Pan Chi turned to face the headless corpse. After careful inspection, he called Zhu Yan over, “Madam Zhu, please come take a look at this.”
Zhu Yan hurried over, while Shen Du stood nearby, visibly displeased.
Wasn’t Pan Chi always boasting about being a master detective? Why did he need others to consult when he found a clue? Moreover, with both Zhu Yan and himself present, why call only Zhu Yan over? Was he blind to Shen Du’s presence, or intentionally trying to provoke him?
Without much thought, Shen Du stepped between the two. “What have you discovered? We should investigate together. Another person means another perspective. Wouldn’t you agree, Young Master Pan?”
Pan Chi’s lip twitched. He understood the implication in Shen Du’s words. But for the proud and arrogant Grand Secretary to display jealousy so openly was indeed surprising and somewhat exasperating.
Zhu Yan didn’t understand Shen Du’s behavior either but focused on the case at hand. She examined the victim’s wounds closely, even gently scraping with a bamboo stick.
“Something’s not quite right,” Zhu Yan murmured, her brow furrowed in concentration.
The two men exchanged glances, and Shen Du asked, “What have you found?”
“Look, there’s something strange beneath the skin surface…”
“Grand Secretary,” Mo Qianzhi’s voice suddenly interrupted, “I’ve encountered some issues with the case and would like to consult with you. May I have a word in private?”
Hearing this, Shen Du’s frown deepened.
Zhu Yan had just discovered a new lead, and he was eager to know what it was. Yet now, as if by design, Mo Qianzhi wanted to discuss the case with him.
Shen Du’s face darkened, rivaling the intimidating door paintings. He was reluctant to leave with Mo Qianzhi.
“Why are you in a daze? Didn’t Official Mo call you out?” Zhu Yan kindly reminded him.
Shen Du grew even more displeased, glaring at her. “Mind your own business!”
Zhu Yan’s lip twitched. This man must have lost his mind—responding so harshly to her good-natured reminder.
Pan Chi seemed to grasp the situation, struggling to contain his amusement, his expression quite complex.
Shen Du glanced at him and said coldly, “If you want to laugh, just laugh. Don’t hurt yourself holding it in—no one will treat you if you do.”
Pan Chi quickly put on a serious face. “Rest assured, I know what’s important. No need for the Grand Secretary to worry.”
Zhu Yan was puzzled by their exchange, but recalling Shen Du’s harsh words earlier, she held her tongue. In this situation, it was best to focus on her task and avoid unnecessary trouble. After all, neither man was easy to deal with, and she had no desire to be caught in the crossfire.
“Grand Secretary,” Mo Qianzhi seemed to grow impatient, “the matter is urgent. Please, may we speak privately?”
Shen Du glared at him with extreme irritation. If not for a truly pressing matter, he would have torn Mo Qianzhi to pieces.
With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned to follow Mo Qianzhi. At the doorway, he gave Jing Lin a meaningful look.
Jing Lin quickly lowered his head, understanding the Grand Secretary’s intent.
As soon as Shen Du disappeared from view, Jing Lin entered the morgue and stood to one side. Though he didn’t understand the examination process, he could observe the two at work.
Pan Chi sneered at Jing Lin’s action. What a jealous man, making such a fuss over trivial matters and refusing to give him even the slightest chance.
Zhu Yan also seemed to notice something amiss, glancing back at Jing Lin without comment.
Appearing somewhat tired, Zhu Yan stretched her body. Pan Chi immediately expressed concern, “If you’re tired, take a rest. I can handle this.”
Zhu Yan smiled slightly and shook her head. “It’s fine. I just didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m a bit unfocused.”
Hearing Zhu Yan mentions this, Pan Chi, who was examining the corpse, suddenly paused. His expression became unnatural. “You… you both… last night…”
He stammered, unable to form a complete sentence, confusing Zhu Yan.
“If you have something to say, just say it. Why are you being so hesitant?” Zhu Yan continued examining the skin surface of the corpse, asking with curiosity.
“Haha…” Pan Chi laughed awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. “It’s nothing. Let’s focus more on the case.”
Hearing this, Zhu Yan became even more perplexed. She frowned, looking at Pan Chi, but seeing he had no intention of continuing, she didn’t press further.
“Look here,” Zhu Yan said, carefully lifting the skin layer of the headless corpse with a bamboo stick. “When the head was severed, the person’s nerves would have been tense, especially if they were alive when beheaded. Even if unconscious, the pain would have stimulated their senses, causing the skin to tighten. Only after the beheading would the body relax, which should result in some layering of the skin surface.”
As he listened to Zhu Yan, Pan Chi also carefully studied the wound on the headless corpse.
Inwardly, he admired Zhu Yan’s courage. The headless corpse before them was several days old, the wound emitting a foul odor and showing signs of decay. Though it was only early June, the summer heat was already noticeable, and maggots writhed within the exposed innards. Not just women, but even most men without exceptional mental fortitude would feel nauseated at the sight.
Yet there Zhu Yan was, meticulously examining the wound, completely setting aside the horrific nature of the scene. What incredible psychological strength she possessed.
Lost in these thoughts, Pan Chi’s gaze had unconsciously fixed upon Zhu Yan.
Zhu Yan looked beautiful when focused. Her delicate features held a determination and beauty unmatched by ordinary women.
His lips curved into an involuntary smile, his mind blank. He had been completely captivated by this beautiful woman.
While her appearance was secondary, women as intelligent and brave as Zhu Yan were truly rare.
Time passed, and Pan Chi couldn’t even recall what he had been thinking.
Jing Lin, however, had noticed this scene. He cleared his throat softly, pulling Pan Chi back from his wandering thoughts.
“Young Master Pan, to be lost in thought in this foul-smelling morgue is truly admirable,” Jing Lin remarked sarcastically.
Zhu Yan looked at Pan Chi in confusion. “Lost in thought? What were you thinking about? Do you have a different view on what I’ve said?”
Zhu Yan’s mind never strayed from the case, which provided Pan Chi with a convenient excuse.