C13 New Clues

Hua Ning and Cheng Sheng arrived at the crime scene swiftly. Ding Yu, unable to stomach the sight of blood, had no choice but to wait back in the office.

Several days had passed, yet the crime scene remained cordoned off, leaving the neighborhood eerily quiet. The pair made their way inside and found Xiao Chennai squatting on the kitchen floor.

In front of him, a small patch of blood had been scrubbed clean, creating an unsettling and gruesome contrast.

Hua Ning felt a shiver run down her spine as she squatted down next to him. "What have you found?" she asked, passing the toolbox to Xiao Chennai.

He retrieved some tools and explained, "This area was previously obscured by bloodstains. I hadn't noticed it until now, but it's loose."

The floorboard, which lay adjacent to the body, had been completely concealed by blood. Now clean, its true condition was exposed. Hua Ning slipped on her gloves and gently prodded it. "Yes, it's loose."

Xiao Chennai worked the floorboard with his tools, prying it further open to reveal a dark brown substance—soil stained by prolonged exposure to blood.

He collected some of the soil into an evidence bag and handed it to Hua Ning. "Get this tested."

Afterward, he pulled out his phone and, crouching down, meticulously photographed the area.

Hua Ning looked on, puzzled. "Leader, what's the significance? Is there something odd here?"

Xiao Chennai's expression was serious. "Let's have the lab analyze it first, then we'll discuss the findings."

Hua Ning blinked and playfully waved her hand in front of Xiao Chennai's face. "Leader, are you all there?"

She couldn't help but wonder if he had lost his mind, acting so cryptically. She saw nothing particularly strange about the dirt in the crevice.

Xiao Chennai allowed himself a rare smile. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly lucid. Let's head back to the precinct."

Upon their return, Ding Yu approached them eagerly. "Leader, Captain Wang stopped by earlier. He's waiting for you to return so you can have a brief meeting in his office."

Xiao Chennai hesitated briefly before heading to Wang Shengdong's office, with the others trailing behind.

Sunn Limin was present, along with another individual, Jian Chenyi, who had collaborated with them on a previous case.

Today, he was clad in a navy blue suit that accentuated his fair complexion. He didn't come across as a detective; rather, he resembled an actor.

Ding Yu gave him a sidelong glance, thinking this man didn't even compare to him.

Sunn Limin was the first to speak. "We have two items on the agenda today. First, I'd like to introduce the new members of Unit 9, and second, we need to discuss the Lian Dongsheng case. Wang, please do the honors."

Sunn Limin beamed at Wang Shengdong, who cleared his throat and gestured toward Jian Chenyi. "You've all met him before. The mayor personally selected him to assist with the last case. I'm sure you're all aware of his capabilities. As of today, he is the official consultant for Unit 9."

Sunn Limin led a round of applause. "Let's warmly welcome Comrade Jian Chenyi to our team. With him, Unit 9 is now stronger than ever."

Wang Shengdong joined in the applause and continued the introduction. "Jian Chenyi is a national-level psychologist, a seasoned and exceptional professional. He has contributed to solving over a hundred cases, and all the cases he's been involved with have been successfully closed..."

Ding Yu couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Solving cases isn't a one-man show. It's not as miraculous as it sounds..."

Cheng Sheng nudged him quietly, signaling him to keep quiet.

Luckily, Sunn Limin, Wang Shengdong, and Jian Chenyi were far enough away that they likely didn't overhear.

However, Jian Chenyi's gaze swiftly fixed on Ding Yu. "Sir..."

He approached Ding Yu. "I'd venture to guess that you're quite extroverted, someone who knows how to lighten the mood in a crowd. Yet, deep down, you're the complete opposite—thoughtful and sensitive."

Ding Yu was taken aback and momentarily lost for words.

With a gentle smile and a polite tone that was far from offensive, Jian Chenyi continued, "You probably experienced some things in your childhood that you'd rather forget, events that cast a long shadow over you. Also, you seem to favor light-colored clothing. Today's outfit isn't in line with your usual taste, and I'd guess you're quite the sports enthusiast..."

After he finished speaking, he didn't continue but instead carefully watched Ding Yu's expression.

A moment later, he smiled faintly, "It looks like I was wrong. Your microexpressions tell me you're not a fan of sports."

He fell silent, and Ding Yu didn't dare to speak.

Jian Chenyi had been spot-on with his remarks, and Ding Yu quietly tried to make himself less conspicuous.

Jian Chenyi, noticing this, offered a slight smile and reached out to Xiao Chennai, "Hello, Leader Xiao. I'm Jian Chenyi."

Xiao Chennai extended his hand without a trace of emotion and briefly shook hands, simply saying, "Hello."

Sunn Limin quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Leader Xiao is always like this, quite serious and not one to joke around."

Jian Chenyi appeared unfazed, "I've collaborated with Leader Xiao before. No worries."

Sunn Limin laughed, "Well, that's good. Now that introductions are out of the way, let's move on to the next item. Mr. Jian, please join us. Leader Xiao, could you update us on the current status and progress of the case?"

Xiao Chennai then briefed Jian Chenyi on the specifics of the case, covering every minor detail.

Jian Chenyi looked intrigued after hearing the details, "It seems I really need to meet this Lian Peng."

Exiting Wang Shengdong's office, Hua Ning stealthily followed Xiao Chennai and asked quietly, "Why didn't we mention the clues we found today to Director Sunn?"

Xiao Chennai remained impassive, "We're not certain yet. It's better to hold off speaking until we have the lab results."

He strode off, leaving Hua Ning trailing behind.

Scratching her head, Hua Ning muttered under her breath, "Weirdo."

"Typically, exceptional people have their quirks," came an unexpected voice.

Startled, Hua Ning turned to find Jian Chenyi behind her. She felt a bit uneasy, unsure if he had overheard her conversation with Xiao Chennai.

"Relax, I only caught the 'weirdo' part," Jian Chenyi said, smiling.

Hua Ning's face stiffened, and she silently swore to herself, finding it quite unnerving to interact with someone like Jian Chenyi.

She flashed a smile. "Mr. Jian, if I may be so bold, do you have any friends?"

Without waiting for Jian Chenyi to respond, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Jian Chenyi let out a light chuckle and called out after her, "I believe we could be friends, good friends at that!"

Hua Ning acted as if she hadn't heard him and picked up her pace.

How terrifying! Yet another oddball!