Chapter 925: Zhang Tao’s Story

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Chuan instructed Chen Jiang.

"This clue still needs to be quickly investigated. Although this lead is somewhat cumbersome to follow, we do have strategies."

Lu Chuan thought for a while and decided to start the investigation from near the crime scene.

Currently, the likelihood of the suspect living and working near the victim’s family is quite high.

"Chen Jiang, so you should use the vicinity of the victim’s residence as a base to check if anyone has recently bought these black gloves, and see if there’s any unusual behavior."

Lu Chuan continued, "Especially the day after the crime, when purchasing gloves."

Lu Chuan added these words and Chen Jiang understood what was going on.

These gloves are relatively cheap, and they are sold in large quantities. If the suspect wore these gloves on the day of the crime, they would certainly get bloodstained during the body handling process.

So the suspect likely discarded the gloves at the scene or directly burned them.

And since these gloves are inexpensive, if the suspect is used to wearing them, it’s likely they would buy another pair the next day.

"Okay, I understand what you mean, I’ll go take care of it right now."

Although Chen Jiang hasn’t been in his position for long as squad leader, he’s a seasoned detective.

These seemingly simple walkthrough investigations could actually lead to significant progress in solving the case.

After killing someone, as long as the suspect’s mental fortitude isn’t extraordinary, they will exhibit some reactions atypical for them within a short period.

From a psychological perspective, everyone has a need to vent.

No matter the reason, this suspect killed Zhang Haibin’s family, and psychologically, whether it’s to avenge a deep hatred or achieve some other goal, they would have a need to vent.

But since such matters can’t be spoken of openly, these feelings might manifest in abnormal behaviors.

For instance, someone who never drinks might start drinking, or a person who is ordinarily taciturn might suddenly talk more.

There could be a sudden increase in spending, or buying things they’ve never bought or couldn’t buy before.

In any case, these external manifestations will be reflected in certain language or behaviors that differ from past habits or daily life details.

Why can some detectives overlook identical case clues, while experienced ones can identify patterns or suspect points from small changes?

It’s essentially due to this reason.

Meanwhile, there have been new developments in Chen Baoguo’s investigation.

Regarding his relationship with Chen Xue, Chen Baoguo no longer hides anything and has clearly explained it.

The two have been scheming together for four or five years now.

"Chen Baoguo has disclosed some information, but he claims he isn’t responsible for the murder."

Wang Zhaokai drank a glass of water while seated across from Lu Chuan.

"Nobody was aware of the relationship between Chen Baoguo and Chen Xue; they met at a dinner party."

This was what Wang Zhaokai shared based on their findings.

According to Chen Baoguo’s account, his and Chen Xue’s relationship is one of pure love.

At the time, Chen Baoguo hadn’t been promoted yet but was already diligent for Zhang Haibin’s family.

"Household affairs like eating, drinking, toileting, and even refueling the car—everything was handled by Chen Baoguo."

"Through frequent interactions, they got acquainted, and with Zhang Haibin frequently attending social events and neglecting his household, Chen Baoguo and Chen Xue got involved."

Wang Zhaokai took out his phone, showing a photo.

"Found something interesting."

Wang Zhaokai displayed the photo from his mobile phone to Lu Chuan.

"We discovered this in Chen Baoguo’s office this morning."

"What is it?"

The photo showed some dark powder.

"Lead powder!"

Lead powder?

"This stuff is called lead powder, but it isn’t actually metal lead; it’s a plant ground into a powder from Chen Baoguo’s hometown."

"Upon investigation, it’s actually a traditional Chinese medicine. However, it’s toxic and long-term consumption could cause significant damage to the liver."

Wang Zhaokai continued, "Chen Baoguo was so scared his cowardice led him to confess this, fearing we’d connect him to the deaths of Zhang Haibin and others."

Actually, Chen Baoguo had already acted against Zhang Haibin, but the method was quite covert.

He and Chen Xue had planned well in advance to slowly poison Zhang Haibin through chronic toxicity.

Chen Baoguo provided Chen Xue with this powdered traditional medicine.

While cooking at home, Chen Xue poisoned the dishes Zhang Haibin liked with this powder.

"They’ve been doing this for over half a year."

Before briefing Lu Chuan, Wang Zhaokai confirmed with the forensic doctor that Zhang Haibin’s liver was indeed not in good condition.

But the forensic team had not done independent testing, presuming his liver damage was due to irregular living habits or excessive drinking.

"Considering this, even if nobody had killed Zhang Haibin’s family, he wouldn’t have lived for many more years."

Lu Chuan didn’t expect such unexpected findings from Wang Zhaokai’s side.

However, according to Chen Baoguo’s statement, he had no motive for the murders, as he had already taken action against Zhang Haibin; he had no reason to kill Chen Xue.

And there’s no way he would kill the two children of the family either, so in that respect, Chen Baoguo lacks a motive.

On that morning, after cleaning up, Lu Chuan went to the sub-bureau after receiving reports from Wang Zhaokai and Chen Jiang.

Over the past two days, Chen Weiguo had been incessantly calling to inquire about the progress of the case.

Despite being overwhelmed, Lu Chuan had to head over to reassure Chen Weiguo.

Although the case hadn’t reached a breakthrough yet, every aspect was advancing, thus giving hope for solving it.

In the afternoon, after returning from Chen Weiguo, Sun Biao was already waiting in the office.

"Captain Lu! Finally, you’re back!"

Lu Chuan saw Sun Biao’s agitated demeanor, "What’s happened?"

"What’ve you discovered?"

Sun Biao went to investigate Zhang Tao’s transfer from Third Middle School to Ninth Middle School.

Initially, it was merely a curiosity that police instincts provoked to clarify, but Lu Chuan didn’t give much importance to this clue.

But now, seeing Sun Biao’s intense expression, was there a significant discovery?

Sun Biao nodded firmly.

"Captain Lu, there’s indeed a discovery this time. Behind Zhang Tao’s school transfer, there’s a backstory—it’s not a simple matter."

Initially, Sun Biao hadn’t considered this clue too seriously but wanted to clarify it; however, upon going to Third Middle School, he found things were not as straightforward as they seemed.