Chapter 562: Beginning the Investigation

On May 4th, a few people met at the office. Chen Shi had already obtained the tenant lists for two neighboring communities. He said, “The person transporting the corpse might be among these tenants. We need to check them one by one. The lab results from the police station indicate it’s some kind of organic algae. The culprit’s profession is likely related to biological research or pharmaceutical studies.”

KK said, “Yesterday morning, I installed the surveillance cameras. I didn’t see any suspicious people approaching Wei Yi’s house, but I noticed the hinge on the milk box is a bit loose. It can be opened by just unscrewing it, no need for a lock-picking skill.”

“The milk delivered daily is definitely problematic. Did you investigate the milkman?”

KK gave an embarrassed smile, “I got up too late and missed him. How early do they start work? But from what I saw on the surveillance, the milkman didn’t seem suspicious.”

“Didn’t seem suspicious? Look into it properly!”

“I’m not a cop, this kind of investigation is tough…”

Seeing Chen Shi’s stern look, KK dared not complain and made a funny face at Tao Yueyue.

Sun Zhen said, “I checked the September 3rd fire as you asked. The fire department’s report said it was caused by a gas leak. The victim was Zheng Xuemei, a widow in her fifties living alone. Her nephew, Li, claimed the body and handled the aftermath. After the fire, the gas company and the fire department inspected the community’s gas lines from the 4th to the 6th.”

Chen Shi said, “Regardless of whether the fire is directly related to Wei Yi’s incident, the sudden inspection probably forced someone hiding a corpse at home to move it.”

“Is the person a necrophiliac?” Tao Yueyue asked.

“Wow, necrophilia, that’s heavy stuff. I like it,” KK said excitedly.

“Possibly. According to Wei Yi’s description, the owner dressed up the corpse. If it was just for disposal, there wouldn’t be a need for that. In the owner’s mind, the corpse was like family, which is why it was in the front seat.”

“Chen, tell us more about necrophilia!” KK urged.

“No, read about it yourself.”

“Buzzkill, I rarely feel enthusiastic about learning.”

Tao Yueyue said, “If they just needed to move the corpse, why drive out of the community? They could leave it in the car somewhere else until the inspection ended, then bring it back.”

“Good point!” Chen Shi was reminded. “That’s a good angle. Maybe that night, the owner planned just that. He might still be hiding in the same place.”

KK raised his hand, “Is necrophilia illegal?”

“In our open and free society, sexual fetishes aren’t illegal, but the means to fulfill them can be. Where did the corpse come from? If it was murder or theft, that’s illegal. Also, trying to drive Wei Yi insane or kill him by contaminating his milk is a crime.”

Sun Zhen said, “The culprit just wanted to drive Wei Yi mad so no one would believe him.”

“Or maybe he intended to kill him. Wei Yi heats his milk every day before drinking it. Perhaps the substance in the milk was originally lethal but lost potency when heated.”

“That kid is lucky to be alive!”

KK covered his mouth and whispered to Sun Zhen, “Should we sell this story to the press for some extra cash?”

“Hey!” Chen Shi heard him. “Cut it out. Once we uncover the truth, I’ll contact the police directly to handle it.”

“If that guy is rich, wouldn’t it be better to blackmail him with this secret?”

“Do you want the agency shut down?” Sun Zhen scolded.

“I’m just joking. You know I talk nonsense. I’d never actually do it,” KK said with a grin.

Chen Shi said, “Let’s visit that community and ask about the fire. Also, let’s talk to the tenants. KK, you’re coming with us!”

KK said, “Same as usual, I’ll pretend to be a salesman!”

KK pulled out two salesman vests and two bags of herbal toothpaste of dubious origin. The packaging was unappealing.

This was his old trick from investigating affairs and his previous criminal days. Disguised as a salesman, he’d knock on doors to probe. If no one was home, he’d sneak in. To be sure, he’d also bring a peephole viewer to confirm no one was inside.

On the way to the community, Tao Yueyue asked, “Uncle Chen, why are some people necrophiliacs?”

“Because they’re perverts!” KK said.

Chen Shi shot him a glance and explained, “The causes of such fetishes are complex. They usually involve people with a strong need for control but also social phobia. They feel nothing for the living, only for the dead.”

“Xiao Chong might turn into one of them. He’s probably still a virgin!” KK joked.

“Is mocking someone’s personal life that amusing?”

“Yes, especially Xiao Chong. It’s one of my joys in life… Yueyue, do you have a boyfriend at school?”

“Shut up!”

“Look at you. You’ll discuss necrophilia with her but not normal relationships. That’s a parenting fail!”

“Yueyue, isn’t this guy annoying? Should we ditch him?”

Tao Yueyue just giggled.

At the community, Chen Shi went to investigate the fire from September 3rd. KK and Tao Yueyue went to check on the tenants. Chen Shi reminded her to be extra careful. KK casually said, “Don’t worry, Yueyue is awesome now. She can pick a lock in ten seconds.”

Chen Shi sighed. What has Yueyue learned from these guys? Was his educational approach wrong?

The apartment where the fire occurred still had a blackened security door with a note saying, “For sale, contact…” Chen Shi called the number. Soon, a middle-aged man arrived. He looked refined, wearing a neat blue shirt and glasses, with a burn scar on his face.

The man asked, “Are you interested in buying the house?”

“Is this house for sale?” Chen Shi pointed to the apartment.

“Yes, it was my aunt’s. Last month, there was an unfortunate fire, and she died in it. Her daughter, my cousin, is studying in the US and asked me to sell it.”

“How much?”

“The price is negotiable. If you’re serious, it’ll be below market rate.”

“Sorry, I’m not here to buy the house.” Chen Shi showed his consultant badge. “I’m with the police. I want to ask about the fire last month.”

“Why investigate now? The fire was a simple accident. The police and fire department already checked it.”

“I’m looking into something else. What’s your name?”

The man introduced himself as Li Xiang and said, “Let’s talk somewhere else. The house is completely burnt.”