The series of theft cases were complex, but under Zheng Kaixuan's leadership, the investigation was progressing in an orderly manner.
During this time, the first person to report the case, Xu Yan, came by twice to ask about the progress. Her father was scheduled for surgery the next day, and she was very anxious—hoping the case could be solved by today.
The Criminal Investigation Team had split up to conduct their investigations, but without full analysis and consolidation, Zheng Kaixuan couldn't give her a definite answer on when the case would be solved.
By 3 PM, Group One had completed their interrogations with suspects who had prior criminal records.
Group Two—Li Hui, Zhao Ming, and Tian Li—had finished reviewing the surveillance footage.
Zheng Kaixuan called everyone into the meeting room to compile the case findings. Leads were rarely straightforward, and sometimes overlapping clues could better point to the suspect.
Time was tight, so Zheng Kaixuan skipped any pleasantries and jumped in:
"Li Hui, any findings from your group's surveillance check?"
"We reviewed the surveillance footage around the time of the crime, including elevators, entrances, and the underground garage. But we didn't see any suspicious individuals," Li Hui replied.
"You're sure the check was thorough?"
"Yes," Li Hui nodded, adding his analysis:
"We suspect there are two possible reasons the suspect didn't appear in the footage. First, the suspect never left the community—maybe they're a resident themselves."
"Go on."
"Second possibility—it could be the work of a 'spider-man' type burglar. Linfang Community is surrounded by two-story shops. If someone could scale over 30 floors to commit the crime, they could easily leave by climbing down over those shops instead of using the main exits."
"Zhao, what do you think?" Zheng Kaixuan asked.
"We've already interviewed former offenders, including Zhang Deshui—the so-called 'spider-man'. According to his statement, during the crime timeframe, he was in the mountains teaching rock climbing, so we can rule him out," Zhao Ying replied.
"Any other suspects?"
"According to Zhang Deshui, someone had approached him after he got out of prison, asking for advice on high-rise theft and climbing techniques. I think this person is very suspicious."
"Do we know who this person is?"
"Zhang Deshui only knew the guy's nickname—'Yongzi'."
"What's your take?"
"Based on what we have so far, the suspect likely entered through the window. Aerial burglary requires advanced skills, which makes this a critical angle to investigate," Zhao Ying said.
Zheng Kaixuan nodded. "Look into this 'Yongzi' character."
"I've already got people working on it."
Zheng Kaixuan glanced around. All members of Group One were present—it was clear Zhao was using informants, but Zheng didn't ask further.
Knock knock.
Someone knocked at the door. Han Bin walked in.
"Captain Zheng, Captain Zhao."
"You're back." Zheng Kaixuan gestured for him to sit. "Did you find anything during your second visit to the scene?"
Han Bin took a gulp from a nearby water bottle. "Nothing concrete."
"No? Then why were you out there for so long?" Zheng Kaixuan scoffed.
"This time I revisited the window area, hoping to find any obvious shoe prints that might've been left while the suspect was climbing. But after thorough checking—on the window ledge and exterior wall—there were no prints at all," Han Bin explained.
"The building's outer wall is quite solid. If the shoes weren't dirty, it'd be hard to leave clear prints," Zhao Ying commented, having some experience in footprint analysis.
"True, that was my initial thought," Han Bin agreed, then continued:
"But later, I had Zhao Ming use a drone to shoot the building's exterior. The outer wall is extremely clean—there are no signs of climbing at all."
With his experience, Zheng Kaixuan caught on immediately:
"If someone climbed the building, they would have needed support points. Even if no prints were left, there'd be traces of movement."
"Exactly why I now believe the suspect didn't enter through the window," Han Bin concluded firmly.
Group One's Wei Zimo looked confused. "But if they didn't come through the window, why were all the windows either open or broken?"
"Probably to mislead the police—so we'd focus on the wrong lead. As long as we keep chasing the high-rise entry theory, we won't find the real suspect," Zheng Kaixuan reasoned.
"Do you have the drone footage?" Zhao Ying asked.
"Right here." Han Bin handed over a tablet.
Zhao Ying reviewed the footage and sighed: "Indeed, no climbing traces. Looks like the suspect didn't come in through the windows."
Seeing Han Bin earn recognition, Li Hui and the others from Group Two straightened up proudly. Since Zeng Ping's absence, they had been lacking confidence. Group Two, being newer, had always been overshadowed by Group One—until Han Bin joined and started leveling the field.
"Captain Zheng, based on the surveillance footage, we didn't find the suspect. Earlier, we assumed the suspect either never left the complex or was a 'spider-man'."
Li Hui cleared his throat and pressed on: "Now that we've ruled out the 'spider-man' possibility, I believe the suspect is hiding within the community—or might be a resident there."
"I interviewed someone with a theft record today—he currently lives in Linfang Community," Zhao Ying added.
"Where is he now?"
"I let him go," Zhao Ying sighed and explained:
"His name is Chen Kangning. Height 176cm, weight about 190 lbs. Based on our previous theory—that the suspect climbed in through the window—we excluded him because he didn't match."
"Pull up the bodycam footage from his interview," Zheng Kaixuan ordered.
"Yes, sir." Wei Zimo got up and left the room.
Soon, he returned with a USB drive, inserted it into the computer, and began projecting the video.
On screen was a chubby man seated in a chair, shifting awkwardly due to its small size.
"Name, gender, age, birthplace…"
"Chen Kangning, male, 29 years old…"
"Chen Kangning, we've invited you here to assist in an investigation."
"What kind of investigation?"
"There was a theft at Linfang Community. Are you aware?"
"No, when did it happen?"
"Early yesterday morning."
"Officer, what exactly are you suggesting by bringing me here?" Chen Kangning's tone turned displeased.
"We'd like to ask where you were from 11 AM on August 11 to 5 AM on August 12."
"Are you suspecting me?"
"Just a routine inquiry."
"I admit I've made mistakes in the past, but I've turned over a new leaf. I'm a law-abiding citizen now, with a proper job," Chen said indignantly.
"Please stay calm. We're only taking a statement, not interrogating you," Wei Zimo reassured him.
"Something happens, and you immediately come looking for me—and then ask me not to get emotional? I just want to live a normal life. Is that so hard?" Chen said, clenching his fists, looking aggrieved.
His words moved several of the officers—especially younger ones like Zhao Ming and Tian Li, who looked visibly uncomfortable.
But Zhao Ying, her gaze resolute, stood firm. Based on the crime scene details, this was clearly the work of an experienced hand. Investigating those with theft records was absolutely the right path.
When Zhao Ying was a rookie, she also wanted to give ex-cons a second chance—she tried to believe in their reform.
But years of experience had taught her that repeat offenses among former criminals were far more common than among the general population.
As a detective, reason had to prevail over emotion.
Only by staying rational…
Could they truly protect the public.
(End of Chapter)