Even in the poor district, there were commercial buildings—older shopping centers, but still crowded. The second suspect, Shao Yuansheng, rented a storefront on the first floor of one such building. While further from Zhao Feier’s home, it was still within a few kilometers.

Shao Yuansheng ran a pet shop and worked as an amateur veterinarian, practicing without proper credentials—essentially a barefoot doctor.

When You Mingxu and Yin Feng pushed open the pet shop door, the dogs inside immediately started barking. You Mingxu first surveyed the environment: the floor was somewhat dirty, pet cages crowded against the wall corners. Shelves lined the walls, packed with various brands of pet food and supplies.

Yin Feng crouched down to look at the dogs, knowing You Mingxu would handle everything else.

In perfect sync, You Mingxu ignored him and walked further in. At the back was a desk where a tall, thin man in a white coat stood up: “Welcome, what can I help you with?”

Shao Yuansheng had a sharp face like a monkey’s, wore glasses, and smiled constantly. In the brief moment, their eyes met, his narrow eyes swept over You Mingxu’s figure, unable to hide his amazement.

The gaze was unpleasant. You Mingxu’s expression cooled as she instinctively glanced back at Yin Feng, who was still completely absorbed in playing with the dogs. Fortunately—otherwise, someone would be sulking again.

Shao Yuansheng was suspicious not only because he matched several profile criteria, but his record showed a history of sexually harassing female neighbors, leading to disputes. Though the parties had reached a private settlement at the police station, one look confirmed he wasn’t an honest man.

You Mingxu had no time for small talk and took a direct approach. When she showed her police badge, Shao Yuansheng’s expression changed, his sleazy demeanor vanishing instantly.

“What’s this about?” he asked warily.

You Mingxu simply said she needed to ask a few questions to assist an investigation. He reluctantly nodded.

“Where were you last night?”

Shao Yuansheng hesitated: “Last night… I was at home.”

“The whole time?”

“The whole time.”

“Didn’t go anywhere else?”

“No!”

“What were you doing?”

“What else? Sleeping.”

“Was anyone else home?”

“No! Of course not!”

You Mingxu observed his serious expression and asked: “Do you have a car?”

“Yes.”

“What kind?”

“Buick Excelle.”

“What color?”

“Black.”

“When did you buy it?”

“…Two years ago.”

As the questions continued, Shao Yuansheng’s expression grew increasingly uncomfortable. Finally, when You Mingxu finished her notes and took out the fingerprinting kit, his expression changed: “What are you doing?”

You Mingxu replied flatly: “Taking fingerprints, routine procedure, nothing special.”

By now, Yin Feng had finished bonding with the dogs and stood beside You Mingxu, suppressing a smile at Shao Yuansheng’s frightened state.

But Shao Yuansheng refused, stuffing his hands in his pockets: “Officer, what crime have I committed that you need my fingerprints? This isn’t right. Do you have an arrest warrant? Any documents? Without those, isn’t this a violation of human rights? I won’t do it.”

You Mingxu looked at him for a moment, then put away her equipment: “Fine. But I have the right to bring citizens to the station for 24 hours of questioning. Get ready, let’s go.”

Shao Yuansheng’s face darkened further as he muttered curses under his breath. You Mingxu had no time to waste arguing with him. She called one of Han Feng’s subordinates to take Shao Yuansheng in for detailed questioning, then continued with Yin Feng to find the third suspect.

The night had deepened, approaching midnight. You Mingxu drove, guiding Yin Feng through the narrow, dirty streets of the old district.

Yin Feng said: “Xu, Shao Yuansheng was lying. He wasn’t home last night.”

You Mingxu nodded: “I noticed too. Do you think he could be our man?”

Yin Feng considered before answering: “A criminal psychological profile only provides probabilities, not absolutes. So even if some details don’t match the profile, we can’t completely rule him out. From our conversation, he’s hiding something. My psychology expertise and imagination are for making bold hypotheses; Xu’s investigative skills are for careful verification. Whether he’s guilty or not is up to Xu to determine.”

You Mingxu, previously lost in thought, smiled at his words, her mood lightening considerably.

“Are you saying… we make a good team?” she said.

He didn’t respond.

She turned to look and found him blushing, staring back at her. You Mingxu regretted speaking—knowing he was already falling for her, yet she still teased him!

“If Xu thinks we’re a good match, then we are. If Xu doesn’t think so, I’m a man, I’ll work harder,” he said.

You Mingxu never expected such words from him, and her heart skipped a beat. She gripped the steering wheel tighter, maintaining her composure.

The market was empty and pitch-dark. The ground was covered in muddy water and vegetable scraps, the cold night air mixed with the smell of fish and rotting produce.

The third suspect, Fu Wenxiu, had a refined name but worked as a fish vendor. He lived in the flat housing behind the market, where many vendors resided.

Past the market were the row houses. You Mingxu noticed the entire market had only one security camera at the entrance, and it looked old.

Fu Wenxiu’s home was in a low building, with tightly closed doors and windows. The light showed inside, along with faint sounds.

You Mingxu pressed her ear to the door. Seeing this, Yin Feng did the same. Their eyes met silently.

The surroundings were cold and quiet, devoid of people, with no backup yet. Just the two of them, with a potential criminal inside. They’d been through countless situations like this. You Mingxu remained focused, her eyes alert. Looking at her, Yin Feng suddenly realized he loved these moments. Despite being tired, hungry, and exhausted, even facing risks and hardships, they had become inseparable. They relied on each other, trusted each other, and worked in perfect sync. No matter what criminals or dangers they encountered, she would hold his hand, and he could quietly embrace her from behind when she was sad and alone, and she wouldn’t resist.

You in me, me in you.

Every moment, day and night.

These thoughts brought moisture to Yin Feng’s eyes. You Mingxu was concentrating on listening when she noticed his doe-like eyes gazing at her adoringly. Startled, she silently swatted his head, frowning to indicate he should focus. Had his mind wandered again?

Yin Feng obediently lowered his head, revealing a masculine stretch of solid neck.

You Mingxu had no time for his romantic thoughts—her eyes suddenly widened.

Because the low, muffled “whoosh” sound she heard was familiar: the sound of knife sharpening.

Yin Feng heard it too, instantly alert, his eyes clear as water as he whispered: “Sharpening knives at midnight, how thrilling.”