Red Makeup Serial Murder Case (2)

With the arrest of the White-Faced Man, the secrets of the Seattle Club were also fully exposed. On this day, Liu Maoping called Lu He and Han Changlin to his office.

The two people saw each other at the door and were a little suspicious. After all, Director Liu liked to call people alone when they talked privately before, so they asked each other: "You go in first?"

"I asked you all to come in." Liu Maoping shouted in the office.

Han Changlin guessed in advance that Liu Maoping must be commending him for the case. But when he came to the office, he suddenly felt that Old Liu was boring. He didn't even bother to praise him and commended them together.

When the two of them entered the room, Liu Maoping had just finished pouring water and returned to his desk. He seemed to see through his thoughts and said, "I asked you to come here. Praise is only one aspect. Take a seat."

Two chairs were placed in front of Liu Maoping's desk. Han Changlin sat down with a wry smile. Lu He also sat down.

Liu Maoping put down his water cup, and said with a stern expression, "During this period, many major cases have occurred in Jinyang City. Each one is horrific and gripping. Especially the Seattle Club incident, which is the first major case I have experienced in my decades of criminal investigation. The method of committing the crime is cruel, the criminal gang is professional, and the criminals involved are wide-ranging. It is simply shocking. However, with your joint efforts, the cases were solved one by one and achieved a very perfect result, so I want to congratulate you."

Han Changlin knew that Liu Maoping would definitely say something witty and brilliant. He had originally thought of just listening, but he did not expect that after hearing this, his blood boiled.

Liu Maoping went on to say: "Of course the provincial department has given high praise to our municipal bureau, especially the work of your two teams this time. I would like to congratulate you on their behalf."

Han Changlin said: "Thank you Director Liu, and thank you to all the provincial leaders for their trust. Without Director Liu's guidance, Lu He and I would not have achieved such results this time."

Liu Maoping said: "In addition, I would like to commend another comrade..."

Han Changlin probably guessed it, and sure enough, Liu Maoping said, "It's Meng Siqi from your second team. Meng Siqi has performed surprisingly well in the Ruan Mengying case, the textile factory worker case, and the child kidnapping case. Moreover, this is her first year in criminal investigation. In my opinion, her potential is better than Lu He's."

Han Changlin was smiling happily. He felt that Lu He must be a little unhappy at this moment. Lu He always liked to compete. He turned his head slightly and found that Lu He smiled for the first time today. He seldom saw a smile on Lu He's face, which made him a little confused.

"I hope Comrade Changlin will give more praise. Young comrades like this are the treasure of the police station and the future of the police station."

Han Changlin immediately assured: "Director Liu, don't worry, I will definitely convey your praise, and I will let her shoulder the responsibility of the second team in the future."

Han Changlin is a man of active mind. He knows that Director Liu's words are never just talk. He must have hidden meanings. Therefore, Director Liu's words must contain new signals.

Liu Maoping specifically praised Meng Siqi, and praised Meng Siqi's potential as higher than Lu He, which made him realize that the meaning of his words was not simple. Because he knew Lu He's ability. When Lu He came to the bureau, he still had a period of adaptation. In fact, he was not as good as Meng Siqi at the beginning. It took him about a year to show his extraordinary ability. The year he became the deputy captain of the first team was the beginning of his third year of work.

Liu Maoping's words gave a new signal. He intended to cultivate Meng Siqi and train her to be the deputy captain of the second team. Since Lu He took two years, then for someone with higher potential than Lu He, it would definitely not take more than two years.

Moreover, the position of deputy captain of the second team has been vacant for a long time. This is also because Feng Shaomin has no idea in this regard at all. Since the day Xiang Jie died, he may never consider these things in his life.

Meng Siqi is undoubtedly the best candidate for deputy captain. Of course, Director Liu just gave a signal. As for when Meng Siqi will take office, we still have to wait, but Han Changlin believes that it will not be too long.

Just as he was thinking about it, Liu Maoping looked at him and said, "I recommend Han Changlin to attend the provincial and ministerial cadres training class in the middle of this year."

Han Changlin was immediately very excited. This was the first time he was recommended to attend the cadre training class. The cadre training class is called "study", which is actually a signal. In previous years, Lu He went there a lot, and there were also colleagues from other departments. Most of the colleagues who attended the training class would be invited to work in the provincial department. Of course, attending the training class would also allow him to get to know more colleagues in the provincial department. This means that even if he does not go to the provincial department, he will have the hope of being promoted in the municipal bureau in the future. Knowing colleagues in the provincial department will help the work of the municipal bureau.

"Of course, I need to borrow another person from Changlin."

Han Changlin asked, "Which case do you want to borrow from Director Liu?" Borrowing is a common term in the bureau, or more precisely, secondment, which usually refers to temporarily transferring a person to another case. Generally, borrowing people is borrowing very outstanding people. After Liu Maoping praised Meng Siqi, he said this, and it was natural.

"The Hongzhuang case is an old one and it is also a source of worry for me. This time I want Xiao Meng to be involved in the case."

Han Changlin said, "Director Liu, that's fine." Borrowing someone does not mean assigning them to Team One or changing their affiliation. Meng Siqi is still in Team Two and will also work with Team Two, but he will also be involved in the investigation of the Hongzhuang case. As this is an old case, not an urgent one, Liu Maoping obviously hopes that Meng Siqi's ideas can help Lu He.

"Lu He, what do you think?" Liu Maoping asked.

"Director Liu, I have no objection," Lu He replied.

At the end of the conversation, Liu Maoping held out a set of large books with hardcovers and gold-engraved titles. "Changlin, give these books to Xiao Meng. I see she likes reading very much, so I recommend them to her."

Han Changlin was somewhat delighted, because the set of books recommended by Liu Maoping was Detective Di Renjie. Everyone in the bureau knew that Liu Maoping only gave Detective Di Renjie as gifts, and all the colleagues he gave books to must be excellent and praised by him. Moreover, the colleagues who received gifts were basically promoted in the bureau. Han Changlin became more and more certain that Liu Maoping had a clear career plan for Meng Siqi. He smiled and said, "This seems to be a revised edition. Director Liu, you are willing to spend money."

Liu Maoping laughed and said, "Why, I can't bear to spend some money on the best comrades in the bureau?"

"Hehe, Director Liu, I will definitely tell Xiao Meng that this set of books you gave to me and Lu He is more expensive than the books you gave to me and Lu He combined."

After the two of them left the house, they walked together in the corridor. Han Changlin looked at Lu He's handsome face filled with a faint smile and said, "Lu He, I must remind you that if I hear that Xiao Meng is being bullied while I am away studying, I will not forgive you."

Lu He pursed his lips and said nothing.

Han Changlin emphasized: "You have to remember that this is a short-term loan, not a long-term occupation. Our second team is here to help you temporarily."

Lu He finally glanced at him, and a hint of a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "You never know."

Maybe? Want to possess her for a long time? Han Changlin said, "Just give it a try!"

*

In fact, when the White-Faced Man was arrested, there was one thing that worried Meng Siqi the most, and that was the conclusion of the Xiang Jie case. Jiang Sheng had confessed that Xiang Jie was killed by him five years ago.

The entire police station was angry that the murderer, who had been pursued for more than five years, was brought to justice so late, but the late execution was also a good thing, and the haze of nearly six years would finally dissipate.

Recently, Meng Siqi discovered that Feng Shaomin was not in a very good mood, but it seemed that he was trying hard to eliminate this uneasiness, especially when he saw her, Feng Shaomin always had a faint smile on his face, which was different from the Feng Shaomin she first knew. At that time, he was full of hatred and seemed unwilling to associate with anyone, but now, he should be relieved.

But what worries Meng Siqi the most is Chen Jierong. Xiang Jie once pursued her. She guessed that if Xiang Jie had not sacrificed himself, Chen Jierong would have been a wife today. However, at the age of 28, she still has no feelings, no plans for love or marriage. Perhaps she has never gotten over it.

Now, she must know who killed Xiang Jie. Will she be as relieved as her master?

Chen Jierong has always been very nice to her, and Meng Siqi especially wanted to visit her at this time, but when she went to the forensic room today, she found out that Chen Jierong was on vacation.

After asking Chen Jierong's colleague Tong Qingqing for the specific address, Meng Siqi took a half-day off at noon and planned to visit her. In fact, she remembered the approximate location of Chen Jierong's home. She remembered it the last time Lu He sent her and Chen Jierong home.

After taking a taxi to Chen Jierong's home, it was her mother Li Jingfen who opened the door. She introduced herself and Li Jingfen quickly asked her to come in and sit down, poured her some water and brought her some snacks, saying that Chen Jierong was taking a nap and she would go and wake her up.

Meng Siqi hurriedly said no, she could wait a while. The two sat in the living room and chatted quietly for a while. Li Jingfen said that Jierong had a cold when she came back yesterday. She didn't talk or eat. She was asked to go to the hospital, but she refused to go. Li Jingfen asked if someone in the unit bullied her.

Meng Siqi said, "Auntie, everyone in the bureau likes Sister Rong very much. Maybe Sister Rong... has been under a lot of work pressure recently."

"Oh, you are her colleague. You can counsel her today. Also, her personal situation has not been resolved. Do you know any outstanding young people in the bureau?"

Meng Siqi was speechless for a moment, she didn't know what to say. Li Jingfen's words proved that she must have urged Chen Jierong to get married. After all, in this era and at this age, parents must be anxious.

She really didn't know how to answer. There were many outstanding young people in the bureau, but at the moment, Chen Jierong would definitely not consider them.

She was about to say something but stopped herself. At this moment, the door suddenly opened and Chen Jierong's face appeared.

She had a faint smile on her pale red lips, but the bags under her eyes were a little heavy and her skin was a little pale. She called out, "Siqi, why are you here?"

"Sister Rong." Meng Siqi quickly stood up and said with a smile, "I just happened to pass by today. I remembered your house, so I came to see you."

Chen Jierong came out. She was wearing a casual sweater and loose casual pants. She must have just gotten up from her lunch break. I walked up to her, took her hand and said, "Thank you for thinking about me. Um, have you eaten?"

Meng Siqi left at noon and had eaten lunch in advance. She didn't want to eat at other people's houses, so she nodded quickly and said, "I've eaten in the cafeteria."

"Okay. Sister Rong has some delicious food. Come to my room. Mom, I'm going to chat with my colleagues for a while. You should go and have a rest too."

"Okay." Li Jingfen looked at Meng Siqi, "Xiao Meng, have a good chat with Jierong."

Meng Siqi understood what Li Jingfen meant. She wanted her to give her some advice and also wanted her to ask Chen Jierong about her relationship status. She quickly replied, "Okay, Auntie."

Chen Jierong pulled her into the room and closed the door. Meng Siqi looked around the bedroom. In her imagination, this room should have remained unchanged for many years. It still looked like a young girl's room. The furniture, table lamps, curtains, and even the pen holder all looked particularly cute.

The only difference was the bookshelf, which was filled with thick forensic books. She didn't even need to read those books to know how obscure and difficult to understand them. It was because of that bookshelf that she understood that this bedroom was a forensic doctor's bedroom. These lovely furniture might have been kept by Chen Jierong when she was a girl and had never been changed.

Chen Jierong took out a square iron box from the drawer. There were New Year paintings on the surface of the box, which looked very festive. She opened the lid of the box and took out a bag of food from it and gave it to Meng Siqi. "This is what my classmate sent me from Shanghai. Try it. There are almond crisps, crab shell roe, and pear paste candy. Try them all and take them back later."

Meng Siqi took it obediently, peeled off the parchment, and stuffed it into her mouth. She found it crispy and sweet, and very delicious. Chen Jierong looked at her and stuffed a few more into her hands, "Isn't it delicious?"

"It's really delicious. I'll just eat a little, Sister Rong. You can keep it for yourself." At this time when she needs sweetness the most, these are perfect for Chen Jierong.

"I want to eat it. Just ask someone to send it to you and you can take it back later."

Meng Siqi did not refuse immediately, and said let's talk about it when we get back.

In fact, she didn't know how to bring up Xiang Jie's matter, and she had no intention of talking about it this time. She just came here to see her.

After the two chatted and laughed for a while, Chen Jierong pulled her fair wrist and said, "Siqi, thank you for coming to see me."

"Sister Rong, we should have visited each other more often."

"Actually, I know you're worried about me." Chen Jierong's tone suddenly dropped. "Because of Xiang Jie's matter, right?"

Meng Siqi: “…”

Chen Jierong's light red lips curved: "It's okay, Xiang Jie has been gone for almost six years. In fact, if I don't mention him, I won't think of him."

"I'm sorry, Sister Rong, I shouldn't have come to disturb your rest today." Meng Siqi felt very sorry because she clearly had "ulterior motives" in coming here.

"Siqi, please don't say that. You are my best friend and I should thank you." Her eyes gradually became moist. "I haven't told anyone about those things for a long time. Are you willing to listen?"

"I do."

"...Five years ago, no, it should be six or seven years ago. Not long after I came to the Municipal Bureau, Xiang Jie did pursue me. He was very young and handsome at that time, but..." Chen Jierong thought for a while and smiled, "I can't remember what he looks like..."

Meng Siqi clearly felt that her smile was very sad, how could she not remember it? She just didn't want to recall it.

"He pursued me for two years, but I always felt that I was too young and wanted to pursue my career, so I never really agreed to him. Xiang Jie was also very busy at the time. He would write to me when he had time. In the letter, he said that he hoped I would be his wife..."

Chen Jierong's eyes were filled with nostalgia and sorrow. She described several stories that happened between her and Xiang Jie. They were all very romantic and ordinary stories. Meng Siqi listened with joy in her heart, but when she suddenly realized the ending of the story, she suddenly felt a sharp pain.

"Once, Xiang Jie wrote to me, hoping that I would be his wife. Actually..." Chen Jierong's eyes were red and tears welled up. "Actually, I was moved at that time. I thought that the career of forensic medicine is a lifetime, but the person who loves me is unique. These two are not contradictory. I thought at that time that I should write him a letter back. I wanted to tell him to give me half a year, and I would work hard to improve my forensic work, and then I would marry him..."

Half a year? Meng Siqi's heart stagnated. Why another half a year?

Chen Jierong said: "While I was busy that day, I heard a piece of news. They said Xiang Jie had died..."

Her eyes were very red and her chest was heaving uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry!" Chen Jierong suddenly hugged Meng Siqi and cried on her shoulder, "I'm sorry..."

Meng Siqi also hugged Chen Jierong, who was steadfast in her forensic career but very weak at the moment. She wanted to give her a hug, a comforting hug.

Chen Jierong's crying was suppressed and forbearing, accompanied by sobs. Perhaps she was afraid that her mother would hear it. She felt very uncomfortable.

Meng Siqi patted her back, trying to make her feel more relaxed. She silently closed her eyelids, tears slowly falling down her cheeks. She said softly, "Sister Rong, it's okay to cry. You will be very good in the future, and he will definitely be very pleased."

Xiang Jie must be very pleased in heaven.

That afternoon, after Chen Jierong was lifted from her arms, she wiped away her tears with the back of her hand and slowly smiled: "Siqi, I've soaked your clothes with my tears."

Meng Siqi also smiled: "Sister Rong, don't worry."

"Don't worry, I'll be fine after crying this time. I'll come to you to cry whenever I have something on my mind."

"Well?" Meng Siqi said, "But Sister Rong should be happier."

Around two o'clock in the afternoon, Meng Siqi decided to go back to the office, and Chen Jierong still gave her the box of snacks.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Leiting found her when she returned to the office. Zhao Leiting begged her to eat a few pieces and praised them for being delicious, but Meng Siqi didn't want to pay attention to him.

Zhao Leiting said, "I know you went to see forensic doctor Chen this afternoon. Siqi, don't be sad. Everything will be fine."

These words actually touched Meng Siqi a little. She gave him a few more cakes and said, "Well, that's enough."

"That's enough. I'm not saying this just to beg for food."

Meng Siqi still remembered what Chen Jierong said to her when she sent her away from home, "Siqi, half a year may sometimes be half a lifetime. If you like someone and he likes you so much, don't think too much. You have to believe that sometimes it is the best arrangement of God."

Meng Siqi certainly understood what she meant, and when she left, she mustered up the courage to express her thoughts: "Sister Rong, I hope you can get over it completely. You still have a long life ahead of you. I believe Xiang Jie hopes so too. I hope you will be happy all your life!"

At this time, Zhao Leiting leaned on her pile of books and said, "Would you like to have dinner?"

"What good thing do you want to treat me to dinner?"

"Well, it's my sister who keeps saying she wants to meet you. It's my fault for always nagging me about how great you are."

Meng Siqi smiled and said, "So, you plan to see me and expose my true colors?"

"Ah, isn't your true face amazing? Moreover, in the heart of a girl who hasn't graduated yet, you are her role model for life. So, do you think this meal will honor you?"

"Yes, of course. I want to meet your sister, too. After all, I want to ask her in person whether her brother bullies her."

Meng Siqi remembered that when they were taking the train from Yongyuan County back to the city, Zhao Leiting said on the train that he and his sister often "fought" and that they might have fought when they were children. Zhao Leiting was just joking, but Meng Siqi intended to hold on to it.

"If you still remember how long it was," Zhao Leiting said with a smile, "then you must eat this meal, otherwise I won't be able to wash myself clean even if I jump into the Yellow River."

"Haha." Meng Siqi smiled proudly.

"It's settled then. I'll go to her school tomorrow night after get off work."

"Hey, you didn't even tell me what your sister's name is and what grade she's in. Are you asking me to embarrass myself?"

"Her name is Zhao Yuting, Yu means "wen" and Ting means "pingting". She wants to meet you because she is about to graduate from college. She also wants to ask you about your career plan."

"Career planning?" Meng Siqi's smile gradually faded. Should she find some books to prepare?

In the evening, Meng Siqi found two career books to read. She has always been a very serious person. Even though these books may not be helpful to Zhao Yuting, she still hopes to give her some advice. After all, she has only been working for a year.

While she was reading, there was lightning outside. She hurriedly got up to close the doors and windows. A gust of cold wind blew in, and she shivered. Suddenly, her feet began to shake. The shaking became more and more violent, and the whole roof collapsed in an instant.

Meng Siqi suddenly fell into the broken walls. Covered with wounds, she struggled to climb out, shouting "Lu He". She remembered that Lu He lived on the floor below her.

"Save me—"

"Save me—"

In the distance, a huge crack appeared on the road. Under the illumination of lightning, the crack was as dark as an abyss.

A young girl was lying on the edge of a crack. She wanted to escape, but the crack was slanted and slippery. She desperately grabbed the gravel on the road and shouted in fear: "Save me——"

Meng Siqi struggled to get up and ran madly in that direction. The faster she ran, the closer the girl was to danger. Half of her body had already slipped into the abyss.

Meng Siqi rushed over madly and grabbed her hand. At that moment her body shook violently and the girl's hand finally slipped away from her.

The girl slid completely into the abyss, and Meng Siqi lay on the edge of the cliff and reached out to pull her up.

However, the girl was no longer held back and she fell into the abyss.

It was a dark abyss like the gaping mouth of a giant beast. Lightning shone in again, and the white light illuminated the girl's appearance.

As the girl fell, her long hair flew and she looked at Meng Siqi with painful eyes. Her dress instantly turned into pieces and flew away. Meng Siqi saw with his own eyes that her fair body was covered with red patterned makeup.

A tear of pain fell from Meng Siqi's eyes and fell into the abyss...

"Ah..." Meng Siqi gasped. The loud thunder stimulated her eardrums. She suddenly broke through the endless darkness of the abyss and woke up in shock.

She then realized that she was lying on the bed, covered in cold sweat, with a large area of ​​her clothes wet.