Chapter 345: Chapter 345: Bone Reading, Divination, Bitter Fate!

Chen Xiao had just touched the deceased’s entire body.

After utilizing the Power of Bathing.

His mind reported back to him, revealing many old injuries on the deceased’s body.

The feedback was like an eye searching on his behalf.

However, the first time Chen Xiao used the Power of Bathing, that eye stopped directly at Jiao Yan’s elbow.

Though Mu Rong had many old ailments and injuries, there was never a clear pinpoint.

The eye guiding Chen Xiao’s vision seemed to wander over Mu Rong’s entire body.

Chen Xiao waited for a while, but the situation remained the same.

This had to make him suspect that perhaps Mu Rong’s death was indeed due to excessive sorrow for her daughter, which triggered an old illness.

Since this possibility was high, Chen Xiao decided not to waste any more time.

He pulled Pan Huiping aside and said:

"Captain Pan, let’s go back to the team to look at Qiu Tingfang’s body first."

"Alright."

Pan Huiping was decisive in nature.

Although she thought Chen Xiao should wait for the forensic report first, since Chen Xiao had spoken, she figured he had made his decision.

The two of them left the scene first, and then Pan Huiping drove directly to the Celestial Valley District Branch’s Criminal Police Team.

Upon arriving at the Criminal Police Team, the state of Qiu Tingfang’s body that Chen Xiao saw was post-autopsy.

Nevertheless, Chen Xiao chose to examine it himself.

This process didn’t last long, less than half an hour in total.

Pan Huiping remained silent, and only after Chen Xiao covered the deceased with a white sheet did she speak:

"You mentioned you know some forensic science, but you also said your methods are different from others. So you only do surface examinations, right?"

"Sort of. After all, I’m not formally trained in forensic science. I just learned a bit from an old Chinese doctor and am sensitive to old injuries."

Pan Huiping thought carefully about this statement and, not feeling anything wrong, said:

"What do you plan to do next?"

"Earlier, during my discussion with Qiu Huasheng, I noticed an issue: Qiu Tingfang’s surname might be wrong."

Pan Huiping immediately became alert: "How can the surname be wrong? The orphanage provided the surname, and Qiu Tingfang herself said her surname was Qiu."

"Why not wrong? At that time, Qiu Tingfang was only six years old. Back then, children started school late, and some didn’t even go to school. Can she really differentiate between the surname Qiu and the characters for ’hill’ or ’autumn’?"

"While investigating Qiu Tingfang’s biological parents, Captain Pan knows they checked local records. There are no people with the surname Qiu in the area, but there are people with the surnames Qiu (hill) and Qiu (autumn), so there’s a possibility of a mistake!"

As Pan Huiping listened, she looked at Chen Xiao and then gave a thumbs up:

"Such sensitivity and sharp thinking! I had never thought about the issue with the surname."

"That’s because Captain Pan was the first to contact the homicide, while I only got involved when things had developed to a certain extent, so I gained certain advantages."

Chen Xiao said, then changed the subject:

"The surname issue needs to be investigated, but at present, it may not be very important to the case."

Pan Huiping nodded: "Since you’ve considered it, follow me to the meeting room. The case files are ready, including Qiu Tingfang’s autopsy results."

Chen Xiao was about to agree, but upon inadvertently seeing Liu Dayou standing outside, he suddenly said:

"No rush, let my friend come take a look too."

"Who?"

Pan Huiping asked, and Chen Xiao pointed to Liu Dayou, saying, "That thin one, he’s... quite good at this."

Pan Huiping had a poor impression of Liu Dayou; his smile earlier in the car left her somewhat resistant.

But since Chen Xiao insisted, Pan Huiping didn’t stop him. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

After Liu Dayou came in, Chen Xiao reminded him: "Read her bones, and I’ll provide her birth data later. But be prepared, as she was still young when separated from her parents, and her birthdate might not be 100 percent accurate."

Liu Dayou nodded, but seeing the gloves Chen Xiao handed over, he hesitantly said:

"Can I skip wearing these? My skills are limited, and a barrier could cause issues."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao went to discuss with Pan Huiping.

She was surprised: "Bone reading, fortune telling?"

"Why not give it a try? The autopsy is done and stringent measures taken place. It might help to explore some alternative methods now."

Reluctantly, Pan Huiping nodded: "Alright."

In truth, Pan Huiping was also curious about the legendary art of bone reading.

Especially as a seasoned detective, she wouldn’t outright dismiss unconventional methods.

With Pan Huiping’s permission, Liu Dayou proceeded.

As Liu Dayou demonstrated his ability, the sleaziness in his demeanor lessened significantly, replaced with solemnity and seriousness.

Even Chen Xiao found this Liu Dayou different from last time.

Last time when he read the bones of Chen Yan, who was detained, he was somewhat casual.

Now, he was very earnest.

However, both Chen Xiao and Pan Huiping only had hearsay knowledge about bone reading.

So during Liu Dayou’s demonstration, they didn’t quite understand.

Watching Liu Dayou, Chen Xiao thought he should humbly consult him in the future when there’s time.

After all, among three people, there’s always one who can teach you something.

When Liu Dayou finished, he didn’t offer any suggestions, only saying: "I have a general understanding, but it’s better to make some judgments with her birth data."

"Then please follow me to the meeting room; I’ve had the materials moved there."

"Okay."

Along with Pan Huiping, Chen Xiao headed to the meeting room with Xiaoji and Liu Dayou.

The table was already set with materials, along with some individuals seated.

These individuals were evidently special team members from the Celestial Valley Branch.

But they were likely briefed by Pan Huiping, as they silently distributed the materials to Chen Xiao and his team before sitting quietly aside.

Chen Xiao reviewed the documents solo, while Liu Dayou and Xiaoji paired up.

Regarding the files, Liu Dayou didn’t understand some professional terms, and even Xiaoji had to learn them later.

They occasionally exchanged ideas.

After going through the files, Liu Dayou rummaged, bringing out an old turtle shell.

The officers in the meeting room were instantly taken aback.

Especially as Liu Dayou placed copper coins inside the shell, muttering incantations under his breath, creating an air of mystery.

The sound of jingling filled his hands.

The officers exchanged uncertain glances.

Only when Pan Huiping gave them a stern look did they stop their whispering.

After shaking for a good while, Liu Dayou finally released the copper coins.

With the coins out, both Chen Xiao and Xiaoji leaned in for a closer look.

Liu Dayou stroked his chin, furrowing his brow, eyes flickering.

However, his frown deepened, and he muttered: "Such a bitter fate shouldn’t bear wealth and prosperity!"