Chapter 420: The Missing Cleaner

Around nine o’clock, almost all the police officers had left, leaving the criminal investigation department eerily quiet. Xu Xiaodong, looking through the faxed documents from various police stations, remarked, “Great, we’re the only ones left on this floor. If any case comes up today, they’ll definitely come to us.”

Lin Dongxue said, “We don’t care about that. We’re focusing on our case.”

Chen Shi returned with some food and drinks. “How’s the investigation going?”

Xu Xiaodong read from the fax in his hand, “Records from the XX police. In 2005, a teenage girl disappeared after calling Luo Zuyu. The investigation was halted due to insufficient evidence.”

Lin Dongxue added, “In 2007, a girl was found burned to death outside XX city. Investigation revealed she checked into a hotel with Luo Zuyu before she died, but the hotel’s surveillance footage was erased. The case went cold.”

Xu Xiaodong continued, “In 2010, a girl was dismembered and thrown into a sewer. Luo Zuyu was a prime suspect, but he provided an alibi and was released.”

Chen Shi said, “Once might be a coincidence, but several times is a pattern.”

“Does he have a specific method or pattern for killing?” Lin Dongxue asked.

Chen Shi shook his head. “We’ll discuss that later. First, I need you to identify the victim.”

“How do we do that?” Xu Xiaodong asked.

“The victim was likely a fan. Since Luo Zuyu could interact with her, she’s not just a random fan. She probably participated in fan events, like welcoming him at the airport. Check with the local fan club. Her characteristics are: 24 years old, 167 cm tall, size 34 shoes, and for appearance…”

Chen Shi spread out the photos of missing girls and the victim on the table. “Luo Zuyu likes this type. Use that as a reference.”

Xu Xiaodong observed, “They all have big eyes and slightly protruding foreheads.”

Chen Shi said, “Close the door when you leave. I don’t want any interruptions.”

Xu Xiaodong saluted playfully, “Yes, sir!”

After they left, Chen Shi opened his laptop and searched for interviews with Luo Zuyu. He put on headphones and started watching.

Lin Dongxue found the Luo Zuyu fan club in Long’an City by phone. The leader confirmed there was a girl matching the description named Ling Shuangshuang, who handed flowers to Luo Zuyu during a fan event.

They went to Ling Shuangshuang’s apartment, knocked on the door, but there was no response. They called a locksmith to open the door. As soon as the door opened, the locksmith exclaimed, “Oh my god!” There was a pool of blood on the living room floor.

Lin Dongxue signaled Xu Xiaodong, and they entered with their guns drawn, finding a woman’s body in the bathroom.

Xu Xiaodong, startled, said, “I’ll call for backup.”

“There’s no one left at the office!”

“Should we do the autopsy ourselves?”

“Do you have gloves?”

“No.”

“Check the kitchen for rubber gloves.”

Xu Xiaodong found two pairs of plastic gloves. Lin Dongxue put them on and began examining the body, which was wet as if someone had washed it. The face was corroded by acid.

She measured the feet with her hand, “Larger than mine, definitely not size 34. The skin doesn’t look like she’s 23 years old. Is this really Ling Shuangshuang’s home?”

“I saw lots of Luo Zuyu’s photos and clippings on the walls. The owner is definitely a superfan.”

Lin Dongxue lifted the body’s hand, noting its rough texture and calluses. She had a sudden realization, “Could this be the missing cleaner?”

“Why leave her here?”

Lin Dongxue shook her head, “I’ll take some photos.”

Without a camera, she used her phone to meticulously photograph the details. Xu Xiaodong inspected the apartment. The living room had just one bloodstain, but the bedroom had been ransacked, suggesting something was taken.

The locksmith stood at the door, timidly asking, “Can I leave now?”

“Yes, you can go. And don’t talk about this.”

As the locksmith left, a girl walked up, glanced at Xu Xiaodong, then walked to the next floor before returning and heading downstairs. Xu Xiaodong found her suspicious and called out, “Who are you looking for?”

“I… I got the wrong floor.”

“Don’t be afraid. We’re police.” Xu Xiaodong showed his badge.

“Police? Did something happen to Shuangshuang?” the girl asked, surprised.

“You are…?”

“I’m her friend. I haven’t heard from her in days. I got worried and came to check… I saw you at the door and thought you were a burglar.”

Lin Dongxue came out and asked, “What’s going on?”

The girl asked, “Are you a police officer too?”

“Yes,” Lin Dongxue said, blocking her view of the bloodstain in the living room. “We’d like to ask you some questions. Can we talk somewhere else?”

“Sure.”

Lin Dongxue told Xu Xiaodong to take the girl downstairs while she locked up, leaving the scene for Chen Shi.

They sat in a pavilion in the community. The girl asked, “What happened to Shuangshuang?”

Lin Dongxue asked, “When did you last hear from her?”

“Can you tell me first? I’m really worried!”

“Tell us first, and then I’ll tell you. Okay?”

The girl accepted, showing them her phone. The last message from Ling Shuangshuang was on July 14th at 8 PM, with a photo of a man in a black hoodie driving a nice car.

The girl had asked in the chat, “Who’s that? Did you get a sugar daddy?”

Ling Shuangshuang replied, “Haha, I’ll reveal his identity later.”

The girl responded, “Keeping secrets from me? We’re done!”

“Okay, okay, here’s a hint: his initials are NS.”

“NS? I don’t know anyone like that.”

“Think harder.”

They hadn’t spoken since. The girl sent many “Are you there?” messages, but Ling Shuangshuang never replied. Lin Dongxue pondered, “NS? Nathan? Nick?”

“Could be ‘Nanshen,’ meaning ‘Male God,’” Xu Xiaodong suggested.

“Yes, that’s it!” Xu Xiaodong agreed.

“Who is this? Is Shuangshuang missing? Or worse…” The girl covered her mouth in fear.

Since she had promised, Lin Dongxue told her, “She’s been murdered.”

The girl turned pale, “Was it the man in the photo?”

“We’re still investigating. Send me that photo. And don’t talk about this until we solve the case.”

“I understand. Please, find justice for her.”

After getting the photo, they gave the girl a ride home before returning to the office. They found Chen Shi watching TV and taking notes.

Lin Dongxue slapped his shoulder, “Relaxing with TV, I see!”