Chapter 139: The Consequence of Being Distracted

The Y City police received a notification from Bencheng City police that the victim, Jiang Dan, was likely a trafficked individual.

Y City police quickly initiated an investigation and interviewed Jiang Dan’s parents. Five days later, based on their confession, it was revealed that fourteen years prior, they had bought Jiang Dan for 20,000 yuan from an acquaintance.

Thus, the human trafficking case began its special investigation.

The case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Brigade by the Y City Bureau. It was assigned to a criminal investigation team for a thorough investigation.

The team leader was Bu Wenhui, 29 years old, a first-class inspector. Deceased.

The team members were Li Jin, a first-class inspector, and Tong Guishun, a second-class inspector.

After investigating, they pinpointed the “acquaintance” mentioned by Jiang Dan’s parents.

The suspect: Dong Qi, 47 years old, unemployed, with multiple previous offenses, including a six-year prison sentence for human trafficking.

With the suspect identified, they proceeded to arrest him.

However, the initial attempt was unsuccessful as Dong Qi escaped. Bu Wenhui frequently visited Dong Qi’s home and neighbors for information. During these visits, Dong Qi’s family often obstructed and threatened him.

After the fourth visit, Bu Wenhui went missing. Three days later, his body was found in a reservoir, in a gruesome state.

***

Xiao Yu finished the last bite of his takeout, set aside the disposable chopsticks, and turned to the detectives who had also finished their meals.

“The suspect Dong Qi’s family seems highly suspicious. Have they been investigated?”

“They have been,” a police officer stood up. “After a thorough investigation, it was found that on the day Bu Wenhui disappeared, Dong Qi’s family was all at home, with neighbors as witnesses. Additionally, Dong Qi’s home is in a rural area, so if he went out or had an altercation with Bu Wenhui, or even committed the murder, there should have been some clues or traces. But none were found. It can only be said that Bu Wenhui was killed after leaving the village.”

“Got it.” A cold glint flashed in Xiao Yu’s eyes. “Has a nationwide alert been issued?”

“It has,” another officer stood up and nodded. “Level B.”

“Is there any lead other than Dong Qi?” Xiao Yu asked again.

“No,” Qian Long from the Criminal Investigation Team responded. He was now part of the task force.

“Through the interrogation of Jiang Dan’s parents, they only mentioned Dong Qi.”

Qian Long shook his head. “Dong Qi’s whereabouts are unknown, and it’s difficult to continue the investigation. It’s highly likely that he has already fled Y City, or even left the province. Have you found the murder weapon?”

Xiao Yu was asking if the weapon used to kill Bu Wenhui had been found near the scene.

“No.” Qian Long was frustrated. “We drained the reservoir, but we still couldn’t find the murder weapon.”

It was really a “we don’t know anything” situation.

Xiao Yu felt a headache coming on. This only meant that the killer was very cunning, operated very secretly, and was extremely ruthless.

As for whether they were intelligent…

The method of committing the crime was rough and left too many traces. This ruled out the possibility of a high-IQ crime.

“What does the autopsy report say?” Xiao Yu asked Qian Long.

“The forensic report just came in,” Qian Long said solemnly. “An axe-like blunt instrument caused the injuries on Bu Wenhui’s limbs. A regulated knife caused the wound on his neck. His tongue was cut with scissors. His eyes were gouged out with a spoon-like tool.”

An axe, a knife, scissors, and a spoon?

Xiao Yu’s expression turned peculiar.

Question: If you’re going to commit a murder and you’re already carrying an axe and a knife, would you also bring scissors and a spoon?

Answer: I’m going to kill someone, not eat crabs. Why would I need those last two items?

So, where are scissors and spoons most commonly found?

In a residential home.

“The reservoir was just a place to dump the body,” Xiao Yu said coldly. “Search Dong Qi’s village again.”

“Yes!” The ten team members stood up and left the meeting room.

“Boss, do you suspect the primary crime scene is still in the village?” Guo Qiang frowned.

“Would you carry a knife and a spoon if you went out to kill someone?” Xiao Yu shrugged. “The village is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. Let’s check it for peace of mind. Once we’re sure it’s clear, we’ll start expanding the search outward from the village.”

Guo Qiang nodded.

This was the best approach they could think of without any leads. Compared to the human trafficking case, finding clues to the murder was the top priority.

As for Dong Qi… Xiao Yu smirked.

‘I don’t have time to deal with you right now, so I’ll let you bounce around for a few days.’

***

Four hours later, at 10 PM, the team members returned one by one, shaking their heads to indicate they hadn’t found anything unusual.

“Alright, everyone go home and rest. We’ll meet at seven in the morning,” Xiao Yu said, standing up.

They couldn’t really investigate this kind of case in the middle of the night. Instead of wasting time pretending to be busy, it was better to rest up and recharge so they would have the energy to properly investigate tomorrow.

Xiao Yu and Guo Qiang headed to the guesthouse that had been arranged for them by the criminal investigation unit.

The guesthouse was essentially like a hotel but with different commercial purposes, services, and prices. It typically only catered to public institutions, but it also accommodated the general public, making it quite similar to regular hotels.

After washing up and lying in bed, Xiao Yu’s mind was still analyzing the case.

But his hand reached for his phone, and he sent a message to Mu Qingwu on WeChat.

Xiao Yu: Sis, are you asleep?

Mu Qingwu: Nope, I’m online picking things for you.

Xiao Yu: Buying things for me?

Mu Qingwu: By the way, how much money do you have left in your bank account?

Xiao Yu: Just four months’ salary, combined.

Mu Qingwu: Transfer it all to me; the online banking just had an issue.

Xiao Yu: Transferring XXXXX yuan… Done.

Mu Qingwu: Silly brother, consider this a lesson.

Xiao Yu: ???

Mu Qingwu: A guy shouldn’t have money in his pocket.

Xiao Yu: …Sis, what am I supposed to spend now?

Mu Qingwu: I’ve already linked your WeChat and Alipay to my card. This way, whenever you spend money, I’ll get a notification. For example, if someone spends a lot at Red Romance, I’ll know exactly what my brother is up to.

Xiao Yu: Sis, is it hard being human?

Mu Qingwu: Be good, brother. Good night.

Xiao Yu: Good night… Sis, you’re really something!

Mu Qingwu: Haha, do you know what “good night” means?

Xiao Yu: Good night? The pinyin is wanan… It means I love you? Love you, sis!

Mu Qingwu: Is my brother a dummy?

Xiao Yu: Huh?

Mu Qingwu: “Good night” means that even though I’m not with you tonight, you need to behave, got it?

Xiao Yu: …Got it!

Mu Qingwu: I love you!

Xiao Yu: I love you!

Putting down his phone, Xiao Yu stared blankly for a while and then laughed. Mu Qingwu was such a sly businesswoman. Trying to multitask while chatting with a sister like that? It was no wonder he got tricked.

In the blink of an eye, he became broke and would really have to spend his sister’s money from now on.

Shaking his head, he thought about the case while slowly drifting off to sleep.