"Oh! Hello." Director Zhao recognized the coroner from last night and stood up from the ground. "Sorry, I'll take you to see some other places."

"No need, I've already inspected here. I believe there won't be anything left to find here, as there have been stray dogs passing through, likely already carried away." Mu Rongyun said, his eyes fixated on Wu Shuang, who took the cue and walked forward.

"Director Zhao, we'll head back to the bureau. If you get any other leads, please let us know."

"Wait a minute, Captain Wu, I want to know why you're looking for Ah San."

"The perpetrator of a traffic accident pointed fingers at Ah San for hiring a hitman."

"How could that be possible? Ah San may be a thug, but he'd never do such a thing. What was that person's name?"

"Liu Wei, a truck driver. Are you familiar with him?"

"Liu Wei?" Director Zhao tried to recall but didn't know anyone by that name within those he knew. "I know most of Ah San's friends, but there's no one with that name. Though Ah San did stay in the city center for some time, I'm not sure about that period."

"Thanks. You mentioned you saw Ah San four days ago and a woman died on that very day. Maybe you can investigate starting from there. Surely, you don't want Ah San to die in vain, right?"

"Captain Wu, Ah San didn't murder anyone, nor would he hire a killer."

As he bid farewell to Wu Shuang and the others, Director Zhao didn't forget to vouch for Ah San. The man was dead, and discussing these matters seemed pointless. Inside the car, Wu Shuang and her companion were silent. Wu Shuang turned on the CD player, hoping to lighten the mood during the ride.

"Last night..."

"The brick kiln isn't the primary crime scene." Wu Shuang deliberately shifted the topic, not wanting to mention the previous night's events.

"I just wanted to thank you, you're too sensitive."

"What's your take on this case?"

"I'm just a forensic expert. Solving the case is up to you." Mu Rongyun rubbed his brow as he emerged from spots where body parts were found, not feeling good about this. He was quite familiar with such methods. How could a thug like Ah San be involved?

"I just want your opinion, having surveyed the brick kiln. It's not the primary crime scene; the body parts were concealed elsewhere." Wu Shuang lowered the volume. "This appears to be a crime of passion caused by a woman, but I suspect there's more to it. Liu Wei mentioned Ah San's name on the first fortuitous testimony; it can't be a coincidence."

"Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe the Ah San you're looking for is a different person?" Mu Rongyun casually offered, which was also a possibility.

"Maybe! Have images of the two deceased been simulated?" Wu Shuang was reluctant to acknowledge Mu Rongyun's theory, feeling misled.

"Not yet. Director Lin's affairs have stalled system access for comparison, there's a bit of a wait ahead."

The phone screen flickered, Wu Shuang activated the car's Bluetooth. Although she didn't prefer using it, it was convenient while driving.

"Captain Wu, when will you arrive? We've made new progress and found vehicle records from the time of the incident, now processing images." Xiao Sun eagerly reported over the phone.

"We're already on our way back, it should take about forty-five more minutes."

"Alright, got it." Xiao Sun hung up.

"The bureau found new clues."

"You can drop me off at the intersection ahead." Mu Rongyun pointed to a turn after coming off the highway.

"It's quite far from the city."

"I have other matters to attend to."

The car pulled over, Mu Rongyun hesitated but eventually turned to Wu Shuang. "Out of gratitude for yesterday, I'll give you some advice. The perpetrator has confessed to the crime, I think you can file the case. If you investigate further..."

"Why say that? Do you know something?"

"Haha, I know nothing." As he prepared to open the door, Mu Rongyun heard the lock engage, he turned to Wu Shuang. "Captain Wu, what does this mean?"

"You know something, don't you?" Wu Shuang turned off the engine and faced Mu Rongyun, her intuition told her he knew more. She had noticed the dirt under his fingernail but said nothing until now. "Your fingers had dirt on them at the brick kiln."

"Does that prove anything? I'm a forensic expert touching substances at a scene is quite normal."

"I've been to those places too, but I'm certain you weren't near the brick kiln because there's no soil of that color there."

"Oh!" Mu Rongyun raised his hands, showing indeed there was black soil residue in his nails. "Director Zhao mentioned a woman died the same night as Ah San, are you involved in this?"

"Captain Wu, your imagination is lively. Why would you associate me? I was just being kind by warning you as this case has many loopholes."

"So where did you get the soil under your nails?"

"There isn't soil of that color at the brick kiln, but have you visited the edges? There's a river on the perimeter."

"Is there?" Wu Shuang genuinely didn't know, her inspection was limited to inside the kiln not extending outside.

"If there are no other issues, can I leave now?"

"Mu Rongyun, do you really want to oppose Xiao Lin?"

"If that day comes, which side will you stand, Captain Wu?" Wu Shuang hadn't expected Mu Rongyun's remark, she froze momentarily, while he chuckled softly and unlatched the lock.

The car door slamming snapped Wu Shuang out of her daze. When she looked for Mu Rongyun's figure, he had already disappeared.

The enlarged image revealed two indistinct shadows obstructed by the windshield, making it unclear. "Is this what you found?" Wu Shuang's excitement suddenly faded, hoping to identify someone from the image but feeling more disappointed instead.

"I'm sorry, Captain Wu." Xiao Sun hung his head, unable to face Wu Shuang. "I didn't know it'd be like this."

"It's okay, you've all worked hard. Go home early and leave the rest to me." Wu Shuang consoled Xiao Sun, watching their weary, red eyes, guilt tugged at her heart. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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