Chapter 73: Lin Xiaodou Is Taken to the Police Station for Interrogation

Meanwhile, at the town’s police station.

Inside the interrogation room, Lin Xiaodou sat quietly.

“Comrade Lin, have some water,” said one of the two police officers who entered, a female officer holding a ceramic cup.

“Thank you,” Lin Xiaodou replied, standing up to accept it.

A trace of regret flickered in the female officer’s eyes. Such a beautiful and polite young woman—how could she be involved in something like this?

“Sit down. We called you here today to assist with the investigation. There’s no need to be nervous,” the male officer said in a gentle tone.

“All right, I understand,” Lin Xiaodou replied, showing not the slightest trace of nervousness.

After all, everyone had witnessed her fight last night. Zhang Lian had even run out crying, which meant she hadn’t been seriously hurt. Zhang Lian’s death was unexpected, but had nothing to do with her. She had no reason to be afraid.

The male officer was responsible for the questioning, while the female officer took notes. The man explained the situation before asking, “After your altercation with Zhang Lian last night, did she come looking for you again?”

Lin Xiaodou shook her head. “No. After the educated youth compound’s dinner, I went straight back to sleep.”

The male officer continued, “San Lai said that after Zhang Lian went to the dinner last night, she never returned. The last person to have a conflict with her was you. Her body was found by a small river, which happens to be on the road past the cabin behind the hill. Did you notice anything unusual when you went home last night?”

Lin Xiaodou lowered her head in thought, then suddenly looked up. “I think I heard people arguing by the river last night.”

After her fight with Zhang Lian, the dinner had continued. Though the mood was a little dampened, everyone finished their meal. By the time she left for home, it was already half an hour later.

Her senses had always been sharper than most. On her way back, she had indeed heard an argument by the river. But she hadn’t been in the mood to investigate. The river was a little distance from the path, so she hadn’t gone over to check.

The male officer asked, “Besides you, did anyone else witness this?”

Lin Xiaodou shook her head. “I’m not sure about that.”

The male officer paused. “So, the argument by the river is something only you can attest to. There’s no way to verify it?”

Lin Xiaodou was taken aback, then nodded. “You could put it that way.”

The officer’s expression turned troubled. “That makes things difficult.”

Zhang Lian’s autopsy report had not yet come out. It was still unclear whether she had jumped into the river herself, had accidentally fallen in due to her injuries, or… if someone had maliciously pushed her in.

Since Lin Xiaodou was the last person to have contact with the deceased, she was the primary suspect.

After explaining all this, the two officers left the room. According to their procedure, Lin Xiaodou would have to remain at the station that night as a suspect.

Lin Xiaodou didn’t mind. She had a clear conscience and was not afraid of being investigated.

If anything, she was more concerned about Zhou Qinglang. That guy would probably have to survive on potatoes for days—she felt a little guilty about that. And the little golden monkey, who always came to her for treats and cuddles—she was already missing it. Without its visits, things felt a bit out of the ordinary.

But there was no need to worry about the little jumping spider or the small brown bear. Those two were enjoying themselves in her private space, with whatever food they wanted at their disposal. Lin Xiaodou could check on them with a sweep of her consciousness.

At noon, the female officer brought her two steamed buns and a cup of cool boiled water. After thanking her, Lin Xiaodou devoured the food ravenously. She hadn’t eaten anything since early morning and, with her large appetite, was already starving.

Seeing her eat in such a hurry, the female officer said, “Slow down, don’t choke.”

This young woman was just too endearing. Not only the female officer, but all the colleagues at the station couldn’t help feeling sympathetic toward her. That was the special treatment a pretty face received.

If it had been someone like San Lai, with his ugly looks and bad reputation, he’d be lucky to get a sip of water, let alone steamed buns.

Not long after lunch, an older male officer entered the interrogation room.

“Comrade Lin Xiaodou? Come with me.”

Though unsure of the reason, Lin Xiaodou followed him out.

The older officer led her to a rest room, where there was a single bed and a chair.

“You can rest here. If we need anything, we’ll come for you.”

Lin Xiaodou was a little surprised. Was this really the treatment for a suspect?

Perhaps reading her confusion, the officer explained, “I was asked by a friend of yours to look after you. Just stay here for now. I’ll keep an eye on your case.”

Lin Xiaodou was taken aback. “May I ask which friend?”

“I’m not sure, exactly. My nephew called on behalf of someone. His surname is Huang.”

Huang? Lin Xiaodou racked her brains but could think of no one by that name.

Never mind, she thought. She would just remember the favor for now.

“Thank you,” Lin Xiaodou said.

“No problem,” the officer replied before leaving.

With nothing to do, Lin Xiaodou lay on the bed in a daze and let her consciousness drift into her private space.

She went to the study, found a few books on criminal law and detective stories, and began reviewing them with her mind while recalling today’s interrogation in detail.

Gradually, she noticed a flaw.

San Lai had said that Zhang Lian never returned after going to the dinner last night, but no one had actually confirmed this. Once darkness fell, the villagers all went inside to sleep; nobody would have paid attention.

So, was it possible that San Lai had lied?

Lin Xiaodou thought carefully. The argument she’d heard by the river seemed to be between a man and a woman. If so, perhaps San Lai had noticed Zhang Lian hadn’t returned and went searching for her, found her by the river, and the two got into a fight.

In the end, perhaps, in a fit of rage, San Lai had seriously injured her and pushed her into the river.

Realizing this crucial point, Lin Xiaodou got up and called for someone.

The older officer was still nearby and quickly came over when he saw her.

“What is it?”

Lin Xiaodou shared her suspicions.

The officer hesitated for a moment. “I happened to be there when the body was moved earlier. There was evidence of a heavy blow to the back of the victim’s head...”