A forensic examiner plays a leading role in any case, typically providing direction for the investigation. A qualified forensic examiner will use precise data to illuminate the path forward, while one who lacks experience and attention to detail will only lead investigators astray — or worse, in the opposite direction from the truth.

Yan Qing had often faced such skepticism, but she had never once doubted her own expertise.

“I stand by what I said.” Yan Qing’s gaze was steady and clear. “The victim was twenty years old, or nineteen. She had undergone an appendectomy. On these two points, I will not waver.”

“But there’s simply no one at the hospital who fits those criteria,” E’Yuan argued. “Everyone who matches the description is alive and well.”

“Could there be cases where no records were filed?” Shi Ting asked suddenly.

Zheng Yun shook his head. “I already consulted both the records office staff and the hospital director on that question. Every surgery is documented and filed without exception.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying — costal cartilage this, such-and-such marks that. None of it is reliable.”

“Enough.” Shi Ting cut E’Yuan off. “Until we identify the victim and the perpetrator, none of us has any standing to question Miss Yan’s judgment.”

Hearing this, Yan Qing felt a quiet warmth stir within her. By any measure, her acquaintance with Shi Ting was not a deep one, and the theories she employed were virtually unheard of in this era — yet he was willing to trust her so resolutely. For that trust alone, she would not let anyone down.

“Don’t make things so tense!” Bai Jin flashed a grin. “When have we ever solved a case without a few twists? We’re used to it by now.”

His sharp eyes caught the paper bag on the table. The enticing aroma had been tugging at his stomach the entire time.

“What’s this?” Bai Jin grabbed the bag and opened it, letting out a delighted cry when he saw the coconut milk black rice cakes inside. “Who’s so thoughtful? They knew I hadn’t eaten breakfast!”

He quickly snatched one and tossed it into his mouth. After two chews, his eyes lit up. “Good heavens, this is incredible — quite possibly the best pastry I’ve ever tasted. Where was this bought? It’s not a custom order, is it?”

He wolfed down the first piece and reached for a second, only then noticing that the room had gone eerily silent around him.

He glanced at his superior. The Director’s gaze was so cold it looked as though it might freeze over.

Bai Jin hastily withdrew his hand, rubbing it awkwardly and forcing a laugh. “Why — why is everyone looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with the pastry?”

“A custom order?” Yan Qing paid no attention to the pastry itself, but Bai Jin’s offhand remark made her eyes brighten. “Director Shi, are there any high-end private clinics in Shun Cheng?”

Shi Ting nodded. “There are.”

Zheng Yun interjected, “Miss Yan means we should investigate the private clinics as well?”

“I trust my own judgment — I will not be wrong.” Yan Qing’s gaze was firm and confident. “If the hospital turned up nothing, then a private clinic must be the answer.”

“Very well.” Shi Ting issued the order without hesitation. “Shu Shi, take a team immediately and check the records of every private clinic in Shun Cheng. I want good news before noon.”

“Yes, sir.” Zheng Yun gave Bai Jin a firm pat. “Let’s go.”

“But the Director didn’t tell me to go…” Bai Jin’s eyes kept drifting toward the bag of pastries. “I — I haven’t even finished eating. Hey — hey!”

After Bai Jin was dragged off by Zheng Yun, E’Yuan pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, “A waste of effort, as usual.”

—