Chapter 349: The Fruit Knife (1/2)

”I didn’t expect to convince you either,” I said. “I was just looking for clues to overturn my preconceptions.”

”Let me ask you a question that might seem offensive,” expressed Xiaotao. “Do you come to a conclusion before entering the room and then try every means to prove it, or do you come to a conclusion after seeing the body?”

I admitted without the slightest hesitation, ”It’s true I came here with preconceived notions! I presumed Mr. Ding was innocent and then endeavored to prove it, but my observations are absolutely objective.”

”But now that you’ve formed that preconception, how can you ensure your objectivity and impartiality?”

I stood there, bereft of speech. Perhaps my mental acuity had yet to return to normal after my recent discharge from the hospital. To be honest, I felt a little dizzy from contemplating the case. It was much later that I realized that this was the negative effect of the Eyes of Yama.

”There’s no way of convincing you now,” I sighed, shaking my head. “My reasons are very simple. I don’t think Mr. Ding killed anyone, and he doesn't look like a murderer to me.”

”Alright then. Let’s go to the crime scene so you see the error of your ways!” replied Xiaotao.

”I'm coming along as well,” Bingxin chimed in.

”Finish your report!” ordered Xiaotao.

Xiaotao and I were merely debating the case. We would never stoop to attacking each other. Once we left the building, she was already on another subject entirely, asking how the business was going. She liked the sanitary napkin I brought her last time and even promoted it among her colleagues, winning us new customers.

”Next time I visit, I'll bring you some more and sell them to you at wholesale price.”

”No, you have to make money as well,” she declined. “I’ll buy it at market price!”

We went to the parking lot where Xiaotao parked her car. When we drove out, Bingxin was standing at the entrance with a small bag slung over her shoulder. She had changed into a casual outfit suitable for fieldwork.

Xiaotao frowned, ”Why didn’t I look at the lunar calendar before going out today? Now look at who I’ve bumped into!”

Then she leaned out of the window and yelled, ”Go back and finish up the report, or I'll tell your father!”

”No, I'm coming with you!” Bingxin pouted, “I’m so bored in the station and you won’t let me go anywhere! I won’t let go of this rare opportunity.”

”It’s an order!” Xiaotao declared.

”You’re not my direct superior, so why should I obey your orders?” Bingxin disputed. “My forensics teacher has given me the green light and cautioned me not to go too far!”

Xiaotao reluctantly unlocked the car door, ”I don’t know what to do with you! You’re so stubborn. Get in!”

“Xiaotao-jiejie, you’re the best!” giggled Bingxin.

I laughed at Xiaotao’s helplessness, having experienced the same with Bingxin’s usual spoiled behavior. She could drive me to my wit’s end but also amuse me with her little tantrums.

The three of us soon arrived at the crime scene. Because it was a residential area and the investigation had been concluded, there was no need for monitoring. Xiaotao was about to open the door with the key when I yelled for her to wait.

I bent down to examine the keyhole, checking for signs of forced entry but found nothing.

Upon entering the room, Bingxin exclaimed in shock. The floor and walls were covered in blood and the room was left in a chaotic mess. The outline of the dead body remained on the floor with crime scene markers everywhere the evidence had fallen. Of course, the objects had already been removed.