Chapter 151: Rich Second Generation, Official Second Generation

The next morning, Chen Shi arrived at the city bureau. He first re-examined the body and then called the entire task force into the conference room.

Chen Shi sat on Lin Qiupu’s usual desk, holding the autopsy report. Casually, he said, “You all know the case, right? Two tasks: Investigate the victim’s interpersonal relationships, find out the last time each person saw the victim, and their alibis during the crime. Get me all the surveillance footage from around the victim’s home, company, and the area where the body was dumped. I’ve set up a task force group chat, the group number is XXX. Post any leads directly there. Once you’ve completed your tasks, you’re free to do other things. I don’t need you on standby 24/7… That’s it, dismissed!”

The officers exchanged glances, surprised at the brevity of the meeting. Chen Shi left immediately, calling Lin Dongxue and Xu Xiaodong, “Let’s go visit Mr. Lu.”

Lin Dongxue smiled wryly, “You’re quite the task force leader, not assigning specific tasks to anyone?”

“They’re all experienced officers. Let them use their judgment,” Chen Shi replied.

Once in the car, Lin Dongxue noticed Tao Yueyue was also there. She wore a new Lolita dress and was engrossed in a book. Lin Dongxue greeted her and then whispered to Chen Shi, “Are you taking a child to investigate the case?”

“Does it matter? Didn’t they say I have complete freedom?” Chen Shi laughed.

“Well… I won’t say anything more.”

“I usually don’t have time to spend with Tao Yueyue. It’s a rare break, so I’m taking her out. Plus, visiting a rich person’s mansion isn’t an everyday opportunity.”

“Don’t be overconfident. If you can’t solve the case within the deadline, how will you face my brother?”

Chen Shi made an “OK” gesture, “Trust me with the case!”

Some say rich people’s houses aren’t meant for living but for trading. Lu Qixing was one such person. He owned fifteen mansions worldwide but lived in hotels, of course, his own hotels.

This five-star hotel was located in the most bustling part of Long’an City. Room rates were 1.5 times that of ordinary hotels. But because Lu Qixing lived here, people were willing to stay to get a glimpse of the rich man’s aura, much like the saying, “A mountain with a dragon is blessed.”

It’s speculated that after losing his son five years ago, Lu Qixing developed severe psychological issues, never staying in one room for more than two nights. This rumor, however, remains unconfirmed.

The four arrived at the hotel, led by a waiter who took them up a private elevator to the top floor, to a luxurious presidential suite. There was already a guest, a young man with gold-rimmed glasses and neatly combed hair.

The young man looked puzzled at the visitors. Chen Shi said, “We’re police.”

“Oh, hello!” The young man stepped forward to shake hands, “I’m Jia Xingyun, a friend of Zhendong. I came to express my condolences… The old man is inside. Do you need to see him?”

“What’s your last name?”

“My last name is Jia, Jia Xingyun.”

“I’m Chen…” Before Chen Shi could finish, Lin Dongxue coughed, prompting Chen Shi to correct himself, “I’m Song.”

“Officer Song!” Jia Xingyun smiled but glanced at Lin Dongxue.

“Have the police questioned you?” Chen Shi asked.

“No.”

“Then I’d like to ask you a few questions.”

“Sure, go ahead!” Jia Xingyun’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Dongxue.

“Look at me!” Chen Shi pointed to himself.

“You’re not as good-looking as this lady… Just kidding, go ahead,” Jia Xingyun smiled.

“What’s your relationship with Lu Zhendong?”

“Friends, very good friends… I know many claim to be his ‘good friends’, but if I had to rank our relationship, I’d be his number one. We’ve known each other for years, talked about everything, like brothers.”

“So, you must know who his enemies are?”

“Somewhat.” Jia Xingyun provided several names, which Chen Shi noted.

“When did you last see him?”

“Noon on February 2nd.”

Based on the estimated time of death, Lu Zhendong might have been killed that day. Chen Shi became interested, asking, “When did you meet? What did you do together?”

“Noon, had lunch at Shengli Restaurant, not far from here.”

“What did you talk about?”

“Personal matters, not convenient to disclose.”

“Thank you for cooperating… Xiaodong, go to Shengli Restaurant to verify this.”

Xu Xiaodong nodded and left. Jia Xingyun turned to Lin Dongxue, “May I know your name?”

“Lin.”

“Lin as in Lin Daiyu?” Jia Xingyun smiled, “Officer Lin, do you have a boyfriend?”

Chen Shi coughed, “Could you stop hindering our investigation?”

“Is asking for contact information too much? Is it okay, Officer Lin?”

Lin Dongxue was at a loss for words. Suddenly, Tao Yueyue tugged at her hand and said, “Sister Lin, I need to use the bathroom.”

Relieved, Lin Dongxue said, “I’ll take you.”

Jia Xingyun wasn’t upset by the rebuff. He kept smiling and said to Chen Shi, “I hope you can get justice for Zhendong soon.”

“Thanks for your good wishes.”

Jia Xingyun sat back on the sofa, continuing to admire an antique. The suite was large, and Chen Shi walked further in to find Lu Qixing himself. He wore a silk robe, his hair disheveled, standing by the window overlooking the bustling streets below. He appeared rather worn out.

Hearing footsteps, Lu Qixing sighed, “I never thought I’d be left alone in my old age. So pitiful!”

Chen Shi said, “Mr. Lu, I’m not here to comfort you. I just want to solve the case quickly. I need you to tell me everything you know.”

Lu Qixing turned around, “Song Lang, you cold-hearted bastard.”

“Efficiency is my priority.”

“Undoubtedly! Undoubtedly! You are Song Lang,” Lu Qixing said excitedly, pointing at Chen Shi. “Five years ago, he spoke to me exactly like this. You’re the only officer who doesn’t care about my status!”

“Tell me what you know.”

“Let’s talk over a meal.” Lu Qixing picked up the phone by the bed, gave some instructions, then invited Chen Shi to sit.

Chen Shi remained standing, asking, “How was your relationship with your son?”

“Honestly, not good. When Zhendong and Zhenjie were young, their mother passed away early, and I was busy with the company. I could only compensate for my lack of fatherly affection with material things. Zhendong was a spendthrift, surrounded by bad friends, involved with celebrities, and divorced four times. But compared to Zhenjie, he was a good boy. Zhenjie was too wild, doing outrageous things. Five years ago, in a fit of anger, I cut off his finances, leading to that fake kidnapping plot. He lost his life in the end, which was karma…” Lu Qixing sighed, “After that, I pinned all my hopes on Zhendong, hoping he would succeed me. Perhaps I expected too much, so our relationship remained strained.”

“Who were his regular associates?”

Lu Qixing had prepared a list, which he read with glasses, ranking them by suspicion. Topping the list was Sun Shanyou, “The name alone sounds shady,” who was Lu Zhendong’s secretary and personal assistant.