Chapter 675: Could It Be Science?

Chen Shi continued, “So why are you in Chang Juan’s body? Is there any connection between the two of you?”

Chang Juan answered calmly, “We have no connection. It’s a random occurrence. I could have entered a man’s body or a child’s. I like being here because Chang Juan isn’t scared of my presence or trying to drive me away with superstitious methods.”

Chen Shi inwardly scoffed. You call those exorcism methods “superstitions,” but is possession any more scientific?

At that moment, Lin Dongxue’s phone rang. Lin Qiupu was on the line, demanding to know if she had gone to see that “crazy girl.” Lin Dongxue hastily made some excuses and hung up. She whispered to Chen Shi, “We need to go.”

“Will you investigate this case?” Chang Juan stood up and asked, “I hope to visit the crime scene. It’s my home.”

“We’ll give you an answer on our next visit. Don’t go anywhere in the meantime,” Chen Shi said.

As they left, Lin Dongxue checked her watch. They had been out for two hours. How would she explain this to her brother? She sighed, “How am I going to explain this to my brother?”

“Just tell the truth. Isn’t this case intriguing?”

“With his personality, he won’t believe it. Do you believe it?”

“No, of course not. I think she’s just a ‘spokesperson’ for someone else who wants to report the crime but is afraid of direct contact. Maybe they know the murderer or fear retaliation.”

“‘Spokesperson’?” Lin Dongxue mused.

Back at the station, Lin Dongxue recounted their visit to Chang Juan and suggested they visit Shiqiao Town. As expected, Lin Qiupu shook his head, “You believe such nonsense? I think it’s a prank, and I won’t tolerate such behavior. We should pursue legal action against her for false reporting.”

Chen Shi said, “We can’t dismiss this as nonsense. The girl knows details that weren’t made public. She might know more and could help us solve the case.”

Old Zhang added, “Lin, the Shiqiao police called again. They’re requesting technical assistance. They’re counting on us to help solve the case.”

Lin Qiupu seemed to waver, “I hate dishonest people. If she knows something, why can’t she just report it straightforwardly? Check Chang Juan’s background.”

They found out that Chang Juan’s parents had died years ago in what seemed to be an accident. She had no relatives in Long’an, and with the school on break, they couldn’t find anyone to ask about her. Her online presence showed she was an ordinary graduate student who liked handicrafts, papercraft, and drawing. She regularly posted her creations online, showing no signs of disturbance around the time of Chunqin’s murder.

Her ID usage records indicated she hadn’t left Long’an City in the past six months. There was no connection between her and Chunqin.

Looking at this information, Lin Qiupu was baffled. Nonetheless, he contacted Shiqiao Town’s police and said they’d send someone to assist in three days.

On February 9th, Chen Shi arrived at the station early. Peng Sijue, Lin Dongxue, Xu Xiaodong, and others were preparing to leave. Due to Shiqiao Town’s lack of a proper forensic lab, Peng Sijue and his technical team were the main force, bringing along various equipment.

While waiting, the tech team chatted excitedly. After a relaxing few days at home, they didn’t expect to be called out for such an odd case, initiated by a call claiming possession by a dead person.

Chen Shi found Lin Dongxue and said, “Let’s pick up Chang Juan. She said she wants to join us.”

In the car, Lin Dongxue found a bag under the seat. Opening it, she discovered a cell phone signal jammer, like the ones used in exam rooms. Curious, she asked, “What’s this for?”

“It’s a surprise. You’ll see soon,” Chen Shi replied mysteriously.

Lin Dongxue thought about how Chen Shi had almost revealed his past to her during the Lu Qi case but was interrupted. She hadn’t had a chance to ask since, but it had been on her mind.

She asked, “Remember when we were attacked at Chengxing Company, and you were about to tell me something?”

Chen Shi thought, Here it comes. He said, “I…”

“You still don’t want to tell me?” Her tone was calm, not wanting him to feel pressured.

“I felt I might die that day, so I wanted to tell you. Now, it feels awkward to bring it up.”

“No atmosphere?” Lin Dongxue smiled but felt a bit disappointed. How long would he keep this secret?

Chen Shi patted her hand, “Dongxue, I promise, when I’m ready to tell, you’ll be the first to know!”

“Alright, I’ll look forward to that day.” Lin Dongxue looked out the window to hide her disappointment.

They arrived at Chang Juan’s school and called her down. She had changed her clothes and hairstyle but still wore the choker and bow.

Lin Dongxue complimented, “You dress nicely. Your outfits are always well-coordinated.”

“Thanks,” Chang Juan replied sweetly.

“We’re heading to Shiqiao Town. Do you have everything?” Chen Shi asked.

“Yes,” Chang Juan patted her bag.

“Have you been there before?” Chen Shi watched her eyes in the rearview mirror.

“No,” she answered, not appearing to lie.

Lin Dongxue suddenly asked, “Aren’t you Chunqin? Why haven’t you been there?”

Chang Juan fell into a mysterious silence, then said, “I think you were talking to Chang Juan just now. She and Chunqin are like two people in one house. Who do you want to talk to?”

“Alright, alright. Just sit behind me as yourself,” Lin Dongxue said.

Chen Shi noticed a small, shining object on Chang Juan’s choker. A camera? He wanted to reveal her secret now but decided to wait until they reached their destination.