Qin Fei had someone bring over the case file Qin Fei mentioned.

Chen Xiao took it and began studying it.

Judging by the recordings in the entire case file, that driver indeed had a significant suspicion of committing the crime.

Moreover, through Xie Yan’s investigation, the driver had something going on with the murdered boss’s wife.

At the scene of the victim’s murder, evidence was also found that could identify the driver.

Looking at it this way, the case indeed seemed problem-free.

But Xie Yan’s mental state before the incident clearly pointed to something.

Could it be that Xie Yan was simply mentally unhealthy?

Chen Xiao fell silent for a moment.

Lin Xi also looked over it and then spoke: "Elder Xie wanted to destroy all his honors before the incident, which obviously expressed a certain emotion. And for a policeman to personally destroy the honors he received means that his honors were undeserved."

"What situation would make a policeman feel he shouldn’t have received such honors? Wrongly handling a case definitely counts as one, especially if it not only mismanaged a case but also led to someone’s death!"

"In such a situation, happening to a police officer with strong principles, he would never forgive himself."

What Lin Xi said was exactly what Chen Xiao was thinking.

Now everything was very clear.

Or rather, Chen Xiao’s later inference was plausible.

The matter with Cao Chan was entirely insufficient to crumble Xie Yan.

But if you add a wrongful case, the already strained Xie Yan would definitely despair at that moment.

It’s just, why did he choose the same method of death as the victim in the Yang Lake Phantom case?

The reason is simple, his suicide can easily be attributed to reasons unrelated to martyrdom.

Later, Xie Wensheng tirelessly worked for Xie Yan to earn recognition as having died in the line of duty.

Furthermore, using the same method of death may very well be Xie Yan’s way to tell everyone that this case must be further investigated.

After all, involving a policeman’s death, the case cannot be hastily concluded.

Unfortunately, the reality is that the Yang Lake Phantom case is now completely like a hot potato.

It’s only suitable for detectives like Chen Xiao who aren’t police officers to investigate!

However, all of this is still merely speculation; there’s no evidence to back it up.

So Chen Xiao didn’t rush to a conclusion, but instead said to Qin Fei: "Smuggling cases in Shencheng City are generally investigated by smugglers and coast guards, right?"

"Yes."

"Do you know anyone with extensive experience in smuggling investigations, Captain Qin? I want to ask about someone."

"I’m familiar with quite a few colleagues in smuggling investigations, who’s the person you want to ask about?"

"A guy with the nickname Jin Bao, I suspect he was previously a smuggler in Shencheng City."

"Got it, I’ll help you find out."

Qin Fei immediately went out.

Chen Xiao exhaled deeply: "Hopefully, he really is a smuggler, so it’ll be much easier to investigate!"

"Most likely he is, because according to your analysis, the case is already inseparable from the smuggling circle. First, Lian Da and his three men were smuggling, then Lian Yuhong’s death and Li Jindao also relied on smuggling to start, and now Jin Bao emerges, he must be well acquainted with Lian Da and his crew."

As Lin Xi spoke, Chen Xiao suddenly slapped his thigh:

"You’re right, since he’s familiar with Lian Da and his trio, it means Geng Youfeng might know him too!"

Lin Xi was taken aback, then sarcastically added: "How could I forget Sister Geng!"

Chen Xiao didn’t say much, immediately dialing Geng Youfeng’s number.

The latter was likely already asleep, her voice sounded a bit drowsy: "Advisor Chen, what’s up?"

"Sister, I’m inquiring about someone, have you heard of a person nicknamed Jin Bao?"

"Jin Bao? You don’t know who Jin Bao is?" Geng Youfeng was visibly surprised.

Chen Xiao doubted: "What, have I met him before?"

"Li Jindao’s nickname is Jin Bao!"

"What!"

Geng Youfeng’s nonchalant answer left Chen Xiao instantly stunned.

Beside him, Lin Xi also looked utterly incredulous upon hearing it.

"Li Jindao is actually Jin Bao, that’s too surprising!" 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Chen Xiao took deep breaths as he adjusted his emotions, before seriously saying: "Sister, how did you know he was Jin Bao?"

"Zhu Mao told me, he often talks to me about people in that circle, Li Jindao, or rather Jin Bao is quite a well-known figure in their circle. However, their businesses don’t conflict, and Zhu Mao and his team are very cautious to avoid people like Jin Bao, who have true influence."

At that moment, Chen Xiao seemed to suddenly understand.

Especially when contemplating the death of Lian Yuhong and the methods Gu Rong used, his perception of Li Jindao was once again refreshed.

Gu Rong forced Lian Yuhong to commit suicide using Lian Da’s method of death, all to make people investigate the Yang Lake Phantom case.

But later, Li Jindao, in order to protect Gu Rong, deliberately confessed, ultimately paying the price for it.

While imprisoned, would Chen Xiao think of Li Jindao when considering possible suspects?

No!

Once the cause of Lian Yuhong’s death was discovered, Chen Xiao almost stopped thinking about Li Jindao.

Now, suddenly being told that Jin Bao is Li Jindao, Chen Xiao instinctively felt it was impossible!

Could it be that Li Jindao deliberately downplayed the issue to let everything settle quickly?

That’s why his flaws were glaring, almost aiding Chen Xiao in identifying Gu Rong as the criminal suspect!

Thinking about this possibility, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but find Li Jindao’s thought processes chilling.

However, this only confirms that Jin Bao is Li Jindao, which isn’t enough to say Li Jindao is the person behind the Yang Lake Phantom.

Because in 1994, Li Jindao should have completed his transformation and engaged in the stainless steel business.

Back then, Li Jindao and the trio of Lian Da should not have had any substantial conflicts!

Chen Xiao pondered over it, then said: "I didn’t expect it; I need to contact my cousin again."

With a laugh, Chen Xiao dialed Liang Yan’s number, asking her to visit the detention center to meet Chen Xianzu.

After all, Chen Xianzu is very familiar with Li Jindao!

Back in the interrogation room, Chen Xianzu carefully instructed Li Jindao not to attempt a cover-up!

Could there be a deeper meaning in what Chen Xianzu said back then?

Thinking about it, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but find it amusing.

He seemed to have imagined his cousin as too mysterious.

Soon, Liang Yan reached the detention center and had Chen Xianzu take Chen Xiao’s call.

"Chen Xiao, life in the detention center is very calm, why do you always disturb my tranquility?"

"I have a question for you, still about Li Jindao."

Chen Xianzu was confused: "What more could you possibly ask, didn’t I tell you last time?"

"But you didn’t mention he had the nickname Jin Bao!"

"Jin Bao, Silver Leopard, Copper Leopard, so what? Just a nickname."

Chen Xiao replied: "Don’t rush, let me ask, when did he exit the smuggling business?"

"Before I knew him, he was already out, and then he pursued the stainless steel business for many years, eventually investing in a hotel in Xiangdu. Speaking of which, I was curious back then, was the stainless steel business really that good in the 1990s? That guy indeed earned a lot of money!"

Hearing this, Chen Xiao squinted his eyes and sneered: "Then you say, could it be possible he never exited the smuggling circle? But rather, continued to profit from that business, thus accumulating his current wealth?"