Similarly, while Jiang Zhihao might have inappropriate thoughts towards the victim, he doesn’t have the capability to stage a seemingly normal suicide. If he were meticulous, he would have realized the police’s suspicion after talking to Zhuang Zi and wouldn’t have deleted the call records and sent her screenshots to prove his innocence. So, he indeed didn’t receive a call from Zhuang Zi, and he is not the perpetrator.”

Another officer asked, “How can we be sure last night’s perpetrator is a jobless local?”

Si Hang replied, “The police have been protecting the victim closely. If the perpetrator had restricted working hours, they couldn’t have accurately seized the opportunity when the victim was alone. This indicates constant surveillance rather than intermittent tracking.”

Xiao Meng added, “The perpetrator’s Mandarin is not standard, indicating their education is below high school level. With such education, they would typically have labor-intensive jobs, leaving them too exhausted to follow the victim late at night.”

“And one more point,” Si Hang said seriously, looking at everyone with sharp eyes. “The victim’s family background is very complex. Someone who wants her dead must have a deep grudge against her or her family. Based on the perpetrator’s social status, it’s possible they are one of the victims of the stone factory accident in Luocheng years ago. The other motive is unclear but definitely involves a deep relationship with the victim.”

Xie Kui added, “Zhuang Zi mentioned she has no conflicts with her ex. Besides, her ex has been married for at least two years, and they haven’t been in contact.”

“Besides romantic partners, close relatives are also possibilities,” Si Hang said. “Moreover, the victim is currently homeless, with no relatives coming forward to help, which is unusual. We need to investigate all relatives connected to the Zhuang family closely.”

After hearing these analyses, everyone suddenly felt enlightened.

The key investigation directions were now clear:

1. Search the city for the perpetrator who abducted Zhuang Zi last night.

2. Continue tracking the hacker lead.

3. Investigate relatives closely connected to Zhuang Zi.

4. Review all victims related to Zhuang Hong’s accident case.

After assigning tasks, Si Hang announced the end of the meeting.

Everyone returned to the office and fully immersed themselves in their work.

Xiao Meng was about to go on a business trip to another province. After receiving the information about the victims he needed to visit, he slipped into Si Hang’s office, grinning as he sat in front of his desk. “Boss, I’ll be gone for several days to investigate the stone factory victims. There’ll be no one to take care of Xiaomi. Can you continue to look after her?”

Si Hang glanced at him, a slight smile on his lips, but his voice was cool, making Xiao Meng feel dejected. “Do you think I have nothing to do?”

“It’s not that, Boss. The problem is, she won’t go with Xie Kui,” Xiao Meng said, shrugging innocently. “She only wants to stay with you because you’re too good to her.”

“Get out.”

…

Xiao Meng knew that although Si Hang didn’t agree verbally, he wouldn’t just leave Xiaomi unattended.

After leaving the office, Xiao Meng explained a few things to Xiaomi, then left early to pack for his trip.

In the evening, Si Hang was working late as usual, while Xiaomi sat on the office sofa reading comics.

When he finished his case files and looked at the time on his computer, it was already nine o’clock. Xiaomi, lying on the sofa and half asleep with her mouth open, woke up instantly at the sound of him turning off the desk lamp.

She rubbed her eyes and saw Si Hang putting on his coat. She quickly slid off the sofa. “Uncle, are we going home?”

Si Hang picked up his phone and car keys and headed out, tilting his head towards the door. “Let’s go.”

Xiaomi smiled and immediately followed him, bouncing along behind him all the way to the parking lot.

…

The night was tranquil, with moonlight as gentle as water.

The dark blue sky was sparsely dotted with a few bright stars.

Si Hang walked out of the office building with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his car keys.

“Uncle,” Xiaomi approached him, pointing in a direction, and asked softly, “Will Auntie come home with us today?”

He raised his eyebrows and followed her gaze.

Ahead, Zhuang Zi was leaning against the hood of a white BMW, her hands in her coat pockets, looking up at the sky, seemingly waiting for someone.

The moonlight made her skin look even softer and fairer than during the day, her delicate profile outlined faintly in the moonlit night.

Xiaomi called out, “Auntie.”

Zhuang Zi paused and turned to look at them.

The two of them exchanged a cold glance without speaking a word.

The next moment, Zhuang Zi walked towards them.

Si Hang stopped and watched her quietly as she approached, stepping through the cool moonlight.

Her expression was indifferent as she handed him a long red velvet bag and said, “Please give this to Auntie.”

She had brought it along earlier in the evening when Xiao Zhang accompanied her to Nanxin Community to get her clothes.

Si Hang pulled out his hand from his pocket to take the bag.

After handing over the item, Zhuang Zi turned and walked away.

Si Hang watched her back, and just as he was about to look away, she suddenly stopped and turned around.

Standing a few meters away, her gaze was distant. After a brief pause, she faintly curved her lips, and her calm voice carried a hint of cold retaliation: “I have no interest in you either!”

“……”

……

One headed south, the other north, each turning and walking in opposite directions.

Si Hang drove out of the parking lot, brushing past her car.

As he drove further away, almost involuntarily, he glanced at the rearview mirror.

The woman hadn’t gotten into her car; she was still leaning against the door talking on the phone.

The figure in the rearview mirror grew smaller and smaller. He looked away, and after a moment, his lips curved in a smile that was half amused.

In the morning, wasn’t he just casually saying something to appease his mother?

This woman, she really pays attention to every detail!