Chapter 6: A Pleasant Cooperation?

Page 1

Although the identity of the deceased has now been temporarily established, there is still no clue about the entire case. Therefore, watching Xia Wuyou appear in his office as soon as work began, Su Tianmu did not refuse her.

“You said you found the victim’s ghost in an old mansion?”

Su Tianmu knew this girl before him was somewhat peculiar, but when it came to listening to her detailed account, it was still hard for him to believe!

“All right, let’s suppose what you said is true. Then why would the ghost go to that old mansion? Is there some connection between the mansion and the deceased?”

Seeing the incredulity on Su Tianmu’s face, Xia Wuyou felt a little guilty at being questioned!

“Uh, well! The process is a bit complicated. But trust me, that’s all you need to do. The most important thing between partners is trust, isn’t it?”

Xia Wuyou deliberately acted mischievous, unwilling to admit she had brought the ghost to the old mansion herself!

“Fine, even if I believe you, did the victim’s ghost tell you how she actually died?”

Su Tianmu asked anxiously.

“No, she didn’t tell me! To be exact, I don’t know any more than you do!”

After speaking, Xia Wuyou immediately pretended to be a bashful little girl.

“Haha, so you came empty-handed? Then what good are you to us?”

Su Tianmu didn’t even glance at her, wasting her half-hearted performance.

“Of course I’m useful! Though I can’t talk to her, I can see her, so I’m sure that’ll help you!”

Xia Wuyou hurriedly grabbed his arm, afraid he might shake her off.

“When have you ever solved a case by seeing a ‘living’ victim?”

Well, it didn’t matter—having her made no difference, after all. Besides, this girl was indeed a little different from ordinary people, and Su Tianmu was certain of that.

So he said nothing more, letting her ask Xiao Wang all sorts of questions about the case.

After some time investigating, they’d already found the deceased’s current boyfriend. This man, named Chen Gang, was not only unemployed but addicted to gambling. It was said he often demanded money from the victim, and if she refused, he would resort to violence.

This was confirmed by the neighborhood committee lady, who reported that Li Cuiying was often seen with bruises. Since she already had a poor impression of her, she didn’t bother to ask further.

Page 2

“It must have been that man who killed Li Cuiying!”

Xia Wuyou exclaimed excitedly.

“Think about it, this man loves gambling and has no steady income. He must have asked Li Cuiying for money, and when she refused, he got furious and killed her!”

Xia Wuyou looked as though she had discovered the truth, almost mimicking Conan with a “There’s only one truth!”

“You can’t solve a case based on guesswork alone. Killing someone just because she didn’t give him money? That motive feels far too forced.”

Xiao Wang looked up at her.

“Besides, we haven’t even found the primary crime scene, let alone the murder weapon or the tool for disposing of the body.”

Xiao Wang, a little dejected, flipped through his notebook, trying to see if he could analyze any new clues.

Su Tianmu gave Xia Wuyou a sidelong glance, suddenly regretting his hasty decision to let her join.

“Xiao Wang, organize an immediate interrogation of Chen Gang!”

“Understood, Captain Su.”

Upon receiving the order, Xiao Wang stood and left, leaving Xia Wuyou standing alone in front of the desk, lost in thought.

“Aren’t you leaving? We don’t provide lunch here at noon.”

Su Tianmu spoke coldly without even looking at Xia Wuyou.

“Oh, you don’t need to tell me, I was just about to leave anyway. But if there’s any new development in the case, notify me immediately!”

Xia Wuyou indeed had something important to do. To prevent the client who viewed the house from complaining to the company, she needed to come up with a plausible excuse with the manager in advance, otherwise she’d be severely criticized again!

Watching Xia Wuyou hastily depart, Su Tianmu fell into contemplation.

This was a girl who had lost her parents at fifteen or sixteen. Ten years ago, both her parents died in a fire!

The case file recorded that her parents ran a small restaurant, and due to a gas valve not being properly shut, a leak occurred. Late at night, the leaked gas encountered an unknown ignition source and exploded.

It was winter, and the couple lived and worked in the shop. The explosion triggered a fire that instantly consumed their little restaurant.

By the time firefighters found them, both had already lost all signs of life.

Page 3

Although the investigation determined the cause of the explosion, the source of the ignition was never found. The couple had always gotten along well with their neighbors, were gentle and friendly, and had simple social ties, so nothing suspicious was discovered.

In the end, it was classified as an accidental disaster. Only Xia Wuyou was left, spared because she was boarding at school at the time!

Forget it—if she wants to come, let her. Who knows, maybe she’ll be useful someday!

Su Tianmu shook his head and brought his thoughts back to the case.

Yes, what was urgently needed now was to find the primary crime scene. If Chen Gang really was a suspect, then his life should be thoroughly investigated right away…

Meanwhile, when Xia Wuyou hurried back to the company, she hadn’t even entered the manager’s office before her colleagues' gloomy expressions and hesitant looks made her heart tremble with fear!

Crash…!

A pile of documents was thrown against the door, scattering chaotically across the floor.

“Is she trying to drive me insane? Oh my goodness, what kind of fate is this? She’s ruined all my bonuses!”

From the manager’s office came his wailing.

He was clearly a man, but he gave the impression of a matronly lady! What kind of fate was this—to have such a boss!

Xia Wuyou was genuinely frightened but couldn’t help grumbling inwardly.

“Manager, please let me explain! It’s not what you think…”

She didn’t have time to knock, rushing straight into the office. Seeing the chubby manager on the verge of a meltdown, she put on what she thought was her most pitiful, helpless expression.

After a teary explanation, she believed she had made everything clear and tentatively asked, “Do you understand now, manager?”

The manager’s emotions finally calmed a bit.

Just when she thought her life had been spared, a crisp voice rang in her ear:

“Get out!”