Chapter 69: Sudden Developments

Fucha Village Meeting Room

Xie Aiguo was slightly surprised to see the director of the Beizhen Police Station visiting.

The director hadn’t brought a large entourage—just a few key officers, all of whom had previously investigated the case in Fucha Village.

Qi Xiejun greeted him politely. “Apologies for the sudden visit today. The bureau chief sent me here, so I hope you don’t mind, Comrade Xie Aiguo.”

Xie Aiguo chuckled. “No need for such formality! You’re welcome anytime. Feel free to have some tea.”

Qi Xiejun nodded. “I came today to update you on the progress of the case. Additionally, this visit was specifically arranged by the bureau chief. The authorities are paying close attention to Comrade Jing Xi’s case. This child contributed significantly to past anti-crime operations, so the chief wants this case resolved as soon as possible. Finding Comrade Jing Xi and ensuring justice is served is a priority.”

Xie Aiguo nodded in understanding. “I completely understand! She’s a good kid. During the New Year, my grandson suffered from food poisoning, and it was she who helped us. When this tragedy happened, the entire village was heartbroken.”

Qi Xiejun patted Xie Aiguo’s shoulder. “I didn’t realize she had done so much for others—such a kind-hearted person. Our bureau chief liked her very much. He even mentioned visiting the village when he had the time, but after this incident, he’s been too distressed to even eat properly.”

Xie Aiguo sighed regretfully. “We all hope, just like you, that she simply ran away to hide somewhere because she was upset, rather than…” He trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought of her being burned beyond recognition.

Xie Aiguo wasn’t entirely sure about the purpose of Qi Xiejun’s visit,

but from his words, he could tell that the police were taking Jing Xi’s case very seriously.

Perhaps even beyond what was expected.

As they continued their conversation, Zhou Jiwen suddenly rushed in with a worried expression and whispered something in Qi Xiejun’s ear.

Immediately,

Qi Xiejun stood up. “Apologies, Comrade Xie, but an urgent matter has come up at the station. I have to leave now. Please rest assured—we will do everything we can to bring justice for Jing Xi!”

After shaking hands with Xie Aiguo, he quickly left.

---

Outside Fucha Village

Qi Xiejun’s expression turned stern as he walked. “Where’s the crime scene?”

Zhou Jiwen responded immediately. “On the eastern mountain. A shepherd discovered the body. The deceased had red hair and was identified as Chen Erhu, a local from Beizhen. His family has already confirmed his identity.”

“How did he die?”

“Chen and the others believe he was strangled first. However, he also had a stab wound to the stomach, inflicted with a butcher’s knife. The knife has a name engraved on it—it belongs to the town’s butcher shop. The butcher has already been detained.”

“Did they have any conflicts?”

“No. The butcher claims he doesn’t know who stole his knife. When he was arrested, he was still at home asleep and had no idea what had happened.”

Qi Xiejun glanced at the officers in the car. “Start by investigating people familiar with the victim.”

“Yes, sir. We’ve already begun questioning them!”

Qi Xiejun let out a deep sigh. “Things have been far from peaceful lately. Any updates on Jing Xi’s whereabouts?”

Zhou Jiwen shook his head.

Then, he hesitated before asking, “Sir, why do you think Jing Xi would hide?”

Qi Xiejun thought for a moment. “There were no footprints leading out of the scene. Do you think it’s possible that the culprit kidnapped Jing Xi first, then set the house on fire to cover up the evidence?”

“Or perhaps Jing Xi wasn’t even in the house to begin with. Maybe she left right after the Xia family departed?”

It was a bold theory.

But if Qi Xiejun’s guess was correct, then Jing Xi was in even greater danger than they had imagined.

Her life truly hung in the balance.

He took a deep breath. “Do you think this murder of Chen Erhu is connected to Jing Xi’s case? It doesn’t feel like a coincidence.”

The driver, Li Tao, spoke up. “Chen Erhu always followed Zhou Shu around. Yesterday, an informant reported that Zhou Shu and his gang had a falling out—some sort of internal dispute that escalated.”

“So you’re thinking Zhou Shu might be involved?”

Qi Xiejun rubbed his temples. “Does Zhou Shu have a criminal record?”

“Yes. I happened to look into some old case files recently. Years ago, his wife, Chen Xiaowen, reported him for rape. At the time, they weren’t married yet. However, not long after, Chen Xiaowen’s parents demanded that Zhou Shu marry her because she was pregnant. They ended up getting married, and the case was quietly dropped.”

After Li Tao finished speaking, everyone quickly understood the situation.

Cases like Chen Xiaowen’s weren’t uncommon, but reporting a rape case and then marrying the accused? That was quite rare.

“Investigate Zhou Shu thoroughly. Are there any other leads?”

Zhou Jiwen replied, “When Zhou Shu was still in the city hospital, I went to speak with his family. There were a few young men talking in his hospital room, and one of them was this red-haired Chen Erhu.

I already mentioned this to the team before. Zhou Shu had indeed identified Jing Xi as the one who kicked him. His little gang wanted to get revenge for him. I wasn’t able to hear everything they discussed, but not long after I started looking into them, Jing Xi’s house was set on fire. I don’t think these young men are uninvolved.”

“This lead is important. Separate them and interrogate them properly. If necessary, use special methods.”

Everyone nodded in agreement as the police car accelerated, speeding toward the crime scene where Red Hair, Chen Erhu, had been murdered.

=====

Inside the space, Jing Xi had become completely immersed in watching dramas, tending to her crops, and fixing up her house. She had no desire to leave.

For the past few days, she had been glued to the television, watching all the news and dramas from this era.

It helped her gain a deeper understanding of the current policies.

In some major cities, skyscrapers were beginning to rise.

Policies were also becoming increasingly lenient.

She glanced at the calendar—only a few more months until Liu Yan’s college entrance exams.

She sincerely hoped Liu Yan would achieve a good score. She knew Liu Yan was both intelligent and hardworking.

Turning off the TV, she decided to take a short break. Absentmindedly, she switched on the radio beside her.

A sudden breaking news announcement instantly grabbed her attention!

“Breaking news! A local shepherd discovered the body of an adult male while tending his sheep.”

“The body has already been identified by family members, and the case is currently under investigation.”

“Recently, crime rates have been rising. We urge all citizens and villagers to take necessary precautions—guard against fire and theft, lock doors and windows securely, and keep an eye on children.”

The radio went on to report more details about the body and the case.

Jing Xi had a gut feeling that this wasn’t simple. She quickly turned on the TV to check if any local news channels were covering the story.

Sure enough, she found one!

But she didn’t recognize this Red Hair person at all.

Then, as the screen briefly flashed to the crematorium and funeral home, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure standing in the distance—Zhou Shu!