Chapter 12: Guan Yingjun’s Breath Hitched for a Moment

Chapter 12 Guan Yingjun's breath hitched for a moment.

Zhang Xingzong snapped his legs together, standing at attention and saluting, "Yes, sir!"

Without bothering to smooth his disheveled hair from sleeping on the cot, he burst into the adjacent break room, shouting, "Team A, meeting!"

The people inside, some slumped over, some asleep, immediately sat up. All were bleary-eyed, with dark circles and exhaustion etched on their faces.

"Zhang Xingzong, what's your problem? Can't you speak properly?"

"Yeah, you nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Next time you're napping, I'm going to blast rock music right next to your ear..."

Zhang Xingzong chuckled sheepishly. "Hurry up, Detective Guan brought Professor Li Zhangyu here, and I even got his autograph."

"He really got him to come?"

"An autograph? That's so cool."

Driven by curiosity about the legendary figure, everyone quickly returned to their posts.

Guan Yingjun introduced to the group, "This is Professor Li Zhangyu, who recently returned from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit and is now a professor at Hong Kong University. Next to him is his student, Jian Ruochen."

Everyone nodded at each other in acknowledgment, effectively exchanging greetings.

They all thought in unison: This student is stunningly beautiful! His appearance is androgynous, with skin like polished jade and an elegant demeanor.

Exactly the type that serial killers are most drawn to.

Guan Yingjun tapped the whiteboard and got straight to the point. "Who wants to brief us on the case?"

Zhang Xingzong volunteered, "I will."

He walked up to the whiteboard. "The victim was a uniformed officer from Sham Shui Po Police Station, responsible for patrolling the area around Hong Kong University. He was the first to discover the body in the Hong Kong University woods dumping case."

"His body was found at 11 a.m. today by an elderly cleaner in the back alley of the Platinum Club near Hong Kong University. When discovered, he was in plain clothes. The caller and the first discoverer are the same person."

Zhang Xingzong attached the old man's photo to the whiteboard with a magnet.

The old man's face was weathered and dark from sun exposure, deeply furrowed, and his back was hunched.

Zhang Xingzong said, "The old man was panicked after seeing the body and called the police. We've already spoken to him but couldn't get any useful information. The victim had no known enemies, so it's unlikely to be a revenge killing."

He sighed deeply. "Basically, there are no clues—"

Guan Yingjun interjected, "Not entirely."

"Just as I learned about the patrol officer's death, Jian Ruochen received an invitation."

Guan Yingjun pinned the evidence bag containing the invitation to the whiteboard.

The four large, dark characters dominated everyone's field of vision.

Guan Yingjun explained the matter of the messenger and concluded, "This invitation is highly likely related to the case. For now, our only leads are this and the Platinum Club VIP card that came with the invitation."

The room fell silent.

Lacking clues during an investigation was common. Officers often worked day and night for months, desperately visiting witnesses' homes only to come up empty-handed.

Jian Ruochen felt a pang of heaviness in his chest as he looked at the victim's spirited appearance on the whiteboard before his death.

A person's life could be as fragile as autumn down, vanishing lightly only to transform into a mountain of immense weight, pressing heavily on the heart.

After studying the patrol officer's photo for a moment, he suddenly said, "If the killer is the one who sent me the invitation, what is his motive? Why would he consider killing the patrol officer a gift?"

"That's the right line of thinking," Li Zhangyu praised, nodding encouragingly for Jian Ruochen to continue.

Jian Ruochen looked up and saw all eight officers of the West Kowloon Major Crimes Unit focused on him, like sunflowers turning their faces toward the sun.

After a moment of silence, he recited mechanically, "Patients with ODC anxiety disorder often exhibit highly directed behavior in their actions. They typically use this to vent emotions and achieve self-satisfaction."

Li Zhangyu gave a thumbs-up. "Very good."

A spark of insight flashed in Guan Yingjun's mind. He slapped the table and added, "So the suspect cut the characters into neat squares to leave a good impression. Spraying the invitation with a perfume called 'Treasure' was meant to convey his hidden affection, hoping the recipient would understand."

Guan Yingjun spoke rapidly, "He killed the first discoverer of the Hong Kong University woods murder case because the police haven't officially announced the results yet."

"Right now, there are all sorts of rumors circulating outside. Some newspapers still believe Jian Ruochen and Chai Jinwu are the murderers. The killer might think that killing the first witness is an indirect way of protecting Jian Ruochen."

Guan Yingjun breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Thankfully, this suspect had no connection to Jiang Yongyan.

If Jiang Yongyan's situation became more complicated, the prosecution's pre-trial evidence collection would take longer.

The longer the evidence collection, the longer the suspect would remain in the Sham Shui Po Police Station detention center.

The detention center wasn't as secure as a prison.

Jiang Yongyan couldn't stay there for too long. The Major Crimes Unit still hoped to use him to dig up evidence of the Jiang family's crimes.

Delays could lead to complications.

Jian Ruochen also breathed a sigh of relief. "After killing someone, he sent me an invitation, probably to boast about his achievement and use it as an an opportunity to meet me."

Zhang Xingzong pondered for a moment before slapping his thigh. "That makes sense!"

In the past, they had always followed faint clues to find suspects. They had never approached a case from a psychological angle before!

As expected, Li Zhangyu was amazing. Even his students were extraordinary—innovative, quick-thinking, and incredibly smart!

Zhang Xingzong looked at Guan Yingjun. "Should we stake out the Platinum Club and have Jian Ruochen cooperate? Set a trap and catch the suspect red-handed?"

"Too risky," Guan Yingjun lit a cigarette, leaning against the windowsill to smoke. "The Platinum Club is too chaotic. We can't guarantee Jian Ruochen's safety."

"This suspect is very cautious. The invitation passed through two people before it reached us. With your plan, we'd only have one chance. If we fail, catching him later would be difficult."

Besides, what if the suspect harmed Jian Ruochen?

"We can't just wait around," a female officer standing nearby with her arms crossed pursed her lips. "I'm about the same build as Jian Ruochen. Why don't I disguise myself as him?"

"No," Jian Ruochen vetoed this time.

He said calmly, "My hair color is unique. Moreover, patients with ODC anxiety disorder are usually very detail-oriented. He can notice a one-millimeter difference in character spacing. He wouldn't miss something off about the hair."

Jian Ruochen paused. "Detective Guan, I can be your bait. I'm a pretty good actor."

Guan Yingjun looked down, his gaze intense. "Aren't you afraid he might stab you to death?"

"He can't do it." Jian Ruochen smiled. "You wouldn't let him."

Guan Yingjun's breath hitched for a moment.

His face darkened; though he knew this was just a rhetorical tactic, he couldn't help but zone out.

Jian Ruochen's methods of getting under people's skin were truly masterful.

Guan Yingjun finished his cigarette in the tense atmosphere, stubbed it out in the ashtray on the table, and said, "Then that's settled."

"You have class as usual on Friday, and come to West Kowloon at 10 a.m. on Saturday to discuss the specific arrangements for Sunday."

Jian Ruochen agreed.

With the case temporarily concluded, Li Zhangyu stayed behind to visit an old friend, and Guan Yingjun seemed too busy to formally introduce Jian to the team as a "Criminal Psychological Consultant."

Jian Ruochen thoughtfully observed Guan Yingjun for a while, realizing that if he wanted to earn his place in the Major Crimes Unit, he would have to prove what he can do and earn respect.

If Guan Yingjun continued to doubt him, he would need to find a way to address it.

Otherwise, Guan Yingjun would never regard him as a colleague of equal standing.

Jian Ruochen bid farewell to the Major Crimes Unit and headed out alone on his way home.

Having not used a phone for several days, his hand kept feeling for something.

It was December 5, 1992, and the first mobile phone capable of sending text messages had already been invented.

Jian Ruochen took a taxi to Hong Kong's best electronics market and found the Nokia 1011 way in the back of the store.

He glanced at the price tag: 13,000 Hong Kong dollars.

Fortunately, it was peanuts compared to his current wealth—he hadn't even spent a day's worth of interest.

Buy two!

Who could resist owning the world's first GSM portable phone that could store 99 contacts, handle 90 minutes of talk time, and send text messages?

This wasn't one of those bulky "big brother" phones; it was small enough to fit in a pocket or wallet.

Jian Ruochen bought a SIM card, inserted it, and pressed the nine buttons, watching the pixelated greenish screen display text come and go as he played with it all the way home.

The next day.

Jian Ruochen woke up to Luo Binwen knocking gently.

It was his last day at the medical school.

He first went to Li Zhangyu to pick up the transfer application form. After filling it out, he headed to the clinical department advisor's office at the medical school and handed over the form: "I'd like to transfer to the Academy of Social Sciences where Teacher Li Zhangyu is."

The advisor thought she had misheard and fell silent.

Jian Ruochen added, "Please don’t award me the special scholarship for the medical school this year."

The advisor was stunned. "You're the top student in the department, and you're on financial aid. Don't you need this scholarship?"

Jian Ruochen said sheepishly. "Not anymore."

Medically, aside from psychiatry, he didn't know much else.

As for money—he had more than he could ever spend.

The advisor was breathless, baffled. "Why transfer? Doctors have high salaries and social status. Isn't that good?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the school broadcast crackled on, playing a short piece of music followed by a booming, enthusiastic announcer's voice.

"Today, Hong Kong University Medical School received a letter of commendation from the West Kowloon Region Police Station. It states: On December 2, 1992, Hong Kong University Medical School student Jian Ruochen assisted the police in solving a heinous case!! He helped identify the true perpetrator of the woodland body dump case..."

The impassioned broadcast lasted a full 10 minutes.

Eight minutes detailed the case, and two were full of praise.

Jian Ruochen bet this wasn't Guan Yingjun's doing—it was probably written by the well-educated Zhang Xingzong.

His ears turned red as he gently placed the transfer form on the table. "Teacher, that's why."

The advisor was bewildered. Was the person mentioned in the broadcast really Jian Ruochen?

Jian Ruochen was usually quiet and timid. Would someone like that assist the police in solving a murder case?

Had she misheard?

A moment later, the male announcer excitedly repeated the message.

The advisor looked up at Jian Ruochen's face, lost in thought.

Was this the Jian Ruochen she remembered?

This confident, lively, and sharp young man?

"Teacher?" Jian Ruochen reminded her.

After a long silence, the advisor asked, "Do you prefer criminal psychology over clinical medicine? Be absolutely sure—everyone only gets one chance to transfer. Once you leave, you can't come back."

Jian Ruochen said resolutely, "Yes."

"I understand." The advisor took out a pen, uncapped it, and signed the form. "Remember to review for the transfer exam. It's after the winter break."

"Thank you, teacher. Goodbye."

Jian Ruochen had gotten what he wanted.

Meanwhile, Jiang Hanyu was sitting in the audiovisual classroom of Hong Kong University's music school, stunned, listening to the campus broadcast.

Around him, classmates were murmuring.

"Huh? Is the broadcast talking about your brother?"

"Really him? Does he have that kind of ability?"

"Probably not. Didn't they say he slept with professors for his grades? Maybe he got the exam answers in advance?"

Snickers spread through the lecture hall, everyone exchanging knowing looks.

Jiang Hanyu's hands were hidden in his sleeves, fists clenched tightly.

When had Jian Ruochen ever been the center of attention like this before!

He clenched his teeth, fuming, and mumbled, "I... I don't know. Our dad doesn't let us live together."

The classmates chimed in, "Of course, of course. How could a bastard live with legitimate family members?"

Jiang Hanyu lowered his eyes and said quietly, "Don't say that... He's not illegitimate."

"Hey, don't defend him. You're just too kind-hearted."

"Yeah, you need to stand up for yourself."

Jiang Hanyu forced a smile, but his mind was fixated on Jiang Yongyan.

Damn it, Jian Ruochen actually had Jiang Yongyan thrown in jail!

Even if Dad hasn't officially recognized Jian Ruochen, one brush can't write two Jiang characters!

Jiang Yongyan is Jian Ruochen's blood relative!

Jian Ruochen used to crave family affection and love so desperately, pouring his heart out for the Jiang family. Why has he become so cold and ruthless now?

Even if he's playing coy to get attention from Lu Qian and Jiang Mingshan, he didn't need to go this far, did he?

Jiang Hanyu couldn't sit still any longer. Wrapping his scarf around his neck, he hurried toward the medical school. "I'm going to ask him what's really going on. Could you please cover for me with the solfège teacher? I'll treat you all to coffee later."

He ran all the way to the entrance of the medical school and stood there, waiting eagerly.

He waited until the campus lights came on and his face was frozen pale, but still, no one showed up.

Jiang Hanyu had never been treated so coldly before. Furious, he kicked the curb and grumbled, "Where did he go?"

·

Jian Ruochen had gone home.

He was enjoying the warm air conditioning, eating sweet strawberries, and lounging on the sofa while watching TV.

Sheer comfort.

Jian Ruochen flipped through several channels with the remote before suddenly seeing Guan Yingjun in a police uniform appear on the screen. It looked like a press conference.

Guan Yingjun said solemnly, "We will now proceed with the public disclosure regarding Jiang Yongyan's case of solicitation of murder. Reporters may now ask questions."

Camera flashes went off incessantly. A selected reporter who was called upon stood up and asked, "The police solved this case so quickly reportedly because a witness cooperated with the investigation and provided assistance. Is this true?"

This wasn't a good question at all.

Guan Yingjun probably wouldn't answer directly—admitting it outright would be like admitting the police weren't capable enough, and he'd surely face criticism afterward.

Guan Yingjun replied, "Yes. To protect the witness's privacy, no further details will be disclosed. Next question."

Jian Ruochen raised an eyebrow and sat up straight.

Guan Yingjun was being this honest?

Interesting.

He bit the tip off a strawberry and turned to Luo Binwen beside him. "Butler Luo, how do you think Lu Qian will react when he sees this announcement?"

Luo Binwen pondered for a moment. "I doubt he'll even want to imagine."

Not only did he fail to suppress the news despite spending money, but the police also brought it to the screen to boost their credentials.

Who wouldn't go crazy in his position?

Butler Luo steered the conversation elsewhere. "Are you really going to the nightclub tomorrow? How do you plan to cooperate with the police in their act?"

Isn't that kind of place a bit too advanced for his infatuated, lovestruck young master?

Would the young master even be able to handle it?

Jian Ruochen set down the plate of strawberries, thought for a moment, and said, "First, I'll order ten male models."