Chapter 635: Deep Investigation

Chen Shi asked, “I heard you have a connection with Geng Changle. Did you know him when you were young?”

Director Wei smiled, “We hung out when we were young, nothing worth mentioning, just a bunch of kids messing around in the streets. We even got into gang fights and fought over territories. Geng Changle was our leader. Do you think he might have been avenged by an old rival?”

“Who were those people?”

Director Wei listed a few names, which Chen Shi noted down. Then he asked, “I heard from your employees that you gave Geng Changle a pretty high salary, basically treating him like a freeloader.”

“Well, we were good friends! After he got out of prison, no one wanted to take him in. Wouldn’t it be wrong if I, his old buddy, didn’t help him out? Besides, he was quite diligent as a gatekeeper. We haven’t had any thefts in the factory these years.”

As he spoke, Director Wei masked a hint of anxiety with a smile.

After chatting a bit more and asking for Director Wei’s alibi, they left. Chen Shi felt that Director Wei could be a suspect; there seemed to be some secret between him and the deceased.

Lin Dongxue received a text from the Information Department listing people Geng Changle had contacted before his death, including Li Zhen, Director Wei, his daughter, and his daughter’s boyfriend. Chen Shi said, “Let’s focus on Director Wei first. Let’s visit Geng Changle’s home.”

“Colleagues from the bank found out yesterday that Geng Changle received 400,000 yuan in his Industrial and Commercial Bank card recently, but the money was quickly withdrawn.”

“Was it before or after his death?”

“On the day of the crime, at noon.”

“Can we trace where it went?”

“Still working on it.”

Geng Changle’s house had been set up as a mourning hall. His daughter, Geng Qing, and her boyfriend were dressed in mourning clothes, burning paper money in front of his shrine. A group of Geng Changle’s old friends were playing mahjong in the living room, laughing and joking, which seemed out of place.

Chen Shi said to Geng Qing, “Please accept our condolences. We came to take a look.”

“Thank you. When can we collect my father’s body? The funeral home is ready, and we’re planning to cremate him soon.” Geng Qing’s eyes were swollen, as if she had been crying.

“We’ll expedite it.” Chen Shi glanced at the living room, “Who are those people?”

“They’re all my dad’s friends. You see, despite my dad’s character, only these few came after his death, not even one relative! Over the past few days, I’ve come to terms with it. A sudden death might have been a relief for him. With his health, he would have suffered if he lived longer. This way, it’s less of a burden.”

“Did Uncle Geng die suddenly because of rheumatism?” her boyfriend asked quietly.

“The police haven’t concluded the cause of death,” Chen Shi replied. “What’s your surname?”

“I’m Wang Mengqi. Here’s my card. Feel free to contact me if needed.” Wang Mengqi handed over a business card.

Chen Shi glanced at it; Wang was a sales manager for a children’s food company. He smiled, “A manager, huh? Young and promising!”

“You’re too kind. I’m just an employee.”

“Geng Qing, can we talk privately?”

The three moved to the bedroom, and Chen Shi asked, “We found 400,000 yuan in your father’s account, withdrawn on the day he died. What’s the story behind this money?”

“I have no idea!” Geng Qing was startled.

“Any other clues?”

Geng Qing thought for a moment, “Did you check those people?”

“We did. No suspicions there. How was his relationship with Director Wei?”

“He often boasted about how close they were, but a few times, after drinking at home, he cursed Wei, calling him an ungrateful bastard… Oh, and my dad had a QQ account. Do you want to check it out?”

Geng Changle had a QQ account on his daughter’s computer. They tried his phone number and successfully logged in. His friend list was full of women, and his nickname was “The Last Big Boss of the Streets,” with a profile picture of him wearing sunglasses and smoking.

Chen Shi thought this old man was quite trendy but didn’t voice it out of respect for the deceased.

Geng Changle mainly used QQ for gaming. The chat history contained nothing significant, just flirting with middle-aged women. Chen Shi asked, “There’s a rumor your dad had an affair with Li Zhen’s wife. Is that true?”

Reluctantly, Geng Qing admitted, “My dad was indeed a bit of a lecher, often hitting on other people’s wives. He got beaten up for it a few times. But I know he was just lonely and wanted someone to talk to.”

“What about your biological mother?”

“They divorced when I was young. She remarried and passed away a few years ago.”

“Did they keep in touch after the divorce?”

“Hardly. I was court-ordered to stay with my dad, but during his prison time, I lived with my mom. She had another child with my stepfather and focused all her attention on that kid. I was like an outsider in their home. I resented my dad for the divorce and for going to prison. Later, when he was released, he saved money to support my education. No matter what others said about him, I know he truly loved me, more than my mom ever did…” Geng Qing wiped away tears again.

“Chen, look at this.” Lin Dongxue opened Geng Changle’s QQ mailbox and found a complaint letter full of typos, but readable. It accused Director Wei of embezzlement, misusing public funds, and having a bad lifestyle.

“This was written by Geng Changle. Seems their relationship was complicated…” Chen Shi suddenly saw Wang Mengqi’s face reflected in the computer screen. Turning around, he found him eavesdropping at the door.

Wang Mengqi, trying to hide his embarrassment, said, “Qing, we’re out of paper. Where did you put it?”

“In the big bag by the sofa.”

Wang Mengqi said “Oh” and left.

The conversation returned to the complaint letter. Lin Dongxue said, “Maybe Geng Changle had dirt on Director Wei. Could it be that Director Wei couldn’t take it anymore…”

“And killed to silence him?” Geng Qing asked in shock.

“We’ll look into it!”

Seeing them out, Chen Shi asked Geng Qing, “How long have you known your boyfriend?”

“More than two years.”

“How was his relationship with your dad?”

“Pretty good. He often bought things for my dad. The TV, fridge, and massage chair at home were all bought by him. My dad praised him for being filial. But recently…” Geng Qing hesitated, “Forget it, I’ll tell you. Recently, my dad wanted to introduce me to another guy, Director Wei’s son. I don’t know what got into him. Mengqi and I have been together for two years and were talking about marriage. Why set me up with someone else? He said the other guy had a good family and education and might take over as factory director. We had a big fight over it, and I didn’t go to the date.”

“Does your boyfriend know?”

“He does. We have no secrets. He said my dad was just trying to cozy up to rich people and to ignore him.”