Chapter 410: The Crime Scene
As soon as the commotion started, the waiter who came up with Chen Shi rushed over to apologize. Chen Shi put on rubber gloves and approached, saying, “Excuse me, sir, let me take that vase for you.”
The overweight man, red-faced and arguing with the waiter, assumed Chen Shi was a hotel staff member and handed him the vase.
Chen Shi inspected the vase closely. It did contain vomit but had no alcohol smell. He glanced inside the room and noticed the vase was originally placed next to the bathroom.
Chen Shi took out a plastic bag and emptied the vomit into it. The waiter asked, “Sir, what are you doing?”
“Is this against the rules?”
“No… not against the rules, but it’s best to let the cleaning staff handle it.”
“If it’s not against the rules, I’ll take it. You don’t need to follow us. We’ll go straight to the room and handle things here.”
Lin Dongxue whispered, “Why are you taking that disgusting stuff?”
“Anything unusual should be noted. It’s common sense. The vase was originally placed by the bathroom, so why did the previous guest vomit outside instead of using the bathroom?”
“There’s something in the bathroom!” Lin Dongxue realized.
Chen Shi nodded approvingly, “You’re thinking quickly now!”
“No, no, I’m still far behind you. You thought of it instantly.”
They entered the room, a luxurious place costing 5,000 yuan per night. Despite being there for the investigation, Lin Dongxue couldn’t help but feel happy about spending the night with Chen Shi. She was about to insert the room card to turn on the electricity, but Chen Shi gestured for her to stop.
He took out his phone and started recording a video of the room. Lin Dongxue asked, “What are you doing?”
“Checking for hidden cameras.”
“You have good security awareness. Do you stay in hotels often?”
“Haha, you’re overthinking it.”
The room was clean, which disappointed Chen Shi. He had hoped to find hidden cameras that might have captured unexpected evidence.
After inserting the room card, the air conditioner, lights, TV, smart toilet, and water heater all came to life with a hum. Lin Dongxue threw herself onto the bed to feel its softness. The bed faced the TV cabinet, perfect for watching TV comfortably.
Opening the window, they had a panoramic view of the city, giving a sense of dominance over the surroundings. With no tall buildings opposite, they could do anything at the window without being seen… the thought made Lin Dongxue blush.
Chen Shi made a couple of calls, first to Sun Zhen and then to Peng Siyue. Afterward, he said, “Come with me.”
In the hallway, the overweight man had calmed down. Chen Shi stood under a surveillance camera, blatantly picked up a painting, and even made faces at the camera. Lin Dongxue laughed, “What are you doing?”
“Testing the so-called ‘foolproof’ security. Let’s take this painting back to the room to enjoy!”
“I want the one with the roses.”
“Alright!”
Chen Shi put the painting back and picked up the one with the roses, carrying it back to their room.
Once inside, Chen Shi called the front desk, “Hello, do you offer any special services?”
The front desk replied, “Sir, we offer room service, cleaning, laundry, and wake-up calls. Which service do you need?”
“Is room service free?”
“Breakfast is free, but other meals are charged separately.”
Chen Shi covered the phone and asked Lin Dongxue, “Want to eat something?”
Lin Dongxue shook her head, “Too expensive!”
He returned to the phone, “No, thank you!” and hung up.
Chen Shi then examined the room, glancing at the painting they had brought in. “So much for ‘foolproof’ security. They haven’t noticed anything yet. The cameras are just for show.”
“Who did you call just now?”
“My hacker friend and Old Peng. I’ll go meet them downstairs. Do you want me to bring back dinner?”
Lin Dongxue pointed at the painting, “What if security comes up?”
“Don’t worry. Just call me if they do.”
Lin Dongxue watched TV while Chen Shi brought Sun Zhen upstairs. Sun Zhen was visibly nervous around Lin Dongxue, greeting her politely, “Hello, sister-in-law!”
“Don’t say that! What sister-in-law?” Lin Dongxue blushed.
Chen Shi told him, “Xiao Chong, help me with the hacking.”
Sun Zhen adjusted his glasses, “Hacking into the CCTV system isn’t difficult, but I’ve noticed the cameras are very dense on this floor. If I’m caught, it won’t be good.”
“I’ll find a way to distract security. Stay here and start when I call you.”
“Are you sure… won’t it interfere with you and sister-in-law?” Sun Zhen glanced shyly at Lin Dongxue again.
“Get lost! We’re here for an investigation!”
Lin Dongxue asked, “Where’s Captain Peng?”
“He’s not coming. I just borrowed some tools from him. He sent someone to deliver them.” Chen Shi carried two bags, one with food and the other with investigation tools.
Chen Shi took Lin Dongxue and the tools to the overweight man’s room. He knocked, and the man answered grumpily, “Who is it?”
Chen Shi smiled, “We met earlier. I’m staying on this floor too.”
The man scrutinized Chen Shi, “A standard room guest trying to cozy up to someone in a presidential suite?”
“How do you know I’m in a standard room?”
“Hmph!” The man noticed Lin Dongxue standing beside Chen Shi, his demeanor softening, “Are you two a couple?”
Lin Dongxue showed her badge, “Understand now?”
“I don’t understand. Why are the police looking for me? Do you know who I am?”
Chen Shi pretended to recognize him, “Aren’t you the…”
“Haha, yes, yes! You’ve seen my show, right?”
Lin Dongxue recognized the man as a famous internet personality known for his online programs.
Chen Shi asked, “Did the hotel clean up the vase?”
“They did. The hotel even compensated me with a pizza. Thoughtful of them. Want to join me?”
“Sure, why not?” Chen Shi said.
The man opened the door wider, letting them in. The presidential suite was indeed luxurious, resembling a mansion more than a hotel. The man sat on the sofa, drinking wine and eating pizza, “Ask whatever you want. I’m very busy!”
“We’re not here for you specifically, just investigating the room.”
“Go ahead!” The man agreed surprisingly quickly, “Are you investigating a big case? I heard about the Falling Corpse Case in Long’an City. Is it this case? I have one condition. Whatever you find, tell me first.”
“Why?” Lin Dongxue asked.
“Haha, I’m a media person. Anyone staying here is either rich or powerful. Whoever you find will be big news!”
“We’ll see.”
Chen Shi led Lin Dongxue into the bathroom. The man called after them, “Don’t do anything funny in there! Hahaha!”
“He’s so annoying,” Lin Dongxue said disdainfully.
“Ignore him.”
Chen Shi took out Luminol and sprayed it around the bathtub. Using a UV light, they saw clear traces of blood…