I'm not a genius detective

Chapter 161 Suspicion Increases
Inside the study, Han Ling had begun to suspect Zhang Zhenhua.

There is a motive, and the footprints match. Could this case be the work of the middle-aged man in front of us?

Could a terminally ill cancer patient really kill three people? And each time it was a violent attack.

It seems... that it's possible?
Zhang Zhenhua looked pale and weak, but he wasn't so weak that he couldn't even kill a chicken.

still have a question.

Zhang Zhenhua has two children. If he is arrested for murder, their future will definitely be affected, and they will be labeled as the offspring of a murderer for the rest of their lives.

Did he consider the consequences?

Does he really want to become a murderer just to avenge Zhu Guilan?

Assuming Zhang Zhenhua did indeed commit this crime, is his situation worthy of sympathy? Is his behavior excusable?

Based on this assumption, Han Ling personally does not completely agree that Zhu Guilan died in an accident, that Li Dechang did not have any intentional intent, and that... whether it is Li Dechang, Xiong Chuan, or Wu Cuicui, they all have families and children.

If Xiong Chuan and Wu Cuicui did not commit any heinous acts, then the murderer did not consider this aspect at all, and his behavior was quite heinous, simply seeking revenge for the sake of revenge.

Five years ago, on that night, Zhu Guilan left after stopping Zhang Zhenhua from jumping into the river. Zhang Zhenhua was worried that something might happen to her, so he chased after her and called a relative. This shows that Zhang Zhenhua was still kind at that time, and at least he would not stand idly by if he could do something.

Five years later, will Zhang Zhenhua destroy three families out of revenge?
If so, it only means that Zhang Zhenhua's mentality and psychology have changed over the past five years, with selfishness taking precedence.

Time can change a person, especially one who is terminally ill.

“Mr. Zhang, you need to come with us,” Han Ling said.

Currently, Zhang Zhenhua is suspected of committing the crime and, according to procedure, needs to be summoned to the police station for further investigation.

"Huh?" Zhang Zhenhua asked, puzzled. "What did I do?"

Han Ling explained, "It's just a routine investigation. We hope Mr. Zhang can cooperate. Let's leave now so as not to disturb your family."

"Uh, okay." Zhang Zhenhua couldn't refuse, nor did he dare to refuse.

The two waited for each other to get dressed. Before leaving, Han Ling went to the kitchen and saw a set of Western-style cutlery.

The main blade is completely different in style from the other functional blades, as if it were newly added. It disrupts the overall harmony and aesthetics, making it look out of place.

"Mr. Zhang, it seems like this set of Western kitchenware has been re-operated by a different chef?" Han Ling turned around and said to the living room.

Upon hearing this, Tong Feng became alert, his suspicion of Zhang Zhenhua instantly increased, and he began to prevent him from doing anything unusual, ready to subdue him at any moment.

Zhang Zhenhua walked over, with Tong Feng following closely behind.

“Yes, we replaced it.” Zhang Zhenhua laughed. “The blade of this kind of Western chef’s knife is relatively thin, so it’s only suitable for cutting soft meats and fruits. Last time I used it to cut chicken legs and the blade curled up, so I replaced it.”

Han Ling said "Oh," and then added, "You guys usually cook Western food too?"

Zhang Zhenhua: "My child likes to eat steak and lamb chops, so I simply bought a set of tableware and made them at home. Eating out is quite expensive, and I really can't afford it."

This knife is great; it doesn't stick and cuts cleanly.

Han Ling: "Mr. Zhang seems to be a good cook."

Zhang Zhenhua: "My health isn't what it used to be, so I can only cook some good food for my family. And you know what? My cooking skills are actually pretty good. You can come to my house and try my food if you have the chance. We'll be acquainted by now."

Han Ling was silent for a moment, then said, "I hope there will be an opportunity."

The three of them went downstairs and got into the car.

No one spoke on the way. In Han Ling's view, Zhang Zhenhua was already a strong suspect. It was unlikely that such a coincidence could connect all the events.

Zhang Zhenhua was present at the scene of Li Dechang's death.

There is a motive for the crime.

The murder weapon is suspected to be the one used in the crime.

The coincidence seems inexplicable. A thorough search of Zhang Zhenhua's home will definitely be conducted. As long as clues related to the murder are found, Zhang Zhenhua can be placed under criminal detention.

No direct evidence is needed, such as... finding traces related to Li Dechang, Xiong Chuan, and Wu Cuicui.

Upon arriving at the Municipal Public Security Bureau, Zhang Zhenhua entered the interrogation room. Han Ling and Tong Feng did not ask him any questions but instead called Gao Bingyang to report.

Upon learning that Zhang Zhenhua had a motive for the crime and that his family had once had a Western-style chef, and that even the shoe size matched, Gao Bingyang became uneasy. He ordered his deputy team leader, Liang Yan, to stay at the scene to direct operations, while he and Wu Bin immediately returned to the municipal bureau.

The two met without speaking, and Gao Bingyang waved to signal that he would begin questioning them immediately.

Everyone took their seats in the room. Wu Bin was in charge of asking questions, with Han Ling and Tong Feng sitting next to him.

Gao Bingyang stood a distance away, like an inconspicuous bystander, arms crossed, staring intently at Zhang Zhenhua, capturing subtle changes in the other's expression, even the fleeting glint in his eyes.

Outside, police officers have already gone to verify alibis and whether the couple, close relatives, or friends own the same model of van.

There's no rush to get a search warrant. Zhang Zhenhua's wife and children are sleeping. Out of consideration for humane law enforcement, we can leave them alone for now and deal with it tomorrow.

Zhang Zhenhua certainly cannot leave before the search begins.

"Do you know that Zhu Guilan has passed away?" Wu Bin asked Zhang Zhenhua, his voice relatively calm and without any hint of aggression.

Zhang Zhenhua nodded: "I know. I often went to Teacher Zhu's house to see her during those two years. We were already quite familiar with each other. I even attended her memorial service when she passed away."

Wu Bin: "Does Zhu Guilan's niece know about your past?"

Zhang Zhenhua: "Of course I know. She'll definitely ask after I go there so many times." Wu Bin's purpose in asking these two questions was simple: could everything Zhang Zhenhua said be verified, including his acquaintance with Zhu Guilan, how Zhu Guilan saved his life, and so on?

When it comes to the motive for the crime, suspects will be somewhat resistant due to self-protection, and at least won't answer in detail. If they are very frank and tell the truth without any concealment, it means that even if they don't answer, the police can still find out about these things.

The situation is now quite clear; the police can find out.

Therefore, whether or not one speaks out will not affect the final outcome and cannot be used as indirect evidence to reduce suspicion of Zhang Zhenhua's involvement in the crime.

How did Zhu Guilan die?

"A car accident."

Do you know who the perpetrator is?

“I know, his name is Li Dechang. He was drunk late at night and hit Teacher Zhu with his motorcycle. Sigh, drunk driving really needs to be investigated more strictly.” Zhang Zhenhua sighed, expressing his deep regret over Zhu Guilan’s death. “Her Alzheimer’s disease wasn’t very severe yet.”

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. The early and middle stages are relatively manageable, but in the late stages, various complications significantly shorten lifespan.

If it weren't for that car accident, Zhu Guilan could have lived much longer, seven or eight years would have been no problem, and if the treatment had been good and the condition well controlled, she could have lived for more than fifteen years.

"Do you hate him?" Wu Bin asked.

Zhang Zhenhua didn't understand: "Whom do you hate?"

Wu Bin: "Li Dechang".

Zhang Zhenhua smiled helplessly: "It was an accidental car accident, there's nothing I can do about it. He didn't hit Teacher Zhu on purpose, why should I hate him?"

Wu Bin: What were you doing during the day today?

Zhang Zhenhua thought for a moment and replied, "I delivered goods in the morning, and in the afternoon when I had some free time, I went to the supermarket to buy groceries. After that, I stayed home to prepare dinner."

Wu Bin: "Isn't it inappropriate to visit a sick elderly person after 9 pm? You're free this afternoon, why don't you go in the afternoon?"

He had discussed this issue with Gao Bingyang. Visiting each other after nine o'clock was highly suspicious, and Han Ling's suspicions were correct.

Let alone visiting sick elderly people, even among relatives and friends, it's rare to visit after nine o'clock. It's considered very impolite, as everyone is basically getting ready to wash up and go to bed at that time.

Zhang Zhenhua laughed and said, "I only remembered that I needed to go and take a look this afternoon. It was a last-minute decision. Nine o'clock at night is indeed a bit late. I had nothing else to do, so I just strolled over."

If my uncle is asleep, I'll go tomorrow; it's not far anyway.

"Officer, what exactly happened?"

Wu Bin did not answer, but continued to inquire about Xiong Chuan and Wu Cuicui's whereabouts on the day of their deaths, making sure that everything that needed to be confirmed was clarified.

An hour later, Gao Bingyang got up, went to Han Ling's side, patted him on the shoulder, and gestured for him to come out.

The two left the interrogation room one after the other.

Gao Bingyang raised his hand and lightly rubbed his nose with his index finger. Han Ling had seen this action many times before. It was probably a bad habit or quirk he had developed over the years. He took out a cigarette, opened it, and handed one over.

Han Ling took it.

"What do you think of this person?" Gao Bingyang lit a cigarette and asked.

Han Ling said, "Anyway... all the clues point to him. If there isn't a solid alibi, it's almost certainly him."

Gao Bingyang nodded: "But he didn't reveal any flaws. He has a very good mental fortitude. He's someone who can maintain a positive and optimistic attitude despite having a terminal illness. He's good at taking things in stride."

The killer was clearly in a hurry in killing Li Dechang; if it had been half an hour later, Li Dechang would have been under our protection.

Han Ling: "So Zhang Zhenhua was trapped in the encirclement, and the decision of the high-ranking branch to blockade him was absolutely correct."

Gao Bingyang shook his head: "It's not important. Even if we don't manage to stop Zhang Zhenhua, we can still identify him by investigating Zhu Guilan's interpersonal relationships. It's just a matter of time."

We even considered the students beforehand, so naturally we couldn't let Zhang Zhenhua off the hook. Strictly speaking, the debt of gratitude for education is far less than the debt of gratitude for saving his life and giving him a second chance.

Han Ling agreed: "Yes, it's unlikely that a student would avenge a teacher, but Zhang Zhenhua might."

Gao Bingyang: "There's no point in asking any more questions. We need direct clues. As long as he's the murderer, he can't escape. Putting aside the murder weapon, his shoes are also evidence. We already had a trace evidence laboratory at the beginning of the year."

The concept of trace evidence laboratories is relatively new, and some prefecture-level cities have already begun to establish them for use in criminal case testing.

Wherever you go, your shoes will inevitably get stained with substances; the soil at construction sites is different from the soil in other places.

Han Ling didn't understand why the other person had called her out, so all she could do was reply, "Mhm."

"What do you think is going on between Xiong Chuan and Wu Cuicui?" Gao Bingyang asked. "Just tell me directly, even if it's just a guess."

Han Ling had been thinking about this question and replied, "It's highly likely that he did something bad to Zhu Guilan, which could have led to the car accident."

Gao Bingyang agreed: "That's right. An elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer's disease was wandering aimlessly when she met Zhang Zhenhua. She saved Zhang Zhenhua, and at the same time, Zhang Zhenhua also helped her."

This is a good outcome, but what if she encountered selfish or even malicious people? Zhu Guilan's thinking is confused, and she could easily be mistaken for a lunatic. And people's attitudes towards lunatics vary greatly.

Han Ling: "When Zhu Guilan was in the car accident, she had no money on her, and it wasn't Li Dechang who took it."

Gao Bingyang: "It's not easy to investigate. It would be best if the murderer could tell us himself. Zhu Guilan has been dead for three years. I suppose the murderer has been investigating for three years."

Han Ling thought this detachment leader was very reliable.

(End of this chapter)