253: Chapter 253 Chen Hu's body is discovered; the Zhao family in Beijing is under the surveillance of the Security Bureau.

Meanwhile, at Chen Hu's old residence in the outskirts of Jingnan City, the atmosphere was heavy to the extreme. Two plainclothes police officers, a forensic doctor, and a trace evidence examiner—four people in total—stood in the courtyard with somber expressions.

Under the large tree in the courtyard, the pit where Chen Hu's body was buried had now been excavated.

It was the height of summer; although only four days had passed since Chen Hu's death, his body had severely decomposed, forming a shocking bloated appearance (gigantism). An indescribable stench wafted from the soil, which even wearing masks could hardly withstand.

Although the several people in the courtyard wore masks, they still couldn't block that nauseating smell.

The forensic doctor calmly put on a protective suit and a gas mask, gesturing for the others to step back. He entered the pit alone and began the arduous autopsy work. He carefully turned the body over, placed a plastic sheet underneath, and then took a scalpel from his bag. After lightly making an incision in the corpse's abdomen, a burst of foul green decomposition gas was released.

One of the plainclothes officers really couldn't stand the smell; he rushed out of the courtyard and dry-heaved incessantly.

After the gas was released, the forensic doctor began to carefully examine the body. A moment later, he nodded to one of the plainclothes officers and said, "Captain Sun, based on the external characteristics of the corpse, the deceased likely died from a broken cervical spine. Moreover, there are signs of fractures on the deceased's lower legs and arms, and multiple blunt force injuries on the body, which basically matches the information provided in the Materials."

This plainclothes officer called Captain Sun was indeed Sun Yizhong. He nodded, "Good, I'll report to Director Shen right away!" As he spoke, he took out his phone and dialed Shen Zhendong's number.

At this time, in Shen Zhendong's home, the father and daughter were chatting leisurely. Seeing the caller ID, Shen Zhendong immediately answered the phone and pressed the speakerphone button, not avoiding his daughter.

"Hello, Yizhong, this is Shen Zhendong. How is the situation on your end?" Shen Zhendong asked in a deep voice.

Sun Yizhong reported, "Director Shen, the body has been found. The external characteristics of the corpse basically match the Materials you provided!"

"Good!" Shen Zhendong's voice was serious and powerful. "Check the scene thoroughly again to see if there are any traces left by others besides the deceased."

"Yes!" Sun Yizhong replied.

"Also, you must ensure confidentiality regarding this matter! No one is allowed to disclose it." Shen Zhendong emphasized again.

"Don't worry, Director Shen, I know what to do!" Sun Yizhong said in a firm tone.

"Good, you've worked hard."

After the call was disconnected, Shen Zhendong looked at his daughter, Shen Jianan. "Call Qingcheng and report to her, see how to proceed next."

"Okay!" Shen Jianan nodded and immediately picked up her phone to call Qingcheng.

The call was quickly connected, and Shen Jianan immediately gave Ye Qingcheng a detailed report on Chen Hu's situation.

After listening, Ye Qingcheng frowned slightly. After a moment of thought, she instructed, "Alright, keep a close eye on Chen Hu's matter. First, have them transport the body back to Modu. Keep this matter confidential for now and wait for further instructions from the higher-ups."

"Mhm, understood." Shen Jianan nodded, then asked, "By the way, Sister Qingcheng, how is the progress on your side? Have you caught anyone?"

Ye Qingcheng sighed deeply, a hint of helplessness flashing across her face. "No, we arrived too late. Sister Hong has likely already escaped by boat. The Coast Guard has gone to pursue her, but there isn't much hope."

"Sigh, truly cunning." Shen Jianan also sighed, a look of regret on her face. "I have an appointment to meet Qin Yi at Modu University tomorrow. Sister Qingcheng, do you have any other instructions?"

"Find an opportunity to get Qin Yi's fingerprints. If the missing account books from Chen Hu's old residence were taken by Qin Yi, they might leave a trace. There's nothing else; just play it by ear and stay safe," Ye Qingcheng urged.

"Okay, understood," Shen Jianan replied with a nod.

After the call ended, Shen Zhendong immediately asked curiously, "Nannan, are you going to meet that guy named Qin Yi tomorrow? Is it dangerous? Do you need to take a few more people with you?"

"Oh, Dad, don't worry. I'm just going to test the waters with Qin Yi, not to fight. It's not like he can eat me, right?" Shen Jianan laughed lightheartedly.

"That's not how it works; one must always be on guard against others. Besides, you've said that Qin Yi knows kung fu. What if he has some improper intentions?" Shen Zhendong still said worriedly, "How about letting Ziming go with you?"

"Dad~ You don't really want me to date Ye Ziming, do you? I'm telling you now, I really have no feelings for Ye Ziming." Shen Jianan rolled her eyes helplessly and turned her head away, pretending to be Life Qi.

"Eh~ Feelings are cultivated, aren't they? If you don't spend time together, how can you have feelings? You're not young anymore; you can't stay single forever," Shen Zhendong advised earnestly.

"Alright, alright, don't worry about my love life. If you have the time, why don't you help me ask if any clues like other people's fingerprints were found at the scene?" As she spoke, Shen Jianan got up and went back to her bedroom, closing the door with a "bang."

Shen Zhendong shook his head helplessly, sighed at his daughter's closed door, but still took out his phone and sent a message to Ye Ziming.

...

As the night deepened, within the courtyard house of the Zhao Family of the Capital, Zhao Weiguo was pacing in the yard contrary to his usual habit, his brow furrowed, appearing restless. He stopped, pondered for a moment, and finally picked up his phone to dial his grandson Zhao Lintai's number.

On the other end of the phone, Zhao Lintai's voice soon came through, tinged with surprise: "Grandpa, it's so late and you haven't slept yet?"

Zhao Weiguo sighed, his voice revealing a hint of worry: "Lintai, for some reason, Grandpa has been feeling restless tonight. How is the situation on your end? When do you plan to return to the Capital?"

Sensing the worry in his grandfather's tone, Zhao Lintai comforted him softly: "Grandpa, don't worry. I still need some time here. I met with Si Hongjun today, visited the Southwest International Group, and also got to know some local leaders to see if there are any opportunities for cooperation."

"Mhm, then regarding the marriage contract between you two, did Si Hongjun say anything?" Zhao Weiguo followed up with concern.

Zhao Lintai smiled slightly and said confidently, "He didn't say much. This kind of thing ultimately depends on Elder Si's attitude. As long as the old man nods, everything will be fine."

Zhao Weiguo heard this, and his brow smoothed out a bit. "That's good. This morning, I already said what needed to be said to Zhengxiong; I imagine he understands my meaning. Lintai, you are currently away representing the face of our Zhao family. Remember, although our Zhao family is currently weak, your words and deeds must be appropriate and generous. You must not be overbearing just because our Zhao family was kind to the Si Family, but of course, you cannot be subservient either! Do you understand?"

"Understood, Grandpa. Don't worry, I'll be careful," Zhao Lintai responded respectfully.

"Good, it's late. Get some rest early." Having said that, Zhao Weiguo hung up the phone.

However, the unease in his heart did not dissipate because of this. He turned and called out to his guard, Xiao Liu, asking with a look of concern, "Xiao Liu, I just don't feel at ease. Did anything special happen today?"

Xiao Liu thought for a moment and shook his head, answering, "Nothing special in the domestic news, just some small frictions internationally. The US is accusing our ocean training fleet of 'freedom of navigation' again."

"Oh?" Hearing this, a sharp light flashed in Zhao Weiguo's eyes. "Haha, they certainly know how to shift the blame. Now that our Dragon Nation is strong, let them also taste the flavor of freedom of navigation. Go, find that news for me to see, and let this old man have some joy."

Xiao Liu immediately took the phone, quickly found the relevant news, and handed it to Zhao Weiguo.

Zhao Weiguo took the phone and read it seriously, his expression gradually changing from worry to joy. As he read the news, he nodded in praise, "Good, good! Truly venting our frustrations! Comfortable!"

...

Meanwhile, at the Security Bureau headquarters, the door to Director Xu Anguo's office was knocked on.

"Come in!" Xu Anguo was buried in his work, focused on revising report Materials, and responded without looking up.

The door was pushed open gently, and a neatly dressed, refined-looking subordinate walked in. His steps were steady, his expression respectful, and he held a folder in both hands, carefully walking to Xu Anguo's desk.

"Director, these are the call records between Elder Zhao and Zhao Lintai that were just intercepted."

"Oh?" Hearing this, Xu Anguo immediately put down his pen, opened the folder, and carefully read the contents of the record word by word. A moment later, his brow furrowed slightly, and a hint of doubt appeared on his face. "Does Elder Zhao actually know about those shady dealings that kid Zhao Lintai is doing outside?"

The subordinate shook his head slightly. "It's hard to say. However, it can't be seen from the call records between the grandfather and grandson for now."

Xu Anguo nodded. After pondering for a moment, he looked up at his subordinate and instructed, "Continue monitoring their calls and report to me immediately if there's any sign of movement. Also, arrange for people to secretly keep an eye on Zhao Lintai's side. If he shows any signs of fleeing, arrest him immediately!"

"Yes, Director!" The subordinate stood at attention.

Xu Anguo urged again, "Also, you must remember that Elder Zhao's status is extraordinary; we must act cautiously. Without solid evidence, you must not act rashly. Moreover, the old man is advanced in years, and his body can't handle much stress. If we can avoid provoking him, try not to."

"Understood, Director. We will act strictly according to your instructions," the subordinate answered solemnly.

...

At this time, Ye Qingcheng had also returned to the police station guesthouse and was video chatting with her own old man in her room.