Chapter 654: Suspicious Ship
Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations
After waiting a moment and observing no color change on the boat, Chu Qingzhi concluded it wasnât the correct vessel. She then leaped out and stood atop the boat, scanning the surroundings.
Considering the heavy scent of blood that would linger after such a gruesome act, the perpetrator would undoubtedly have taken measures to avoid detection.
Suddenly, sounds of hammering caught her attention.
She turned to see a section dedicated to repairing damaged boats, where three vessels were currently undergoing maintenance; two small and one large.
It was the larger one that drew her suspicion as a worker applied a substance to it.
Chu Qingzhi watched intently for a moment. Sensing something off, she zipped over, âWhy are you applying that to a perfectly fine ship?â
The substance in question was a kind of ointment made with medicinal herbs, clear like varnish, pungently aromatic, designed to ward off insects and moisture, ensuring the shipâs preservation.
Initially irked, the workerâs attitude shifted upon seeing Chu Qingzhiâs beauty, turning enthusiastic, âWe just do as weâre told, whatever the client asks.â Chu Qingzhi inquired, âMay I take a closer look?â
âJust about to take a break, go ahead,â the worker stepped aside.
Stepping inside the ship, Chu Qingzhi sprayed a liquid, turning the wooden floorboards a vivid purple, âItâs this ship.â
Emerging, she summoned the others, âThis vessel is the primary crime scene.â
Everyone entered the cabin, taken aback by the sight: swathes of the floor had turned purple â how much blood was spilled here? The cruelty of the killer was palpable.
Upon receiving the news, the manager hurried over, âMy lord, I only handle rentals, nothing beyond that.â
Chu Qingzhi pressed, âWho rented this ship in recent days?â
Consulting the register, the manager replied, âTwo days ago, a man named Zhang Guangsheng rented it, returning it by noon the next day.â
The worker from earlier approached, âI know Zhang Guangsheng, in his thirties, with a father bedridden for years. His mother couldnât bear it, left when he was just a teenager. A hardworking, honest man, an excellent fisherman with incredible stamina; he can hold his breath underwater for as long as it takes to drink a cup of tea, truly remarkable.â
âBut with a sick family member, heâs always struggling to make ends meet, living a tight life. Every time you see him, he looks so weary, as if heâs about to collapse at any moment.â
Chu Qingzhi asked, âWhere is he now? Where does he live?â
The worker responded, âHe brought the ship here for me to reapply the coating, mentioned some leaks, then left. Lives in West Alley, everyone knows it.â
âThankyou,â Chu Qingzhi expressed her gratitude.
The group made their way to West Alley.
Positioned in the middle of a poverty-stricken area, the houses here were haphazardly arranged. Guided by a local, it took some time for the group to find Zhang Guangshengâs residence.
Their guide, a spirited man in his sixties, led them to the doorstep, even calling out, âGuangsheng, youâve got visitors.â
No response came from the house, only the weak sound of coughing.
With a sweep of her divine senses, Chu Qingzhi found only a gravely ill elderly man inside, no sign of Zhang Guangsheng. She asked the old man, âHas Zhang Guangsheng not settled down?â
Shaking his head with a sigh, the elder replied, âNo, too poor and burdened with a sick father. No woman would marry into such a situation.â
Chu Qingzhi peered through the partially closed door, âSir, could you describe Zhang Guangshengâs appearance for us?â
âAlright.â Seeing that they were from the government, the old man answered every question. âTall and broad, with a square face. He has a mole on the right side of his chin, always wears a headscarf, dressed in grey, and wears straw sandals all year round. Lifeâs been hard on himâŠâ
âDo you know where he might be now?â
âUsually, at this time, heâs out fishing in the river,â the elder smacked his forehead, âLook at my memory. I should have told you that he wouldnât be home now.â
Chu Qingzhi asked, âWhen was the last time you saw him?â
After a momentâs thought, the elder replied, âI last saw him the day before yesterday. He was all in a flurry, telling me to look after his father while he was away.â
Chu Xujin interjected, âSister, the murderer has to be Zhang Guangsheng. Heâs definitely hiding now.â
The elderâs face darkened, âWhat are you saying? Zhang Guangsheng committed murder?â
Chu Xujin responded, âHeâs a prime suspect.â
The old man did not believe him at all. He even spoke up for Zhang Guangsheng, âZhang Guangsheng would never kill anyone. Heâs an honest man. Other than working, he takes care of his father every day. How could he kill anyone?â
Chu Xujin reassured him, âElder, weâre still investigating. If you spot him, please inform us immediately.â
The elder nodded, âI will.â
Chu Qingzhi said, âThird Brother, go inside and get a piece of Zhang Guangshengâs clothing. Let Da Bai lead us to him.â
Chu Xujin agreed, âAlright.â
Night had fallen.
The officers returned, âMiss Chu, weâve checked with everyone acquainted with both individuals, and they all have alibis.â
Chu Qingzhi responded, âThank you for your hard work. Letâs go have dinner, and we can continue after.â
The officers agreed.
Ren Buqing hurried over. With Chu Qingzhi investigating for the government, it wouldnât do for her to pay out of pocket, âMiss Qingzhi, thankfully we have you uncovering so many clues.â
âItâs a team effort,â Chu Qingzhi said, looking down at Da Bai resting on the ground. âOnce Da Bai finds Zhang Guangsheng, we should be close to solving this case.â
âIndeed,â Ren Buqing thought, wishing he could recruit Chu Qingzhi into the Ministry of Justice. Cases always seemed to resolve so easily with her around.
After dinner, without delay, they followed Da Bai in search of Zhang Guangsheng.
Chu Xujin recognized the path, hesitating, âThis seems to be the same road we took to West Alley during the day.â
Ren Buqing deduced, âThis suggests Zhang Guangsheng is likely hiding near his home.â
Chu Xujin noted, âHeâs clever.â
Da Bai suddenly stopped, nuzzling Chu Qingzhiâs legâŠ
Chu Qingzhi smiled, âIâll walk, Iâm not tired. Lead the way.â
Chu Xujin, curious, asked, âSister, what did Da Bai say to you?â
Chu Qingzhi chuckled, âIt thinks Iâm too tired from running around all day and suggested I ride on its back.â
Ren Buqing envied the bond, his gaze fixed on Da Bai, âNot only does Da Bai understand humans, but it also cares deeply for its owner.â
Chu Qingzhi held great affection for Da Bai, âDa Bai is indeed remarkable.â
As the group praised Da Bai, they arrived at a doorstep.
Ge Lihua, with a knack for directions, pointed towards the right, âQingzhi, that way is Zhang Guangshengâs home.â
Chu Qingzhi looked in the direction, about five hundred meters from Zhang Guangshengâs house, âItâs a good hideout, unexpectedly so.â
This spot offered a clear view of his home, making it easier for him to keep an eye on and care for his father.