The weapon by the pillow

Chapter 88 Mahjong Puzzle

Yang Hong sat in the car, her phone ringing incessantly.

Since taking charge of two major cases in one day, she has become a hot commodity in the bureau!

She liked and enjoyed this feeling, as if she were holding a brass key in her hand, as if the lifeline of the whole world was in her own hands!

But as a meticulous detective, she knew that the more perfect a confession seemed, the more likely it was to have problems.

She needs details, about Kim Si-ho!

Because she knows that only details can be the foundation for her to cope with immense pressure!

Sometimes, the truth is not important; what matters is whether the "outcome" can be accepted by all parties.

Now, the bureau chief wants a "quick and thorough investigation" and a "convincing conclusion." Public opinion needs a "murderer" to quell anger and fear. And the person he met today needs "Kim Siu-ho" to cut off all leads and bring the matter to a close.

Her task was to solidify and make Kim Siu-ho's "answer" within the framework of the "investigation," while simultaneously cutting off any potential deviations.

For example, there's "Liu Li," whom Cheng Jing suspects might have a deeper background.

For example, the black Jeep Wrangler that disappeared in the West City Logistics Park, and the "overseas" gang that may have been in the car.

For example, are Cheng Tan's bizarre nightmares and the murder weapon by his pillow really just psychological suggestion or coincidence?

Also, in room 402, who is the body that is suspected to be Liu Li's? And where is it now?

Too many questions.

But some questions may never need answers.

Yang Hong opened the internal communication system and began issuing instructions:

"Technical Department, re-examine all the on-site investigation data for rooms 403 and 402 of Building 7, Anpingli, especially the trace evidence and biological samples, and cross-compare them with Jin Xiaohao's DNA and fingerprints. I need the most detailed matching report."

"The Cyber ​​Security Detachment is tracking all accounts, IP addresses, and fund flows associated with 'Anpingli Live,' thoroughly investigating Jin Xiaohao's online activities and virtual identity to form a complete chain of evidence."

"Criminal Investigation Team Three is conducting a second round of investigation into Jin Xiaohao's social relationships, focusing on clarifying his sources of income, communication records, and activity range over the past six months, especially his contacts with people in the Anpingli area, the demolition industry, and those related to internet technology."

"Notify the forensic department to expedite the testing and analysis of the suspected human tissue (hair, dandruff, etc.) brought back from Room 402 and the chemical residues found at the scene, and issue a formal report as soon as possible."

As she issued command after command, the increasing control she felt in her hands excited her more and more.

Under her leadership, she must meticulously piece together all the fragments of the case into Kim Siu-ho's "puzzle."

After doing all that, she paused briefly and added one more thing:

"In addition, send two people to the film set to assist the local police station in handling the aftermath, focusing on public opinion guidance and evidence collection. Regarding Comrade Cheng Jing's issue... as instructed by the director, we will proceed after the official suspension order is issued."

Having arranged everything, she leaned back in her car seat and closed her eyes.

But Cheng Jing's face involuntarily surfaced in my mind. That face that always carried a stubbornness, persistence, and sometimes even a bit of recklessness.

Cheng Jing, what exactly did you find on set? Who was that dead woman? Where are you now?

These questions, like tiny hooks, tugged at her thoughts.

……

It was exactly 9 p.m. when Cheng Jing and Cheng Tan walked out of Xiao Hao's chess and card room.

They crossed the street and headed towards the neon-lit "Ah-Hao Music Cafe" across the street.

Compared to the simple card and chess room, the teahouse's facade appeared exceptionally luxurious. Dark glass walls, gilded door frames, and two attractive waiters stood at the entrance.

Even before entering the door, the faint sound of a piano could be heard drifting out.

Cheng Jing showed her membership card.

The waiter took it, scanned it with his device, and the member information immediately appeared on the screen.

"Does Mr. Zhang have an appointment tonight?" The waiter seemed a little wary.

"He wasn't feeling well, so he asked us to cover for him," Cheng Jing said, trying to make her voice sound natural. "He said he had an appointment with Sister Fang."

The waiter looked at Cheng Jing and Cheng Tan, seemingly assessing their attire and demeanor.

A few seconds later, he nodded: "Please wait a moment, let me check."

He spoke a few words into the walkie-talkie. Soon, a female supervisor wearing a cheongsam came out. She looked to be in her thirties, with exquisite makeup and a professional smile.

"Are you two relatives of Mr. Zhang?" she asked, her gaze carefully scrutinizing the two men.

"Nephews and nieces," Cheng Tan interjected, "Uncle said Fang Jie's card game is a rare event, so he invited us to broaden our horizons."

The supervisor smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, you're too kind. Sister Fang has already arrived and is in 'Listening to the Rain Pavilion' on the top floor. Please follow me."

She led the two into the teahouse. The doors to several private rooms on the first floor were ajar, from which came the sounds of low conversations and shuffling mahjong tiles.

They weren't on the first floor; instead, they took a private elevator to the top floor. The elevator doors opened to reveal a thickly carpeted corridor with only three private rooms on either side, named "Tingyuxuan," "Guanyunge," and "Lanyuezhai."

The head waiter stopped in front of the "Listening to the Rain Pavilion" and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in." A woman's voice came from inside, and Cheng Jing's ears twitched slightly.

She seemed to recognize the voice.

The door opened.

The private room was quite large, at least fifty square meters. In the very center was an automatic mahjong table, already prepared.

A set of mahogany tea table, complete with tea utensils, sits by the window. Calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hang on the wall, and a small water feature in the corner, the gentle sound of flowing water bringing peace to the mind.

Three people were already sitting around the mahjong table.

Directly opposite the door was a woman, around fifty years old, wearing a dark green silk shirt, her hair styled in an elegant updo, and jade earrings on her ears.

Her face was well-maintained, with smooth skin and almost no wrinkles, but her eyes were sharp, as if she could see right through people.

It really was Sister Fang, the mysterious woman I had met before.

To her left was a plump middle-aged man wearing a polo shirt and a gold watch on his wrist; he was probably Mr. Zhao, who ran a building materials business. To her right was an elderly man with gray hair, wearing a Zhongshan suit and glasses; he had a refined and scholarly air and was likely retired Director Sun.

"Sister Fang, Mr. Zhang's nephew and niece have arrived," the supervisor said respectfully.

Fang Jie raised her head, her gaze falling on Cheng Jing and Cheng Tan. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were recalling something.

At this moment, Cheng Jing suddenly panicked—would she recognize her? Even though they had only met that night, and even though she was wearing makeup today!

Fortunately, Fangjie's gaze only lingered for a few seconds before shifting away.

"Why didn't Old Zhang come?" she asked, her voice gentle.

"Uncle isn't feeling well, so he asked us to take his place and also to learn from Sister Fang," Cheng Tan replied humbly.

"This mahjong puzzle piece today...it has a purpose!" Sister Fang smiled. "It's kind of something to look forward to!"