Volume 1, Chapter 19: He Finally Started to Suspect

I turned my head at the sound, only to see Bo Bingqian walking in.

He was tall with sharp, well-defined features. Dressed in a crisp white lab coat, he carried himself with an air of distinction, further accentuated by the gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. He looked impeccably noble. The only contrast was the chill in his eyes, as biting and frozen as a glacier in midwinter.

Bo Congnan was also drawn by the noise. When his gaze met Bo Bingqian’s, he seemed to freeze, a flicker of guilt flashing across his eyes. It took him a long moment before he managed to speak: "Second... brother... you’re back?"

To everyone's surprise, Bo Bingqian merely glanced at him coldly, his demeanor suggesting he wasn't even worth a second look. Bo Bingqian turned his attention to Jiang Ze, handing him a report. "Based on the angle of the incision and the extent of the bleeding, I’ve conducted some tests. Factoring in the material, thickness, and shape of the blade, and cross-referencing between industrial tools and kitchen knives, I’ve identified the following implements that fit the characteristics of the murder weapon. Personally, however, I suspect it was a wood-chopping axe."

Jiang Ze was well aware of the strained, subtle tension between Bo Congnan and Bo Bingqian. Furthermore, he had been harboring his own resentment, feeling that Bo Congnan hadn't cared at all about my disappearance. Thus, he had never mentioned to Bo Congnan that Professor Bo was, in fact, Bo Bingqian.

Seeing that Bo Bingqian ignored him, Bo Congnan didn't press the matter and simply got up to leave in silence. As he turned, he cast a lingering, scrutinizing look at Bo Bingqian.

Jiang Ze had no interest in paying further attention to Bo Congnan, and neither did I. I had no intention of following him out. More than anyone, I wanted to know who the real killer was, so I wouldn't miss a single scrap of information related to the case.

Jiang Ze voiced my own question: "Why are you so certain that it was a wood-chopping axe that decapitated the victim?"

Bo Bingqian pulled out his phone and zoomed in on a photo, revealing a small, red object. Jiang Ze couldn't identify it. "What is this?"

"I found a yew berry in the victim's stomach. This type of yew grows in high-altitude regions between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. The specimen in the victim's stomach is a rare variety, already listed as a first-class protected species. City A has complex terrain; I’ve checked every location within the city, and there are only two places where this yew grows: Tianhua Peak on the border, and the Desolate Soul Ridge not far from the South River."

Desolate Soul Ridge? I had heard of it before; it was a sinister place that most people dared not visit. Had my killer been there?

Bo Bingqian continued, "The vegetation at Desolate Soul Ridge is dense, and the yew is more common there. Combined with the shape of the incision on the body, it suggests the perpetrator is someone accustomed to chopping wood in the mountains year-round."

Jiang Ze understood. He took the report to his superiors, requesting that they send a team to investigate the villages near Desolate Soul Ridge. I assumed Bo Bingqian would leave immediately.

Unexpectedly, he spoke up, catching us off guard: "That one from the Shen family—has she returned home yet?"

That one from the Shen family... Was he talking about me?

Jiang Ze’s attention was entirely on the report. "Huh?"

Bo Bingqian didn't speak, just stared at him.

Jiang Ze realized a moment later. "You mean Shen Zhiyi?" He sighed. "I doubt it."

If I had returned, Bo Congnan wouldn't have been acting like a madman in broad daylight, screaming about catching some adulterer.

"I recall you and Shen Zhiyi were at odds since university; you were famous rivals. Since when did you start caring about her?"

Although Jiang Ze was Bo Congnan’s close friend, he had no direct conflict of interest with Bo Bingqian. Over the past two weeks, he had observed that Bo Bingqian was exactly as the rumors described: icy and indifferent to everything. To see him take the initiative to ask about someone—especially his long-time rival—piqued even Jiang Ze’s curiosity.

While I didn't expect Bo Bingqian to say anything earth-shattering, I couldn't help but listen for his answer.

To my surprise, Bo Bingqian turned to leave, tossing a light, airy comment over his shoulder: "You're overthinking it."

The remark was as cold as the man himself.

I watched his retreating figure, feeling a pang of regret. If only I had maintained a better relationship with him, perhaps he would have recognized me and brought the real murderer to justice. But alas, we were sworn enemies. If he knew the headless corpse was me, he would probably sneer: "Shen Zhiyi, aren't you quite proud of yourself? Headless now, aren't you? You deserved it!"

***

Bo Congnan went to the Shen residence. Fang Lanru was busy at the hospital and not at home. When Shen Yikang saw him arrive, he moved to offer him tea, but Bo Congnan held up a hand. "Dad, where is Sister Meng Xiangyi? I have something to ask her."

Seeing Bo Congnan's demeanor, he was clearly still agitated about the fake photos. Shen Yikang paused, the teacup in his hand hovering in mid-air; it was the first time he had seen Bo Congnan mention Meng Xiangyi with such gravity.

"She's... at the training track."

Bo Congnan headed straight for the racing track. The Swift Phantom racing team had its own dedicated training facility. As soon as he reached the spectator stands, he saw a blurred streak of light zipping across the track. Meng Xiangyi, dressed in a red racing suit, looked intensely focused. The car circled the track again and again, finally coming to a steady halt at the starting line with a sharp screech of brakes.

Meng Xiangyi hadn't expected Bo Congnan to come watch her train. She removed her helmet and walked quickly toward him. "Congnan, what brings you here?"

Bo Congnan looked at the woman before him. With her hair pulled into a neat, clean bun, she looked confident and dashing, completely devoid of any affected, girlish coyness. She was infinitely better than the delicate, pampered Shen Zhiyi. It made sense that Shen Zhiyi might have framed Meng Xiangyi out of jealousy; a proud, capable woman like Meng Xiangyi would never intentionally frame someone like Shen Zhiyi.

His tone softened instantly. "Zhiyi didn't cheat. The photo you showed me was fake."

Meng Xiangyi’s hand, which was twisting the cap off a water bottle, faltered. She didn't answer immediately, instead tilting her head back to take a long drink.

"Oh, that's wonderful. I was so worried that Zhiyi was being reckless just to spite you." She then offered an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Congnan. I didn't verify the facts and caused a misunderstanding."

Watching Meng Xiangyi’s hypocritical face, I longed to rip off her mask and show everyone what kind of vicious creature their "goddess" truly was.

Seeing her apology, Bo Congnan felt a surge of guilt. He couldn't believe he had doubted the sister he had admired for so long. His suspicions vanished, replaced by remorse. He shouldn't have doubted her; she had only been looking out for him.

"I'm sorry, Sister Xiangyi. I..."

Meng Xiangyi interrupted him. She stood with one foot on a stone step, holding her helmet in one hand, her gaze fixed on the distant track. In the glow of the setting sun, she looked breathtakingly beautiful.

"I know you suspected I framed Zhiyi on purpose," she said softly.

"It wasn't me..."

"It’s true, when I found out Zhiyi had taken my place as the eldest daughter of the Shen family, I felt hate. But I also know that some things aren't within her control. Now, I just want to focus on training and winning the upcoming NJ International Championship." She chuckled lightly. "As for framing her? There was no need."