both the master and Guo Qiang laugh, Wang Cheng felt a bit insecure.

“Imagine you’re staying at this hotel…”

Xiao Yu prepared to give his apprentice a lesson. “In just four steps, I can get into your room.”

“Huh?”

Wang Cheng exclaimed, “Really?”

“Step one: Listen.”

Xiao Yu explained calmly, “At check-in, when you give your phone number at the front desk, I only need to remember the last four digits.”

“Step two: Deceive… Once you’re in your room, I’ll go to the front desk and say I need to check if a friend is staying here. As long as your last four digits are mentioned, the receptionist won’t be suspicious since they’ll find a matching record.”

“Step three: Lure… I’ll prepare a seasoned fast food meal and a drink to be delivered to the front desk, telling them someone will pick it up soon. Meanwhile, I’ll knock on your door, posing as hotel service, and inform you that a complimentary meal is waiting. Once you step out, I’ll linger by your door pretending it’s my own room until I call in housekeeping.”

“Step four: Borrow… I’ll instruct housekeeping to change a towel or something, then use their master key to enter your room. I’ll find any excuse to send them away. Most hotel curtains are floor-to-ceiling and thick, so hiding behind them is never an issue.”

“Finally, I just hide and quietly wait for you to return. Once you eat that tampered meal and drink, you’ll pass out, and then I can do whatever I want with you…”

Xiao Yu stared disdainfully at his dumbfounded apprentice. “I can tell you this clearly: as long as a criminal intends to commit a crime, a place like a hotel is the most insecure. Management loopholes abound. What you call surveillance and security are practically for show. Whether it’s a modest hotel or a five-star establishment, the same holds true. Once you get hold of the master key from housekeeping, every single room is accessible!”

Wang Cheng was already stunned.

Damn, do these operations have to be this chaotic?

He actually wanted to retort to his master.

After some thought, Wang Cheng realized he had no counterargument.

Just as Xiao Yu said, hotel management has too many loopholes.

Anyone—even if they aren’t a guest—can gain access to the guest area.

And the guest area invariably has housekeeping staff.

Housekeeping always has the master key handy for cleaning.

Once you get hold of the master key, what room is out of reach?

Even if your room is locked, you can always impersonate housekeeping by making up an excuse to enter.

For instance, if a guest leaves behind something and needs it retrieved,

Or if a power switch malfunctions and might cause an electrical hazard,

will you be fooled enough to open the door?