The walls were adorned with photographs of esteemed figures from the forensic field. On an adjacent wall, a rectangular bookshelf was filled with books on forensic science. Near a red counter, a collection of expensive-looking red wines suggested that Zhou Henling led a refined lifestyle.
I took out my examination umbrella and, with the help of the shadowless reflector, once again crouched on the ground like a dog, sniffing, observing, and listening. This time, however, I heard a faint buzzing sound from a crevice in the TV cabinet – the sound of a very small machine.
I quickly pushed open the cabinet. Fortunately, it was small and light, yielding easily to my push, revealing a listening device underneath.
As I retrieved it, I couldn't help but murmur, "This probably wasn't installed by Zhou Henling. If it was that stalker, they're incredibly brazen."
Upon closer inspection, I realized this wasn't just a listening device but a pinhole camera. It had recording capabilities. This person seemed intensely focused on Zhou Henling, though the motive remained unclear.
I walked into Zhou Henling's room. The apartment was a one-bedroom, one-living room unit, approximately 40 square meters. The wardrobe, desk, vanity, and bed were all meticulously clean. The layout was fresh, and the window was slightly ajar, draped with purple curtains – a clear indication of Zhou Henling's fondness for the color.
I pulled open the curtains and gazed at the night sky. From this vantage point, I could see the academy's teaching buildings, where a few classrooms were still lit.
This was the Forensic Academy of Gaogang City. Xiahou and I had spent some time getting here.
Compared to the Forensic Academy of Guangming City, the environment here seemed more elegant, dotted with numerous flowers and trees, and boasting more laboratories. The teaching buildings and dormitories were all brand new. Perhaps Zhou Henling chose this place for its serene surroundings. Indeed, conducting educational work in such a refined setting would undoubtedly be smoother than in an ordinary location.
I turned back to Zhou Henling's bed and noticed several strands of short hair. I remembered Zhou Henling had a husband. Just then, I heard footsteps outside. I quickly went out. The man immediately recognized me, and his expression suggested he knew I was here to investigate: "Officer He, Henling sent me to ask how the investigation is going?"
"No rush. Is she adapting well there? I suggest you don't go to work for a while, and don't come back here until the case is resolved, or you might be in danger. Have you felt like you've been monitored recently?"
"Yes! I came to tell you exactly that. I tried to mention it at the Provincial Department earlier, but when I went to find you, they said you had already left!"
"It's dangerous for you to come over like this. You should wait there for now, don't be anxious. This case is not simple!"
"With you here, I'm not so scared. Do you still need to investigate?"
I didn't answer and went into the bathroom, examining the mirror. I sprayed some white wine, and as Zhou Henling had told us, words appeared on the mirror, quite clearly. Her husband, seeing this technique for the first time, was surprised and began recounting events that had occurred at home.
I nodded. "That's right. You were too unobservant. Didn't you even realize someone had entered the house?"
"There was some noise outside one day, but I haven't been home recently. I had some matters to attend to."
No wonder. If her husband had been home, Zhou Henling likely wouldn't have been so frightened and sought our help at the Provincial Department. Why didn't this man go to his local police station? Coming to Guangming City must involve a considerable distance.
Perhaps this was her trust in us. Regardless, her people were now under our protection and had to be guarded. I told Zhou Henling's husband to return first, with an officer escorting him. Once he left, I headed towards the academy's forest, where a tree-lined path was Zhou Henling's usual route back to her dormitory after class.
When I arrived, I saw Xiahou still examining the area with a flashlight. Upon seeing me, he said, "I used a reagent to restore it. Look, the words here are the same as what Zhou Henling described."
"Zhou Henling wasn't lying. There are footprints on the ground here too, but there are too many to be of any use!"
"Did you find anything in the dormitory earlier?"
"This!"
"Are you sure they didn't install it themselves?"
"We'll know when we get back!"
Back at the Provincial Department, we reviewed the footage from the pinhole camera. It showed them… well, engaging in activities in the living room, as well as some scenes from their daily lives. After several viewings, the footage proved insignificant. The stalker was nowhere to be seen. He must have installed it himself, otherwise, why wouldn't he be captured on camera?
People don't typically install cameras to film themselves, especially someone with criminal intent. There were no fingerprints on the camera; the installer must have worn gloves. Zhou Henling and her husband were temporarily under our protection. I went to the reception room and asked Zhou Henling if she still felt she was being watched. She relaxed and replied, "No, it's safe here. Why would that guy target me? It's so strange. Although Liang Lao and I were together once, he's dead, what does that have to do with me? Can't he just leave me alone?"
Zhou Henling's husband listened nearby, showing no signs of anger. He had likely known about these events for a while and grown accustomed to them.
I said, "You two should stay here temporarily. We will find the culprit as soon as possible!"
As soon as I finished speaking, my phone received a message: "We've traced the origin of the Miao dao. A criminal group recently purchased a large quantity of illegal knives at Pinming Wharf. After the Criminal Investigation team apprehended them, they discovered similar Miao dao among the seized weapons. The wounds they inflict have a crescent-shaped outline!"
Oh? Could it be that He Xiaoyu and her team were mistaken this time? I wonder how those two great heroes are doing. I don't have their contact information, and even if I did, there's nothing I can do if they don't want to appear. They promised 24-hour protection for me.
Suddenly, I thought of something and left the VIP room, heading to the Information Section. He Xin said to me, "Everything has been brought back. You can check it yourself in the evidence room. The Criminal Investigation team also brought back quite a few people."