Chapter 418: Mutual Interests

After the unexpected outburst, Luo Zuyu was taken to another room to “rest.” Lin Qiupu and Chen Shi stepped outside. Lin Qiupu lit a cigarette and asked, “Chen, what do you think she’ll say?”

Chen Shi responded, “Something like, ‘We didn’t kill the person, but we did dismember the body,’ or similar.”

“What should we do?”

“Don’t rush. Before we break this chain of lies, let her tell her story first.”

It was already 5 PM. They took a short break and reviewed some documents.

Luo Zuyu’s company was co-founded by his brother and sister-in-law. His brother was also a celebrity. After Luo Zuyu was blacklisted, the company worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his image. Clearly, the company would do everything to protect him this time as well. They were formidable opponents.

An officer came running, “The journalists’ company said they couldn’t find the original photos. They claimed a temporary worker accidentally formatted the hard drive. We searched their office and seized the computers.”

Chen Shi chuckled, “Using the ‘temporary worker’ excuse in this day and age?”

Lin Qiupu wasn’t amused, “Can the data be recovered?”

“We’re trying.”

“Why would they destroy their alibi?” Lin Qiupu wondered.

“It never existed. They had to claim this to solidify the false alibi.”

“That won’t hold up in court.”

“Depends on the court. Remember, Luo Zuyu’s nationality is…”

“Canadian,” Lin Qiupu realized, “Common law system with a jury!”

“But as long as the evidence is solid, he can be tried here. Their goal is to prevent us from getting solid evidence to arrest him, then find a way to have him sent back to his home country for trial.”

Lin Qiupu was frustrated, rubbing his forehead. Lin Dongxue approached, “Brother, if you’re too tired, let Chen and me handle the next interrogation.”

Lin Qiupu looked at her, “Be thorough.”

“Got it!”

The interrogation resumed. Ji Xingyao didn’t bring a lawyer and seemed confident. “I didn’t expect you to investigate so thoroughly, even finding the vomit in the vase. You’re right. Manager He did see the body and vomit in the vase. But Luo Zuyu didn’t kill anyone, nor did anyone in our group.”

“Who do you think did it?” Chen Shi asked.

Ji Xingyao shrugged, “That’s your job to find out. But I suspect someone killed the person to frame Luo Zuyu. The surveillance is clear. When Luo Zuyu came back and saw the body, he panicked. Manager He contacted me, and I decided we couldn’t call the police. A celebrity’s reputation is crucial. So, I brought the team over immediately and decided to dispose of the body.”

“We found the victim’s DNA on the rooftop, but the surveillance doesn’t show the body being moved from the 22nd floor to the roof. You booked all the rooms above and used ropes to move the body outside the building,” Chen Shi stated.

Ji Xingyao nodded, “You’ve got sharp eyes. We rented a stadium with large hydrogen balloons. We stole the balloons and hydrogen tank, hid them in equipment cases, and took them to the roof. We cut the body into pieces, put them in bags, and used balloons to let them float away. Even with this, you found us. I’m impressed!” She clapped slowly.

“Where’s the head and the hydrogen tank?”

“They floated away with the balloons.”

“I think most of what you said is true, but your motive doesn’t hold. You claimed to protect Luo Zuyu’s reputation, but dismembering and disposing of a body would destroy his reputation. When this hits the internet, people won’t care about your name or company, only ‘Luo Zuyu’ and ‘dismembered body.’ How does that protect his reputation?”

“Protecting his reputation makes sense only if the police can’t find out about the murder. I never expected you to find us from a few balloons. Long’an police are impressive,” Ji Xingyao said calmly.

Chen Shi smirked. She was willing to admit to anything except murder. “Ms. Ji, I admire your quick thinking. You’ve prepared three ‘outfits’ for Luo Zuyu: first, the complex body disposal method, hoping we couldn’t trace it back; second, fake surveillance and alibis, ensuring he wasn’t at the scene; and third, your current confession, taking the blame for everything except the murder. Clever, but I must remind you, this wall of lies will crumble if we find one crack. I hope you understand what you’re doing.”

Ji Xingyao shrugged, “Say what you want. The facts are as I stated. Without evidence, all you have are guesses. Why would a big star like Luo Zuyu kill? He knows the consequences. You’re just jealous, wanting to see a high-profile person fall. As his manager, I’ve seen many attempts to frame him. But the truth is, Luo Zuyu didn’t kill anyone. Without evidence, what can you do?”

Chen Shi sneered, knowing only her last sentence was honest. “Bring your team in. We need to verify your statements.”

The interrogation ended. Outside, Chen Shi told Lin Qiupu, “Do what you think is best. Detain those who need it and release the rest.”

Lin Qiupu was shocked, “Giving up?”

“Not giving up. We have no evidence. Continuing is pointless.”

Seeing Lin Qiupu’s disappointment, Chen Shi thought, I’m not a miracle worker. Finding the killer was my limit. This one is exceptionally cunning. But he wouldn’t say that aloud. In front of eager officers, it would douse their enthusiasm.

Chen Shi patted Lin Qiupu’s shoulder, “This will be a long battle. Don’t be disheartened. We’ll find the evidence eventually.”

“This is the first time a suspect walked out of this interrogation room.”

“Yes, it’s a shame. But don’t worry, we’ll redeem ourselves.” Chen Shi smiled. “I need sleep. I’m exhausted.”

On the way back, Lin Dongxue asked, “Why did you stop the interrogation?”

“The motive,” Chen Shi replied. “I realized the motive for murder is a mystery. Why would such a high-profile celebrity kill someone? It doesn’t make sense. But having doubts is good. It means there are still things we haven’t uncovered.”

“This case has so much police attention, it’ll get solved.”

“Consider today a warm-up.”

Ji Xingyao and Luo Zuyu processed their bail and got into a waiting car. Luo Zuyu laughed, “Sis, did you see their faces? Hahaha, a bunch of idiots!”

Ji Xingyao glared, “Don’t get cocky. These cops are smart, especially that Chen. From now on, don’t act on your own!”

“What’s the big deal? I’ve…”

She glared again, silencing him. Ji Xingyao thought everything was still under control. As long as they weathered this, they’d be fine. But Luo Zuyu was a wildcard. His outburst today was unexpected.

She had bribed the paparazzi, promising exclusive stories. For the new actress, she promised a lead role this year.

They were all in this together. Success or failure, they were united… No, absolutely no mistakes could be made!

This was the entertainment world, where lies and deals ruled, and everyone was a master of deception. The police couldn’t touch them.

Yet, Chen Shi’s words echoed in her mind, causing her worry…

Suddenly, an anonymous text arrived, “Ms. Ji, interested in a deal? I can divert the police’s attention.”

Ji Xingyao was stunned. Who was this? How did they get her number? After deliberating, she replied, “Who are you?”

The response was quick, “A professional. Let’s meet.”

A scam?

She thought for a long time before replying with an address, “9 PM tonight.”