Before long, the sound of sirens drew near, finally stopping at the entrance of Chaosheng Apartments.
Following the sound, they saw two black SUVs bearing the logo of the Bureau of Investigation parked right in front of the entrance. The doors opened, and four investigators dressed in black uniforms filed out. Each was equipped with standard-issue flashlights, rubber gloves, and evidence bags. They walked into the apartments with solemn expressions and hurried steps.
The leading investigator was tall and grim-faced, with a faint scar over his brow bone. His gaze carried an unquestionable authority as it swept over the onlookers.
He walked straight up to the property manager and flashed his badge. "Bureau of Investigation Field Unit, taking over the scene. All unauthorized personnel must evacuate. Block off this entire floor's hallway; no one is allowed near the crime scene."
As if granted a massive reprieve, the property manager nodded and bowed repeatedly. He turned to disperse the onlookers, "Disperse, disperse! The investigators are here. Everyone, go back to your rooms. Don't cause trouble here."
Though the residents were still curious, they feared the authority of the Bureau of Investigation and dispersed while whispering among themselves.
Lin Wenyu took the initiative to grab Zhao Lei to keep him in check. The three of them trailed at the very back of the crowd, positioned right where they were within the investigators' line of sight but not close enough to be immediately chased away.
Two investigators quickly set up yellow caution tape at the entrance of the crime scene. Another investigator, who wore glasses, pulled out a detector and swept it around the doorway, then shook his head at the leader.
The leading investigator nodded, put on his gloves, and pushed the door open. The four of them entered the room one after another. The heavy door was gently closed, sealing off most of the pungent stench of blood, though the faint sounds of their investigation could still be heard through the cracks.
Bai Ci lowered her voice and said to Lin Wenyu—or more accurately, confirmed with her, "The investigators' equipment is very standardized, not like something thrown together at the last minute. It seems cases like this aren't uncommon in this instance."
Lin Wenyu kept her hands in her leather jacket pockets, maintaining her usual aloof expression as her peripheral vision swept over both ends of the hallway. "The key is to see the direction of their subsequent investigation—whether they prioritize identifying the victim or connecting it to Lele's disappearance."
Bai Ci nodded. The direction of their investigation would reveal how much information the Bureau of Investigation currently possessed.
Aside from Zhao Lei, either she or Lin Wenyu could make this basic judgment. There was no need to keep both of them here.
Huddled beside them, Zhao Lei couldn't help but look back curiously. "Who do you think those bones inside belong to? Could it be related to Lele?"
Bai Ci didn't answer. She merely signaled for him to quiet down. Just then, the door opened, and the leading investigator stepped out, his gaze landing on the three highly curious tenants.
"Are you residents of this apartment building?" The investigator's voice was deep and scrutinizing as his eyes swept across their faces one by one.
With Wang Qiang absent and Lin Wenyu maintaining her cold persona, Bai Ci naturally became the temporary spokesperson. Showing just the right amount of panic and curiosity, she nodded and replied, "Yes, we're tenants who recently moved to the fourth floor. We came down to check after hearing a scream just now. We never expected something like this to happen."
"Recently moved in?" The investigator raised an eyebrow, pulling out a notepad and pen in a businesslike manner. "Names, ages, date of move-in, and exact address."
Bai Ci listed their information one by one. Lin Wenyu stood by her side, still wearing that cold expression, occasionally nodding in agreement when the investigator asked a question, her tone brief and devoid of extra words.
Having just vomited, Zhao Lei's face was still somewhat pale. He forced himself to stay calm as he answered, though his eyes couldn't help but wander past the police tape, curious about the progress of the investigation.
Once the investigator finished recording everything, he questioned a few other long-time residents who were looking on. Most of their answers were trivial details—nothing more than hearing a scream at night and rarely interacting with the occupant of the room in question.
"Avoid wandering around the apartments for the time being. If you recall any unusual circumstances, contact the Bureau of Investigation immediately," the investigator instructed.
Just then, the investigator with glasses inside the room called out, "Captain Chen, come take a look."
"Alright, we will definitely cooperate," Bai Ci agreed with a nod. Only after she watched Captain Chen step back inside did she let out a sigh of relief.
Zhao Lei looked embarrassed. "Um... Sister Bai, Sister Lin, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I'm going to the restroom. Don't make any plans without me, alright? Definitely wait for me."
Without waiting for their reply, he rushed toward the public restroom on the other side of the hallway, his steps hurried as if he were terrified of missing something by returning late.
With only the two of them left in the hallway, Lin Wenyu suddenly turned and leaned closer to Bai Ci. Her voice was extremely low, stripped of the aloofness she had shown the investigator, replaced by a casual tone. "There's not much to see here anymore. The investigators are just going through the motions. The real action is with Wang Qiang and the others."
Bai Ci raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised that she would bring this up. "Oh? Why do you say that?"
"Wang Qiang's arrangement has selfish motives," Lin Wenyu's gaze fell on the door behind the caution tape, her tone flat but certain. "He claimed that taking Su Xiao with him was a reasonable excuse, but that doesn't hold water at all. When investigating a suspicious character like Old Man Li, acting alone is far more stealthy and efficient. Bringing along a timid, cowardly newcomer only increases the risk of exposure and slows down the pace."
Bai Ci's heart stirred. Lin Wenyu's observation aligned perfectly with her own faint doubts. She subtly probed further, "What do you think his goal is?"
"What else could it be? To boost Su Xiao's participation rate so she can get a better starting class," Lin Wenyu said with a touch of nonchalance. "Su Xiao has been shrinking back the whole time with barely any meaningful participation. Wang Qiang taking her to investigate key clues is just to help her score a higher evaluation, so she can survive a few more rounds in this trash game."
"Why are you telling me this?" Bai Ci looked straight at her, trying to find any crack in her expressionless face.
Though they were teammates, they had always kept their distance. Lin Wenyu had always acted like someone who didn't like to meddle in others' business. Her taking the initiative to point out Wang Qiang's selfish motives now was bound to raise questions.
"Just bored, looking for something to talk about," Lin Wenyu shrugged, showing a relaxed attitude that contrasted with her usual cold demeanor. "Wang Qiang isn't doing a bad job as a captain. This little bit of selfishness doesn't hurt anyone; in fact, it's rather benevolent of him. If I were the one organizing things, I'd have to rack my brain to balance everyone's needs, which is a massive hassle. In a team instance, there's no need to fight over every little scrap."
She glanced toward the restroom, her voice softening further, carrying a hint of helplessness. "It's just Zhao Lei who's getting the short end of the stick. Being assigned here to deal with the investigators means he can't participate in any substantive investigation. His evaluation probably won't be very high."
Bai Ci nodded in silence, understanding the situation.
Zhao Lei was impulsive and reckless. Wang Qiang had left him here both out of fear that he would cause trouble and as a tacit acknowledgment that he couldn't participate in the core investigation for now. He was sacrificing a portion of Zhao Lei's participation to buy an opportunity for Su Xiao's growth.
However, with Zhao Lei's impulsive nature, if he found out he was being marginalized, he would likely throw a tantrum again.
As she was reflecting on this, she saw Zhao Lei emerge from the restroom and walk over with a relaxed expression. "All done! Are the investigators still busy in there?"
Reining in her thoughts, Bai Ci gave a faint nod. "Yes, we'll just keep watch here. Don't make any rash moves."
Rate on N.U.
