Chapter 111: A Favor

Later, Chen Xin inquired with Yi Bai about the situation. She learned that the deceased was the cousin of the man in question, and the two shared a close bond, having grown up together. After graduating from high school, the cousin went abroad to pursue his career, while the deceased stayed in the country to attend university. Upon graduation, he joined the family business.

The deceased and Tao Min had not known each other for long—about half a year. Their families were of similar standing and both sets of parents approved of the match, so their relationship was essentially confirmed, with plans to marry during the National Day holiday that year. No one expected such a tragedy to occur.

The cousin had returned from overseas intending to start a business domestically. Upon hearing about his cousin’s impending wedding, he had even arranged for custom wedding attire to be made abroad for both his cousin and the future bride.

But just as the order had been dispatched, news arrived that his cousin had slipped off a cliff while climbing and was found lifeless at the scene. During conversations with the family, he also learned that Tao Min had been injured.

Initially, he didn’t think much of it. However, rumors surfaced in their circle suggesting that Tao Min was problematic, which aroused his suspicions. After some private investigation, he discovered that the deceased was not Tao Min’s only lover. While discussing marriage with his cousin, Tao Min was simultaneously involved in inappropriate relationships with two other men.

This time, the cousin had come ahead of them on the mountain, bringing others to intercept Tao Min and her group.

Had Tao Min been straightforward and explained the situation, the cousin might have been more understanding. But when she saw him, her eyes flickered with avoidance, making him suspect there was more to the story.

“I don’t think it adds up. If the deceased’s death were truly connected to Tao Min, why would the police release her so easily? And there’s no record of the deceased’s parents filing any accusation against her,” Chen Xin reflected.

She believed the cousin was likely overthinking things, as there had been no mention of Tao Min being suspect. Instead, the police identified the cousin himself as having committed malicious homicide; he was swiftly sentenced to death and executed.

Yi Bai said he had limited interaction with the cousin, as the matter was outside his jurisdiction and the local police had already investigated. They confirmed the deceased had died from an accidental fall. Whether anything occurred between the deceased and Tao Min prior to the fall was known only to Tao Min.

“The key point is, no evidence at the scene links Tao Min to the death. Thus, the police couldn’t charge her. Although the deceased’s parents later learned of Tao Min’s character, they had no grounds to claim she was involved in their son’s death,” Yi Bai explained as he slurped his noodles. “Unless Tao Min herself reveals something, no one will ever know what really happened that night. And a woman like her would never willingly shoulder such a burden—if there were any connection, she’d deny it.”

That was true. No one would foolishly confess to murder. It seemed the cousin’s efforts were destined to be in vain.

However, things took a turn about two weeks later when the cousin came to find Chen Xin, asking her to help arrange a meeting with Yi Bai.

“I found some evidence on the mountain that shows there was some kind of struggle between them, but I don’t know if it’s enough to accuse Tao Min. I need Officer Yi to help verify it,” he said.

“Yi Bai isn’t the detective in charge of that area. He probably can’t help much. Why don’t you report this directly to the local police?” Chen Xin asked, puzzled by his persistence.

“Tao Min’s parents have already influenced the local police. When I tried to file a report, they refused, saying they had confirmed it was an accidental death with no criminal cause,” the cousin replied. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and he looked gaunt, clearly worn down by the ordeal. It seemed even the deceased’s parents had given up, leaving only him to seek justice.

Yi Bai arrived after work. Upon seeing the cousin, he showed no surprise but asked Chen Xin to arrange a discreet meeting place.

After more than an hour of closed-door discussion, the cousin left with red eyes. Yi Bai remained behind, staring at photos and documents, chain-smoking. By the time Zhou Hao came looking for him, only two cigarettes remained in the pack, and the ashtray overflowed with butts.

“What’s the matter? Are you convinced that the cousin’s story is true—that his cousin’s death wasn’t accidental?” Zhou Hao asked, not particularly curious but aware that Yi Bai had little tolerance for injustice. Had he known of any foul play, he would have done everything to uncover the truth. The cousin had come to the right person.

“Chen Xin, help me come up with an excuse to go back up the mountain. Don’t let others suspect anything—say you’re looking for some ingredients or something,” Yi Bai requested.

“No problem. We can say we’re gathering bamboo shoots and wild game, then stay on the mountain for a few days. I’ll write some articles and take photos as cover, and you can use the opportunity to collect the evidence you need,” Chen Xin proposed thoughtfully. “It’s best if the elders don’t come with us this time. Let them go on a group trip nearby, and just the younger ones go up. It’ll draw less attention.”

Bai Mengqing was still busy with her poverty alleviation work; it was rare to see her these days. Yi Bai was also tied up with official duties, and the two hadn’t seen each other in nearly two months. Yi Bai’s mother had lost interest in matchmaking between them.

“Here’s a thought. Chunyan’s factory has just developed several new canned goods. She and her husband need to stay there for a while. Why not send the elders from several families to visit? And help me send Zhang Zhang back up the mountain to stay for a bit. Once I’m free, I’ll join them directly,” Yi Bai suggested.

Since Tao Min’s parents still had some influence locally, it would be easier for them to cause trouble. Sending the elders to Zhang’s place, where Lei Bang could keep an eye on them, would prevent anyone from daring to harm the elderly.

“It’d be best if the cousin could cause some trouble for Tao Min’s family to tie up their hands. That way, we can act more freely,” Chen Xin glanced at Song Yi. “If all else fails, we’ll have Song Yi use her charms to distract Tao Min.”

Indeed, no fool would confess to murder easily. It seemed the cousin’s efforts might be futile, but the situation was far from settled.