Chapter 19.1
Unworried

In the early hours, the entire second team gathered in the meeting room to discuss the cases of Mao Jiayi and Shen Yi.

Captain Huang presided over the meeting, with Team Leader Lu Qiyuan in attendance.

Cao Haisheng first reported on the autopsy. He and Xie Qing conducted tests and an autopsy on Mao Jiayi’s body.

The victim showed signs of asphyxiation, did not use drugs, but indeed died from drugs, suggesting he and Shen Yi died by the same method.

Mao Jiayi’s body had over a dozen old scars, indicating a troubled past.

Next, Deng Wenxiang, responsible for trace evidence, reported. He said no valuable footprints or fingerprints were found in the victim’s home, but a partial fingerprint of Shen Yi was found on one of the 108 banknotes.

This meant the money Shen Yi lost was in Mao Jiayi’s possession and well hidden.

Several detectives questioned people who were in the restroom at the time.

Someone witnessed the entire incident.

Shen Yi’s shoe was indeed stepped on by Mao Jiayi, who apologized. Shen Yi didn’t say much but cursed loudly after entering the restroom. Mao Jiayi heard it, glared at Shen Yi, and then left. If Mao Jiayi had informed his accomplices to kill Shen Yi, he would have used the Golden Cabinet’s internal phone, as he didn’t have a mobile phone.

So, Huang Zhenyi personally went to the telephone bureau, retrieved the calls made from the Golden Cabinet in the early hours, and found a mobile phone number and the registrant’s identity information.

The registrant was from Shangzhou. Upon verification, he had lost his wallet and ID two years ago while traveling by train and had already replaced them. This person worked in a government department and didn’t own a mobile phone.

Thus, the mobile phone lead ended there.

Captain Huang said, “Team Leader, based on my experience, this is likely a mobile criminal gang that has committed several major crimes.”

Lu Qiyuan flicked his cigarette ash, “I agree. I’ve reported the situation. Director Yan said he would personally report it to higher authorities. They will conduct inspections in various places to intercept this gang and gather information to see if there are similar cases. Everyone, brainstorm and discuss. Let’s come up with an effective investigation plan.”

Wang Zheng said, “Team Leader, Captain, based on Mao Jiayi’s way of hiding money and the scars on his body, I think he might have been a thief. The ID used to get the mobile phone was likely stolen by him. Later, he was coerced by his accomplices to come to Anhai and work at the Golden Cabinet for a specific purpose.”

Huang Zhenyi agreed, “After the meeting, arrange for someone to contact the brother cities in Shangzhou and get a clear picture of Mao Jiayi’s situation.”

He looked at the others, “Anyone else have something to add?”

Ren Yaguang said, “This gang lived at Mao Jiayi’s place for several months. It’s impossible they never went out. I think we should conduct a thorough investigation. If we can create a sketch of someone, the next steps will be easier.”

“That’s a good suggestion,” Huang Zhenyi nodded, “Anything else?”

Most of the detectives were deep in thought, and the meeting room fell into a brief silence.

Lu Qiyuan then said, “Xiao Xie, why don’t you share your thoughts?” He specifically called on Xie Qing.

“Since the team leader asked, I’ll share my thoughts, hoping to spark some ideas,” Xie Qing said humbly. “First, the killers are cunning. Could they have multiple hideouts and never left Anhai? Second, I agree with Team Leader Wang. Mao Jiayi was a waiter and likely a thief. Getting scolded was routine for him, so it doesn’t make sense for him to kill over a minor conflict.”

“If this gang came to Anhai to recuperate or with a specific plan, they wouldn’t alert the police over a small matter. Therefore, I think Shen Yi was targeted from the beginning.”

“I suspect that Mao Jiayi came to the Golden Cabinet specifically to encounter Shen Yi. That night, after spotting Shen Yi and confirming his whereabouts, he followed him downstairs. Seeing Shen Yi driving away alone, he immediately notified his gang. The gang, residing in the development zone, took a shortcut, hid behind trees, and used a woman to lure Shen Yi out of his car before attacking him.”

“Clap, clap, clap!” Huang Zhenyi applauded, “This logic is very reasonable. What does everyone think?”

Wang Zheng smiled, “Impressive! Bold hypothesis, careful verification. I think it’s spot on.” He looked at Xie Qing, “But… according to the investigation, Shen Yi indeed had no enemies.”

“Shen Yi didn’t, but…” Xie Qing gave Wang Zheng a knowing look.

Xie Qing believed that Shen Yi’s car accident in Xie Yun’s previous life might have been intentional. With this verification, Shen Yi’s death could be attributed to a vendetta.

Wang Zheng smiled awkwardly and exchanged a glance with Huang Zhenyi.

Cao Haisheng looked at his apprentice with satisfaction, thinking, “Leaving half the story untold, she’s a clever fox.”

In reality, he didn’t think the veteran detectives couldn’t see this, but the case involved Deputy Mayor Shen. Even if they believed he might have enemies, no one dared to investigate further—why would a city leader have enemies, what caused the enmity, who are the enemies, and do they have any background? These questions are extremely sensitive.

Lu Qiyuan pondered… He had considered Xie Qing’s points from the beginning and reported them, but Director Yan said he had already directly asked Deputy Mayor Shen about the case.

Deputy Mayor Shen said that three years ago, he was the county party secretary in Lixian County, and five years ago, he was the deputy county head in charge of political and legal affairs in Xiang’an County. In his twenty-plus years of official career, he certainly had people who disliked him, but he believed he acted impartially and couldn’t think of anyone who would hate him enough to kill his son.

Now that Xie Qing brought up this possibility again with reasonable speculation, Lu Qiyuan couldn’t continue to ignore it.

Such a complex case could potentially explode, so he had to report the situation. Whether Mao Jiayi’s death could explain Shen Yi’s case and how to proceed would depend on Director Yan and the next team leader.

…

Deputy Mayor Shen, having managed political and legal affairs, understood the difficulties faced by law enforcement agencies. He appreciated the frontline detectives, had no objections to the autopsy, agreed with the case’s nature, and accepted the current challenges in Shen Yi’s case, expressing full understanding.

The city bureau returned Shen Yi’s body to the Shen family.

The detectives conducted a detailed investigation into Mao Jiayi’s background and the activities of his accomplices at his rented residence.

As a forensic doctor, Xie Qing couldn’t help much with the investigation, so she and Cao Haisheng continued with their routine work.

Given the gravity of the case, Xie Qing expected Tan Yi to report soon and kept an eye on the situation for two days. However, nothing happened, and the second team remained calm.

She relaxed and focused on her tasks from Monday to Thursday—working, shopping, and taking driving lessons. She bought some autumn clothes for herself, including a black suit, and had three sets of clothes custom-made at a famous tailor shop in Anhai.

One set was a gift for Grandma Chen, and the other two were thank-you gifts for Xie Xun and Xie Chen, to be picked up in two weeks.

On Thursday afternoon, Xie Qing received a page from Xie Chen: “Shen Yi’s memorial service will be held this Friday.”

Xie Qing had no personal connection with the Shen family and didn’t need to attend, but since Xie Yun was Shen Qing’s close friend and she had personally handled Shen Yi’s body as a forensic doctor, not attending would seem too indifferent.

This was why Xie Chen informed her and why Xie Qing bought the black suit.

The next day was Friday.

At 8 AM, Xie Qing took a leave of absence and walked down the stairs in a formal suit.

“Xiao Xie, why are you dressed so formally?” Director Yan’s kind yet stern voice came from the stairs.

Caught red-handed.

Xie Qing quickly thought it over and decided to tell the truth, “Director Yan, my sister is very close to Shen Yi’s sister, and I’m a forensic doctor. It wouldn’t be appropriate not to go, so I took a short leave.”

“Oh…” Director Yan said, “Then you should go. I happen to be going too. Let’s go together.”

No need to take a taxi.

Xie Qing didn’t hesitate, “Thank you, Director Yan. I’ll gladly accept your offer.”

…

When they arrived at the funeral home, the parking lot was almost full, with luxury cars everywhere. The driver had to go all the way to the back to find a parking spot.

Xie Qing got out of the passenger seat and was about to thank Director Yan when she ran into Chai Yu—his car was right next to theirs. He opened the driver’s door with one hand and held the door frame with the other as Mayor Ye got out.

Their eyes met, and it was impossible not to greet each other.

Xie Qing nodded in acknowledgment, took advantage of Director Yan talking to Mayor Ye, quickly greeted the driver, and slipped away to the flower shop outside the funeral home. She bought a wreath, brought it in, and placed it in line with the others outside the hall.

The memorial service hadn’t started yet, and many people were whispering outside the hall.

Gu Ling was among them, looking sad and standing silently among a group of young people.

Xie Qing avoided them, lowered her head, and walked into the hall. She walked down the central aisle to the front, took three incense sticks from a young man, bowed, and placed them in the incense burner.

Shen Qing bowed in thanks.

Xie Qing said, “My condolences, Sister Shen Qing.”

Shen Qing recognized her and looked at Xie Yun with slight surprise.

Xie Qing turned and nodded slightly at Xie Yun, then glanced around and saw a muscular man in a black suit.

This man exuded a strong, unruly aura, clearly not a kind person. He must be Guan Yangzhi.

Guan Yangzhi was Shen Yi’s high school classmate. His father ran a brewery, and after the real estate market boomed, he ventured into real estate and made a fortune.

Compared to criminals, Guan Yangzhi wasn’t too bad. He was just possessive, vengeful, ruthless in business competition, and persistently entangled with Xie Yun in a domineering manner.

Xie Qing didn’t want to confront Guan Yangzhi, so she quickly looked away and found a corner near the door to quietly observe the wreaths, elegiac couplets, and signatures.

A few minutes later, Mayor Ye and Deputy Mayor Shen entered, followed by Director Yan and other officials.

After Mayor Ye offered incense and said a few comforting words to the Shen family, the memorial service began.

Mourning music played, cannons fired, and everyone observed a moment of silence. The entire process was emotionally draining for Xie Qing.

White-haired parents sending off their black-haired child—how heartbreaking.

The sobbing of Mrs. Shen and Shen Qing was like a dull knife, slowly and painfully cutting into Xie Qing’s heart.

…

The memorial service ended, and the officials left the hall first.

Although Xie Qing was near the door, she didn’t dare to rush out and ended up at the back.

Xie Yun, in high heels, gracefully walked over and whispered, “Why are you here?”

Xie Qing replied, “I’m Shen Yi’s forensic doctor, and you’re Shen Qing’s good friend. It’s better to come than to be criticized.”

Xie Yun said, “I see.”

Once the officials had left, the sisters walked out of the hall together.

Gu Ling and a few young men were waiting outside. When they saw the sisters, their eyes lit up.

Gu Ling said, “Yun Yun, where are you going next? I’ll give you a ride.”

Xie Yun pointed to the parking lot and said gently, “Thank you, Mr. Gu. I drove here today and will take my sister back.”

“Oh…” Gu Ling seemed to realize, “Right, this is your sister. We’ve met before.”

Xie Qing nodded politely, “Hello, Mr. Gu. Hello, everyone.”

“Hello, little sister.”

“Hello.”

The young men greeted her in a disorganized manner.

Xie Yun asked, “How did everyone get here? We’re going to Fengshan District. Anyone need a ride?”

Gu Ling said, “We have enough cars. Let’s go together and chat on the way.”

Standing around the hall entrance wasn’t a good idea, so the group headed to the parking lot.

After a few steps, someone called out, “Gu Ling?”

Everyone instinctively looked over.

Xie Qing did too and saw Guan Yangzhi standing by a Mercedes, the door open, clearly waiting for them.

A young man walking on Gu Ling’s right said, “Why is he here?”

Another added, “Yeah, I remember Shen Yi didn’t have a close relationship with him.”

Gu Ling didn’t intend to go over and just greeted, “Mr. Guan, you’re here too?”

Guan Yangzhi, knowing what Gu Ling’s next words would be, immediately walked over and greeted Shen Yi’s classmates one by one, finally focusing on Xie Yun, “And this is…”

Gu Ling had to introduce, “This is Xie Yun, and next to her is her sister, Xie Qing, who works at the city police department.”

Xie Qing glanced at Xie Yun, who gave her a warning look.

Xie Qing understood that Xie Yun only mentioned she worked at the police department, not that she was a forensic doctor.

Fine, whatever. She didn’t want to get involved in Xie Yun’s circle anyway.

Guan Yangzhi said, “So, Miss Xie, can I have your phone number?”

Xie Jun replied, “Sorry, I don’t have a mobile phone. My parents are strict. How about I give you my pager number?”

Her response was very appropriate, politely declining while saving Guan Yangzhi’s face.

Guan Yangzhi accepted it gladly.

After saying goodbye, Xie Qing and the others continued walking.

They chatted as they walked.

One of them said, “It’s not easy for a girl to be a police officer. Which department are you in, Qing Qing?”

Xie Yun answered for her, “She works at the 110 emergency call center.”

“Oh… that’s a good job. At least it’s not dangerous.”

“Yeah, it’s best for a girl to have a stable job.”

“I thought she was a detective or an economic police officer. I was overthinking, haha…”

“What does 110 do? Just answer calls?”

“Pretty much.”

…

Xie Qing didn’t join the conversation, and the group quickly lost interest.

Xie Qing breathed a sigh of relief. They didn’t think much of her, and she didn’t think much of them either.

“We’re here.” Xie Yun’s car, a luxury Peugeot, was parked on the outer edge.

Xie Qing said a perfunctory goodbye and was about to open the car door when Director Yan’s car arrived. The driver honked and rolled down the window, “Xiao Xie, get in.”

“I’ll go now.” Xie Qing said goodbye to Xie Yun and quickly got into the passenger seat.

Xie Yun: “…”

Gu Ling looked at Xie Yun in confusion, “If I’m not mistaken, that’s Director Yan’s car.”

Xie Yun was also puzzled. How did a forensic doctor end up in the director’s car?

But she quickly thought it through and said, “I think my grandfather knows Director Yan. They must have interacted before.”

…

On Saturday, Xie Qing cleaned for half a day and went out to pick up her clothes in the afternoon. With nothing to do in the evening, she went to the training room.

The young police officers were either home or on dates, so the training room was mostly empty, with plenty of equipment available. Xie Qing had many options and chose to practice boxing with a punching bag in the corner.