Chapter 889: Breaking Through Zhang Baobao

Sun Biao had the same opinion.

"But we need to be meticulous in the way we investigate. After all, if Zhang San really is the murderer, yet left no traces during the murder, and with the case having gone cold for so many years, with Liang Jun having helped destroy the evidence, even if Zhang San did commit the murder, it's hard to convict him."

The case analysis meeting was brief and soon concluded.

Everyone quickly reached a consensus to first investigate Zhang San, to discover what his relationship with Hu Huihui was and what connections there were between them.

"Everyone's worked hard during this period, so let's rest up tonight and rejuvenate. Tomorrow morning, we'll head to town to investigate Zhang San's situation."

Lu Chuan made the final decisions and planned out the work.

Reaching this stage in the case, to be honest, Lu Chuan felt somewhat confident.

Regardless of whether Liang Jun's statements were true or false, if you looked at the closed loop of clues in the case, it should actually be solvable now.

If Liang Jun was captured and said nothing, didn't refute anything, and provided no information, then the suspect could undeniably be convicted based on the fingerprints found on the shovel in the pit without any confession.

However, an unexpected twist had occurred.

Liang Jun adamantly insisted he wasn't the murderer and instead implicated another suspect.

So an investigation would proceed.

Whether Zhang San planned the murder or acted spontaneously, there must be some connection between him and Hu Huihui.

Moreover, in the afternoon, Lu Chuan had already arranged for Zhang San's situation to be investigated, and found out that he still resides in town.

As long as he's there, it's manageable.

The next morning, with everyone in high spirits, the team assembled and set off.

East Valley Town.

"Captain Lu, here's some basic information on Zhang San from our investigation yesterday."

Wang Zhaokai's side had pulled some information from the police station and the household registry system yesterday.

Zhang San's original name was Zhang Baobao.

His father was a factory director in East Valley Town-run enterprises. Their family had some assets back then, and after Zhang Baobao dropped out of school, his father supported him in opening a few video game arcades.

A decade ago, owning game arcades was quite lucrative in towns, and Zhang Baobao accumulated his first bit of initial capital.

However, Zhang Baobao didn't leave East Valley Town afterwards. Instead, he continued to expand there, opening several factories, and has now become a notable private business owner near East Valley Town.

East Valley Town Wood Processing Plant.

This is one of Zhang Baobao's factories.

Lu Chuan and the others met Zhang Baobao here.

Unlike the thin Zhang Baobao in the household registration photos, the 30-something-year-old Zhang Baobao had already gained some weight.

"Director Chen, what brings you here?"

Zhang Baobao has considerable influence in East Valley Town, knows many people, and naturally is familiar with the local police station.

Director Chen was the Deputy Director of East Valley Town's police station.

"Higher-ups have some matters to discuss with you, Boss Zhang. Please cooperate with them later."

Only a few within the Criminal Investigation Team knew that Liang Jun had identified Zhang San, alias Zhang Baobao, as the murderer.

Director Chen and their local police station didn't know the situation.

"Higher-ups?"

Zhang Baobao looked over at Lu Chuan and his team, then, slightly taken aback, quickly directed, "Xiao Wang, hurry and serve some tea for our guests..."

"No need for the good hospitality, President Zhang," Lu Chuan waved his hand: "There's no need for tea; we're just here to inquire a little and will leave soon."

Seeing this, Zhang Baobao didn't insist further and invited Lu Chuan and the others to take seats.

Director Chen and their local police exited first.

Zhang Baobao felt somewhat puzzled but didn't ask, leaving only Lu Chuan, Wang Zhaokai, and others from the Criminal Investigation Team in the room.

"President Zhang, do you know this person?"

Wang Zhaokai took out a photo from his bag—it was of Hu Huihui.

Zhang Baobao took the photo, showing a puzzled expression, and after a while said, "Seems familiar, but I can't quite remember. Who is this?"

Can't remember?

Wang Zhaokai and Lu Chuan exchanged glances; indeed, the matter wouldn't be easy.

This morning, Lu Chuan and Wang Zhaokai had already discussed in the car how to break through Zhang Baobao's facade.

It comes down to two words: Intimidation!

The case happened 10 years ago, and it was unlikely that a circuitous investigation would be very effective. Only by confronting and intimidating Zhang Baobao directly could a breakthrough be obtained to solve the case.

"This person's name is Hu Huihui, a villager from Beihong Village."

Wang Zhaokai got straight to the point.

While speaking, Lu Chuan kept a close watch on Zhang Baobao's expression.

When he first saw the photo, Zhang Baobao didn't intend to fake anything, but at the mention of Hu Huihui, Lu Chuan noticed a brief stiffness in Zhang Baobao's facial expression.

This is a significant clue.

But Zhang Baobao quickly denied knowing about Hu Huihui's situation.

"Oh, this person isn't familiar to me. Beihong Village... I don't often go there. What happened? Did something happen?"

"Something happened?"

He scoffed.

"President Zhang, are you unaware that Hu Huihui disappeared?"

Wang Zhaokai looked at him and suddenly asked.

Hu Huihui's disappearance 10 years ago was a notable case in East Valley Town. It caused quite a stir.

East Valley Town isn't particularly large, so for such a significant event to happen, many people should know about it. Yet, Zhang Baobao claimed he didn't know about it.

Isn't that odd?

"Disappeared? What disappearance?"

"The disappearance case from 10 years ago!"

"Ten years ago... Ah, it has been too long, I can't recall clearly. However, I did hear back then of a missing person, but since so much time has passed, I can't remember her name. I've forgotten."

After speaking, Zhang Baobao looked at Wang Zhaokai: "Officer, does this... does this have anything to do with me?"

Connected?

"On the afternoon of June 28th, ten years ago, someone saw you at the entrance of Beihong Village, having an argument with Zhang Huihui."

Lu Chuan suddenly spoke: "Moreover... you dragged her into the cornfield!"

Boom!

The biggest secret he had kept buried in his heart all his life was revealed, leaving Zhang Baobao dumbstruck in his seat.

This expression, this reaction, let Lu Chuan know that Liang Jun was possibly telling the truth.

"I... I... Officer, ten years ago... ten years old events... I genuinely can't remember them clearly..."

Zhang Baobao's speech had already started to stutter.

"Zhang Baobao!"

At this moment, Wang Zhaokai no longer addressed him as President Zhang.

"Since we are knocking on your door, it means we're quite certain, otherwise, we wouldn't alert the snake before catching it."

"Back then, you were just a rogue in the town; now, Zhang Baobao, you have a large business, and a fortune in millions with several factories, so I advise you to seriously consider answering our questions."

"A wrong step leads to further missteps! Seeking leniency is your only option!"

Zhang Baobao's complexion changed drastically, and after a moment, he slumped in his chair: "I... I'll confess!"