In the brightly lit conference room sat only Yin Feng, Xu Mengshan, and You Mingxu.

You Mingxu gazed at the smile playing on Yin Feng’s lips.

Why did he seem strange today? He was unusually patient, and gentle, and had even volunteered to brainstorm with them.

Since Xu Mengshan wasn’t an outsider, You Mingxu asked directly, “Why are you being so nice today?”

Xu Mengshan burst out laughing.

Considering Xu Mengshan part of their circle, Yin Feng reached across the table corner, gently squeezed her neck, and said, “Isn’t it because I’m considering your feelings?”

Xu Mengshan gave a light cough—this was too much, they were flaunting their relationship as if he wasn’t even there.

You Mingxu swatted Yin Feng’s hand away.

Yin Feng was telling the truth. Because of You Mingxu, he’d always viewed Xu Mengshan favorably. Now that You Mingxu had finally accepted him, even though it had only been a few days, his heart seemed constantly enveloped in gentle happiness. With his improved mood, he was putting more effort into getting along with her friends.

At this point, Yin Feng hadn’t realized his behavior could be called “blind eagerness to please.”

Yin Feng continued, “It’s not just for your sake. When predicting the apprentice’s behavior, nothing is impossible—only unimaginable. More heads mean more ideas, and we might spark something useful.”

You Mingxu and Xu Mengshan nodded.

“Let’s begin,” Yin Feng said. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, looking at them imperiously like a boss: “Just speak freely, don’t worry about right or wrong. Even the most unreasonable ideas are fine.”

Police investigators typically prioritized logic and precision; this kind of brainstorming was rare for You Mingxu and her colleagues. They called it “wild speculation.” Still, they followed Yin Feng’s suggestion and began speculating.

Xu Mengshan frowned in thought: “Since he’s a crime enthusiast, would he buy lots of criminology books and novels?”

Yin Feng stood up, walked to the blackboard, and wrote this down: “Continue.”

You Mingxu said, “He would follow cases from over the years, paying attention to this type of news.”

Yin Feng raised an eyebrow and added, “He might even actively comment on and analyze cases.”

Xu Mengshan said, “Since he’s so interested in the Xu Baping case, would he try to contact the police officers who worked on it, seeking information?”

You Mingxu exclaimed, “That’s possible!”

“He might be fascinated by murder weapons, buying similar items like binoculars, gloves, magnifying glasses, body bags, dissection knives…”

“Could he have performed dissections?”

“Even if not on human bodies, could he have practiced on animals?”

“His first crime was already so elaborate. He must have had prior practice. Would he have abused animals? Assaulted women before? Attempted break-ins?”

“How would he handle trophies? Dry them? Keep them in jars? Eat them?” When Yin Feng mentioned this possibility, You Mingxu and Xu Mengshan gave him complex looks, but he remained expressionless and continued: “Drying doesn’t look good, eating means they’re gone forever—he wouldn’t want that. He might preserve them in formaldehyde for a better appearance, like in many TV shows and books. When we find his place, we might discover some beautiful glass jars.”

…

The three discussed freely for over an hour. Yin Feng filled the blackboard with dense notes, crossing out many possibilities they deemed impossible to investigate or worthless. Finally, five points remained:

1. He might have contacted the original case investigators—need to find and question those officers;

2. He might closely follow murder cases and publicly comment, seeking attention—can search online for suspicious individuals;

3. He has purchased illegal weapons and items;

4. He might have attacked women before—investigate recent stalking, attempted rape, or assault cases in the area;

5. He might have attempted break-ins—check recent reports in the area.

After this discussion, both Xu Mengshan and You Mingxu felt enlightened. Xu Mengshan looked at Yin Feng with newfound appreciation, patted his shoulder, and said, “Teacher Yin, you’re something. Now I see why you and Sister You are perfect together!”

You Mingxu glanced at Xu Mengshan but didn’t object.

Deep amusement spread across Yin Feng’s features as he said, “Of course.” Then he looked at Xu Mengshan and added, “Want me to introduce you to a junior classmate?”

Xu Mengshan laughed heartily, but You Mingxu glared at Yin Feng. Huh, now he’s playing matchmaker? His playboy tendencies were showing again? He wouldn’t dare! And since when had these two become so close they were discussing women together?

You Mingxu said coolly, “Done laughing? Shall we get back to business?”

Xu Mengshan winked at Yin Feng, who leaned forward, looking at You Mingxu: “Of course, we’ll get back to business, whatever you say.”

Xu Mengshan was almost melting from the sweetness, turning to look away. You Mingxu maintained her stern expression toward Yin Feng and asked, “So how do we proceed with the investigation?”

These conclusions, though imaginative and without concrete evidence, were carefully discussed possibilities of what the killer might do.

Yin Feng said, “Guanjun can investigate the second and third points involving the internet.”

Xu Mengshan nodded, “Then I’ll handle points one, four, and five.”

After speaking, the three looked at each other, all seeing the undisguised light of hope in each other’s eyes.

—

When Yin Feng and You Mingxu returned home that night, it was past 1 AM.

Yin Feng took a shower, and when he came out, he found You Mingxu lying on the bed, tirelessly reviewing case files.

He walked to the bedside silently, making You Mingxu’s skin break out in goosebumps.

He lay down directly, pressing against her from behind, burying his head.

You Mingxu trembled slightly under his weight and said, “What are you doing?”

He replied softly, “Seeing you makes me crazy.”

You Mingxu recalled his behavior these past few days while recovering from his injuries and gave a cold laugh.

Yin Feng understood and laughed too, saying, “I’m only obsessed with you.”

You Mingxu turned around, embracing him, and a peaceful, gentle atmosphere seemed to envelop them.