"Luo Fei, I suspect it's her family; all the current evidence points to her father and brother."
He Xin's tone was very firm, and his attitude was unwavering.
Based on the unique instinct and logical judgnt of a detective, this is indeed the most plausible theory at the mont.
"I understand, but this is still just speculation."
"Even with all the evidence pointing to them, without direct proof of their involvent, we can't act recklessly. Perhaps visiting the village might lead to a breakthrough."
Despite saying this, Luo Fei was already contemplating the whereabouts of Ma Yeni's money.
If there's anyone in this world who could transfer funds from an account using her identity and retain this wealth after her death, it would be her family.
Without any other variables, this is the most direct evidence.
Therefore, his current main objective was to et Ma Tao and his son Ma Yehui.
Finding clues from these two requires nothing more than a glance!
By noon, Luo Fei and his team reached the village, where Lin Jie and others were already waiting.
Since this was a covert operation, they didn't plan to publicly conduct the investigation in the village.
Given the tense atmosphere, making a spectacle could alert the culprits!
If the village indeed harbors the killer, and it's not Ma Yeni's family, they would surely flee at the slightest hint.
Finding any related evidence would be futile then, leading to a stalemate in the investigation.
Lin Jie took the opportunity to report on the investigation's progress.
"Luo Fei, based on the details you provided, we located Ma Tao's ho. However, when we visited for a covert survey around ten this morning, we found no one at the house."
Luo Fei nodded.
Everything was within expectations.
The absence of Ma Yeni's family during this critical period fits the standard progress of the case, as they are suspects, and this absence further supports his suspicions.
"Let's go visit Aunt Tong first."
"Alright."
The group quietly took a side path through the village.
Though it was noon, there was little cooking smoke throughout the village.
The young people had opted to work elsewhere after the New Year, leaving behind the elderly who barely managed als, and this was commonplace.
Since Lin Jie was familiar with the route, they quickly arrived at Aunt Tong's house.
"Officers, you're here!"
"Please, co in, co in..."
Seeing Luo Fei and the others arrive, Aunt Tong seed excited, disregarding the cooking on the stove as she hurriedly welcod them inside.
This kind of enthusiastic hospitality was indeed a bit overwhelming.
Once seated, Luo Fei explained the current investigation's situation, sharing all he could, and upon hearing this, Aunt Tong's expression suddenly turned sorrowful.
"Poor child, I knew it; she appeared in my dreams last night, saying she died unjustly."
Watching her cry inconsolably, Luo Fei was at a loss, while Lin Jie and He Xin took turns comforting her.
Once Aunt Tong's emotions stabilized a bit, they could finally proceed with questioning.
"Aunt Tong, we want to contact Ma Yeni's father and brother, but there's been no news; they're not answering calls and can't be found in the village. Do you have any leads?"
"Ma Tao? Ma Yehui?"
Upon hearing these nas, Aunt Tong's expression changed abruptly from sorrow over Ma Yeni's death to intense disgust.
"Officers, those two are none of my business, whether they're dead or alive. Even if they drop dead outside, it's no concern of mine, humph—"
It's clear their reputation in the village isn't good. Their behavior at Ma Yeni's school proves they're nothing but trouble.
If the villagers say such things, it's even less favorable when considering their true nature.
Luo Fei felt helpless but knew he had to ask.
"Alas, they've truly brought misfortune upon themselves."
"Ma Tao, that scoundrel, and his worthless son, think of nothing but leeching. Ye Ni had such a promising future, was even pursuing a doctorate in the city, yet was severely burdened by these two."
Finally, Aunt Tong repeated everything she knew, aligning closely with what the old professor had previously ntioned.
Lin Jie and others, hearing this for the first ti, were equally infuriated, gritting their teeth.
This father-son duo undoubtedly incited public outrage.
"They're always out and about, either borrowing or spending money, never considering earning it. The father is defying old age etiquette, and the son is a pure parasite. Surely, they've gone off to borrow more money from relatives."
After Aunt Tong's explanation, Luo Fei and the others stopped further inquiries, recognizing the uncertainty surrounding the matter.
To locate them would require different asures.
Suddenly, Aunt Tong rembered the cooking on the stove, so she advised Luo Fei and the others to stay seated while she attended to it.
Within minutes, she swiftly prepared a table full of dishes, having foresaw their visit, thus readying food to host them.
This left them in a bit of a predicant...
Luo Fei and his team exchanged glances, mindful they were public servants, aware they shouldn't impose further.
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