"It’s actually Teacher Han Zai?!"

Upon hearing this result, Chen Xiao was similarly shocked internally.

In the entire Dongzhou police circle, Han Zai is definitely an unconventional presence.

He is respected by many police officers.

But the reason people respect him isn’t because he once held a high position, now retired.

It’s because many have received guidance from Han Zai.

Back then, one Han Zai was enough to scare Chen Xianzu into faking his death and fleeing.

This alone shows how formidable Han Zai was back then!

But now Han Zai has actually arrived in Yangguan County and has come into contact with the case Lin Xi is currently handling.

For Chen Xiao, it isn’t hard to deduce that Han Zai may have something to do with Lin Xi becoming the task force leader.

On the other end of the phone line, Lin Xi also exclaimed emotionally:

"Yes, I was quite surprised when I saw him. However, after meeting him, it wasn’t strange at all that I’m now the task force leader."

"The decision for the leader came from the higher-ups, nothing much to think about, but normally a case shouldn’t stump Teacher Han, right?"

"Indeed, I chatted with Teacher Han for quite a while today, and still feel there’s no clarity." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Chen Xiao paused and asked, "Where is the problem?"

"The murderer has been caught but refuses to confess."

"Hm?"

Chen Xiao wasn’t fully grasping this statement.

Normally, given Lin Xi went through the Yang Lake Phantom Case with Chen Xiao, he wouldn’t say they caught the murderer yet he refuses to confess.

Because once a murderer is caught, if they refuse to confess, there are only two possibilities.

One, the evidence isn’t absolutely sufficient, or two, possibly they caught the wrong person.

Lin Xi’s words conveyed to Chen Xiao that the evidence is overwhelming, yet the murderer refuses to confess!

Chen Xiao didn’t rush to inquire, and Lin Xi stated:

"The case actually has some similarities to the Luming Ridge Reservoir case — it’s a massacre but with one survivor."

"Would the survivor be unable to see as well?"

"No, the survivor clearly identified the murderer! But the accused murderer kept claiming innocence, and even self-harmed several times."

Chen Xiao frowned deeply, "Aside from the identification, was there other evidence at the scene?"

"The scene was cleared, but the person caught had motives to kill. The only reason the case remains unresolved, aside from the criminal suspect’s refusal to confess, is that the survivor is still small, only a five-year-old girl."

"Ah, so perhaps she...?"

Chen Xiao originally wanted to ask if she might have identified the wrong person.

But the possibility seemed so obvious, Lin Xi and Han Zai wouldn’t have neglected confirming it first.

"The criminal suspect doesn’t have any siblings, does he?"

"No, he’s the only child in his family. Moreover, he has a criminal record."

"What is his record?"

"Attempted murder, with the same target involved."

From these few sentences, Chen Xiao already gleaned many information points.

Analyzing according to what’s mentioned:

The case boils down to two scenarios.

The simplest is that the currently apprehended suspect is indeed the murderer, but due to the witness being young, along with lack of other evidence, he adamantly denies it.

The other scenario is much more complex.

But a premise is the murderer must be very familiar with both the captured suspect and the victims.

Additionally, he demonstrates highly advanced criminal awareness.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have exploited these factors.

On the phone, Chen Xiao apparently couldn’t offer good advice, Lin Xi just called to share some news.

Without further discussing the case, Chen Xiao asked, "Later tonight, I have a meeting in town with Wang Jun. I’ll book a room, and when you finish work, you can come and rest."

"Wang Jun? That name sounds familiar, have I met them before?"

"I mentioned him before, he’s Teacher Wang Dahe’s son. I went to visit Teacher Wang today and happened to run into him."

"I see, though I may not have time to rest, it depends on how things develop. If something comes up, we definitely need to keep investigating."

"Hm, take care of yourself."

"Understood, goodbye hubby~~."

After hanging up the phone, mother-in-law Han Meixiang walked over and asked, "Will Xiaoxi be back for dinner tonight?"

Chen Xiao shook his head, "She can’t come back. Something big happened at the county, she returned with the task force."

"Oh, used to hope she’d accomplish great things. Now I think why strive so hard, you have capabilities!"

Mother-in-law Han Meixiang is undoubtedly the most genuine elder woman Chen Xiao has met.

Just as she expressed, she used to hope Lin Xi would accomplish great things, for her to lead a good life.

Now with Chen Xiao’s capabilities, she naturally wishes her daughter wouldn’t be so busy anymore.

At least during leisure time, she’d spend time with her parents.

Chen Xiao didn’t say much, joining Han Meixiang by the dinner table for supper.

Father-in-law Lin Shanhu was delighted, drinking particularly heavily with Old Chen, the duo exchanging shots until both were red-faced and fell asleep post-meal.

Having an appointment with Wang Jun, Chen Xiao drove off solo to pick him up.

Upon spotting Chen Xiao’s car, Wang Jun couldn’t help but lift his brow:

"Wow, damn, your car must be worth around twenty thousand, right!"

Chen Xiao’s car wasn’t expensive, bought previously for Lin Xi’s commute.

For him now, twenty thousand has become a small amount.

But for most ordinary folks, twenty thousand in 2006 remains a substantial sum.

Wang Jun seemingly liked cars, grinning while asking, "Uh, could I try sitting in the driver’s seat? Don’t worry, I won’t drive, just wanna feel it!"

Chen Xiao nodded, Wang Jun sat in the car, visibly beaming with envy.

Seeing his expression, Chen Xiao couldn’t help but ask, "Which large hotel do you work at in Xiangdu?"

"Used to be at a fairly ordinary one, but recently moved to a large hotel, managing a small department. Compared to many workers, my salary might be high, but to buy a car like yours, I’d have to struggle for a while."

"Take your time, I got this car largely through luck."

"Don’t be modest with me, my dad told me you solved a case and got rewarded with two million!"

Wang Jun said, laughing, and Chen Xiao stayed silent.

Then, Wang Jun shifted to the back seat, chiming, "Got some girl’s stuff in the car, so I’m sitting in the back. Yet, don’t think of yourself as just a driver!"

"Among young folks, why follow all these rigid rules? By the way, Wang Jun, tell me about your career path. If possible, I could assist you workwise."

Wang Jun is Wang Dahe’s son.

Wang Dahe is considered Chen Xiao’s mentor.

If he can help Wang Jun in work matters, Chen Xiao wouldn’t mind.

However, Wang Jun was skeptical, chuckling, "We’re Dongzhou folks apart from Xiangdu by a million miles, how can you help me! Unless you know my boss!"

"Then tell me who your boss is, and I’ll find out. In Xiangdu, I know Zong Yuanmao who seems to have opened a hotel recently. As for others like Xu Zaisen, Li Jindao, I’ve captured them myself..."

As Chen Xiao spoke, driving the car.

Yet in the back seat, Wang Jun abruptly fell silent!