Chapter 107 09

Chapter 107.09

The next morning, Li Shang woke up and immediately glanced at He Lin, who was still asleep in the adjacent hospital bed.

His complexion had significantly improved.

Only then did Li Shang feel a sense of relief.

Mornings in the hospital were always bustling—first, the nurses changed shifts, then the doctors made their rounds. After adjusting the medication, the nurse reconnected He Lin’s IV drip. All the commotion eventually roused He Lin.

Li Shang helped him with his morning ablutions.

The bleeding had stopped today, so he needed to be observed for another day. If his condition remained stable, he could start drinking water or broth tomorrow.

He Lin turned his head to look at Li Shang. "Aren’t you returning to Tianning today?"

Li Shang replied, "I’ve requested leave from Detachment Commander Shi. Once Fang Jue arrives to relieve me, I’ll head back."

After a brief chat, Li Shang asked, "By the way, didn’t you mention a difficulty with the case? What’s the specific issue?"

He Lin recalled the partially investigated case and articulated his theory.

This case was indeed unusual. Although the missing person, Wu Yuening, had been confirmed deceased, the killer remained at large, and the investigation was ongoing.

The immediate priority was to confirm the identities of the two suspects.

If the woman wasn’t Chen Xiao, then who was she?

And who was the man?

Li Shang pondered for a moment. "If your earlier suspicions are correct—that the woman exchanged identities with Chen Xiao, approached Wu Yuening under the pretense of a group suicide, and then defrauded her financially and emotionally—then these individuals may have committed similar crimes multiple times in the past." He paused before adding, "We don’t know the frequency of their crimes, but there might be new victims."

He Lin once again experienced the unique synergy of two minds working together.

He Lin organized his thoughts and said, "I want to issue a coordination request within the police system to gather clues. If there are any similar cases, we can consolidate the investigations."

Li Shang nodded. "With strict monitoring on mainstream social media and messaging platforms nowadays, those seeking to exploit loopholes tend to use lesser-known applications. We need to ascertain how they select their targets."

Ideally, they would make progress before the perpetrators identified their next victim.

Only then could they prevent another tragedy.

.

Late at night in Ningcheng.

A woman entered a cubicle in the gym’s shower room. Having just completed her workout, her toned muscles glistened with a fine layer of sweat.

Her jet-black hair, wet and long, cascaded down her back. Water droplets traced the scars on her body, forming an eerie pattern that resembled a mantle of thorns.

After her shower, she unhurriedly dried her hair, donned her hat and mask once more, and blended into the crowd.

She preferred to sleep during the day and be active at night.

While others loathed the darkness, it was when she felt most at ease. Only during these hours did she truly feel like herself.

She drifted through the city streets like an exquisite, soulless phantom doll.

The woman took out her phone, admiring her freshly done manicure as she made a call. "Have you checked the recent chat logs?"

Her partner, who was supposed to be providing support in the group chat, had been less responsive lately.

A man’s voice came through the phone. "I saw them, but I think it’s too frequent. We still have money left."

They had convinced Wu Yuening to invest in cryptocurrency, claiming it would allow her to leave a better inheritance for her family while avoiding estate taxes.

In reality, they had changed the passwords after her death and withdrawn all the money, which would sustain their lavish spending for a while.

The woman said nonchalantly, "The frequency isn’t dictated by us—it’s determined by the clients. We can only ensure the plan’s success when they are at their most desperate. Last time, because we delayed for a few days, the client became much more difficult to manage."

To an outsider, it might sound like a professional discussing business over the phone.

But in reality, they were casually discussing matters of life and death.

She attributed the previous failure to Wu Yuening’s wavering resolve to die.

The man on the other end remained silent.

The woman continued, her voice soft and seductive like a bewitching siren, "I quite like this little rabbit. I don’t want to let her go. Don’t you want a new target? If not, take a break. After all, what you do is quite draining—overindulgence takes its toll, it’s normal to not want to participate. I can find another partner or go it alone."

Hearing her sarcastic tone, the man finally agreed. "Go ahead with the plan. I’ll be there."

The woman smiled. "This time, let’s pick a new hunting ground."

.

Monday, Yuncheng Public Security Bureau, Criminal Investigation Unit 1.

Lin Hui sat at his desk as usual, turned on his computer, and habitually logged into the case database. After entering a case number, his gaze suddenly froze on the screen.

The search results, which typically showed only one record, now displayed two entries.

Composing himself, Lin Hui quickly clicked to view the details.

The DNA recovered from the victim matched…

As he read the line, his heart raced, and his fingers trembled slightly. He hurriedly moved the mouse to check which unit was handling the case—the Missing Persons Investigation Unit.

Lin Hui then checked his email inbox and found one requesting clues, with the case number matching this particular investigation.

He stood up and headed straight to Building 7.

The office of the Missing Persons Investigation Unit was empty except for Cheng Xiaoyi and Wu Yunsheng. Lin Hui greeted them politely and asked, "Where are He Lin and Li Shang?"

"Li Shang was urgently recalled to Tianning Base. Captain He and Fang Jue went to Ningcheng for an investigation," Cheng Xiaoyi replied, adding, "But from what Fang Jue said, Captain He seems to be unwell."

Lin Hui asked, "What case are you currently working on?"

It wasn’t classified information, especially since He Lin had issued a coordination request within the law enforcement network to gather clues.

Wu Yunsheng handed him a stack of files. "It’s the case of the missing female illustrator. Her death has been confirmed, and the body has been found, but it’s being treated as a homicide."

Lin Hui reviewed the documents and asked, "Are there any suspects?"

"Yes," Cheng Xiaoyi said, sitting down at the computer to show him the security footage of the three individuals leaving the lodging.

Cheng Xiaoyi wondered if it was her imagination, but as she watched the footage, she noticed a change in Captain Lin’s usually gentle expression. His lips were pressed tightly together, and his eyes held a deep intensity.

However, he concealed his emotions well behind his glasses, though his clenched fingers betrayed him.

Cheng Xiaoyi sensed that this case was personally significant to Lin Hui.

Lin Hui solemnly took the mouse, rewound the footage, and played it again.

He stood in front of the computer, leaning in slightly, his gaze fixed on the screen, closely watching the three figures, and finally settling on the tall adult male among them—a figure that had appeared countless times in his dreams.

Although the man wore a mask, his height, build, and even his gait were completely consistent with the perpetrator Lin Hui had seen before. Lin Hui was absolutely certain it was that person.

He watched that segment three times.

Finally, Lin Hui’s expression returned to its usual composure. He stood up and said, “I understand. Thank you. I’ll be in touch with Captain He later.”

After Lin Hui left the Missing Persons Investigation Unit, only two people remained in the office.

Cheng Xiaoyi couldn’t help but gossip with Wu Yunsheng: “By the way, Lao Wu, I heard that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Municipal Bureau has very strict requirements for recruiting new members, including vision standards. Why does Captain Lin wear glasses?”

She had long been curious about this but hadn’t dared to ask before, fearing too many people around.

Wu Yunsheng stroked his chin: “Well, I actually know about this. Captain Lin wasn’t originally with the Municipal Bureau. He started as a small community police officer at a local police station. Those entry-level positions don’t have high vision requirements.”

Cheng Xiaoyi sighed: “Many people from local police stations want to transfer here, but very few actually succeed, let alone become a captain. Captain Lin’s experience is quite inspiring.”

Wu Yunsheng continued: “Lin Hui studied cybersecurity and law enforcement. He excelled in the joint examination but was assigned to a local police station. Later, he kept trying to transfer to the Municipal Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Department. Several captains had no openings and didn’t take him. It was Detachment Commander Jin who talked to him once and then went against the tide, specially applying for a technical position for Lin Hui. His corrected vision just met the requirement, so he was kept. After that, his work spoke for itself, and Lin Hui gradually worked his way up to become the second-in-command of Criminal Investigation Unit 1.”

Cheng Xiaoyi remarked: “I never thought Detachment Commander Jin, who seems so rough, would have such a keen eye for talent.”

As she said this, she remembered the firm pat Jin Tingrui had once given her on the shoulder. Just thinking about it made her shoulder ache again.

“Exactly. Why do you think Jin Tingrui is the Detachment Commander? He’s actually very sharp—a rough exterior but a sharp mind. He values loyalty, knows right from wrong, and isn’t afraid to take charge and lead the way…” Lao Wu paused, feeling he had praised Jin Tingrui a bit too much, and added, “But he does have a terrible temper. When he loses it, it’s like a storm—like thunder. I can’t handle it.”

Cheng Xiaoyi said, “I still prefer Captain He.”

Wu Yunsheng replied, “Who doesn’t?”

.

Lin Hui walked back to the Criminal Investigation Department while on a phone call.

“Hello, He Lin, I have some clues about the case you’re investigating.” He paused and said, “It’s about the male suspect.”

“I also received an email from the forensic team about a related case.” He Lin on the other end of the line sounded clearly excited: “What clues? Do you know the suspect’s identity?”

“It’s not something to discuss over the phone. It’s better to talk in person. I can provide an eyewitness account.” Lin Hui checked the time and said, “I heard you’re in the hospital. How are you feeling?”

Lin Hui asked briefly, and He Lin immediately replied, “It’s nothing serious, just a minor issue. I should be discharged in a couple of days.”

Seeing that He Lin had no issue working while sick, Lin Hui didn’t hesitate to arrange a meeting at the hospital: “Then I’ll come over this afternoon. We can talk tonight.”

After returning to the Criminal Investigation Department, Lin Hui first bought a high-speed train ticket to Ningcheng for the afternoon, then methodically worked through the department’s tasks. He completed what he could for the day and assigned the remaining tasks, even carefully watering the flowers on his desk.

Lin Hui skipped his lunch break. After finishing all his work, he walked to Jin Tingrui’s desk: “Detachment Commander Jin, I need to take some time off.”

Jin Tingrui looked up, surprised: “Good! I’ve been saying you’re too stressed and need a break. How long are you planning to take?”

His voice was loud, and as soon as he spoke, the surrounding team members peeked over curiously.

Outsiders joked that Criminal Investigation Unit 1 would fall apart without Lin Hui. In reality, Lin Hui was indeed the team's intellectual powerhouse. He was also the only one who could handle Jin Tingrui’s anger and dared to speak to him when he was furious. Usually, Lin Hui could persuade Detachment Commander Jin to see reason.

So, although Lin Hui’s rank wasn’t high, everyone secretly regarded him as the backbone of the Criminal Investigation Unit.

Hearing that Lin Hui was taking leave, half the office started buzzing with whispers.

In their team, Lin Hui had the most accumulated leave time. He seemed to like accumulating leave—he had the most annual leave but never used it. This was the first time anyone had heard Lin Hui ask for leave.

Lin Hui had already thought it through: “Starting this afternoon, at least a week. If it’s not enough, I’ll extend it. I’ve submitted the paperwork; please approve it.”

Either he took no leave, or he took five days in a row.

Jin Tingrui widened his eyes and took a sharp breath: “What's this about? Going on a trip? Not feeling well? Or something going on with your family?” He wasn’t trying to pry but felt that as a leader, he should show concern for his subordinates in case he could help.

Lin Hui shook his head and didn’t speak.

Jin Tingrui couldn’t think of any other reason and lowered his voice: “Are you going on a blind date? Or getting married? If you take this long, what about the team’s work?”

Lin Hui’s voice was extremely calm: “It’s all handled and arranged. Things will run smoothly for a week.”

He adjusted his glasses: “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back first.”

His tone made it clear he had already made up his mind and was here to inform him, not ask permission.

Jin Tingrui was completely blindsided.

He checked the leave application Lin Hui had submitted. The reason was simply listed as “personal business,” with no specific details.

Jin Tingrui felt something was off but could only nod stiffly and let Lin Hui leave.

Then Jin Tingrui hurriedly checked various processes and emails. After all, he was the Detachment Commander and wasn’t stupid when it came to investigating cases. After a quick search, he immediately found the reason. His eyebrows shot up, and he stood up abruptly, his chair slamming into the shelf behind him with a loud thud, startling Xiao Cao, who was sitting nearby.

Lin Hui had already shut down his computer and gathered his things, ready to leave.

Jin Tingrui strode to Lin Hui’s desk and slammed his palm down on it: “Lin Hui, I’m not approving your leave! You’re not allowed to go!”

Lin Hui ignored him and walked straight out.

Jin Tingrui quickly stepped in front of him, stubbornly blocking his way. He looked down at Lin Hui with a commanding presence.

Lin Hui tried to sidestep him.

Jin Tingrui didn’t give him the chance. He grabbed Lin Hui and pulled him into a nearby conference room. Closing the door, he lowered his voice: “Lin Hui, you can’t get involved in this case! It’s the recusal policy! Do you not want to be a police officer anymore?”

Neither of them mentioned the reason, but both knew exactly what it was.

Jin Tingrui still remembered how pitiful Lin Hui had looked when he first came to him, saying he wanted to contribute to criminal investigations and wasn’t afraid of hardship. Over the years, Lin Hui had been conscientious and reliable, and fully dedicated to his work.

Jin Tingrui didn’t want to watch his capable subordinate throw it all away over this matter.

Lin Hui looked up at him coldly: “Detachment Commander Jin, I’m well aware of the recusal policy. I won’t participate in the direct investigation, review, approval, or interrogation of the case. I’m providing necessary testimony and clues as a witness. I’ll be cautious and won’t compromise judicial fairness.” He paused and added, “Once their investigation makes progress, I’ll return.”

Hearing Lin Hui’s matter-of-fact tone, Jin Tingrui still wanted to persuade him. Instinctively, he wanted Lin Hui to stay away from the case: “What can’t you explain over the phone? The dead can’t come back to life. I’m sorry about your sister, but this case is now with the Missing Persons Investigation Unit. Captain He will definitely see it through properly.”

He softened his tone: “If you don’t trust them, I’ll discuss it with the leadership and see if the Criminal Investigation Unit can help. I’ll notify you as soon as there’s news, but you can’t just go there on your own!”

Jin Tingrui meant that as long as Lin Hui didn’t get directly involved, anything else was fine.

But Lin Hui seemed to have already made up his mind and flatly refused: “Thank you, Detachment Commander Jin, but this is my personal matter. As a witness to that case, I have an obligation to provide clues to the investigating officers.”

“Don’t force me to issue a recusal order!” Jin Tingrui felt his good intentions were being thrown back in his face. His temper flared, and he swept a pen holder from the conference table onto the floor. “I said you’re not allowed to go! If you dare, I’ll have you reassigned back to the local police station as a community officer!”

“Do you know why I didn’t tell you or discuss it with you?” Lin Hui’s eyes were pitch black. He curled his lips into a cold, completely humorless smile. “That’s perfect. The Detachment Commander of the Criminal Investigation Unit has no say over where a community police officer goes.”

He turned and left, leaving Jin Tingrui standing there dumbstruck.

After a long silence, Jin Tingrui irritably raked a hand through his hair. He really had no hold over Lin Hui.

Fuming, Jin Tingrui stomped out of the conference room.

He looked up and saw the entire team in the office craning their necks to watch the commotion. They had probably heard the noise of something being thrown in the meeting room and were now dead quiet.

Jin Tingrui yelled, "Get back to work!"

Only then did everyone turn their attention back to their computer screens.

Though he had spoken harsh words, the matter still had to be dealt with.

After returning to his desk and calming down for about ten minutes, Jin Tingrui suppressed his temper and headed to the office of the city bureau director.

He knocked on the door, sat down opposite Director Chen, and brought up the matter: "Director Chen, there’s something I need to report. It’s about Lin Hui from our department…"

Director Chen frowned as he listened, and Jin Tingrui recounted the entire situation. He then explained, "That case was an unsolved cold case, and Lin Hui was the only eyewitness. Now that a related case has emerged, he naturally wants to provide clues."

Director Chen recalled, "Lin Hui joined the Criminal Investigation Department because of that case, right? I’ve always felt guilty that we haven’t been able to catch the perpetrator. But after all, he is involved in the case…"

Jin Tingrui nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I understand. The recusal policy—Lin Hui is fully aware of it. So he’s only going to provide some clues and explain the situation. He won’t participate in the direct investigation or affect the fairness of the investigation."

To avoid awkwardness, Jin Tingrui put on a smile and added, "Director Chen, I’ve been working with Lin Hui for so long—I know him well. He knows where to draw the line. With new clues finally emerging and the possibility of solving the case, he’s just a bit anxious. It would be too harsh not to let him go, so I approved his leave…"

Director Chen nodded, "I understand the situation. If he’s only providing information and not involved in the actual investigation process, it shouldn’t violate regulations."

Jin Tingrui finally breathed a sigh of relief and patted his chest, assuring his superior, "Don’t worry, if he causes any trouble, I’ll handle it. I’ll have him off the force without you having to say a word. I’ll even resign if necessary."

Director Chen waved his hand, "No need to go that far. Lin Hui has always done excellent work. Even if he’s on leave, keep tabs on him."

He then added, "Also, I heard Captain He is sick. If the investigation team is short-staffed, your Criminal Investigation Department should lend a hand."

Jin Tingrui nodded repeatedly, "Of course."

After sorting things out with Director Chen, Jin Tingrui left the office and opened WeChat. He looked at Lin Hui’s profile picture, clenching his jaw in annoyance.

He thought: What kind of unappreciative subordinate was this?

He felt betrayed—Lin Hui had disregarded his authority, took advantage, and now left him to clean up the mess. When he had begged to join the Criminal Investigation Department, he had been so sincere. Now, he was just walking away without thinking twice.

Despite his anger, Jin Tingrui thought it over and sent a message to He Lin.

"Lin Hui is headed your way. Keep an eye on him regarding this case. It’s fine for him to provide clues, but don’t let him get involved in anything deeper, like investigation or interrogation."

He added, "Oh, and whatever you do, don’t buy Lin Hui strawberry cake."

He Lin sent back an emoji of an Alaskan Malamute with a big "?" on its face, looking utterly confused.

"Captain Jin, aren’t you overthinking it? Even if I were out of my mind, I wouldn’t randomly buy Lin Hui that, right?" Though He Lin found the request weird, since Jin Tingrui had specifically mentioned it, he asked for an explanation. "What’s the situation exactly?"

Jin Tingrui replied, "The victim in the related case—she was Lin Hui’s sister."

He Lin: "…"

.

Lin Hui arrived at the high-speed rail station, grabbed a quick bite, and boarded the train. Since he had bought his ticket late, he only managed to get a seat by the aisle.

Sitting next to him were a mother and daughter. The little girl, about six years old, had two small braids and looked adorable. She wasn’t making any noise.

After the train started moving, Lin Hui was deep in thought when suddenly the little girl called out, "Brother."

Lin Hui turned his head and saw the girl looking up at him.

Her fair skin and chubby cheeks made her look like a cute little dumpling, her dark pupils fixed on him.

Staring into those innocent eyes, he shuddered slightly.

Seeing him not moving, the child said softly, "Brother, I need to go to the bathroom."

Lin Hui hurriedly stood up. A while later, the little girl returned to her seat and politely said, "Thanks, mister."

Those words shattered whatever calm Lin Hui had left. Whenever he closed his eyes, he could almost hear that familiar voice.

From the soft baby talk of an infant to the bright, sweet voice of a little girl, and then the bell-like voice of a teenage girl.

A voice kept calling his name, over and over.

"Huihui-ge…"

The seemingly healed scar on his heart began to ache faintly.

He almost felt like if he opened his eyes, he would see his sister smiling or crying at him.

Every day as a detective, the first thing he did when he got to work was open the system and search for any updates on the cold case.

And now, four years later, in another victim's body, forensics had discovered DNA from the same suspect…

After four years, he had finally waited for the devil's return.