Immersed in developing the software QQ Chat, Lin Chen naturally had not heard about the two horrifying murders at the suburban bus stops.
He had already drafted several pieces of promotional material explaining the software's functions in detail.
Still, he kept an eye on the five programmers at the office, giving feedback and suggestions on the software's details.
This time, Lin Chen planned to release both desktop and mobile versions of QQ Chat simultaneously to capture both markets.
Xia Miaoyan, the energetic girl, had been working in the office recently, handling buying meals and drinks for everyone.
In front of Lin Chen, she worked diligently with one purpose: to convince him to take her as an apprentice.
But Lin Chen had never intended to take disciples.
One day, Lin Chen's phone suddenly rang. The caller ID showed Zhang Tian'ai.
After answering, Zhang Tian'ai's voice came through: "Lin Chen, we have a very tricky case here, we want to—"
Before she finished, Lin Chen cut her off: "I'm busy lately. You handle it yourselves."
He didn't even ask what kind of case it was and hung up immediately.
…
At that moment, Zhang Tian'ai was in the police station conference room.
Miao Yunfei, Fang Xinzhou, Wang Tao, and others were all present. The call to Lin Chen had been on speakerphone.
After Lin Chen hung up, Zhang Tian'ai looked embarrassed and said, "Sister Yunfei… Lin Chen said he's busy…"
"Bang!"
Miao Yunfei slammed her hand on the table with a cold face: "That guy really thinks he's something. Not even willing to hear what case it is before hanging up on us."
"Yeah, he solved two cases and now thinks he's all that."
Seeing Miao Yunfei's anger, Fang Xinzhou immediately said, "In my opinion, we should rely on ourselves. Don't ask that guy anymore. Otherwise, people will think our task force is incompetent and depends on him."
Many nodded in agreement.
After two murders on Baofeng Line 3 a few days ago, higher-ups demanded quickly catching the culprit and preventing a third victim.
The task force formed and deployed officers to patrol the bus stops on Baofeng Line 3 at night to prevent further killings.
Despite police patrols, the third and fourth bus shelter murders still occurred.
The third victim was found at the 15th stop on Baofeng Line 3 near a village—a woman in her thirties.
She was strangled, a patch of scalp cut from her forehead, and hung inside the bus shelter.
The fourth victim was killed at a stop on Baofeng Line 6. The same killer and modus operandi.
Miao Yunfei tapped a pen lightly on the table, murmuring: "Four victims, similar deaths—drugged with ether, strangled, scalp cut off and left on the ground."
"The first victim was hung in a hunched posture with one hand raised as if hailing a bus."
"The second bent over, raising one foot in a strange pose."
"The third was hung by fishing line with both hands, head hanging back."
"The fourth lay on the ground with left foot and right hand tied by fishing line."
"Why does the killer cut off their foreheads' scalp? Why hang them in bus shelters in such strange poses?"
This question perplexed everyone—hard to guess the killer's motive.
Miao Yunfei looked at Zhang Tian'ai: "Continue investigating the victims' relationships and family situations."
"Understood." Zhang Tian'ai nodded.
Miao Yunfei then looked at Fang Xinzhou: "The killer committed crimes along Lines 3 and 6. Maybe he lives near these bus routes. Check for residents with mental illness histories nearby. This may well be a mentally ill perpetrator."
"Got it." Fang Xinzhou nodded promptly.
After delegating, Zhang Tian'ai, Fang Xinzhou, and other task force members went out to investigate.
Soon, only Miao Yunfei remained in the conference room.
She stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing outside and murmured: "Lin Chen, don't think you're so great. We can solve this without you."
This serial bus shelter murder case was extremely difficult.
When Miao Yunfei tried to join the task force, Miao Zhengxiong initially resisted, not wanting his daughter to bear too much pressure—especially with such a cunning killer.
But Miao Yunfei insisted on joining, determined to solve the case herself.
Though she said nothing, Miao Zhengxiong understood: his daughter was unwilling to accept Lin Chen's success while she failed.
…
Six more days passed. The desktop version of QQ Chat was completed with all functions present; only minor adjustments remained.
Lin Chen was satisfied with the five employees' responsible work.
After treating them to lunch, they continued developing the mobile version while Lin Chen returned home.
Soon the doorbell rang.
At the door stood Miao Yunfei in uniform.
Upon seeing Lin Chen, she said, "The case I wanted your help with last time—our police have cracked it."
"Oh," Lin Chen responded casually, "Is that the recent bus shelter serial murder case?"
"Exactly," Miao Yunfei replied. "We wanted your help, but you acted high and mighty and refused. We solved it ourselves. The killer Qi Hongyuan has been caught."
The day police called Lin Chen for help, he hung up quickly citing lack of time.
Miao Yunfei held a grudge and came today to show that the police could solve it without him.
Lin Chen was calm, but hearing "Qi Hongyuan" made him tense up. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Miao Yunfei: "What did you say? The killer's name is Qi Hongyuan?"
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]