Chapter 31: The Shocking Truth

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue returned to the precinct and headed straight to the forensic team. Chen Shi addressed Peng Sizhuo, “Captain Peng, I need your help testing something.”

Peng Sizhuo glanced at him coldly, “What?”

“Remember the blood on the murder weapon…”

“We’ve already tested it.”

“No, I don’t need a DNA test. I need you to check its blood lipid levels and compare them to the victim’s.”

Peng Sizhuo stared at Chen Shi for a moment before responding, “Why should I listen to you? We’re swamped with work right now and don’t have time for your requests.”

“Has Captain Lin started a new investigation?” Lin Dongxue asked.

“Yes, he just came back from the scene where Da Hu was killed and brought back some evidence. He’s very busy. Please leave,” Peng Sizhuo replied.

Lin Dongxue tugged at Chen Shi’s sleeve, indicating they should leave, but Chen Shi ignored her. Instead, he softened his tone and said, “Please do me this favor. I’m not asking for nothing in return…”

Chen Shi pulled a pack of mints from his pocket and placed it on the table. “A small token of appreciation.”

Peng Sizhuo was taken aback, then laughed, “Do you take me for a child?”

“It’s all I can offer.”

“Why test the blood lipid levels? You need to explain,” Peng Sizhuo demanded.

“Will you help me?” Chen Shi asked.

“Depends on your explanation.”

“How about this: run the test first, and I’ll explain once we have the results.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Peng Sizhuo said, “You better not be wasting my time. I hold grudges, and if you’re lying, don’t expect to be allowed in here again.”

“I wouldn’t dare,” Chen Shi smiled.

Peng Sizhuo retrieved the blood samples from the refrigerator and began testing them at the workbench. He also opened the pack of mints and popped one into his mouth. The lab was quiet. Lin Dongxue whispered, “What’s the point of testing the same person’s blood?”

“Is it the same person? How can you be so dense after all the hints I’ve given you?” Chen Shi responded.

Lin Dongxue suddenly realized, “Could it be… could it be…”

“Say it!” Chen Shi encouraged her with a smile.

“Could the blood have been left behind previously?”

Chen Shi looked skyward in exasperation, “Your logic! I’m impressed.”

“Go to hell!” Lin Dongxue kicked him.

Peng Sizhuo looked up in surprise, holding two test strips. “The blood lipid levels in these two samples are vastly different, but their DNA is identical. I get it, they’re twins!”

“Twins!?” Lin Dongxue was shocked.

Chen Shi smiled, “That’s the truth.”

“How did you figure that out?” Peng Sizhuo asked.

“It was a bold guess at first. How could there be no fingerprints, DNA, or saliva from the murderer at the scene? Why didn’t the killer harm the boy? Also, when we mentioned ‘mom and dad’ to the boy, he became extremely agitated. So, I went to Kong Wende’s hometown and found his parents. I was gambling that if Kong Wende had contacted them before or after the incident, they wouldn’t tell me anything. Using some tactics, I learned from his parents that Kong Wende was actually one of a pair of twins. The family was too poor to raise both, so they drew lots to decide which one to abandon. They left the abandoned child at a temple in a neighboring town, and there was no further news. With this clue, everything made sense. The body at the scene wasn’t Kong Wende but his twin brother. Kong Wende is the real murderer. The boy saw his father kill his mother and grandmother, which is why he is traumatized. Maybe Kong Wende planned to kill the boy too, but couldn’t bring himself to do it in the end.”

After Chen Shi’s lengthy explanation, Lin Dongxue and Peng Sizhuo were left speechless. Chen Shi continued, “Sounds crazy, right? Reality is often stranger than fiction. This isn’t the first case of twins swapping identities to commit murder. There was a case in Texas where a twin sister killed her sibling and lived with her brother-in-law for months. It was only uncovered because of a fire that led police to find the ‘sister’s’ body. The reaction from the police was similar to yours until they realized the dead woman was the killer’s twin sister.”

“So, you want my brother to find someone who looks like Kong Wende?” Lin Dongxue asked. “You think he’s still in Long’an City?”

“Actually, I believe he’s still here. I asked my taxi driver friends to check for recent missing person notices. There weren’t any that matched Kong Wende’s description. If I were him, I’d hide in plain sight, pretending to be my twin brother. In a city as big as Long’an, the police would never think of that.”

Lin Dongxue was amazed. She thought Chen Shi had been slacking off, but he had been working secretly and nearly solved the case on his own. One person outsmarted an entire task force. She couldn’t help but wonder again, who exactly is Chen Shi?

“When examining the body, I noticed calluses on the hands and slight spinal disc herniation, suggesting he was a laborer. I’ll inform Captain Lin to investigate this lead!” Peng Sizhuo said, reaching for his phone.

“Thanks, Captain Peng,” Chen Shi said as he turned to leave.

On their way out, Lin Dongxue seemed unhappy, which Chen Shi noticed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing… nothing at all.”

“Let me guess, you’re upset because I told your brother the truth instead of letting you take the credit, right?”

“No! Solving the case is what matters. Do you think I’m that petty?” Lin Dongxue pouted.

Chen Shi took out his phone to send a text, which only made Lin Dongxue more upset. After sending the message, Chen Shi explained, “Sharing information is the basis of cooperation. If I kept everything to myself, it would waste police resources and time. It’s a matter of principle and integrity. Even if I told your brother, it doesn’t mean he will catch Kong Wende. Besides, I have a faster way to catch him!”

“What is it!?” Lin Dongxue’s eyes lit up.

“Come with me to the newspaper office.”