Chapter 160: Identifying a Suspect
Editor Zhuo Xuan said, “No need, if you have questions, just ask!”
Chen Shi smiled, “Just chatting. Cops are people too, you know.”
“So, what are you doing here, watching that rough cut? How do you find the editing?”
“Hmm, can’t say much. I don’t really get this montage thing.”
Zhuo Xuan seemed satisfied with the answer. “That’s good. Good editing shouldn’t be noticeable. You wouldn’t believe what the raw footage looked like before I got my hands on it. This company is all for fun—writers, directors, cinematographers—give them a script, and they wouldn’t know where to start. Only I studied editing techniques seriously, using this garbage to practice. I dare say, my editing skills are good enough for a proper film company.”
“No wonder you don’t want to go along with them.”
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
Chen Shi offered a cigarette, and Zhuo Xuan thanked him, using his left hand to take it. Chen Shi noted this and asked, “Who in the company was close to Lu?”
“Not me. I never tried to please him, just did my job… Little Li, Little Xu, and Little Ma were pretty close to him.”
“Close enough to visit his home?”
A guarded look flashed in Zhuo Xuan’s eyes. “It’s a company culture thing. Lu would invite top-performing employees to his mansion for a meal. Those idiots saw it as an honor. I never went.”
“Where were you on the night of February 2nd?”
“Officer, you’re quite direct. I was at home playing games.”
“What size shoes do you wear?”
“Size 40.”
“Alright, leave your contact info. I might need to reach you again.”
They exchanged numbers, and Zhuo Xuan put his phone back in his left pocket. He said, “I don’t think we’ll meet again. This has nothing to do with me. I have an interview at a film company.”
“Good luck.”
Back in the room, Xu Xiaodong had finished watching the rough cut and was sprawled on the sofa, exhausted. “Mental pollution. I never want to do this again.”
“Let’s go visit the film’s leading lady.”
Xu Xiaodong perked up, “Yes! The lead actress is a beauty!”
Chen Shi called Cheng Yan, who said she was at a theater audition. They headed there and watched from the audience. Cheng Yan, dressed beautifully, greeted the judges and sang a song. Her singing was average, and the judges handed her a script to read some lines.
She read with emotion, “Ah, love is a candle, giving you light, but blown out by the wind. Love is a bird, decorating the scenery, but flies away when the weather changes…”
Xu Xiaodong whispered, “That’s definitely her!”
The judges exchanged opinions and asked her to wait for their notification. Cheng Yan bowed and left the stage.
Chen Shi waved her over. Cheng Yan walked up and asked, “Is Lu Zhendong really dead?”
“Yes, we’re investigating the case. Please keep it quiet for now.”
“Ask me anything. I’ll tell you what I know.”
“We visited his film company. They said he was pursuing you, but you didn’t reciprocate. Is that true?”
“Honestly, he’s not my type. No matter how rich he is, I just couldn’t be interested.”
“Some say you like girls. Is that just an excuse?”
Cheng Yan rolled her eyes. “Mister, it’s the 21st century. Don’t be so narrow-minded. Labels aren’t necessary. The person I like just hasn’t appeared yet. Whether they’re a man or woman doesn’t matter. When I see them, I’ll know they’re the one for me.”
Xu Xiaodong added, “Miss Cheng, your natural demeanor is much better than your acting in the films.”
“No kidding? This is the real me. Acting is replicating emotions for the camera. I know my acting needs work. I’m young and lack life experience.”
“Any dreams, Miss Cheng?”
“Of course, to be a big star, like Fan Bingbing, admired by everyone… Oh, sorry!” Cheng Yan blushed, laughing.
“Can we talk about the case?” Chen Shi asked.
“Go ahead.”
“When did you last see Lu Zhendong?”
Cheng Yan scratched her arm, “About half a month ago, during an outdoor shoot. Everyone from the company was there.”
“No contact since?”
“No.”
“Wasn’t he pursuing you?”
Cheng Yan scratched her arm again. Through her semi-transparent sleeve, Chen Shi noticed a small rash. Cheng Yan bit her lip, “No, maybe he gave up. He wasn’t that kind of devoted guy.”
Chen Shi studied her face, “You don’t look well.”
“Busy with auditions, stressed out, haven’t rested well.”
“What auditions?”
“Is that a dumb question? Finding a job to support myself!”
“But didn’t you sign with that film company?”
Cheng Yan looked flustered, “That money’s not enough, and there’s no work. I’m just looking for other jobs. Is that illegal?”
“Thank you. We’ll be in touch.”
As they left and got into the car, Chen Shi leisurely took out a cigarette. Xu Xiaodong asked, “Chen, where to next?”
“Wait.”
“Wait? For what?”
“Leave some suspense!”
Cheng Yan left the theater quickly. Chen Shi followed her in the car. She entered an internet café, and they watched from a distance.
Xu Xiaodong said, “She’s browsing web pages.”
After five minutes, she was still staring at the screen.
Twenty minutes later, a message popped up. She typed something, then continued staring.
Chen Shi said, “It’s a private message on a forum. Can you see which site?”
“No.”
For the next half hour, she sent about a dozen messages, then shut down the computer and paid.
Chen Shi smirked, sometimes inquiries don’t yield much, but observing someone’s behavior afterward can be telling. “She has a phone but went to an internet café to communicate.”
“Do you think there’s something fishy? What did she say?”
“Knowing she’s suspicious is enough. Let’s head back!”