Volume 1, Chapter 12: Riddled with Doubts

Beside the steps of one of the devices, a human-shaped dashed outline was drawn in chalk.

“This is where Professor Hu Chuan’s body was found.”

Ran Yi distinctly felt Bai Chen’s gaze fixed unwaveringly on Tang Hui as he spoke these words.

Tang Hui was behaving oddly—silent and calm throughout the journey, not uttering a single word.

Ran Yi instinctively touched Tang Hui’s hand. “Hey... have you really been here? What exactly happened last night?”

Tang Hui shook her head blankly, saying nothing.

“The evidence is already quite clear. What more does she need to say?” a low voice came from behind Ran Yi. He turned to see a man with spiky, disheveled hair wearing a white lab coat being led by police officers.

The man’s scruffy face was flushed with redness as he lamented bitterly, “What was meant to happen, still happened! Old man, this is your karma catching up with you!”

Ran Yi asked, “Who is this?”

“He’s Zou Yao, a child adopted by Professor Hu Chuan in his youth, responsible for logistics in the lab, and also one of the suspects in this case.”

Before Ran Yi could finish, Zou Yao snapped at Bai Chen, “Nonsense! I’m a legitimate researcher!”

“Shut your mouth!” Song Qi glared coldly at Zou Yao.

“You’re the one who should be quiet, you vixen. Don’t think your fake kindness will get you off the hook,” Ran Yi retorted defiantly.

He noticed the strong smell of alcohol on Zou Yao and the hazy look in his eyes—he clearly hadn’t sobered up yet.

Bai Chen clapped his hands, and the laboratory doors slowly closed. The lights dimmed, leaving only Bai Chen’s flashlight illuminating the space.

The beam fell across his sharp yet aloof face.

“All three suspects connected to this case are present: the logistics worker Zou Yao, university volunteer Tang Hui, and assistant Song Qi.”

Ran Yi then noticed that Song Qi, like the others, wore glaring handcuffs.

No wonder she complied so readily with the police’s arrangements.

---

“Next, we will question each of you individually. But before that, allow me to outline the case.”

Professor Hu Chuan’s body was discovered at 3:30 a.m. this morning. The report came from Zou Yao, who manages logistics. The autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds to the back as the fatal injuries. No other wounds were found, and no murder weapon was present at the scene. As you can see, this room is surrounded by concrete walls and sealed airtight, making entry or exit from other directions impossible.

According to Zou Yao’s information and surveillance footage, only Tang Hui and Hu Chuan entered this room last night. Both sides of the door have access control; the keys are held only by Song Qi and Hu Chuan. Strangely, the lab experienced a blackout from 2:55 to 3:10 a.m., causing the loss of surveillance footage during that period. Before the power cut, the cameras showed only these three people near the “Origin” laboratory. In other words, the killer is likely among you.”

Having finished, Bai Chen waved his hand. “That’s enough. Wang Xu, take them to theI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.