Chapter 37 Even the crispest night is still night.

Jiangcheng City Criminal Investigation Detachment.

The atmosphere inside the meeting room was heavy.

Bai Xiao stood under the projector, the screen displaying photos of the scene and the forensic report of last night's suicide. He calmly took a sip of water from his thermos and began to report the details of the case.

"The deceased was named Zhao Qiangdong, a chef at a hotel. According to the preliminary forensic examination, the actual cause of death was a blunt force blow to the back of the head, resulting in a skull fracture."

"In addition, we found drag marks on the rooftop, and the rooftop surveillance cameras were also maliciously damaged. However... due to yesterday's heavy rain, we were unable to collect any valid evidence."

The conference room was silent as everyone listened attentively to Bai Xiao's report.

Deputy Director of Public Security Yuan Jianhua sat at the head of the conference table, his brows furrowed. He picked up the report on the table, flipped through it, then looked up and stared sharply at Bai Xiao: "So, Zhao Qiangdong was first murdered, and then his death was staged as a suicide?"

Bai Xiao nodded: "That's the initial assessment."

Are there any suspects?

“We investigated his social connections and found that an hour before the incident, he had an argument with his superior, Li Wanhong, making him the prime suspect with a strong motive. However, after reviewing the surveillance footage, we discovered that Li Wanhong did not leave the kitchen on the night of the incident, so this possibility was basically ruled out.”

Bai Xiao paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room, and continued, "Besides Li Wanhong, we also discovered that Zhao Qiangdong has been frequently borrowing money recently, which we suspect may be one of the reasons for his murder. Currently, we are investigating his debt situation and the debt collectors associated with him."

"Has the murder weapon been found?"

Bai Xiao shook his head: "We haven't found the murder weapon yet. However, based on Weiwei's deduction, the murder weapon should be a blunt instrument with considerable lethality, possibly an iron bar, a wrench, or other similar tools. Such a murder weapon can be easily taken away or discarded by the murderer after the crime, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of the search. We are expanding the search area."

Yuan Jianhua nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Judging from your account, the murderer's methods were clean and efficient, unlike a novice. It seems like the murderer was directly aiming to kill. This modus operandi indicates that the murderer had a strong purpose and may have some counter-investigation capabilities. Have someone check the surveillance footage around the hotel to see if any suspicious persons appeared before or after the incident. Don't overlook any details."

"In addition, notify the technical department to conduct a thorough examination of Zhao Qiangdong's mobile phone and computer to see if there are any threatening messages. Also, contact the forensic doctor to determine the specific type of murder weapon as soon as possible, which may help us narrow down the search area."

"Understood, Yuanju."

Bai Xiao nodded in response.

Yuan Jianhua put the documents back in the folder, glanced at the entire room, and continued, "Everyone is aware of the seriousness of this case. Not only are those below watching, but those above are watching as well. Therefore, I hope that everyone here can give their best and most serious attitude to this case. Meeting adjourned."

A low murmur rippled through the conference room. Everyone knew that the murderer's audacity in committing the crime in front of city leaders had angered those above.

This will be a race against time.

Everyone stood up and left the meeting room.

"Master!"

Just as Bai Xiao was about to leave the conference room, a shout came, making him stop and turn around to look at Xu Zhi with a puzzled expression.

"What's wrong?"

Xu Zhi hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Master, I feel that Zhao Qiangdong's death is too suspicious. He was a major suspect in Lu Yao's case. He had just left the police station and died in the hotel. This can't be a coincidence. It's very likely related to the previous case. I think he must have known something and was probably silenced."

Bai Xiao looked at him with slight surprise.

Those sharp, deep gazes seemed to pierce through Xu Zhi's soul, making Xu Zhi feel a chill run down his spine: "Uh, Master, I admit, although I sometimes have flashes of inspiration, you don't have to look at me like that!"

In just a moment, Bai Xiao withdrew his gaze, his expression returning to its usual calm, and said indifferently, "You're right. I also suspected that Zhao Qiangdong's death was related to Lu Yao's case, and that it was very likely the same murderer."

Xu Zhi looked at him speechlessly and said, "Master, why didn't you say so just now?"

Bai Xiao smiled and said, "I wanted to see your reaction and test your judgment. It seems you've improved a lot more than I expected! Not bad."

"......"

Xu Zhi was speechless.

Bai Xiao glanced at his watch and said, "Alright, stop dawdling and let's go eat."

"Let's go together, Master! I recently discovered a Sichuan restaurant that's amazing! It's on me!" Xu Zhi said excitedly.

Bai Xiao, engrossed in organizing his documents, said, "You go ahead, I won't go. I have a lot of things to take care of."

"Alright, I'll pack it up for you later. Goodbye, Master."

"Xu Zhi".

Bai Xiao suddenly called out to him.

Xu Zhi turned his head and looked at him with some confusion: "What's wrong, Master?"

Bai Xiao pondered for a moment, then said something with a hint of meaning: "Your intuition is very sharp. After I leave, would you be interested in taking my seat?"

Xu Zhi paused for a moment, then chuckled and said.

“Master, please stop joking with me. I’m not qualified for your position. Out of 160,000 criminal police officers, only a monster like you has emerged. I’m just an ordinary person, how can I compare to you?”

“I’m not joking.” His voice was deep and firm, as if every word carried weight: “I know your aptitude, talent, and ability. The reason you haven’t moved up yet is because you haven’t waited for an opportunity, an opportunity to prove yourself.”

Hearing Bai Xiao's praise, Xu Zhi scratched his head shyly: "Actually, I just like to do things step by step, I don't have that much ambition. Besides, Master, aren't you still young? Why do you always think about retiring? Have you encountered something?"

"I was just asking casually." Bai Xiao chuckled. "Look at you, kid. A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier."

"Then I will work hard and strive to reach your level one day, hehe," Xu Zhi said with a smile.

Bai Xiao nodded: "Alright, let's go eat!"

"Yes, sir!"

Watching Xu Zhi's departing figure, Bai Xiao's smile slowly vanished.

He knew that Xu Zhi wasn't actually as carefree as he seemed on the surface.

On the contrary, he is smarter and calmer than most people.

He didn't want to act so quickly if time allowed.

Unfortunately, he didn't have much time left.

Bai Xiao turned and walked to the window, took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and took a deep drag.

The sky outside the window was already turning slightly white, and the morning sunlight shone through the clouds onto the city's skyscrapers, bringing a sense of tranquility to the city.

Some things will be blown away by the wind.

But some won't.

Even the crispest night is still night.

Night will eventually return the world to day.