Chapter 980 - 505: Visiting the Psychiatric Hospital

The next morning, just as work started, Zhang Biao organized the entire criminal investigation team for a new round of investigation deployment.

The conference room was already packed, and everyone’s face was shrouded with a layer of fatigue that was hard to conceal, eyes bloodshot.

Even Zhang Biao himself was no exception.

He stood in front of the whiteboard, one hand on the edge of the table, holding a laser pointer in the other.

Though he was over forty-five years old, the constant pressure from long years on the front line had left his eyes red and his eye bags deep.

However, he still stood perfectly straight, his expression tense, like a fully drawn bowstring, with a focus and alertness that did not lose to the young men in their twenties in the team.

He scanned the conference room, cleared his somewhat hoarse throat, and began: "Starting today, we’ll split into seven teams and conduct a radiated investigation centered around the crime scene."

The laser pointer in his hand lit up a red point, landing right in the middle of the whiteboard map.

"This round’s focus is on investigating people familiar with and known to the victim — including relatives, colleagues, friends, and even familiar contacts encountered frequently recently."

Before he finished speaking, there was already a slight stir below.

A young officer near the door couldn’t help but raise his hand and ask, "Captain Zhang, why are we suddenly turning to investigate acquaintances?"

"Wasn’t the previous inclination towards a hate-related crime?"

"Have new clues emerged that suggest it’s an acquaintance’s crime?"

His question prompted several others nearby to discuss in low voices, "Exactly, during yesterday’s task briefing, it was emphasized to focus on those with emotional entanglements or economic disputes with the victim, so why change direction overnight?"

"Was something at the scene discovered that we don’t know about?"

Several officers naturally leaned forward, their gaze collectively fixed on Zhang Biao.

Zhang Biao didn’t answer immediately.

He put down the laser pointer, placed both hands on the table, and his gaze slowly passed over every face.

Those faces, fatigued, puzzled, waiting for an explanation, appeared particularly clear in the conference room where morning light and lamps intertwined.

After a few seconds’ pause, he spoke in a low voice that quelled all the murmurs, "The direction hasn’t changed, we’re narrowing the scope."

"This current investigation direction was jointly researched and formulated by Director Lu, Director Hou, and Mr. Jiang.

Based on our investigative work reality, executing this investigation approach is not unfounded."

He paused briefly, then methodically recounted the inference on the positional relationship between the teacup and stool from start to finish.

To further substantiate this inference’s credibility, Zhang Biao specifically presented the original scene photos displayed one by one on the big screen.

In the photos, the arrangement of the teacup and stool wasn’t random; the spatial structure they formed subtly suggested a hosting order.

It was as if a guest really visited, and the host stood up to greet, sit down, and converse.

The entire scene presented a subtle "reception state," which had been overlooked in previous examinations.

Zhang Biao turned to face all the officers, sweeping his gaze over every face, and asked, "Having seen this, does anyone else find it interesting?"

The officers who had been whispering and debating suddenly fell silent, and the conference room descended into a brief silence.

Zhang Biao seized the moment to turn around, and his tone shifted to a solemn one: "Therefore, I emphasize that we must prioritize our criminal investigation competency."

"Clues don’t automatically present themselves to us just by being at the scene."

"Case handling is not a mere formality, nor an idle pursuit."

"How many times have we examined this site? Has anyone noticed this detail?"

"Now that we have a new perspective, our first task is not to rush to question or refute, but to calm down, understand, and validate."

He pointed again at the projection screen, his voice clear and steady: "Everyone look, doesn’t the position between the stool and teacup form a kind of spatial, three-dimensional correspondence relationship?"

"Behind this relationship likely lies the behavioral logic of the individuals involved."

As soon as he finished speaking, several senior officers exchanged glances, whispering in lower tones.

One elbowed the colleague next to him, whimsically whispering, "He didn’t see it himself either, did he?"

"If Director Hou hadn’t analyzed it so thoroughly last night, he’d probably be just as clueless as us right now."

Another softly chuckled in response, "Exactly, during yesterday’s meeting, his brow was furrowed so tight, without others explaining it to him, given his temperament, he’d most likely be grumbling against admitting this direction."

Amidst the whispers, Zhang Biao cleared his throat, scanned the room, and spoke solemnly, "Comrades, I know you all have invested extensive time and effort for this case, working tirelessly, day and night, each contributing significantly."

"No result means no case solved, so this effort remains insufficient."

He paused, his tone becoming more resolute: "From now on, I request that all participating team members put aside wandering thoughts, muster all their energy, and give their utmost effort."

"Once we successfully identify the perpetrator, I’ll personally apply for third-class merit awards at the bureau. It’s on me!"

This statement was like a shot of adrenaline, instantly invigorating the atmosphere in the conference room.

Many subconsciously straightened their backs, eyes flashing with fervor.