Chapter 2165 - 1180: Clues 3

At the dinner scene, Yang Xiao also made strict arrangements. He and Ye Zheng shared one table, Zhao Xuejun and Zhang Xiaomin another, Guo Tiejun and Hu Weimin yet another, with Liu Hongwei sitting alone.

Everyone even chose to eat back-to-back, unable to see the faces of people at the other tables.

Dining was purely for eating, no talking allowed, especially no conversations across tables.

After dinner, Yang Xiao continued reviewing the case files brought back by Chief Zhou, with the two occasionally exchanging whispers.

"Hai... Hai Hai..." There were many smokers in the office, and Zhang Xiaomin, who had rhinitis, was irritated by the strong smoke, causing a runny nose, covering her mouth, and coughing incessantly.

Yang Xiao was reminded by the coughing sound and immediately wanted to speak up, but he hesitated at the last moment.

Because he suddenly realized that Zhang Xiaomin was nominally "the wife" of Zhao Xuejun, and if he spoke out rashly, Ghost might mistakenly think the two had something going on in private.

At this moment, Ye Zheng noticed Yang Xiao’s hesitation and spoke up for him. Upon hearing this, Chief Zhou immediately ordered all security department members to extinguish their cigarettes and not to smoke henceforth.

If they wanted to smoke, they would have to go outside; smoking indoors was prohibited.

Chief Zhou set an example by taking a hard last puff and then stomping out the remaining cigarette butt on the ground with the toe of his shoe.

With nothing else to do, Yang Xiao repeatedly reviewed the materials. However, the benefit of looking closely was that he found a blurry handwriting in a case file from back then.

It seemed to be someone’s name, but for some reason, it had been crossed out.

Even when Yang Xiao squinted and tried hard to see, he could only make out the first character: Yang, indicating the person’s surname was Yang.

"Chief Zhou, why was this name crossed out?" Yang Xiao pulled out the paper and showed it to Chief Zhou, who was pouring hot water.

Having reviewed all these materials, Chief Zhou’s experience dictated that such details should not be overlooked.

Indeed, after examining the paper for a few seconds, Chief Zhou nodded, "I know, this person was Yang Shuzhen, a former doctor at the health clinic. After Zhou Wenqing was captured, Doctor Yang was tasked with examining his physical condition."

"In addition, it was to check whether Zhou Wenqing’s psychological state was distorted. Doctor Yang was very capable; she was well-versed in foreign knowledge and held a doctorate in psychology."

"She spent many years abroad and only returned a few years ago in response to the country’s call to support national development as a senior intellectual."

"At that time, Doctor Yang proposed transferring Zhou Wenqing to a higher-level hospital for further examinations, but the factory defense team rejected it. Who knew that very night... Zhou Wenqing died." Chief Zhou shook his head, seemingly feeling regret.

"Where is this Doctor Yang Shuzhen now? Can we contact her?" This Doctor Yang was a psychology PhD, and she might have observed something about Zhou Wenqing, which would be especially important for Yang Xiao and his team in seeking a way out.

"We can’t contact her anymore." Chief Zhou sighed, "She passed away, been gone for about six or seven years now."

"What did she die of?" Yang Xiao suddenly had a very bad premonition.

"Oh, it was unrelated to this case; she fell ill here... developed a tumor, Doctor Yang worked too hard, overburdening her body for the sake of contributing to the country." Chief Zhou pointed to his head, indicating that Doctor Yang died of a brain tumor.

Hearing this, Yang Xiao’s tense nerves relaxed considerably; if it was a brain tumor, then it was unrelated to this case, and he had been overly anxious.

However, seeing the lead end here, Yang Xiao couldn’t help but feel regrettable.

But then, Chief Zhou’s words reignited Yang Xiao’s extinguished thoughts, "Although Doctor Yang has passed, her child is still working in our factory."

"Oh, who?" Yang Xiao instantly became spirited.

"It’s a girl named Song Xin. She inherited her mother’s character, being very dedicated and responsible at work," praised Chief Zhou.

"Song Xin?!" Yang Xiao raised an eyebrow, surprised to find out it was her!

Seeing Yang Xiao’s change in expression, Chief Zhou curiously asked, "What, do you know her?"

"Sort of, but not well. We met once at the Cultural Palace," Yang Xiao succinctly explained the background in the most concise language possible.

Considering Song Xin’s age, Yang Xiao judged that before Doctor Yang’s death, Song Xin was old enough to remember things and might know something.

Thus, Yang Xiao immediately requested to visit the health clinic to see Song Xin.

Chief Zhou approved his request, and Ye Zheng also asked to accompany Yang Xiao, along with two additional security department members being arranged to follow.

To avoid going in vain, Chief Zhou called the duty room at the health clinic in advance. Coincidentally, the person who answered the phone was Song Xin.

Song Xin said she was on duty that night and available if needed.

To Chief Zhou’s surprise, upon learning that the person answering the phone was indeed Song Xin, both Yang Xiao’s and Ye Zheng’s facial expressions became suddenly odd.

"Chief Zhou, how many telephones are there in the security department?" Yang Xiao asked.

Although puzzled, Chief Zhou answered, "Two, one here and one... upstairs in the records room. However, the two lines are connected. Why are you asking..."

"I’m going to the records room upstairs to make a call. Ye Zheng, come with me; everyone else stays here." Yang Xiao left the office with his team.

A few minutes later, Yang Xiao came back downstairs and returned to the office, asking Ye Zheng to dial the health clinic duty room once again under Chief Zhou’s puzzled gaze.