Chapter 25: Uncle Next Door

After returning to the scene of the crime in Xu Xiao-Dong’s car, Lin Dong-Xue and Xu Xiao-Dong went door to door in the victim’s building. It was deep into the night when the crime occurred, and while the residents didn’t report any disturbances, they did share some insights about the household.

Neighbors described the family as kind and friendly, often sharing food with neighbors and sometimes cleaning the communal areas. Especially the male head of the household was known for his amiable nature, always greeting people warmly.

Regarding the specific question Chen Shi had posed, the neighbors were unaware. Only an old man living across the street mentioned that a while ago, some shady individuals had come looking for Kong Wen-De’s address, carrying cans of paint—likely loan sharks intending to vandalize with paint. The old man had warned them off and called security to escort them away.

As Lin Dong-Xue was preparing to thank the old man and wrap up their inquiry, Chen Shi called her. “How’s it going?”

“Not much progress. Everyone speaks well of the family, saying they get along well with their neighbors.”

“Ask about the relationship between the husband and wife. Might help with the case.”

After ending the call, Lin Dong-Xue muttered, “Are you my boss?” She then continued with the old man, “One more thing, how is the couple’s relationship?”

“That’s a weird question to ask. They’re fine, of course. This guy’s just making wild guesses, and you actually listen to him?” Xu Xiao-Dong, having heard the call, complained.

Unexpectedly, the old man said without hesitation, “It used to be fine, but this year, I don’t know why, they have been arguing a lot.”

“Really?” Both were taken aback, and Lin Dong-Xue quickly followed up, “Can you elaborate?”

Some noise came from the old man’s house, and he said, “My soup is boiling over, excuse me!” and went inside.

The two exchanged glances, Lin Dong-Xue suggesting, “Let’s go in!”

“That doesn’t seem right. He didn’t invite us.”

“What’s the harm?”

Lin Dong-Xue walked straight into the house. After finishing in the kitchen, the old man brought out two bowls of spare rib soup, offering, “You must be tired, have some soup!”

“Oh, no need!”

“It’s okay, drink while we talk.”

They reluctantly accepted, and the old man explained that the couple had been arguing frequently, with major disputes every five days and minor ones every three, often ending with smashed dishes and their child crying vehemently. The in-laws always took sides, constantly faulting the husband. A few times late at night, he heard the man shouting, “I can’t live like this anymore!”

Lin Dong-Xue wondered how the old man knew so much about the neighbors. Observing the house, which lacked a TV and seemed set up for a single occupant, she assumed the loneliness of living alone made him keen on neighborhood gossip.

Feeling clever for her deductions, she asked the old man, “What do they argue about?”

“Why?” The old man squinted, a gleeful smirk as he revealed others’ secrets, “It’s about money! They’re drowning in debt, the whole family relying on his small salary. The pressure makes any little thing a big issue.”

“You seem very informed.”

“That I am. There’s nothing that goes on here I don’t know about.”

Xu Xiao-Dong then chimed in, “The soup’s a bit salty.”

Lin Dong-Xue saw he had almost finished his bowl and elbowed him, making him yelp.

“Should I add more water?” the old man offered.

“No, don’t mind him. Please, go on! Do you know why they owe so much?”

“I never heard him mention it, but I guess it’s because of his father-in-law’s illness. He passed away last March, and the family spent a lot before he died, to no avail. I advised them to opt for conservative treatment instead of surgery. The hospital’s a money pit, especially for an eighty-year-old. It’s sad how illness can bankrupt you.”

Lin Dong-Xue pondered this logical yet somehow unsatisfactory explanation, while Xu Xiao-Dong commented on the soup again, pleasing the old man who hoped they would visit often for meals.

A realization struck Lin Dong-Xue, “But would a normal family take out high-interest loans for medical expenses? They would usually mortgage their house. Their property hasn’t been touched, right?”

The old man shook his head, “I’m not sure, you might want to check with the police station.”

“Okay, I’ll drink the soup now.”

After they finished, the old man saw them out, with Xu Xiao-Dong still trying to ingratiate himself. Once outside, Lin Dong-Xue scolded him, “Arewe here to investigate or just to eat?”

“Ah, you don’t get it, that’s building rapport. If I hadn’t been chatting, would you have gotten all that info?” Xu Xiao-Dong defended himself.

Lin Dong-Xue, not bothering to argue further, sent a text to Chen Shi updating him with their findings. He responded immediately: “There’s something fishy, visit the deceased’s company.”

Xu Xiao-Dong, peeking over her shoulder, commented, “This guy really thinks he’s the boss, doesn’t he? I listen to Lin’s orders, not his!”

“He’s a hundred times more capable than you!” Lin Dong-Xue retorted sharply.

Xu Xiao-Dong, feeling slighted, mumbled, “You don’t actually like that guy, do you?”

Ignoring him, Lin Dong-Xue headed towards the exit of the complex, Xu Xiao-Dong catching up, “It’s almost five, how about we grab dinner? My treat!”

“All you think about is eating. Let’s make use of the time and visit the company before they close up!” Lin Dong-Xue insisted.

Soon, they arrived at Kong Wen-De’s employer, an insurance company still buzzing with activity. Xu Xiao-Dong had an epiphany, “I got it, the victim worked for an insurance company; this case must involve insurance!”

“What could possibly link those?” Lin Dong-Xue questioned.

“Well, maybe someone took out a policy on him.”

“Insurance beneficiaries are usually direct relatives; it’s impossible for outsiders.”

Still scratching his head unconvinced, Xu Xiao-Dong suggested, “Let’s just ask.”

Approaching the team leader, a matronly woman, they inquired about Kong Wen-De. “Oh, Xiao Kong? Good man, very dedicated and honest. Been under my supervision for ten years without a hitch.”

“Do you know about the massive debts he had?” Lin Dong-Xue probed.

“Debts!?” The team leader was taken aback, then thoughtful, but only momentarily, “I’m not aware of his private affairs.”

“Did he have any insurance policies?” Xu Xiao-Dong asked.

“Yes.”

“Who were the beneficiaries?”

“His wife, his mother-in-law, his children, and himself.”

At this, Xu Xiao-Dong turned to Lin Dong-Xue excitedly, “See, I told you insurance was involved!”

But Lin Dong-Xue wasn’t convinced, “That doesn’t necessarily mean anything unusual. It’s normal for a family.”

Xu Xiao-Dong, not ready to give up, argued, “Still, let’s dig deeper!”

Agreeing, they continued their investigation at the insurance company, probing into the circumstances of Kong Wen-De’s policies and debts, hoping to uncover any potential motives or irregularities connected to his tragic demise.