“A single stab?” Lin Chen was stunned. It wasn’t simple to kill with only one stab, particularly in a crowded space. It required appreciable technical problem to search out the goal’s coronary heart and keep away from stabbing it into the laborious ribs.
Zhang Xiaolong stated critically, “Just one stab.”
“Very clear and sharp.” After studying the forensic scene file, Xing Conglian flipped by way of the notes forwards and backwards, frowned, and requested, “Was the homicide weapon not discovered on the scene?”
“The assassin took it away,” Zhang Xiaolong stated. “The forensics division has began rummaging by way of the rubbish cans.”
“This skilled killer most likely has 10,000 methods to eliminate the homicide weapon. Don’t waste your time looking the rubbish cans,” Xing Conglian stated. He raised his umbrella, opened the cordon, and walked into the scene with Lin Chen.
“What do you suppose?” Xing Conglian requested.
“If there was just one stab, we will first rule out a criminal offense of ardour,” Lin Chen stated, pausing and standing beside Xing Conglian. “Impulsive criminals received’t cease till they make a bloody mess of the physique and the scene.”
“It’s not a theft both.” Xing Conglian put his fingers in his pockets. “The sufferer’s pockets and cellphone have been nonetheless on the scene.”
Lin Chen seemed up unconsciously, and Xing Conglian’s eyes have been chilly and mocking.
After pondering for a second, he nonetheless requested, “Do you suppose there’s an excellent probability that Zhourui Pharmaceutical knew in regards to the incident in Dana and killed the important thing witnesses prematurely?”
Rain splashed on the umbrella floor, making a rustling sound. Their dialog was additionally restricted to inside the umbrella’s vary.
“Marketing consultant Lin, we’re all effectively conscious of the likelihood,” Xing Conglian stated. “Nevertheless it’s a pity that we’ve skilled the darkness of the rainforest, the bloody drug factories, and the Gaomeng individuals who have been used as unlawful drug take a look at topics, however they haven’t. It’s even tougher for peculiar individuals to think about that, primarily based on many causes, what occurred over there can solely be briefly sealed.” He turned his head and seemed on the staring law enforcement officials, then continued, “Firstly, we have now no proof linking Zhourui Pharmaceutical to the unlawful human experiments within the Dana Rainforest. Secondly, even when we discover such proof, it will nonetheless be very troublesome to punish Zhourui Pharmaceutical inside the worldwide authorized conventions for the crimes dedicated within the three unregulated areas. The attorneys of huge pharmaceutical firms received’t take it evenly.”
“Yeah.” Lin Chen sighed. As they spoke, that they had already reached the situation the place Dr. Tan Kang’s physique had fallen. Wanting on the markings on the bottom for a very long time, Lin Chen lastly stated, “However they panicked. Homicide circumstances are at all times inside our jurisdiction.” He seemed up, and the spires of the European-style buildings within the distance have been looming within the rain curtain. The scene from again then floated earlier than his eyes. Tan Kang squeezed out of the hall from the south to the north, and the gang flowed primarily from north to the south. There have been actually lots of people on the time, and the general public have been speeding to the water magic stage attempting to grab a good spot, so Tan Kang was significantly annoying as he went towards the stream. He struggled to get out of the gang and resolutely walked in the direction of his objective till he met the particular person and the knife that ended his life…
“The crime scene is intriguing. He selected to kill in crowded locations, which is wise, but additionally dangerous,” Lin Chen stated. “For the killer, he needed to do it. If he missed the chance, it will be too late.”
“It’s certainly too dangerous.” Xing Conglian pursed his lips and continued, “And why did Tan Kang come right here?”
“He got here alone, with out household or kids. If it wasn’t for him abruptly eager to loosen up, it might solely imply he was right here to fulfill somebody.” Lin Chen spoke up.
“Assembly somebody…” Xing Conglian stated meaningfully. “So the killer needed to take the chance of killing him.”
“That’s only a chance,” Lin Chen stated. “After all, it’s primarily based on the issues we will’t speak about and our deduction.”
Xing Conglian nodded, half-sincerely and half-jokingly stated, “It’s purported to be an excellent crime drama, however we have now to usher in spy routines. If he’s right here to fulfill somebody, his actions within the park should reveal one thing…”
Xing Conglian nodded and picked up a map of the park, which was positioned outdoors a retailer within the hall.
The structure of Hongjing Amusement Park was nothing particular. Most amusement parks have been divided into a number of areas. Lin Chen seemed down, and Xing Conglian’s finger moved from the doorway to the situation of the hall, then he known as out, “Xiaolong, come right here.”
Comrade Zhang Xiaolong was speaking to Wang Chao. Upon listening to this, the 2 of them ran over.
“Do we have now on-site surveillance?”
“Report back to Captain Xing, principally none.”
“What do you imply by ‘principally none’?”
Zhang Xiaolong seemed apologetic. “This angle isn’t simple to arrange. We solely have a obscure lengthy shot.”
“So you may’t clearly see the scene on the time of the crime?”
“That’s proper, and the park’s surveillance is just too outdated. It’s black and white…” Zhang Xiaolong replied. “Simply now, Lao Wang and the others have eliminated the surveillance, saying that the killer was nonetheless holding a bunch of balloons to dam the view.”
“Balloons?”
“Sure, Captain Xing. Lao Wang has already began investigating the balloon vendor, however the park stated that there have been about 5,000 individuals at this time, so…”
“So it’s unlikely that the vendor can bear in mind everybody who purchased balloons. Do we have now any eyewitnesses to make a portrait of the perpetrator?”
“We’ve seemed for them, however nobody actually observed what the attacker seemed like.” Zhang Xiaolong pressed the ballpoint pen and seemed helpless.
Xing Conglian nodded and checked out Wang Chao. “Wang Chao and Xiaolong, gather all of the surveillance movies from the park from the opening to the closing at this time, and verify Tan Kang’s actions within the park.” He thought for a second and added, “For the reason that killer was holding a particular balloon, it needs to be comparatively simple to trace his actions, however nonetheless watch out of any methods he might use with the balloons.”
“Okay, Captain Xing!” “Understood, Boss!” Zhang Xiaolong and Wang Chao stated enthusiastically.
After talking, the 2 younger comrades ran off as in the event that they have been flying.
Lin Chen thought he had escaped unscathed, however apparently not.
Lin Chen raised his head, and Xing Conglian shook his head within the course of the exit. “I’ve seen the scene. Can we go, Marketing consultant Lin?”
……
Lin Chen thought he might escape, however clearly he didn’t.
Xing Conglian solely saved him on the scene for about ten minutes earlier than speeding him to Hongjing Hospital.
Due to the rain and the sky was darkish, the streetlights on either side of the street had already lit up, enveloping the whole metropolis in a misty rain. Lin Chen leaned again in his seat whereas Xing Conglian was driving intently. The soothing melody of a violin flowed out from the stereo, making him really feel drowsy.
“Feeling sleepy?”
At a pink gentle, Xing Conglian stopped the automotive and patted Lin Chen’s head.
Lin Chen responded with a faint “Mm,” persevering with to look down on the map of the amusement park in his hand, however he nonetheless felt sleepy, so he half-opened his eyes.
Xing Conglian stared at him for some time and stated, “Marketing consultant Lin, I observed you spent extra time taking a look at that map than at me.”
“That’s to make you conscious of the potential hazard,”
Xing Conglian stated, “However nonetheless, don’t sleep within the automotive. We’re nearly there.”
Lin Chen sat up straight reluctantly and stated, “Captain Xing signifies that I’m going to be within the hospital mattress for a number of days, and I shouldn’t sleep now.”
Xing Conglian chuckled. “Marketing consultant Lin, are you throwing a tantrum?”
Lin Chen shook his hand, then let go of it. “Simply give attention to driving. I received’t sleep.”
“What I meant was, are you able to not be fully absorbed within the case?”
“I’m not fully absorbed. Simply now, I assumed you seemed actually good-looking whereas driving, so I stole a look for some time.”
“Lin Chen…” Xing Conglian sounded very helpless, as if he had guessed his ideas. He continued, “It is a frequent trick. I received’t be fooled a number of occasions.”
“Are you able to ask Wang Chao to ship me a replica of the crime scene video? I need to see it.” Lin Chen determined to admit and thought his subsequent request could be a bit an excessive amount of. “I need to watch the complete surveillance video throughout that point interval.”
Xing Conglian spoke up. “Marketing consultant Lin, the place are we going now?”
“To the hospital.”
“Why are we going to the hospital?”
“As a result of I nearly died of sepsis in Dana, and though I’m progressively recovering and out of hazard, I nonetheless want a full-body checkup and correct relaxation.”
“It appears you realize it effectively.”
“However you see, Captain Xing, correct relaxation and watching surveillance movies aren’t contradictory. You possibly can management my each day viewing time. As a public servant, I nonetheless hope to contribute what I can to fixing the case.”
“Inform the reality…” Xing Conglian interrupted him.
Lin Chen felt that since he had kissed Xing Conglian, the latter appeared to have picked up a few of his unhealthy habits, corresponding to talking too sharply.
“I believe this case may be very unusual. Though from the attitude of a easy case, the killer’s strategies are easy and easy. At first look, it appears that evidently a big company killed to cowl up its crimes within the strategy of drug analysis and improvement. However do you bear in mind why I obtained concerned on this case?”
“You killed a Zhourui Pharmaceutical worker who pretended to be mentally in poor health and needed to kill Jiang Chao’s spouse.”
“Sure, that’s additionally why Duan Yang discovered me. Let’s not speak about what occurred later, however let’s look again at this. The brand new drug, Nordren, has already been accredited for market launch whereas Vice Captain Jiang’s spouse continues to be alive. So, I don’t perceive why they took the chance of killing her. ” Lin Chen lowered his eyes.
“Are you afraid that they’ll kill harmless individuals indiscriminately?” Xing Conglian frowned. “Why do you abruptly have this concept?”
“I’m not an individual who doubts myself. I’m positive that my judgment at the moment was appropriate. However you see, simply saying so isn’t sufficient. That is too subjective. I would like enough actual proof to show this.”
“With Tan Kang stabbed to demise abruptly, might this imply that Zhourui Pharmaceutical might have resorted to excessive measures, together with homicide, to make sure the sleek launch of the brand new drug?”
“Sure, if an organization is a collective, then Zhourui Pharmaceutical as an entire offers me the sensation that they’re already too loopy. They’ll calmly retreat from Dana, and even dare to play methods on Zaratul. Why are they doing issues so recklessly now? Though Duan Yang defined to me the issue of the whole drug business chain, together with R&D funding and the required value restoration within the later interval, I nonetheless really feel that they may have slowed down and sought different methods out. Why should they push for the launch of the drug in any respect prices like they’re doing now?”
“Good query, Marketing consultant Lin.”
“Primarily based on the above concerns, I consider that we should shortly clear up the case of Tan Kang’s homicide and discover the core breakthrough of the entire case.”
Xing Conglian thought fastidiously for a very long time and turned the automotive onto the road of Hongjing Hospital earlier than lastly saying, “I perceive, however you continue to should be hospitalized and comply with the physician’s orders.”
Listening to this, Lin Chen stopped talking.
As they have been about to enter the hospital space, Xing Conglian slowed down the automotive and at last stated slowly, “To be sincere, for me, these trivial issues of Zhourui Pharmaceutical will not be as necessary as your pinky. It might sound a bit tacky, however that is my true feeling. I don’t need to see you waste your vitality on these items throughout your recuperation.”
Lin Chen needed to talk, however Xing Conglian held his hand to cease him.
“I’m very critical about eager to be in a relationship with you, appreciating your achievements within the skilled discipline, and respecting your unbiased persona. However in actual fact, I additionally know very effectively that within the strategy of our relationship, we’re transitioning from one relationship to a different. We must be good colleagues and good lovers on the identical time. I’m not as broad-minded as you suppose. My present ideas are to maintain you in a non-public sanatorium with strict 24-hour care, however in fact, this isn’t attainable. This isn’t respectful sufficient to you and ignores your unique intentions. I perceive all of those, so selecting Hongjing Hospital is sort of my final backside line after psychological adjustment. I admit that there are causes behind this, however after you have been kidnapped, I must do some psychological development earlier than I can allow you to exit once more. Please give me a while to regulate my mindset.”
Xing Conglian parked the automotive within the parking house and ended the dialog.
The twilight outdoors the window was hazy, and the entire hospital seemed much less chilly within the slanting wind and rain and the progressively brightening lights.
“Sorry, I needs to be extra understanding of your emotions.” Lin Chen was silent for a very long time earlier than lastly saying this.
Xing Conglian reached out his hand to him. “So, joyful cooperation, Marketing consultant Lin?”
Lin Chen put his hand on it. “Glad cooperation, Captain Xing.”
Xing Conglian appeared to have obtained some type of assure and had a relieved expression. “So, if I’ve one thing else to let you know, you can be understanding, proper?”
The turning level got here too shortly. Lin Chen checked out Xing Conglian suspiciously. He noticed Xing Conglian open his umbrella, get out of the automotive, stroll over, open his automotive door, and politely invite him out.
“Aside from you telling me that you just’re already married, I can attempt to perceive every part else as a lot as attainable.”
Seeing Xing Conglian’s hesitant tone, Lin Chen hugged him and will solely half-jokingly reply like so.
“After all not!” Xing Conglian stated critically. “It’s some issues that I needed to let you know a very long time in the past. Though you haven’t requested, I’ve to clarify clearly.”
Xing Conglian took him to the again of the Jeep, took out the important thing, and gently pressed the trunk unlock button.
The trunk door slowly opened. Though Lin Chen had seen this scene many occasions earlier than, he nonetheless needed to say that the trunk of Xing Conglian’s Jeep was actually messy.
Consuming water, snacks thrown round by Wang Chao, numerous digital gear equipment, piles of cleansing rags, scattered paper supplies, and naturally, the toolbox mendacity the wrong way up.
Xing Conglian leaned over and opened the toolbox, then dragged it out a bit to make it clearer for Lin Chen to see. “My mom stated that in keeping with Chinese language custom, when a person has cash, he turns into unhealthy. I don’t know the place she obtained her fallacies, however anyway, you may think about it my secret cash… uh, is there such a factor as secret cash?”
Listening to Xing Conglian’s clarification, Lin Chen seemed on the toolbox that he had simply opened, which nonetheless continued the fashion of Xing Conglian’s trunk.
There have been scattered restore instruments, wrenches or screws, and every kind of colourful VIP playing cards pressed on a stack of papers. These VIP playing cards have been those that Xing Conglian took out final time. Briefly, there have been no gold bars or diamonds inside. Lin Chen breathed a sigh of aid and stated, “Why are you so cute, letting me confiscate your toolbox?”
However simply as he relaxed and turned to take a look at Xing Conglian, he abruptly heard the opposite social gathering say in a uncommon solemn voice, “I must reintroduce myself…” Xing Conglian paused, barely bowing to him, “Marketing consultant Lin, my surname is Xing1.”
“I do know your surname is Xing1…” he hadn’t completed talking but when he abruptly seemed on the different social gathering.
1Clarity: Xing (邢) the elite household of China vs his present identification Xing (刑).
Xing Conglian’s eyebrows and eyes have been considerably blurred within the twilight, however his again was straight, and his demeanor was stern. The noble aura emanating from him couldn’t be hid by the obscure evening.
Lin Chen felt a loud noise in his ears for a second, however Xing Conglian’s voice was nonetheless very clear and highly effective.
He stated, “It’s not Xing utilizing the unconventional from sword however from beside the proper ear*. My father’s title is Xing Liyuan, and my mom is from the Zhou household in southern Anhui. To be able to reply to the one-child coverage, they solely gave start to me.”
*Readability: The Xing he’s presently utilizing used the unconventional from sword (剑) whereas the opposite Xing used the unconventional (阝) which is often often known as “beside the appropriate ear” as the unconventional seems like a human ear (however has nothing to do with ears).
Lin Chen’s coronary heart trembled, and he couldn’t communicate for some time.
The 2 names that Xing Conglian talked about have been actually surprising.
Though some clues earlier than vaguely gave him the sensation that Xing Conglian could be associated to the Xing household, he at all times felt that Xing Conglian could be some distant relative who simply obtained a small share of the household enterprise. When it got here to inheriting the household, he didn’t suppose there was any connection in any respect along with his lover, who preferred to eat crayfish by the roadside.
Through the 5 minutes and even longer, Lin Chen had every kind of ideas in his thoughts. He felt like he had discovered a gold mine, so he needs to be laughing, however he couldn’t actually snigger out loud. Xing Conglian was now glowing throughout, however this was actually troublesome. Why was the Xing household so self-willed to ship their eldest grandson to be a police officer? From Xing Conglian’s look, he didn’t appear to have a falling out along with his household. How did Boss Xing really feel about his solely son having a boyfriend…?
Ultimately, Lin Chen might solely have a look at the opposite particular person and ask critically in the identical tone, “Do we have now to have this necessary dialog about your identification in entrance of your automotive trunk?”
Not solely in entrance of the trunk but additionally within the nook of the hospital car parking zone, which was a bit too informal.
Xing Conglian smiled evenly with a real sense of pleasure.
Lin Chen felt the opposite particular person put his hand on his waist and pull him into his arms, saying slowly, “I need you to know these items, not as a result of they’re significantly necessary, however basically, these items aren’t an enormous deal to me. And I’m very conscious that these items aren’t an enormous deal to you both. They won’t have an effect on your view of me or change our relationship in any means. The rationale why I need to let you know is that I don’t need to look like intentionally hiding something from you over one thing that’s not an enormous deal. I simply need you to know, that’s all.”
The primary concept of Xing Conglian’s phrases was that the content material wasn’t an enormous deal, and the necessary factor was the perspective of him reporting it. This was what he needed Lin Chen to see.
Lin Chen leaned on Xing Conglian’s shoulder, wanting on the streetlights within the distance progressively lighting up, coloring the wet evening with a delicate hue. Maybe it was actually quiet round them, that his heartbeat, which had simply sped up on account of Xing Conglian’s phrases, shortly calmed down.
As Xing Conglian stated, the truth that his household was very rich didn’t appear to be an enormous deal both. Though he thought so, he nonetheless needed to emphasize, “You suppose too extremely of me. It’s going to undoubtedly have an effect on my view of you.”
“Resembling?” Xing Conglian held the umbrella, masking each of them.
Lin Chen felt the low laughter coming from the opposite aspect, “Resembling…” he thought for a second however couldn’t provide you with any extravagant concepts as a result of he was poor. To be able to save face, he might solely reluctantly say, “Resembling I don’t need to eat hospital dinner tonight.”
“What do you need to eat, from which nation. I’ll notify them to airlift the chef and elements over.”
Lin Chen shuddered. “Sorry, simply overlook what I stated.”
“Properly, airlifting takes too lengthy. It’s not acceptable in the event you go hungry. For dinner tonight, there is just one three-star Michelin restaurant in Hongjing. Shall I notify them to shut and allow us to go there?”
“No, I’ll eat the hospital’s nutritious meal correctly. Can we speak about one thing else?”
“What do you need to chat about? Is there anything you need to know?”
Lin Chen couldn’t comprise his curiosity and requested, “What precisely is within the toolbox?”
After some thought, Xing Conglian reported, “All types of financial institution playing cards, checks… not the type purchased on Taobao, some land deeds, and probably some firm inventory contracts. I didn’t have a look at them carefully…”
Lin Chen abruptly seemed up, moved away from Xing Conglian, and tried to calm himself down. “Why don’t you retain these items in a financial institution vault?”
“It’s simply free change. I’m too lazy to place them away. It’s tremendous simply maintaining them shut…” Xing Conglian stated naturally.
Lin Chen couldn’t bear to listen to any extra and interrupted Xing Conglian, “I’ve a headache. Let’s go to the hospital for a check-up.”
He tried to tug Xing Conglian in the direction of the hospital, hoping to get away from the Jeep so far as attainable, however Xing Conglian remained in place and didn’t transfer.
“What’s unsuitable?” Lin Chen rotated and requested.
“You forgot one thing,” Xing Conglian stated.
“What?” Lin Chen was afraid that the opposite social gathering would carry up the toolbox once more and was very alert.
Earlier than he might end talking, Xing Conglian turned his head, leaned in near his lips, and whispered, “Sir, that is the place we should always kiss.”
His scorching breath sprayed on Lin Chen’s face, and earlier than he might reply, Xing Conglian’s lips had already coated his.
Lin Chen closed his eyes.
Within the darkening sky, with the sound of rain falling quietly, every part was good.