Chapter 598: Case Analysis

Everyone returned to their tasks. Lin Qiupu was alone in the conference room, contemplating the case in front of a whiteboard covered in photos. His brief moment of peace was interrupted when the director reappeared, leaning against the door frame and peering inside. “Captain Lin, the expert you mentioned wasn’t home.”

“How could he not be home?”

“We only found a debt collector at his place, very aggressive. He was also asking for Mr. Chen. We didn’t know where he was either!”

Lin Qiupu thought to himself, Chen Shi must be playing tricks again. The director noticed the crime scene photos on the whiteboard and excitedly rushed in, eyes gleaming. “Is this the case you mentioned? Wow, it’s a throat-slashing! Cameraman, come in and film this. Captain Lin, can you pose like you’re contemplating in front of the whiteboard?”

“No, no, you can’t film this!” Lin Qiupu said, using his body to block the whiteboard.

“The chief told you to cooperate with us fully. Just let us film a bit. We won’t use it right away, and we’ll censor the bloody parts. Please.”

“Really, you can’t film this!” Lin Qiupu pleaded, feeling like a scholar encountering a soldier, desperate for a way out. Suddenly, an idea struck him. “Go to the forensic team. They’re doing an autopsy. You’ll definitely find something worth filming there.”

“Let us take a few pictures here first!”

“That’s not happening…”

Finally, Lin Qiupu managed to get rid of the pest. Exhausted, he gathered his files and prepared to hide in his office. But as soon as he opened the door, he found Chen Shi sitting in his chair. “You’re playing tricks on me! You said my name wouldn’t be publicized, yet you sent reporters to me!”

“How did you get in?”

“I let myself in!”

“You’ve been having a lot of fun playing hooky these days. We have a new case, and you didn’t even show up.”

Chen Shi chuckled. “You guys rely on me too much now. You don’t even try to solve cases on your own anymore. Captain Lin, if you think you’re not capable, just say so. I’ll come for every case in the future.”

Lin Qiupu was speechless. He glanced back and saw the cameramen collecting footage. He closed the door.

“We’re paying you as a consultant, aren’t we? Your income is higher than mine. What’s there to complain about?”

Chen Shi shrugged. “Fine, fine. Thanks for always looking out for me and giving me money-making opportunities. By the way, why are the reporters here?”

“TV station. The chief wants to promote a positive image of the police. It’s been a headache, making it hard to solve cases.”

“Let me see the case.”

Lin Qiupu handed him the photos and briefly explained the incident. On November 2nd, the police received a report from Anhua Community about a strong smell of blood. They found a father and son murdered in their home, their throats slit. The estimated time of death was the night of November 1st.

The father, Zhang Haichang, was found on the floor, with blood trailing from the sofa. It appeared he was attacked on the sofa and then struggled to the floor.

The son, Zhang Chao, was found in the kitchen, covered in rice from a knocked-over bag.

Nothing was stolen from the scene. Zhang Haichang had a bank card with 1.4 million yuan, which was meant to buy an apartment for his son. A key he usually carried was found on his body, suggesting the killer used it.

There were no fingerprints, hair, or DNA from the killer.

Both victims had sodium thiopental in their systems, likely from the mung bean porridge they consumed. The pot and bowls had been cleaned.

According to Zhang Haichang’s pharmacy employees, his wife had lent money to her ex-husband, Wang Zhenlong, which led to arguments. Zhang Haichang repeatedly messaged Wang, demanding repayment. The amount was small, just a few thousand yuan. Zhang Haichang’s main issue was his wife’s continued contact with her ex, feeling cuckolded. Wang’s responses were also hostile, including a message saying, “I’ve already had her. Who cares?”

After explaining the case, Lin Qiupu realized he had been standing the entire time while Chen Shi sat comfortably, like a subordinate reporting to a superior. “Can you get up?”

Chen Shi, deep in thought about the case, ignored him. “So you suspect Wang Zhenlong?”

“Anyone would.”

“Does he have a criminal record?”

“No, but his behavior is questionable. He’s often involved in drunken brawls and disciplinary issues. He and Zhang Haichang used to be pharmaceutical representatives. Their personalities clashed. Once, dissatisfied with a superior’s decision, Wang made a dummy with the boss’s name and hung it from a tree at their office, which became notorious in their company. Because of this, he was never promoted, remaining a low-level salesperson without even a house. Meanwhile, Zhang Haichang opened a successful pharmacy with his connections. There were rumors that Zhang’s new wife was involved with him even before her divorce.”

“Murder cases always seem to unearth these petty dramas.”

“Do you think Wang Zhenlong isn’t a suspect?”

“I don’t know. I need to meet him. Motives vary from person to person. Some get furious over losing a dollar, while others shrug off losing a thousand.”

“I sent Dongxue and Xiaodong to talk to him.”

“I want to see the crime scene. Come with me!” Chen Shi pulled out a lunchbox, opening it to reveal char siu pork, fried egg, and rice, handing over a pair of chopsticks. “Try this!”

“What is this?”

“Char siu pork.”

“I know it’s char siu pork.”

“I was bored at home, so I tried making it from a recipe. I was going to bring it for Dongxue, but it’ll be cold by the time I see her. Try it!”

Lin Qiupu raised an eyebrow, took a bite reluctantly, and found it surprisingly good. Chen Shi eagerly asked, “How is it?”

The pork was tender, the sauce flavorful with a hint of osmanthus. “As char siu pork goes, it’s very good, but I don’t like sweet meat.”

“Just say it’s good. This box is yours.”

“Hey, I don’t want it!”

Ignoring his protest, Chen Shi packed the box and placed it in the drawer. “Let’s go to the scene.”