Zhou Ning nodded and handed the fingerprint comparison report to Xu Dayuan, then picked up the camera.
"This is the result of the fingerprint comparison—in the Volkswagen CC, a thorough interior cleaning was done, and only glove fingerprints were found. However, many fingerprints were found on the Nissan, including those of the ex-boyfriend Wang Fuhao, both fingerprints and palm prints, proving his story about switching cars for a race was true.
As for the Volkswagen CC, we discovered traces of replacements on the windshield, bumper, headlights, and tires, even though the killer wiped these traces clean.
However, the Luminol reagent on the hood tested positive, and the pattern matches exactly with the bloodstain between the victim's ribs. Bloodstains were also found on the windshield wiper cover, and Zhao Xinli has sent it for testing, and results are expected in three hours.
Though results are not out yet, I'm ninety percent sure that Yang Yufei was the one who drove the Volkswagen CC and hit the victim Su Manli. As for who stabbed Su Manli, that will need confirmation from Xu Da.
However, it's undeniable that in the early morning with poor visibility, if the car was speeding over 150 mph, and a person appeared at the bridge exit, perhaps he also did not see clearly whether he hit a person or an animal."
Xu Dayuan threw down his hat, clapped Zhou Ning on the shoulder with his palms, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Zhou Ning.
"Doctor Zhou, you are my lucky charm. These evidences will crush them thoroughly; no one can turn things around. This boosts my confidence for the interrogation, and I will recommend you for a commendation once the case is closed.
Oh, by the way, that girl named Wenxuan is on her way here, and you'll have to help check her bag later."
Zhou Ning nodded, as long as the case could be solved, how to interrogate was not his concern. After all, the case seemed to be clear, but he was still intrigued by the girl—who was strong-willed and resolute, truly something else.
"Did you check the girl's identity?"
Xu Dayuan laughed.
"You're quite a gossip, aren't you? I'll tell you—her name is Sun Wenxuan and she's also a student at the Health School, a classmate of Su Manli, and her father is in Lihua Group.
As for the rest, we can guess without interrogation: young people fighting and being jealous, she wanted to get close to Yang Yufei, and found Su Manli obstructive; now, the question is whether the weapon will be so easily found."
Zhou Ning blinked, thinking about the small hole on the purse.
"We'll talk when she arrives. In front of someone she likes, a girl always wants to maintain her image."
At this moment, there was the sound of car doors slamming from outside the window. Zhou Ning looked down from the window; several people were bringing Sun Wenxuan, who kept crying weakly:
"Why are you arresting me? What crime did I commit?"
Xu Dayuan, holding the fingerprint comparison report, pointed Zhou Ning towards the door, then walked away.
Zhou Ning exhaled deeply, spotted half a pack of cigarettes on Doctor Liu's desk, took one out and lit it. He wasn't much of a smoker, initially only smoking casually, but now he truly needed a bit of a mental break.
From yesterday morning until now, twenty-four hours—it had been breathtaking, more eventful than his previous twenty-six years combined.
The sound from downstairs gradually disappeared, and the office door opened again just as he finished his cigarette.
Mr. Liu peeked in, waving at Zhou Ning.
"Doctor Zhou, Xu Da asked me to call you to examine the suspect's belongings."
Zhou Ning nodded, put on his mask, gloves, hat, carried his inspection box and camera, and followed Mr. Liu to the interrogation room on the first floor. This was his first time coming here; the door even had a keypad lock.
Upon opening the door, the blue padded wall covering and the metal chair were very conspicuous.
Sun Wenxuan was sitting on the chair, her chest heaving, tears not yet dry on her face, but she remained silent.
Xu Da simply gestured with his hand, and Zhou Ning walked over to Xu Da's desk, where the purse was placed, its brand indicating it was expensive.
"Check her purse; it has been confirmed as her personal belonging."
Zhou Ning knew this sentence was meant for Sun Wenxuan to hear, but Sun Wenxuan struggled to speak.
"My purse is expensive, don't mess with it!"
Her words were weak, Zhou Ning lifted the purse, noticed a small hole on the bottom, took an external photo of it, then opened it to see a black knitted lining inside, shining a flashlight inside to discover a damaged area.
Clearly hardened, it was obvious even without guessing that this was a bloodstain. Zhou Ning took another photo, then emptied the contents of the purse, squeezing the purse from top to bottom, discovering a long trace at the bottom.
Zhou Ning paused his actions, knowing by the shape that it was the weapon. He reopened the purse, tore open a zipper on the side, and a green plastic-handled flathead screwdriver appeared.
The screwdriver was relatively clean, but between the handle and the metal rod, blood could be seen.
One wonders whether to praise Sun Wenxuan for her cleverness or her foolishness—taking away the murder weapon was right to stall the police investigation, but keeping such an item without disposing of it sooner—was it to save for the New Year?
Without needing instructions, Mr. Liu already approached with an evidence bag.
Zhou Ning didn't rush, lifted fingerprints from the screwdriver handle, a very clear thumbprint. He picked up the fingerprint sample for Sun Wenxuan from Xu Da's desk; no need to go through the comparison system—the fingerprints matched perfectly, not a detail missing.
After throwing the screwdriver inside, he sampled the hole on the outside of the leather bag with a swab, then cut a piece of the corresponding knit fabric from the inside and packed them before looking at Xu Dayuan.
"Xu Da, the sample has been collected. The fingerprints on the screwdriver belong to Sun Wenxuan. The blood test is very quick; results can come out in three hours. However, the length and width of the weapon match the fatal wound on Su Manli."
Xu Dayuan nodded, his face showing approval. For Sun Wenxuan, this statement was the final straw, as all her hopes were dashed.
Yang Lihua could protect her son, but what about her?
It was too late to avoid suspicion, but at least Sun Wenxuan's appearance had spared her son from a murder charge.
Zhou Ning came out with his equipment and exhaled, glancing at Liu Yong.
"Did you hear Xu Da's instructions? Are you driving me to the county hospital?"
Liu Yong nodded.
"Let's go. I just got my driver's license, and there's a car at the station."
The two happily got into the car and sped to the county hospital, where Zhao Xinli was already waiting at the entrance. After all, Zhou Ning was unfamiliar with the procedures here, and he had already contacted him during the drive.
Seeing Zhou Ning staggering out of the car, Zhao Xinli quickly approached, grabbed Zhou Ning's arm, and took the evidence box from him.
"What happened?"
Mr. Liu looked embarrassed, scratching his head and sheepishly said,
"It's just... Doctor Zhou is a bit carsick, no big deal!"
Zhou Ning shook his head and patted his chest to ease some of the discomfort before straightening up.
"Block him, his driving is lethal. He drives fast then slow like it's a rocking boat, especially speeding up at intersections, zipping left and right. I'm someone who doesn't get seasick even in a force eight gale!"
Zhao Xinli grinned and kicked Mr. Liu.
"You're tired of living, eh? Doctor Zhou is too valuable right now. If your skills aren't up to it, go practice instead of making a fool of yourself. Wait here while I go deliver the samples."
Mr. Liu quickly came over to support Zhou Ning, while Zhao Xinli hurried into the east side building of the county hospital.
Zhou Ning had a drink of water and patted Mr. Liu.
"I'm feeling better now. Liu Yong, you can go back first. I'll wait for the results and head back with Zhao Xinli."
Without any further ado, Liu Yong drove off.
Zhou Ning bought some fruits and a box of milk at the supermarket in front of the county hospital.
Zhao Xinli also came out, seeing what he was holding and naturally understanding his intentions, he checked his watch.
"The first batch of lab results is about to come out. The technician says the blood comparison is very quick. Let's go see Doctor Liu."
They both went directly to see the forensic doctor. Doctor Liu kept a straight face, although his wife was much friendlier than the last time, given Zhou Ning always managed social niceties properly.
Doctor Liu asked about the progress of the case, surprised that they had results so soon. Although more tests were still needed, the forensic work was virtually finished. Considering it was a murder case, he was extremely thrilled.
It wasn't until Zhao Xinli received a call with the lab results that they stood up to leave, with Doctor Liu's wife personally seeing them out.
Having received the lab results, they quickly returned to the forensic office where Xu Dayuan was waiting at his desk.
On the way, Zhou Ning had already reviewed the results - the bloodstains in the Volkswagen, the screwdriver, the handbag, the lining, all belonged to Su Manli. He handed the report to Xu Dayuan.
Zhou Ning curiously asked,
"Did Sun Wenxuan confess?"
Xu Dayuan nodded and sighed, blowing out a ring of smoke.
"Yes, she admitted that she stabbed Su Manli."
Seeing Xu Dayuan's demeanor, Zhao Xinli sensed something was off.
"Boss, what's the matter? The suspect confessed, isn't that good? We can close the case now!"
Xu Dayuan glared at him.
"You don't understand a thing. Although Sun Wenxuan admitted to stabbing Su Manli, it was under the directions of Yang Yufei. Yang Yufei felt that Su Manli was involved with everyone, so he arranged this whole race."
Zhou Ning and Zhao Xinli exchanged glances, both stunned.