Criminal Investigation Notes

Within the headquarters of Huadu, everyone was busy early in the morning.

Just as Lu Junchi and Su Hui arrived at the Major Crimes Unit, Qi Zhengyang hurriedly rushed in, saying, “Captain Lu, the retrieved information has arrived, and based on the payment details, we have confirmed the identity of one of the individuals. His name is Bi Shanyu. Deputy Director Jin instructed me to inform you to send the relevant information to him as soon as possible.”

There were five minutes left until the meeting at ten o’clock, and Lu Junchi hesitated.

With Xia Mingxi also out on field duty now, this task fell on him. Although it was a template, he needed to retrieve Bi Shanyu’s personal information from the system and fill in the forms with extreme care, ensuring no mistakes were made. It also required repeated cross-checking. Even if he worked quickly, it would take around twenty minutes to half an hour.

Seeing his hesitation, Qi Zhengyang urged him, saying, “Ah, Director Zou said the information must be given to him immediately. The special circumstances of your case can be a valid reason for being a bit late to the meeting.”

Since the higher-ups had said so, Lu Junchi quickly opened his computer.

Su Hui understood and placed a hand on Lu Junchi’s shoulder, saying, “The case is the priority. Take your time with the information. I’ll go to the meeting with Captain Qi first.”

Qi Zhengyang nodded and said, “Right, let’s go. We won’t delay you.”

Hearing their words, Lu Junchi nodded and said, “I’ll finish it as soon as possible.”

He felt something was off about the situation, but he also believed that the case should take precedence. He focused his attention, trying to make the most of his time.

Su Hui followed Qi Zhengyang out, tapping his cane lightly on the ground.

Qi Zhengyang didn’t adjust his pace to accommodate Su Hui’s speed. He walked quickly, a bit anxious, occasionally looking back to see if Su Hui was keeping up.

As they walked, Su Hui asked Qi Zhengyang, “Captain Qi, did Deputy Director Jin ask you to bring me along?”

Qi Zhengyang nodded, saying, “Yes, that’s right. The leaders are all aware that Deputy Director Jin asked me to fetch you. Vice Director Wang even said that your eyesight isn’t good, so he asked me to wait for you.”

Su Hui understood. Qi Zhengyang came from the direction of the meeting room, so he must have received specific instructions. The leaders wanted to separate him and Lu Junchi in these few minutes.

At exactly ten o’clock, everyone was already seated in the conference room. The high-ranking officials of the central bureau were sitting in the front row, without missing a single one. Director Zou sat in the center, with Deputy Director Jin on his left and Deputy Director Wang on his right.

Qi Zhengyang strolled over and took a seat, leaving only one vacant seat directly facing Director Zou.

Su Hui’s serene face remained unchanged as he straightened his back and sat in the chair.

He arrived the latest, and the gazes of everyone in the room fell upon him for a moment.

There were many people present, and Su Hui mostly didn’t recognize their faces or see them clearly, but many of them had worked with him before.

Director Zou began, “There has been significant progress in the Fine Sand Case recently. You must act swiftly to identify the other suspects, apprehend the mastermind, Song Lan’en, and bring them to justice. I won’t dwell on this. Deputy Director Jin, don’t you have something to report?”

Vice Director Jin stood up and looked at Su Hui, saying, “Since Advisor Su is here, let’s discuss the main topic of this meeting. Recently, I received an anonymous tip-off letter that, after reading its contents, I found to be significant. I immediately submitted it to Director Zou. The content of the letter accuses Advisor Su, who serves as a consultant to the Major Crimes Unit, of secretly contacting criminals and encouraging them to commit crimes…”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was greatly astonished.

In theory, the Fine Sand Case was at a critical moment, and this meeting should have been focused on its deployment. No one expected that the matter of Su Hui, the advisor to the Major Crimes Unit, would suddenly be mentioned here.

In the mid-level meeting, apart from those familiar with Su Hui like Shang Qinghan and Qi Zhengyang, many people were unfamiliar with him.

They only knew that this consultant to the Major Crimes Unit had been appointed a few months ago and was said to be a teacher hired by Huadu Police. Recently, there had been an improvement in the efficiency of the Major Crimes Unit’s case-solving, and it was closely related to this teacher named Su.

Now Vice Director Jin suddenly mentioned this, leaving everyone a bit confused.

The police stood for justice and fairness. They were supposed to apprehend the murderers, and the line between right and wrong could not be blurred. It was a grave offense for a police officer to have any association with criminals.

As members of the police force, inducing others to commit crimes was a serious accusation.

Director Zou, as the top leader, spoke up, “Although Vice Director Jin received this tip-off, as the police, we still need to verify it. Currently, there are major cases unsolved in the city. Let’s first ask Advisor Su and see what the situation is…”

Vice Director Jin nodded beside him, “Because the tip-off letter was ambiguous in its wording and the mentioned matters are significant, I specifically called Advisor Su here today to clarify in front of everyone.”

He surveyed the crowd with a stern expression, “Not only that, but the tip-off letter also states that Advisor Su not only instigates the suspects to commit crimes but also induces them to commit suicide and silence them at the last moment.”

As soon as these words were uttered, everyone immediately thought of the case handled by the psychological doctor in the Major Crimes Unit.

At the last moment, only An Yuci Ci and Su Hui were present, but An Yuci Ci suddenly pulled out a gun and committed suicide, which was difficult for ordinary people to comprehend. And this Dr. An had long been Su Hui’s psychologist, and the two had even met at the Municipal Bureau, witnessed by many.

Upon hearing these words, various expressions appeared on the faces of many people present.

However, Su Hui remained calm and sat quietly as if he hadn’t heard this string of questioning.

“… Among the cases you have been involved in recently in the Major Crimes Unit, the suspects Qin Yongchen, An Yuci Ci, and Fu Yunchu all had communications with you before their deaths.”

Su Hui listened, slightly lowered his head, and his eyes drooped, offering no response.

These were all facts, and Vice Director Jin raised them today, clearly prepared.

Vice Director Jin continued, “Advisor Su, during the investigation of your identity at Huadu Police, we found that you had published articles under the pen name Mr. Wu, including one that discusses the cultivation and guidance of serial killers…”

One piece of evidence after another was presented, and the conference room fell even quieter.

Director Zou spoke up, “Mr. Su, can you provide a reasonable explanation for these matters?”

Su Hui finally spoke, his voice slightly hoarse, “It is true that I had contact with those individuals before their deaths, but I did not induce those suspects.”

Director Shang, the forensic expert, couldn’t help but support Su Hui, “Well, gentlemen, perhaps no one would write an article themselves and then try to carry out what was described in the article… If someone really wanted to do such a thing, wouldn’t it be more logical and reasonable not to write the article in the first place, so that no one would find out?”

Upon hearing this, Director Zou furrowed his brow and remained silent.

Deputy Director Wang said, “Director Shang, please don’t be hasty. Vice Director Jin hasn’t stated that there must be a problem with Advisor Su. Let’s first hear Advisor Su’s explanation.”

“Mr. Su, do you have a reasonable explanation?” Vice Director Jin raised his voice once again, questioning Su Hui.

Su Hui’s fair face appeared slightly pale, and he gently shook his head.

He didn’t know where to start explaining or what kind of explanation to give. Some things, when explained, would only become more confusing, and now he was being accused without any solid evidence.

Just like his final conversation with An Yuci Ci, there were no witnesses, let alone physical evidence.

Was it An Yuci Ci who had the idea of suicide, or was it his words that triggered it? It was difficult to determine.

Everyone present was sweating for Advisor Su.

On the surface, Vice Director Jin was asking the questions, and Deputy Director Wang was offering support, but in reality, their words seemed coordinated, one with a stern face and the other with a calm demeanor.

Under Vice Director Jin’s interrogation, Su Hui’s response seemed weak and feeble.

Just as the conversation reached this point, the conference room door was pushed open from the outside.

Lu Junchi’s chest was still slightly heaving; he had rushed over after finishing his work and arrived just as Vice Director Jin was questioning Su Hui.

Seeing the situation, he walked in with long strides. “Vice Director Jin, I have already sent you the information.”

Ignoring the gazes from the people in the room, he looked at the only remaining chair and dragged it over to Su Hui, then sat down and said, “Sorry for being late. What is the topic of today’s meeting?”

Vice Director Jin had originally wanted to determine the nature of this matter while Lu Junchi was absent. Now that he had arrived, it was clear that things wouldn’t go smoothly.

He quickly spoke, “Captain Lu, I was just about to discuss this matter with you. Two days ago, I received a whistleblower report about Teacher Su…”

Lu Junchi raised an eyebrow, “A whistleblower report? As Su’s immediate superior and partner, why was I not informed?”

He glanced at Su Hui, who was sitting beside him with his head lowered, and continued, “Recently, during the investigation of the Fine Sand Case, with Su’s assistance, we have been confirming the identities of multiple criminals, working late into the night. Vice Director Jin, you suddenly raised the issue of the whistleblower report during the mid-level meeting, which seems to be against the established procedures.”

At this point, Lu Junchi already understood that Vice Director Jin had deliberately delayed his arrival, and someone was intentionally targeting Su Hui, hoping to report the matter after he left.

Director Zou, who had set down his pen, looked at Lu Junchi. “Captain Lu, now that you’re here, there’s no need to rush. Please clarify the situation with him.”

Vice Director Jin cleared his throat and repeated the points mentioned in the report.

Upon hearing this, Lu Junchi raised his head. “Vice Director Jin, you don’t actually believe what is written in this report, do you? As police officers, who among us hasn’t had contact with criminals? Every person and incident listed here, I know about them. Most of the time, I was even present at the scene. Does that mean I am also involved? Maybe it was something I said or did that caused those deranged suspects to die?”

Lu Junchi, who had always been deferential to his superiors, was now refusing to back down.

Deputy Director Wang quickly intervened, “Well… Captain Lu, Vice Director Jin didn’t mean that. He just wants Advisor Su to provide an explanation.”

Lu Junchi replied, “An explanation? What kind of explanation? We have already submitted all the cases according to the procedure, and they have undergone review. An Yuci Ci is already dead. How can we provide an explanation that satisfies the leaders?”

It was evident that Lu Junchi was strongly defending Su Hui.

Vice Director Jin was forced to cough and lowered his head under the pressure of his questions.

At this point, Lu Junchi stood up again, suppressing the anger in his heart, and said, “In my opinion, Professor Su is a crime psychologist who detests evil. He provides great help to frontline personnel like us. He pays a heavy price to catch those criminals and sometimes puts himself in danger. In the case of Qin Yongchen, in order to save others, he pressed himself on the bomb to protect others…”

As Lu Junchi spoke, his gaze swept across the various leaders in the room.

“All those criminals you mentioned were caught because of him. They hate him and would like nothing more than to kill him. We were hit by Fu Yunchu’s car on the highway and almost fell off a cliff. Even now, Professor Su is running a fever. How could you question whether such a person would have contacts with those criminals?”

Lu Junchi’s questioning was well-founded, leaving Vice Director Jin even more silent.

Director Shang chimed in to support them, “Indeed, whoever accuses someone needs to provide evidence. Vice Director Jin, if you suspect that Professor Su has done something wrong in the process of handling the case, you should conduct a thorough investigation first. I think your accusations are too baseless…”

The accusations Vice Director Jin made earlier were indeed unsubstantiated.

However, the meeting had turned into a power struggle. Coupled with Acting Director Zou’s unfamiliarity as the temporary head, people were hesitant to take sides.

For a moment, no one dared to speak or make any declarations.

Director Shang looked around and adjusted his glasses, saying, “Those frontline officers encounter danger all the time, rushing to the frontlines when there’s a case. Vice Director Jin, I think it’s not just about what someone says, but also about what they have done. At such a critical point in this major case, suddenly bringing up this matter makes those subordinates feel uneasy. I think we should wait until after the Qin Yongchen case is over before making any decisions… Of course, we should wait for Director Zou to make the final decision.”

There were not only leaders present but also some middle-level police officers.

They were the ones doing the most dangerous work. If a baseless anonymous letter could make the leaders doubt them, who would dare to work on the frontlines?

After a moment of silence, Director Zou took over, “I believe that there is currently insufficient evidence to prove the allegations in the letter. But Professor Su has not been able to give a reasonable explanation either…”

From a leadership perspective, Director Zou hoped that Su Hui would say something, even if it was just to show loyalty, to be able to smooth things over. However, Su Hui remained silent, leaving him in a difficult position.

Seeing that the leaders were supporting him, Vice Director Jin regained his confidence and said ambiguously, “Yes, just saying this and that, after all that’s been said, we cannot rule out the possibility of Professor Su being connected to those criminals. What if he also has some link to the perpetrators of the fine sand explosion case? Your Major Crimes Unit just caught that person named Lan An and released the main suspect, Song Lan’en, right away? If Professor Su is indeed connected to them, what’s the point of investigating this case?”

He paused for a moment and looked at Su Hui. “I suggest, with a responsible attitude towards public safety, that Professor Su be suspended for the time being. Let’s investigate everything thoroughly and then reinstate him.”

It seemed that Vice Director Jin was determined to remove Su Hui from his position today.

This statement shocked everyone present.

Lu Junchi frowned. He didn’t expect this matter to be used as an excuse to target Su Hui. He spoke up, “Vice Director Jin, the fine sand explosion case was assigned to our Major Crimes Unit by Director Zou. If you think there’s a problem with Professor Su and he needs to be suspended, then as the leader of the Major Crimes Unit, I am also accountable.”

Lu Junchi felt that regardless of the outcome, he and Su Hui should advance and retreat together. Even if they withdraw from this case and investigate it secretly, he didn’t want to fight alone without Su Hui by his side.

“Alright, then Captain Qi…” Vice Director Jin turned his head, seemingly wanting to suggest a candidate.

Captain Qi Zhengyang’s face turned pale instantly, and he quickly declined, bowing and saying, “Vice Director Jin, I’m afraid I have limited capabilities for this case…” His eyes were pleading to be spared.

The faces of the other captains also changed, and they all lowered their heads, avoiding Vice Director Jin’s gaze. This case was already a hot potato, and Xing Yunhai was seriously injured as a result. Moreover, Lu Junchi had a good reputation within the Bureau, and no one wanted to offend him.

Vice Director Jin snorted, “Are you saying that without the Major Crimes Unit and its consultant, the Bureau can’t handle this case?”

The discussion among the group grew heated, and Director Zou’s expression started to turn unpleasant.

Lu Junchi wanted to say something, but Su Hui pulled him under the table.

At this moment, Vice Director Jin deliberately seized the opportunity to confront them with the anonymous letter, knowing that it was a critical moment in the case.

Those people wanted to force him out of the Bureau through internal means, and some were just being used as pawns.

If he wanted to stay, there was probably only one way…

Su Hui stood up, his gaze clear. “Director Zou, Vice Director Jin, although the identities of the suspects in the fine sand case have been gradually identified, we cannot afford to relax… Otherwise, it could lead to serious consequences.”

Director Zou looked at him with a stern face but remained silent.

Su Hui continued, “At a time like this, I believe it’s not the time for internal suspicions. Before my time at Hua Police University, I had worked with many people in the Bureau…”

Lu Junchi, upon hearing this, already anticipated what Su Hui was about to say and looked at him with surprise.

However, Su Hui continued with a calm expression, “I used to be a member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit, codenamed ‘Poet’.”

TN:

Aristotle is out of the bag! This Jin guy is so sus coz why would he pull this BS at such a crucial point in time? And against Su Hui of all people?!!