In the case of Li Xiaonuan, Wu Honglin was considered the prime suspect because he was seen near the crime scene during the estimated time of death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, Cai Xin''s death essentially cleared him of suspicion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This greatly increased the likelihood of Jian Jing''s earlier theory about Li Xiaonuan''s time of death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Perhaps Li Xiaonuan didn''t actually die at night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
By having her eat lunch, the estimated time of death could be confused. Add to that the freezing conditions - the body being frozen first then burned - making it impossible to determine from the corpse''s reactions. With a few clever tricks, it could create the illusion that the killer couldn''t have arrived after the snowfall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The killer''s borate efforts to establish an alibi were undoubtedly aimed at clearing themselves of suspicion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Therefore, those without alibis for the afternoon but with alibis for the evening were most suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unfortunately, after ten years, the relevant personnel''s memories of the case had be hazy, and many leads once missed could not be recovered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But could the same line of thinking be applied to this case?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The circumstances were so simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Both used gastric contents digestion as a basis for estimation. Was it possible that Cai Xin''s time of death was incorrect?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It seemed unlikely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Between 2:00 and 2:40 PM, Cai Xin was seen at Yu Can''s shop, confirmed alive by more than one witness. Even if the killer was silver-tongued enough to convince her not to board the ne temporarily and to eat dinner, there should have been traces of other food in her stomach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unless the dinner was identical to the afternoon tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Who knew what was eaten for afternoon tea? The people at Yu Can''s shop, including Yu Can herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In terms of alibis, Yu Can was undoubtedly the most suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Though it might seem cold to think this way, the fact was that she was currently the only person besides Zhao Bin involved in both Li Xiaonuan''s case and Cai Xin''s case.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Of course, it was also possible that the former led to thetter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But investigations must be objective. Did Yu Can have any motive?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She returned to her shop at 3:20 PM and didn''t leave until 7-8 PM, making it impossible for her tomit murder during that time. Assuming she acted with utmost speed, finding Cai Xin immediately after work and making her eat a dinner identical to the afternoon tea, she couldn''t have acted until 10 PM-12 AM at the earliest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Let''s say she killed at 10 PM. By 10:25 PM, Ji Feng had found her at home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The body dump site was at least a 40-minute drive from Yu Can''s home, assuming no traffic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This alibi was too airtight. Even if Yu Can were confirmed as a suspect, it would be hard to break, let alone now when she wasn''t even that suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Didn''t the autopsy report mention traces of sleeping pills?" Jian Jing rubbed her forehead, changing tack. "The person who could make her drink it without suspicion must have been someone familiar to her. Did the subway station cameras catch anything?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng replied, "You can''t park at the subway station, Yu Can said she parked at the intersection ahead. I checked the traffic management office''s footage, it matches her story. Cai Xin was in the car then, still alive and well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jian Jing fell silent for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After a while, she said, "I''m sticking to two points. First, the killer is someone Cai Xin knew well, otherwise there''s no need to use the exact same method of murder. A stranger would be hardest to trace, right? Only a serial killer could divert the police''s attention away from people close to the victim."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Second, the killer wants to use this case to clear their own suspicion. Who''s suspicious now but has an alibi?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng sighed, "We haven''t even started investigating her social circle yet. Yu Can''s statement mentioned Zhao Bin, the higher-ups want us to check him out first, he''s very suspicious."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jian Jing said, "Maybe that''s what the killer wants. But what''s the use?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She wondered, "The case had already gone cold, another death would definitely reopen the investigation. It''s not like 2007 anymore, what is is, what isn''t isn''t. We can''t find another Wu Honglin to take the me. What''s the point of buying a little time?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"To flee," Ji Feng nced at the gloomy sky and patted her shoulder. "It looks like it''s about to snow. I''ll keep an eye on Yu Can, you go home. I''ll call if anythinges up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jian Jing gave him a sidelong nce and couldn''t help saying, "I''m not trying to steal your job, but look at yourself." She pulled out a small mirror and held it up to him. "You look like you haven''t slept in two weeks."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng rubbed his chin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She asked, "...You haven''t really gone two weeks without sleep, have you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ve slept, I''ve slept. It''s no big deal," he smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jian Jing warned, "Staying upte will shorten your life."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Fengughed, "What''s the point of living that long? Good enough is good enough." He checked his watch. "There''s a meeting at 5, I should head back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jian Jing said, "I''ll take another look at the scene. You go ahead."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng didn''t press her, "Leave early, and be careful not to catch a cold."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She impatiently waved him off, telling him to scram.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng left and returned to the precinct for the meeting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Every time there was a major case, senior leadership woulde down to organize the investigation. Before that, they needed to rify some basic information, exin it clearly in the discussion meeting, and then set the direction for the investigation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because it involved an old case, this meeting was extremely long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The medical examiner discussed the autopsy report, forensics talked about trace evidence at the scene, Old Gao started from the 2002 case, introducing each of the four previous victims one by one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng reported on Liu Jian''s situation, and incidentally mentioned Jian Jing''s views on the Li Xiaonuan case.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The leader listened very attentively, holding a thermos cup, but didn''t say a word, making everyone feel uneasy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was already past eleven when it finished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng could barely keep his eyes open. He hastily wolfed down some instant noodles and went to the on-duty room to sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The dream was deep, the world a cold, silvery-gray.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After a long while, he realized it was snowing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The umted snow was gloomy, like uncured cement. Several charred corpsesy in the ruins, looking like burned firewood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He just stood there, silently watching, watching, until he woke from the dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His whole body ached.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After rushing about for half a month and then working non-stop upon return, even an iron man would be exhausted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng struggled to get up, his bones creaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He took out his toothbrush and toothpaste from the cab and went to the bathroom to freshen up. Just as he was brushing his teeth, Old Gao came in, his expression a bit stiff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng nced at him and continued brushing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Old Gao stammered, "Uh, there''s something this morning..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ptui." He spat out the toothpaste foam and calmly asked, "Want me to recuse myself?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Old Gao nodded with difficulty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When he reported on the case yesterday, he deliberately omitted the matter of Zhang Peiru, but the case files were right there. As long as the leaders weren''t blind, they would certainly understand this situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng''s rtionship to the Li Xiaonuan case was still unclear, and his father had a clear stake in it. Considering the rigor and impartiality of the investigation, he had to be recused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Alright, I guessed as much." He closed his eyes briefly. "I''ll just take it as paid leave then."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Old Gao''s face fell. "Dream on, there are other cases too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''m not in the mood to investigate. I''ll just take a couple days off then," he said, working out the kinks in his stiff neck. "This hard bed has nearly given me a crick."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He appearedpletely normal, but Old Gao knew better than to take it at face value. He hesitated, "How about... I apply to have Professor Jian participate a bit?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng shook his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Old Gao sighed and patted his shoulder. "Alright then, go home and rest for two days. It''s rare to have time off."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng grunted in assent without saying more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, despite saying he''d go home to rest, he still dutifully stayed in the office that afternoon, making calls, typing on the keyboard, not much less busy than if he''d gone out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He left work promptly at 5:30, unusually encountering the evening rush hour.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On the congested street, Ji Feng gazed at the gorgeous sunset in the west, memories from long ago surfacing in his mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That day, his father and mother divorced.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Yunyun was too young to understand and was left with rtives. Only Ji Feng apanied them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His mother said, "Xiaofeng, don''t me me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He replied, "I don''t me you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He really didn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unlike his father who knew nothing, he had actually discovered his mother''s condition very early on. She had cancer and needed long-term treatment and recuperation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Liming was a police officer who couldn''t take care of the family. She used to be able to look after the children, but what about after falling ill? So she very forcefully proposed divorce and didn''t ask for custody of either child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The second month after the divorce, she married another man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That man had pursued her for a long time and knew about her illness but didn''t care. He only hoped to spend thest days of her life together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She wanted to spend the final years of her life apanied by loved ones, and had no reason to refuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It wasn''t until Ji Liming''s wife passed away that he realized she had been suffering from such a severe illness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He felt regret, but also a sad relief. At least they had divorced - how much time would he have had to apany her anyway? If a husband wasn''t by his wife''s side in her final moments, that would be too heartbreaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Was there a sunset like this on the day of the funeral?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng thought for a moment, then shook his head. He couldn''t remember either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The car inched forward slowly as traffic lights changed. After over an hour, the sun hadpletely set by the time the car finally managed to reach home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There were people at the entrance, all quite tall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yunyun and who else? Yu Can?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng frowned and immediately parked the car to walk over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ms. Yu, why are you here?" He scrutinized Yu Can.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She was wearing a long ck down jacket and t boots, carrying an LV handbag. Her stylish and attractive appearance caught the eye of the security guard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yu Can hurriedly said, "Officer, I heard about what happened with your father... I''m so sorry." She looked ashamed, "I had no idea my testimony would lead to such a result..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng said, "That''s all in the past." He gave his sister a look, and Ji Yunyun immediately said, "Yes, you''re too kind. We can''t ept this."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As she spoke, she tried to push back the foam box.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s nothing expensive, just some strawberries my friend brought from the countryside," said Yu Can. "I originally wanted to give them to my daughter, but..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her eyes reddened, and she quickly lowered her head to wipe away tears. "Please take them, don''t be polite."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But Ji Feng said, "We can''t ept them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Once a gift is given, how can it be taken back?" Yu Can waved her hand, forcefully handing the box to Ji Yunyun. Then she said, "Officer, actually I came today because I wanted to talk to you about something. Do you think we could..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She gestured at the neighbors who were watching curiously, smiling bitterly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng didn''t know her intentions, but after brief consideration, he was still unwilling to miss a potential lead. He nodded and said, "Alright." He made a gesture to wait and said to Ji Yunyun, "You go home first."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Yunyun asked in a low voice, "What about this box of strawberries?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After a moment''s hesitation, he said, "Put it in the bike shed."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng didn''t give her a chance to ask further questions. He waved his hand and followed Yu Can.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yu Can invited him to get in the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"That won''t be necessary, will it? If you have something to say, just tell me," Ji Feng got straight to the point when they reached a quiet street corner. "As it happens, I have some questions I''d like to ask you too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yu Can shook her head, "Let''s still get in the car. I want to take you somewhere."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng raised an eyebrow and suddenly said, "Why don''t I ask my questions first?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She smiled, "Sure."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I called and asked Mr. Huang - oh, the owner of the training school that hired Li Xiaonuan - why he wanted to hire Li Xiaonuan in the first ce, and how he found her. Guess what he said?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Yu Can asked curiously, "What did he say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ji Feng said, "He said it was suggested by an agency, who also gave him some flyers."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0