Chapter 765: The Uninvited Guest

Peng Sijue said, “When I perform fingerprint analysis, I always check for secretions. These fingerprints have normal levels of secretions, almost identical to those of a living person.”

“Almost identical? So there are differences?”

“Are you splitting hairs? Sweat levels vary from person to person, and the secretion values will fluctuate… The person who left these fingerprints just happens to sweat a bit more.”

Lin Dongxue asked, “Do you think Chen Fengde has already been killed? And someone is using his fingerprints to mislead the investigation?”

“Yes, if that’s the case, the mystery of the prison break is solved. He didn’t escape; someone killed him and took his hand… From the start, the fingerprints at the gym seemed suspicious to me,” Chen Shi said, pointing to the back of a chair against the wall. “The side with the fingerprints is very close to the wall, but the print covers the whole palm with fingers pointing outward. I couldn’t figure out how someone made that motion. I questioned the authenticity of these fingerprints back then.”

Peng Sijue countered, “I think if the killer had the ability to avoid leaving their own fingerprints, why would they plant fake ones? That would be superfluous. Besides, these fingerprints were left by a living being. You don’t need to worry about them.”

“Living being…” Chen Shi seemed to think of something but couldn’t quite form a conclusion. “Dongxue, let’s go back to Du Zilin’s house.”

“That late? We have to be on guard for the class reunion tomorrow morning,” Lin Dongxue said.

Chen Shi had to give up the idea. “Alright, let’s go home.”

Back home, Gu You came by to ask about the case’s progress. Upon hearing about another murder, she sighed, “Chen Fengde might have been used as a pawn.”

That night, with Lin Dongxue’s company, Chen Shi had a rare, dreamless, peaceful sleep.

The next morning, they went to a hotel where Lin Qiupu had booked a room. Inside, they found tables covered with radio equipment and team members in plain clothes. Lin Qiupu said, “Today’s mission is to catch the perpetrator in the act, but the primary goal is to protect civilians. If faced with a dilemma, prioritize saving lives over capturing the suspect. Since we’re in a hotel, don’t carry firearms… Also, this hotel is non-smoking. Anyone who needs to smoke, do it on the balcony.”

Some officers stood up and headed to the balcony with their cigarettes. Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue, who didn’t smoke, put on their radios and went to their posts.

They stood outside the hall where the reunion was held, drawing curious looks from attendees. “Hotel staff?” “I heard they’re police, here to protect us.” “Is something going to happen?”

Old classmates greeted each other warmly but awkwardly. Lin Dongxue asked, “Have you ever attended a class reunion?”

“Never,” Chen Shi replied.

A woman with a chair approached. “Officers, you must be tired. Have a seat.”

“No, thank you… How did you know we’re police?” Chen Shi asked.

“The class president mentioned it in the group chat. It’s a relief you’re here. Nothing bad will happen today, right?”

“By the way, where’s the class president?” Chen Shi asked.

The woman glanced inside the hall. “He hasn’t arrived yet, but he’ll be here soon.”

Called back inside, the woman joined others around a large cake. As they were about to cut it, someone screamed.

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue rushed in. “What happened?” Chen Shi demanded.

Inside the cake was a patched-up, foul-smelling girl’s school uniform.

“Isn’t this our old school uniform?”

“Gross! Who put this in the cake? Is it still edible?”

“Maybe the class president arranged this surprise, but it’s too much!”

“No one invited me?” a voice said from the stage. The crowd turned to see a little girl speaking into the microphone.

“She… she’s Han Meng!”

“Impossible! It’s been so many years. How can she still look the same?”

“Wasn’t she missing?”

The girl was the one who resembled Han Meng from the old house. Chen Shi picked up the cream-covered uniform, threw it on the ground, and said, “Stop this charade! Did you plan this?”

“Han Meng” ignored Chen Shi, jumped off the stage, and approached the crowd, which parted in fear.

“Chu Yuhan, April 6, 1994…” She stared at a woman, who covered her mouth in shock.

Then she turned to a man. “Jia Lei, April 20, 1994, May 2, 1994, May 13, 1994, June 2, 1994…”

She listed each person’s name and a series of dates. Lin Dongxue was puzzled. “What is she saying?”

“Maybe… those are the dates when they bullied her,” Chen Shi guessed.

“Liu Xin, May 2, 1994, May 13, 1994…”

Suddenly, the man named Liu Xin slapped “Han Meng,” knocking her down. The women screamed and backed away. Liu Xin, nostrils flaring, said, “What are you trying to do? Are you here to accuse us, disaster star? Ruining our reunion? Everyone bullied you because you asked for it! Are you here to make us pay?”

“Han Meng” lay on the ground, blood on her lips, smiling eerily.

Chen Shi intervened. “What are you doing? Who allowed you to use violence? Think you’re still a kid?”

“You’re a cop, right?” Liu Xin sneered, suddenly slapping Chen Shi. Chen Shi blocked it swiftly.

Liu Xin turned to grab the cake knife, pointing it at Chen Shi. “Damn cops! My internet café couldn’t get permits because of you, costing me thousands. Now I’ll take it out on you!”

“Have you lost your mind?” Chen Shi shouted.

Liu Xin froze, then his face relaxed. “Forget it, I can’t beat you. Time to wake up.”

He slashed his own throat with the knife, collapsing as blood gushed out.

Chaos erupted as people screamed and fled. Chen Shi tried to stop the bleeding, but the wound was too deep. Liu Xin’s eyes rolled back, his breathing slowing.

“Dongxue, get help!”

Lin Dongxue struggled to use her radio in the commotion. Suddenly, a skinny man kissed her on the cheek, laughed, and said, “Haha, I kissed a policewoman, totally worth it!”

He then ran to the window and jumped from the 16th floor…