Prev | TOC | Next
———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker ❤️ ~
______
CHAPTER 12
PART 4
"Spouse selection criteria, emotional history, views on marriage, views on love. In the end, what Xia Qi discussed with those four was all about emotional issues," Li Bin concluded after studying the 'call contents' for tens of minutes. "No matter how I look at it, it seems like an ordinary conversation between girls."
"But it surely isn't that simple; otherwise, she wouldn't have immediately guessed who the killer was after these conversations," Tan Yong said.
"Yes, that's why I think the focus should be on the 'details' of their conversation. On the surface, Xia Qi seemed to be engaging in casual chatter, but in reality, she was subtly probing. The key is hidden within these chat details. And those, we cannot know. Asking those four women again would be pointless. Those who aren't the killer won't be of use even if they provide detailed information; the killer surely wouldn't disclose any crucial information to us. It's tough," Li Bin remarked.
Read only on royaltywrites.com.ng/
"From what you're saying, it sounds like the killer must be one of these four women?"
"Not necessarily, but the probability is high that it's one among these four," Tan Yong replied, his brow furrowed. He murmured to himself, "What method did Xia Qi use to probe these four people? If only we could figure it out..."
At that moment, Tan Yong's phone rang. Glancing at it, it was Jiang Ming calling. Tan Yong answered and put the call on speaker for Li Bin to hear.
"Captain Jiang."
"Lao Tan, I reviewed all the surveillance footage from Yuehai Bay Community yesterday. I found no suspicious individuals entering the area. So, we can eliminate the possibility of the killer being someone else; it should be someone within the 'big family.'"
"Okay."
"Then I went back to the station and carefully examined Xia Qi's phone, but I found no useful clues. Now I speculate two possibilities: first, there's nothing incriminating in her phone; second, after killing Xia Qi, the killer deleted everything incriminating."
"If it's the second scenario, why wouldn't the killer just take Xia Qi's phone and destroy it directly? Why bother deleting things and leaving the phone behind?" Tan Yong asked.
"Right, I've been pondering that too. Logically, the killer would be concerned about incriminating content in Xia Qi's phone. After killing her, instead of wasting time checking and deleting information, it's easier to just take the phone. That would be more efficient," Jiang Ming explained. "So, it seems the killer 'intentionally' left the phone behind for us to find."
"But Captain Jiang, you mentioned not finding any useful information. What's the purpose in leaving it for us?" Tan Yong inquired.
"Yes, even if the killer wanted to frame someone deliberately, that could make sense. But in Xia Qi's phone, whether it's WeChat, text messages, or memos, there's nothing pointing to anyone. So, I'm also puzzled why the killer didn't take the phone," Jiang Ming added.
The three fell silent for a moment. Li Bin spoke up, "I'm wondering, was the killer specifically targeting Xia Qi, or was the plan to kill anyone to reduce the 'numbers'?"
Read only on royaltywrites.com.ng/
After contemplating for a while, Tan Yong said, "I think the possibility of the killer conducting 'indiscriminate killings' now is low."
"Why?"
"Because the risk is too high. In the previous poisoning incident, it happened because everyone was unprepared. But after this event, both the police and the 'big family' members have become sufficiently cautious. Considering the fact that two policemen especially even moved into their building. Under these circumstances, committing murder has become much more difficult and risky. Although there's a huge temptation for inheritance, normal people would probably think it's not worth the risk just to get a larger share. If caught during the act or if a flaw is exposed and the police arrest, the risks outweigh the gains. Not to mention money, it might cost them their lives."
"That's logical. But what if the killer isn't a normal person?"
"Are you suggesting they're a madman, a serial killer? Killing without a reason, just for their twisted pleasure?"
"It's not completely impossible, is it?"
Listening to their conversation, Jiang Ming said, "Lao Tan, that case involving He Yushan from two years ago, remains unsolved, and even now, we don't know the killer's motive. Do you think—could the perpetrator from that case two years ago be the same as the one in this case?"
"I've thought about it before, but it's just speculation."
"Considering your thoughts, what if the killer is indeed a deranged serial killer? Two years ago, they killed the out-of-town tenant He Yushan for no apparent reason, merely because she lived alone, making her an easy target. After that, they went silent for a while until this 'inheritance event' stimulated them, prompting them to kill again. Could this be possible?"
After serious contemplation, Tan Yong said, "I believe the likelihood is low."
"Why?"
"I know the 'big family' members very well. If there were someone like that among them, I couldn't have missed it. Throughout the history of criminal psychology, any individual with such abnormal tendencies would exhibit different behavioral patterns in their speech and actions compared to ordinary people. But the members of the 'big family' are too normal; their gaze, actions, and speech are no different from regular people. Jiang, you know, some things can be disguised, but the way one looks at others and some involuntary gestures are challenging to fake. They often get drunk. Even under such circumstances, being able to completely mask their true nature, I believe it's almost impossible."
"Hmm," Jiang Ming admitted that Tan Yong's reasoning was sound. "Fortunately, this case is under the control of an experienced detective like you who knows the situation. So, do you still think the killer had a motive for these murders?"
"Yes, but this 'motive' might not be just about money. As long as the killer isn't foolish, they'd understand that continuing to kill poses too great a risk. This killer isn't just 'not foolish,' they're extremely cunning. So, I believe, their killing of Xia Qi was for some specific purpose."
The three policemen fell silent for a moment. Jiang Ming said, "It's already past noon, and you haven't had lunch yet. Lao Tan, Li Bin, go have your meal, then think about the next steps."
"I'm not in the mood for lunch right now," Tan Yong replied.
"That won't do, you still need to eat! Lao Tan, I understand the pressure you face as the leader of this special task force. But this matter isn't urgent. Li Bin, take Lao Tan out for food."
"Yes!"
"Alright," Tan Yong reluctantly agreed.
"Lao Tan, let me say one last thing. The killer is very cunning; it's unlikely we'll catch them in just one or two days. But absolutely no more deaths. Think hard if there's any way to ensure the safety of the remaining individuals and completely eliminate the possibility of the killer striking again."
"Understood."
"Go have your meal." Jiang Ming hung up the phone.
"Let's go, let's head to a restaurant. Today, it's my treat!" Li Bin generously said, pulling Tan Yong out of the door.
Read only on royaltywrites.com.ng/
———–—————————————
TL CORNER
Don't forget to vote and leave a review for this series' translation on novel updates!
Show support by clicking the button below (◍•á´—•◍)❤ ~
———–—————————————
We hope you enjoyed this chapter! You can vote for this novel translation and drop a review here!❤️
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...