I Play Dungeons in the Police Station-Chapter 227 - 160: Correcting the Investigation Direction
The deceased, Qin Qinglian, died between 11 PM on August 8 and 1 AM the following morning, with 7 stab wounds in the abdomen, chest, and other areas. The characteristics of the wounds matched those from a sharp weapon, with one stab to the chest piercing the heart, which was fatal. No weapon matching these wounds was found at the scene, and there were no apparent signs of struggle before death.
Li Xiang took out Qin Qinglian’s autopsy report and looked it over again from start to finish. He was particularly intrigued by the photos of the deceased and the close-ups of the wounds.
However, a particular line raised Li Xiang’s doubts.
No apparent signs of struggle on the body?
Could it be that when the killer struck, the victim didn’t have any strength to resist? 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺
Or was it that the victim was killed before they had the chance to resist?
Or was there some other reason altogether?
Li Xiang had many questions in his mind that he needed to resolve. However, looking at the files they sent, he still couldn’t find the answers to his doubts. He then asked, "Team Leader Ding, is the environment at the crime scene still intact?"
"The case hasn’t been solved yet, so we’ve still got the crime scene sealed with tape."
"Do you have time? I want to go take a look at the scene."
"No problem, I’ll go get the car."
Li Xiang followed behind Ding Youqiang, still recalling the details of the case in his mind, vaguely feeling like he might have overlooked something.
While waiting for Ding Youqiang to drive the car, Li Xiang took out his phone and opened the game system. For this case, the system had also released a mission.
[Mission Name: Sanhe Village Vengeful Ghost Case]
[Mission Description: A farmer’s wife was found dead in her home in Sanhe Village. However, on the second day of her burial, the Professional Funeral Guardian who watched over her mysteriously died,]
[Mission Requirement: Assist Canglin Police to uncover the truth of the case]
[Mission Reward: Experience +600, Diamonds +3000]
The previous mission hadn’t been completed yet, and he was already taking another one.
It seemed the system was capable of multitasking, allowing two missions to be tackled simultaneously.
"Team Leader Li, get in, the mountain road to the village is difficult, make sure to fasten your seatbelt."
"Alright."
After getting in the car, Li Xiang obediently buckled his seatbelt.
As they got closer to Sanhe Village, the roads became increasingly difficult, transitioning from asphalt to gravel, and then to a mix of coal ash and dirt roads.
When it rained, it became a muddy mess.
Many tire tracks left a bumpy road surface after drying.
Sitting in the car, Li Xiang felt the vehicle was at risk of falling apart at any moment.
"This car is over a decade old, and we’re poor here with not much budget. We’ve been applying to replace the police car for years, but it hasn’t been approved. You must have better police cars where you are, right?"
"It’s similar; though not as old, ours are seven or eight years old too. We try to use good materials on the necessities. The country has many places to spend money, so we try to be frugal, following the old spirit of hardship and simplicity."
"Team Leader Li, you’re right."
Ding Youqiang echoed agreement, but felt a bit disappointed inside.
They had requested another police car two years ago, but it was turned down repeatedly. He originally thought that by letting the provincial leaders see them using a rundown car, it would draw attention. Letting out a sigh in front of Li Xiang was a tactic to have him put in a good word when he returned, hoping they might have some chance then.
Unexpectedly, Li Xiang didn’t take the bait, instead advising them to practice frugality and embody the revolutionary spirit of their predecessors. This reason left Ding with no rebuttal.
Truly admirable, this old fox.
Subsequently, Ding Youqiang said nothing more and focused on driving, soon arriving at Sanhe Village.
The village had had its share of turmoil lately, and police cars had become a common sight, so the villagers were not surprised.
They drove through the village and stopped at the entrance of a small shop.
After getting out of the car, Li Xiang looked around.
Sanhe Village was indeed not very prosperous, quite different from Li Family Village. Two-story buildings were rare here, and most homes looked like mud-walled houses rather than concrete.
After stepping out of the car, Ding Youqiang went to the front of the small shop, carefully taking down the two white seals on the door, putting them in the car for later reuse.
"Team Leader Li, please come in."
"Alright."
Li Xiang donned a pair of shoe covers and gloves, then carefully entered the crime scene.
The crime scene wasn’t as chaotic as Li Xiang imagined; most of the goods on the shelves were intact. Only a few items near the cash register were knocked over.
"Any suspicious fingerprints found on the cash register, drawers, and such?"
"No."
"Seems like they came prepared."
Li Xiang didn’t rush in but first examined the lock on the door of the small shop, checking it himself. The lock was intact with no signs of prying or forced entry.
Then he checked the windows, the backyard, and other places.
Ding Youqiang, noticing Li Xiang’s actions, explained, "Team Leader Li, we’ve also examined the door, windows, and perimeter, finding no signs of climbing or forced entry. The windows are largely intact. Qin Qinglian’s small shop stayed open until 10 PM for customers who played cards or watched events, gathering a mixed crowd. We suspect the killer simply walked in openly and acted after everyone left, then left the scene unhurriedly."
