From the current outlook of the case, it may involve civil matters, or it could involve criminal matters.

Coupled with the uncertain attitude of the police...

He must investigate thoroughly before he can crack the case!

"Please sign a contract with me first, ensuring I have sufficient authority to work for you."

Without waiting for a reply, Xu Liang pulled out one of the already-prepared standard contracts.

Sun Zhongmin didn't hesitate for a moment and decisively signed it, then pressed his thumbprint beside it.

Among those watching over the deceased, someone noticed the scene, and a glimmer came into their cloudy eyes.

"Lawyer Xu..."

Sun Zhongmin's eyes reddened, choking with emotion.

Even though the other party looks much younger than himself...

Undoubtedly, at this moment, the only person he could rely on was the other party.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sun."

Xu Liang put away the contract, placed the items back into his briefcase, and then looked at him again.

"You can focus on arranging the funeral in the upcoming days."

"I will negotiate with the police on your behalf."

"If there are any new developments... I will notify you immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Zhongmin was deeply moved; were he not utterly exhausted, he might even break into tears.

Xu Liang checked the time.

It was already half-past seven in the evening.

"Mr. Sun, please go and rest. We will negotiate with the police."

With that said.

He then took Yang Ruoxi and Su Yu and left the mourning hall under the gaze of Sun Zhongmin.

Once outside the mourning hall.

Yang Ruoxi and Su Yu could no longer hold back, and the two women simultaneously frowned.

"Damn, why does this case feel so strange..."

"The police are withholding the corpse? They haven't even disclosed the cause of death!"

Almost fifty days of investigation.

Not to mention that the local police don't have a coroner.

Even if Sunzhou doesn't have a coroner, sending the body to Hanhai City for autopsy by train would take three to four round trips!

The cause of death needn't be said.

Even ordinary policemen could figure out the cause of death in a short time.

Yet, it's been nearly fifty days for Sun Zhongmin's situation...

"Brother, I also think there's something wrong with this case."

Su Yu's voice was soft, laced with a hint of worry, with concern etched on her face.

The police are still investigating, and it's inconvenient to make the case public...

The body is still under autopsy, yet the cause of death hasn't been revealed...

Even when the family wants the body back, the police refuse, no matter what they do they won't let the family take the body...

There's undeniably something off about this!

"No rush, we still have time."

Xu Liang spoke to calm her.

The police wouldn't withhold the body without reason.

Why?

Because everyone knows messing with people for no reason is something nobody does.

Unless... there's a reason!

For instance... they might have discovered something!

But now a problem arises.

What did they discover to drag this out for so long?

Even in the scenario where the family is demanding the body back, they still won't hand it over!

After all, even if it involves sensitive content, not disclosing it is enough.

To prevent the suspect from learning about the investigation progress, which Xu Liang understands.

But then why withhold the body?!

"Let's investigate first."

Clearing his thoughts.

Xu Liang turned to look at Wang Chao, who was indulging at the banquet table.

Several funeral workers stared at this banquet monster with astonishment, exchanging glances, unsure about whose kid he was.

Xu Liang didn't stand on ceremony.

He brought Yang Ruoxi and Su Yu over to eat.

After all, having contributed to the costs, eating here was normal.

After the group finished eating.

They didn't drive back to Hongfu Street.

Instead, they opted to drive nearby to a town hotel.

They booked two rooms, Xu Liang and Wang Chao shared one, roughing the night together.

...

...

The next morning.

Eight thirty.

"Brother Liang, what are we going to do today?"

The four of them got into the car, Wang Chao, in the passenger seat, adjusted his seatbelt while excitedly asking.

Yesterday, Xu Liang took him to the banquet, and he felt unprecedentedly curious.

At this moment, he was fully trusting in Xu Liang bringing him out to experience something fun!

Xu Liang pondered for a moment, then directly said:

"I'll take you to experience the atmosphere of a police station in another place."

Another place's police station?

Wang Chao was puzzled, yet still eager with anticipation.

Xu Liang didn't bother to explain further and pressed the accelerator, the car roared to life, heading toward Sunzhou's police headquarters.

Yes, he intended to directly go to the police station.

Given the current state of this case...

There are just too many suspicious points!

He refused to believe a single squad would dare to do such a thing.

After all, Sun Zhongmin's demeanor doesn't suggest he hasn't complained to the headquarters; he lodged a complaint, yet had no recourse, representing headquarters' tacit consent.

Or rather...

It might be orders from the headquarters forbidding the return of the body!

Xu Liang knew dealing with the grassroots was pointless.

He decided to head straight to the headquarters, after all, the deceased's age in this case would definitely attract the headquarters' involvement!

Early morning, half-past eight.

"Shhh~!"

The car came to a steady stop at the Sunzhou Police City Bureau.

"Bang!"

The car door opened.

Four people got out, Wang Chao looked around curiously, wanting to see how this police station differed from Hanhai City's.

"You play around first, we're going to the bathroom."

Xu Liang casually said, and then led the other two toward the police station lobby.

Wang Chao scratched his head as he watched their backs, then started to entertain himself.

Inside the lobby.

"Tap tap tap..."

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed.

In the empty and cold lobby, quite a few people were walking around, including civilians and police officers.

Xu Liang went straight to the front desk, where a policewoman was in charge of reception.

"Hello, I have a question about the case from February involving Sun Jin, the son of Sun Zhongmin from Huangyan Village. What's the current status of the handling?"

Upon hearing the voice.

The policewoman at the front desk was slightly startled, she turned her head thinking that it was Sun Zhongmin asking, but it turned out to be Xu Liang...

Upon hearing this.

The policewoman was just about to speak when suddenly, she caught sight of a figure out of the corner of her eye and immediately called out.

"Hey, Officer Zhao, someone is looking for you!"

Upon hearing this.

Xu Liang followed her gaze.

He saw a middle-aged police officer in uniform, portly, holding a thermos cup, and about to head upstairs.

Upon hearing the commotion, he turned to look.

"What's the matter?"

Officer Zhao came over, and Xu Liang finally got a good look at his features.

Rough skin, notably thick tip of the nose in the center of his face.

Ordinary-looking.

The policewoman spoke softly to him.

"This gentleman is looking to inquire about the February 9th case from Huangyan Village."

Huangyan Village?

Why are people asking again!?

Officer Zhao figured out the situation, and his brows furrowed immediately, a trace of impatience flashing in his eyes.

"You should come with me."

Officer Zhao led Xu Liang and the other two to an office.

"Bang!"

He closed the door.

Then turned his head, and after scrutinizing Xu Liang, he spoke with a heavier, serious tone:

"Who are you!?"

"You're not from Huangyan Village, are you? Police handle cases, usually..."

Before he could finish his sentence.

Xu Liang quickly pulled out his credentials.

"I'm Lawyer Xu, Sun Zhongmin's attorney. From yesterday onwards, I'll be representing everything on his behalf!"

As soon as he finished speaking.

Without waiting for a reply, Xu Liang frowned and asked.

"Officer Zhao, I'd like to ask."

"Why won't the police fulfill my client's most basic request? Why won't the police return the corpse!?"

Return the corpse?

Returning the corpse will break the case wide open!!!

Officer Zhao's heart sank as he looked at the unmoved demeanor of his counterpart, pondering for a moment.

After a short while.

He displayed a kindly expression, with only a slight smile.

He sighed.

"It's not that the police won't return it; the case is still under investigation."

"Currently, the police still need the corpse..."

Saying this, he sighed again, speaking solemnly: "The corpse still needs to be investigated."

Upon hearing this.

Xu Liang was unimpressed, continuing to speak directly:

"Officer Zhao, I'm aware of police investigation procedures."

"It's been over a month since February; what exactly is there on the corpse worth the police investigating further!?"

Xu Liang frowned.

He spent a whole night thinking, but came up with nothing.

Moreover.....

The more he thought, the stranger it seemed!

And as for Officer Zhao...

At this moment, Officer Zhao looked at the young man in front of him who was questioning him. His face turned somewhat unpleasant as he replied stiffly:

"The corpse still hasn't undergone autopsy; the police need to conduct an autopsy at least..."

"A month and still no autopsy!?"

"What exactly are you doing!?"

Xu Liang was suddenly shocked, looking at the other side in disbelief.

A month, and still no autopsy...

What exactly is the other side doing!?

In all of Sunzhou, does everyone responsible for this case think this way?

It's understandable if the corpse isn't returned for case-solving, but....

"Why won't the police perform an autopsy!?"

Xu Liang frowned and asked, his voice somewhat heavy.

Officer Zhao could hardly tolerate it anymore.

He took a deep breath, his face unpleasant as he stared at Xu Liang, speaking:

"Are you questioning me!?"

Looking into his eyes.

"The police..."

Xu Liang showed no sign of backing down, meeting his gaze, he solemnly intensified his line of questioning:

"Why, after nearly fifty days, hasn't an autopsy been conducted!?"

Instantly.

The atmosphere in the room froze.

Officer Zhao stared directly at Xu Liang.