Chapter 367: The Thrill of Taunting

Chen Shi watched the show while calling Lin Dongxue. “What are you doing?”

“Still at the station. Captain Peng said the soil samples match, but this type of soil is common throughout the city. Also, they found some green paint in Li Mengran’s hair.”

“Never mind that for now. I’ll send you a link. Watch it with Xiaodong. Afterward, find out where this boy is now. If you don’t want the Third Team to take the credit, make sure they notice this lead.”

“Haha, you’re worried about them taking credit? They’re mocking you, saying you’re just an advisor with no real insights and that your investigation direction is all wrong.”

“Let’s see who laughs last. Go watch it quickly!”

A while later, Lin Dongxue replied on QQ: “Isn’t this a variety show? Are you sure you sent the right link?”

“Absolutely sure!” Chen Shi responded.

Feeling he was on the right track, Chen Shi excitedly searched for a cigarette, but of course, found none. There were cigarettes on the coffee table, but he resisted the temptation.

He continued watching the second half of the episode. In this part, the rural boy, Xiaofei, visited Li Mengran’s home. He was scared by the elevator and fascinated by the hot water tap.

For the sake of the show, Xiaofei called Mr. Li “Dad” throughout his stay, and Mr. Li acted very kindly, taking him to eat pizza, visit parks, and buy new clothes.

After this dreamlike city experience, Xiaofei returned to his home. Chen Shi closed the webpage and left immediately.

He rushed back to the station. Lin Dongxue called him just as he entered the office. “Don’t leave, I’m here. Any leads?”

“We asked the TV show’s planner. The boy’s name is Zheng Zhifei. Then we contacted his hometown police station, and they said his household registration hasn’t changed.”

“Maybe he just didn’t update it. Do you have his photo?”

“No, rural police stations don’t have good equipment.”

Xu Xiaodong, still watching the show, said, “Isn’t his photo in the show?”

Chen Shi sighed, “Take a clear screenshot! Remember the transport company mentioned a driver named Xiao Zheng, 19 years old, who didn’t show up for work today?”

“You think Xiao Zheng is Zheng Zhifei?”

“Possibly. He got a driver’s license. Let’s check at the DMV.”

They hurried to the DMV and found a young man named Zheng Zhifei who had gotten his license this year. Comparing the current photo to the old one, it was clearly the same person, despite the nine-year gap.

Lin Dongxue was stunned. “The suspect is this rural boy who once stayed at Li Mengran’s house?”

“Mr. Li hasn’t moved, and the area hasn’t changed much. If he has a good memory, he could find the place.”

“What’s his motive?”

“Jealousy!” Chen Shi said. “I initially said the suspect might be the same age. I asked Mr. Li if he had ever helped any other children because the suspect’s actions indicated a desire to destroy this happy family. Such strong feelings likely stem from jealousy. People envy those on their level. No one envies the President but might envy a more successful colleague. The suspect and the victim were likely the same age and once spent time together.”

Lin Dongxue asked, “Did you figure this out from the start?”

“I just tried to understand the suspect’s mind and created a psychological profile. People’s actions reflect their inner thoughts, especially extreme ones like murder. After investigating, Zheng Zhifei fits my profile the best.”

Xu Xiaodong, looking troubled, was asked what was wrong. He said, “I thought there would be some deep reason behind Li Mengran’s death, like love or hate. But it turns out it was just a kid jealous of her family? She died for such a trivial reason? It’s so unfair!”

“Don’t be too upset,” Lin Dongxue comforted him.

Zheng Zhifei had come to the city for work but didn’t have a temporary residence permit, leaving no trace. When they went to his lodging, he was gone. Information from the tech department later confirmed that Zheng Zhifei had left Long’an the previous night.

Having finally found a lead, they ended the day with this frustrating news.

At the task force meeting the next morning, the Third Team was busy discussing. The room was filled with smoke, making Lin Dongxue nearly choke.

After the reports, Captain Bi Guoliang of the Third Team asked, “How’s the Second Team’s investigation going?”

Chen Shi said, “Sorry, we’ve identified the real culprit!”

Bi Guoliang laughed, “Chen, your wild guesses are too much. Are you saying a boy who stayed at the victim’s house for three days nine years ago killed her out of jealousy?”

“Imagine a child from a poor rural area experiencing a magical three days in the city, then returning home. The psychological gap is enormous. Why did he come to Long’an to work and end up near the victim’s home? He likely encountered the victim, who might not remember him. Their differences in clothing, environment, and speech would constantly remind him that they weren’t from the same world. For Zheng Zhifei, a strong young man with no ties, the only way to fill his void was to destroy what he couldn’t have.”

“You have no substantial evidence, and where is Zheng Zhifei?”

“He went home. Diligent officers, could you go check it out?”

“If you’re so confident, investigate it yourself. We won’t stop you. We’re already working in different directions.”

“Fine, we’ll go!”

As they left, Chen Shi turned back. “As an ordinary citizen, I have something to say.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m not targeting anyone, but all of you…”

With that, Chen Shi dashed out, leaving the room in an uproar. Xu Xiaodong laughed, “Chen, you’ve offended the entire Third Team. Be careful from now on.”

“Haha, I’ve always wanted to say that.”

Lin Dongxue chuckled. “Don’t be so cocky. Keep a low profile.”

“Let me be arrogant once in a while. I have to say, taunting and running is exhilarating!”