Chapter 38: He Will Come Again

“You’re imitating me?!” Yu Dazhang snapped.

“Why are you dragging it out?!”

“No, no,” the man hurriedly denied.

“It’s just hard to put into words.”

“According to one of Zhang Yan’s classmates, a man came to the school gate after the incident and asked several students about it.”

“His way of asking was strange—he seemed only interested in whether Zhang Yan had really been in a relationship.”

“Before asking each student, he gave them a small gift; after getting an answer, he gave another—mostly stationery.”

“We originally guessed he might have been sent by Zhang Yan’s parents to secretly investigate their daughter.”

“But strangely, he wore a hat and mask, as if afraid anyone might see his face.”

“If he were sent by Zhang Yan’s family, there’d be no need for such caution.”

“So we, we just...”

Yu Dazhang understood—the reason they struggled to speak was they couldn’t figure out the man’s motive.

Seeing the team member’s hesitation, he raised a hand to interrupt:

“This matter is important. I’ve noted it down.”

Yu Dazhang never expected them to analyze it—just finding the facts was enough.

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

That means he’s cautious, highly suspicious.

He gives small gifts before and after asking...

That’s a habit—using petty favors to win trust.

That means he’s well-off; otherwise, he wouldn’t have developed such a habit.

He asked several classmates...

That means he’s deeply curious and careful in his actions.

One answer isn’t enough to convince him—he needs multiple consistent answers before he fully believes.

“You don’t need to go back to the school,” Yu Dazhang said seriously.

“From now on, you have a new assignment.”

Another assignment already?

The two were momentarily stunned.

But seeing Yu Dazhang’s serious expression, they dared not ask more and immediately straightened their postures, nodding.

Unconsciously, they had come to treat this probationary officer as a true leader.

How suddenly satisfying it felt... Yu Dazhang looked at the two standing rigidly, waiting for his orders, and a sense of fulfillment rose in him.

No wonder everyone scrambles to climb up—this feeling is amazing!

Satisfaction aside, the job couldn’t wait.

“See that building across?” Yu Dazhang gestured with his eyes, continuing:

“Find a spot in that building where you can see Zhang Yan’s front door.”

“If your view is blocked, open the windows of her building’s hallway.”

“Then keep watching. If any stranger shows up at their place, call me immediately.”

The two exchanged glances and instantly understood each other’s thoughts.

Stakeout, huh~

We know this stuff inside out!

If it’s about brains, maybe we’re not as sharp as him—but stakeouts? This fatty’s nowhere near us.

They couldn’t help but smile at each other, then lifted their heads; their earlier lethargy vanished, replaced by confident expressions.

“Leave it to us. Is there anything special to watch for?”

This time, it was their turn to ask.

Let this fatty see what real professionalism looks like!

Are they pumped up? Yu Dazhang couldn’t figure out why these two’s whole demeanor changed at the mention of stakeout—it’s a miserable job.

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

The two nodded, indicating they’d remembered.

Then one of the team members couldn’t help asking:

“Do you suspect the killer will come back to Zhang Yan’s house?”

“Yes,” Yu Dazhang said firmly.

“When things don’t unfold as he planned, he’ll return to the crime scene.”

“Even if he’s cautious, suspicion and fear will drive him to do it.”

“He won’t feel safe until he sees with his own eyes that the scene has been disturbed.”

The two thought about it but still didn’t understand where Yu Dazhang’s confidence came from.

The team member pressed: “Are you that certain?”

Yu Dazhang waved his hand, replying casually:

“It’s criminal psychology—it doesn’t bend to human will.”

The next day, Hongkou Branch.

Inside the director’s office.

“Why hasn’t the female student murder case been closed yet?”

Facing the director’s question, Captain Li Jun’s face darkened:

“The case is still under investigation.”

He was even more anxious than the director—he’d already asked the task force leader yesterday.

The reply: the case was complex and under full investigation.

What nonsense?

The suspect was already in custody—what’s so complex?

So he specifically requested the case file—and got...

Nothing!

As a captain, Li Jun knew the rules—the leader handled resource allocation; the file must be with the deputy leader.

Please... collect 6...9...books....!

But that meticulous detective, old Lu, flat-out refused him—his own superior.

His reason: during active investigation, personnel outside the task force have no right to access the file.

The rule did exist.

But rules are rigid; people are flexible.

Li Jun never expected old Lu to be this inflexible.

I’m your superior’s superior.

Yet you say your rules are absolute.

Even showing a hint of hesitation would’ve been enough—give me a face-saving way out.

Doesn’t a captain have dignity?

“Still under investigation?” The director, hearing Li Jun’s answer, thought he’d misheard:

“I recall the suspect was arrested the very day the task force was formed.”

“Yes, yes, he was arrested,” Li Jun stammered, his mind racing:

“But the case details changed later.”

He could only guess.

With the case dragging on so long, this was the only plausible explanation.

“Explain in detail.”

Clearly, the director wasn’t letting it go.

He’d only asked casually, but Li Jun’s hesitation had piqued his interest.

“It’s complicated,” Li Jun evaded.

“Can’t be explained in a few words.”

Are you building suspense with me? The director nearly slammed his desk, his face darkening.

“Then get to the point!”

Li Jun flinched at the director’s sudden raised voice—he knew he couldn’t bluff anymore.

But he couldn’t say it.

After a brief hesitation, he gritted his teeth.

“Fine, I’ll tell you the truth,” Li Jun straightened his back, chin raised.

“I don’t know the specifics.”

Since bluffing was impossible, he’d admit it outright.

Don’t ask.

Ask me, I don’t know.

Do whatever you want!

I’m done! Let it all burn! I’m tired~

The Inspector, taken aback by his frankness, paused for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and smiled:

“As a team leader, how can you know nothing about the murder case you’re investigating?”

You’re the Inspector—you didn’t know either… Well, Li Jun only dared to think this in his heart.

He then detailed everything he knew, without explicitly saying Lu Zhongxin had withheld the case files, only mentioning that the special task force placed great emphasis on confidentiality.

He believed the Inspector would understand.

The higher the rank, the more roundabout the speech. Although Li Jun disliked this indirect style of conversation, there was no choice.

Sing the song appropriate to the mountain you’re on.

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

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

“Go now—on my authority—tell the deputy team leader to bring the case files to my office.”

(End of chapter)