The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective

Soon, Zhang Biao gathered the core members of the criminal investigation team to urgently deploy a new round of investigative work.

This investigation was divided into three groups, each with clear responsibilities and focus.

The first group headed straight to the crime scene to conduct a thorough background check on Li Mountain.

They needed to meticulously piece together Li Mountain’s complete life trajectory from childhood, growth, employment to marriage, and comprehensively gather information on his family members, social relationships, friendships, and any other potentially related clues, striving not to miss any detail.

The second group focused on conducting an in-depth investigation into Li Mountain’s ex-wife, Li Mei.

They needed to clarify Li Mei’s recent whereabouts, financial transactions, and social network, paying special attention to any emotional entanglements before Li Mountain’s death, the genuine relationship between the couple, and whether there were conflicts or concerns arising from issues related to their children, hoping to find valuable breakthrough clues.

The core task of the third group was to conduct a systematic review and in-depth re-analysis of all the examination materials from the crime scene.

This step was an arrangement outside the original investigation plan, added at the last minute by Director Lu during the case analysis meeting—particularly emphasizing the need to re-examine doubts about the identification of footprints at the scene.

Director Lu couldn’t let go of this issue: On one hand, that key footprint was extracted from the peripheral area of the scene, which was in a ”gray area” easily overlooked;

On the other hand, the initial suspicion was raised by Jiang An, who was only a forensic pathologist and not a professional trace evidence examiner.

An ”outsider” was able to spot anomalies in the existing materials, while the trace experts responsible for the fieldwork failed to recognize them in time.

This undoubtedly reflects potential shortcomings in the current investigation work—a lack of comprehensiveness, insufficient detail, and inadequate in-depth analysis.

Upon realizing this, Director Lu felt a slight warmth on his face.

This concerns not only professional dignity but also directly affects the accuracy of the investigation direction.

Therefore, he resolved that this review must be thorough and rigorous, leaving no stone unturned, and through refined analysis, restore every detail of truth that might have been overlooked at the scene.

Around 11 a.m., Jiang An and Director Hou sat side by side in the conference room, a thick stack of case files spread out before them.

As they drank tea slowly, they focused intently on flipping through the documents in their hands.

As the saying goes, ”Read a book a hundred times, and its meaning will be revealed.” With each rereading of these complex case records, Jiang An gained new insights and understanding.

At this moment, even the experienced Director Hou couldn’t help but be moved by Jiang An’s keen insight and calm judgment.

He picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip, and with an approving gaze, slowly said, ”Jiang An, your abilities always give me new insights...”

Jiang An smiled slightly, modestly waving his hand, ”Director Hou, you really flatter me.”

”My insights are just minor skills, how dare I claim competence before you?”

”When it comes to experience and vision in handling cases, you’ve crossed more bridges than I’ve walked roads.”

Director Hou sighed lightly, raised his hand to rub his temples, showing a touch of sentiment, ”Age catches up eventually, my thinking isn’t as agile as you young folks.”

”Take this case, for example, I’ve participated in several preliminary discussions, but I couldn’t pick up on the psychological abnormal traits of the suspect that you mentioned earlier.”

”Especially the signs of inward toes seen in the footprints at the scene—a crucial detail that I also overlooked.”

He shook his head, his tone gradually turning grave, ”Over the years, I considered myself deeply rooted in the field of criminal detection, having achieved some success.”

”But listening to your analysis today, I truly grasp what it means when they say, ’there are always newer generations to be feared.’”

”Your accomplishments in this area are not only more agile in thought than us older folks, but your perspective is also sharper and more discerning.”

At that moment, Director Lu walked in from outside with a cheerful laugh, holding a box of still-sealed tea leaves.

”Haha, I also think Captain Jiang has a keen eye!”

His voice was loud and warm with appreciation, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present, ”Director Hou’s words just now were sincere and precise, speaking directly to our hearts as case handlers.”

”I’ve been working in criminal investigation in Dongcheng City for nearly thirty years, and hearing these words truly resonates with me.”

”And speaking of Jiang An,” he shifted his gaze to Jiang An, his tone openly admiring, ”even though young, just in terms of theoretical grounding in criminology and on-site insight—it probably exceeds any of us here—”

He intentionally dragged out his tone at this point, ”more than ninety-nine point nine percent of people.”

”I’m not exaggerating at all, these days, everyone has witnessed it.”

With that, he casually picked up the elegantly packaged box of tea leaves in front of him, unhurriedly opening it.

As soon as the aluminum foil lining was opened, a light and long-lasting fragrance of tea subtly filled the room.

”This is a superior Tieguanyin, specially brought by an old friend from Fujian, harvested this spring.”

”Such an opportunity is rare, everyone should have a taste.”

As he spoke, he deftly poured the tea leaves into a small purple clay pot, slowly pouring in freshly boiled spring water.

”Let’s chat and drink at the same time.”

”The case needs to be tackled, the mind can’t stop; this good tea not only refreshes and helps focus but also calms the mind, perhaps while drinking, our thoughts will become clearer.”

Unknowingly, through these days of close communication and collaboration, the distance between Director Lu and Jiang An had quietly lessened significantly.