With that single sentence, everyone already knew who was calling; Mr. Sun was now the head of the Qidong Sub-bureau. Although his promotion wasn’t as rapid as Xu Dayuan’s, he was a solid leader in his own right.
Mr. Liu seed to think of sothing, his eyes lighting up as he moved closer to Xu Dayuan, who reluctantly activated the speakerphone. The sounds of page-turning and keyboard tapping in the room also ca to a cooperative halt.
"Didn’t I say I’d coordinate with you? When I thought about He Chunyang going to find that pyrotechnics owner Cheng Zhi, it seed not serious enough, so I personally called him. Besides, have you forgotten? I was the one who handled this case back then. Why didn’t you co directly to ?"
Xu Dayuan gave an embarrassed smile.
"Heh, how could I forget that? I just thought if He Chunyang could handle it, we wouldn’t bother the old leader."
"Don’t give that nonsense. You’re my leader now. In a bit, I’ll bring Mr. Cheng and the child over to you. As for checking the fingers with X-rays, I think Zhou Xiaozhou can handle it, unless you prefer to look yourselves."
Of course, Xu Dayuan had no objections.
"Alright, but isn’t the child in class today? Is it convenient for them to co over?"
Mr. Sun grunted twice, and one couldn’t help but notice that Xu Dayuan shared so of his subtleties.
"Stop playing gas with . I told Mr. Cheng that we’ve co across a case extrely similar to the kidnapping of his son years ago. After police analysis, the young man doesn’t seem like the real culprit. It’s possible the real culprit is still at large and motivated by revenge, especially since the recent case involved a victim being killed."
"I’ve learned my lesson. You’re still as cunning as ever, Mr. Sun. Fine, I won’t stand on ceremony with you. Give a call when you arrive."
After finishing the conversation, Xu Dayuan quickly hung up the phone, though one could still faintly hear Mr. Sun’s irritated voice through the handset. Once the call ended, everyone resud their work.
Zhou Ning gestured towards the door after Xu Dayuan hung up.
"Since Mr. Sun will be here soon, I’ll go over the examination report. After eting with Mr. Sun and the kidnapping survivor, we can all debrief, okay?"
Xu Dayuan didn’t object, and several of them returned to the laboratory. Zhu Xingxing and her colleagues seed to be examining sothing. Zhou Ning approached, asking subconsciously,
"Have you found anything?"
Zhu Xingxing looked up as she saw Zhou Ning and the others return, trying to stand up; however, it seed she had been squatting for too long and her legs were numb, causing her to stumble to one side. Mr. Zhao quickly steadied her.
"What’s wrong? What are you guys studying down there for? Don’t you know to find a seat? Shake your legs now."
Zhu Xingxing gave him a glare, feeling sowhat embarrassed, and managed to struggle to her feet, pointing to the examination report and saying,
"Boss, look at this. The chemical substances found on the deceased’s clothing, we’ve reorganized the information, even asked Mrs. Cui for the original lab records, and consulted with Doctor Lu.
Doctor Lu said, the combination of these sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, and other compounds is likely a special type of grease, not the kind used in common automotive or marine applications.
Because of so special particles within the compound, it bears similarities to a grease used in the navy. This grease is typically solid and is applied to reduce friction on easily damaged parts, often used in precise and vulnerable components of ships."
Zhou Ning furrowed his brows slightly. This discovery, along with previous analyses of the murder weapon, led Zhou Ning to suspect that the killer might have a particular identity.
Mr. Zhao took the records and gave them a serious look, an uncommon seriousness on his face.
"I’ll ask my old man to see where this stuff is used and who might have access to it."
After speaking, Mr. Zhao walked away. Zhou Ning had never asked about Mr. Zhao’s family background, but he could guess a thing or two; having grown up in a military compound with both parents serving in the army, his family likely held so significant military positions.
It wasn’t long before Mr. Zhao returned.
"My dad says this solid grease is unique to them and that many people can co into contact with it, mainly those responsible for ship maintenance. This grease isn’t very useful when brought ho, so the control isn’t very strict.
However, this grease does have its flaws when it cos to high-temperature resistance, and now they’re using a more advanced grease that’s recently developed with a substantially different composition. It’s essentially an obsolete item from before 2003."
Though his statent was quite general, it did narrow down the scope to navy personnel and those involved with ships, individuals who could have access to this grease, especially along the 2003 tiline.
If the 2000 Qidong kidnapping case was also committed by this person, then it’s possible that the perpetrator could have been a soldier who enlisted before 2000. New soldiers, although they get leave, can’t just leave, so they must have enlisted even earlier, and by this ti, might have already retired.
But what was he using this grease for?
Could it be for maintenance of his cutting tools?
At this thought, Zhou Ning took out his phone and dialed Cui Lili’s number; she answered almost instantly.
"What’s up?"
"Sis, I have a question. Zhu Xingxing ntioned that the grease found on the victim’s clothing had many chemical components. So I want to ask, have the victim’s wounds also been tested for similar substances? Are there any matching components?"
"I just checked my work notes, and indeed, I did a comparison. However, it was Cui Haibin’s team that sent it for analysis. Although they collected samples from the wounds, there was no directive to test for chemical residues, so I didn’t provide them with a corresponding report. I’ll check my experintal process records. I think I should have a copy. If I find it, I’ll send it to you."
After expressing his thanks, Zhou Ning hung up, and Liu Yongxin approached.
"Apprentice, do you suspect the killer used this as a lubricant, to maintain the triangular bayonet?"
Zhou Ning nodded.
"Otherwise, I can’t think of any other reason he would keep this grease. After all, it’s hard to co across such high-density grease in daily life. It might just be a habit, to prevent the blade from rusting or corroding."
Liu Yongxin nodded, acknowledging the analysis.
"It is indeed possible. However, if we follow that analysis, the killer might be a retired soldier. If we can confirm this identity, then it would make sense that he managed to escape the arrests at the cri scenes of the 2000 February 3rd and 2004 April 14th kidnapping cases," he said.
Zhou Ning said nothing, staring at the information organized on the glass whiteboard, examining it carefully.
Yet turmoil was already churning inside him. If the killer really held that identity, then the complexity of the case had just increased. But why did he choose Zhu Yantao’s family to strike against?
Was it because of Fang Yue’s identity?
Logically, a semi-retired actress shouldn’t attract much attention, unless it’s the modern phenonon of obsessive fans, but Fang Yue wasn’t that famous. She only had one notable film to her na, and if it weren’t for her murder, she would have likely been forgotten by now.
Then, was Zhu Guotai flaunting his wealth?
When he t Zhu Yantao in Rudong City previously, the chubby old man’s smile was very healing. Such a genial person’s son couldn’t be far off in character, and naturally had his own outstanding qualities to have been chosen by Fang Yue.
Being the owner of a chain of restaurants, he didn’t rank among the top tycoons in the Qindao Area in 2004, but he was rather prominent among the younger generation. The resistance wounds and torture injuries on his body were the most severe, with his intestines even being pulled out several ters. Such treatnt was sothing he had seen during training in dark rooms, typically associated with seeking revenge.
But what grudges could a restaurateur harbor?
Especially where a child was concerned, having been stabbed in the lower body and even stirred around, with multiple fractures elsewhere on the body—these injuries were caused by being thrown around. What kind of cold-blooded person could do such things to a child?
Despite receiving the ransom, the kidnapper did not release the hostages; rather, he tortured them even as he received the money. Fang Yue was relatively better off. Could it be that the perpetrator was an old suitor of Fang Yue’s, or soone she once knew well?
Zhou Ning shook his head, overwheld by too many suspicions. It seed he would still have to wait for Xu Dayuan and his team to finish organizing the information and then investigate Fang Yue and Zhu Guotai’s social relationships.
...
15:14
Mr. Sun rushed in noisily, raising his voice as soon as he ca upstairs.
"I say, couldn’t you have soone wait for downstairs? Without any respect, it’s still the first ti I’ve co to your technical departnt, you know. Do you have a problem with ?" he complained.
"Mr. Sun has finally arrived, co on in!"
Xu Dayuan quickly walked over, and when they shook hands, they slapped each other’s arms vigorously. Zhou Ning was about to step forward but imdiately stopped, as this manner of greeting was a bit too much for his build.
However, Mr. Sun caught sight of Zhou Ning and smiled excitedly.
"Can’t call you ’Zhou Xiaozhou’ anymore. Now you’re Director Zhou. I always said you were talented, and look at you living up to my words. But all of you being so capable also reflects well on my judgnt," he said.
With that, everyone laughed. He Chunyang only then pushed the door open and ca in, looking tense, as were the two people behind him. He Chunyang nodded at Xu Dayuan but did not exhibit much warmth.
"Director Xu, I’ve brought the people. This is Cheng Zhi, the owner of Qidong Caiyun Fireworks Wholesale, essentially the largest fireworks dealer in Qidong. And this is his son, Cheng Xinghui," he said.
Xu Dayuan smiled and nodded, shaking hands with Cheng Zhi. The son looked about 172 centiters tall, quite mature for his age, but his eyes betrayed his youth. Surrounded by so many police officers, he was nervously blinking.
"Thank you for cooperating. How about we go to the next room to talk? The child can stay here and play for a while. I’ll have a doctor check him out. Don’t worry, this place is absolutely safe. Whether it was twelve years ago or now, the police’s duty is to protect the safety of people’s lives and property," Xu Dayuan said.
After thinking for a mont, Cheng Zhi nodded in agreent, having made up his mind by coming here.
"Actually, it’s not about the money. I just hope my son can be healthy and safe. After all, this boy wasn’t easy to co by. His mother almost didn’t make it giving birth to him, and we treasure him like the apple of our eye," Cheng Zhi expressed.
Mr. Sun patted Cheng Zhi on the shoulder and sighed.
"Buddy, don’t say that. We understand. Isn’t everyone a parent? It’s about preventing future problems. Let’s go and have a chat. Director Zhou, take care of the kid," Mr. Sun said.
Zhou Ning nodded, and the group swiftly exited. With this, Cheng Xinghui beca even more nervous. Zhou Ning didn’t move but gave Mr. Qu a look. Mr. Qu had already prepared his phone.
With a bang, a celebratory screen popped up, and he even feigned wiping sweat from his forehead dramatically.
"That scared the life out of . The boss just ca by, and if he saw playing gas for a bit, wouldn’t I get chewed out?" Mr. Qu exclaid.
Cheng Xinghui’s attention was instantly caught, and he looked at Mr. Qu with admiration. Mr. Qu gestured for Cheng Xinghui to be quiet with a "shh" sign.
"Don’t tell them, okay?" he whispered.
Cheng Xinghui nodded vigorously, his eyes not leaving Mr. Qu’s phone screen. Mr. Qu casually moved closer to Cheng Xinghui and resud another round of the ga. In a few minutes, Cheng Xinghui had relaxed, and when Mr. Qu won once again, he gave him a thumbs-up.
"You’re aweso, officer. I bought the purple diamond too, but I can’t move up in rank!" Cheng Xinghui exclaid.
Mr. Qu waved his hand dismissively as Mr. Zhao joined them.
"Don’t call him officer. He’s not a cop; he’s a tentacle monster, a hardcore computer aficionado. Small gas are nothing; even hacking into other people’s computers is a piece of cake for him," Mr. Zhao explained.
Cheng Xinghui looked astonished.
"Officer, are you a hacker?" he asked in amazent.
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