Era: Starting from the local police station

"Section Chief Cheng, can you tell me now who's responsible for this problem?"

Cheng Mingli sat up straight and said in a deep voice, "According to some comrades, it was discovered that Hou San always came through the west gate, or rather, through the gate where Qi Ronggen, the deputy leader of our guard group, is stationed. Therefore, there are often no entry or exit records, and even if there are, it is only registered as Hou San."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I now suspect that Qi Ronggen might not only be acquainted with him, but also be involved in some shady dealings. Yesterday, when I was assigning tasks in a meeting, he said he didn't recognize the person in the photo."

Qiao Fuping glanced at Jiang Zhenghua, then sighed, "Deputy Director Jiang was right. There's something much bigger going on behind this case."

Cheng Mingli asked curiously, "Did Deputy Director Jiang already have this in mind?"

"When we were analyzing the case yesterday, Deputy Director Jiang said that this might not just be a murder and body disposal case, but possibly a murder to cover up something."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Mingli looked at Jiang Zhenghua and said, "You're really... amazing. I admire you."

Jiang Zhenghua humbly said, "It's all just good luck."

"What's the next step in the investigation? We don't have any substantial evidence right now. And..."

Zhang Chongguang glanced at Cheng Mingli: "This Qi Ronggen is no simpleton, is he?"

"Qi Ronggen is the brother-in-law of Director Wang of our Logistics Department. And this Director Wang is close to Secretary Zhu, and our Security Department is nominally under the jurisdiction of Secretary Zhu."

Upon hearing this, everyone thought of a person in charge of logistics, a person in charge of security, and a person in charge of moving work, and they were instantly filled with dread.

The group immediately turned their attention to Qiao Fuping.

He was frowning, deep in thought.

Sensing everyone's gaze, Qiao Fuping looked up at Jiang Zhenghua, who was calmly sipping tea. "Zhenghua, what's your opinion on this case?"

Jiang Zhenghua smiled slightly: "Chief, isn't this great? Now that we know the deceased's identity, we can trace all his information, investigate through interpersonal relationships, and find the murderer."

"What about Qi Ronggen?"

"What happened to him? It has nothing to do with Hou San, right?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Cheng Mingli was the first to react: "That's right, we've only confirmed that the person's name is Hou San, but we don't know any other information. There's also no direct evidence that he's related to Qi Ronggen."

Qiao Fuping nodded, calming himself down: "We're overthinking things right now. So, how do we proceed with the investigation?"

"Should we ask Hu Decai for some information about Hou San? At the same time, see if we can find Hou San's family through the registration information at the machinery factory and conduct a more in-depth investigation?"

Cheng Mingli quickly took on the task: "I can get the registration information in a bit. But should we just invite Hu Decai over directly?"

"Inviting them directly would alert them. I reckon they already know we're here."

"Anyone who pays a little attention can figure that out."

The group turned their attention back to Jiang Zhenghua.

"A murder has occurred in our jurisdiction, which has greatly displeased our superiors, who have severely criticized us. To better protect the safety of the people, we would like to ask the comrades from the machinery factory's security department to help us by sending personnel to participate in patrol duties. Section Chief Cheng, what do you think?"

Their eyes lit up.

Cheng Mingli said solemnly, "Protecting the peace of this area is also the responsibility of our security department. Considering the factory's heavy workload recently, I think we should send Comrade Qi Ronggen, a key member of our department, to lead the team. Director Qiao, is that alright?"

"Then thank you Section Chief Cheng for sending such a capable assistant."

Cheng Mingli then looked at Jiang Zhenghua: "Is there anything else we need to cooperate with?"

"Given the recent theft cases in the area, we urge your factory to strengthen its security measures."

Cheng Mingli nodded: "Yes, our security department has also received several theft cases. I think it's necessary to increase patrols, especially in important material storage areas."

Jiang Zhenghua thought for a moment and asked, "Won't your department head have any objections to this arrangement?"

Cheng Mingli smiled and said, "Deputy Director Jiang, don't worry. Our Director Yang is a veteran revolutionary, and these are the issues he cares about most. I will communicate with him properly. It's just that he hasn't been feeling well these past few days and is resting in the hospital, otherwise I would definitely have introduced you to him."

Jiang Zhenghua said regretfully, "Oh dear, what a pity. I can't ask the senior for advice. It seems I'll have to wait until next time."

See if there's anything else.

Cheng Mingli stood up and said, "Please wait a moment, everyone. I'll send someone to get the registration records right away. We'd also like our deputy section chief to come over later to discuss this support matter."

Qiao Fuping smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

Around noon, the security personnel saw the two section chiefs accompany several people out of the conference room and walk outside.

Cheng Mingli said with a smile, "Everyone, it's almost lunchtime. Why don't you eat before you leave?"

Huang De, the deputy head of the security department, chimed in, "Yes, let's have a simple meal together?"

Qiao Fuping waved his hand and said, "It's really not possible today. You two know the situation. There's been a case in this jurisdiction, and the identities of the perpetrators still haven't been confirmed. On top of that, there's been a theft. If we weren't so short-handed, we wouldn't dare to come and ask for help."

Jiang Zhenghua chuckled inwardly. Qiao Fuping's acting skills absolutely surpassed those of many young heartthrobs of later generations.

"Director Qiao, don't worry, we'll try to get someone over there to help as soon as possible. Many of our factory's workers live nearby, so it's only right that we do our part."

The group said goodbye at the factory gate.

After walking for a while, Zhang Chongguang slowed down his three-step pace: "Where to now?"

Qiao Fuping looked at Jiang Zhenghua: "You decide."

"Go back to the institute, call a meeting, and redeploy tasks."

Qiao Fuping said to Qin Weijun and Zhang Yi, who had just followed on bicycles, "You two go back to the station first and call the comrades to the meeting room."

The two responded and quickly rode away on their bikes.

It's too hot. Jiang Zhenghua loosened his top button: "The case is quite complicated now, involving the machinery factory. I don't think we can investigate it any further."

Qiao Fuping nodded: "Indeed, I will report to Deputy Director Jin immediately when I get back."

"Hold on tight, we're heading back now."

The three quickly returned to the Taotiao Hutong Police Station.

"Chief, you're back."

Hearing the noise, Zheng Fang came out of the household registration office.

Qiao Fuping nodded: "Is there anything I need this morning?"

Zheng Fang shook her head: "Several people came to apply for certificates, and I've processed them all."

"Please keep an eye on things these next few days. Things will be fine once this case is finished."

After saying that, the three of them quickly walked towards the backyard.

The three went straight to the director's office.

"Pour your own water. I'm reporting to Deputy Director Jin now."

After speaking, Qiao Fuping gripped the black receiver with his left hand and cranked the handle with his right.

He picked up the receiver and dialed the number.

Wait a moment.

"Hello, is this the switchboard? Connect me to Deputy Director Jin of the Dongcheng Branch."

Sitting on the stool, Jiang Zhenghua took out his notebook from his bag and carefully flipped through it.

Zhang Chongguang brought over three cups of tea and asked in a low voice, "What are you researching?"

Jiang Zhenghua pointed to the notebook and said, "Look at Hu Decai's file information and think about how to invite that Hu Decai over without arousing suspicion."

Zhang Chongguang said with a smile, "I remember his son was born in 42, right?"

Jiang Zhenghua was taken aback, then his eyes lit up.

Just as he was about to speak, Qiao Fuping spoke first.

"Deputy Director Jin, this is Qiao Fuping. I'd like to report to you on some work. Is this a convenient time?"

"We went to the Hongxing Machinery Factory this morning and found out... yes, those two people panicked and discovered... so the situation is complicated now. Please give us instructions, Deputy Director Jin."

"Alright, I'll await your instructions."

After saying that, Qiao Fuping hung up the receiver.

He plopped down on the stool, picked up the enamel mug on the table, and gulped down several mouthfuls. Leaning back, he groaned, "That feels good."

"Old Joe, is Deputy Director Jin coming over?"

"He only said to wait for his news, that he needed to report to Director Chung. However, I reckon he'll come over in person; with such a complex case, he definitely needs to oversee it personally."

Zhang Chongguang laughed and said, "Aren't you afraid he'll bring the investigation team and steal the case?"

Qiao Fuping opened the drawer, took out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, and said as he unwrapped it, "I can't wait to hand it over; it's almost become a hot potato."

Zhang Chongguang nodded: "That's right, we should hand it in. With the clues we've uncovered so far, I believe our superiors should be able to see our capabilities."