However, Yin Feng quickly resumed his cool writer’s expression and said, “We can’t determine his identity yet. But a killer with such a mindset, having just committed two murders, is like someone who’s just completed their unknown masterpiece.
I believe he would display certain characteristics in his outward appearance: for instance, he would appear depressed and moody—how could he share such works with others? He must suppress it. But occasionally he would become arrogant or even emotionally agitated, looking down on everyone. He would be very interested in matters related to crime. Even when you investigate him, he might speak boastfully or actively provide clues.”
The investigators remained silent.
Finally, You Mingxu said, “I’ve noted all that. We’ll keep it in mind during the investigation. You mentioned that was your first point—what’s the second?”
Yin Feng glanced at her again and answered, “Second, among your three investigative approaches, pay special attention to the first one—investigating the bathhouses and the victims’ connections. His victim selection is extremely ‘precise.’ Apart from their different appearances and workplaces, the two girls were practically cut from the same mold in terms of personality. I believe this is exactly his preference and the type he finds easiest to control. The question is, how did he identify them?”
You Mingxu’s interest was piqued as Yin Feng continued: “Some serial killers follow potential victims on the street for a few days, choosing targets randomly based on instinct. Such selections usually result in similarities in appearance and demeanor—how could they discern personality that way? His selection is so precise that it indicates he had more than a superficial knowledge of them. But neither girl had been close to any men recently, so how did he discover and learn about these two girls? So when you investigate the bathhouses, don’t just check customer and employee lists—check anyone who might have had contact with the girls, even peripherally: maintenance workers, cleaners, food delivery personnel, couriers, property management staff in that area… This is crucial because only ten days separated the first two cases. Two days have already passed. If you can uncover this hidden pattern, you can predict who the next victim might be.”
At this point, everyone present was deeply moved. Even You Mingxu’s heart skipped a beat as she watched Yin Feng, who seemed to be smiling faintly yet had a penetrating gaze. She nodded solemnly: “I understand.”
Time being of the essence, everyone immediately prepared to leave. You Mingxu stayed behind last, asking Yin Feng: “Are you coming with us?”
Yin Feng shook his head: “No, I want to review more materials from nineteen years ago. As you said, the killer might have some connection to that case.” This was why he had come to the police station.
You Mingxu nodded: “Then I’m going.”
Now only the two of them remained in the conference room. As You Mingxu turned to leave, Yin Feng caught her arm and hung the thermos full of chicken soup on her hand.
You Mingxu frowned: “That’s not necessary.”
Yin Feng stared at her and said: “Were my two points useful?”
She smiled slightly: “Yes, thank you.”
Yin Feng said: “No need for thanks. But if you want the horse to run, shouldn’t you feed it grass? I specially brought you soup, but you won’t drink it—yet you still want my help?”
He delivered these words matter-of-factly and casually, his meaning circuitous. You Mingxu looked at him, feeling like she barely recognized him.
Was he… being coy? But did he need to be so cold even while being coy?
Meeting his cool gaze, You Mingxu suddenly felt a wave of warmth in her heart, along with an inexplicable tingling sensation. She said softly: “I’ll drink it. I’ll drink it all, okay?”