SFTD -Chapter 329 Missing Memory (Part 21)

Xu Jun’s question made Wang Xuchao a little irritated, but he didn’t dare show any temper now. He glanced secretly at Zhou Hai, bit his lip, and replied impatiently:

“I’m 170 jin (about 85 kg). I’m just sturdy, not that heavy, alright?”

Da Zhao, who was sitting behind Huang Zhongsheng, stood up and walked over, shaking his muscular frame.

“Let me try.”

Wang Xuchao was very unwilling, but still obediently lay down as a prop. This time Da Zhao was prepared. With both arms exerting force, he lifted Wang Xuchao up easily and placed him onto the back sofa.

Zhou Hai nodded and continued:

“Da Zhao is 190 cm tall and weighs about 200 jin (100 kg). He can still lift Wang Xuchao very easily. Xu Jun is 177 cm tall and weighs around 140 jin (70 kg). For him to lift someone weighing 175 jin is already unrealistic.

So my estimated height range for the killer is 175–178 cm, with a weight above 140 jin. Stronger than Xu Jun, but not as powerful as Da Zhao.

Because Wang Xuchao had multiple abrasions on his body, mud and grass residue mixed with soil were found on the back of his shoe heels, and glass fiber fragments were found on his shoulder wounds. This indicates he was once carried under the armpits and dragged by the killer.”

This analysis completely convinced everyone present. With this, the investigation direction suddenly became much narrower. After all, among Wang Shouxin’s rivals and those who had previously lost cases to him, filtering within this range would be much easier.

Chu Menghan glanced at Zhou Hai. His analytical state was dazzling, almost radiant. She avoided his gaze and scanned the room instead, tapping the table lightly.

“Any more questions?

Alright, if there are none, let’s assign tasks. After merging the two cases, Huang Zhongsheng will still take overall command.

Group one: investigate the ‘informed source’ tracked from Xiao Hu’s email. No matter what, we must not let the killer get to them first, or it would make our Dongnan police look incompetent.

Group two: screen Wang Shouxin’s social relations in the 4.14 case according to the range just given by Deputy Director Zhou. Let Xiao Liu and the others from the West District form pairs and integrate into your second team for assistance—they are more familiar with the case.

Group three: assign a few people to investigate the social connections of the victim in the 7.22 case, especially overlapping connections with Wang Shouxin. This is a top priority.

For every person under investigation, you must verify their whereabouts during both the 4.14 and 7.22 time windows and find alibis. This must be personally verified—no slacking.

Group four: send people to follow Xiao Hu. I want to know the source of those two videos.

It’s been 48 hours since the videos appeared. Ask them when they can produce tracking results. If they lack capability or equipment, they should say so—don’t just sit there doing nothing.”

She paused, glancing at Liu Yong beside her and Wang Xuchao, who was sitting in the corner holding his head, then continued:

“This case involves more than I need to explain. Wang Xuchao sitting at the back is one of our own brothers. Whether we can clear his name depends on all of you. Alright, Huang Zhongsheng will handle the specific assignments. I want results within 24 hours. Meeting adjourned!”

Chu Menghan had her own methods. In just two days, Zhou Hai felt she had grown significantly. Compared to the way she had once stormed in angrily to find him, she was clearly different now.

Handing the case to partner units was the best approach—was this Liu Da’s idea?

It didn’t seem like it. Zhou Hai had also noticed surprise and approval in Liu Da’s eyes earlier. After all, Chu Menghan’s pride wouldn’t allow her to ask others for help easily. Zhou Hai frowned slightly—perhaps it was in her nature.

He took a deep breath and stopped thinking further.

Chu Menghan and Liu Da left. Huang Zhongsheng began assigning tasks. Xiao Liu and his team quickly gathered, since their captain was deeply involved in the case—they had to give everything they had.

Only Wang Xuchao remained sitting in the corner. Zhou Hai walked over and patted his shoulder.

“Come with me.”

“What for?”

Wang Xuchao looked confused. He had no strength left in him now—unable to call home, unable to make calls. Even though he wasn’t in detention, he was still mentally and physically drained.

Zhou Hai’s tone remained cold, without comfort or concern.

“Of course we’re going to work. Let them handle their tasks—we’re going to check the suspect’s car. Xu Biao and the others went to the 7.22 villa early this morning. I don’t know how their search is going. The perimeter walls and bushes cover a huge area—if you don’t go help, who will?”

At the mention of work, Wang Xuchao immediately perked up. As long as he could keep busy, anything was fine. He quickly stood and followed Zhou Hai out.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Golden Coast Residential Community.

Seeing the scene, even Wang Xuchao was stunned—let alone Zhou Hai. Xu Biao had actually brought half of the forensic team from the center, plus several officers from the West District. More than twenty people were combing through every inch of the villa’s walls and surroundings.

Xu Biao spotted Zhou Hai from afar and waved enthusiastically, raising his eyebrows as if asking for praise.

“How is it? Not bad, right?”

Zhou Hai nodded.

“Not bad. This will significantly shorten the inspection time. Any findings?”

Xu Biao widened his small eyes.

“Of course! Quite a lot!”

“In the upstairs bedroom, we collected hair samples. Based on color and texture, I can confidently say they’re not the victim’s—black straight hair. This means other women have stayed in this villa before, and not just one.

Of course, I’m not sure if it’s related to the case. The victim’s fiancé still hasn’t shown up, so we can’t jump to conclusions.

Oh right, I also found some documents—property and custody authorization papers. The victim’s fiancé, Shi Mingxue, transferred a large portion of his domestic assets to a lawyer named Qin Tianhe for management.

That name feels familiar, but I just can’t recall who he is, Hai, do you remember?”

Before Zhou Hai could respond, Wang Xuchao stepped forward.

“Shi Mingxue’s assets… handed over to Qin Tianhe? I didn’t know they were that familiar.”

Zhou Hai patted the still-confused Xu Biao.

“You weren’t there. When I arrived at the scene, I saw in the video that Qin Tianhe was present in the opposite private room on the 22nd, dining and celebrating with Yu Xiuhong and the others.”

He paused, then turned to Wang Xuchao.

“By the way, whose birthday was on the 22nd?”

Wang Xuchao, still trying to piece things together, came back to his senses.

“Wang Pei. It was Wang Pei’s birthday. So her fiancé Qin Tianhe was also there! But as far as I know, Qin Tianhe wasn’t familiar with Yu Xiuhong—so how could he be Shi Mingxue’s managing lawyer? Especially handling so many assets… that level of trust usually means he’s extremely close to the client!”

Zhou Hai wasn’t familiar with business matters and frowned slightly.

“You think there’s a problem here?”

Wang Xuchao shook his head.

“Not necessarily a problem. I just find it strange. Qin Tianhe is one of Dongnan City’s most famous sharp-tongued lawyers. Why would he act as a lawyer for Wang Shouxin’s brother-in-law? The relationships here are messy. Taking on this kind of work could easily attract criticism. I just find it odd.”