The Forensic Doctor Better Than a Detective

”Work comes first, I hope you understand.”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen and Mr. Qin exchanged glances, ultimately not insisting further.

The two then politely responded, ”Director Hou, you have thought it through completely, we’ll follow your arrangements.”

”I’ll instruct the cafeteria to add a few more dishes, let’s have a simple meal at the unit for lunch.”

A quarter of an hour later, everyone moved to a small private room inside the cafeteria.

Although the room was slightly separated, the food served was still portions taken from the large pot, with no additional preparation.

The atmosphere at the table was quite dull, no one spoke loudly, only the faint clinking of bowls and chopsticks could be heard.

Mr. Qin felt conflicted—originally, he had taken a vintage wine from his father-in-law, intending to use this meal as an opportunity to toast Director Hou, briefly explain the case details between drinks, and request support and endorsement from the higher-ups to wrap up the case smoothly.

After all, the bureau still had a special operation task ahead, time was tight, and no one could afford delays.

Unexpectedly, matters took a sudden turn, reaching the current impasse, making the initial plan seem futile.

It was all unexpected for Mr. Chen as well, and at this moment, he felt a certain awkwardness.

They stayed for a meal, although the other party did not decline, there was no warm response;

At the table, no one raised their glasses, naturally, the wine he had prepared was not touched;

As for the case, Director Hou’s attitude was clear, with no room for negotiation.

The ”meal, wine, case” – none unfolded as he had anticipated.

He couldn’t help but think: Perhaps inviting the higher-ups was a mistake.

If the case was entirely under their control, directly informing the family of the existing conclusion would suffice, but now, instead of simplifying matters, it has become more complicated.

Director Hou had clearly stated that he represents the Provincial Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Department, his opinion is tantamount to a directive – the case may be reopened for investigation.

Thinking about ”reopening,” Mr. Chen felt a heavy weight in his heart.

This means starting anew, investing more manpower and resources, not to mention the case has already been six months old, extending the investigation line will inevitably lose original evidence, and the best opportunity to solve it might have already passed.

If the conclusion drawn after all the effort remains unchanged from the original, all the trouble would be in vain.

With this realization, he felt a headache, diminishing clarity about how to proceed.

During the meal, he took the chance while serving dishes to subtly observe Director Hou’s expression, seeing his brows slightly furrowed and his face solemn, clearly still holding some anger.

After the meal, Mr. Chen intended to accompany Director Hou’s group to review the case files, but Director Hou politely declined: ”It may not be convenient to discuss the case with you guys here.”

”Maybe you should go back and rest first, if needed, we can contact you by phone.”

Mr. Chen and Mr. Qin exchanged a glance, then bid farewell and left.

In the parking lot, Mr. Chen silently pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his waist, opened it, and handed one to Mr. Qin, both lighting up, smoke slowly rising in the silence.

”Indeed,” Mr. Chen inhaled deeply, his voice revealing fatigue, ”it’s probably because the meeting at the petition bureau was too sharp, plus the family members directly blocking the entrance... how did these family members suddenly appear?”

Mr. Qin sighed and shook his head, ”I can’t say for sure, perhaps someone at the petition bureau leaked information.”

”Well, now it makes them feel like we’re obstructing it.”

”But it’s not the time to explain now, the events have already happened, we can only follow the Provincial Bureau’s directives step by step. If there are further changes, we’ll adjust accordingly.”

Mr. Qin looked at Mr. Chen, suggesting after some thought, ”Mr. Chen, let’s retreat for now tonight, wait for notification.”

”But we can’t let Director Hou’s team endure without any refreshments.”

”Around nine-thirty tonight, you could take some funds from the bureau and bring them some barbecue as a gesture of goodwill.”

”I won’t go, my presence might make things more awkward.”

”You know Mr. Jiang well, it’s most appropriate for you to handle this.”

Mr. Chen agreed, ”Alright, I’ll come by at nine-thirty, deliver some snacks, and see how things stand.”

On the other side, Director Hou, Jiang An, and the others had laid out the case files and notebooks, methodically going through the case clues.

Jiang An was mainly responsible for reviewing the crime scene investigation and autopsy reports, while Director Hou managed the overall direction.

Li Yan and Zhang Lei assisted alongside, silently observing and learning the working methods of the two.

After all, they had just joined this case, were inexperienced, and could offer limited substantial help, usually just running errands, doing miscellaneous tasks, and providing necessary support.

Time flew by, it was already half-past nine in the evening.

At this moment, Mr. Qin entered with several large bags of aromatic barbecue, as soon as he stepped inside, the familiar and intense scent of cumin barbecue filled the room.

As he walked in, he greeted with a smile, ”Director Hou, Mr. Jiang, you’ve worked hard! This is some famous local barbecue, specially brought for you to taste, a bit of local flavor.”

Upon hearing the voice, Director Hou didn’t look up, still fully absorbed in the case files, serious, seemingly lost in the details of the case.

Only Jiang An stood up, greeted Mr. Qin courteously, ”Mr. Qin, you know, earlier we agreed you’d head back early to rest.”

”The investigation work in the preliminary stage cost you a lot of effort, we can contact you anytime if assistance is needed.”

While speaking, Mr. Qin subtly exchanged a glance with Jiang An and slightly gestured towards Director Hou.

Jiang An understood, gently gestured ”OK,” indicating not to disturb Director Hou for now.

By now, the two younger colleagues had already taken the barbecue.

Mr. Qin still approached, politely asking Director Hou to try some, Director Hou glanced up briefly, spoke plainly, ”Just set it aside, we have evidence samples to handle here.”

The intent in those words was evident—work is crucial now, better not be distracted, you’re free to leave.

Mr. Qin, being perceptive, said no more, wisely withdrew.

Jiang An followed suit, stepping out after him.

The two walked out of the office, entering the quiet corridor opposite.

Mr. Qin then lowered his voice and spoke, ”Mr. Jiang, do you think... did we overlook something making Director Hou dissatisfied?”

Jiang An chuckled, his tone more friendly, ”It’s more than ’overlooked.’ We’ve been brothers for so many years, I’ll be straightforward—this time, indeed, you were a bit too hasty.”

”Even if the Provincial Bureau comes down to guide work, we generally wouldn’t directly set up a ’Hongmen Banquet,’ it’s kind of like forcing a tough situation.”

”Director Hou hasn’t fully grasped the case yet, asking him to nod at your conclusions upfront seemed a bit unreasonable, didn’t it?”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Qin suddenly realized, clapping his forehead, ”You’re right, that’s exactly it... but about the family, we indeed weren’t aware beforehand, probably you just found out too.”

”I suspect someone at the petition bureau set this up.”

”Actually, our previous investigation has been quite thorough, we are confident in the conclusion, so we invited you to ensure, to use your authority to solidify the conclusion.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang An’s demeanor changed, placing a hand on Mr. Qin’s shoulder, his tone turned serious, ”Mr. Qin, this case... might not be as simple as you think.”

Mr. Qin’s expression tensed, his smile vanishing instantly.

He knew Jiang An was exceptional in business matters, careful with his words, never jumping to conclusions.

If he said so, then there might truly be something unusual behind the case.

He immediately stepped closer, quietly asked, ”What? Where’s the issue?”