Chapter 338: The Beautiful Caretaker (Third Update)

Lin Dongxue showed her police badge. “We’re looking for Ms. Yi Qing.”

The woman glanced at the badge, remaining calm. “I’m not a teacher, just a caretaker. How can I help you?”

“This might be a bit intrusive. Can we talk somewhere private?”

“Sure, follow me.”

The three of them moved to the lounge. Chen Shi observed the surroundings, noting the elegant taste in decor. The shelves held pristine bone china tea sets, the windowsill boasted well-cared-for plants, and a table against the wall was stacked with classical literature and philosophy books.

Lin Dongxue remarked, “Such a refined environment. This orphanage feels different from others.”

“We are privately run, so our facilities are a bit better than public ones.”

“Is there any way you generate profit?”

“You must be joking, Officer. An orphanage can’t have profit channels. If you must know, we sell some of the children’s crafts to supplement our expenses. Would you like some tea?”

“Water is fine.”

Yi Qing poured tea for them. Chen Shi admired her grace, thinking she was an elegant woman, but also sensed a hidden danger beneath her poise.

Yi Qing sat down, folding her hands on her lap. “So, why are you here?”

Lin Dongxue explained their purpose. Chen Shi observed her closely, noting her overly calm demeanor when discussing the sexual assault she had experienced years ago.

Yi Qing said, “Your investigation is thorough. Ten years ago, my father pushed me into hell. That night is unforgettable for me, making me feel unsafe and distrustful of adults ever since. I often think how a man’s one night of pleasure can ruin another’s life so easily. People are hell, and the world is unfair. But I have always endured silently, never thinking of resolving it with violence. Even if he’s dead, the psychological shadow won’t disappear.”

“Do you own a car?”

“No.”

“Can you drive?”

Yi Qing shook her head. “No.”

“Where were you from noon to 6 PM on May 20th? This is just routine questioning.”

“I took a child to the hospital. The doctor can verify.”

“Can we have the doctor’s contact?”

Yi Qing provided a contact number. Chen Shi interjected, “Which child? We’d like to meet them.”

“She’s very shy and might not cooperate.”

“That’s alright.”

“Follow me.”

Yi Qing led them to the courtyard, pointing to a girl playing alone in a corner. The girl, about twelve, was engaged in a peculiar activity. She was sharpening sticks with a knife and planting them in small mounds of earth, as if creating miniature graves.

“Her name is Zhao Puyang. Her parents died in a car accident, and she’s quite withdrawn.”

“What illness did she have?”

“Appendicitis. She’s had surgery and is fine now.”

Chen Shi signaled Lin Dongxue with his eyes. They approached Zhao Puyang. Lin Dongxue squatted and smiled, “Zhao Puyang, could you talk to the police sister?”

Zhao Puyang looked at her with hostility, stood up, and walked away, clinging to Yi Qing.

Yi Qing patted Zhao Puyang’s head. “Sorry, she only talks to me. You can ask me, and I’ll convey it.”

“She seems very attached to you,” Lin Dongxue smiled awkwardly, unsure what to ask.

Chen Shi said, “I’d like a copy of her records.”

“Is it necessary? Do you suspect her?”

“Just following procedure.”

“Alright…” Yi Qing whispered something to Zhao Puyang, then took Lin Dongxue to get Zhao Puyang’s records and made a copy for her.

When Lin Dongxue returned, she saw Chen Shi pulling Zhao Puyang’s sleeve. Zhao Puyang angrily kicked him, broke free, and ran to Yi Qing. Yi Qing, slightly angry, asked, “What are you doing?”

“Just asking a few questions. Who knew she’d react so strongly,” Chen Shi said innocently.

“Police should have manners. Please be more civilized.”

“I am very civilized.”

“Let’s go,” Lin Dongxue tugged at Chen Shi’s sleeve.

Chen Shi glanced at the shoe print on his pants, thinking he finally got what he needed. He could compare it with the footprints from the crime scene.

Provoking Zhao Puyang had been intentional; he needed that kick. Children were easy to deceive.

At that moment, Yi Qing suddenly caught up and brushed off the shoe print on Chen Shi’s pants. She stood up and said, “Puyang doesn’t know better. I apologize on her behalf.”

Chen Shi was stunned for a good five seconds. He told Lin Dongxue, “You go ahead.”

“Why?”

“I’ll be right there.”

Seeing Chen Shi so serious, Lin Dongxue left.

Once she was gone, Chen Shi smiled, “Can I have your WeChat?”

Yi Qing sneered, “Isn’t she your girlfriend? Is this appropriate?”

“I think we have common interests. You seem to enjoy reading. I noticed a book by Xin Bai on your table. Have you read his other work?”

“Which one?”

“Black Honey,” Chen Shi’s expression turned serious, staring directly at her.

At the mention of these words, Yi Qing’s pupils contracted momentarily before she smiled. “I’ve never heard of it. I’ll look it up.”

“Not going to give me your WeChat?”

“No, goodbye.”

After Chen Shi came out, Lin Dongxue asked, “What was so private that you couldn’t ask in front of me?”

“Personal stuff, like whether she has a boyfriend.”

“You’re impossible!” Lin Dongxue knew he was joking and playfully punched him.

Chen Shi changed the topic. “Did you notice her actions just now? She scolded me one moment but brushed off my pants the next.”

“Oh?”

“She didn’t want me to take that shoe print. Smart woman!”

“Do you suspect her?”

“What’s your impression of her?”

“Intellectual, beautiful, charming, great figure!”

“A very thorough emotional assessment!” Chen Shi chuckled.

“But… if I had to say, she does seem to have secrets. Should we visit the doctor?”

“Yes!”

They reached the hospital before closing and met Dr. Li, who performed Zhao Puyang’s appendectomy on May 20th. He confirmed the story and showed them the surgery records.

Chen Shi asked, “The surgery took all afternoon?”

“Not that long, but there were several surgeries before hers. They waited in the ward all afternoon.”

“Why did you say they were there all afternoon?” Chen Shi asked sharply.

“Uh…” The doctor hesitated briefly, then said, “Just stating the facts.”

“They never left your sight?”

“I don’t know what you’re investigating, but no, they didn’t. The child was in a lot of pain, and Ms. Yi kept asking when the surgery could be done.”

“What was she wearing that day?”

“How would I know? I see many patients in a day… It’s late. Anything else?”

“Thank you!”

Leaving the hospital, Chen Shi smiled at the evening sky. Lin Dongxue asked why. Chen Shi said, “The doctor is lying. The alibi is fake!”