Chapter 28: Murder Case (Please keep reading, don't wait to binge)

Near the construction site.

Chen Zhao waved toward the distance, and soon saw the broad-chested Wu Xiaoxiao jogging over in her own bouncy way.

“You stay here and watch the pancake stall. I have something to discuss with him,” Chen Zhao instructed.

“Yes, Master,” Wu Xiaoxiao replied.

Today, Wu Xiaoxiao wore a youthful outfit, full of vibrant energy. She walked straight around to the back of the pancake stall and tied an apron around her waist.

Chen Zhao turned to Shen He. “Let’s go. We’ll talk things through properly in the car.”

Shen He nodded, then greeted Wu Xiaoxiao, who responded with a roll of her eyes.

He followed Chen Zhao toward the parking lot under the trees not far away. They got into the car, one on each side.

As soon as Shen He settled into the passenger seat, Chen Zhao tossed him a bag.

“Take a look. These are all the images of monsters captured over the past month. Calling them monsters is only half right—they look more like oversized animals.”

“Originally, all this was supposed to be top secret.”

“But two nights ago, the son of a bigwig was coming out of a bar and something bit his head clean off. The matter blew up.”

“They’re telling us to solve the case at any cost, as quickly as possible.”

“Otherwise, your proposal probably wouldn’t even get approved.”

Shen He curled his lip, muttering, “Being a big shot sure has its advantages.”

He opened the folder, finding photo after photo. Most were blurry, only a handful were clear.

The blurred images showed vague silhouettes—definitely not the usual animals found in Xiangxiang City, nor the local wildlife. They looked like magnified versions of cats, dogs, or even giant rats.

The clearest photos included one of a yellow tabby cat on a construction rooftop, bowing to the moon—taken just last night.

There were other sharp images as well: a wildcat the size of a large dog, a dog as big as a calf, even a fly the size of a basketball…

In all, there were more than a dozen different kinds.

He wondered how he’d never heard a thing about any of this; the authorities had sealed the news so tightly it was impressive.

Next came photos of the victims.

There were three confirmed deaths. One was found in an alley near a bar—just a headless corpse.

Or perhaps not just the body—the next photo showed the severed head, discarded by a trash bin. The wound looked like it had been torn off by something’s jaws.

This, Chen Zhao explained, was the most recent victim—a high official’s descendant.

Some other victims appeared to have been sliced cleanly in half by a blade. Their organs were strewn everywhere, blood drained completely.

The impact was severe—some residents nearby had even moved away. Yet, without exception, everyone had signed confidentiality agreements and received compensation. The victims’ families, too, were compensated handsomely and sworn to secrecy.

Chen Zhao pointed at the halved corpse. “This victim was from around here. Only eighteen—just got into Yu Province University, a prestigious school.”

“On his way home from a class reunion, he was cut in two. Luckily he was found promptly, or the consequences would have been far worse.”

Shen He gazed at the body in the photo, running his finger lightly over it. “I think I’ve seen him before.”

Chen Zhao exhaled a ring of smoke. “That’s normal—he lived nearby. During our canvassing, neighbors spoke highly of him—sunny, cheerful, always willing to help. A real pity.”

“Experts believe he was likely killed by a mutated mantis. You know the creature—those forelimbs are razor-sharp. If it were the size of a large dog, it could definitely kill.”

“But aside from being sliced in two, the corpse was otherwise intact.”

“We can’t figure out why the thing killed him. It wasn’t hunting for food—it looks like it was killing for sport.”

“There was another victim, throat bitten through by a mutated cat, but the East City branch is handling that.”

“Our job is to track down the mutated mantis, and the one who killed the official’s child.”

Shen He looked through the photos in his hand—three lives lost, all covered up.

He could understand the reasoning. If this went viral online, it would be nothing but a meme. But if it ever got out, it would spark chaos, maybe even dangerous incidents.

Now, knowing everything, he couldn’t help feeling dissatisfied.

Shen He asked, “Where do we start?”

Chen Zhao flicked his cigarette butt into the makeshift ashtray in the car and took out the photo of the decapitated body.

“We start with him.”

“The place he died isn’t far from here—a back alley behind the bar. He died at dusk. We can try using bait to lure the killer.”

“If you’re up for it, later tonight we can check another spot to look for the mutated mantis.”

Shen He nodded. “Alright. Ready whenever you are.”

Chen Zhao glanced at him. “Good, then come with me to file a report first. I’ll requisition some equipment for you.”

Shen He’s eyes lit up. “A handgun? I’d better start practicing, then.”

Chen Zhao burst out laughing. “No such luck—defensive gear: arm guards, stab-proof vest, and our director’s prized military knife. I’ll get them for you.”

Shen He smacked his lips. “That’ll do. Better than nothing.”

Chen Zhao chuckled, gunned the engine, and sped toward the South City precinct.

South City Precinct.

Chen Zhao led Shen He into a meeting room, where a middle-aged man sat—likely the precinct chief. After a round of high praise for Shen He and the usual safety reminders, Chen Zhao went off to the equipment room.

He couldn’t get a stab-proof vest, but brought back a bulletproof vest for Shen He and picked out a pair of military boots, which he said he’d bought through an old army buddy.

They also stopped by the chief’s office, where Chen Zhao slyly “borrowed” a military knife that had been a gift from the chief’s old comrade.

When the chief saw the knife, his face turned green, but with Shen He still present he could only shoot Chen Zhao a glare before leaving in a huff.

Chen Zhao pretended not to notice, instead helping Shen He into the bulletproof vest and boots.

Shen He tried them on, moving around to test them. Though a bit heavy, they didn’t hinder his movements at all. The boots, in particular, felt solid.

Chen Zhao said, “Alright, I’ll take you to Bar Street to scout the area and show you the quiet corners where monsters might turn up.”

“I’ll have a team following not far behind you.”

“If anything happens, just shout into the earpiece—we’ll be there in no time.”

Shen He patted his chest. “Don’t worry. Leave it to me.”