Chapter 30: Chen Shi’s Progress

After a while, Chen Shi walked in, looking disheveled with an unshaven face. Lin Dongxue teased, “Where have you been? Just got back from Africa?”

“Pretty much. I’m exhausted. Didn’t get a wink of sleep last night. Where’s the food?”

“It’s already here.”

They went to the office, where everyone else was busy. Chen Shi opened his lunchbox and started eating with relish, occasionally praising the food. Watching him eat made Lin Dongxue a bit hungry, but she was more eager to hear his thoughts on the case. Yet, Chen Shi didn’t say a word.

Lin Dongxue suddenly slammed the table, “Hey, all you care about is eating?”

Chen Shi looked her up and down, “Changed your hair clip? Looks nice!”

Lin Dongxue chuckled in exasperation, “Who cares about that! Have you been investigating the case?”

“Yeah,” Chen Shi replied, mouth full, “Let’s hear about your progress first.”

Lin Dongxue detailed their findings. After listening, Chen Shi said, “Your brother’s on the wrong track.”

“I know, but he won’t listen to you.”

“It’s fine. He’ll learn to be humble after a few failures.”

“So, what major clue did you find?” Lin Dongxue observed his reaction, testing him, “You must have found something, right?”

Chen Shi picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and smiled, “This clue is so shocking, I want to reveal it at the last moment. Let me keep a bit of mystery.”

“You’re infuriating!” Lin Dongxue laughed.

Meanwhile, Xu Xiaodong walked down the hallway, holding two concert tickets, muttering to himself, “Dongxue, want to go to a concert with me?” “Are you free this weekend?” “Do you like Jacky Cheung’s songs?” He tried different approaches but felt none were right. When he looked up, he saw the two of them laughing in the office, feeling crushed and rooted to the spot.

Chen Shi looked up and their eyes met, “Had lunch yet?”

“When did you get here?” Xu Xiaodong stammered.

“Just arrived. By the way, can you do me a favor? I didn’t drive. Can you take me to the hospital later?”

“What? You want me to drive you? Who do you think you are?”

“What’s wrong, kid? Had a bad day?”

Already annoyed, Xu Xiaodong exploded, “Dongxue, why are you always with this driver? You’re too superstitious about him. I don’t believe he can solve the case!”

“Want to bet?” Chen Shi smirked.

“I’m not betting with you! I’m not falling for it!”

“Lack confidence? A cop can’t outdo a driver?”

The challenge, though old, always worked. Xu Xiaodong’s pride was provoked. “Fine, I’ll bet. What’s the wager?”

“Those tickets in your hand.”

Xu Xiaodong quickly hid the tickets behind his back, but Chen Shi had already seen them. “Why do you want these?”

“I love Jacky Cheung. Heard he’s having a concert here, but the tickets were too expensive.”

“You sure know how to take advantage!”

“A fair bet. If I win, the tickets are mine. If I lose, I’ll pay for them. Deal?”

Xu Xiaodong thought, feeling he might be tricked. But not wanting to back down in front of Lin Dongxue, he said, “On one condition: you can’t use any current clues, including photos, lab results, and evidence.”

“Deal,” Chen Shi agreed, “None of the current clues, but anything I find or uncover myself is fair game.”

“Deal!” Xu Xiaodong glanced at Lin Dongxue, thinking solving the case would impress her. “I’ll be off then.”

On his way out, Xu Xiaodong thought about the other suspects. If he could quickly interview them, he might find something.

After Xu Xiaodong left, Lin Dongxue teased, “You’re really mean. You already have a solid lead and still want to bet.”

“Not necessarily. What if my lead is wrong? Solving cases is about trial and error. The more people testing, the better the chances.”

“Sounds reasonable but also twisted. This was your idea. I’m not responsible.”

“Win or lose, you get to enjoy the concert. Isn’t that a win-win?”

“Nonsense!” Lin Dongxue said seriously, “I have no feelings for him.”

“I think you two are a good match.”

“Want a punch?” Lin Dongxue raised her fist.

“I was wrong! Let’s go to the hospital.”

“To see that kid?”

“No, another hospital.”

They drove to a hospital. Chen Shi didn’t explain, just asked Lin Dongxue to show her badge if necessary. They found a doctor, and Chen Shi said, “Hello, we need a physical exam report.”

“Who are you?”

Chen Shi signaled Lin Dongxue, who showed her badge, “We’re detectives, investigating a case. We need your help.”

“Oh, officers! What do you need?”

“Did an employee of XX Insurance Company have a physical here?”

“I remember.”

“What does a company physical usually include?”

“Blood work, urine test, liver function, blood sugar, the basics.”

“We need the report for a person named Kong Wende.”

Lin Dongxue looked at Chen Shi in surprise, whispering, “Why him?”

Chen Shi just winked. The doctor quickly found and printed Kong Wende’s report. Chen Shi glanced at it, “Is this normal?”

“This person has slightly high blood fat, a bit of fatty liver, and early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.”

“Thank you.”

Leaving the hospital, Lin Dongxue couldn’t hold back, “What are you looking for? Why suddenly interested in the victim’s health?”

Chen Shi stopped, “You said I was being secretive. Let me give you a hint. No fingerprints or DNA from outsiders, the killer spared the child, the blood on the weapon is the victim’s. Can you piece it together? If not, you’re truly dense!”

Lin Dongxue thought hard, shaking her head, “Just tell me!”

Chen Shi tapped her with the file, “You really are dense! Let’s go back to the lab for a test.”