Chapter Seventy: Against the Current

Lu Hehuan stormed out of the police station, her face flushed with anger, with Ying Xi following behind. "He's your father. Whatever he asks of you, it's for your own good."

"If it weren't for him, things wouldn't have ended so tragically between me and Ling Yan," Lu Hehuan replied, her words tinged with resentment.

"That was Ling Yan's misfortune, what does it have to do with your father?"

Lu Hehuan sighed, vexed.

Just then, a young man darted furtively into the police station, nearly colliding with Lu Hehuan.

Ying Xi glared at him, "What are you doing here?"

The young man, with an air of mystery, leaned in toward Ying Xi. "Officer, I have a clue about Mary's case to give you."

Lu Hehuan's expression sharpened. "What clue?"

The young man cautiously glanced around.

Ying Xi impatiently pressed, "Speak!"

He lowered his voice, "I think Lin Shaoliang is highly suspicious!"

Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi exchanged startled looks.

In the interrogation room, the young man sat at the table to provide his clue, with Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan seated across from him.

Ying Xi eyed him and spoke sternly, "Li Wenhan, the Lin Shaoliang you mentioned—is he the son of the owner of Lin Yuan Rice Industries?"

Li Wenhan nodded. "That's him."

Lu Hehuan considered, fixing her gaze on him. "How do you know Mary and Lin Shaoliang?"

"My father works at Lin Yuan Rice Industries, so I know Lin Shaoliang. As for Mary..." Li Wenhan paused, "Everyone who knows Lin Shaoliang knows he pursued Mary."

At that moment, Baldy knocked and entered, glancing at Li Wenhan before turning to Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan. "Detective Ying, Hehuan, we've investigated—what this kid says is true. On the day Mary was murdered, he spent the whole night in the Red Lantern District and has an alibi."

Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan nodded.

Hearing Baldy's words, Li Wenhan's confidence grew. He resumed his earlier thread, "I've already said I didn't kill Mary." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Officer, it must be that Lin Shaoliang, unable to win Mary's heart, was driven to murder!"

Lu Hehuan's gaze grew incisive. "Why do you suspect Lin Shaoliang?"

Li Wenhan leaned back. "On the day Mary was killed, I saw Lin Shaoliang and Mary arguing in the street..." As he spoke, he slipped into recollection.

That day was bright and clear. Mary and her female classmate went shopping, stopping and admiring the array of goods with interest.

Trailing behind Mary was a young man, step for step. He was handsome, about her age, glasses perched on a high nose, giving him an air of delicate refinement. He was Lin Shaoliang, son of the rice industry magnate, quietly following his beloved.

Mary glanced back by chance, and Lin Shaoliang hurriedly hid behind a stall. Yet she still spotted him.

Mary's brows knitted in disgust. She tugged at her friend. "Let's go."

She and her friend quickened their pace, but Lin Shaoliang followed. Mary suddenly spun around and stopped, catching him off guard. He stood awkwardly, flashing her a nervous smile.

"You again, like a persistent fly!" Mary's brow furrowed even deeper.

"Mary..."

Mary cut him off impatiently. "Lin Shaoliang, what do you want this time?"

"I just want you to know how much I love you, Mary. I love you!" Lin Shaoliang's sincerity was clear, but Mary was unmoved. "Sorry, I don't love you!"

Mary gestured to her friend. "Let's go."

Seeing Mary turn to leave, Lin Shaoliang suddenly dropped to one knee, disregarding everything, drawing a crowd.

"Mary, don't go! I truly love you—will you marry me?" Lin Shaoliang produced a diamond ring.

Mary hadn't expected a public proposal—her anger flared. "Disgusting, Lin Shaoliang! You're hopeless!" With that, she turned to leave.

Lin Shaoliang rose, chasing after her. "Mary, I'm serious! Give me a chance..."

Before he could finish, Mary glared at him with disdain. "Look at yourself—would I ever choose someone like you? Just seeing you disgusts me!"

Lin Shaoliang's eyes reddened. "Mary, don't treat me like this..."

Mary interrupted him harshly. "Lin Shaoliang, let me make it clear—we're impossible! Stop pestering me!"

She shoved past him and hurried away.

Lin Shaoliang stared after her, losing control and shouting, "Mary, you belong to me in life and in death!"

Nearby, Li Wenhan watched from a corner, glanced from Lin Shaoliang to the departing Mary, and slipped away.

Thinking back, Li Wenhan unconsciously gripped the chair arm. "I saw murder in Lin Shaoliang's eyes—I'm sure he's the one who killed Mary."

Lu Hehuan handed him the written statement. "Check if anything's missing."

Li Wenhan looked it over and shook his head. "No."

Lu Hehuan brought out the ink pad and pointed to a blank space. "Leave your fingerprint here."

Li Wenhan nodded, pressing his finger as he pleaded anxiously, "Officers, please don't say this clue came from me. My father works for the Lin family..."

Ying Xi understood and brusquely cut him off. "No need to tell us how to do our jobs—we know what to do."

Lu Hehuan seemed to recall something and fixed Li Wenhan with a thoughtful look. "Since your father works for the Lins, why come forward with this clue? Don't tell me it's just to cooperate with the police—I don't buy it."

Li Wenhan hesitated, then slowly spoke. "Lin Shaoliang once hit me... I went to see my father, accidentally bumped into him, and he and his lackey beat me up."

Ying Xi raised an eyebrow. "You're not making up a story out of spite, are you?"

Li Wenhan waved his hands in denial. "No, no, I'd never dare! Besides, it happened in the street—a lot of people saw."

Lu Hehuan nodded. "Understood."

Li Wenhan stood. "Officers, I'll take my leave then."

Lu Hehuan nodded. "Thank you."

Li Wenhan smiled and departed.

Ying Xi leaned back, rubbing his beard. "Lin Shaoliang was humiliated by Mary's refusal and killed her out of spite—sounds plausible."

Lu Hehuan pondered, frowning in puzzlement. "Ling Yan's case hasn't been solved, so no details were released to the public. Yet Mary's death mirrors Ling Yan's. If Lin Shaoliang is the serial killer, what would be his motive for killing Ling Yan?"

Ying Xi clapped his hands. "Just bring Lin Shaoliang in for questioning—we'll find out."

Lu Hehuan shook her head. "I think we should first verify Li Wenhan's story, then investigate Lin Shaoliang's social connections. See if there's any animosity between him and Ling Yan—any motive for murder."

Ying Xi shrugged indifferently and followed Lu Hehuan out.

As dawn broke, Liu Rushuang quietly approached the gates of the Liu residence. Just as she reached for the door, her father's voice sounded behind her.

"Where are you going?"

Liu Rushuang froze and turned slowly. "Father, I wanted to..."

Liu Shan's face was stern. "You'd better not think about anything. Stay at home. I've decided—you won't go out or show yourself anymore. Forget that detective agency. Girls shouldn't be too unruly—your sister is proof!" Mentioning Liu Sixue, he grew furious. "Eloped and brought disgrace to the family!"

"Father, I've stayed in for days now. Just let me get some air," Liu Rushuang pleaded, looking troubled.

Liu Shan snorted. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. The two who witnessed your mother's death by snakebite are dead. You're surely thinking of investigating. I'm warning you—keep away from those cases."

Liu Rushuang was unnerved at being seen through. "Father..."

"If you still consider me your father, listen and stay home. Don't make me worry."

Liu Rushuang pouted in reluctance.

Liu Shan, anger rising, shouted, "Go to your room!"

She trembled, unwillingly heading to her room.

Back in her room, Liu Rushuang was consumed by frustration, pacing as she pondered. Suddenly, inspiration struck and she gazed thoughtfully at the window.

Early that morning, Bao Rong, holding a stack of documents, was about to leave the forensic lab when Ying Xi and Lu Hehuan entered.

Bao Rong brightened. "Hehuan, I was just looking for you. Mary's autopsy report is ready. Judging by the force and location of the facial wounds, the talisman was carved by Mary herself... But I don't know how the killer made the victim mutilate her own face."

Lu Hehuan nodded. "We can now confirm this is a serial killing."

Ying Xi scratched his head, unconvinced. "If the talisman was carved by herself, then the 'Bloody Garment Curse' must be at work."

Lu Hehuan turned to him. "Detective Ying, supernatural tales can't be trusted. We must let evidence speak."

Ying Xi scowled. "Then you let evidence speak."

Lu Hehuan shot him a look.

Bao Rong, fearing another argument, hurriedly changed the topic. "Hehuan, how's your investigation?"

"I found that after Mary went to America, Lin Shaoliang followed her, but couldn't adapt and returned after six months."

Bao Rong sighed. "I didn't expect Lin Shaoliang to be so devoted to Mary."

"But Lin Shaoliang never met Ling Yan—he has no motive for murder."

Bao Rong frowned in confusion. "That's odd. If Lin Shaoliang killed Mary, why would the method match Ling Yan's?"

Just then, Baldy entered with a stack of documents. "Rong, Sister Nan sent these for you."

Bao Rong smiled. "Thanks. Just leave them on the table."

Baldy set the papers down, glanced at Ying Xi, then at Lu Hehuan. "I heard you talking about Lin Shaoliang. What's going on?"

Ying Xi was curious. "You know him?"

Baldy nodded. "I attended Lin Shaoliang's birthday party—went as a friend's guest."

"Lin Shaoliang is the eldest son of Lin Yuan Rice Industries, and you managed to hang out with him?" Ying Xi looked skeptical.

Baldy grinned. "He likes peculiar crime stories and befriends police officers..."

Lu Hehuan suddenly remembered something and fixed Baldy with a stare. "Did you tell him about Ling Yan's case?"

Baldy was startled, stammering. "N-no..."

Ying Xi slapped Baldy's head. "Out with it!"

Baldy rubbed his head, hesitating.

Ying Xi threatened another slap, and Baldy quickly shielded his head. "I had a few drinks, and Lin Shaoliang heard about the 'Bloody Garment Curse,' insisted on learning about Ling Yan's case, so I told him."

Lu Hehuan grew anxious, staring at Baldy. "Did you tell all the details?"

Baldy nodded guiltily. "I read Ling Yan's autopsy report, so I was familiar..." He paused, looking at Ying Xi plaintively. "Detective Ying, it's not a big deal, is it?"

"Not a big deal?" Ying Xi scowled. "It's a huge problem!"

Baldy pulled a face. "Ah?"

Ying Xi glared at him, but there was no use arguing further. He turned to Lu Hehuan. "If that's the case, it makes sense. Lin Shaoliang, spurned by Mary, learned the details of Ling Yan's case and copied the method to kill Mary."

Lu Hehuan frowned, deep in thought.

Ying Xi rubbed his beard. "I think it's time to arrest him."

Outside the door, Bao Kang eavesdropped with satisfaction, muttering, "Yes, it's time to arrest—but the credit won't go to you."

Soon after, Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi arrived at Lin Shaoliang's house. Ying Xi knocked, and a servant answered.

Ying Xi showed his badge. "I'm Detective Ying Xi from Old Wharf Police Station. This is Agent Lu Hehuan. Is Lin Shaoliang home? We'd like to ask him some questions."

The servant recoiled in fear. "Our young master was just taken away by several officers—they said it was for murder..."

Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi exchanged shocked glances. "What?!"

In the interrogation room, Bao Kang sat across from Lin Shaoliang.

Bao Kang looked at the files in his hand. "Lin Shaoliang?"

Lin Shaoliang nodded.

Bao Kang eyed him. "What's your relationship with Mary?"

Lin Shaoliang pursed his lips. "Can I have a cigarette?"

Bao Kang nodded.

Lin Shaoliang pulled out a pack, hands trembling as he took a cigarette and put it to his mouth. He fumbled for matches, but on the first strike, failed to light it—the match dropped to the floor. He tried another, but it slipped again.

Impatient, Bao Kang snatched the box and struck a match, lighting Lin Shaoliang's cigarette.

Lin Shaoliang inhaled, smoke obscuring his anxious face. After a moment, he spoke slowly. "I've liked Mary for years, pursued her, but she always refused..."

Bao Kang, uninterested in his feelings, interrupted. "Where were you the night Mary died?"

Lin Shaoliang thought. "Sleeping in my room."

"Anyone to confirm?"

Lin Shaoliang shook his head.

Bao Kang slammed the table. "Mary rejected you publicly several times—you were humiliated and killed her, weren't you?"

Lin Shaoliang was startled. "I... I didn't!"

Bao Kang leaned in menacingly. "‘Mary, you belong to me in life and death’—did you say that?"

Lin Shaoliang hesitated. "I... I did, but it was just in anger!"

"I have all the evidence of your crime, Lin Shaoliang. You can't deny it!" Bao Kang glared.

Lin Shaoliang turned pale, shaking his head. "I didn't..."

"You did! Afraid you'd be suspected, you used what you learned about Ling Yan's case and imitated it, creating the illusion of a 'Bloody Garment Curse' murder!" Bao Kang fired accusation after accusation.

Lin Shaoliang was stunned, gazing at Bao Kang in panic. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Bao Kang's lips curled in satisfaction. He turned to the officer at the door. "He won't confess until he's beaten. Beat him until he admits!"

The officer approached, and terror flashed in Lin Shaoliang's eyes.

On the street, Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi hurried back after failing to catch Lin Shaoliang.

Ying Xi grumbled as they walked. "I didn't expect someone else to get ahead of us."

"It must be Director Bao," Lu Hehuan replied instantly.

They quickened their pace toward the police station.

In the interrogation room, Lin Shaoliang, his face battered, was supported by two officers as he sat.

Bao Kang, across the table, eyed him coldly. "Lin Shaoliang, do you confess?"

Lin Shaoliang nodded repeatedly. "I confess—please stop beating me."

Bao Kang was pleased and gestured to his men. "Bring paper and pen for his confession."

Soon, an officer placed them on the table.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi rushed in.

Bao Kang looked at them, annoyed. "What are you doing?"

Ying Xi quickly put on a smile. "Director Bao, we're just checking how the interrogation is going."

"Lin Shaoliang has confessed," Bao Kang said, triumphant.

Lu Hehuan frowned deeply.

Bao Kang turned to Lin Shaoliang, urging, "Write down how you committed the crime."

Lin Shaoliang, eyes fearful, slowly reached for the pen.

Lu Hehuan noticed his grip was odd, unable to exert force. Her expression darkened. "Wait."

Bao Kang glared at her. "Lu Hehuan, the time and motive match! What more do you want?"

Ying Xi chimed in. "Hehuan, not to criticize, but Lin Shaoliang has confessed. Director Bao handled this case thoroughly—don't make trouble."

Lu Hehuan's expression hardened. "Director Bao, so-called time and motive prove nothing."

Bao Kang was momentarily speechless, furious.

Lu Hehuan looked at Lin Shaoliang, then at Ying Xi. "Bring him—with me." With that, she walked out.

Ying Xi, puzzled, led Lin Shaoliang after her.

"Lu Hehuan, you'll regret what you're doing!" Bao Kang, beside himself, followed.