However, Yin Feng quickly resumed his aloof writer expression and said, "The identity cannot be confirmed yet. But a killer with such a heart, who has just committed two murders, is like having completed an unknown debut work. I believe he will exhibit some external characteristics: for instance, he may appear rather depressed and withdrawn—how could he share such works with others? He must suppress it. Yet occasionally, he might seem arrogant or even emotionally agitated, looking down on everyone. He will show a keen interest in matters related to crime. When you approach him, he might even boast or proactively offer you clues."
None of the detectives spoke.
Finally, You Mingxu said, "I've noted it all down. We'll pay attention during the investigation. You mentioned 'first' earlier—what's the second point?"
Yin Feng glanced at her again and replied, "Second, among the three lines of inquiry you're pursuing, the first one—investigating the bathhouse and the victims' life connections—requires special attention. Because his selection of victims is extremely 'precise.' Apart from their appearance and workplaces, the two girls' personalities are almost identical. I think this is exactly what he prefers, and it's the type he finds easiest to control. The question is, how did he pick them out?"
You Mingxu felt a stir in her heart as Yin Feng continued, "There have been serial killers who followed people for days on the street, selecting targets randomly based on intuition. That method usually results in similarities in appearance or demeanor—how could it capture personality? His accuracy in selection indicates he has more than a superficial understanding of them. Yet, neither girl had been close to any man recently. So, where did he discover and learn about these two girls? When you investigate the bathhouse, don't just check the customer and employee lists. Anyone even remotely connected, who might have had contact with the girls, should be investigated—like maintenance workers, cleaners, even delivery personnel, couriers, and property management staff in that area... This is crucial because the first two cases were only ten days apart. Two days have already passed since the last one. If you can uncover this hidden pattern, you might predict who the next victim will be."
At this point, everyone in the room was visibly shaken. Even You Mingxu felt her heart skip a beat. Looking at Yin Feng, who seemed to be faintly smiling yet with a sharp, penetrating gaze, she nodded solemnly and said, "I understand."
Without delay, everyone prepared to leave. You Mingxu lingered behind and asked Yin Feng, "Are you coming with us?"
Yin Feng shook his head. "I won't go. I want to review the 19-year-old case files again. As you said, the killer might have some connection to the old case." That was why he had come to the police station in the first place.
You Mingxu nodded. "Then I'll be going."
By then, only the two of them remained in the conference room. As You Mingxu turned to leave, Yin Feng grabbed her and hung the thermos filled with chicken soup on her hand.
You Mingxu frowned. "No need."
Yin Feng stared at her and asked, "Were my two points useful?"
She smiled slightly. "Yes, thank you."
Yin Feng said, "No need to thank me. But if you want the horse to run, shouldn't you feed it? I specially brought you soup, and you won't even drink it—yet you still expect me to run for you?"His words were spoken with such natural ease and lightness, yet the meaning was wrapped in layers. You Mingxu looked at him, feeling as though she hardly recognized him.
Was this… acting cute? But did he have to be so aloof even when being coquettish??
Meeting his calm gaze, You Mingxu suddenly felt a warmth in her chest, along with an inexplicable itch. She said lightly, "I'll drink. I'll finish it all, is that okay?"
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