Chapter 68

Chapter 68

Wang Heizi pulled Tang Qingqing over and brought her in front of Qian San.

When Qian San saw Tang Qingqing, his eyes lit up, and his ears turned red as he looked shyly.

Seeing him like this, Wang Heizi kicked him irritably.

"Hurry up and explain to Sister Qing what happened. Don't leave out a single word."

"Uh, uh." Qian San quickly agreed, looking up at Tang Qingqing before bashfully lowering his head again.

"I just went around asking nearby. Seven days ago, that fisherman was here the whole time and didn't leave. He brought his own bread to munch on and even peed twice under that tree over there."

Tang Qingqing was surprised. "Why are the villagers so clear about his movements?"

This happened seven days ago, and the nearest village is a ten-minute walk away. Who would be watching him all the time?

"This fisherman is very friendly. Every time he catches fish, he's happy to share half with everyone. So our kids here often watch him. They wait for him because only the first ones to rush over can get some fish, while the latecomers miss out."

"Are you sure it was seven days ago?"

"Absolutely. That day, someone in our team was holding a funeral, so everyone remembers it."

Tang Qingqing looked at Wang Heizi, who nodded at her.

"Although Qian San seems unreliable, once he takes the money, he'll definitely do a good job."

Tang Qingqing then looked at Qian San. "Can you take responsibility for what you've said?"

Qian San patted his chest confidently. "I, Qian San, may not say much else, but my credibility is top-notch."

"Was there anyone else here besides the fisherman that day?"

"No, just him."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely! I'd say the same thing even in front of the Public Security Bureau."

Tang Qingqing nodded and asked, "Did anything unusual happen or did any strangers appear along this riverbank that day?"

"Not really. I can't speak for other places, but no strangers came here that day. If they had, someone would have noticed."

"You need to go to the Public Security Bureau to give your statement."

Looking at Tang Qingqing's beautiful face, Qian San almost nodded in agreement.

But he caught himself and glanced at Wang Heizi.

Wang Heizi rolled his eyes. "You must have been a miser in your past life."

"I can't help it. You know how things are at home. Without some extra income, we'd all starve."

"Three hundred yuan. Is that enough?"

Qian San's eyes widened. "Enough, enough, more than enough!"

"If you handle this well, I'll pay you in full."

Qian San hesitated.

Wang Heizi said, "Do you think I, Wang Heizi, would cheat you out of your money?"

"Well, not exactly..."

After a moment's hesitation, Qian San finally agreed.

Tang Qingqing felt somewhat unsure but still called Gao Pengyue over.

She told him about the information Qian San provided and instructed him to bring Qian San to the Public Security Bureau for a statement.

"This is crucial evidence!" Gao Pengyue exclaimed.

Everyone had been focusing on Shen Hewei, and this new lead would change their investigative direction.

If Qian San's information proved true, Shen Hewei would have an alibi, significantly reducing his suspicion.

After Gao Pengyue took Qian San away, Tang Qingqing couldn't help but ask:

"Is this really reliable?"

Trading money for information made Tang Qingqing uneasy.

"Worms have their ways, mice have theirs. Someone like Qian San won't deal with the police unless he gets something in return. Let alone gathering information, even if he knew something concrete, he wouldn't tell the police."

"Would he spread false information for money?"

"Since he's willing to go to the Public Security Bureau, he won't act recklessly. For someone who sells information, credibility is crucial. Falsifying information offers no benefit and would only invite police reprimands, which isn't worth it."

Hearing this, Tang Qingqing didn't say anything more, feeling that the case had become even more complex.

"If what Qian San said is true, then the murderer likely isn't Shen Hewei. Who could it be?"

Shen Hewei left home at 7:20 AM. Riding a bicycle from his house to here would take at least forty minutes, usually an hour.

Someone saw him here around eight o'clock, meaning Shen Hewei didn't have the time to commit the crime.

Tang Qingqing had reviewed the autopsy report. Based on the contents found in Zhou Xiaoling's stomach, she had been killed within two hours of having breakfast.

According to the Zhou family, Zhou Xiaoling had breakfast at home at seven thirty in the morning and left with her nephews for kindergarten at seven forty. After that, no one saw her again.

"Someone must have been watching her on the way. A young woman appearing in the outskirts could easily attract unwanted attention."

This was highly possible. Zhou Xiaoling originally had a bicycle, but it was taken by her second sister-in-law.

So she had to walk to the meeting place with Shen Hewei, making it easier for someone to ambush her.

"If she was abducted and murdered along the way, it would have happened on this road. We need to continue searching along here tomorrow."

By now, it was already dark, and Tang Qingqing was famished. If not for the candy she kept eating, she would definitely be feeling unwell.

Wang Heizi: "This river is so long. At this rate, we won't find anything until the cows come home. Not only does time pass, but evidence also disappears."

"To assault, murder, and dispose of the body during the day without being noticed, it must have happened in a remote area. Let's go over the details tonight and see where along the route it would be most suitable for such a crime. We'll focus our search there first."

Wang Heizi nodded. "Alright, Dazhuang will be out from the team tomorrow. He can accompany you, and we can split up."

"You guys should go about your business; you don't need to follow me all the time."

"Don't say such nonsense. It's meaningless."

Tang Qingqing's lips twitched.

Wang Heizi rolled his eyes at her. "You're all looks and no brains. Do you think I'd let you wander around alone with a case like this? What are you thinking!"

"Wang Heizi, you've grown some guts, haven't you? You dare to talk back to me!" Tang Qingqing lunged at him.

Wang Heizi dodged nimbly. "Comrade Tang, please call me Wang Jinxin."

When Wang Heizi was about to start junior high school, he changed his name. Originally, he wanted to be called Wang Faicai, but Tang Qingqing thought it sounded too rustic and refused to agree.

In the end, they chose the current name, which still clearly showed his desire to get rich.

On their way back, Tang Qingqing didn't idle; she kept observing the ground.

However, they moved much faster than usual, not delaying their journey.

They found nothing along the way. When Tang Qingqing returned to the canteen, Qin Sa was having dinner.

Qin Sa waved her over, and Wang Heizi told Tang Qingqing to go ahead while he got her food.

"Not bad, discovering such an important clue today."

Tang Qingqing smiled. "It wasn't me; it was all Wang Heizi's doing."

"I remember what I said before. Wang Heizi has his own ways and might uncover unexpected leads."

"So does Shen Hewei clear his name now?"

"He has been released on bail, but he's still on the list of suspects."

The lead from Qian San was crucial and could help clear Shen Hewei's name.

Qin Sa whispered, "Letting him go can also reveal if anyone else comes forward."

If Shen Hewei isn't the murderer, the real culprit, if local, might show up to investigate after his release.

"Now that Shen Hewei is out, how did the Zhou family react?"

Ever since it was confirmed that Zhou Xiaoling was murdered and Shen Hewei was the prime suspect, the Zhou family had been demanding compensation from the Shen family.

Now that Shen Hewei is released, the Zhou family will surely react.

"Why do you think I'm having dinner so late? I've been busy dealing with their issues. They know I'm in charge of the case and wouldn't let me go."

Qin Sa didn't mention how the Zhou family insulted her, even threatening to report her for favoritism, almost accusing her of having a relationship with Shen Hewei.

Tang Qingqing thought of something. "Did Zhou Xiaoling's brother-in-law come over?"

"The one named Lu Xiang?"

"I don't know his name, but Zhou Xiaoling mentioned him before. She said she disliked this man because he was always inappropriate and made lewd comments to her."

"That Lu Xiang is indeed quite sleazy. He was the one leading the charge, and his mouth was very dirty."

Zhou Xiaoling's brother-in-law's family lived next door at the battery factory, so they often interacted.

Zhou Xiaoling's brother-in-law, Lu Xiang, is currently unemployed and occasionally works odd jobs.

"Do you suspect him?"

"My classmate mentioned him too, saying he wasn't a good person. Since Zhou Xiaoling started dating Shen Hewei and looked better, Lu Xiang often stared at her with lustful eyes."

Qin Sa nodded. "I'll note that down."

"Sis, do you think it's more likely that someone close to her committed the crime?"

"Statistics show that in cases of female victims, over half the perpetrators are people close to them. Familiarity makes it easier to deceive and attack."

"When investigating a case without concrete evidence, we usually start with the people close to the victim."

At that moment, Wang Heizi arrived with their food.

"I heard you talking about Lu Xiang just now?"

Tang Qingqing looked at him. "Do you know him?"

"The one from the battery factory?"

"Yes, it's him."

"I know him. Who doesn't know him? Is he involved in this case?"

"He is the younger brother of Zhou Xiaoling's sister-in-law."

Wang Heizi frowned, "You're right. He really might be capable of doing something like this."

Lu Xiang has an older brother and a younger brother.

The older brother took their mother's job, while the younger brother excels academically and stands a good chance of securing a job on his own in the future.

Caught in the middle, Lu Xiang is the least promising one in the family, wandering around like a hooligan all day.

He often steals parts from the battery factory to sell, which is how Wang Heizi got to know him.

"How can someone be like this! Isn't this undermining socialism? Why didn't you report it?" Tang Qingqing frowned.

"Well, such things aren't uncommon nowadays. Times have changed. Ask Qin from the Public Security Bureau; if the factory doesn't pursue it, the Public Security Bureau probably won't get involved either."

Qin Sa pretended not to hear and thought that some things are better left unsaid.

Wang Heizi did not press further, saying, "Let me handle this kid. I can find out faster."

Lu Xiang frequents places that are often underhanded. If the police investigate, people there might fear being implicated and choose to hide information.

Qin Sa immediately agreed without hesitation. After finishing her last bite of food, she left.

She had more than one case on her plate, and others were similarly busy, rushing around non-stop every day.

Tang Qingqing also wanted to go with Wang Heizi. Wang Heizi hesitated, "Those places aren't suitable for you."

Tang Qingqing glanced at him, "It's not a gambling den, is it?"

Wang Heizi was taken aback and remained silent.

Tang Qingqing said sternly, "Wang Heizi, as a friend, I must remind you that your current behavior and state worry me."

"I'm not involved. You can ask Dazhuang later."

"If I can't convince you with reason, I'll report everything to Brother Yi and let him talk to you."

In the past two years, Wang Heizi has changed a lot and is no longer the naive boy he once was.

After the reforms, his mind became more active. Without Zhai Hongyi's restraint and with Tao Dazhuang by his side, he has become overly active.

Wang Heizi's expression changed, "Is it necessary to tell Brother Yi about such a small matter? He's busy now and doesn't have time for these things."

Since Zhai Hongyi left, he hasn't returned. They kept in touch through letters, keeping each other informed of their situations.

Although they still maintained a close relationship, it wasn't the same as before.

Separated by thousands of miles, they were in different circumstances and their mindsets had changed.

Letters also had a delay, so sometimes events passed without the urge to share them.

But Zhai Hongyi still held significant weight, and Wang Heizi would listen to him.

Zhai Hongyi enrolled in university last year and is currently studying at the People's University in the capital, making Wang Heizi even more respectful of this elder brother.

"If you don't think there's a problem, why would you worry about Brother Yi finding out?"

Wang Heizi looked displeased.

Tang Qingqing sighed, "I'm not trying to blame you. I just don't want you to go down the wrong path. Even if you don't continue your studies, you still have a bright future ahead. There are many opportunities now, and I don't want you to limit yourself."

Wang Heizi initially felt indignant, thinking he was here to help but ended up causing trouble for himself.

Hearing this, his anger dissipated.

"I promise you, I haven't gotten involved in any of those messy things."

Wang Heizi escorted Tang Qingqing back to school, where evening classes were still in session.

Tang Qingqing slipped in through the back door and returned to her seat, where she found two exam papers.

Some students noticed her arrival but quickly returned to their work.

Ever since entering the third year of junior high, everyone felt the pressure.

This was a turning point. Those who couldn't pass the high school entrance exam might have to return home to farm or find temporary work.

Unless their families had connections, they wouldn't be able to secure formal employment.

Those who went on to high school, even if they didn't make it to university or college, usually had more options.

Ning Pingying was excited to see Tang Qingqing and was about to speak when Tang Qingqing stopped her.

Ning Pingying quickly wrote a note: "Has Shen Hewei been released?"

She heard the news during dinner and was shocked.

The Zhou family cursed for a long time, claiming that the Shen family used their connections to collude with the Public Security Bureau, implying foul play.

Tang Qingqing took the note and replied, "He had an alibi, so the Shens bailed him out."

"Who could the perpetrator be if it's not him? Could the rapist still be in our commune?"

As Ning Pingying wrote this, she shivered.

If it was Shen Hewei who did it, there's actually nothing to be afraid of.

Because he had already been arrested by then, and secondly, he only committed such an inhumane act because he was sick. To some extent, everyone guessed that when he went crazy, it would be terrifying, but it was still within a manageable range, even though it was scary.

But if it was someone else, that would be different. That person hasn't been caught yet, and no one can figure out who it is or whether they will strike again. The uncertainty makes it all the more terrifying.

Ning Pingying is a day student and has to walk home after evening classes.

Part of the way from her school to her home is unlit, and Ning Pingying usually feels scared walking through that area. Now, with this incident, she is even more frightened.

"You don't have any leads yet. You should have your parents pick you up for now, or walk with your classmates. Don't go alone."

Ning Pingying was about to cry, "How could there be such a terrifying person in our commune!"

Tang Qingqing suddenly thought of something, "How do you know Zhou Xiaoling was raped and murdered?"

The case hasn't been solved yet, and the Public Security Bureau hasn't released specific details. They only said she was killed, not that she was raped and murdered.

Ning Pingying was taken aback, "Didn't this news spread long ago? The Zhou family themselves were saying it, cursing Shen Hewei as a beast."

Tang Qingqing pursed her lips, her expression turning grim. What was going on with this family!

Tang Qingqing originally wanted to ask her about Lu Xiang, but decided against it. She would wait for Wang Heizi's investigation tomorrow.

The next day, Tang Qingqing walked out of the school and saw Wang Heizi standing at the school gate, a cigarette in his mouth.

Tang Qingqing frowned and quickly approached him, taking the cigarette away.

Wang Heizi didn't get angry. He said, "I asked around last night. On the night before Zhou Xiaoling was killed, Lu Xiang played cards all night until past nine in the morning."

"After the game, they all went to a nearby noodle shop for a bowl of noodles. They separated around ten o'clock. Someone saw Lu Xiang return home around ten-thirty and didn't get up until dinner time."

Lu Xiang often had his days and nights mixed up, and his family had gotten used to it.

Recently, he had been helping the Zhou family cause trouble for the Shen family, so his schedule had become more regular.

Tang Qingqing was disappointed, "It seems the killer isn't him. Let's continue searching today."

The two went to a dumpling restaurant for breakfast. After eating, Tang Qingqing took out a map.

"I've marked several possible crime scenes on this map. We'll split up over the next few days to see if we can find any clues."

"Alright, let's work together in the morning. When Dazhuang arrives in the afternoon, we'll split up."

After finishing their dumplings, they packed a few flatbreads and set off.

Halfway through, Tang Qingqing suddenly remembered something and stopped.

Wang Heizi looked at her, and Tang Qingqing patted her head, "I forgot about the Public Security officer from Red Flag Commune!"

They had already walked quite far and didn't want to turn back, so they simply put it out of their minds.

Gao Pengyue had been waiting at the Public Security Bureau, but seeing no one arrive, he joined other team members in their investigations.

After three days, Tang Qingqing and her team found nothing.

Tang Qingqing gnashed her teeth on a hard candy, "This shouldn't be happening. With such a commotion, there should be some traces left behind."

If the killer acted on impulse, they would have attacked somewhere along the route.

Whether it was assault or moving the body, there should be some signs left behind.

The riverbank is covered with wild grass, which has turned yellow with autumn but still grows densely.

Therefore, there must be signs of disturbance, broken grass, or other evidence, even if it was cleaned up afterward.

They spent over two days investigating very carefully.

Wang Heizi had been working with Tang Qingqing for years. While he couldn't deduce detailed information like height and weight from footprints like Tang Qingqing could, he had developed keen eyes.

Due to assisting Tang Qingqing, he excelled at large-scale searches, almost as well as she did, except for specific identifications.

Wang Heizi: "There's only one possibility – Zhou Xiaoling didn't take this route that day."

"But where could she have gone? Why would she change her mind?"

"Could it be the Zhou family talking?"

Tang Qingqing shook her head, "Ning Pingying said the Zhou family needed Zhou Xiaoling to speak kindly to the Shen family. At this critical moment, they wouldn't delay her meeting."

"And they even took her bicycle, not caring if she arrived late and upset Shen Hewei."

"They thought it would be better if Zhou Xiaoling met Shen Hewei, letting him give her a ride to foster their relationship."

Wang Heizi rolled his eyes, "Then in the morning, they made her drop off some nephews, making her leave late. How can this family be so selfish! And the best person in the family is the one who died, while these selfish ones are still alive. This case is getting more infuriating the more we investigate."

Tang Qingqing felt the same anger. Zhou Xiaoling's murder might have been an accident, but if the Zhou family hadn't exploited her so much, perhaps this wouldn't have happened.

The match factory is in a remote area. After Zhou Xiaoling left, if she turned in another direction, it would be hard for anyone to notice.

Wang Heizi: "What do we do now? Are we really going to search the riverbank inch by inch? That will take forever."

Tang Qingqing was also at a loss. Her expertise wasn't helping here.

From the match factory, the roads are paved and lead in many directions. Given how many days have passed, it's difficult to find any traces.

Even with exceptional skills, finding Zhou Xiaoling's footsteps would be impossible.

"If there's no other way, we'll have to use the most primitive method."

Wang Heizi felt a darkness clouding his vision, his breath weak: "Why don't we mark a few spots and draw lots? Maybe we'll get lucky and find her right away."

As they were at their wits' end, preparing to start the massive search effort.

Qin Sa, through her investigations, found that someone had seen Zhou Xiaoling that morning.