Free Web NovelChapter 547: Chapter 517 Attic Secret Chamber_1
Observation room.
Zhou Ning and Liu Yongxin, with arms folded, watched the interrogation room. Just by looking at Liu Tiesong’s condition, they could tell that the man had been tormented all night. He was somewhat listless, yet his face still bore a look of disdain, completely unconcerned by Xu Dayuan’s questioning.
Liu Yongxin rubbed his chin, shaking his head slightly.
"He’s a tough nut to crack. Even with the evidence right before his eyes, he’s still so arrogantly confident. It seems he’s absolutely sure that as long as he refuses to admit anything, the police can’t touch him. Moreover, this attitude makes it easier for those outside to find opportunities to interfere," he said.
Zhou Ning nodded. He knew this all too well.
Just as he was thinking, his phone rang. The caller was Xia Shouchang. Seeing the number, Zhou Ning’s brow slightly furrowed. Could it be that he too was calling to advocate on Fang Shengping’s behalf?
While he pondered, the door to the observation room opened, and Mr. Hu walked in. Hearing the ringtone of Zhou Ning’s phone and seeing his expression, Mr. Hu came over to take a glance and nonchalantly waved his hand.
"Don’t look so wronged. Just answer the call. That’s your father-in-law. Is he going to give you a hard time? Besides, you’re just a forensic doctor. Can you influence the case?"
Zhou Ning smiled. The leader sure knew how to comfort people. Thinking it over, he was right, and hurriedly answered the phone.
"Xiao Ning, are you handling a case involving the son of Huajin Group?"
"Yes, it involves not only the son of Huajin Group but also several individuals connected to Huajin Film and Television and their related industries. Moreover, as of now, there are already two victims. Why are you asking about this, Mr. Xia? Has someone approached you?"
Xia Shouchang laughed, his voice quite hearty.
"Yep, which is why I called to ask you, and to tell you to stick to the facts and harshly punish the real criminal. Whoever comes to you or puts pressure on you, don’t take it to heart.
I’ve just reported the situation to the leadership, and I recorded the call from the person who came to me. If you need evidence, I can provide it at any time. The leaders said that Mr. Hu has already briefed them and mentioned that there are advocates at the Provincial Department.
You just concentrate on the case. The leaders here will coordinate. No matter how influential this enterprise is in Qindao, or whether it’s a large taxpayer, it mustn’t breach discipline and break the law. Life is at stake here. The law applies equally to all, whether you are a prince or a pauper, so go ahead and investigate freely. The city’s stance is to offer you full support without shielding or sparing anyone."
Hearing Xia Shouchang’s words, Zhou Ning felt greatly encouraged and somewhat ashamed. Just moments before, he had suspected that Xia Shouchang was also calling to lobby for someone, but it turned out he was supporting their work.
"Thank you, Mr. Xia. Mr. Hu is right beside me. Do you want to speak to him?"
"No need. I’m not in charge of this matter, and I mentioned it to you because you’re my son-in-law, not for official reasons. Go ahead and do your job well. I won’t disturb you any further."
After saying goodbye, Zhou Ning hung up the phone. Hu Guangjian patted Zhou Ning on the shoulder.
"Does it feel like a roller coaster in there? Drop the aggrieved look. They may not have confessed yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Don’t be impatient. It’s not us who should be anxious. After all, the initiative is in our hands. Has the crime scene investigation team departed?"
Zhou Ning nodded and glanced at the interrogation room.
"Mr. Hu, I request to go to the scene. Besides, there are no other major cases in the forensic department at the moment, except for a few groups dealing with traffic accidents. I’d like to take the rest with me, especially since the villa area in Mashan Scenic Area is too vast, and if it really comes to dealing with a body, they won’t be nearby.
My staying here would be just like a mascot; not much help. And as for Liu Tiesong and Fang Shengping, one has crawled through the rough and tumble of the marketplace for years, and the other has lived in a different stratum since childhood. It’s unlikely either of them will start talking on their own, and I don’t want to waste time."
Liu Yongxin nodded in agreement.
"Zhou Ning is right. I suggest starting the interrogation with Ma Decai. Let the other two stew. Being silent has a bigger intimidating effect than any lecturing. After all, letting the imagination run wild is the most distressing thing. They can’t hear outside information and haven’t rested well, which can lead them to overthink," he said.
Hu Guangjian thought it over and dialed Xu Dayuan’s phone. Although Xu Dayuan didn’t answer, he came straight to the observation room and ruffled his short hair upon seeing Director Xu.
"You’re here, leader!"
"Let Zhou Ning and Mr. Liu organize forces to support the investigation team. Pause the interrogation of Fang Shengping and Liu Tiesong, put them in solitary cells, and monitor them closely. Start by interrogating Ma Decai. Although he’s related to Liu Tiesong, he’s the least influential here and makes a good starting point for a breakthrough," said Director Xu.
Xu Dayuan glanced at Zhou Ning and nodded in agreement.
"Alright, I’ll personally interrogate Ma Decai. As for these two, I’ll find two separate interrogation rooms for them, let them cool their heads. Continuously interrogating without progress is not beneficial."
"Then it’s decided. You all set off as soon as possible."
...
An hour later, Mashan Scenic Area.
The car stopped steadily, and the driver Mr. Wang looked back into the passenger compartment. Liu Yongxin placed a finger on his lips and made a shushing gesture.
Mr. Wang nodded, understanding that their Director Zhou was indeed tired. He had gone home after eleven last night and came over before seven in the morning. With such a big case still unfolding and it appearing that there were more than two victims, none could rest well.
Just then, Zhou Ning opened his eyes, looked outside the car window, saw the car had stopped, and quickly rubbed his eyes.
"We’re here; let’s hurry down!"
Liu Yongxin patted Zhou Ning on the shoulder.
"I’m exhausted, just need a little rest."
Zhou Ning shook his head.
"I thought too much last night and didn’t sleep well, but I’ve made up for it on the ride over. Let’s go, Master, and find Mr. Zhao to see how they’re progressing on their end?"
As soon as they got out of the car, they saw Mr. Zhao waving at Zhou Ning. They were in front of the villa doors in the back row, having just jumped down several one-meter-high platforms from a small path beside.
"Zhou Xiaozhou, why are you guys here? Didn’t Director Xu want you to help with..."
Liu Yongxin gave Mr. Zhao a cold look, and Mr. Zhao quickly swallowed the words "mascot" and then grinned with a sheepish smile.
"But it’s good that you came. I’ve already asked Mr. Qu to help print out the topographic map, from the mountain top down to the seaside, and along the road into the mountain. I think these are all excellent spots for dumping a body."
Liu Yongxin stood on the steps, surveying the area with a tight frown.
"Although Mr. Zhao’s talk is unreliable, this analysis is indeed correct. Around here are stones and ancient trees, and the terrain is complex. The seaside is even full of reef cliffs; searching won’t be easy."
At that moment, Mr. Qu came over, excitedly hanging up the phone to say:
"Director Zhou, let me interrupt for a moment, I’ve got an idea."
"Speak."
"This morning, Mr. Xia asked about our progress here, and I told him we’re going to search the villa area in Mashan Scenic Area by the sea. There might be more than two victims, and they’re likely discarded or buried nearby, given this area is rarely trodden by people. freёwebnovel.com
As of now, we don’t have a good method, and Director Xu has already requested the armed police for a comprehensive search. Mr. Xia mentioned that the science and technology staff from the Meteorology University are also here; they participated in the rescue operations for the Chuanyu earthquake, using drones to investigate the environment.
Mr. Xia got in touch with them for equipment, which is already on the way, and it should arrive in about ten more minutes. My idea is, remember the KG01 series software we developed for the archaeology team? We can use it for comparison; if the soil has been disturbed, or if there are differences from the surroundings, it will be detected..."
Zhou Ning slapped his forehead. Momo’s idea was indeed good. For such a large area, using this method would at least allow for a process of elimination to find suspicious locations and then conduct a manual check, which would also shorten the search time.
"That’s great. Do you have enough equipment?"
Mr. Qu smiled and nodded his head.
"Not much, actually, but Mr. Xia is bringing people from the development center to support; they should arrive any minute."
Zhou Ning patted Mr. Qu’s shoulder, looking towards Zhang Ping nearby.
"Prepare the equipment Mr. Qu and his team need. If tables are to be set up, let them work outside immediately. Mr. Zhao, has the villa been completely checked a second time?"
"We found something. After all, this is in the mountains, and the villa area’s trash is only collected once every fortnight. In the backyard of this villa, there are over twenty trash cans, and we found several Pixie dust blockers and various torn clothes inside.
We were too rushed when we came here yesterday and didn’t expect to find anything here; we overlooked it. Also, I’ve sent people to check several other villas nearby. In this villa area, there are sixteen villas, four of which are furnished, and show signs of human activity.
Moreover, on the loft, we found a secret chamber behind a bookshelf door. It’s a small tool room. How to put it, it’s comparable to the setup we found at Hongqi Road No.29, but even with a more extensive and more perverse array, there are even some knives and pincers with bloodstains on them."
Zhou Ning slightly furrowed his brows, took the map from Mr. Qu and circled an area, then handed it to Liu Yongxin before waving towards Mr. Zhao.
"Take me upstairs, Master, you take command down here. When Momo and the others arrive, tell them to expand the search range. Take photos along the entire coastline, especially near the cliff where we found the victims’ bodies. If need be, call the fire department for support immediately."
Zhang Ping gave a toothy smile.
"Director Zhou, don’t worry. The armed police that came today, I made them bring all the necessary equipment. You name it, whether it’s climbing down cliffs or diving, we’re not afraid."
Liu Yongxin slapped Zhang Ping on the back of his head and gave him a glare.
"Spit it out, spit on the ground. How can you talk like that in this line of work? Liu Da really went too easy on you guys."
Following Mr. Zhao, Zhou Ning headed up to the loft.
Calling it a loft was an understatement; the villa was enormous and the space was very wide. The eastern wall was indeed lined with bookshelves, and Mr. Zhao hurried over to the middle shelf. As Zhou Ning was putting on gloves, Mr. Zhao pulled back on the shelf, sliding it out effortlessly, then pushed it to the side.
Zhou Ning was quite surprised by this arrangement. In such a remote place and with such a vast villa space, was there really a need for such a hidden area?
Seeing the investigation mats on the floor, Zhou Ning stepped on them and walked in, only to be taken aback by the room’s furnishings and the items on the walls, inhaling sharply.
