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After waiting a moment and observing no color change on the boat, Chu Qingzhi concluded it wasn’t 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, “Why are you applying that to a perfectly fine ship?”

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 ship’s preservation.

Initially irked, the worker’s attitude shifted upon seeing Chu Qingzhi’s beauty, turning enthusiastic, “We just do as we’re told, whatever the client asks.” Chu Qingzhi inquired, “May I take a closer look?”

“Just about to take a break, go ahead,” the worker stepped aside.

Stepping inside the ship, Chu Qingzhi sprayed a liquid, turning the wooden floorboards a vivid purple, “It’s this ship.”

Emerging, she summoned the others, “This vessel is the primary crime scene.”

Everyone entered the cabin, taken aback by the sight: swathes of the floor had turned purple – how much blood was spilled here? The cruelty of the killer was palpable.

Upon receiving the news, the manager hurried over, “My lord, I only handle rentals, nothing beyond that.”

Chu Qingzhi pressed, “Who rented this ship in recent days?”

Consulting the register, the manager replied, “Two days ago, a man named Zhang Guangsheng rented it, returning it by noon the next day.”

The worker from earlier approached, “I know Zhang Guangsheng, in his thirties, with a father bedridden for years. His mother couldn’t 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.”

“But with a sick family member, he’s always struggling to make ends meet, living a tight life. Every time you see him, he looks so weary, as if he’s about to collapse at any moment.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Where is he now? Where does he live?”

The worker responded, “He brought the ship here for me to reapply the coating, mentioned some leaks, then left. Lives in West Alley, everyone knows it.”

“Thankyou,” 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 Guangsheng’s residence.

Their guide, a spirited man in his sixties, led them to the doorstep, even calling out, “Guangsheng, you’ve got visitors.”

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, “Has Zhang Guangsheng not settled down?”

Shaking his head with a sigh, the elder replied, “No, too poor and burdened with a sick father. No woman would marry into such a situation.”

Chu Qingzhi peered through the partially closed door, “Sir, could you describe Zhang Guangsheng’s appearance for us?”

“Alright.” Seeing that they were from the government, the old man answered every question. “Tall 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. Life’s been hard on him…”

“Do you know where he might be now?”

“Usually, at this time, he’s out fishing in the river,” the elder smacked his forehead, “Look at my memory. I should have told you that he wouldn’t be home now.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “When was the last time you saw him?”

After a moment’s thought, the elder replied, “I last saw him the day before yesterday. He was all in a flurry, telling me to look after his father while he was away.”

Chu Xujin interjected, “Sister, the murderer has to be Zhang Guangsheng. He’s definitely hiding now.”

The elder’s face darkened, “What are you saying? Zhang Guangsheng committed murder?”

Chu Xujin responded, “He’s a prime suspect.”

The old man did not believe him at all. He even spoke up for Zhang Guangsheng, “Zhang Guangsheng would never kill anyone. He’s an honest man. Other than working, he takes care of his father every day. How could he kill anyone?”

Chu Xujin reassured him, “Elder, we’re still investigating. If you spot him, please inform us immediately.”

The elder nodded, “I will.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Third Brother, go inside and get a piece of Zhang Guangsheng’s clothing. Let Da Bai lead us to him.”

Chu Xujin agreed, “Alright.”

Night had fallen.

The officers returned, “Miss Chu, we’ve checked with everyone acquainted with both individuals, and they all have alibis.”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “Thank you for your hard work. Let’s go have dinner, and we can continue after.”

The officers agreed.

Ren Buqing hurried over. With Chu Qingzhi investigating for the government, it wouldn’t do for her to pay out of pocket, “Miss Qingzhi, thankfully we have you uncovering so many clues.”

“It’s a team effort,” Chu Qingzhi said, looking down at Da Bai resting on the ground. “Once Da Bai finds Zhang Guangsheng, we should be close to solving this case.”

“Indeed,” 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, “This seems to be the same road we took to West Alley during the day.”

Ren Buqing deduced, “This suggests Zhang Guangsheng is likely hiding near his home.”

Chu Xujin noted, “He’s clever.”

Da Bai suddenly stopped, nuzzling Chu Qingzhi’s leg…

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “I’ll walk, I’m not tired. Lead the way.”

Chu Xujin, curious, asked, “Sister, what did Da Bai say to you?”

Chu Qingzhi chuckled, “It thinks I’m too tired from running around all day and suggested I ride on its back.”

Ren Buqing envied the bond, his gaze fixed on Da Bai, “Not only does Da Bai understand humans, but it also cares deeply for its owner.”

Chu Qingzhi held great affection for Da Bai, “Da Bai is indeed remarkable.”

As the group praised Da Bai, they arrived at a doorstep.

Ge Lihua, with a knack for directions, pointed towards the right, “Qingzhi, that way is Zhang Guangsheng’s home.”

Chu Qingzhi looked in the direction, about five hundred meters from Zhang Guangsheng’s house, “It’s a good hideout, unexpectedly so.”

This spot offered a clear view of his home, making it easier for him to keep an eye on and care for his father.