Chapter 571: Bloodstains in the Office

Mr. Liu didn’t seem to be lying. Chen Shi asked, “How are Teacher Lin’s relationships with others?”

“Her relationships? She’s the daughter of Deputy Director Lin from the Education Bureau, only twenty-four years old, just graduated. We often say she’s like a fairy, always singing with the students, managing her class, and never getting involved in other matters. When she’s not teaching, she plays on her phone in the office or goes traveling, often bringing back souvenirs for everyone in the office. She gets along well with us. Oh, and…” Mr. Liu pointed to a desk, “Teacher Yan, who teaches Chinese, is her boyfriend. They’re quite the perfect couple—he’s talented, and she’s beautiful. Although Teacher Yan comes from a modest background, he’s always been top of his class. He scored the highest in his interview to join our school and was selected for the outstanding teacher competition this year, giving a public lecture to the Education Bureau experts with great reviews. He’s truly one of the best young teachers.”

“Do they have any conflicts?”

“Conflicts? They’re always sweet and lovey-dovey, like a romance novel.”

“Where is Teacher Yan now?”

“In class.”

Chen Shi glanced around and noticed a shelf with trophies and certificates. Mr. Liu explained, “These are honors our grade level has won over the years. First place in the provincial recitation contest, first in the essay contest, first in the math Olympiad…”

“Many of these awards were won by a student named Tao Yueyue,” Chen Shi remarked, making Lin Dongxue chuckle from behind.

Mr. Liu beamed with pride, “Tao Yueyue is in my class. She transferred last year and was top of the school in the final exams last semester. She’s incredibly smart, picks things up immediately. We often say she’s a little Einstein, destined for the top provincial school.”

“That’s a testament to your excellent teaching.”

Mr. Liu tried to hide his pleasure, modestly saying, “It’s all thanks to her parents. We teachers just provide guidance.”

“I wish my kid were that motivated,” Chen Shi sighed, focusing on a trophy. The dust on it had been disturbed. He put on gloves and handed the trophy to Xiao Zhou from the technical team.

Everyone watched Xiao Zhou spray reagent on the trophy while Chen Shi inspected the surroundings, paying attention to inconspicuous corners.

Chen Shi got down on the floor and found a few strands of hair. Under a desk, he spotted a stain that looked like blood and called Lin Dongxue over. She crouched down, using her phone to take photos, which was quite challenging.

She whispered, “You seemed really happy when they mentioned Tao Yueyue.”

“I had no idea she participated in so many competitions.”

“You don’t care about her at all, do you!”

“I actually don’t want her to excel too much. Childhood passes quickly, and those who are too outstanding early on often face psychological imbalances later.”

“‘I wish my kid were that motivated!’” Lin Dongxue mimicked his earlier tone. “Admit it, you’re secretly proud!”

Finally, they got a clear photo of a bloodstain with some gray residue, possibly paper ash.

At that moment, the others in the office exclaimed as Xiao Zhou found blood residue on the base of the trophy. Chen Shi instructed him to preserve both the trophy and the bloodstain under the desk. He then told Mr. Liu, “We may need to seal off this office. Do you have another place to work?”

“We can squeeze in with other teachers. I’ll inform the director.”

“Please do.”

“Officer, this… this isn’t a criminal case, is it?”

“Finding blood doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a criminal case. Don’t overthink it.” But inwardly, Chen Shi had already concluded that Teacher Lin was likely deceased.

Leaving the office, Chen Shi bumped into a familiar face in the corridor. He told the others, “You go ahead.”

Zhou Tianan, holding a stack of teaching materials and wearing glasses, sneered, “Long time no see.”

“What’s your game this time?”

“Suspecting me just because someone went missing? Mr. Chen, you’re too sensitive! I’m just a humble teacher.”

“Stay away from Tao Yueyue.”

“Haha, that child is very smart. In the last exam, I set a question that stumped the whole class except her. Such exceptional intelligence is as precious as a diamond. I think she’ll become an excellent successor.”

Hearing him talk about Tao Yueyue, Chen Shi felt a surge of anger. “If I find out you have any designs on her, I’ll take you down, no matter what. I’m not a cop, and you’re just a mortal!”

Zhou Tianan shrugged, “I’d love to see what brilliant scheme you come up with.”

They passed each other, and Lin Dongxue, waiting at the stairs, asked, “Who were you talking to?”

“Tao Yueyue’s teacher.”

“Another round of praise, I bet?”

“Yes, another round of praise.” Chen Shi smiled, pondering Zhou Tianan’s words. Was he involved in this case? Chen Shi had a big question mark in his mind.

As they reached downstairs, the bell rang for class to end. Students rushed out, and some curious ones approached Xu Xiaodong to see his gun.

Chen Shi stopped at Tao Yueyue’s classroom door. She was looking out, and he waved. Tao Yueyue came out and said, “Uncle Chen, you don’t mind exposing your identity?”

“Haha! I’m not Batman, no secret identity to hide. You’re quite the informant this time.”

“I just mentioned it out of curiosity, didn’t expect you and Sister Lin to actually come. Is it a major case?”

“At the moment, it doesn’t seem like a big case. Don’t worry, we’ll resolve it soon.”

“Did the teachers mention any upcoming holidays?”

“Mr. Liu was just praising you, and you’re thinking about holidays. Didn’t we just have a break?”

Tao Yueyue pouted, “Do you need me to gather any information for you?”

“What could you possibly find out!” Chen Shi asked in a mock-serious tone, “Miss, do you have any clues for this case?”

Tao Yueyue thought for a moment, “Mr. Liu lost a pack of cigarettes and was catching the thief this morning.”

“That’s it?”

“Every clue could be crucial before the case is solved,” Tao Yueyue said, imitating a seasoned detective.

“Alright, thank you for the valuable information. I believe we’ll crack the case with this. I’ll thank you by taking you to Pizza Hut tonight, okay?”

“You’re coming back tonight? I don’t want Pizza Hut. Just because I mentioned it once, you always take me there. Can’t we try something else?”

“Fine, you choose tonight.”

The bell rang, and Tao Yueyue returned to her class. Her classmates immediately bombarded her with questions, “Tao Yueyue, is your dad a detective?”

Wei Zengmarie also rushed over, “Hey, is your dad really a detective? You said he was a taxi driver! You lied to me. Friendship over!”

“He is a taxi driver!”

“You lied! Hmph, I’m not talking to you anymore…”