Chapter 495: Cohabitation

Chen Shi asked, “There’s one more person—Yan Qilin’s close friend, Xiao Ran. How much do you know about her?”

“Xiao Ran and I are somewhat related, not by blood, but through our fathers who were colleagues. We went to elementary and middle school together. We used to envy each other. I envied her for having more freedom at home, and she envied me for having a complete family,” Zhang Jinlei said with a bitter smile. “Looking back, neither of our families were truly happy.”

Chen Shi was surprised to learn about his connection with Xiao Ran. He continued, “Yan Qilin’s diary mentioned that both of them liked you, but Xiao Ran stepped aside. Is that true?”

“Yes,” Zhang Jinlei replied calmly. “Actually, I’m grateful to her. She played matchmaker for Yan Qilin and me. Xiao Ran is a great girl—understanding and caring, like an older sister.”

Lin Dongxue interjected, “It sounds like you kept in touch after high school.”

“We…”

At that moment, the door opened with a key. A modestly dressed, full-figured woman walked in, carrying a bag of groceries. She paused upon seeing strangers but quickly composed herself. Despite her changed appearance, Lin Dongxue recognized her immediately—it was Xiao Ran.

“Ran Ran, they are police officers here to investigate the case,” Zhang Jinlei explained.

“Oh, hello… you’re not the same officers from before. Has the case been reassigned?”

“We’re from the city’s criminal investigation team. What’s your relationship with Zhang Jinlei?” Lin Dongxue asked.

“Boyfriend and girlfriend,” “Cohabiting,” they said simultaneously, then exchanged glances.

“When did you start dating?” Lin Dongxue inquired.

“No, no, we’re not dating. We met a few years ago by chance. She was renting a place, and I suggested we share a place. We’ve been living together ever since. I’m pretty useless with daily chores, so Ran Ran takes care of me,” Zhang Jinlei clarified.

Xiao Ran added, “We’re not in a relationship; it’s more like roommates. I lost my job and haven’t found another. I do housework and take care of Jinlei. After Yan Qilin’s tragedy, we both needed support, so we stayed together for comfort.”

“We apologize for not solving the case sooner. It’s our failure,” Lin Dongxue said.

“It’s okay. I know you’ve been working hard. Are you here to question him?” Xiao Ran asked.

Chen Shi said, “We planned to interview both of you. Since you’re together, it’s convenient. Xiao Ran, can we talk privately?”

Xiao Ran glanced at Zhang Jinlei and said, “I understand. You don’t want any interruptions during questioning… Let me put the groceries away.”

Xiao Ran opened the fridge and meticulously arranged the groceries. The fridge’s organized state contrasted with the cluttered studio. She then tidied up the used cups and trash on the table, reminding Zhang Jinlei, “Drink more water, less coffee.”

“Don’t touch my stuff; I still need them.”

“Got it.”

Their exchange showed a deep familiarity, almost like a married couple.

Xiao Ran changed her jacket and went downstairs with Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue. A car was parked outside, and Xiao Ran said, “I forgot. I wanted Jinlei to help park the car. I’m not good at reverse parking.”

Chen Shi offered, “I’ll do it.”

“Thank you so much.”

Chen Shi whispered to Lin Dongxue, “Distract her,” then took the keys and parked the car smoothly. While Lin Dongxue chatted with Xiao Ran, Chen Shi quickly checked the glove compartment.

Inside, he found a photo of Zhang Jinlei and Xiao Ran looking very close, like a couple. Besides some miscellaneous items, there was nothing significant. As Chen Shi exited the car, he noticed a piece of yellow joss paper under the seat, used for burning in rituals for the deceased.

Once the car was parked, Xiao Ran thanked him again, and Chen Shi asked, “Whose car is this?”

“Of course, it’s Jinlei’s. I don’t have an income. The house and car are his.”

“Oh, the house is bought? Zhang Jinlei must be a successful artist,” Chen Shi said, looking up at the building.

“Not really famous. His family often gives him money, calling it a loan, but they never expect him to repay it. He hasn’t been home in years, but the financial support never stopped.”

“So, his relationship with his family isn’t great?”

“Well… let’s just say it’s complicated.”

“Let’s discuss this further at a nearby place.”

They went to a fast-food restaurant nearby and found a quiet spot, ordering three drinks.

Xiao Ran said openly, “Ask me anything. The police have visited us many times over the years, always investigating. I hope one day you’ll come to tell us that the killer is caught.”

Chen Shi reassured, “That day will come. How was your relationship with Yan Qilin?”

“We were like sisters. She was introverted and came from a difficult family background. For a while, she was bullied by classmates. I was probably her only friend. Her diary should mention that we both liked Jinlei, and I stepped back. It wasn’t a big deal. Jinlei and I knew each other since childhood and had feelings for each other, but we never expressed them. One day, Yan Qilin told me she liked someone. It felt like a cliché—why do best friends always fall for the same person? Maybe it’s because of similar personalities. I stepped back because it was our senior year, and studies were more important than anything else.”

Lin Dongxue said, “I remember you went to a third-tier university.”

“Yes,” Xiao Ran said regretfully. “I didn’t do well in the exams. After high school, I was exhausted. I thought about retaking the year but decided against it due to financial reasons. I ended up studying a major I liked at a less prestigious school. That summer, I hardly saw Yan Qilin. We stayed in touch by phone. I heard Jinlei and his family had a fallout over her, almost eloping. Then the tragedy happened. It was a huge blow to all of us. You never think such murders will happen to people you know, but it did. It still feels unreal.”

Chen Shi suddenly asked, “Do you visit the crime scene every year to pay respects?”

Xiao Ran was surprised, “How did you know?”