Chapter 12: Believing You’re Clever is Foolish

With a resounding clank, the sledgehammer swung down, shattering the drainage pipe below into pieces.

Thud!

From the fractured elbow joint, a metal wrench, roughly the length of a small arm, clattered to the ground.

Setting aside the sledgehammer, Xiao Yu lifted his gaze to the drainage pipe stretching above, connecting straight to the rooftop.

What cunning planning. After committing the murder, the murderer cleverly disposed of the weapon into the pipe, where it snagged in the bend at the bottom. Who would have thought to look for the murder weapon here?

This wasn’t a reflection of the police’s inadequacy but a testament to the murderer’s smarts and guile.

Guo Qiang’s gaze shifted from the wrench on the ground to Xiao Yu. His eyes carried a different expression now. It wasn’t the look given to a junior or a mere young man, but one of recognizing a peer, a colleague. A look filled with respect and acknowledgment.

“You’ve achieved something significant,” Guo Qiang stated gravely. “A truly great accomplishment.”

“Ha!” Xiao Yu shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. “It’s useless. If the murderer was smart enough to hide the weapon here, he surely wouldn’t have left any fingerprints.”

Within fifteen minutes, two police cars arrived, bringing six detectives, including the brigade captain Zhao Changshan and two deputy captains. The murder weapon was promptly sent for forensic analysis. 

Captain Zhao patted Xiao Yu’s shoulder, “You’ll be promoted to a full-fledged officer in a year, I guarantee it. And if this case is cracked, you’ll be credited as the key contributor.”

Solving a murder case could mean significant recognition. 

At the very least, it could result in a third-class collective merit for the team. With a bit of luck, an individual third-class merit was within reach too.

The murder weapon was a crucial piece of evidence. 

In the absence of solid proof, catching a criminal was difficult, making it challenging to secure a conviction. After all, in a rule-of-law society, police investigations were heavily reliant on tangible evidence.

The fact that a trainee found the murder weapon on his very first day, a weapon that the entire brigade couldn’t locate, spoke volumes about his potential.

Securing such talent was critical. If not promptly offered incentives and assurances, they might easily be lured away by others. 

It was not an exaggeration.

After a year’s probation, trainee officers were usually either encouraged to leave or retained at their initial unit. However, exceptions occurred, particularly when a trainee’s exceptional performance attracted attention from other units. 

It was no laughing matter, they could be headhunted.

The police system shared similarities with the military. Outstanding recruits, even before official assignment, often got ‘reserved’ by units recognizing their potential. In the police hierarchy, while it was challenging for units of equal standing to poach talent, what happened when higher-level units showed interest? 

If a branch, city bureau, or even the provincial department requested a transfer, could it be denied?

“Captain, that’s not necessary,” Xiao Yu, well-versed in these dynamics, replied with a smile. “Our brigade is conveniently close to my home.”

What did he mean by this? Proximity to home was a significant advantage, making it unlikely for him to consider a transfer elsewhere.

“Haha!” 

The captain and two deputy captains burst into laughter, their eyes reflecting a new appreciation for Xiao Yu. 

Earlier that afternoon, when Guo Qiang had mentioned Xiao Yu’s exceptional qualities, they had been skeptical. Now, they recognized the truth in his words. Xiao Yu’s eloquence and manner of speaking were beyond what they’d expect from a young person.

They recalled Xiao Yu’s dazzling police academy record, which had initially grabbed their attention. And now, in front of them, he had impressively located the murder weapon. 

It seemed their Criminal Investigation Team might have indeed stumbled upon a rare gem.

However, their moment of elation was short-lived. The forensics team soon confirmed that while the item was indeed the murder weapon, it bore no fingerprints, just as Xiao Yu had predicted.

The faces of all the veteran detectives darkened. The murderer’s cunning nature was unmistakable. To hide the weapon in such a manner and leave no trace of fingerprints only emphasized the meticulousness and foresight in planning the crime.

Criminals with brains and those without are fundamentally different. 

For police officers, dealing with criminals who possess high intelligence significantly increases the difficulty of solving cases.

Amidst the general bewilderment, Xiao Yu broke the silence. 

“Even the most cunning can overlook a detail,” he stated coolly. “No matter how perfect his plans are, he forgot one thing. Clues need not only be sought within the case itself but can also be unearthed from the victim’s past.”

Everyone was puzzled. 

Looking for clues from the victim? The victim was already dead, and all possible leads seemed exhausted. What more could be unearthed?

Xiao Yu recalled a lesson from his police academy days,  “A teacher once told me that those who believe they are the smartest are often the most stupid.”

Xiao Yu shared his opinion, “Smart people often outsmart themselves. In their efforts to scheme against others, they end up complicating things for themselves, focusing too much on intricate plans and clever methods. Yet, they overlook the very person they’re scheming against. True, untraceable crimes are crimes of passion. Unless the murderer is such a person, there’s always a reason behind the killing. What compelled him to kill the victim?”

His insight sparked a realization among the seasoned detectives. 

Indeed, a smart murderer wouldn’t have hastily planned the murder. The motive was part of the process. Something in the victim’s past must be what motivated this premeditated murder. Though they couldn’t identify the murderer yet, they could delve into the victim’s past to uncover what provoked this crime.

A renewed sense of optimism spread among the group, their gazes turning to Xiao Yu with renewed respect and enthusiasm. 

It was akin to the excitement one feels when discovering a hidden gem. They silently agreed. This young man was an asset to the criminal investigation team. Anyone who tried to poach him would have their hands broken.