Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 201 - 200: Searching for Clues on Social Media, Are They All Girlfriends?

Chapter 201: Chapter 200: Searching for Clues on Social Media, Are They All Girlfriends?

(There’s an extra update this afternoon oh...)

...

Sunday, the second day of the investigation.

Zhang Wei got up early to have breakfast with Zhao Xiaoxiao.

In the kitchen, Zhang Wei had the following conversation with his second daughter.

"Zhu Tianying!"

"What level of detail?"

"The more detailed, the better!"

"I have an impression of this woman, a model in the entertainment circle, quite beautiful, right?"

"In this case, she’s a cold-blooded murderer!"

"Ow~"

"Keep it up, second daughter, I know you’re daddy’s little cotton-padded jacket~"

"Zhang Wei, go die!!!"

Breakfast ended in a cheerful atmosphere.

After tidying up everything, Zhang Wei then hurried to the Martial Association Headquarters.

If you’re talking about a job where you work 365 days a year without rest, and still have to work on weekends, it’s probably only the homicide unit.

Because abnormal footprints were discovered at the scene yesterday, the homicide unit and the forensic department had once again sealed off the scene, forcing Zhang Wei to suspend yesterday’s investigation.

Today, the specific data of the footprints should be released, and Zhang Wei just so happened to come to the homicide unit to ask about the situation.

Homicide Unit Group 1, office.

Zhang Wei arrived the earliest, even before anyone else in the office.

He sat for a while until Lin Ruonan arrived at her workstation, yawning.

Looking at Team Leader Lin, busy with her career, Zhang Wei knew she must be single.

Despite there being another team leader in the group, Lin Ruonan has always led her team on the front lines, which for a female officer, is really too...

"I hope Silly doesn’t end up like this..."

Zhang Wei muttered to himself, but still put on a smile and approached Lin Ruonan.

"Deputy Captain Lin, good morning. How did the investigation of the footprints go yesterday?"

"Zhang Wei, you’re not the prosecutor handling the case. Why should I tell you?"

"Hehe, I know you have a bias against me, Deputy Captain Lin, but this time I’m representing the victim’s family, the original plaintiff, so I have the right to know the case details!"

Seeing that Lin Ruonan was unconvinced, Zhang Wei immediately brought out his identity.

It’s a joke, I came to work on the mandate of Ren Xinwei’s family and subordinates, so as a representative of the family and the original plaintiff, you investigation unit are obligated to inform me and the victim’s family behind me about any new developments in the case.

"You..."

Lin Ruonan never expected Zhang Wei to have this up his sleeve.

Ding-dong!

The elevator doors opened, and the prosecutors arrived.

Xiao Baihe led the way into the homicide unit office, and then shot Zhang Wei a glare, hands on her hips.

Tan Yingying stood behind Xiao Baihe, and upon seeing Zhang Wei, she timidly hid behind her.

"What, it’s just you today, where’s your lackey?" Xiao Baihe glared at Zhang Wei.

"What lackey, her name is Xiao Li, my colleague. She has to accompany her mom for a check-up today, so she can’t come. Looks like I’m the one who gets to investigate with the two of you," Zhang Wei said, glancing at Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying with an insinuation: "You think everyone’s like you, with people following you around all day to do your bidding, at your beck and call?"

"What are you implying?" Xiao Baihe’s brows tightened, and her speaking pace slowed down a bit.

Murderous intent!

"Ha~~~ Zhang Wei, you’re here so early~"

At the stairwell, Xia Qianyue arrived, yawning.

"Silly, save me!"

Seeing Xia Qianyue, Zhang Wei finally felt much more at ease.

Even though Silly isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, she brought him an inexplicable sense of security.

Once Xia Qianyue was by his side, Zhang Wei felt reassured.

"Deputy Captain Lin, everyone’s here now. What are the investigation results?"

Lin Ruonan, having no choice, handed the investigation reports to both Zhang Wei and Xiao Baihe.

"The footprint comes from cloth shoes?"

"Nowadays, who still wears this kind of shoes?"

"Some components of herbal medicine were found in the mud from the footprints?"

"Based on the previous estimation by the forensic science department regarding the victim’s identity, the deceased is an adult male, and the area he frequented recently might be a pharmacy or the Chinese medicine department of a hospital!"

"But I recall that doctors generally don’t wear cloth shoes, right?"

"I’m not sure about that, this is the report from the forensic science department!"

Looking at the investigation analysis of the footprints in his hands, Zhang Wei flipped through it a couple of times but couldn’t make out any significant clues.

A footprint, what could you discern from that?

Seeing this, Lin Ruonan spoke up, "However, we can analyze why this person came to Ren Xinwei’s villa."

"This man must have been to the villa before, and it’s highly likely related to Zhu Tianying!"

Zhang Wei thought for a moment and then analyzed slowly, "He managed to bypass the surveillance of the three field agents, enter the room, and inconspicuously take something, which indicates that he must have entered the villa before and visited more than once."

"That room wasn’t Ren Xinwei’s room, instead, it showed traces of a woman’s presence. If I’m not mistaken, that should be Zhu Tianying’s room."

"A man, coming to Ren Xinwei’s villa, and being so familiar with Zhu Tianying’s room, you’re going to tell me he has no relation to Zhu Tianying, I wouldn’t believe it even if you beat me to death!"

Zhang Wei’s analysis made Lin Ruonan and the others nod in agreement.

"So, Zhu Tianying really did have an affair?"

Lin Ruonan let go of a confession record, her expression not showing surprise.

Because Zhu Tianying’s statement said that Ren Xinwei suspected her of infidelity, which led to him assaulting her and subsequently causing his indirect death.

Although Zhu Tianying dared not admit it, anyone would think she might have found another man outside, unwilling to be lonely.

Xiao Baihe, on the other hand, frowned, "But if Zhu Tianying really had an affair, why is there no record of it, and we’ve also investigated that Ren Xinwei didn’t hire a private investigator, which means even if Zhu Tianying had an affair, she was very secretive about it."

"Yes, but if we really wanted to investigate, it’s actually possible to find out, it’s up to whether you want to or not!"

Zhang Wei said, looking toward Lin Ruonan.

The expert in charge of the investigation here is you, the deputy captain of the major case squad.

"Although I’m also curious about whether Zhu Tianying had an affair, currently there’s no evidence proving that the mysterious footprint left at the scene is directly related to Zhu Tianying. Forensic investigators are also unclear about what was taken from the scene, so I can’t initiate an investigation of Zhu Tianying. Moreover, Zhu Tianying is a victim of this case. To conduct a follow-up investigation on a victim, sufficient evidence is required!"

Lin Ruonan’s stance was firm; she refused to investigate Zhu Tianying.

"Let’s look for clues in the footprints then!"

Since Lin Ruonan was unable, Zhang Wei felt helpless as well and could only follow suit, looking for traces in the footprints.

But a footprint, whether viewed from the side or from above, from left to right, seemed to yield no clues.

Ding!

A subtle sound came from Zhang Wei’s mobile phone; it was a WeChat message from his second daughter.

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: In recent months, Zhu Tianying’s mobile phone signal has been quite normal, either she has been honestly staying at home, or...]

[Zhang Wei: When she goes out, she doesn’t take her phone?]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Yes]

[Zhang Wei: Not surprising, after all, to have an affair, how could she potentially leave any clues behind!]

[Zhang Wei: Second daughter, how much information can you find about Zhu Tianying over the past few years?]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Recent months are easy, but a few years will take time, a lot of time!]

[Zhang Wei: Okay, then you start investigating, I’ll also think of other methods (smile.jpg)]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Investigation is possible, but what’s in it for me?]

Seeing this message, Zhang Wei was slightly taken aback.

So the second daughter was protesting, huh.

[Zhang Wei: You make your demands, I’ll surely comply (flattering smile.jpg)]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: Tonight, I want to eat lobster (angry.jpg)]

[Zhao Xiaoxiao: (pounding.jpg) x3]

[Zhang Wei: OK!]

After ending the "haggling" with his second daughter, a smile appeared on Zhang Wei’s face.

"Second daughter is truly a simple-minded girl, unable to hide anything, she... wait, unable to hide..."

When Zhang Wei smiled slightly, a sudden flash went through his mind.

"Deputy Captain Lin, does the major case squad have internet access?"

"Of course!"

"You can’t track Zhu Tianying’s whereabouts, but can you check her social media?"

"That’s no problem, but what’s there to see on social media?"

"Although I don’t know Zhu Tianying’s movements, I’m confident that such a woman, suddenly kept by a wealthy man, traveling by luxury car and yacht, staying in villas and mansions, would love to show off on her Moments. Zhu Tianying lived in poverty in the early years, so she became a internet-celebrity model, took on a lot of business performances, and now that she’s made it, she definitely wants to show off her sense of superiority. There might be a lot of information about her on social media!"

Lin Ruonan nodded, she did think it was worth investigating.

"I’ll notify the cyber investigation department immediately, asking for their assistance!"

hour later.

The cyber investigation department arrived with a laptop, displaying the social media information they had captured from Zhu Tianying.

"Ever since this woman married Ren Xinwei, in the first year she would update her social circle at least five times a day, flaunting her mansion, luxury cars, or otherwise luxury goods, expensive liquor, and so on..."

"The second and third years were much the same, showing off travel, her figure, posting some envy-inducing remarks. Hence, most of the discussions about her on social media were actually from people criticizing her for flaunting her sense of superiority."

"However, due to her high-profile lifestyle, she did have a group of fans. On the whole, though, there was nothing particularly notable. Although fans and haters often engaged in continuous arguments, Zhu Tianying hardly ever paid attention to these."

"By the fourth year, Zhu Tianying’s social circle updates became less frequent, and sometimes she would share about business events, charity work, or fitness and learning information. It seemed like she had changed a lot."

"In the most recent year, the frequency of updates to her social circle has decreased even more, with almost one update per month, completely incomparable to the first few years. And her posts, those concerning luxury goods were few, mostly about self-improvement, such as martial arts and fitness, reading books on subjects like finance and foreign exchange investments, as well as gatherings with close friends and so on. From a general perspective, there was nothing suspicious, and those gatherings were all clean."

As Lin Ruonan looked through the information provided by the cyber investigation department, her face showed disappointment.

Zhu Tianying’s life indeed matched that of a female internet celebrity supported by a wealthy family, at first so eager to let the whole world know she had married into wealth.

But a few years later, the novelty had worn off, and she felt emptiness and boredom, losing her interest in showing off her superiority.

In the last two years, the woman became more low-key, even thinking about self-improvement.

Unfortunately, these were just hints observed from her social circle.

What can one discern from just a few photos on a social circle?

"Well, Deputy Captain Lin, thank you for your help. To have found these, I am already very satisfied."

Zhang Wei said consolingly, though no hint of disappointment could be seen on his face.

His words caused Xiao Baihe, standing nearby, to pause in bewilderment.

Was Zhang Wei planning to give up?

"Silly, come walk with me outside, perhaps we’ll find some clues..."

As Zhang Wei spoke, he bade farewell and then, taking Xia Qianyue by the hand, he prepared to leave the major case squad office.

"There’s something off about this guy!"

Seeing this, Xiao Baihe frowned, sensing that the matter was not simple.

She also pulled Tan Yingying and rushed out after them.

Lin Ruonan watched as the four of them left one after another, but did not say anything. After all, she was from the investigation department and was not in charge of the prosecutors.

Martial Association Headquarters, by the main entrance.

"Zhang Wei, have you discovered something?"

"Silly, could you tell?"

"Yes, in the past you used to watch video surveillance, videos, even photos several times over, but this time you stopped after just one look, you must have found something!"

"Goodness, you could see that, indeed the one who knows me best is Silly..."

Seeing that Xia Qianyue understood him so well, Zhang Wei felt gratified.

His daughter has finally had a moment of insight.

He had indeed discovered a clue.

"Zhang Wei, what have you discovered? Come clean!"

But Xia Qianyue was not the only one who had suddenly become astute.

Xiao Baihe had chased after him and now, hands on her hips and with a cold stare, was scrutinizing Zhang Wei.

Kid, don’t think you’re acting so convincingly that I can’t see through you—you must have found something.

"Alright, since Prosecutor Tan Yingying is also here, you can drive and take us to a place!"

"Where to?"

"Of course, to this place!"

Zhang Wei took out his phone and had already opened the navigation, into which he had entered an address.

...

Within the second ring road, Yangxin Hall.

Yangxin Hall is a well-known rehabilitation facility for the wealthy in Dongfang Capital, famous for its traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, and has a considerable reputation within the second ring road.

Most of the disciples within the hall practice martial arts, and they even teach some wealthy clients ways to improve their health and fitness—of course, for a fee.

The master of Yangxin Hall surnamed Huang, it is said to hail from the central southern part of the eastern Guangdong region, apprenticed to the martial arts master Huang Tianhong.

However, these are merely rumors and lack concrete evidence.

Yangxin Hall occupies a large quadrangle courtyard, and seeing such a grand quadrangle courtyard in a city like Dongfang Capital is truly surprising.

"Zhang Wei, what brings you here?"

Upon arriving at the destination, Xiao Baihe could not hold back anymore.

I remember there’s a martial arts hall next to your place, why do you need to come to a place like this? It’s superfluous, isn’t it?

"Stop it, I’m here for an investigation!"

Zhang Wei pointed at the sign hanging on the entrance of Yangxin Hall, then took out his phone and opened VBo.

"Look, Zhu Tianying hasn’t updated her social circle much in the past two years, but last year, she came here many times!"

"Wealthy people come to places like this for health treatments, doesn’t seem like a problem, right?"

"That may be true, but when combined with the new footprints found in the villa, that’s a different story."

While saying this, Zhang Wei pointed at the disciples of Yangxin Hall walking in the courtyard.

They all wore antique-style robes, naturally with black-bordered white cloth shoes on their feet!

"Cloth shoes, footprints, and Yangxin Hall is most famous for its traditional Chinese medicine, could the owner of those footprints be someone from here?"

"Then why didn’t you bring Team Leader Lin with you? Shouldn’t this be a matter for the investigation team?"

Xia Qianyue was puzzled, you’ve found a clue, why not bring Lin Ruonan.

"Silly, you’re dumb, huh? With just a superficial footprint, you couldn’t possibly get a search warrant. If we conduct a personal investigation, with such a large place like Yangxin Hall, how could the few people from the major crime team cover it all."

"That’s why I didn’t bring Deputy Captain Lin, her identity is too conspicuous, it’s easy to spook the snake. We’ll go in for the investigation ourselves!"

Zhang Wei said and glanced at Xiao Baihe.

Lin Ruonan’s identity is already conspicuous enough, your prosecutor’s identity is equally sensitive.

Originally, Zhang Wei thought to just bring Silly along for the investigation, which would have been easier to manage.

Now with Xiao Baihe and Tan Yingying added, it would be much harder to blend in.

But Zhang Wei had no choice and pulled Silly along into Yangxin Hall.

The shop’s attendant quickly greeted the four of them.

"Yo, dear guests, may I ask if you have a referral from someone familiar?"

"We know Miss Zhu Tianying, she always praises your Yangxin Hall, so I especially came to check it out today!"

Zhang Wei didn’t spell things out completely, nor did he detail his relationship with Zhu Tianying, but to the attendant, it took on a different flavor.

"Oh, so you’re friends with Miss Zhu, please, come in, come in!"

The attendant led Zhang Wei’s group to a separate room, then politely asked, "What would you like to be treated for, and what are your relationships..."

"Oh, this is my girlfriend!"

Zhang Wei placed his hand on Xia Qianyue’s shoulder, and their behavior instantly became more intimate.

"Then, who are these two..."

"This is also my girlfriend, and this one is her little follower!"

Zhang Wei suddenly felt playful, laying his other hand on Xiao Baihe’s shoulder, causing her to suddenly widen her eyes.

"Zhang Wei, do you have a death wish?"

"Cough, cough, employee, my partner has a bit of a temper, please be understanding, haha!"

Zhang Wei said with a smile, quickly explaining to the attendant.

The attendant was stunned for a moment, then gave Zhang Wei a thumbs up, all smiles.

You’re quite impressive, sir, bringing two girlfriends to our Yangxin Hall.

From the look of it, you must be here to rejuvenate your health.

"May I have your honored surname?"

"No need for honorifics, surname Zhang!"

"Mr. Zhang, did Miss Zhu recommend any of our masters to you?"

"She didn’t go into details, but which master does Miss Zhu usually see?"

"Oh, Miss Zhu always seeks out our eldest senior brother, he’s the direct disciple of our hall master. Are you also looking to request his services?"

"That would be great, since Miss Zhu chose him, then we’d like to give it a try as well!"

"Alright, I’ll go notify the eldest senior brother right away!"

After the attendant left, Zhang Wei felt a tremendous twisting force at his waist.

"Ow, that hurts..."

"Jerk, get your hands off me right now, and you’re asking for it, saying that I’m your girlfriend!"

Xiao Baihe twisted her shoulder to shrug off Zhang Wei’s hand, her gaze turning completely cold.

"Xiao Baihe, if I didn’t say that, you can bet the attendant would have pried for more information. Do you want the suspect to get away?"

Zhang Wei protested his innocence, claiming he had just improvised on the spot.

"At least now we have a suspect, this eldest senior brother of Yangxin Hall is highly suspicious!"

That was indeed true, if Zhu Tianying always came to see this master, then he could be connected to the footprint at the villa.