Red Makeup Serial Murder Case (12)

Meng Tingzhe's asthma suddenly flared up, but he forgot to bring his inhaler. He hurried back to his office, took out the inhaler from the drawer, and sprayed it on his nose a few times. After a while, he felt much better. But he had a strange feeling. He always felt that there was some noise in the study when he came in.

It was like the sound of something falling to the ground with a "crackling" sound.

Normally, no one dares to enter his office without his consent. Who is this fearless logistics staff member?

He tiptoed to the door of the study and eavesdropped. Sure enough, there was a rustling sound inside, but the sound was very small. Could it be a thief?

He picked up the baseball bat next to the door, opened the door with his hand, and shouted, "Who?"

However, the person inside made him suddenly startled. It was his younger sister Meng Siqi. She was bending down to pick up a book from the ground. Not only that, there were books lying all over the ground in a mess under her feet.

Why did she end up in her own study? What did she want to investigate? Did she want to die?

She turned around suddenly, the book in her hand fell to the ground, and she looked at him nervously, as if she was frightened by him.

When Meng Siqi turned around, he saw Meng Tingzhe standing at the door with a baseball bat in his hand. His face was ashen and his eyes were sinister. Although his sinister look lessened when he realized it was her, he still had a stern face.

She pretended to be nervous and looked at Meng Tingzhe with her big eyes, "Brother, why are you here?"

"You ask me? Don't you know this is my office?" Meng Tingzhe approached her with a heavy and oppressive aura.

If she took action, Meng Siqi might not necessarily gain the upper hand, but she didn't want to cause any unpleasantness in the mall today, after all, Meng Hui was here.

Just now she quickly ran back to the study from the darkroom, pressed the silver button to close the bookcase and shut the door of the darkroom, but she was worried that the noise when the darkroom door was closed would attract attention from outside, and she was also worried that if she took out a single book, it would arouse suspicion, so she had to desperately take the books off the bookshelf.

"Just now I wanted to take a book from above, but accidentally knocked it all down! Brother, Dad asked me to come to the office to rest for a while, so I read a book. I really didn't know this was your office."

"Really?" Meng Tingzhe held the baseball bat tightly and smiled coldly, "Sister, who are you trying to fool? You are a police officer, and you can't tell whose office it is?"

"Isn't this the general manager's office?" Meng Siqi asked deliberately.

"Can't you tell the difference between the chairman and the general manager?" Meng Tingzhe asked with a slight roar.

"How do I know you're the general manager? This is my first time here and I always thought you were the vice president."

"Deputy? After all these years, you don't know your brother well? You really don't know me at all?"

Meng Tingzhe stared into her eyes closely. Meng Siqi always felt that there was something else behind Meng Tingzhe's words. Was he testing whether she had discovered more of his secrets?

"What do you want to say?" Meng Siqi faced his sharp eyes without being humble or arrogant. "I have never been a good student. When I filled out my application form, I was really stupid. I could have gone to the Provincial Police University, but I ended up going to a technical college!"

She shouted, "Do you think such a person would know the difference between a general manager and a chairman? Otherwise, let's go and reason with Dad! Dad--" she shouted.

The corner of Meng Tingzhe's mouth twitched, his cold expression softened a little, and he slowly put down the baseball bat in his hand.

"Sister, I'm sorry." Meng Tingzhe's tone suddenly softened, even a little feminine, which reminded Meng Siqi of him in makeup as a woman. "How could I hurt you? I will protect you all my life."

"Come on, sister, I'll take you to eat something." He stretched out his slender hand and patted her arm.

Meng Siqi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This was the best possible outcome. She walked out of the door under Meng Tingzhe's gaze. When he invited her again, she smiled and said, "No, I'll be back at the police station this afternoon. I'll leave first."

"Sister," Meng Tingzhe suddenly called her, with a strange smile on his face, "What did Dad call you to do today?"

He pressed his entire face over her, his sharp eyes staring into hers. Meng Siqi leaned against the door with her back pressed against it, holding her breath. She could not tell him about today's schedule unless Meng Hui took the initiative to tell him.

"What's wrong? Are you nervous?" Meng Tingzhe smiled.

"I came to see Dad. Dad missed me."

"Really? Today the old man sent me away. Fortunately, I was careful and I didn't expect that you and your daughter would be reunited. What is the lawyer doing here?"

Meng Siqi said calmly, "How should I know? Dad and I just had a meal together. If they have anything to say, you should ask Dad."

"Yes, you definitely don't know, right? Sister, come on, I'll take you to have a cup of milk tea."

"I have something to do, sorry, maybe next time." She walked sideways from Meng Tingzhe, stepping on the red lipstick that had rolled on the ground and breaking it with a crackling sound.

"Sister," Meng Tingzhe's voice came from behind, "Remember to come home for dinner on the weekend."

"Okay," Meng Siqi said perfunctorily, "see you then."

Meng Siqi quickly returned to the chairman's office. Meng Hui and Guo Zhaohong were still talking when a man appeared in the office. He was dressed in a suit like Guo Zhaohong. He should be a colleague from Guo Zhaohong's law firm, because two witnesses were needed to make a will. Meng Hui also introduced them to another surety lawyer, Tang Yong.

Meng Siqi proposed to return to the police station. She did not want to interfere with Meng Hui's will, nor did she want to delay his work.

Meng Hui saw her off, smiling and waving goodbye, and reminded her to visit him often and to control her emotions. Meng Siqi was reluctant to leave, and repeatedly reminded Meng Hui to take care of himself.

On the first floor, she met Manager Ma again.

Meng Siqi deliberately asked him when no one was passing by: "Can I ask Manager Ma a question?"

"Please go ahead, Officer Meng."

"My brother said he would treat me to a meal at noon on June 30th, but he broke the promise that day. I just want to ask, where did he go that day?"

Manager Ma seemed to think for a moment and said, "If I remember correctly, President Meng should have gone to the southern suburbs that day."

"Suburban?" The city TV station is in Suburban, but Suburban is not a small area. However, this is enough to fit the description. She asked, "What is he doing in Suburban? Do you know the specific location?"

"He should be going to discuss business. Mr. Meng often travels to discuss business, but I don't know the specific itinerary, and Mr. Meng won't tell me."

"Okay, thank you, Manager Ma."

Meng Siqi bid farewell to Manager Ma. On the way back, she had mixed feelings in her heart. Today was undoubtedly a huge surprise. Meng Tingzhe looked too similar to the suspect. He wore glasses, had such an obsession with makeup, and had been to the southern suburbs.

The most important thing is that she heard an "Ahahaha" sound in the study today. It was made by Meng Tingzhe, who seemed to have some asthma. Zhao Yuting said that the man in the raincoat made an "Ah Ou Ah Ou" sound that didn't sound like laughter, but it was very consistent with the sound of asthma.

However, at this moment, her thoughts went back to the past year, because she and Meng Tingzhe had intersections, and more than once.

If I'm not mistaken, in September and October last year, Meng Tingzhe approached her because of business economic problems and tried hard to get her to marry a 41-year-old businessman Jiang Jianlong. In fact, Meng Tingzhe wanted to use her marriage to make profits for the business. At that time, she was called to a coffee shop by Meng Tingzhe and promised a reward of 5,000 yuan, but she rejected him.

Looking back, Meng Tingzhe should have been furious at the time, but not long after this incident, the first serial murder case involving red makeup occurred.

She still remembered that on the New Year's Eve this year, Meng Hui severely reprimanded Meng Tingzhe because of her "third-class merit" report. Meng Tingzhe must have been gritting his teeth at that time. Unexpectedly, just after the New Year, when she was still investigating the case of Long Shanwen, the second red-makeup serial murder case occurred.

It was also raining heavily that day. She remembered that she was taking a shower and changing clothes at Lu He's house. Lu He cooked noodles for her, but he went out in a hurry.

In these two cases, she seemed to have connections with Meng Tingzhe. Meng Tingzhe must have suffered setbacks in his career or life and so committed the murders on the powerless women.

As for the third case, it also happened not long ago. What could be the reason? Could it be that Meng Tingzhe knew in advance that his father Meng Hui was going to make a will to distribute his inheritance?

Her back gradually felt cold. If the murderer was Meng Tingzhe, she didn't know how to face what was about to happen. Although Meng Tingzhe and she had no blood relationship, they were legally siblings. In order to avoid suspicion, she could not continue investigating him.

She had to go back quickly to tell Lu He about her suspicions about Meng Tingzhe. She hoped that Lu He would quickly investigate Meng Tingzhe's specific itinerary in Jiaonan on the 30th. If he really appeared near the TV station, then he could be arrested and summoned for interrogation.

Meng Siqi didn't walk fast, but every step she took became extremely heavy. She couldn't imagine what would happen to the Meng family if the murderer was really Meng Tingzhe?

After returning, Meng Siqi told Lu He the information he had captured today. Meng Tingzhe had makeup skills. On June 30, at noon, he was in the southern suburbs. He also met the three characteristics described by Zhao Yuting: a man, wearing glasses, and making an "ah-oh-oh" sound.

As for the fact that Meng Tingzhe likes to dress up as a woman and likes to be intimate with men, Meng Siqi concealed it. She thinks it is still in the doubt stage, and she still wants to protect Meng Tingzhe's privacy.

Lu He was very surprised by her discovery. He immediately ordered his team to investigate Meng Tingzhe's whereabouts on June 30, especially his alibi from the afternoon to the evening.

If the alibi for that day is vague, then the only option is to detain and summon him for questioning.

Meng Siqi asked: "Can the alibis for the first two cases be investigated?"

"It may be difficult to collect evidence as the time interval is too long, but I will arrange for someone to investigate."

During this period, Meng Siqi was in a state of nervous waiting. The next day, she received information from an investigation team that from noon to evening on June 30, Meng Tingzhe had been negotiating business with a company called Zhongmao. There were two banquets at noon and in the evening, as evidenced by many people. Although he had time to leave in between, he basically did not leave the Zhongmao circle.

Meng Siqi shook his head and said, "Captain Lu, it took a long time for Tan Xiaoshuang to disappear and be killed. This does not completely rule out Meng Tingzhe as a suspect, right?"

The drive from Zhongmao Enterprise to the City TV Station is less than half an hour, and on a rainy day it would take at most 40 minutes. If Meng Tingzhe left the banquet at noon, drove to the City TV Station, ambushed Tan Xiaoshuang, took her to the construction site, and returned to Zhongmao in the afternoon for the dinner. After the banquet, he returned to the construction site to put on makeup and commit crimes. This was more than enough time.

Lu He nodded and said, "Yes, there is such a possibility, but it is difficult to prove unless there are new witnesses who can prove that Meng Tingzhe drove near the city TV station."

Although the coincidences involving Meng Tingzhe were too bizarre, Meng Siqi also understood that all of this required evidence and that one could not jump to conclusions based on coincidences.

Lu He seemed to be trying to comfort her, saying, "Siqi, I believe you must be feeling very complicated about investigating your brother. As a police officer, I admire your spirit."

Meng Siqi understood what Lu He meant. In fact, she had complicated feelings when investigating Meng Tingzhe. Although Meng Tingzhe had been against her in every way, Meng Tingzhe was a member of the Meng family, and she had to consider Meng Hui's feelings. If Meng Tingzhe was the brutal murderer of the serial killer, not to mention Ye Xiuhui, Meng Hui would probably suffer a huge shock. After all, Meng Tingzhe was the child he brought home from the orphanage and raised with his own hands.

But she is a people's policeman. People's policemen cannot have personal emotions when handling cases and must be fair and just. Even if they are family members or friends, they must maintain a calm and skeptical spirit. This may be what Lu He meant by "I admire your spirit."

Lu He did not let her directly participate in Meng Tingzhe's investigation, nor did he let the Meng family know anything, which shows that he has always been considering her feelings.

Lu He added, "There are currently few clues in the Hongzhuang case. I am very surprised and grateful for your discovery. I will arrange for someone to follow Meng Tingzhe's lead, especially during heavy rain."

Meng Siqi understood that even if the initial suspicion on Meng Tingzhe had been eliminated, Meng Tingzhe could not be easily abandoned without more clues. Therefore, tracking Meng Tingzhe's whereabouts on a rainy day might be a last resort.

Unexpectedly, it rained heavily again after only two days of sunshine. Fortunately, Meng Siqi got off work early and took in the clothes outside the window. Because of the continuous rain, she could only hang the clothes out to dry in these two days. After taking away the clothes and closing the doors and windows, she remembered Lu He's words that she would go downstairs to eat in half an hour, and Lu He would make her something delicious today.

There were thunder and lightning outside, and it was about to turn into a rainstorm. Meng Siqi's mood gradually sank. She was a little sensitive to rainstorms now.

She used a towel to dry her hair that was wet from the rain on the way home, took off her police uniform short-sleeved shirt and long-sleeved sweatshirt, and changed into a loose white shirt.

She was busy with some things and went downstairs a few minutes early. It was still raining heavily outside, with lightning and thunder. Meng Siqi pushed open Lu He's door with trepidation.

But at that moment, she was completely stunned.

Lu He was curled up on the ground, as if he had suffered an accident, his long legs and arms were bent, and he was lying at the door of the bedroom, as if he was trying hard to crawl to the bedroom. Her first thought was, was Lu He attacked by the murderer of the Hongzhuang case?

"Lu He!" Meng Siqi rushed over and lay down beside him.

He was shivering all over, but it was July and the temperature was high even on a rainy day. Could he have a high fever?

She gently straightened his head which was lying on the ground, and finally saw his face clearly. His skin was pale and covered with sweat. His lips were as white as paper and were trembling slightly as if he had a serious illness.

"Lu He, what's wrong with you?" Meng Siqi was extremely panicked. She grabbed his cold, sweaty hand and said, "I'm taking you to the hospital now! You must hold on."

She raised his arms and tried to lift him.

"Siqi..." A faint sound suddenly came out of Lu He's mouth, "..."

He said something, but Meng Siqi didn't hear it. She put her ear close to his mouth and asked, "What did you say?"

“…”

Her eyes were gradually filled with distress. "Lu He, please don't get into any trouble. I know that a big part of the reason I came to this place thirty years ago is because of you. Please don't get into any trouble."

"Thinking about the period..."

He moved his mouth, but Meng Siqi still didn't hear clearly. She lifted his arm again and said, "Don't say anything. Don't delay your condition. I'll take you away now."

"No, no, hug... hug..." Lu He uttered a few words intermittently.

"Hug? Okay, okay," Meng Siqi nodded desperately, "Are you cold? I'll hug you now."

Meng Siqi sat on the ground, placed his cold head against her warm abdomen, and put his shoulders on her thighs.

She wanted to use her body temperature to make him feel better. Outside, the rain was dripping. Meng Siqi gradually felt her body temperature dropping, and a faint flush began to appear on Lu He's face.

His arms moved slowly, and when she wasn't noticing, Lu He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. He buried his entire head in her abdomen. Through the thin shirt, her skin could feel his gradually even breathing.

He seemed to be slowly recovering, but Meng Siqi didn't know whether to take him to the hospital. She asked softly, "Lu He, can I take you to the hospital?"

He didn't move, but his hold on her waist didn't loosen at all. Meng Siqi called again, "Lu He?" Most of his body was lying on the cold ground. This was not a solution.

While she was hesitating, Lu He's thin lips moved: "Siqi, let me hug you." He held her tighter, as if he was afraid that she would leave.

Meng Siqi didn't know what it felt like. She knew Lu He was sick now and he needed warmth, but it was the first time for them to be in such close contact. The feeling of skin touching skin became more intense as time passed.

Over the past thirty years, her experience with Lu He has gone from shock to curiosity, to knowing him, to being familiar with him, to being able to talk about anything with him. She is grateful for his help, for being her mentor and friend on the road of criminal investigation, and even more grateful for the many ordinary yet touching things he has done for her.

She didn't know what kind of feelings she had for Lu He, but everyone around her seemed to connect her to Lu He, and this thirty-year journey seemed to have started because of Lu He.

She doesn't know what love is, she has never been in love, and she doesn't even know what it means for men and women to be together.

Last time, Lu He said he wanted to pursue her, and she said the word "care" in large part because she hoped Lu He would pay attention to her safety, and she didn't want him to have an accident.

Her fingers tightly grasped Lu He's collar, and she looked at his profile which was slowly becoming quiet, his eyelids which were gently closing, and his thin lips which were slowly turning bloody.

She began to wonder if she could melt him into her heart, melt him into her beating heart for the rest of her life.

His heart was beating wildly as he felt the warmth from Meng Siqi.

For more than 20 years, Lu He's heart was always cold and empty. He finally felt the same warmth as his mother.

"He'er, remember, don't make any sound! Don't make any sound no matter what!"

"Mom will always love you!"

"Forever, He'er!"

But she still left him. For more than 20 years, Lu He woke up from nightmares again and again, and each time he heard his mother's broken voice.

He clearly remembered that his mother had the warmth of a spring breeze, but he had never felt that warmth again.

He seemed to be back in his childhood, the night when his mother took him to the steel factory to watch the steel coming out of the furnace, with red flames spewing out from the tall furnace mouth.

She kept her eyes on him and said, "Look at He'er, isn't he pretty?"

"It looks beautiful." His little hand was held, and he would always remember the color of the flame, which symbolized the color of life.

Lu He smiled slowly. He hugged the person in front of him and seemed to feel the warmth again, but this warmth was different from that of his mother.

Meng Siqi's body temperature and scent gave him a unique feeling. Every time he touched her, the blood in his body rushed as fiercely and rapidly as a flame of steel.

He clearly remembered his father wearing a steel factory helmet and sweating profusely. The feeling at this moment was just like his father's race against time and his dedication to the steel industry.

Meng Siqi!

He didn't want to leave her, he wanted to "possess" her forever, no matter what the cost.

Even if you jump into a boiling steel furnace like your father did!

"Lu He, are you feeling better?"

Lu He heard her voice again, the voice that made him feel peaceful and trembling. He did not respond, he pretended not to respond. He knew he could get up, he still held her tightly, no matter what, he had to seize this rare opportunity.

"My legs seem to be numb." Meng Siqi said a little aggrievedly.