Chapter 41: We

Yu Dazhang then reviewed the technical department’s 3D reconstruction of the footprints.

Let me explain this.

Although footprints are less identifiable than fingerprints.

But in certain aspects, they can yield more information.

By analyzing footprints, one can infer the suspect’s height, weight, and walking habits.

Some readers asked: how can you determine a suspect’s height and weight from footprints?

Footprint extraction has two methods: flat and three-dimensional.

First, flat prints: the size and stride width can distinguish gender.

Through three-dimensional reconstruction, one can estimate the suspect’s height and weight.

How is it reconstructed?

Try plaster casting.

Both are adult males… this identification result was within Yu Dazhang’s expectations.

To kill Zhang Yan by hand, with no effective resistance beyond her struggle.

Only someone with overwhelming strength and skill could accomplish this.

This indicates the killer has excellent physical conditioning.

Whether trained or not, he’s at least a strong, muscular man.

Then the other person’s presence is redundant.

Did he come along with the killer?

The killer and Zhang Yan suddenly argued, causing the killer to go mad and strangle her, while the other stood frozen in shock.

No… Yu Dazhang immediately dismissed this theory.

If the other person were female, she might be too terrified to move.

But an adult male wouldn’t—he would definitely try to stop the killer; any normal person would.

That leaves only one possibility…

The other person did not arrive at Zhang Yan’s home with the killer.

He came later!

Yes, exactly… Yu Dazhang’s reasoning grew clearer.

That man was called to Zhang Yan’s home after her death.

Why call him?

To move the body!

That means the killer didn’t drive there.

The private car that transported Zhang Yan’s body was driven into the compound by the other man.

According to timing, Zhang Yan disappeared from surveillance at 2:12 PM and entered her home roughly two minutes later.

After seeing Zhang Yan return, the killer went upstairs, knocked on the door—this process took at most two minutes.

Then came the argument, the murder…

No, the argument can be eliminated.

Because Zhang Yan had already argued with the killer on the phone during her way home.

The killer came to confront her.

Her answer must have triggered his murderous intent; this process, plus the killing, took roughly ten minutes.

After killing, there would be a brief moment of panic—even with strong nerves, first-time killers struggle to stay calm.

This disoriented period lasted at least five minutes.

It was already past 2:30 PM.

When the killer regained his composure, his first thought was to move the body, then he called for backup.

Zhang Yan’s parents arrived home at 3:00 PM; they had less than half an hour.

To reach Zhang Yan’s home in such a short time, move the body into the car, and exit the compound before her parents returned…

The backup must live near Zhang Yan’s home!

Why so certain?

First point.

With time so tight, the killer called him only because he knew the man could arrive quickly.

Their relationship had to be exceptionally close—not even friends would do.

If they were just friends, no one would help with this; not calling the police immediately would already count as gang loyalty.

So now, what needs to be done is…

Inside the director’s office.

Lu Zhongxin, listening to Director Wu’s orders, felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.

He pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

Apprentice?

He’d planned to step out to answer, but Director Wu made a subtle gesture toward his desk.

The meaning was clear… answer right here. With such a direct order from a senior leader, Lu Zhongxin dared not disobey—he quickly tapped answer.

Before Lu Zhongxin could even say “Hello.”

Yu Dazhang’s urgent, anxious voice came through the phone:

“Master, we need to cut the time further!”

“Find every private car that entered the compound after 2:30 PM and left before 3:00 PM.”

“Leave the rest unchanged—if the owner lives in the compound, eliminate them.”

“The ones left…”

Yu Dazhang paused for a second, then continued firmly:

“Get me all the owner’s information—and deliver it to me immediately!”

Because Lu Zhongxin’s phone speaker was loud and the room was silent, Director Wu and Li Jun heard every word clearly.

Aside from the initial “Master,” which sounded decent, everything else was orders directed at Lu Zhongxin.

By the end, it was outright commands.

Please… collect 6…9…books…!

Director Wu and Li Jun both frowned.

They both thought of the same phrase… Youth has its own audacity!

This kid really thinks he’s in charge—so arrogant.

He calls his master “Master” nicely, smoothly.

But everything after that? Anyone could tell—he doesn’t treat his master like a person.

No room for discussion, just throwing out orders.

He might as well be holding his master’s hand, showing him exactly how to do it.

Is this really a rookie?

What police academy produces a rookie like this?

He’s been here barely a moment, and his master’s already following him around.

Even bringing in his police academy instructors wouldn’t match this level.

What happened next made their eyes widen.

Lu Zhongxin didn’t hesitate a second—he immediately replied:

“Don’t worry, I’m heading back to the vehicle office now. The vehicle data’s already pulled—I guarantee I’ll have it fully cleared up within an hour!”

Both men stared, wide-eyed, at Lu Zhongxin’s serious expression.

Is this…

Habit?

Is this how a master should respond?

You’re making promises now?

Brother, you’re the master.

We’re embarrassed for you!

After ending the call, Lu Zhongxin stood up and ran out of the office.

He stepped out, then immediately turned back, pushed the door open just enough to stick his head in:

“Leaders, urgent matter—I’m off to the vehicle office.”

Before the two leaders inside could respond, he shut the door and hurried away.

He just left?

We didn’t even reply—you just walked out.

Director Wu and Li Jun exchanged glances; they both knew the other was thinking the same thing.

He just walked out because he forgot we were here.

You get what you deserve—a disciple reflects the character of their master.

You don’t treat us like people either!

One hour later, the Criminal Investigation Brigade.

Yu Dazhang was on the phone.

“Since the investigation is clear, hurry back. Do not show the statements or the scene footage to anyone yet.”

“Right, further verification is still needed. Evidence isn’t just words.”

“Understood. I’ll wait for you in Songhai.”

He had just hung up when his phone rang again.

Yu Dazhang didn’t need to guess—it was his Master calling.

He knew Lu Zhongxin’s character too well: if he said he could finish the investigation in an hour, he would.

His Master never made empty promises.

“Dazhang, I found it,” came Lu Zhongxin’s excited voice over the phone.

“Following your method, we narrowed it down to just one private vehicle.”

Waka ka ka~~ Successfully made it onto the first recommendation list.

Thank you to all the righteous fathers who voted and followed me this far.

(End of chapter)