Chapter 972 - 500: Setting Out for Guangbei Investigation

At 2:30 in the afternoon, based on household registration information, Zhang Biao led a team to find the deceased woman Jiang Qin’s old home—No. 2, Society 7, Litang Village.

The car stopped at the edge of a muddy road, and in front of them was a lonely two-story house, its walls peeling extensively to reveal the gray cement underneath.

Zhang Biao pushed open the car door, his movements somewhat sluggish.

After getting out, he didn’t immediately move forward; instead, he stood where he was, his gaze sweeping past the tightly closed old iron gate and then looked at the second-floor window covered with a thin layer of dust.

Ten years, this case had weighed on his heart for a whole decade.

From a rookie criminal investigation officer, he had worked his way up to the position of captain, handling numerous cases, solving even more.

But this one always felt like a nagging old wound.

Just then, the voice of a young officer behind him sounded with a touch of confusion, "Captain, is there anything else we need to prepare?"

Zhang Biao snapped back to reality, gave a slight shake of his head, "Let’s go, see if there’s anyone at home."

After he spoke, he raised his steps forward.

The young officer quickly followed, raising his hand to knock on the door.

"Knock! Knock! Knock!"

Soon, the sound of dragging footsteps was heard inside, followed by an elderly and cautious woman’s voice, "Who is it?"

"Police Criminal Investigation Unit."

Soon, a gray-haired old woman appeared behind the door, her figure was small and her fingers prominent as she rested her hand on the door frame.

"Is it... is it about my daughter Qin Qin’s case... has the killer been caught?"

Zhang Biao looked at the face etched repeatedly by time and sorrow, his throat tightened slightly.

The little peace he had just regained was suddenly shattered by these words.

A heavy bitterness clogged his chest, leaving him momentarily speechless.

The four of them looked at each other, none able to immediately respond, a silent gravity permeating the air.

The old woman stood inside the door, taking in their reactions fully.

The expectation on her face flickered slightly like a candle in the wind, then abruptly extinguished.

She didn’t inquire further, simply lowered her head silently, pushed the half-open door wider, and stepped aside to make way, her voice dry, "Well... please come in."

The small courtyard appeared dilapidated and neglected, with some unused clutter piled in the corner.

The old woman walked a bit unsteadily, leading them to several old wooden stools in the yard, "Please have a seat."

She didn’t linger but turned slowly into the main room, soon returning with an old aluminum kettle.

"I don’t have any tea at home, so I’ll just pour you some plain water."

Seeing this, Zhang Biao quickly stood up, almost reaching out to take it, "Elder sister, please don’t bother, there’s no need to be polite."

"We came this time mainly to learn more about your daughter’s circumstances before her death, to see if we can find any new leads."

Upon hearing this, the old woman’s movements paused, then she slowly put down the kettle.

She didn’t immediately respond, instead dragged herself to a low stool opposite them, sitting down as if drained of most strength.

After a while, she finally raised her eyes, her gaze somewhat empty as she looked at Zhang Biao, "You ask, though the police have been here several times before."

"Everything that ought to be asked has already been asked over these years. What do you still want to know now?"

Zhang Biao felt a little awkward under her gaze, his Adam’s apple moved slightly.

He leaned forward slightly, hands clasped together, "Elder sister, first, we really... really apologize."

"This case has dragged on for so long without giving the family a clear resolution, and it feels like there’s a stone on our hearts, causing great anxiety and regret."

"For that reason, after repeated discussions, the bureau has decided to officially reopen a full investigation into this case."

"Moreover, this time it’s different from before—the investigation will be led by a task force sent by the provincial public security department."

"The comrades in the task force are experienced, their expertise is top-notch across the province."

After a long while, Zhang Biao said in a low voice, "We are taking this reopening very seriously... with great determination and considerable hope, we aim to thoroughly solve this case."

Perhaps these questions are too familiar, the old woman showed a weary and bitter smile, she nodded slightly.

"Then I will trouble the police officers."

Zhang Biao turned to the officer beside him and gave a signal with his eyes.

The officer understood, quickly flipping open the notebook.

"Elder sister, this time we mainly want to learn more about your daughter Jiang Qin’s romantic relationships before she died. Especially before she got married, was there any close association with any males, or did she mention anyone?"

The old woman hesitated, then gently spoke, "About her romantic life... I’ve already mentioned."

"She came back from Guangbei and soon married Zhang Yong, Zhang Yong was also his first marriage, they seemed fine together."

Zhang Biao nodded, responding, "We understand that situation."

"Currently, what we want to focus on is before she got married—whether during her school days or while working outside—did Jiang Qin have any romantic experiences?"

The old woman was silent for a while, then slowly shook her head, "Really none."

"My daughter has always been quiet and well-behaved, never did anything out of line."

"Though her grades at school were not outstanding, I never heard of her being close with any boy."

"Later when she worked at the electronics factory in Guangbei, every time she called home, it was always about work, food, clothing, never mentioned having a boyfriend."

Zhang Biao did not immediately respond, after a while, he continued, "Then, when she was younger, for example, in elementary or middle school, were there any male classmates who expressed fondness towards her?"