"No need to be polite, if there’s anything the team needs, just let us know. We’ll fully cooperate and won’t affect the investigation’s progress."

After hanging up the phone, Jiang An slightly narrowed his eyes as he sank deeply into the wide office chair, which creaked softly, as if bearing the weight of his thoughts at that moment.

The room was exceptionally quiet, with only the low hum of the air conditioner and his own somewhat heavy breathing audible.

He closed his eyes, and scenes from the crime scene surged back like a tide—charred and deformed floors, the pungent smell of smoke, twisted scattered furniture remains, and the three bodies in various postures, shocking to behold.

Even though he was no longer the frontline detective rushing into action, but the overarching captain of the investigation team, carrying greater responsibilities and expectations on his shoulders.

Yet solving cases remained his fundamental duty, his unwavering belief.

Previously, he only needed to focus on the clues at hand, pursuing the perpetrator single-mindedly.

Now, he led the entire team—deciding the direction of the investigation, allocating tasks, coordinating logistical support, and most importantly, he had to rally everyone’s confidence.

This was his position and battlefield, an intense battle of intellect and will without gunpowder smoke.

He couldn’t help but recall the tense faces he saw at the scene during the day.

Especially Mr. Li, with furrowed brows and silence, made him acutely aware of the extraordinary nature of this case.

It was heavy, complex, filled with unknowns, like a dense fog enveloping the hearts of everyone involved, suffocating.

He gently exhaled, attempting to calm the waves in his heart, secretly planning: once the site evidence was recorded and the initial survey reports were compiled, he would immediately convene a case discussion meeting.

Everyone must speak up, brainstorming—even a spark could illuminate the entire maze.

The team’s strength is often hidden in those moments of inspiration colliding.

He sat up straight again, focusing intently on every detail of the crime environment.

From the slightly chaotic shoe rack at the entrance to the coffee table in the living room burned to just a frame.

From the overturned double bed in the master bedroom to the narrow, hidden space under the bed in the secondary bedroom, holding a young life...

Scene by scene, playing back in his mind like a slow-motion film, repeatedly freezing in place.

Most likely, it’s murder and then arson.

The bodies haven’t been fully examined yet, and evidence collection at the scene has just begun, but Jiang An, with years of experience clashing with crime, could nearly conclude: this was no accident.

Especially the female victim, buried under a pile of clothing, deliberately set on fire.

And the two lives hiding under the bed seemed like a choice made in extreme fear.

Did they originally evade the first wave of attack yet ultimately couldn’t escape the fire and fumes?

Was the real target of the killer the man in the living room or the woman in the bedroom?

Motive, every crime has a motive.

If the perpetrator couldn’t be found temporarily, the investigation must return to the victims—from their identities, experiences, and social relationships, at which point motive could be inferred, identifying the person with murderous intent.

Truth often hides in the cracks of human relationships, in corners of the past, requiring investigators to peel away layer by layer, comb through tirelessly.

Jiang An felt he must swiftly complete the comprehensive autopsy.

Every wound, every trace of blood, even the degree of smoke dust in airways could reveal the truth, becoming the key to conviction.

He raised his wrist to glance at his watch—by now the bodies ought to have been sent to the forensic center.

Right!

The two new forensic assistants should also have started today.

He hoped they were efficient and meticulous. This case can’t afford delays or mistakes.

It was at this moment that Jiang An’s phone suddenly rang, the buzzing vibrations breaking the room’s silence, also interrupting further thought.

He glanced at the screen—it was Wu You.

"Hello, Mr. Wu."

"Hey! Congratulations, Captain Jiang."

Wu You’s cheerful laugh came over the phone, with a familiar warmth in his tone.

"I’ve heard from abroad that you’ve been promoted to investigation team captain, impressive, the lad has limitless potential!"

"Mr. Wu, you’re too kind."

"In my heart, I will always be your student."

Jiang An replied with a smile, his tone filled with genuine respect.

The veteran who introduced him to this career, who taught him the first lesson of investigation, has always been a guiding light in his heart.

"I hear you, truly remarkable."

"Back then when I mentored you, I thought you were diligent and hardworking. I didn’t expect you’d hold your own so soon."

Wu You’s voice was full of relief yet tinged with a barely detectable sentiment.

"I’ve returned from abroad, heard you guys have a challenging case on hand."

"Though I’m older now, my health is quite robust. So, um... do you need me back to lend a hand?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang An beamed with happiness, his tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed at this moment.

Just now, he was silently worrying about the two new forensic assistants’ lack of experience.

Though they were theoretically solid and highly motivated, they lacked practical battle-tempered skills, and facing such complex on-site inspection and systematic autopsy work, they were likely to struggle.

Wu You’s proactive offer of assistance at this critical moment was akin to a beacon in the night, bringing him great warmth and assurance.

He hurriedly said, his tone full of excitement and respect: "Mr. Wu, you truly amaze me!"