Chapter 1053 - 539: Mr. Jiang Takes Charge of the Case! (2)

"The immediate priority now is to face the challenges head-on and make a fresh start."

"This case will begin from here and now, serving as a new starting point for us."

"We must let go of our preconceived notions, reset everything to zero, and re-analyze from the beginning. We need to uncover the truth about the case, meticulously reconstruct the entire process of the death, without overlooking any detail."

After speaking, he slightly turned his head, his gaze falling on Director Hou seated to his left. He continued with a solemn tone, "In the initial phase, we conducted a preliminary interrogation of the informant, Wang Can. At that time, he claimed that ’the deceased was found lying on the ground.’"

"However, it now seems this conclusion is clearly inconsistent with the facts and has major loopholes—this indicates that Wang Can has not been truthful with us since the first interrogation."

"Therefore, we must act swiftly, find Wang Can immediately, bring him back to the interrogation room, and conduct a thorough investigation."

"We need to clarify what exactly happened in that factory dormitory back then."

"Moreover, we need to expand the scope of the investigation."

"We can’t miss any of the coworkers from the same dormitory. We must find everyone and question them thoroughly."

"The scope of the investigation must be broad, and we cannot rule out the possibility that the murderer was someone from the same dormitory, who deliberately disguised the murder as a sudden illness death."

"Such a method has become all too common in past cases, and we must remain highly vigilant."

"Therefore, I demand that decisive actions be taken immediately to bring all relevant personnel back for investigation in the shortest time possible."

Mr. Chen raised his teacup in front of him and took a sip of water, his expression growing even more serious: "Additionally, I fully support Mr. Jiang’s hypothesis regarding ’death caused by neck compression.’ This is a very important direction."

"But the subsequent question is: if death was indeed caused by neck compression, what external force caused this compression after all?"

"As Mr. Jiang said, the deceased was merely an ordinary factory worker. He couldn’t possess any significant information that would warrant someone using ’special agent tactics’ to silence him."

"Then what exactly was the direct process that led to his death?"

"Is it an accident, a conflict, or a carefully planned disguise behind all this?"

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the officers from the on-site investigation team: "So, the on-site investigation team must move immediately, conducting a thorough and meticulous second investigation at the crime scene."

"Leave no trace unchecked, and overlook no anomaly."

"Only through a scientific and systematic reconstruction of the scene can we possibly restore the real circumstances at that time and determine the actual location of the primary scene."

"More crucially—we need to find that possible rope or similar object that caused neck compression."

As he finished speaking, the conference room remained quiet, with a certain tension silently gathering once again.

Some heads, initially bowed, slowly lifted, and once-distracted gazes gradually regained their focus.

After a slight pause, Mr. Chen spoke again, his tone serious and powerful: "Knowing one’s shame and striving to be courageous."

"In Guangling Criminal Investigation, fairness and justice have always been regarded as the unshakable primary principles."

"Yet on the road to seeking the truth, setbacks and hardships are inevitable."

"But these setbacks should not be a reason to negate all our efforts."

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the room, and continued, "A single case can’t defeat us; neither can one defeat define our capabilities."

"I urge everyone to stand tall, summon your utmost spirit, and fully immerse yourselves in this case before us."

"From this moment on, the entire Guangling Criminal Investigation Team, including myself, will listen to Director Hou and Mr. Jiang’s unified direction and coordination."

After finishing speaking, Mr. Chen suddenly stood up, turned slightly to the left, and solemnly saluted Director Hou and Jiang An.

This unexpected gesture made Jiang An and Director Hou exchange glances, a trace of surprise flashing in their eyes simultaneously.

As the deputy director in charge of criminal investigation, Mr. Chen’s posture was unexpectedly low, which really exceeded their expectations.

Then, Director Hou slowly stood up and responded, "Mr. Chen, you are being too modest."

"Although the criminal investigation teams are divided by jurisdiction and unit, across the entire police force, we have always been one family."

"No matter where or when, our attitude toward crime remains consistent—detesting evil and fulfilling our mission."

"Rest assured, we will do our utmost, working side by side with the comrades in Guangling, to thoroughly investigate and solve this case."

After saying this, he turned to look at Jiang An beside him, his expression solemn: "Earlier, Mr. Chen has entrusted the command to us, and we must shoulder this responsibility."

"Not only should we solve the case, but we also must lead Guangling Criminal Investigation to grow together, pursue the truth, and never betray this trust."

After a brief pause, he continued to clarify roles, "Mr. Jiang, you have long served as the head of criminal investigation in Jiangcheng, with rich experience and outstanding capability."

"I propose that you take on the role of lead group director, fully responsible for the case review and on-site investigations."

"I will serve as the deputy director, fully cooperating to jointly advance the case investigation. Together, we will not fall short of what is entrusted to us."

Upon hearing this, Jiang An quickly gestured to decline, "Director Hou, you were appointed as the lead by the higher-ups. As the deputy director, I should assist you, not the other way around."

"In terms of position and seniority, you are my superior. This arrangement is more appropriate."

After hearing this, Director Hou gently waved his hand, speaking sincerely: "Mr. Jiang, there’s no need for you to be humble about this."

"Within our criminal investigation team, what matters most isn’t seniority or age, but genuine capability and investigation methods."

"Since transferring you from Jiangcheng to the special task force, I have always paid attention to your performance—you are the one charging at the forefront whenever confronted with difficult and complex cases."

"Every time analysis comes to a standstill, it’s you who proposes the key breakthrough."

"Your acumen and sense of responsibility have been evident to everyone."

"Therefore, it’s most fitting for you to assume the role of the lead director."

Seeing that Jiang An seemed about to speak to decline again, Director Hou immediately turned to Mr. Chen and Qin Feng, inquiring, "Mr. Chen, Mr. Qin, do you have any comments on this arrangement?"

Mr. Chen shook his head immediately, speaking firmly: "No objections, we fully support Director Hou’s decision."

"Mr. Jiang’s abilities are well-recognized; his role as the lead director is well-deserved."

Qin Feng also nodded and, turning to Jiang An, his previously furrowed brow slightly relaxed.

Having worked with Jiang An for many years, Qin Feng understood his solid expertise and meticulous thinking. Every time in a case, his boldness and judgment were convincing.

At this moment, he felt no resentment but rather a sense of reassurance, believing "this matter, entrusted to Jiang An, puts my mind at ease."

He added, "With Mr. Jiang leading the team, I am completely at ease and will cooperate fully."

With roles defined, Mr. Chen then proceeded to outline the next investigative directions: "Then, we will split into two major groups: one group will revisit all relationships related to Li Yong on the construction sites from that time, delving into interpersonal interactions and financial disputes;"

"The other group will revisit and examine the site of the first death. That site remains sealed, preserving its original state relatively well. The conditions for on-site investigation still exist, and we must seize this opportunity."

As soon as he finished speaking, Mr. Chen said, "Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, I’ll accompany you to the site."

But Director Hou waved his hand: "Mr. Chen, you’re managing so many affairs in the bureau and are already very busy daily; having us and the Guangling criminal investigation technicians on site will suffice."

Mr. Chen was resolute: "This case involves incidents from many years ago, and you have traveled here in person; how can I not accompany you?"

"No matter how busy the bureau is, nothing is as important as this current loss of life."

"No meeting or affair is as urgent as finding out the truth early on and providing an explanation to the deceased’s family."

"If we can’t even clarify the cause of death, how can we talk about fulfilling our duties and responsibilities?"

Upon hearing this, Director Hou patted Mr. Chen’s shoulder and nodded: "Mr. Chen, then let’s head to the construction site together and see if we can unearth any clues that were overlooked back then."

After finishing these words, the group rose one by one, their expressions grave but their steps resolute as they walked out of the conference room...