As Mo Qianzhi was about to explain, Pan Chi interjected, “The deceased is named Li Kaixiang. The murderer is the victim’s younger brother, Li Kairui. The two were drinking together when an argument broke out. The younger brother passed out from excessive drinking, and upon waking, he found his elder brother’s head missing. It hasn’t been found to this day.”
After hearing Pan Chi’s description, Zhu Yan nodded thoughtfully, while Shen Du appeared unimpressed as if to say, “I didn’t ask you, yet you’re quite talkative.”
Pan Chi, unfazed by this, proceeded to analyze the items found on the corpse. “Based on the circumstances at the deceased’s home, this case is likely a revenge killing. The elder brother had a difficult temperament and often quarreled with neighbors over trivial matters like land disputes. He even got into fights that were reported to the village head. His business dealings were also fraught with conflicts, making him many enemies. The killer took this opportunity to murder him and frame his younger brother.”
Shen Du remained silent, his gaze dark as he listened to Pan Chi’s analysis. He had his suspicions, as he had noticed while reviewing the case files that the victim’s brother was not a martial artist. The smooth cut on the corpse before them was not something an ordinary person could achieve.
Zhu Yan carefully examined the body, taking in Pan Chi’s analysis. Suddenly, she straightened up, her expression shocked.
Noticing her unusual demeanor, Shen Du quickly asked, “Have you discovered something?”
Zhu Yan’s delicate brows furrowed as she cupped her chin, her expression grave. “Judging by the state of blood coagulation, the victim was likely still alive when his head was severed.”
This statement stunned all three present. Mo Qianzhi’s face paled dramatically. “Does… does this mean Li Kaixiang had his head cut off while still alive, and the killer’s method was extremely cruel yet precise?”
Zhu Yan nodded, her eyes filled with a seriousness that Pan Chi found admirable. He had heard of Zhu Yan’s exceptional intelligence and courage, and now he saw that her reputation was well-deserved. What surprised him was that such a remarkable woman was also strikingly beautiful. Glancing at Shen Du beside him, he noticed the latter staring at him with a murderous look. How possessive, he thought.
“There are only two possibilities at this point,” Zhu Yan continued. “Either the victim was in a state of unconsciousness just before death, and the killer delivered a fatal blow, or the killer was highly skilled and severed the head while the victim was helpless. However, there are no bruises on the victim’s skin, and an internal examination revealed no injuries, so we can rule out the second possibility. The killer seems to have harbored a deep grudge against the victim. Not content with just murder, they took the head. But why?”
Zhu Yan mused, lost in thought.
“Can we determine what weapon was used?” Mo Qianzhi eagerly inquired.
Zhu Yan shook her head slightly. “I need to examine the body more closely, Lord Mo. Please be patient.”
As she bent down to retrieve her tools for a more thorough inspection, Shen Du suddenly grabbed her wrist. “That’s enough for today. I’m hungry.”
Zhu Yan was bewildered, unable to comprehend Shen Du’s meaning. Without giving her time to think, he promptly led her away.
Mo Qianzhi stood there, dumbfounded. Hadn’t they agreed to investigate the case first? Why were they leaving?
Pan Chi, observing this scene, found it both amusing and perplexing. So even a man as proud and arrogant as Shen Du could be jealous. How interesting.
Shen Du escorted Zhu Yan back to their assigned guest room. Once inside, he closed the door and cornered her against it, his hands on either side of her head. “It seems that Pan Chi is quite to your liking?” he said sarcastically, his eyes narrowed and filled with meaning.
“What… what do you mean by ‘to my liking’?” Zhu Yan was momentarily confused by Shen Du’s sudden actions. “Weren’t we supposed to investigate the case first? Why are you suddenly hungry? Besides, we’re not in Chang’an. How can you…”
Before Zhu Yan could finish, Shen Du grabbed her chin, intending to force a kiss. This time, Zhu Yan reacted quickly, swatting his hand away and glaring at him fiercely. “Have you lost your mind? If you dare treat me like this again, I won’t be so polite.”
With that, she pushed him away, preparing to leave. Shen Du, believing Zhu Yan’s anger stemmed from her thoughts of Pan Chi, felt increasingly irritated. The more she struggled, the more he wanted to keep her by his side.
“Not polite?” Shen Du said coldly, grabbing Zhu Yan’s wrist and pulling her back into his embrace. “I’d like to see just how impolite you can be.”
As he lowered his head again, Zhu Yan cupped his face with both hands to resist. “What are you trying to do, you shameless man? If you’re really that desperate, I can find someone willing outside and bring them in for you.”
Zhu Yan’s words struck deep into Shen Du’s heart. He stopped, slowly loosening his grip on her. A mix of emotions churned within him, accompanied by an indescribable pain that greatly troubled him.
Noticing Shen Du’s change in expression, Zhu Yan realized she had misspoken. She quickly broke free from his embrace and said awkwardly, “I didn’t mean it like that. Don’t take it to heart. Didn’t you want me to cook for you? But look at my hands.”
She held her hands out in front of Shen Du, turning them back and forth.
Shen Du frowned, confused. “They’re delicate, fair, and glossy, just like before. What about them?”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan chuckled. She knew the man before she had calmed down. “These hands just touched a corpse,” she said, looking at Shen Du with an adorable expression, trying to disgust him. “Are you sure you can eat food prepared by these hands?”
Shen Du’s face darkened again, and he snorted coldly. “Nonsense.”
Zhu Yan was perplexed. Had she said something wrong again?
“You’ve only just met Pan Chi, yet you call him an upright person. How can you judge someone’s character so hastily?”
Zhu Yan’s lips twitched as she possibly realized why Shen Du had suddenly become so strange. “He’s known for being a good person. Not only is he handsome, but he’s also wise. What’s wrong with calling him upright?”
Shen Du’s expression grew even darker. This woman completely missed the point. He was concerned about Zhu Yan’s attitude towards Pan Chi, while she was fixated on the surface meaning of his words.
“Do you not understand what I’m saying?” he asked, exasperated.