Chapter 138: There Is a Mole

At this time, the interrogation of another body transporter had also ended.

The testimony matched what Li Tao had said.

Both of them only opened the vehicle door at the back; they never touched the bodies.

The details about smoking and waiting were nearly identical between the two, effectively ruling out collusion.

When quitting time arrived, Ji Bin came to the special task force.

Seeing Yu Dazhang frowning in deep thought, he relaxed.

Not only did he not rush him, he even reassured him:

"This time, we owe you a great deal. Though the case isn't solved yet, at least we can give the public something to explain."

"Since these people colluded with outsiders to move the bodies, they're definitely not connected to the supernatural events."

"The bureau has already issued a police alert to calm public speculation."

"Now we'll investigate slowly."

"Mm." Yu Dazhang nodded in reply:

"Either way, at least no one will say it's haunted anymore."

After he spoke, everyone in the room laughed.

The worst thing in solving a case is having no progress at all.

As long as there's any progress—even just a tiny bit—it lifts everyone's spirits.

Yu Dazhang also knew Ji Bin didn't want him under too much pressure.

As long as the remains weren't found, the families wouldn't let it go, and the hospital would pressure the police.

Do your best, leave the rest to fate.

Not every case can be solved.

In fact, many cases are ultimately resolved by luck, and the culprit's guilty conscience helps a great deal.

Otherwise, why do veteran detectives read Criminal Psychology?

Many criminals are highly intelligent but have terrible psychological resilience; the most common issue is scaring themselves.

That evening, Ji Bin treated the special task force to dinner, as a reward for the new development.

They ate but didn't drink.

A little relaxation is fine, but you still need to keep one string taut in your mind.

Early the next morning.

Yu Dazhang had just finished breakfast when he received a call from Qu Tuotuo.

"Come downstairs and check the car."

"You actually bought it?!"

"Hurry up!"

When we ate last time, didn't I make myself clear… Yu Dazhang thought as he walked downstairs, recalling his own words.

It was clear enough.

He remembered refusing firmly and explaining: his current salary didn't justify owning a car.

He arrived downstairs.

A brand-new SUV was parked in front of the building, its black paint sleek and imposing yet understated.

Qu Tuotuo stepped out from the driver's seat and greeted Yu Dazhang:

"Come take a look—do you like it?"

Is this about liking or not liking… Yu Dazhang walked closer and circled the car.

In his past life, he had once wanted to buy an SUV.

Compared to other vehicle types, SUVs offer stronger power, higher ground clearance, and better adaptability.

The desire for mechanical power is an innate male trait.

He looked again at the driver's seat and was even more satisfied.

The larger interior space and higher seating were perfect for his build.

"How much did this car cost?" he couldn't help asking.

If the price far exceeded his expectations, he couldn't accept it, no matter how much he liked it.

"I knew you'd ask about the price." Qu Tuotuo handed him a receipt:

"Fifteen thousand yuan on the road. Before buying, I checked—many domestic detectives drive this model."

Strictly speaking, fifteen thousand yuan for an SUV barely qualifies as mid-low end.

"Then, I'll…" Yu Dazhang hesitated.

He really liked it, and the price wasn't high—it was just that he felt embarrassed accepting it.

"Enough. Go to work." Qu Tuotuo pushed him into the car, then pointed to the sun visor above his head: "I got you a fuel card. It's clipped inside."

There's a fuel card too!

Yu Dazhang's face turned red.

No merit, no reward—should I sleep with her tonight?

He arrived at the Qingpu Criminal Investigation Branch.

The entire special task force was already waiting in the conference room.

Compared to yesterday, the team members today were noticeably more relaxed.

When Yu Dazhang entered, the room fell silent.

After sitting down at the conference table, Yu Dazhang spoke:

"Let's discuss the case today first."

"Although the case has made some progress now, the real suspect hasn't been apprehended, and the bodies haven't been found yet."

Everyone present was more senior than him and older in age, so technically he should have called them "seniors."

Please... save... the... 6... 9... book....!

But within the system, basically no one addressed him that way.

Either they used his job title, or if they didn't know it, they called him something like "senior brother," and more commonly, they just called him "bro" directly.

Yu Dazhang said this, turning his gaze to the group investigating the time of death:

"Have you determined the specific time of death for the four bodies?"

"We have," one of the team members answered:

"Same as the previous investigation — the time of death checks out."

"The four remains were gathered at one hospital, and after confirming death once more, they were taken away by a hearse."

Hearing this, Yu Dazhang thought back for a moment.

One had committed suicide in a psychiatric hospital, another had drunk to excess...

The four deceased had all died of different causes.

Yet they ended up at the same hospital and were taken away together.

"Shouldn't they have been taken straight to the morgue?" Yu Dazhang asked:

"Why take them to a nearby hospital first?"

"Because a professional medical institution needs to confirm death again," that team member explained:

"Also, transporting them together is relatively cheaper."

Hearses charge a fee too... Yu Dazhang wasn't too familiar with this.

Transporting just one body costs more, especially a hearse with refrigeration.

"You guys are going to that hospital again today," Yu Dazhang ordered:

"On the evening of August 16th, every doctor who came into contact with those four bodies must be investigated."

"Investigate doctors?" That team member asked, frowning.

From his tone, it was obvious he didn't want to follow Yu Dazhang's instructions.

Investigating hospital doctors without evidence would easily draw complaints from the hospital.

"To impersonate a body, the first step is to know the body's physical features and cause of death."

Yu Dazhang knew he had to give a convincing reason, otherwise these people wouldn't follow his command.

He was called deputy team leader, but after all, seniority and rank were right there in front of him.

With Ji Bin present yesterday, no one dared question him.

But today was different — Ji Bin, as detachment commander, couldn't possibly follow the task force around every day.

"Two men and two women — first, the genders have to match," Yu Dazhang continued:

"And the builds can't differ too much, otherwise the clothes can't be swapped."

"Also, the causes of death can't be too outrageous — the first point is that all four limbs must be intact."

"Only by knowing this information in advance could the other party have had enough time to prepare."

He paused when he got to this point.

Some things didn't need to be said too explicitly — they were all seasoned veteran investigators, and a hint was enough.

Only a doctor could obtain this information in advance.

The driver and the body movers only took a little over twenty minutes from first contact with the bodies to the designated location — this had already been confirmed in yesterday's interrogation.

And that time wasn't enough for the suspect to prepare in advance.

So...

There must be an inside person at the hospital — or rather, a doctor who had been bribed.

(End of chapter)