Chapter 398: Chapter 398

Wen Zhou said expressionlessly, "This is classified information. I’m afraid I cannot disclose it."

"I spoke out of turn. Please don’t take offense, Officer Wen."

Wen Zhou glanced at his watch. "Today is Monday. Miss Gao is probably going to be late for school."

"Gao Jie has a lot of cases against him. I hope Officer Wen can investigate thoroughly and bring justice to the victims."

"That’s our duty as police officers. Rest assured, Miss Gao."

Gao Yuyue walked out of the police station with her schoolbag. Wen Zhou kept watching until her figure disappeared at the station’s entrance.

"That was the young lady from the Gao family, right? Why would she come to the police station?"

One subordinate asked curiously.

Another female officer whispered, "You all know about Gao Dongting’s scandal, right? I heard Gao Jie was behind the whole thing. Miss Gao probably hates Gao Jie to death. Once she heard he was arrested, she must’ve rushed here to get information."

Gao Dongting never called the police, so no case was filed, but rumors were flying everywhere.

Whether it was a setup or not, Gao Dongting’s affair was a fact. The photos circulated widely. While it wasn’t a police matter, a special investigation team had been formed to look into it—there was no escaping it.

"Oh, by the way, have you heard? The new director arriving in two days is supposedly a young, stunning woman—well-known in Jingzhou. Why she’d be assigned to our backwater Qingzhou, I’ve no idea. I honestly thought Captain Wen would be the one to take over the role."

"Director Li may have a bad temper, but he’s reasonable. Who knows what temperament the new one might have? We can only hope she doesn’t drag us down."

A cold voice suddenly sounded behind them, "Looks like you all have plenty of free time. Is your current workload already finished?"

The group turned around in panic, "Ca–Captain Wen."

Getting caught gossiping—especially by someone infamous for being incorruptibly strict.

"Enough. Get back to work."

They scattered like frightened birds. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on NoveI~Fire.net

"Xiao Bei." Wen Zhou called out a name.

A young man walked over. "Captain Wen, I swear I wasn’t gossiping. I was just passing through."

"Any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate?"

His expression turned serious immediately at the mention of work. Lowering his voice, he said, "The night Chen Shu died, the duty records were erased, and the digital files vanished mysteriously. Just as you suspected, there’s something highly suspicious about his death. However, I’ve discovered something particularly strange."

Wen Zhou asked immediately, "What’s strange?"

"According to protocol, Chen Shu’s body should have been taken to the hospital for emergency treatment first. A death certificate from the hospital would then allow the forensic center to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. But that night, his body was sent directly to the forensic center. I checked the surveillance footage; the timeline doesn’t match the autopsy report provided by the coroner."

This alone proved the autopsy results were questionable.

Obtaining that surveillance footage had cost Xiao Bei considerable effort; words couldn’t do justice to the challenges he faced.

Xiao Bei continued, "Later that same night, the crematory vehicle transported Chen Shu’s body to the crematorium. The whole process happened way too fast—almost as if someone wanted to destroy the evidence. I traced it back to this crematorium, but there aren’t any useful leads so far."

Just thinking about that crematorium made Xiao Bei break into a cold sweat.

That crematorium was located in a desolate area, more foreboding than a graveyard. The eerie atmosphere alone was enough to keep him away—were it not for the investigation, he wouldn’t go near it even if his life depended on it.

"The crematorium?" Wen Zhou frowned, lost in thought. "Send me the address."

"Captain Wen, Chen Shu’s body has already been cremated. Is there even anything left to find?"

Wen Zhou didn’t say much. Instead, he patted Xiao Bei’s shoulder. "You’ve worked hard lately. I’m giving you half a day off—go get some rest."

But Xiao Bei quickly shook his head. "I’ll rest once this case is over."

Something else crossed Wen Zhou’s mind. "Jiajia."

The female officer who had been gossiping most fervently earlier approached nervously. "Captain Wen, I promise I’ll never gossip again."

"You’re now responsible for managing Gao Jie’s meals."

Wu Jiajia immediately understood. "Don’t worry, Captain Wen."

Someone called out to him, "Captain Wen, Director Li is waiting for you in his office."

"Got it." Wen Zhou gave his instructions and headed to Li Minglai’s office.

In less than a day, Li Minglai looked as though he’d aged five years—his face was utterly haggard.

"It’s fortunate that Mr. Liu came out of this unharmed. Otherwise, both you and I would’ve been finished."

Li Minglai pulled a cigarette out and was about to light it when Wen Zhou walked over and snatched it away.

Li Minglai glared, bristling, "Not even one smoke? Thankfully, I only have to put up with you for two more days. Let me tell you, this new Director Xiang isn’t going to be as accommodating as I am. You’re on your own after this."