C14 Goodbye Lian Peng!

Members of Unit 9 had already seen Jian Chenyi's approach in action. Early the next morning, they brought him along to meet with Lian Peng.

As there was no evidence to label Lian Peng a murderer, they could only visit him to gather information rather than formally summon him. Unable to stay at his own home, Lian Peng was now residing in a hotel. He hadn't gone to work that day, and when he answered the door, he appeared quite disheveled.

Upon seeing Jian Chenyi and his colleagues, Lian Peng's face showed a hint of irritation. "Why are you here again? I've already told you everything. What more do you want to ask?"

Despite Lian Peng's poor attitude, Jian Chenyi remained unbothered, maintaining a slight smile. "Mr. Lian, we're here to expedite the investigation and seek justice for your father."

Lian Peng seemed to want to say something in response but ultimately remained silent, retreating back into his room. It was evident that he had been having a rough time; his room was strewn with instant noodle containers and trash, and the ashtray was brimming with cigarette butts.

Jian Chenyi's gaze shifted to Lian Peng, scrutinizing him closely for any potential clues.

Hua Ning broke the silence, "Mr. Lian, let's try this: please recount what happened on the day of the incident. We'll go over the details together, and perhaps we'll uncover something new."

Lian Peng ran his fingers through his hair and let out a sigh, "That morning, I…"

He repeated the same story, delivering it smoothly. Hua Ning and the others had heard it before, but they listened intently all the same. As she had suggested, there was always the chance of discovering a previously overlooked detail.

Initially, Jian Chenyi's gaze was locked on Lian Peng's face, but briefly, it shifted to his hands.

Before long, Lian Peng finished recounting the events: "That's how it all happened. Afterwards, I was terrified and went straight to the police to report the incident. Officer, I recommend you record my statement to avoid having me repeat it time and again. It's tiresome for me, too."

Jian Chenyi rose from his chair and extended his hand, "Mr. Lian, we appreciate your cooperation. We shouldn't need to trouble you again for some time."

After exiting the hotel, Hua Ning couldn't wait to ask, "Mr. Jian, how did it go? Did you discover anything?"

Jian Chenyi offered a slight smile. "We'll discuss it back at the police station."

It seemed that Chenyi had uncovered something from Lian Peng, which left the others itching with curiosity, eager to learn more immediately.

"Then back to the station we go," Xiao Chennai declared, firing up the engine, ready to return.

However, Jian Chenyi interjected, "Hold on, let's not head to the station just yet. Take me to Snossen Community first."

Though unclear about Chenyi's intentions, Hua Ning and the others, still impressed by his actions the previous night, dutifully headed to Snossen Community.

Since the incident, Snossen Community was noticeably less bustling than before. During the day, the place was sparsely populated.

Their search led them to a group of seniors gathered around the fitness equipment, deep in conversation.

Approaching, they overheard the topic: the Lian family.

"Old Lian used to enjoy mingling here when he was well. I've played chess with him several times. It's truly unfortunate."

"Yes, Old Lian was a decent man. Once, he even stopped my granddaughter from wandering off."

"It's a sad situation with his illness. Perhaps it's for the best that he's passed on... Sigh."

Chenyi listened intently, then casually took a seat among the elders.

"Uncle, Madame, are you familiar with the Lian family's circumstances?"

The presence of strangers suddenly inquiring about the Lian family put the elders on high alert. "Who are you people? Reporters from some website?"

One of the ladies stood up first. "The man has passed away. It's not right for us to speak ill of him. Please leave now."

Seeing the others rising too, Hua Ning quickly flashed her police badge. "Good day, aunties and uncles. We are officers from the police department, looking to gather some information about the Lian family. If you're uncomfortable, there's no pressure to speak. There's no need to worry."

Realizing they were speaking to law enforcement, the elders relaxed and their demeanor brightened.

"Oh, so you're a police officer. If you had mentioned that sooner, I could have told you about the Lians. I've been their neighbor for decades."

"Indeed, Old Lian and I play chess together all the time. We're quite close."

Jian Chenyi inquired, "How many people are in the Lian family? Just Lian Dongshen and Lian Peng?"

The elderly woman, who claimed to have been the Lian family's neighbor for many years, gestured dismissively, "Oh, that's not quite right. The Lian family actually has two sons, but the eldest hardly ever comes home, so everyone assumes Lian Peng is an only child."

Another son?

Hua Ning and Cheng Sheng exchanged glances, both spotting the thrill in the other's eyes.

If there was another son, and after all this time, he must be aware of his father's accident. But why had they never encountered this person before?

This was indeed a new lead!

"Madame, how come we've never seen this eldest son? Normally, wouldn't he be the one to step in for such matters? Why is it only Lian Peng running around handling everything?" Hua Ning feigned ignorance to coax more information.

The old lady shook her head: "I'm not sure. The eldest son hasn't been around for years, and I haven't heard anything about him going abroad. It seems he's always been local, but it's always been Lian Peng looking after Old Lian."

The elderly man beside her chimed in, "Exactly, it's their private business, and it's not our place to pry."

It appeared they wouldn't be able to learn much more.

Back at the police station after leaving the Snossen Community, Jian Chenyi shared his findings.

"A few days have passed since the crime, and normally, memories start to get hazy. For instance, if I ask Hua Ning what you had for breakfast on the day of the incident, could you answer right away?"

Hua Ning massaged her temples and shook her head, "I can't recall. I'd need a moment to think."

Jian Chenyi nodded, "Exactly, that's a typical human response. But when we questioned Lian Peng, his answers were too rehearsed, without a moment's hesitation. It didn't seem like he was recalling the events, but rather..."

"It's as if he were reciting lines he'd written in advance, having rehearsed them countless times," Jian Chenyi began, but before he could finish, Xiao Chennai interjected.

Jian Chenyi's face showed deep appreciation. "Leader Xiao is correct. Lian Peng's responses were all practiced beforehand. He told us what he wanted us to hear, not what truly happened at the time."

"Moreover," he continued, "throughout our conversation, Lian Peng displayed numerous subtle gestures that clearly indicated his nervousness."