Chapter 46
Borrowing money

Tan Yi seemed to have the idea of coaxing a child. Not only did he buy a Coke, but he also bought a hamburger and fries for Xie Qing to snack on.

Xie Qing had eaten quite a bit for lunch, so she skipped the hamburger but enjoyed the fries. Holding the paper bag, she ate and drank all the way back to the city bureau.

At 4 PM, the second team had a meeting, which Xie Qing and Cao Haisheng also attended—the preliminary work for this case was enormous, so they temporarily decided not to merge it with other cases.

Huang Zhenyi also attended.

Tan Yi presided over the meeting, and everyone first summarized the information they had gathered.

The Xiali driver’s injuries were not severe, and he had already been questioned along with the truck driver.

At first, both men refused to admit their true intentions behind the crash, but Wang Zheng first presented evidence that they had known each other for a long time and then showed them photos of Shi Fang’s death. They were scared out of their wits but only admitted to the criminal intent of causing a car accident, firmly denying any intention to murder Tan Yi.

Admitting to murder would add a more severe charge, and no one would admit to that unless they were foolish. Moreover, their explanation wasn’t entirely unreasonable—Tan Yi was the captain of the criminal investigation team. They might hate him, but taking money to frame him was one thing; murder was another.

Without concrete evidence, the case of attempting to murder Tan Yi had to be shelved.

The focus had to remain on Shi Fang’s case.

Fu Da led a team to investigate Shi Fang and the Sichuan hotpot restaurant.

Shi Fang was a local bully in Peach Blossom Town, with seven small-time thugs under him—the Xiali driver and the truck driver were among them. They mainly made a living by collecting debts and engaging in fights for revenge. They weren’t involved in organized crime but were indeed a group of troublemakers, long targeted by the Fengshan sub-bureau.

Shi Fang’s associates said he had recently taken on a big job that would earn him 200,000 yuan if successful. However, he kept the details of the deal a secret.

As for the Sichuan hotpot restaurant, the manager said there were no surveillance cameras, and the customers were just there to eat. They hadn’t noticed anything unusual—Shi Fang had invited a few of his underlings, including the Xiali driver, which the driver confirmed.

Tan Yi led the second team to investigate the Binhai Road area but found no eyewitnesses. The nearest residence was a kilometer away, and the residents said their dogs hadn’t barked, let alone any people.

They also checked barbecue restaurants. The barbecue industry in Anhai was thriving, but after checking a few places, none of the owners or staff had seen Shi Fang.

After the reports, everyone fell silent.

Huang Zhenyi smoked a cigarette, his gaze fixed on the blackboard filled with chalk writing, saying nothing for a long time.

After an unknown amount of time, Tan Yi relaxed his furrowed brow and said, “The case is indeed difficult, but we must continue investigating. Let’s brainstorm and see if there’s anything we’ve overlooked.”

Du Zhun said, “Let’s keep checking the barbecue restaurants. Since the deceased ate and drank before death, he must have been at one of them.”

Li Ji had a different opinion, “What if he ate at the killer’s house?”

Li Ke, who had just returned, said, “I don’t think the killer would be so foolish as to bring Shi Fang to their lair.”

Li Ji said, “Why not? It’s more convenient to act at home.”

Wang Zheng added, “I also think the killer wouldn’t openly appear at a barbecue restaurant. So, is it possible that the killer owns the barbecue restaurant? If the killer doesn’t admit it, we’ll never find the place where they ate barbecue.”

This made sense, as many barbecue restaurant owners had some social connections.

Fu Da said, “Deputy Captain Huang, Captain Tan, the killer has strong counter-surveillance abilities. If we search every barbecue restaurant like headless chickens, won’t we be playing into the killer’s hands?”

Huang Zhenyi stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, “Better to make a mistake than to miss something. We can’t let our subjective imagination make the killer seem invincible. That would be boosting their morale and undermining our own.”

Fu Da smiled and shook his head, “Deputy Captain Huang is right. Let’s all take this as a lesson.”

Old Du said, “Don’t worry, I’m not like you. I always think I’m the best.”

“Get lost!” Fu Da laughed and cursed, “If you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Huang Zhenyi said, “So, everyone, continue investigating as planned. Focus on Shi Fang’s actions on his last day. He’s the type to brag and show off; many people know him. If we ask around, we’ll find some clues.”

This was the experience of an old police officer.

Fu Da and Wang Zheng nodded together.

Tan Yi said, “One more thing, from the hotpot restaurant to Binhai Road, it’s not a short distance, and there’s no public transportation at night. If the killer wanted to be more discreet in their contact with Shi Fang, they should have had a car. If not, they likely hid near Wolong Community and Zui Long Bay.”

Very clear-headed and with a broad perspective.

Xie Qing nodded inwardly. These two points were crucial leads in Shi Fang’s case. If they could find them, there would be a breakthrough. If not… well, even if they could, it wouldn’t be easy.

The same group of people had been committing crimes for over a decade, indicating how well they were hidden. She decided not to play the prophet.

“That’s a very good addition,” Huang Zhenyi tapped the table with his index finger, “I think the latter is more likely.”

Fu Da said, “If the killer is in the coastal area and doesn’t want to appear in the city, Shi Fang might have taken a taxi. We can ask the taxi drivers and check the barbecue restaurants near the two communities.”

“Very good.” Huang Zhenyi stood up, “Time is of the essence. Let’s get to work.”

After the meeting, Huang Zhenyi and Tan Yi left together.

Xie Qing and Cao Haisheng also returned to the office. As soon as they arrived, Xie Qing’s phone rang.

It was Tan Yi, asking her to go to Huang Zhenyi’s office.

Xie Qing knew it was likely about the letter—Tan Yi hadn’t mentioned it during the meeting, so he would report it privately.

Two minutes later, she knocked on the deputy captain’s office door.

Huang Zhenyi waved her over, “Xiao Xie, come sit.”

Xie Qing sat in the chair in front of his desk, exchanged a glance with Tan Yi, and asked, “Deputy Captain Huang, what can I do for you?”

Huang Zhenyi said, “Yes, we didn’t find the killer’s fingerprints on the letter, so I want to hear your analysis of it.”

“Alright, I’ll do my best.” Xie Qing took a pair of gloves from her jacket pocket and put them on.

This was a small test from Huang Zhenyi, and she had to take it seriously.

Huang Zhenyi smiled, “You guessed I would ask you to look at the letter, didn’t you? Top students are indeed smart.”

Xie Qing said, “Deputy Captain Huang, you’re overestimating me. It’s just that after being a forensic doctor for a long time, I have some habits. My habit is to always have gloves and a mask with me.”

“That’s a good habit.” Huang Zhenyi pushed the letter over, “Actually, your mentor also understands handwriting analysis, but since you’re a member of the task force, let’s not trouble two people for one thing. Study it and see if you can provide more details.”

Xie Qing asked, “Do you have a magnifying glass?”

Huang Zhenyi took one out of the drawer, “I knew you’d need it, so I prepared it.”

Xie Qing took it and carefully examined each word on the letter. About twenty minutes later, she put down the magnifying glass and placed the letter where everyone could see it.

“First, the handwriting is poor, not smooth, and the writing habits are unstable. I want to clarify that poor handwriting doesn’t mean it’s not smooth. Even someone with bad handwriting can write smoothly. These words have a clear direction of force, indicating the writer used their non-dominant hand. This was written with the left hand.”

“Secondly, although the writer’s handwriting habits are unstable, careful observation reveals the influence of habitual thinking. For example, the finishing strokes of characters like ‘市’ (city), ‘凶’ (murder), and ‘出’ (appear) all show the same looping finish. Additionally, the small stroke in ‘海’ (sea) has a noticeable looping start.”

“Finally, the writer correctly wrote the character ‘懿’ (Yi), indicating a certain level of cultural literacy. This also supports the conclusion that the letter was written with the left hand. Moreover, the spacing of the characters is even and well-distributed on the lined paper. These writing habits suggest that the writer is cautious, sensitive, steady, and has strong self-control.”

Huang Zhenyi nodded repeatedly, “Well said.”

Xie Qing added, “Unfortunately, without a document for comparison, this currently holds little significance.”

Huang Zhenyi replied, “Just because we don’t have one now doesn’t mean we won’t in the future. Xiao Xie, please prepare two copies of your analysis, one for me and one for Captain Tan.”

Xie Qing stood up, “Alright, I’ll have it ready before dinner.”

Huang Zhenyi laughed, “I’m not a taskmaster; there’s no need to rush. By Monday will be fine.”

…

Xie Qing returned to the office to find Cao Haisheng tidying up his desk and getting ready to leave.

As he organized his files, he reminded her, “You just got your driver’s license. It’s good to stay in the dormitory and avoid driving around unnecessarily.”

Xie Qing felt a warmth in her heart and asked, “Master, how is your wife’s health?”

Cao Haisheng smiled, “You know, wearing a mask does offer some protection. She’s been much better this year compared to previous years.”

Xie Qing nodded, “And the house? Have you applied for one yet?” She had reminded him several times.

Cao Haisheng pointed at her with his index finger, “Don’t worry, I’ve applied for a house, and I didn’t need to borrow any money.”

In the end, the 500 yuan Xie Qing had given him helped a lot, temporarily alleviating the Cao family’s financial crisis. With better nutrition, the patient’s resistance had improved significantly.

Xie Qing poured herself a cup of hot water, “It’s cold, Master. Don’t ride your bike. It’s a long way; just take the bus.”

Cao Haisheng lived far away. To save money, he usually rode part of the way, left his bike at a relative’s workplace, and then took the bus home.

“Alright, alright,” Cao Haisheng replied dismissively, “I’m leaving now.”

“Wait a moment, Master,” Xie Qing had an idea she hadn’t dared to try before, but now seemed like a good time, “Do you have any spare money?”

Cao Haisheng paused, “What’s wrong? How much do you need?”

Xie Qing said, “I have an urgent need. I can repay you before the New Year. How much can you lend me?”

“Before the New Year,” Cao Haisheng lowered his head, “Alright, I’ll go to the bank tomorrow and get you 3,000 yuan.”

Given Cao Haisheng’s family situation, 3,000 yuan was likely all his savings.

Xie Qing was very grateful, “Thank you, Master. I’ll give you an IOU.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m leaving now,” Cao Haisheng said, slinging his bag over his shoulder and heading out the door.

Xie Qing smiled to herself, thinking she would also borrow some money from Li Ji and Li Ke later.

The stock market had been rising for a while and was currently undergoing a correction. After that, it would likely continue to soar. When the time was right, she would sell at a high point and help them earn a 50% profit.

This amount of money might not mean much to Li Ke, but it would be a significant supplement for Li Ji and Cao Haisheng.