Thus, You Mingxu and Xu mengshan’s deduction about the killer’s entry method was confirmed—

The killer likely followed the victim at around 2:30 AM, subduing her with a neuromuscular paralytic drug.

He remained at the scene for at least two hours.

Xu Mengshan immediately arranged to check available surveillance footage from the area between 2:30 AM and 6 AM, focusing especially on the period around 2:30 AM and 4:30-6 AM.

However, the building was in a remote location, rather old, with few surveillance cameras. There were many blind spots and small paths the cameras couldn’t capture. So far, nothing has been found.

The forensics team also reported that besides Luo Ting and her roommate’s fingerprints and DNA, they found no trace of a third person—no footprints, fingerprints, blood, or hair… nothing at all. This meant the killer entered fully prepared, with gloves, protective coverings, and possibly even a hair cover. This was no crime of passion.

The blood drop on Luo Ting’s bedroom chair back was confirmed to be hers.

—

The district criminal investigation team had reported this case to the Lushan Branch because just ten days earlier, another girl had been killed in another complex in the same district.

That victim was named Peng Dan, 23, also from this province, and also a massage therapist at a different bathhouse. She lived alone in a small apartment. Ten days ago, her parents came to visit in the morning and found her dead at home.

Peng Dan was likewise a diligent, honest single girl who never caused trouble.

The time of death was also the previous night. The condition of the corpse was almost identical to Luo Ting’s. Now it was confirmed that both victims had the same neuromuscular paralytic drug in their systems before death.

The police had ample reason to believe it was the same killer and merged the investigations.

Ding Xiongwei immediately decided that You Mingxu would lead the investigation, with Xu Mengshan as deputy, heading a team responsible for this serial case.

—

That night, You Mingxu returned to the villa after 1 AM.

Rome wasn’t built in a day—everyone realized how thorny this case would be and prepared for a prolonged battle. They couldn’t afford to exhaust themselves immediately; it would be counterproductive. So tonight, everyone went home to rest, ready to resume the investigation with full force in the morning.

When You Mingxu moved in yesterday, Guanjun had registered her fingerprints, grinning as he said, “Now you have the same access as Teacher Yin—you can explore any unknown corner of the house…”

You Mingxu thought, explore my foot!

But now it was convenient—one fingerprint scan opened the door automatically without disturbing anyone, closing behind her.

The courtyard was quiet. She could see the light still on in the master bedroom. This guy! Just discharged from the hospital a few days ago and still not sleeping early.

Despite her thoughts, her heart warmed.

Entering the living room without turning on the lights, she saw Little Yan at Chen Feng’s usual workstation, fighting sounds coming from his computer—playing games. He was so absorbed he didn’t notice her walking past.

You Mingxu smiled, not disturbing the eternally childlike youth. Then she turned and frowned.

Two figures sprawled on the sofa—who else but Tu Ya and Guanjun?

Why were they sleeping here?

Guanjun was fine, wrapped in a blanket. Usually so rebellious and unrestrained, yet while sleeping he curled up tightly into a small ball, face buried deep in the sofa.

Tu Ya’s sleeping posture was far worse—one leg over the sofa back, the other on the floor, arms spread wide, the thin blanket at his waist nearly falling off, snoring loudly. You Mingxu went over, shook out the blanket, and covered him properly before heading upstairs.

Chen Feng’s door was closed tight, presumably asleep. He was always more disciplined than the others, even quite health-conscious. Otherwise, this villa would have descended into chaos long ago.

You Mingxu pushed open the master bedroom door to find Yin Feng propped up in bed, holding a book.

It was actually quite strange—no matter how hectic You Mingxu’s day had been outside, seeing him here now, handsome as jade, sitting there quietly, immediately calmed her heart.

You Mingxu thought about the old sayings about marriage before career, and how the strongest steel becomes the gentlest ring—perhaps they weren’t without reason.

Yin Feng had no idea he was being cast as a “little wife” in You Mingxu’s mind again. He looked up and asked, “How did it go?”

You Mingxu replied, “Complicated case,” removing her coat and tossing her bag beside the bed.

Yin Feng said, “Come here.”

You Mingxu sat on the bed edge and immediately pulled into his embrace. He said nothing, arms holding her tight, his snow-storm gaze examining her from head to toe. You Mingxu suddenly recalled last night’s brief but intense moments, finding herself blushing.

He seemed to understand something, chuckling softly, and whispering a few coaxing words. You Mingxu kissed his face several times, but before she finished, he took control, becoming willful.

After quite a while, she finally pushed him away, saying, “Enough, I’m filthy, need to shower.” He temporarily released her, though thoughts of last night left them both restless.

Soon after, You Mingxu emerged from the bathroom in sleepwear, hair wet. She found him sitting cross-legged on the bed with the bright bedside lamp on, reading the case files she’d brought home. She sat beside him, toweling her hair. Yin Feng pulled her to lean against his chest, one arm around her waist, the other holding the files.

Truth be told, You Mingxu quite liked this feeling. The former Yu Yingjun, though also clingy, would at most hug her from behind, somehow missing something. Now Yin Feng exuded a mature masculine presence in every gesture, making no effort to hide his desire to lead.

Seeing his furrowed brow as he studied the crime scene photos, You Mingxu knew what he was thinking. She reached into her bag and pulled out photos from the case nineteen years ago, placing them together. The fresh photos from today and the yellowed photos from nineteen years ago showed almost identical conditions of the bodies.

After the Kaiyang Group case ended, Yin Feng had been recovering from injuries, Jing Ping had left, and the four-person team had effectively disbanded. These days, You Mingxu has been working alone. However, before she left today, Ding Xiongwei had said this case was special and they could seek Yin Feng’s opinion. That’s why You Mingxu had brought home a stack of copied case files for him.

“Do you think it could be the same person?” You Mingxu asked.

Yin Feng answered, “Can’t judge yet.”

You Mingxu continued, “Before I left, I asked Old Ding. He was certain it couldn’t be the same person. The real culprit nineteen years ago was Xu Baping—the evidence was overwhelming, impossible to be wrong or overturned.”