Chapter 53: Peng Sijue’s Suspicion

That night, Lin Qiupu treated everyone to hotpot at Dongdashun, a celebration for their recent success.

Peng Sijue received the message while still tidying up his office. The past few days had been incredibly hectic, leaving his office in disarray—something he couldn’t stand.

After bagging the trash and organizing his things, Peng Sijue nodded in satisfaction. He had barely slept ten hours in the past few days, and it showed in his tired appearance. Honestly, he had no appetite and just wanted to go home and get some sleep.

As if remembering something, Peng Sijue pulled out a photo from the bottom of his drawer. It was a picture of him and another officer, taken five years ago. He looked much younger but wore the same expression.

The other person, smiling brightly, was his former colleague—Song Lang.

After reminiscing for a moment, Peng Sijue stood up and headed out. He got into his car and drove straight to the crime scene.

It was already 8 PM, and the building was dark and empty. Peng Sijue reached the floor where Kangxing Company was located, lifted the police tape with gloved hands, and stepped into the corridor.

Holding a flashlight in one hand and a swab in the other, he searched the ground, looking for a bloodstain.

But he found nothing!

He rubbed an area with his hand and sniffed it, confirming it smelled like ammonia. Only some high-level criminals knew that ammonia could clean bloodstains—and so did experienced cops!

“Damn it!”

He stood up and walked to the window, just in time to see a car leaving the parking lot. The car model looked a lot like Chen Shi’s.

At that moment, Lin Qiupu called, “Peng, where are you? The meat’s already in the pot.”

“Did the driver arrive?”

“He said he’s dropping off a passenger and will be here soon.”

“Okay, I’m on my way.”

Peng Sijue rushed to the restaurant but didn’t go inside. He stood at the entrance, watching every person who came in.

Finally, he saw Chen Shi’s grinning face. Chen Shi greeted, “Just arrived?”

“Where did you just go?” Peng Sijue asked coldly.

“Dropped off a passenger, just happened to be on the way.”

“Is that so?” Peng Sijue suddenly grabbed Chen Shi’s hand. Despite his frail appearance, Peng Sijue had a strong grip. He pulled Chen Shi’s hand to his nose and sniffed—nothing.

Chen Shi pulled his hand back, “What’s going on, Captain Peng? Are we that close?”

Peng Sijue snorted, turned, and left the restaurant, muttering to himself, “I will uncover your identity!”

The case of the headless woman soon proceeded to trial. Faced with overwhelming evidence, the obese manager confessed to all charges. However, when the verdict came, he was furious, pointing at the employees in the audience, “They’re the ones who killed her, not me! I’m appealing! I’m appealing!”

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue were also in the audience. Chen Shi remarked, “Facing death, he still doesn’t realize his mistake?”

Lin Dongxue replied, “Thinking about it now, the terrible events were entirely related to the company’s environment. Bosses who trample on their employees’ dignity like this are everywhere.”

“Are you glad you don’t work in such a company?” Chen Shi joked.

“Even in such a serious setting, you can laugh!” Lin Dongxue punched him lightly.

The case quickly made headlines. Lin Qiupu received widespread acclaim, while Chen Shi was only mentioned as a “helpful citizen,” which didn’t bother him at all.

Online, many people prayed for the deceased, Meng Xiaoli, but as the story’s heat faded, it disappeared from the public eye within a week. Life went on as usual.

Life remained calm until the end of October. One day, while Chen Shi was driving, a panicked young man jumped into his car, urging, “Drive, quick!”

“This is a rideshare. You haven’t placed an order,” Chen Shi suggested.

“Shut up and drive!” The young man tossed two hundred-yuan bills over. Chen Shi smelled the money, noting a strong sweat odor.

“Where to?”

“Are you blind? To the hospital!” The man’s leg was injured.

“Then let’s go to the nearest hospital, the Third People’s Hospital.”

“No, find a small clinic.”

Chen Shi chuckled, started the car, and sent a text to Lin Dongxue on the way.

The car stopped on a road near the police station. The young man, engrossed in his phone, looked up and realized something was off. He cursed, “You idiot driver, where the hell did you take me?”

“We’re here, get out.”

“Get lost! I’ll stab you! This is next to the police station—are you blind…uh!”

At that moment, a group of police officers suddenly surrounded the car. The young man tried to escape but was taken down by Xu Xiaodong with a swift move and handcuffed. Chen Shi poked his head out and said, “Watch it, don’t scratch my car.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Chen!” Xu Xiaodong replied.

The young man looked at Chen Shi, dazed. Chen Shi smiled, “Next time, pay more attention. Keep your eyes open and don’t just jump into any car.”

“I’m afraid there won’t be a next time,” Lin Dongxue said, looking at her phone. “Yes, he’s a member of the robbery gang. Take him away!”

As the police took the man away, Lin Dongxue got into the car, patted Chen Shi’s shoulder, and said, “Impressive, how did you know he was a fugitive?”

Chen Shi pointed to his forehead, “It was written right there—‘bad guy.’”

“Nonsense!” Lin Dongxue laughed and punched him lightly. “How have you been lately?”

“Missed me?”

“Stop it!”

“I’m the same as always. How about you guys?”

“Busy to death, catching petty criminals every day.”

“Is Detective Lin hoping for a big case?”

“No! No!” Lin Dongxue vehemently denied. “It’s best if Long’an stays peaceful. We don’t need another murder case.”

“Speaking of which, this place has never had a serial killer.”

“Shut up, you jinx! Don’t say such things!”

Chen Shi dropped Lin Dongxue off at the police station. “I still have to pick up passengers, so no chatting today. See you later!”

“By the way, can you come to my place tonight?”

“Are you inviting me to dinner?” Chen Shi asked with a smile.

“Actually, I was wondering if you could fix my ceiling light. It fell with a crash, and the landlord is on vacation. I have no one else to ask… I’ll treat you to dinner!”

“Get some beer ready!”

Lin Dongxue was about to agree but then paused, saying, “If you drink, you can’t drive. Were you planning to stay over?”

“If you’re okay with that, I don’t mind.”

“Get lost, you perv!”

“Fine, I’ll come over after work.”

“Bring your tools; I don’t have any at home.”