Chapter 634: The Old Gun

Chen Shi gathered several names of individuals who had conflicts with the deceased from Geng Qing. Each person was then investigated separately.

First up was a middle-aged man named Han Dabao, who was Geng Changle’s neighbor. According to the investigation, the two had a dispute last year. After an argument, Han Dabao, in a fit of rage, cut the cable line of Geng Changle’s home that ran through his property with a knife.

Geng Changle “retaliated” by sneaking into Han Dabao’s yard late at night and urinating in his pickle jar…

Hearing about this petty feud, many police officers chuckled. Chen Shi asked, “What’s Han Dabao’s education and background?”

“He sells pancakes outside the community, never went to school,” answered the officer investigating this lead.

“Let’s pass on him. He wouldn’t come up with such an intricate murder method, and their dispute doesn’t seem significant.”

Next was a man named Li Zhen, a colleague of Geng Changle’s, who had once threatened to kill him. There were reports that he had stolen dangerous materials from the factory.

The root of their conflict was Geng Changle often bragging about his past romantic exploits in front of colleagues. One day, as he recounted a certain affair, Li Zhen realized the story’s protagonist was his own wife.

Li Zhen’s wife had been introduced to him by Geng Changle. It was only after more than twenty years of marriage that Li Zhen discovered that his wife had already been involved with Geng Changle before they met. This was in the 1990s when such behavior could be considered a criminal offense.

Li Zhen wanted to sue Geng Changle, but the criminal code had long since changed. Resentful, he had several altercations with Geng Changle at the factory.

Old Zhang commented, “What kind of person was the deceased, an old troublemaker?”

Chen Shi asked the investigating officer, “Does Li Zhen have an alibi?”

“He claimed he was having dinner at home with his wife that day. It needs verification.”

“I don’t think he’s a likely suspect.”

“Should we follow up on him, Chen?”

“Not for now.”

There were three other individuals who had conflicts with Geng Changle, but all of them were dead. Each investigated person portrayed themselves favorably, blaming Geng Changle for their grudges, accusing him of seducing their wives, causing trouble at work, or badmouthing them behind their backs.

Based on various testimonies, Geng Changle appeared to be an irresponsible, idle man with a terrible temper who offended many people. Hearing of his death, many people were relieved.

However, none of these people fit the profile of a suspect in Chen Shi’s mind. The person capable of such a meticulous murder must be educated, methodical, and discreet, harboring their hatred silently, not flaunting it like these individuals.

Thus, Chen Shi concluded that the list Geng Qing provided contained no suspects.

Lin Dongxue asked, “What about Geng Qing herself? Does she have a motive?”

Chen Shi replied, “I spoke to her briefly at the scene. Though she lived with her father, they led separate lives. Geng Changle didn’t interfere even when Geng Qing dated someone. Although he was a scoundrel, he treated his daughter well, as she was his only family. I observed her expression at the time—she wasn’t lying.”

“How should we proceed?” Old Zhang asked.

“Verify these people’s alibis. Surveillance footage from the park could help exclude some suspects. Winter and I will check out his workplace.”

After the meeting, the two arrived at the gear factory, which mainly processed customized machine parts. The workshop’s machinery was loud. When Chen Shi mentioned they wanted to learn about Geng Changle, a colleague who had argued with him, Li Zhen, came out.

Li Zhen said, “The police visited me recently. I said some rash things. You don’t suspect me, do you? I did take some paint and such from the factory for personal use at home, but I couldn’t have used that to kill anyone.”

Chen Shi asked, “You know Geng Changle well?”

“Very well. I’d say 80% of those who knew him wished him dead.”

“So don’t worry. We’re just conducting routine inquiries with those who had disputes with him.”

Li Zhen relaxed. “Should I provide some names?”

“Let’s talk about that later. I want to ask about his situation at the factory. How much was his monthly salary?”

“About five thousand yuan, the same level as our technicians. And he often skipped work, drank, and slept on the job!” Li Zhen sneered. “No idea why Director Wei kept him around with such a high salary.”

“What’s the pay for a regular guard?”

“Old Wang, the other guard, makes less than two thousand.”

“That seems pretty good treatment for him. Any reason?”

Li Zhen scratched his cheek. “I heard Director Wei and he go way back, but that’s just hearsay.”

“What’s your director’s education level?”

“Technical secondary school, which was quite valuable in those days.”

“Did Geng Changle have a mistress?”

“I don’t know…”

“Alright, thanks!”

As they were about to leave, Li Zhen caught up with them, saying, “I might as well tell you to avoid suspicion. I suspected that old bastard was seeing my wife. Once, I saw him near my house. It’s embarrassing, but my wife was deflowered by him before we married. That scoundrel even bragged about it at the dinner table. We’ve been fighting constantly at home because of this.”

“No wonder someone would want him dead,” Chen Shi remarked.

“Was he hacked to death? How many times? Was it gruesome?” Li Zhen eagerly asked, showing genuine surprise since the police hadn’t released the details.

Chen Shi laughed, “I was just kidding. He wasn’t hacked to death.”

“Ha, I get it. You’re testing me, right? You cops are always so tricky!” Li Zhen laughed too.

After parting with Li Zhen, Lin Dongxue said, “It seems like Director Wei keeping Geng Changle on wasn’t just out of camaraderie. It felt like he was holding something over him.”

Chen Shi nodded, “I was thinking the same. We should meet him.”

Director Wei, also in his fifties, looked younger in his office attire, wearing a suit and glasses, giving a refined impression. He warmly welcomed them, asking his secretary to serve tea.

“The whole factory is talking about it. Geng Changle was murdered. I was shocked by the news. You may know, we were good buddies in our youth and still often drank together. He wasn’t a bad guy, just hot-tempered like Li Kui. I don’t know who he offended, but you must find out the truth. I’ll have everyone in the factory cooperate with the investigation.”

Director Wei’s opening speech was well-crafted, but his expression showed little sadness.