Chapter 2060: Chapter 2060: The Real Cause of Death

Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Given Zhang Guoping’s character, it’s not surprising that he ended up hooking up with someone after going to a bathhouse,” Zhang Peng analyzed.

“I guess the reason Zhang Guoping wants to divorce Pang Lanjun might be because of this woman’s influence.”

Lin Yi nodded in agreement. “It’s possible. If I recall correctly, this woman has a six-year-old son, so she’s probably looking for someone to take responsibility. Zhang Guoping would be the perfect candidate.”

“But the problem is that Zhang Guoping doesn’t actually have any money. The inheritance doesn’t belong to him,” Zhang Peng pointed out.

“It seems like this Xu Pingping is just being used for free.”

“Not necessarily,” Gu Yiran interjected.

“Murder isn’t a trivial matter. If the deaths of those two people had no impact on the case, the killer wouldn’t have done it. We just haven’t figured out the reason yet.”

“Sister Yiran, are you suggesting that Zhang Guoping might actually have a way to get the inheritance?” Zhang Zixin asked.

“That’s what I’m speculating, but the exact reason is still unclear.”

“If we can’t figure it out by analysis, then let’s stop analyzing,” Lin Yi said.

“We just need to initiate the inheritance distribution process immediately. That will tell us whether Zhang Guoping is the killer.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Lin Yi’s approach.

At that moment, footsteps were heard outside the door as Li Xianghui walked in, holding a file.

“There’s been a new development in Sui Xin’s case.”

Li Xianghui announced while holding up the file.

“It turns out that the actual poisoning wasn’t from her porridge but from a packet of pickles that was placed nearby.”

“Pickles?”

The four of them exclaimed in surprise.

Lin Yi and Gu Yiran recalled the scene at the crime site, where there had been a half-eaten packet of pickles.

“Although cyanide was detected in the porridge, it’s likely that the victim mixed the pickles into the porridge, which is a common way to eat it.”

Lin Yi thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up. “Was there a packet of pickles on her delivery order?”

“I have a picture.”

Gu Yiran said, checking her phone. “It looks like there wasn’t. The order was just for porridge and a bun!”

“That explains it!”

Lin Yi said. “The restaurant and the delivery guy are both clean. The poisoned pickles were likely planted in the victim’s home by the killer beforehand! When she wasn’t feeling well last night and decided to eat the pickles, she ended up being poisoned!”

“If that’s the case, then it’s clear the killer must be someone very close to the victim!”

“Not necessarily. Friends or colleagues could have done it too. After all, pickles aren’t expensive, and giving them as a small gift wouldn’t be unusual.” Lin Yi added.

“But this seems to clear Zhang Guoping of suspicion. He had no contact with Sui Xin,” Gu Yiran observed.

“On the surface, yes, but there might be connections we’re not aware of,” Lin Yi said.

“You all continue with your tasks. I’m going to find Xu Pingping to get more information.”

“I’ll go with you, Brother Lin.”

Zhang Zixin quickly volunteered to go with Lin Yi as they left the building.

Lin Yi first called Huaqing Lake. When they learned Lin Yi was looking for Xu Pingping’s contact, they quickly provided her number.

After getting the number, Lin Yi easily got in touch with Xu Pingping and arranged to meet at a café.

An hour later, at a Starbucks cafe.

Xu Pingping, carrying a purse, approached Lin Yi and greeted him with a nod.

“Mr. Lin, you wanted to see me?”

Although she no longer worked there, everyone at Huaqing Lake knew what kind of person Lin Yi was.

Even though she was now involved with Zhang Guoping, Xu Pingping still felt intimidated by Lin Yi and spoke to him with a humble tone.

“Have a seat. No need to be so nervous. I just want to ask you a few questions.”

“Sure, sure. Ask me anything you want, Mr. Lin.”

“You’ve recently latched onto Zhang Guoping, haven’t you?”

“Huh?”

Xu Pingping was momentarily stunned. “Mr. Lin, you even know about that?”

“Don’t dodge the question. Just answer.”

“We haven’t known each other long,” Xu Pingping said seriously.

“He only started coming to Huaqing Lake a few months ago. I guess he thought I looked okay, so he kept choosing me and even extended the sessions. But he’s such a pervert, always getting handsy. If it weren’t for the fact that he seemed wealthy and I have a son to think about, I wouldn’t have bothered with him. Compared to you, Mr. Lin, he’s far from satisfactory.”

Zhang Zixin, “…”

There’s really no comparison, okay?

“I know a bit about Zhang Guoping’s situation, and he doesn’t seem to have much money. Are you sure you’re not mistaken?” Lin Yi asked.

“On the surface, it looks like he doesn’t have much, but actually, he’s the heir to some demolition compensation.”

Xu Pingping replied, her eyes gleaming as if she had already married into wealth.

“I heard that when his father passed away, he left over ten million yuan in cash and a building worth over a hundred million. Once he wins the lawsuit, all that money will be his. If I stick with him, I’ll be living the high life in no time.”

“But don’t forget, he’s still married. Do you really think you have a chance?”

“Well, opportunities are there to be seized,” Xu Pingping said.

“I’m already working on persuading him to get a divorce. If we act now, while the money hasn’t been transferred yet, and they get divorced, the entire inheritance will go to Zhang Guoping. That’s when my good days will begin.”

“But his wife isn’t easy to deal with. Are you sure you can pull this off?”

“Actually, his wife isn’t the main issue. The power lies with Zhang Guoping, so she doesn’t really stand a chance,” Xu Pingping explained.

“Besides, we’ve already bought off the lawyer, and he’s on our side. It won’t be long before she’s out of the picture, and Zhang Guoping can keep everything.”

“The lawyer? You hired a lawyer for the divorce case?” Lin Yi inquired.

“No, we didn’t hire one.” Xu Pingping replied.

“Zhang Guoping is currently in a legal battle with his sister over the inheritance, so there’s a lawyer already involved. He’s handling the divorce case as well.”

“Divorce cases require specialized legal expertise. Are you sure this lawyer, who’s handling an inheritance dispute, can manage a divorce case effectively?”

“I don’t know much about that, but the lawyer is quite capable. Plus, he’s really handsome. Even though he’s not as attractive as you, Mr. Lin, he’s still pretty charming.”

“You’ve got a five- or six-year-old son. Can’t you be a bit more mindful of your image?” Lin Yi said in exasperation.

“You know I can’t help myself. I have a bit of a wild streak. It’s like they say, once a flirt, always a flirt. When I see a handsome guy, I just lose control, especially those eyes of his—they’re like a fox’s, so seductive. One look, and I’m totally smitten.”

Xu Pingping chuckled to herself. “If Zhang Guoping weren’t keeping such a close watch on me, I would have already reached out to that little lawyer.”

“Seductive eyes?” Lin Yi frowned slightly, suddenly recalling something.