CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: THIS CASE IS GETTING MORE COMPLICATED

minutes later.

Inside the interrogation room of Jiangcheng City Public Security Bureau.

Li Jian and Chen He are personally conducting the interrogation.

The deceased Zhang Qian’s ex-boyfriend Li Dong sits across from them.

Mr. Ma stands outside the one-way glass window of the interrogation room.

At this moment.

Li Dong regained some composure and looked around.

The wall on the left is inscribed with: Leniency for confession, severity for resistance.

The wall on the right is inscribed with: The sea of bitterness is boundless, turn back to shore.

Captain Li Jian asked: "Do you know why we brought you back in the middle of the night?"

Li Dong looks innocent.

He said: "Five hours ago, I was clearly already washed up, lying in bed waiting to sleep."

"But then you rushed into my dormitory and brought me here."

"And now, you’re asking me why I’m here?"

"Honestly, I hope this is a dream."

"After I wake up from this dream, I’m lying in the factory dormitory."

Chen He said seriously: "We’re asking you to answer questions, not to express feelings."

"I can tell you clearly now, this isn’t a dream."

"Even if it were a dream, I’d still take you to court."

Captain Li Jian said: "Now tell us what your relationship with Zhang Qian was."

Upon hearing the name Zhang Qian, Li Dong’s mouth twitched slightly.

He said: "So it’s about that matter."

After all, on the way, no one communicated with him as a suspect.

He just sat in the back, sandwiched between two policemen.

Upon hearing this introduction, Li Dong instantly understood.

Li Dong’s tense body leaned back.

He said: "My relationship with her was simple."

"We were university sweethearts."

"But ultimately, we didn’t end up together."

Chen He asked: "You should be aware of her death?"

"Aware! How could I not be?"

"When she was buried, I attended her funeral, just quietly observing."

Li Jian said: "If you still have any memory, you should recall I approached you 8 years ago."

Li Dong lowered his head in thought.

"Officer, I’m sorry, I have a poor memory and can’t recall events from 8 years ago."

He asked: "Since you already approached me 8 years ago, why are you bringing me back today?"

Chen He said: "That’s because you didn’t tell the truth back then."

"It was the truth!"

"Absolutely the truth!"

"How could I lie?"

"Besides, the woman I loved most was killed, I hope the murderer gets caught soon, so she can rest in peace."

"Don’t be pretentious."

"I think you just couldn’t get her, so you want to destroy her."

Li Dong said: "I once had that thought."

"But later, I came to terms with it."

"We were once very happy lovers, but due to family reasons, she had to break up."

"But during the best years of our lives, we walked together."

"Life isn’t about having, but about having had."

"I didn’t realize your thoughts were so profound."

Captain Li Jian lit a cigarette and said: "Want one?"

Li Dong replied: "Quit! Thanks!"

"Where were you at the time of the murder?"

Chen He directly asked.

"Officer, I truly can’t remember where I was when Zhang Qian was killed 8 years ago."

"But I just know I wasn’t in Jiangcheng."

Li Jian felt that Li Dong’s previous answer fit perfectly with human nature.

After all, it was separated by 8 years.

If he answered suddenly, it would be a lie instead.

It might be easier for you to recall events from three days ago.

But as for events from a week or two weeks ago, your memory might blur.

Chen He said: "Since you’re so affectionate towards Zhang Qian."

"I have reason to suspect your motive."

Li Dong sighed and said: "I’m a very devoted person."

"After breaking up with Zhang Qian, I tried many times to pursue reconciliation."

"But she still refused."

"Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a rich man, hoping one day to marry her."

He then smiled bitterly and shook his head helplessly.

"I haven’t made enough money yet, and she’s been killed."

"Maybe it’s just fate playing tricks."

Throughout the questioning, Li Jian continuously observed Li Dong’s emotional behavior.

In Li Jian’s view, one’s behavior in the interrogation room, especially micro-expressions and actions, is far more important than what they say.

After asking just a few questions, judging from Li Dong’s expressions and actions, his answers appeared very truthful, without any signs of lying.

However.

This time, Chen He seemed determined.

He said: "You better be honest, leniency for confession, severity for resistance."

"Back then, the person who deeply resented the deceased Zhang Qian was only you."

"Please cooperate with us actively for a chance at a lenient treatment."

Li Dong said: "Lenient treatment? I didn’t commit murder."

"Moreover, I feel regret that she was killed."

"Since she was killed 8 years ago, my life has been in ruins."

"I used to run a business as a small boss, now I’m working for others."

"The goal set back then was to make enough money and marry her."

"Now she’s gone, I’ve lost all motivation."

Li Jian recalled the appearance of Li Dong 8 years ago.

years ago, Li Jian met Li Dong for the first time.

Back then, he indeed was a small boss, running a catering company and driving a car worth over 300,000.

After 8 years, now he looks like a worker.

Suddenly feeling a physical urge, he turned to Chen He and said: "You keep questioning inside, I’m going out to use the restroom."

Then he opened the interrogation room door and walked out.

However.

As he walked down the hallway, he turned to see the lights still on in the opposite criminal investigation meeting room.

Vaguely, he could see a man next to the projector screen.

Upon a closer look, he realized it was Jiang An.

Li Jian raised his wrist and checked the time.

3:50 AM.

Then he took out his phone and dialed Jiang An’s number.

"Why aren’t you asleep this late?"

"Mr. Li, I’m reviewing the case in the meeting room."

"Get some rest, young people also need to take care of their health."

"Thank you for your concern, I’m here with Senior Zhang Yean."

"Oh! Did you find anything?"

"Mr. Li, we have two very important discoveries."

"What discoveries?"

"I looked through all the photos from the scene and the autopsy."

"I believe the murderer isn’t two people, but three."

"Before committing the murder, the perpetrators scouted the area and drank tea in the victim’s living room."

Instantly, Captain Li Jian stood stunned, holding the phone in place.