Chapter 56: Sibling Conflict

After the autopsy, Chen Shi came outside and saw Lin Dongxue sitting dejectedly on a bench. Chen Shi sat next to her and said, “What’s wrong? Your pout could hold an oil bottle.”

“None of your business.”

“Let me guess, are you upset because your brother scolded you in public?”

Lin Dongxue felt a bit embarrassed when her thoughts were revealed and changed the subject, “How was the autopsy? Any significant discoveries?”

“Not for now. It appears to be a typical dismemberment murder case.”

“Typical!?” Lin Qiupu walked out from the technical team, “Chen Shi, your tone is too casual. The victim is a teenage boy, killed with such cruelty. This case will definitely cause a stir.”

Lin Dongxue, still angry with her brother, turned her head away. Chen Shi said, “From a technical standpoint, it’s a straightforward case.”

“You…” Lin Qiupu wanted to challenge him but held back. Chen Shi had proven his abilities several times, and he didn’t want to fall into his trap.

“What about me?” Chen Shi asked with a smile, “Do you need my help?”

Lin Qiupu glared at him, “No need. We haven’t fallen so low that we need outside help every time.”

“Alright, I won’t get involved this time.”

Lin Qiupu immediately seized the opportunity, “Good, you said it. This time you can’t interfere.”

“I won’t interfere.”

Lin Qiupu felt a sense of triumph. This nosy guy had dug his own grave this time. He couldn’t believe they couldn’t solve the case without him.

However, he still needed to be cautious. He added, “Let’s make it clear. If you interfere…”

“I’ll stay out of your sight forever.”

“Deal!”

“But…”

“No buts. No conditions.”

“Team Leader Lin, is this a case of double standards? Why can you set conditions, but I can’t? Are you scared?”

“Scared of you!?”

Lin Dongxue couldn’t stand it any longer. She thought her brother was becoming more petty. She was about to leave when Chen Shi gave her a look.

Chen Shi said, “But you have to give Lin Dongxue complete autonomy in this investigation. Allow her to investigate independently.”

Lin Dongxue’s eyes widened. Was Chen Shi helping her regain her dignity?

“Why?” Lin Qiupu asked.

“I said this case is simple. Simple enough for Lin Dongxue to solve alone without you mobilizing a big team.”

Lin Qiupu understood Chen Shi’s intention. He was making a bet, but this time he might have overplayed it. Lin Qiupu knew his sister’s abilities well.

But Chen Shi was very cunning. He might secretly guide her.

As Lin Qiupu hesitated, Chen Shi seemed to read his mind, “Don’t worry. I’m quite busy these days, so I won’t interfere or be a behind-the-scenes advisor.”

“Hmph, are you saying our entire task force is not as good as my sister?”

Lin Dongxue couldn’t sit still any longer. She stood up and shouted, “You always treat me like a child. I will prove to you that I’m not inferior to anyone.”

Lin Qiupu’s tone softened immediately, “Sis, that’s not what I meant. I care about you.”

“I don’t need your care, you control freak!”

“What? You called me a control freak? That hurts!”

“If I solve this case, you must stop interfering in my personal affairs and never embarrass me in public again!” With that, Lin Dongxue left without giving Lin Qiupu a chance to respond.

Chen Shi smiled and said, “It’s settled then.”

Lin Qiupu was furious. The words “control freak” from his sister’s mouth pierced his heart like a needle. He recalled their tough childhood after their parents died, living with relatives who treated them poorly. He always shielded Lin Dongxue from harm.

When she was bullied by thugs at school, he confronted them with a brick and got beaten up. Later, he went to the police academy, and she cried over the phone about not having sandals in the summer while other kids did. He broke the rules to work outside secretly to send her money.

Lin Qiupu felt very down and sat holding his head. Chen Shi patted his shoulder, “Too much care can become a burden.”

“Mind your own business!”

“Alright, I’ll leave now. It’s settled.”

Watching Chen Shi’s back, Lin Qiupu clenched his fists. He was determined to solve the case first.

Chen Shi caught up with Lin Dongxue and asked, “Feeling better?”

Lin Dongxue blushed slightly and said, “Thank you for standing up for me.”

“I didn’t stand up for you. I just secured an opportunity for you.”

Lin Dongxue thought about the dismembered body, the victim’s identity, and the killer’s motive. It was all a mystery, and she felt overwhelmed. “But how am I supposed to solve this case? You overestimate me. I may be influenced by you, but I don’t have your skills.”

“Don’t worry. Let’s find a place to sit.”

“Okay, I’ll treat you to bubble tea.”

They went to a bubble tea shop and ordered two pearl milk teas. Chen Shi said, “Let me tell you about the case’s key points.”

“Oh!”

“From the killer’s perspective, if they went as far as dismemberment, why dump the body parts in a school trash can? The school is a closed environment with limited people. It’s easy to get caught. Is the killer stupid? That’s the first point. Second, if the body parts were already separated, why dump them together? For the killer, the longer it takes to identify the victim, the better. Typically, dismemberment cases involve spreading the parts to make it harder for the police, but this killer was unusually straightforward.”

“Are you suggesting the killer has a hidden motive?”

Chen Shi smiled, “You’re overthinking it. I can tell you confidently, the killer isn’t from the school, but they dumped the body here to frame someone. This person has ties to the school, and the dismemberment and disposal indicate an adult is involved.”

“An adult among the killers?”

“Yes, there is more than one killer. I believe the main culprit is a child, and the one who dismembered the body is likely the child’s guardian. Just investigate the victim’s relationships, but remember, for children, the motive is often something trivial to adults.”

Lin Dongxue felt enlightened and excitedly said, “Is it that simple?”

“The more complex a case seems, the simpler the clues often are. Don’t be deceived by appearances, and don’t be fooled by your brother. Follow my advice, and I believe you can solve it.”

Lin Dongxue felt grateful, “Why are you helping me like this?”

Chen Shi took a sip of his milk tea and calmly said, “Because I like you.”