"Officer Shen, why do you say that?" He Zhi's face changed, clearly puzzled.
After a moment of thought, Shen Qianqian organized her words and said, "Because Lin Chuan possesses professional-level skills in crime scene processing and surveying. If you see his 'This Assassin Is Too Professional,' you would completely discard that notion."
Indeed that was the case.
Shen Qianqian, as someone who understood Lin Chuan very well.
She knew full well Lin Chuan's capabilities in handling murder cases.
And judging from the two photos Officer He provided, featuring two mummified corpses and bloodstained ground and clothing,
The victims' reaction to the knife wounds seemed very natural, not faked.
It was clear.
This was the primary crime scene of the first case.
If it had been Lin Chuan committing the act, even after several months, let alone the two mummies, even the crime scene itself could be restored to its pre-crime state.
That's what you call professional.
Dealing directly with the two victims and then making a clean getaway would have been a better way to shake off suspicion, wouldn't it?
Hiss!
He Zhi took a deep breath, his brows knit together, "Officer Shen, do you mean to say that Comrade Lin Chuan not only has extensive tomb-robbing experience but also experience in killing people?"
"Officer He, not experience, it's the technique!" Shen Qianqian immediately rebutted on behalf of Lin Chuan.
Saying 'experience' would be tantamount to a conviction.
The Linyi police might want to convict Lin Chuan, but the Anling Police wouldn't agree.
Elder Zhong from Han River would have to go through the case inside and out, and any slight inconsistency or point of suspicion would have to be sent back for a retrial.
Whew—
He Zhi took another deep look at Shen Qianqian, then recalled the scene of Lin Chuan shaking hands with Liu Daqiang.
He seemed to understand the stance of the Anling Police.
No wonder Lin Chuan was so cooperative and calm.
"I want to look into Lin Chuan's records," He Zhi pondered before speaking out.
Shen Qianqian shook her head, "Officer He, I don't have the authority to access Lin Chuan's records."
Uh-huh?
He Zhi was taken aback, questioning with confusion, "Officer Shen, according to what you've said, he indeed is a talent, but his files haven't reached the level of being classified, have they?"
As a colleague, he knew full well what Shen Qianqian's words implied.
Therefore.
Waves of doubt and confusion surged in his heart.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not at liberty to answer that. However, I can answer on Lin Chuan's behalf the points of doubt you raised during the interrogation. Lin Chuan has not been to the Qilu region in the past two years, especially not this year," Shen Qianqian said.
"What about the novel?"
He Zhi furrowed his brow.
Shen Qianqian pondered for a moment, then said, "As for the novel coinciding with reality, I can't explain that precisely. Maybe Lin Chuan saw a prototype of a tomb-robbing case online and then based his story on it."
This wasn't just Shen Qianqian's own opinion but also Liu Daqiang from the Criminal Investigation Team's suggestion.
At the helm was Zhang Biao.
They were not covering up for Lin Chuan, but during the time of the interrogation, they had genuinely checked Lin Chuan's travel records for the past two years.
His family background had no connection whatsoever with tomb robbing.
"Then my trip was in vain," He Zhi sighed.
Shen Qianqian smiled, "Perhaps, you've gained something else."
"Gained something else?"
He Zhi raised his eyes to look at Shen Qianqian, his face full of surprise as he asked.
"Officer He, actually you've gained a key figure in solving the case," Shen Qianqian gave He Zhi a tip.
"What do you mean?"
He Zhi was somewhat puzzled.
"What do you think?" Shen Qianqian gave him a look, signaling him to observe the interrogation room.
He Zhi's face showed astonishment, "You mean Lin Chuan could help us solve this case, Officer Shen?"
Shen Qianqian nodded.
Outside the interrogation room, the lighting was bright. A breeze came through the window.
He Zhi stroked his chin, lost in thought for a brief moment.
Shen Qianqian gazed at the bright moon outside the window, her face showing a radiant smile, "Officer He, regarding the Seven Stars Lu King Palace, which involves both tomb-robbing and murder, and considering the victims are tomb robbers and the murderer might be one too, I think there's no one more suitable than Lin Chuan to break the case."
He Zhi had little knowledge of Lin Chuan and was still hesitant, "Officer Shen, be more transparent, I, on behalf of the Linyi police station, thank you."
"There's no need for thanks,"
Shen Qianqian smiled and revealed just a bit of information, "Before, Lin Chuan helped us solve several doubtful cases. He has a wealth of experience in criminal investigation and solving cases."
This time.
Shen Qianqian emphasized the experience.
"No wonder you hold him in such high regard."
He Zhi began to understand.
Still, on second thought, it seemed there was some truth to what Shen Qianqian had said.
Tomb robbing + murder.
Both were Lin Chuan's areas of expertise.
He Zhi became somewhat interested, now considering asking Lin Chuan for help with the case, following Shen Qianqian's recommendation.
"Thank you, Officer Shen," He Zhi said with a smile.
"Don't mention it,"
Shen Qianqian smiled.
The night at the police station was like an isolated island, serene and solemn amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Moonlight filtered through the windows over the high wall, casting mottled patterns on the floor, and the breeze gently ruffled Shen Qianqian's hair at her temples.
Shen Qianqian pinned back a few strands of hair by her ears and then walked into the interrogation room.
He Zhi led the way.
"Comrade Lin Chuan, I misunderstood you," He Zhi approached Lin Chuan, grasping his hand with a look of apology on his face.
"Officer He, what do you mean?"
Even Lin Chuan was momentarily taken aback, involuntarily looking at He Zhi.
At that moment.
The solemnity had left He Zhi's face, replaced by an apologetic smile.

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