SFTD -Chapter 275 The Disappearing Evidence (Part 8)

“It’s still operating, and business is extremely good. It seems they’ve even opened several more branches. It’s now a chain food company.”

Xu Biao patted his chest. “I’ll go ask around at the restaurant.”

Zhou Hai didn’t stop him. After all, Xu Biao’s ability to improvise was second to none. He was the most reliable person for this kind of task.

Zhang Chao called over a young officer and gave him a few instructions. The officer immediately ran toward the records department. It looked like they were going to check Li Zhongji’s household registration information.

Huang Zhongsheng looked at the whiteboard and placed a hand on Zhou Hai’s shoulder.

“It’s still too early to draw conclusions. Let’s wait for the lab results first. Once the DNA and flooring analysis come back, the evidence in our hands will finally be complete. At that point, no matter how we interrogate them, it’ll be justified.”

“No rush. We’ll wait.”

Of course Zhou Hai understood. Staring at the photos of Ji Cheng’an and Li Zhongzhi, he narrowed his eyes slightly. It felt as though something was missing from the two of them.

Right—the backpack.

The killer had left with over a hundred thousand yuan and various valuables. He definitely would have carried a backpack. Since even the rope couldn’t fit inside, the backpack must have been stuffed full.

So where was the backpack?

The moment the thought surfaced, Zhou Hai could no longer stay calm. Without a backpack, the entire scenario no longer made sense, even if the two men had been there. Could there have been someone helping them?

“Xiao Hu, are there any surrounding surveillance videos? Or maybe footage from later that night? Check whether these two returned a second time or met with anyone. Did either of them have a backpack?”

Xiao Hu nodded.

“There’s one more camera angle, though it’s a little farther away—across from the eastern fence outside the compound. I’ll check it.”

Just as he spoke, Da Liu burst into the room looking excited, waving several sheets of A4 paper before handing them to Zhou Hai. His eyes were filled with admiration, making Zhou Hai subconsciously take half a step back.

“The results are out! There really was ether in the wooden floorboards! The residue was extremely faint. We only found it on the fourth attempt. But the remaining traces gave us an important clue—the ether the killer used wasn’t highly pure. It definitely wasn’t medical-grade ether.”

Zhou Hai nodded.

“Very good. Looks like the killer obtained the ether from a chemical supply store or a laboratory.”

Da Liu nodded vigorously.

“Exactly! He poured a large amount onto the towel and even deliberately added extra because he was afraid it wouldn’t be enough. He knew ether evaporates easily, so he wasn’t worried about leaving residue. But he forgot that wooden flooring absorbs liquids, so some traces remained behind.

We also extracted DNA from the towel belonging to someone other than the four victims. And this DNA doesn’t match the blood found on the alarm clock.”

Xu Biao’s tiny eyes widened.

“There’s another person?”

“What about the relationship between these two samples? Any blood relation to each other or the victims?”

Zhou Hai’s question made Da Liu pause. In his excitement, he had only compared the samples to the victims and forgotten to compare them against each other. Fortunately, the DNA reports were already in his hands. He quickly sat down and compared all the values from the two reports. Before long, he looked up at Zhou Hai and shook his head.

“No blood relation. Could the killer have randomly used someone else’s towel?”

Zhou Hai didn’t answer immediately. After thinking for a moment, he said: “No. Given the crime scene layout and the killer’s level of control, something unnecessary shouldn’t have appeared there. Even a towel would have had a specific purpose. Let’s wait for Zhang Chao’s information. Separate interrogations for Ji Cheng’an and Li Zhongzhi. Da Liu, draw blood from both of them for testing later.”

Not long after, Xu Biao and Zhang Chao’s people returned, wiping sweat while gulping down water.

“I asked around at the Li family’s restaurant. Li Zhongzhi went to Korea. He was supposed to return around noon today, but he still hasn’t gone home.”

Huang Zhongsheng looked worried.

“You went there in uniform?”

Xu Biao shook his head.

“I just grabbed a waiter outside and asked. No way I’d wear a police uniform there. What if we spooked him and he ran?”

Huang Zhongsheng glanced at the time.

“Then we can’t delay any longer. Zhang Chao, give me a few photos of Li Zhongzhi. I’ll send Da Zhao and the others to the airport right now. Once we confirm his flight information, they’ll arrest him the moment the plane lands.”

Zhou Hai had no objections. He turned toward Zhang Chao.

“Zhang Chao, you can also notify Ji Cheng’an to come over.”

Zhang Chao sighed. It seemed there was no avoiding this today. He nodded, took out his phone, and dialed a number. After two or three rings, the call connected.

“Brother Chao? What made you think to call me?”

“Mhm. Anzi, put aside whatever you’re working on and come over here first. The leadership wants to talk to you about something.”

On the other end, Ji Cheng’an hesitated briefly. His voice carried a trace of nervousness.

“Ah? What do the leaders want with me?”

Zhou Hai silently watched Zhang Chao. If he couldn’t even handle this properly, then he was far too emotional and truly unsuited for the position.

Zhang Chao deliberately raised his voice.

“You brat, why are you making such a fuss? Just get over here already. I’m in the small conference room on the second floor of the municipal bureau. Hurry up!”

“Haha, don’t rush me! I’m just timid, so I wanted to ask. Alright! Give me ten minutes—no, five minutes and I’ll be there.”

Less than ten minutes later, Ji Cheng’an arrived at the conference room. Seeing the door open, he didn’t walk straight in. Instead, he stood at the entrance and knocked on the doorframe.

“Reporting in!”

Standing behind Zhou Hai, Zhang Chao looked up and waved him inside. Ji Cheng’an removed his cap and walked in quickly. Since even Zhang Chao was standing to the side, everyone seated inside clearly held positions of authority.

He didn’t move too close and simply stood beside Zhang Chao. Zhang Chao patted his shoulder and forced out a reassuring smile.

“We’re reopening the investigation into your uncle’s family murder case. There are some things we need to verify with you. Go with them.”

Ji Cheng’an nodded. The smile on his face instantly disappeared, but there was no panic. Instead, he patted Zhang Chao’s arm in return.

“I’m fine, Brother Chao. It’s been so many years already. I can handle it.”

He then looked toward Huang Zhongsheng and the others seated opposite Zhang Chao. Anyone in this line of work naturally developed a certain righteous aura over time, even without wearing a police uniform. The probing looks in their eyes already explained everything.

Huang Zhongsheng waved his hand and personally led Ji Cheng’an into the adjacent interview room. There were no handcuffed chairs in this room—just a table and two rows of chairs. Though simple, it felt far less oppressive.

Huang Zhongsheng gestured for Ji Cheng’an to sit.

“Have a seat. Since you’re in this profession too, I won’t bother lecturing you about the policy of leniency for those who confess.”

As he spoke, Da Liu entered carrying a stainless-steel tray.

“Hello, I’m the forensic examiner. I need to draw your blood for evidence comparison.”

Ji Cheng’an cooperatively extended his arm. After drawing the blood, Da Liu left with the tray.

Huang Zhongsheng narrowed his eyes and continuously studied Ji Cheng’an. Seeing how calm he remained, Huang Zhongsheng’s expression grew more serious. If this young man really was the killer, then his psychological composure was terrifyingly strong.

“No more beating around the bush. Tell me what you were doing from December 7th to December 9th, 2010.”