Chapter 39

"Are you looking down on me?" Tao Ruoxiang snorted coldly, "I may be a teacher, but I did study criminal investigation in the past. From a professional standpoint, I'm definitely more skilled than you!"

Tao Ruoxiang's tone was full of confidence, and Qin Lang had to admit that Tao Ruoxiang indeed had real skills and a strong insight. Otherwise, she wouldn't have known about these little secrets of his.

"If Teacher Tao is willing to help, that would be great!" Qin Lang readily accepted Tao Ruoxiang's offer and then humbly asked, "So, Teacher Tao, where should we start?"

"To deal with these people and bring them to justice, we need evidence. We have Lingling as a witness, but one witness isn't enough; we need more. Moreover, the key is physical evidence. We need to gather evidence of how they lure middle school students into illegal activities. Lingling, can you tell us how you were lured?"

Tao Ruoxiang's analysis was spot-on, and Qin Lang couldn't help but nod, thinking that having Tao Ruoxiang's help was indeed the right choice.

"It was during the winter break. I was invited by a junior high school classmate to attend her birthday party. We went to a KTV to sing in the evening. I didn't drink any alcohol that day; I only had some drinks and was very clear-headed. During the party, my classmate introduced me to a man, saying he was her uncle. I don't know why, but I felt a special attraction to this stranger..."

This memory was extremely painful for Zhou Lingling, and she seemed unable to bear it. "After singing, he took me to a hotel. The next morning, I suddenly felt that the man was so disgusting, and the thought of what had happened between us made me want to vomit. I hated myself for what I did with him. When he left, he gave me some money, which I threw away. I thought that was the end of it, but it turned out to be the beginning of a nightmare. The second time I went out with my classmate, I inexplicably became addicted to drugs. And I strangely had a relationship with another disgusting man. Later, because of the drug addiction, I needed more money... In the end, I fell completely, becoming someone I despise."

"Zhou Lingling, if I heard correctly, you said that the first time you had a relationship with a strange uncle, it was 'voluntary'?" Tao Ruoxiang immediately grasped the crux of the matter.

"Yes!" Zhou Lingling gritted her teeth and nodded, "Teacher Tao, you might think I willingly fell into depravity—"

"Not necessarily so simple!" Qin Lang interjected, "If I'm not mistaken, there should be other girls who have experienced similar situations, right? And the junior high school classmate who invited you out must have gone through something similar, too?"

Hearing Qin Lang's words, Tao Ruoxiang nodded slightly, thinking that this guy was indeed quick-witted.

"Qin Lang, what do you think is the key issue?" Tao Ruoxiang seemed to be testing Qin Lang.

"This is clearly an organized crime targeting middle school girls, and the criminals are very sophisticated. Based on my analysis, they must have used some kind of powerful aphrodisiac drug, which made these girls, despite being clear-headed, unable to control their desires, thus being exploited for profit. Teacher Tao, this is my analysis. What do you think?"

"That's about right." Tao Ruoxiang nodded and then looked at Zhou Lingling, "Lingling, I believe you are a good girl and didn't truly fall into depravity. I trust my judgment. So, now, Qin Lang and I will find the evidence to bring these criminals to justice. But we need your help."

"Teacher Tao, I am willing to do everything I can to assist you, but the information I have is limited. Oh, I know someone who might have more information. Her name is 'Wang Yue,' and she is a student at Xiayang University of Technology. I'll give you her contact information. Qin Lang, you should know her—anyway, I hope she can provide you with some leads."

Zhou Lingling wrote down Wang Yue's contact information on the paper and pen Tao Ruoxiang gave her.

Tao Ruoxiang put the note away and then said to Qin Lang, "Qin Lang, Zhou Lingling is currently in the recovery phase and needs a good environment to recuperate. I think we should change her environment. Don't worry, I'll find her a safe and comfortable place."

"Teacher Tao, trust me, there's no safer place than here," Qin Lang said firmly.

Because he knew this was a place chosen by the old drug lord. If the old drug lord wanted to protect Tao Ruoxiang's life, no one could take it away, not even she herself.

"Then... Lingling, just hold on a few more days. Don't worry, once we bring these criminals to justice, you'll be able to reunite with your family soon," Tao Ruoxiang comforted Zhou Lingling.

Zhou Lingling managed a weak smile, "Teacher Tao, you don't need to worry about me. After this incident, I've become much braver. Qin Lang is right; I do feel safe here."

After that, Qin Lang and Tao Ruoxiang left the room.

Once outside, Tao Ruoxiang couldn't help but ask Qin Lang, "I don't understand why you insisted on leaving Zhou Lingling alone in the middle of nowhere. This place always feels unsafe."

"If it weren't safe, how could Zhou Lingling's condition have improved so much?" Qin Lang countered.

Tao Ruoxiang thought about it and realized he had a point, but she was still puzzled, "But, what exactly makes it safe?"

"Try standing ten meters away from me," Qin Lang suggested. Seeing that she didn't react, he took the initiative to create the distance, stepping back ten meters.

Tao Ruoxiang was initially puzzled by Qin Lang's actions, but soon she felt something was off. The dense grass rustled, and when she looked down, she saw a mass of venomous snakes slithering toward her.

"Ah!"

Tao Ruoxiang screamed, her face pale with fear. When she calmed down, she found herself tightly hugging Qin Lang, who was in a daze, seemingly stunned by the sudden intimate embrace.

"Snakes! Snakes! Hurry, let's go!"

Although Tao Ruoxiang had calmed down a bit, she didn't dare to let go of Qin Lang because snakes were her greatest fear.

"But, how can I move?"

Tao Ruoxiang clung to Qin Lang like an ivy, making it impossible for him to move. However, Qin Lang had an idea and couldn't resist saying, "Teacher Tao, how about I carry you away from here?"

"No way!"

Despite her fear, Tao Ruoxiang still felt it was inappropriate to be carried by her student. She bravely looked around and saw that the snakes in the grass had disappeared. She rubbed her eyes, almost unable to believe it.

After confirming that there were no snakes around, Tao Ruoxiang quickly let go of Qin Lang.

Qin Lang sighed inwardly, thinking his previous suggestion was a mistake. Maybe he should have acted first and explained later.

Tao Ruoxiang quickly walked out of the grass and then turned to Qin Lang, "You said Zhou Lingling is safe here because of the snakes? Forget about the snakes, let's go find Wang Yue."