National Forensic Doctor-Chapter 1139 - 1070: Stars Can Also Die

Jiang Yuan finished the call and, while enjoying hotpot, shared the situation about Lu Jianchun with everyone.

Wang Chuanxing and the others weren’t exactly speechless, but they couldn’t help expressing endless amazement.

Shen Yaowei clicked his tongue in wonder, "This is what it means — brave people get to enjoy the world first."

Liu Wenkai chuckled dryly, "Some people are brave enough, but all they get are bullets."

"Cough, cough..." Mu Zhiyang couldn’t hold back and interjected, "Captain Liu..."

"I’m talking about Lu Jianchun. He’s the proactive and brave type, which means he also proactively catches bullets," Liu Wenkai clarified.

Mu Zhiyang put down his chopsticks: "Sometimes I’m proactive, sometimes I’m passive."

"You’re quite a character," Liu Wenkai laughed, "Unlike Lu Jianchun, who’s just too traditional."

Mu Zhiyang was momentarily at a loss for a comeback.

Tang Jia burst out laughing but quickly tried to make amends, "Brother Mu is loyal and courageous, brave without a hint of retreat."

"Zhiyang’s bravery means he’s ready to take bullets when needed, but even when he retreats, he can still take the bullets." Liu Wenkai continued teasing, patting Mu Zhiyang on the shoulder with a grin, "Zhiyang isn’t having an easy time either. Comparing him with Lu Jianchun shows us the true definition of courage. Captain Jiang, it’s about time we promoted Mu Team."

"Promote him. When we’re back, officially assign Zhiyang as a deputy section chief with a team under him," Jiang Yuan said casually as he enjoyed his hotpot.

Liu Wenkai was stunned, "Just like that, the deputy section chief issue is resolved."

Jiang Yuan glanced at him, "The Taihe Working Group has several available slots, plus enough officer positions. I’ve already discussed it with Director Huang. Once we’re back, it should be settled."

Liu Wenkai let out a sharp "tsss" sound, suddenly unsure whether he should feel envious or not.

The deputy section chief title, while seemingly insignificant in big cities and major organizations, was a coveted prize in smaller towns — often requiring connections and resources to achieve. Liu Wenkai himself had only recently taken over Huang Qiangmin’s position as the head of the Criminal Police Brigade, which earned him the title. Wu Junhao got his promotion around the same time, while Wu Jun could only secure treatment-level perks for the same position, aiming for a better post-retirement pension instead.

Mu Zhiyang, so young — how did he...

"Deputy Section Chief Mu is the bravest; he deserves to enjoy the world first!" Liu Wenkai had convinced himself.

"Let’s dip some meat!" Mu Zhiyang laughed cheekily, sweeping an entire platter straight into the hotpot.

It’s undeniable — hotpot tastes best when shared among police officers, with extra meat cooked to make the broth rich and flavorful.

After the meal, Jiang Yuan directly granted the group some time off.

The 303 case, after all, belonged to the Changyang City Criminal Police Detachment, and Jiang Yuan’s Accumulated Case Team had essentially taken over much of the investigation work. The subsequent handling stages didn’t require their involvement, nor did the local team expect any outside help — much like the interrogation phase, where even someone like Meng Chengbiao, whose official assignment was technically still with the Changyang City Criminal Police Detachment, operated differently after being transferred out.

By the afternoon, Yu Wenshu called Jiang Yuan again. At this point, most aspects of the investigation had essentially been confirmed. Yu Wenshu spoke in a relaxed manner, "What do you think? Is this case freaky enough for you? Didn’t I say, in a city as big as Changyang, there’s bound to be some twisted cases?"

"Chief Yu, I’m not particularly fond of twisted cases," Jiang Yuan said helplessly, "I still don’t know how we even ended up on this topic..."

"I know, I know. Should I recount our entire conversation for you?" Yu Wenshu perked up, seemingly energized.

"No need, no need," Jiang Yuan quickly replied, though he sounded slightly frustrated, adding, "Whatever you say — I don’t remember anyway, and I have no way to refute it..."

"Huh? You’re resorting to that tactic now?" The moment Yu Wenshu heard this, his mind automatically recalled the countless days and nights dominated by his wife.

"Chief Yu, if there’s nothing else, I’ll just..."

"No, no, no. Plenty of twisted cases. I’ve got another one to introduce to you," Yu Wenshu cut him off swiftly.

Jiang Yuan sighed, "Chief Yu, I just said I wasn’t..."

"I get you, I get you. You don’t have to say it twice. I’ve already understood," Yu Wenshu reassured, pausing briefly before continuing, "I have a friend..."

Ending the call, Jiang Yuan immediately dialed Huang Qiangmin.

Some time passed.

Huang Qiangmin returned the call, saying, "This is no small matter. Still, Old Dai over in Lanyue City has a good reputation. This time, they’ve even requested support from the Ministry, which likely includes mentioning you in the process."

Huang Qiangmin started with a bit of a heads-up before continuing, "At Old Dai’s local film base, a celebrity was found dead. They didn’t say who, but apparently, it’s someone we’d definitely know. Right now, they’ve locked down the entire production crew. If you’re taking the case, we’ll need to act fast; otherwise, the pressure from all sides will only escalate."

"Does Lanyue City want our involvement? Are they willing to cooperate?" Jiang Yuan asked, "To solve a case quickly, the demands from all parties will inevitably increase."

"They’re definitely willing. Besides, the Ministry is backing us strongly and has even arranged a special plane for you. Bring as many people as you want — the more, the merrier. This is effectively an offsite operation, and it saves the trouble of coordinating through the Ministry," Huang Qiangmin explained.

"Got it. We’ll depart immediately." Jiang Yuan hung up, stepped out of his bedroom, crossed through the living room, and found Wang Chuanxing rummaging through the kitchen. "Inform everyone — emergency assembly. Be at the airport within an hour and a half. Special flight mission."

"Understood." Wang Chuanxing quickly grabbed a few packs of cured beef — leftovers he had initially deemed unappealing — and began making phone calls.

Jiang Yuan didn’t disclose the destination; it might as well be some remote wilderness. Stocking up on resources couldn’t hurt.

An hour and a half later.

A large group of dozens boarded a temporarily dispatched medium-sized jet, cutting ahead on the runway and taking off within minutes, speeding toward Lanyue City.

Several flight attendants, their smiles radiant, provided abundant food and beverages for the team.

Sitting at the front, Jiang Yuan received extra attention. One petite flight attendant, her youthful face glowing, came up frequently with subtle warmth, serving tea and drinks. Even when securing his seatbelt, she smiled sweetly at him.

Normally, commercial airlines would take nearly three hours for the journey, but with the private jet, it took just over an hour. However, the landing speed was noticeably aggressive, and the tires’ contact with the runway sounded a bit concerning.

Under the pitch-black night sky, the runway was flanked by not only marker lights but also nearly a dozen police cars with their hazard lights blinking.

As Jiang Yuan and his team descended the aircraft stairs, a large group of burly, uniformed police officers hurried to welcome them.

"Captain Jiang. Welcome, welcome..." Having studied Jiang Yuan’s photograph beforehand, Dai Mingsheng easily identified him, firmly gripping his hand and shaking it twice. "Thank you for making time to come to Lanyue. Shall we head to the scene first or examine the body?"

His tone was filled with modesty and caution, clearly showing the immense pressure he was under.

Jiang Yuan thought for a moment, "Was the body discovered today? Let’s examine the body first. Photos and videos of the crime scene can be shown to me beforehand, and please arrange someone to explain the details."

"I’ll personally brief you," Dai Mingsheng assured, leading Jiang Yuan onto a GL8 vehicle, and once the door closed, he revealed, "The deceased is the famous actress Li Aiyuan!"

This was indisputably a major celebrity — just over 30 years old, flourishing in both TV dramas and films, an award-winning actress whose popularity was soaring in the entertainment industry.

Watching Jiang Yuan’s expression closely, Dai Mingsheng added, "I know what you’re thinking. At the time, they were filming, and the site was entirely sealed off. Both entrances and exits were monitored by surveillance cameras. The crew consisted of over 60 people, all production staff, and no outsiders were present."

Jiang Yuan nodded slowly.

Dai Mingsheng continued, "The victim wrapped up her scenes around 1 a.m. and went to the dressing room to change. Within those 10-odd minutes, she disappeared. Her two assistants initially searched for her quietly and tried contacting her but couldn’t reach Li Aiyuan. Only then did they notify the director. One hour later, the director, assuming she had snuck off somewhere, conducted a small-scale search with the assistants. By 8 a.m., on-site cleaners discovered Li Aiyuan’s body beneath a prop bed."

Jiang Yuan kept nodding.

Sitting in the same vehicle, Liu Jinghui listened intently, visibly intrigued, "A sealed location with numerous witnesses and surveillance footage means the window for the killer to act is remarkably short. It also implies everyone essentially has an alibi, but someone must be lying!"

Stressed enough to feel like pulling his hair out, Dai Mingsheng stared at Liu Jinghui for a moment before suddenly realizing, "You must be Shannan’s Deductive King."

Liu Jinghui smiled, "You flatter me."

"It’s an honor." Dai Mingsheng nodded, then dropped his voice slightly, adding, "Still, once this case gets publicized, it’ll certainly grab nationwide attention. We must rely on solid evidence."

Liu Jinghui: ⁽͑˙˚̀⚐˚́˙⁾̉