Chapter 38

"Learning from me?!" Yu Dazhang said in a bad mood:

"Why are you playing coy now!"

"No, no." That person quickly denied:

"It really isn't easy to say."

"According to a classmate of Zhang Yan, after this incident, a man came to the school gate and asked several students about this matter."

"That person's way of asking was strange; he seemed to care only about whether Zhang Yan was truly in a relationship."

"Before asking each student, he would hand over a small gift; after getting the answer, he would give another one—mostly stationery and such."

"We originally guessed it might have been sent by Zhang Yan's parents to secretly investigate their daughter."

"But strangely, that person wore a hat and a mask, as if afraid anyone would see his face."

"If he were sent by Zhang Yan's family, there would be no real need for this."

"So we, we just..."

Yu Dazhang understood; the reason they found it hard to say was that they couldn't figure out that person's motive.

Seeing that team member's hesitant look, he raised his hand and cut him off:

"This matter is serious; I've noted it."

Yu Dazhang hadn't expected them to do analysis; getting the facts was enough.

Came to ask about Zhang Yan, and wore a mask and a hat...

This shows he is a cautious person with The matter is serious.

Giving small gifts both before and after asking...

This is a habit; a habit of using small favors to win others' trust.

This shows he is someone who doesn't lack money; otherwise he wouldn't have formed such a habit.

Asked several classmates...

This shows his curiosity is heavy, and he acts carefully.

One person's answer couldn't make him certain; he needed several people's answers to match before he would fully believe it.

"You don't need to go to the school anymore." Yu Dazhang said with a serious face:

"From now on, you have a new mission."

A new mission already so soon?

The two were momentarily dazed.

But seeing Yu Dazhang's serious expression, they didn't dare ask more; they immediately straightened their bodies and nodded in unison.

Unknowingly, they had already regarded this probationary officer standing before them as a true leader.

Why does it suddenly feel so good... Yu Dazhang looked at the two standing straight before him, waiting for his orders, and a sense of satisfaction rose in his heart.

No wonder everyone sharpens their heads to climb up; this feeling, very good!

Good as it feels, business can't be delayed.

"See the building across?" Yu Dazhang signaled with his eyes for them to look across, his mouth not stopping:

"In a moment, find a spot in the building across that can see the security door of Zhang Yan's home."

"If the view is blocked, open the window in the hallway of Zhang Yan's building."

"Then you just stay there and watch; as soon as a stranger comes to their home, call me."

The two exchanged a glance and immediately read each other's thoughts.

Stakeout, right~

We're familiar with this!

If it's about playing with brains, we might not be as good as him, but when it comes to stakeouts, this Fatty is far from lacking.

The two couldn't help but smile at each other; then they lifted their heads, their previous despondency vanishing instantly, confidence showing on their faces.

"Rest assured, leave it to us. Is there anything we need to pay special attention to?"

This time it was their turn to ask.

This time, let this Fatty see what professionalism is!

Pumped up? Yu Dazhang couldn't figure out why the two's demeanor changed the moment they heard "stakeout"; this was clearly a tough job.

"If you see a male around twenty years old, you must pay extra attention and notify me immediately."

The two nodded, indicating they had remembered.

Then one of the team members couldn't help but ask:

"You suspect the killer will come to Zhang Yan's home again?"

"Yes." Yu Dazhang said with a definite tone:

"When he discovers things didn't develop as he planned, he will definitely return to the crime scene."

"Even if he is very cautious, suspicion and fear will drive him to do this."

"He won't feel at ease until he sees the scene with his own eyes and confirms it has been disturbed."

The two thought for a moment but still didn't understand where Yu Dazhang's confidence came from.

That team member continued to ask: "Are you that certain?"

Yu Dazhang waved his hand and replied, seemingly casually:

"This is criminal psychology; it doesn't change according to human will."

The next day, Hongkou Branch.

Inside the bureau chief's office.

"Why hasn't that female student murder case been closed yet?"

Facing the bureau chief's questioning, the squad leader Li Jun's face showed a troubled expression:

"The case is still under investigation."

He was far more anxious than the bureau chief — just yesterday he had already asked the task force's leader.

The answer he got was: the case is complicated, and they're already investigating with all their strength.

What kind of joke is that?

The suspect has already been apprehended — what's so complicated?

For this reason he even made a special trip to request the case file, but the result was...

He didn't get it!

As a squad leader, Li Jun of course knew the rules — the team leader was responsible for allocating resources, so the case file must be with the deputy team leader.

Please... save... your... book... at... 6... 9... shu... ba...!

But that meticulous criminal investigator Old Lu actually refused his request flat out — a squad leader, no less.

The reason was: during the investigation period, personnel outside the task force had no right to access the files.

There indeed was such a regulation.

But rules are dead, people are alive.

Li Jun never expected this Old Lu to be so unyielding.

I'm the leader of your leader.

Yet you say your rules are the rules.

Even if you showed a little look of embarrassment, that'd be fine too — at least give me a way out.

Doesn't a squad leader need face?

"Still under investigation?" Hearing Li Jun's answer, the bureau chief thought he'd misheard:

"I remember the day the task force was set up, the suspect was already caught."

"Yes, yes, he was caught." Li Jun stammered, his mind racing:

"It's just that the situation changed afterward."

He could only rely on guessing.

After so many days without closing the case, he figured that was probably the only possibility.

"Explain in detail."

Clearly the bureau chief didn't want to let it go just like that.

It was originally just a casual question, but Li Jun's stammering had piqued his interest.

"It's quite complicated." Li Jun answered vaguely:

"Can't be explained in a sentence or two."

Are you trying to build suspense on me? The bureau chief nearly slammed the table, his expression darkening.

"Then pick out the key points!"

Li Jun was startled by the bureau chief's sudden raised voice — he knew he couldn't bluff his way through.

But this couldn't be said.

After a brief hesitation, he gritted his teeth.

"Fine, I'll tell it straight." Li Jun straightened his back and stiffened his neck:

"I don't know the specifics either."

Since he couldn't bluff his way through, he'd just honestly admit it.

Don't ask.

Ask and the answer is: don't know.

Whatever happens, happens!

Laying my cards on the table! Destroy it all! I'm done~

The bureau chief was actually taken aback by his bluntness, but quickly returned to normal and laughed:

"You, as a squad leader, actually know nothing about a homicide case currently under investigation?"

You as bureau chief don't know either, do you... well, that was something Li Jun only dared think in his heart.

Then he recounted in detail what he knew — he didn't specifically mention that Lu Zhongxin wouldn't give him the case file, only briefly noted that the task force attached great importance to confidentiality.

He believed the bureau chief would understand.

The higher the rank, the more roundabout the speech — although Li Jun didn't like this kind of veiled way of talking, there was nothing he could do.

Sing whatever song fits the mountain you're crossing.

You have to adapt to the environment, not the other way around.

Just as Li Jun expected, the bureau chief not only understood, but immediately gave an order:

"Go now, tell them it's my order — have the deputy team leader bring the case file to my office."

(End of chapter)