The two of them vied with each other, the basketball constantly changing hands between them. I couldn't even steal the ball from either of them; these two really seemed to have good skills.
Or perhaps my skills were just too poor. As I watched them play, Liu Yu Ning suddenly appeared. Before I could react, she made her move, snatched the basketball with all her might, and with lightning speed, spun around and went for a layup!
With a thud, He Xin and Gao Ming Qiang applauded, "Miss Liu... your basketball skills are impressive!"
These two almost called her "Captain Liu" again. I walked over to them, "Alright, let's not get too carried away!"
"We understand!" everyone said. Just then, Manager Zhang walked over, "You all seem to have good basketball skills. Are you interested in participating in the basketball match tonight?"
"Basketball, a match? What's it about?" I asked.
"It's our company versus you tourists. Besides myself and Du Qi Tai, there's Xiao Hong, and also Manager Zhao. How about it?"
"This..." I hesitated, but Liu Yu Ning immediately agreed, "Sure. Then we'll field me, Gao Ming Qiang, He Xin, He Sheng, and Xiao Yuan De, how about that?"
Hearing Liu Yu Ning mention him, Xiao Yuan De immediately walked over to ask what was going on. Manager Zhang quickly introduced him to the basketball match. When the match was mentioned, Xiao Yuan De continued to feign great interest, "Alright! I remember when I was in the army, I was quite the basketball ace!"
"Oh really? Then Mr. Xiao, could you demonstrate a three-pointer for us now?" Manager Zhang suggested.
As he spoke, I started to ponder. What was the real purpose behind these people wanting us to participate in a basketball match? It couldn't be just to entertain us, right?
Lost in thought, Xiao Yuan De had already taken the ball and shot it directly from mid-court.
The basketball went through the hoop without a hitch, not even making a sound.
"Amazing! Your shooting accuracy is incredible!" Manager Zhang exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically.
"You're too kind. I haven't played in quite some time, so my skills might have declined!"
"Ah, is that so? It seems we're in trouble tonight!" Manager Zhang put on a fearful expression, but I secretly observed his inner mockery. What were they planning? It seemed only nightfall would reveal it.
After the basketball game, everyone engaged in some casual sports activities. Later, He Xin and Liu Yu Ning went to play badminton. Xie Chu Chu and I went upstairs. Suddenly, a terrifying scream echoed from downstairs. Xie Chu Chu and I both looked out the window. I saw Yuan He Zhi sitting by the fountain outside the gymnasium, so terrified he couldn't stand up!
Xie Chu Chu and I exchanged glances and rushed downstairs towards the gymnasium.
Upon reaching the fountain, we saw a headless female corpse lying in the water!
The pool was completely dyed red by her. Countless crows were eyeing the body hungrily, ready to swoop down and feast on her flesh.
The corpse was propped against the edge of the fountain, her hands clasped around her head!
"Yuan He!!" Yuan He Zhi immediately recognized the corpse's identity!
Indeed, we also quickly recognized her. Wasn't this girl fine just a moment ago? How could this have happened...
I told everyone not to panic. Xie Chu Chu and I approached the body and knelt down.
Putting on the rubber gloves I carried, I touched the corpse. Her body was stiff, the lividity was fixed and didn't fade with pressure, and rigor mortis showed signs of abatement. Her pupils were dilated. Considering the surrounding temperature and humidity, the deceased had been dead for at least 48 hours. Yet, we had clearly seen Yuan He earlier.
Xie Chu Chu voiced my thoughts. Seeing I didn't object, she continued, "The fatal injury was a single blow to the neck. Her face appears to have been whipped with a whip-like weapon, resulting in multiple complex wounds. Her clothes are torn, and there is a viscous fluid in her lower body, suspected sexual assault!"
"Beast! Truly a beast! Who would do this!" As Yuan He's brother, Yuan He Zhi was furious, wanting to tear the killer from the scene.
At this moment, Manager Zhang, having heard the commotion, also hurried over. Upon seeing the corpse, he cried out in fear, "How can this be? Who would do such a thing?"
He seemed surprised, but I inadvertently noticed that his reaction appeared feigned.
I calmly continued to examine the corpse. Xie Chu Chu added, "The deceased has severe friction burns on her waist. There are skin fragments in her fingernails. However, without forensic equipment, a detailed investigation cannot be conducted at this time!"
Hearing Xie Chu Chu speak so proficiently, Manager Zhang asked curiously, "Miss Xie, aren't you a doctor? How do you know how to perform an autopsy?"
"What's so strange about that? A forensic pathologist's job has commonalities with a doctor's!" Xie Chu Chu quickly explained.
"Ah, is that so? I really didn't know. This is terrible. How could a murder happen in our tourist area? What should we do? What should we do?"
"Immediately inform Boss Du to come over!" I commanded.
"I'll go right away!" As Manager Zhang turned, I noticed him sneer subtly.
This subtle movement went unnoticed by the others.
We stood by the headless female corpse, carefully lifting her head. Yuan He Zhi cried, wanting to embrace his sister, but we stopped him.
"Young man, please calm down. I understand your feelings, but we cannot move the body now. If the corpse is disturbed, it will greatly hinder the police investigation."
"I know, but that's my sister! Hurry and call the police, I must catch this killer!"
I took out my phone, but Liu Yu Ning shook her head, "It's not time yet!"
I looked at my phone and handed it to Liu Yu Ning. She then discovered that there was no signal at all.
Everyone simultaneously took out their phones. When they all realized that they couldn't make any calls from here, He Xin said, "Actually, I noticed this earlier. There's a signal jammer here. I'm trying to crack it discreetly. Everyone, don't worry!"
"Alright! We'll entrust this matter to you!" Liu Yu Ning said. Manager Zhang had already brought Du Qi Tai over. The moment Du Qi Tai saw the corpse, he gasped, "Who on earth would cause such a disturbance in our tourist area? How will we do business from now on!"
"Du Qi Tai, don't you know how this girl died?" I asked, deliberately probing.
"How could I possibly know? I'm not a police officer! Mr. He, why are you asking me like that?"