I Asked You To Simulate A Crime, And You Pulled Off The Perfect Crime? - Chapter 179

City Bureau, Criminal Investigation Department Conference Hall.

Liu Changguo sat at the head of the table, with Wang Zheng and two others beside him.

“Deputy Liu, Captain Wang, take a look at this,” Qin Min said, placing a document on the table.

On the cover was written: “Midnight Chainsaw Killer Clue Report.”

Qin Min continued, “Among the characters in this season’s show, one of them is secretly assigned as the killer. This is everything the production team has given us regarding the Midnight Chainsaw Killer. We’ll need to deduce their identity from these clues.”

Su Haoran asked, “So basically, this is a pre-determined hidden role? We can only use the clues to figure it out? Will the Midnight Chainsaw Killer actually commit more crimes?”

“That, I don’t know,” Qin Min shook his head. “The show says the killer has a hidden mission, but even the director doesn’t know what it is.”

Wang Zheng said, “Which means the killer will definitely act again to complete their hidden mission. Otherwise, with just a few clues, there’s no way to pin it on anyone. The showrunners aren’t that stupid.”

“Mhm,” Liu Changguo nodded at Wang Zheng. “Go ahead and read the contents aloud.”

“Yes, sir,” Wang Zheng took a deep breath. For a moment, it felt like he was back to the old days, still a rookie detective tagging along behind Liu Changguo on cases. It felt nostalgic and a little nerve-wracking.

Wang Zheng opened the sealed file and took out a single sheet of paper. He began reading aloud, “Midnight Chainsaw Killer. Gender: Unknown. Age: Unknown. Appearance: Unknown.”

Number of victims: Two. 

Time of crimes: Around 10 p.m. on Saturday nights. 

Location: Near Haicheng High School.

M.O. (Modus Operandi): Kills victims using a chainsaw, strips them of all clothing, and leaves the bodies exposed. Victim profile: Both were third-year students at Haicheng High.”

Wang Zheng placed the paper on the table. “That’s all there is.”

Liu Changguo nodded and looked at the others. “Alright. Based on these clues, each of you give me one useful deduction. Let’s see if the online complaints about you guys being useless freeloaders are actually true.”

Truth be told, Deputy Liu had joined the show not just to help the bureau’s public image but also to evaluate his team’s professional capabilities. After all, Haicheng was peaceful enough to allow some slackers to get by.

“I’ll go first,” Qin Min raised his hand. “The killer strips the victims after killing them. That suggests either deep resentment or jealousy toward them… or possibly necrophilia. Maybe he enjoys taking explicit photos of corpses to look at later, classic signs of a disturbed mind.”

Su Haoran added, “Both murders happened on Saturday nights, and the victims were senior high students. That means the killer operates during their short weekend break. It also implies the killer knew the victims. Otherwise, with two attacks already, the students would’ve been more cautious. So the killer and victims were likely acquainted.”

“Exactly.” Wang Zheng nodded, as if confirming their analysis.

Slap, slap. Liu Changguo clapped the table and snapped, “Exactly what? Give me your own reasoning first!”

Wang Zheng chuckled awkwardly. “If the killer knew the victims, then their identity is probably tied to the school, like a teacher, or a school administrator. That would make it easier for the victims to let their guard down, allowing the killer to strike.”

All three finished their theories and looked at Liu Changguo.

“Hmm, your reasoning makes sense,” Liu Changguo said, acknowledging their points. But then he shook his head. “You’re all focusing on someone inside Haicheng High. That may not be the case, don’t limit your scope.”

Wang Zheng asked, “Then what should we do, sir? Should we go to Haicheng High and start investigating?”

“No need,” Liu raised a hand to stop him. “Since this killer is part of the show’s scripted background, there’s nothing to find right now. We wait until next Saturday and set up surveillance near the school. That’s when the Midnight Chainsaw Killer will likely strike again. Going to the school now would only tip him off.”

“Hmm…” Wang Zheng nodded, then asked, “But yesterday was also Saturday. Why didn’t anything happen?”

Liu Changguo replied, “Yesterday was the first episode. The person who received the hidden role probably hadn’t adjusted to it yet. Just wait. Next Saturday is when things really begin.”

Sunday, 9:00 p.m. Haicheng High School gates.

Clang, clang. Chen Shu knocked on the gate. Soon, a man in a security guard uniform stepped out of the nearby security office and asked, “What do you need?”

Chen Shu smiled politely and held up a textbook. “My sister is a senior here. I was cleaning her room earlier and found she left her book at home. Since it’s still early and they’re in the evening study session, I figured I’d drop it off.”

Creak. Liang Wei opened the small side gate and said, “Come in. Sign in over here first.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks a lot,” Chen Shu stepped inside the security office and filled out the sign-in sheet with his name, phone number, and time of entry.

As he wrote, Liang Wei yawned and asked, “Which class is your sister in? My wife is a senior homeroom teacher, maybe she’s your sister’s teacher.”

“She’s in Class Four,” Chen Shu replied while finishing the form.

Liang Wei froze for a moment, then clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, what a coincidence! My wife is Class Four’s homeroom teacher.”

Chen Shu smiled. “Really? What are the odds?”

Liang Wei asked, “What’s your sister’s name? Maybe I’ve heard of her. I help my wife grade papers at home. I remember a few of the top students.”

“My sister’s grades are pretty good,” Chen Shu said with a smile. “Her name is Su Xiaoxiao. Does that ring a bell?”

The moment he heard the name, Liang Wei’s heart skipped a beat. His face twitched slightly. “Y-yeah… I know her…”

“All done,” Chen Shu handed the clipboard back to Liang Wei.

Liang Wei nodded. “Alright, go ahead and give her the book. You’ve got ten minutes. Make the most of your time… you two only get to see each other once a week.”

Chen Shu nodded. “Got it!”