In the forensics lab of the Criminal Investigation Brigade, fragments of a car from the explosion site covered a massive workbench. Li Xinjian, Qiang Min, and other officers gathered around it.
A technician in a lab coat explained, "After repeated simulations, we have preliminarily determined the cause of the BMW explosion. The perpetrator attached a magnetic bomb to the car's underside near the driver's seat. The remote detonation device was connected to the car phone's power button. When the driver picked up the phone and turned it on within the set time, the explosion was triggered within seconds."
Qiang Min shrugged, "If that's the case, why bother with hiring hitmen and using a woman? Couldn't they have just blown Yang Qiu up halfway there?"
The technician continued confidently, "That's precisely the meticulous design of the mastermind. The remote device had to be timed. If there was any mishap, it might explode when someone else answered the phone, failing to ensure Yang Qiu's death. Using hitmen and a woman increased the risk and complexity but guaranteed success with multiple layers of insurance. This is a typical high-IQ crime." Li Xinjian, who had been silent, pondered further, "Perhaps the hitmen's orders were to kill Yang Qiu and then leave the scene in the BMW, ensuring they couldn't talk or collect their payment."
Qiang Min nodded repeatedly, "That makes sense, but the whole thing caused quite a commotion." "Exactly," Li Xinjian responded, "Why create such a big scene just to kill Yang Qiu? There seems to be more to it. We should delve deeper."
Qiang Min looked at Li Xinjian, "There must be a significant drug-related background behind Yang Qiu!" Li Xinjian's face grew stern as he fell into deep thought. At that moment, his phone rang. He answered, "It's me. What? Protect the scene, I'll be right there!" Qiang Min leaned in, "Another incident?"
"To Beach No. 9!" Li Xinjian was already out the door.
Dawn was breaking, the waves rolling across the boundless deep blue sea, a hint of indigo floating in the east, with a delicate silver curve on the edge of the cloudless sky.
Several police cars, their lights flashing and sirens blaring, shattered the beach's tranquility as they sped to the scene. Li Xinjian, Qiang Min, and others jumped out and ran.
In the shallow water of the beach lay a male corpse, fully dressed, curled up in a painful position. Li Xinjian and Qiang Min stood by the body as forensic officers examined it, their flashlights flickering. "It's Lv An, Deputy General Manager of Haizhou Grand Hotel," Qiang Min confirmed.
Li Xinjian's face was grim, silent.
A forensic officer reported to Li Xinjian, "Preliminary examination suggests drowning as the cause of death."
"Time of death?" Li Xinjian demanded, his gaze fixed on the sea, "As accurately as possible!"
The forensic officer replied, "Between three and five hours ago."
Li Xinjian bent slightly, shining his flashlight on Lv An's distorted face, coldly stating, "To die so inexplicably in such a place, truly an unjust death." He turned off the flashlight and, in the dim morning light, sighed heavily.
Flocks of seabirds screeched mournfully, circling overhead.