Jiayi turned around slowly and pointed with the back of the marker to “Level One”:
“The key to this case lies in two levels. The first level is how to prove that the deceased died of coronary heart disease.”
“In this level, whether it is proving that Uncle Jiu did not push the deceased or proving that the deceased had a sudden illness and died before falling, both can prove Uncle Jiu’s innocence.”
After saying that, she added a few words behind “Level One”: “Cause of Death.”
Then, she pointed the marker back towards “Level Two.”
“Uh-huh.”
Before Jiayi could speak, Liu Jiaming started to stammer eagerly, “And then? And then?” He was anxious to hear more.
“What does the second level mean?”
Jiayi nodded to Liu Jiaming with a smile and continued her explanation:
“The level two is to prove that Liu Fuqiang is indeed Xi Ming. No matter the method used to prove the victim’s true identity, it would make Uncle Jiu’s action of capturing the victim appear justified and legitimate. Once this layer is proven, the victim’s failure to heed warnings and resistance leading to his escape and eventual death will be his own responsibility. Even if Uncle Jiu really caused the victim to fall during the pursuit, it could only be considered an accident, not a crime.”
After explaining, Jiayi quickly added, “Of course, Uncle Jiu definitely did not push the victim. That is the premise of the first layer of clue tracking.”
“Yes.” Gary sat up straight, staring at the two lines on the whiteboard, beginning to think about how to prove these two lines.
Jiayi quickly gave Gary an answer:
“I’ve thought about how to prove the level one, and there are several approaches we can try:”
“First, visit the neighbors of Liu Fuqiang’s residence, especially those who work late or start early, who would have many interactions with the security guard, Liu Fuqiang. Ask if they’ve seen Liu Fuqiang feeling unwell or if anyone knows his medical history.”
Sanfu unconsciously followed Jiayi’s words, counting off on his fingers.
When Jiayi said ‘first’, he raised his index finger.
“Second, visit all the clinics and hospitals near Liu Fuqiang’s home to find his medical records,” Jiayi continued.
As Sanfu thought about how to implement what Jiayi was saying, he raised his middle finger, as if giving a thumbs up.
“Third, research and consult with the forensic officer Xu Junhao, Sir Xu, to learn more about coronary heart disease. If we can find some symptoms or details that could support the idea that ‘Uncle Jiu didn’t need to push the victim, the victim could have died suddenly without falling’ or ‘had died suddenly before falling’, that would be great. If necessary, we might even need to seek out a cardiology expert at the hospital.” Jiayi’s eyebrows furrowed, showing her determination to dig deep into the details of the victim’s death.
Sanfu silently raised his ring finger, his expression becoming more solemn along with Jiayi’s.
Liu Jiaming also unconsciously shifted in his seat, furrowing his brows, almost wanting to wave his fist along with Jiayi’s words, showing his determination to thoroughly investigate the case.
Director Fang Zhenyue’s gaze remained fixed on Jiayi. Since the Portland Street murder case, this young female officer in front of him had been demonstrating her comprehensive abilities. No, perhaps it started even earlier; she had been showing everyone her outstanding capabilities. Now, she was just continuously growing and strengthening.
When facing challenges, everyone might hesitate, fear, waver, and feel discouraged. Life is filled with so many emotions, and one is forever influenced and troubled by them.
But how does this young policewoman always seem so spirited and energetic?
Is it the light within her that inspires her to excel on the coldest days without fear?
Even he, after what happened yesterday, thinking about all that Uncle Jiu has endured, feels a kinship in their shared pain.
He’s also annoyed and angry, having to grapple with his emotions, which inevitably distracts him, constantly draining his energy to suppress his feelings and stay rational.
It’s really something, Detective Yi Jiayi seems like an ever-fully-charged little steel egg, her voice booming, her morale high as she directs strategies.
Ah… It makes him seem like a worried old man, huh.
His gaze leisurely shifts towards the window, looking out to the distant scenery, as Fang Zhenyue quietly takes a deep breath.
Listening to Jiayi’s words, feeling the young policewoman’s effort to control the situation, his mood suddenly lightens.
The heavy stone that had been pressing on his chest because of Uncle Jiu’s predicament seems lifted by Jiayi’s seemingly effortless statements.
If Uncle Jiu could hear Jiayi’s words, feel her care and determination, he would also feel relieved and refreshed.
Having someone fight this hard for your innocence, what victim wouldn’t feel their burdens lighten?
Feeling reassured.
Trusting one’s life, honor, and the heavy responsibilities of the job to such a detective, whether you are the victim or the superior, you would feel at ease!
“The fourth point is to check the background of the eyewitness. I’ve already found some information on Zhao Zhicheng. This man has been spouting lies and opposing justice for more than a day or two. I hope his low credibility rating can also help clear Uncle Jiu. But I still want to consult some professional lawyers to see if it really helps in court. Also, Zhao Zhicheng provided false evidence; can we actually send him to prison as a warning to others?”
As Jiayi spoke, she gritted her teeth, her loathing for evil adding to her aura.
Gary found himself nodding unconsciously, yes, ‘Obstruction of public duties should be punishable’ has been shouted for many years, but can it really be enforced harshly to teach those who falsely accuse others a lesson?
“This is the first level,” Jiayi pointed to the next layer, “a person can’t turn into another without leaving traces. There will always be records of the transfer of the deceased’s house, we can check that.”
“The second point is when exactly the deceased’s fingerprints were wiped off. His wife clearly refuses to cooperate with the police, so it’s up to us to investigate. The house has been lived in for many years; can we still find old fingerprints from many years ago? It’s taking a while to get a search warrant, so we still need to think of other ways.”
“The third is to consult Brother Guangming from the Forensic Department about what evidence is needed to confirm a person’s identity, and we’ll check them one by one.”
“The fourth, Xi Ming’s stomach contained undigested roast goose. Uncle Jiu started his chase near that Sham Tseng roast goose restaurant, so another visit there for evidence might be necessary.
“The fifth, whether there are others who could provide testimony in Uncle Jiu’s case. Aside from an old, blurry photo in the archives, is there anything else on Xi Ming? Are there any people who have seen Xi Ming before? After the second mission was successful, among those imprisoned, were there any who had dealings with Xi Ming? Even though prisoners are unlikely to cooperate with the police, if there’s a chance for a reduced sentence, perhaps such a person could be found…”
After Jiayi finished speaking all at once, she took a long sigh and briefly recorded a few points she had thought about on the whiteboard.
Then she turned to look at Fang Zhenyue, “Sir Fang, I’ve summarized everything.”
“I will emphasize the search warrant with madam again and try every possible way to get it approved,” Fang Zhenyue said, looking at the points on the whiteboard and continued:
“You explained it well; you basically clarified all the logic.”
He appreciated Jiayi’s categorization, then turned to the detectives and began assigning tasks:
“Sanfu will come with me to check the points on the second floor. Eleven, you take Liu Jiaming and Gary to check the first floor, how about that?”
Jiayi’s eyes widened as she looked at Fang Zhenyue, then at Gary and Liu Jiaming, “Can I, Brother Yue?”
Fang Zhenyue nodded, “Let’s do it this way. Gary and Jiaming, follow Eleven’s commands, understood?”
“Yes, sir,” Gary immediately stood up to take the order.
“Understood, sir,” Liu Jiaming, after taking the command, turned his head and smiled at Jiayi, showing his support for her leadership: “Shall we start, madam?”
Jiayi glanced at Fang Zhenyue, pursed her lips, and nodded firmly before addressing Gary and Liu Jiaming:
“Brother Gary, go to Baishana community to visit the residents.
“Brother Jiaming, talk to Sir Xu about coronary diseases and also ask if Sir Xu knows any specialists in cardiology.”
“Yes, madam.”
Gary and Liu Jiaming immediately took their tasks and left.
Fang Zhenyue nodded, assigned Sanfu to investigate the transfer procedures of the apartment where Liu Fuqiang lived, and planned to check the follow-up of an old case of Uncle Jiu, preparing to head directly to the prison to meet someone who might have been in contact with Xi Ming in the case.
Jiayi held her notebook, took a deep breath, put on her coat, and headed straight to the Baishana community to start visiting all the nearby hospitals and clinics.
…
While the officers were busy outside, meal times couldn’t be helped; they had to hastily settle their meals outside, just filling their stomachs was enough.
Jiayi was no exception. After visiting the big hospital and failing to find any medical records or consultation notes for a patient named Liu Fuqiang, she had no choice but to cross off that hospital and move on to the next.
By the time she reached the third hospital, she was hungry and had to look for food in a small alley across from the hospital.
The first thing she saw when she entered the alley was a stall selling egg waffles, which felt like fate. Jiayi decisively bought one.
While waiting, she also patronized the neighboring takoyaki stall.
The creamy yellow batter was poured into the mold and then pressed down to cook.
Standing beside the stall, the breeze carried over the aroma of the egg and batter being heated, with a hint of sweetness that was mouthwatering.
At the next stall, the takoyaki was flipped to form perfect balls, each placed in a paper box, sprinkled with bonito flakes which began to dance as they twisted, making the steam visible.
Jiayi received her takoyaki and immediately popped one into her mouth, the combination of mustard sweet sauce and bonito flakes making it so hot it sizzled, yet the outside was crispy and the inside soft and fragrant, irresistibly delicious.
The burn was just a minor detail for someone enjoying their food.
After chewing four takoyaki, the egg waffle was ready. The vendor handed it to Jiayi in a cardboard holder, feeling like a warm treasure, hot and fragrant.
A bite revealed a crispy outside, and further chewing brought out a soft and chewy inside, with a layered sweetness from the steamy egg and batter mix that was delightful.
Walking in a small alley on a breezy late autumn day, tasting just these two snacks made her feel spiritually and physically satisfied, reminding her how easily humans can feel happiness.
The egg waffle and takoyaki warmed her up against the autumn chill and cured her hunger.
Then she came across a dessert shop that only made steamed eggs and milk. Without hesitation, Jiayi walked in, unconcerned about squeezing back-to-back with other customers, and held the steamed egg brought to her by the vendor. Watching the ultra-tender steamed egg tremble as the bowl was placed on the table, her appetite was greatly stimulated.
The smooth gloss, the warm egg aroma, and a faint hint of almond flavor…
Jiayi smacked her lips, picked a porcelain spoon from the table that matched the creamy texture of the almond-flavored steamed egg.
Scooping a big spoonful, she blew on it and then savored it, relishing the delicate blend of the fresh aroma of the egg and the slightly bitter aftertaste of the almond juice, making the bowl of steamed egg satisfying yet not too rich.
After finishing the bowl, Jiayi stood up to try another place.
What was meant to be a casual meal during work turned out to be a feast.
After passing three or four more stores, she saw a queue for char siu bao and steaming hot shrimp dumplings… Although Jiayi was tempted, she dared not eat anymore.
Eating too much can lead to food coma.
As all students know, it’s not good to eat too much before studying as it leads to drowsiness, which isn’t conducive to mental work.
For the sake of staying alert, Jiayi reluctantly turned away and left the alley.
She took out her notebook and headed to the next hospital.