Chapter 8: The Vanished Her (1)

Chapter 8: The Vanished Her (1)

In fact, these days, Han Changlin's mood wasn't as good as everyone imagined, or rather, it had gradually become neglected.

Not only was an important criminal case taken by the first team, but the second team was assigned nothing but trivial cases. Naturally, Han Changlin felt down and had no interest in working overtime. He went home on time after work and never woke up early in the morning.

So he was unaware of Meng Siqi staying overnight at the bureau until one morning when she was awakened by the sound of Han Changlin entering the office.

Han Changlin also noticed Meng Siqi but did not greet her. Instead, he walked straight to his desk and began writing something.

Looking at the clock on the wall, it was just six o'clock. Meng Siqi pulled the blanket tighter around herself, unsure whether to go back to sleep or get up for some morning exercise.

By seven, Han Changlin left with a file folder. It wasn't until everyone arrived at work that Meng Siqi learned about a shocking murder that had occurred in the city. Han Changlin might have woken up early because of this case.

Zhao Leiting, who always had the latest information, shared the news with everyone right away. The victim was a young, single woman, and reportedly, she had been adorned with heavy, elaborate red makeup, not just on her face but also on her fingers and toes, and even some parts of her body. The state of death was very bizarre.

The forensic team had just arrived to investigate. It seemed there was someone in the forensic team who knew Zhao Leiting, which is why the news spread so quickly.

No one from the criminal investigation team had rushed over yet, so Han Changlin must have gone to Commissioner Liu to take on the case.

However, Meng Siqi suddenly felt something was off. She felt like she had heard about this case before. Sitting at her desk, listening to Zhao Leiting's description, she felt a sense of heaviness.

She quickly remembered. In her original world, there was a similar case she had seen on the news. Because the victim had been adorned with elaborate red makeup, she remembered it clearly.

The news had dubbed the case the "Red Makeup Serial Murder Case." It was said that every female victim had been adorned with elaborate red makeup, and the case remained unsolved for thirty years, with some investigators losing their lives in the process.

Thinking about it again, Meng Siqi suddenly felt that her arrival in the 1990s seemed suspicious. Could it be that the unsolved serial murder case from thirty years ago was going to happen again?

Or was it just a coincidence?

Indeed, Han Changlin had gone to Commissioner Liu early in the morning for this case. Recently, the second team had solved a female teacher's murder case swiftly, and he believed Commissioner Liu would entrust them with an important case. However, they had only been given minor cases recently, which increased their clearance rate but left him feeling unfulfilled. So, he wanted to secure this murder case.

Commissioner Liu had also arrived at the office early. As he opened the door, he asked, "Changlin, what brings you here so early?"

As Commissioner Liu pulled the curtains, Han Changlin stood straight and said, "Commissioner, give us the murder case from last night. We'll solve it quickly."

The room brightened as the curtains were drawn. Commissioner Liu sat down and gestured for Han Changlin to do the same, but Han Changlin remained standing.

Knowing each other's temperaments, Commissioner Liu got straight to the point, "Changlin, Lu He intercepted me early this morning. The first team is already on their way."

That kid Lu He! He beat him to it again! Han Changlin gritted his teeth, feeling as if he had slept wrong and was now uncomfortable. He regretted not going to Commissioner Liu's house earlier.

"Changlin, don't worry," Commissioner Liu said calmly, "Whoever solves the case, it's all the same. And your clearance rate has gone up recently, hasn't it?"

Mentioning this made Han Changlin feel even more embarrassed. Everyone knew the recent increase in clearance rate.

"I do have a case for you," Commissioner Liu opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. "I meant to talk to you yesterday, but you had left. Take a look."

Han Changlin quickly responded, "Commissioner, I left on time yesterday because my mother-in-law had a birthday, and I had to attend."

Commissioner Liu smiled faintly, "Work is work, life is life. You need to balance both. Your approach is problematic."

"I know," Han Changlin took the paper, which turned out to be an anonymous tip.

Commissioner Liu explained, "Someone reported writer Teng Fei for allegedly killing his girlfriend Liu Yuwei based on the plot of his novel. Seven months ago, Liu Yuwei died unexpectedly. Investigate it."

He then handed Han Changlin a book, "I bought Teng Fei's novel yesterday and marked the relevant sections."

Han Changlin looked puzzled, "Commissioner, isn't it a bit much to report a murder based on a novel's description?"

"Changlin, read the novel first. If Teng Fei is cleared, that would be best."

"Alright," Han Changlin nodded, "I'll head back now, Commissioner."

On his way back, Han Changlin felt uneasy. He thought Commissioner Liu was brushing him off, giving the second team a task that seemed like a bone to pick. He wondered how his colleagues would react to this assignment.

Sure enough, when everyone saw the novel, they were bewildered.

"This..." Zhao Leiting said bluntly, "Novels often have bloody descriptions. Should we investigate every tip we receive?"

Feng Shaomin looked at the marked sections in the novel but did not speak. He passed it to Tang Xiaochuan, whose expression changed. He summarized, "It's a bit unsettling."

Zhao Leiting grabbed the novel and read for a while, saying, "If this is unsettling, then foreign horror movies are even more unsettling."

Zhao Leiting handed the novel to Meng Siqi, who rarely read such violent novels. She felt apprehensive as she took it.

Commissioner Liu had deliberately marked a section of the novel. This part wasn't particularly graphic, but the description was unsettling. The man wrapping a ribbon around the woman's neck seemed vividly described, almost as if the author had experienced it firsthand. These sentences sent chills down her spine:

"She didn't resist; she just gripped my hand tightly, accepting my judgment silently, even her throat seemed to be enduring..."

"Her tears finally rolled down her eyes. I thought she could endure the pain, but ultimately, her whole body trembled, even scratching my hand with her nails..."

Zhao Leiting looked at her, "Siqi, what do you think?"

"I haven't read many novels like this," Meng Siqi replied honestly, "But it makes me uncomfortable."

"That means you haven't read enough novels."

"Let me explain briefly," Han Changlin said sternly, "Liu Yuwei disappeared seven months ago and was presumed dead without finding her body. Treat this as a criminal case. Feng, Zhao Leiting, Meng, you three go find Teng Fei today. Chuan, trace Teng Fei's whereabouts over the past six months, especially during Liu Yuwei's disappearance."

"Understood, Captain Han."

Dividing into two groups, Zhao Leiting drove, Feng Shaomin sat in the front passenger seat, and Meng Siqi sat in the back, closing her eyes to rest. They soon arrived at Teng Fei's residence, but he wasn't home. The neighbors confirmed that Teng Fei was likely at the hospital taking care of his sister.

The trio headed to the nearby hospital and quickly found Teng Fei's sister, Teng Rong, with the help of a nurse. Teng Rong lay half-reclined on a hospital bed, wearing a woolen cap, extremely thin. Her arms and shoulders, visible under the blanket, looked hollow.

Her face was pale and her lips lacked color, but despite her illness, she wore a slight smile, showing no signs of sadness or pain. Her optimism made her appear somewhat healthy, despite her condition.

"Hello..." Teng Rong's head dipped slightly, as if she was about to get up to greet them.

"Oh, don't move..." Meng Siqi looked at her with concern and gently supported her arm.

Zhao Leiting showed his credentials. "Miss Teng, we're from the City Public Security Bureau..."

"The nurse told me you were coming. Please sit down..."

There were stools by the bed, and everyone took a seat.

Meng Siqi pulled out a notebook, and Zhao Leiting said, "We apologize for disturbing your rest, but we need to ask you some questions about your brother, Teng Fei. Is he here at the hospital?"

"No, he went to Shanghai this morning."

"Shanghai? For what?"

"I heard it was for a writers' conference..."

"Oh, did he mention when he'd be back?"

"He should be gone for just one day and will return tomorrow."

"Alright, regarding his ex-girlfriend Liu Yuwei, how much do you know about her?"

Teng Rong's eyes flickered slightly, hesitating before speaking. It seemed like she was gathering her thoughts, but it was clear that she was also conserving her strength. After a moment, she slowly said, "I know about Liu Yuwei, but I've never met her. I know about her accident, and someone has asked me about it before. Are you... cough... still suspecting my brother?"

"Not exactly, we're just trying to understand the situation. Has your brother ever mentioned anything about Liu Yuwei to you?"

"No, not really..."

Teng Rong coughed again, and the "no" seemed to carry more weight than it appeared. Not only Feng Shaomin and Zhao Leiting, but Meng Siqi also felt a bit nervous.

Seeing her struggle, Meng Siqi noticed a water cup on the table and quickly poured her a glass of water.

Teng Rong took a few sips and smiled at Meng Siqi before continuing, "Later, I can't remember when exactly, my brother mentioned wanting to marry Liu Yuwei... But soon after, they went on a pre-wedding trip and had an accident."

Everyone was taken aback by this information. If their relationship was indeed that strong, the possibility of Liu Yuwei's death being an accident increased.

They asked a few more questions. When Teng Rong spoke about her brother Teng Fei, Meng Siqi noticed a sense of pride and happiness in her eyes. This brother was very attentive, almost like a guardian angel to his sister, making it hard to believe he could be a murderer.

Not much new information came from Teng Rong, and as they prepared to leave, Meng Siqi smiled and patted her hand, saying, "Wish you a speedy recovery."

"I'm not sure if I'll get better this time," Teng Rong suddenly changed her tone, her eyes filled with despair. "The doctor said it has spread."

"Uh..." Meng Siqi hadn't expected Teng Rong's condition to have worsened. She thought her optimism meant she was getting better. She tried to comfort her, "With your positive attitude and your brother's care, you will get better..."

"Thank you, Sister..."

Leaving the hospital, Meng Siqi felt somewhat downcast. In the car, Zhao Leiting asked, "Brother Feng, since Teng Fei is returning tomorrow, should we wait until then to talk to him?"

"Right, let's also visit his former workplace and ask around."

"Okay." Zhao Leiting turned the steering wheel as he spoke, "Teng Rong mentioned today that Teng Fei resigned from the outdoor store after Liu Yuwei's accident. That means during that period, Teng Fei was unemployed and relied on writing novels for income."

Feng Shaomin said, "I don't know much about the writing industry. Can it really make money?"

Considering the high medical expenses for Teng Rong, this question made sense.

"I have a relative who works at a publishing house," Zhao Leiting said. "He told me that while the industry can be tough, once you gain fame, books sell well."

As they chatted, they arrived at an outdoor sports equipment store. After introducing themselves, the store manager agreed to answer their questions.

He said that Teng Fei had a great personality and was dating Liu Yuwei, who grew up in an orphanage. Teng Fei's parents had passed away early, leaving him to care for his sister. Their similar backgrounds brought them close, and within a month, they became engaged and shared their plans to marry.

"During a team-building dinner, Teng Fei talked excitedly about getting married. We all congratulated him and hoped to share in his joy soon. Teng Fei's family wasn't wealthy, and he had been single for many years, so this was a significant milestone. Unfortunately, a few days later, his girlfriend had an accident. It was truly tragic."

The store manager sighed, "After that, Teng Fei called to resign. We haven't been in touch since."