Chapter 794: Lin Qiupu’s Probe

Lin Qiupu asked, “Who?”

He Jun replied, “That police officer you were with years ago.”

“Are you sure it was just one person?”

As Chen Shi approached, He Jun took a closer look and said, “Haha, my mistake. But the demeanor is quite similar.”

A slip of the tongue, but listeners have intentions. He Jun had only met Song Lang a few times many years ago. In a moment, he mistook Chen Shi for Song Lang, showing some similarity in their mannerisms. Lin Qiupu’s suspicions grew.

“Why are you so late?” Lin Qiupu complained to Chen Shi.

“I’m not a police officer on call 24/7…” Chen Shi glanced at He Jun, his gaze unfamiliar. He continued speaking to Lin Qiupu, “What case is this?”

“Come inside and see!”

He Jun went back to his shop first. The two entered the crime scene. Lin Qiupu recounted the case. Chen Shi nonchalantly remarked, “Just a case of murder for money. Aren’t you a bit low to drag me into such cases?”

“Why are you so eloquent?” Lin Qiupu took out a bone bowl from an evidence bag. “This was found at the scene.”

Chen Shi looked puzzled. “What’s the significance?”

Lin Qiupu carefully observed his expression, unable to detect any deceit. Could he really have been mistaken? Unwilling to accept this, Lin Qiupu recounted the legend about the bowl. “This was from the first case I worked on as a cop. I put a lot of effort into investigating it.”

As he spoke, Lin Qiupu closely watched Chen Shi, using techniques Song Lang had taught him to detect lies. He scrutinized every muscle twitch and facial expression, but Chen Shi’s demeanor was utterly normal.

Conclusion: It truly seemed to be the first time he had heard about the bowl.

Disappointed, Lin Qiupu thought he had made a mistake. No, if Chen Shi were truly Song Lang, he would have sensed the atmosphere of testing the moment he walked in. Song Lang had said if one couldn’t determine if someone was lying, observe their movements; the person’s peripheral nervous system often revealed their true attitude.

Lin Qiupu looked down at Chen Shi’s feet. Suddenly, Chen Shi found a chair and sat down, putting his feet together. Lin Qiupu angrily said, “Who told you to sit here? This is a crime scene.”

“Tired. Can’t I sit for a moment?” Chen Shi smiled.

Whether cunning or genuinely innocent, Lin Qiupu pondered. No, this guy couldn’t possibly be innocent. His past was mysterious, and not long ago, someone who looked exactly like him had appeared. Putting it all together, Chen Shi seemed even more suspicious.

Chen Shi calmly looked at him and said, “According to your theory, if the person who received this bowl then had bad luck, regardless of whether this legend is true or false, if such a thing exists that brings bad luck, and you received it, then got hit by a car, who would be guilty? The person who gave it to you or the driver? Obviously, the actor would be guilty, so there’s no need to investigate this bowl. Besides, do you even believe in curses now, Little Lin?”

“What did you call me!?” Lin Qiupu raised his voice.

Chen Shi innocently said, “I’m older than you. Is it strange to call you Little Lin? Or do you prefer ‘Captain Lin’?”

Lin Qiupu sighed and gave up entirely. The more he probed, the less he understood.

“Let’s go back. I didn’t drive, so you drive.”

In the car, Lin Qiupu asked, “What are your thoughts on this case?”

“You’ve cleaned up the scene. What thoughts can I have? Let’s wait for Lao Peng’s analysis! The college entrance exam is coming soon. I need to spend more time with her. I haven’t been playing with you guys recently.”

“Playing with us? What does solving cases mean to you?”

“A part-time job.”

“People take part-time jobs at restaurants and hotels. You solve cases for the police. You really know how to choose… Who taught you to solve cases?”

“Self-taught.”

“Do you think I believe that?”

“Can we not go back to this issue? You’re just refusing to believe that some people are naturally talented.”

“Believe you? Hardly.”

Ignoring him, Lin Qiupu thought to himself. As they passed through an intersection and stopped at a red light, he suddenly noticed Chen Shi tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. That gesture…

Chen Shi seemed to realize his small action had been noticed. His tapping finger paused briefly, then resumed. He said, “Captain Lin, did you take the wrong medication today? You’re staring at me like you’re interrogating a criminal.”

Lin Qiupu’s mind was in turmoil. Should he continue probing? Perhaps just one more small clue would confirm who he really was!

“Turn right ahead. We’re going to Fótán Road.”

“Why?”

“Dinner!”

“If you’re treating, I have no objections.” Chen Shi turned the steering wheel.

They arrived at a café on Fótán Road. It also served steak and pasta. With few customers at this hour, a manager in black and white uniform stood yawning at the door. Upon seeing Lin Qiupu, he brightened up, greeting them warmly. “Oh, what wind blew Captain Lin here? Please come in, please come in.”

“Da Chang, you’ve gained weight.”

“Hehe, got fat after marriage. Can’t help it. Captain Lin, still single?”

“Can we not bring that up?”

“Let’s find a seat first. I’ll treat you to whatever you want.”

“Don’t be like this. If you offer me a free meal, I’ll never come again.”

After they sat down, Da Chang greeted Chen Shi. “You’re Little Lin’s colleague?”

“No, I’m his driver,” Chen Shi smiled.

“Fancy! You even have a driver now.” Da Chang patted Lin Qiupu on the shoulder.

Lin Qiupu said, “He’s just a taxi driver and also an advisor to the team. Have you seen him before?”

Da Chang observed for a moment and shook his head. “Never seen him.”

“Have you seen him?” Lin Qiupu asked Chen Shi, watching his subtle facial expressions.

Chen Shi looked him over and chuckled. “You seem familiar. Have we met somewhere?”

“Haha, maybe I’ve ridden in your car. People say I look like Daniel Wu… Oh, I’m talking too much. What do you want to eat?”

“Whatever,” Lin Qiupu said.

After Da Chang left, Lin Qiupu said to Chen Shi, “Guess what he used to do?”

“Police?”

“How did you know?”

“Because he knows you. Probably used to be colleagues, otherwise, with your personality, you wouldn’t have befriended him.”

“He used to be my partner. This guy is just too smart, unwilling to endure hardship. He got fired by my old captain for making some mistakes.”

“And you’ve risen to become the captain of the Criminal Investigation Team. Did you bring me here to satisfy your vanity and listen to me praise you?”

“You’re such a petty person. I’ll go to the restroom.”

In a place where Chen Shi couldn’t see, Lin Qiupu took out his phone. During the earlier conversation, he had used it to photograph Chen Shi’s hands beneath the table. If he really was Song Lang, seeing Da Chang would have surely caused a reaction.

The result: Chen Shi’s hands placed below were remarkably calm. He truly hadn’t seen Da Chang…