S.C.I Mystery Series Volume 6 Chapter 9

The Card Murderer 09 – Possible Solutions

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In this case, Mingdi Yang, whose presence had been particularly strong so far, had finally made an appearance.

Why had Mingdi come?

It was Zhan Zhao who had called him, more precisely, Zhan Zhao had asked Lao Chen to call Mingdi.

Lao Chen, who had just been smoking a cigarette outside, returned to the entrance of the emergency room just in time to hear Yang Fan issue a critical condition notice. Gao Min had just been trying hard to control her emotions and comfort Auntie Liu, but upon hearing that her best friend was on the brink of death, she could no longer hold back. She hugged Auntie Liu and cried bitterly, and it was clear that both women were on the verge of collapse.

Lao Chen was at a complete loss and tried to console them, saying there was still hope and that they needed to stay strong.

However, nothing Lao Chen said would be of any use, the two were entirely overwhelmed by their emotions.

So Lao Chen turned to Zhan Zhao for help, his expression clearly saying – Aren't you a psychology expert, quickly counsel them!

However, Zhan Zhao felt that venting their emotions at this moment was not necessarily a bad thing. They would not truly collapse until they received the final verdict.

Just as Lao Chen was becoming increasingly anxious, Zhan Zhao suddenly said to him, "Although many films and TV dramas like to depict women as prone to emotional breakdowns in moments of crisis, in reality, maternal creatures in nature are generally stronger than their male counterparts. Everything about carbon-based life forms ultimately stems from physiological structures, and the differences in biological makeup between the sexes inevitably lead to differences in psychological resilience."

Lao Chen stood there with his mouth slightly open, looking at Zhan Zhao in a daze. The words were definitely in Mandarin... but as an editor specialising in Chinese, he still had no idea what Zhan Zhao was talking about.

Zhan Zhao seemed to have anticipated Lao Chen's reaction. He continued, "Do you feel that your anxiety has been redirected by what I just said?"

"Er..." Lao Chen hesitated for a moment, then nodded, indeed...

"At times like this, words of comfort are ineffective, what actually works is distraction. Since we have been with them through the entire ordeal, we cannot effectively shift their focus away from their grief. We need someone else who can divert their attention."

With that, Zhan Zhao lifted the book in his hand and waved it at Lao Chen.

Lao Chen hesitated slightly, glancing uncertainly at Zhan Zhao.

Zhan Zhao went on, "Human tears are mainly composed of ninety per cent water, along with trace elements, proteins, and salts. Excessive crying and intense sorrow can disrupt the body's internal balance, leading to discomfort, and in severe cases, even causing gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, fainting, or other symptoms."

Lao Chen continued staring blankly at Zhan Zhao – So what... what exactly are you trying to say?

Seeing that he still hadn't grasped the point, Zhan Zhao had to continue. "If a carbon-based life form's body collapses, then its mental state is irrelevant. So we need to stop them from crying too much."

Mouth slightly agape, Lao Chen turned away in stunned silence to call Mingdi, thinking to himself, This guy is really... more eccentric than the rumours! Wouldn't it have been better to just say that Mingdi's presence might divert their attention?!

Zhan Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, holding the book as he watched Lao Chen make the phone call.

Mingdi arrived even faster than Zhan Zhao had expected.

Just as Zhan Zhao ended his call with Bai Yutang, he saw Mingdi rushing over in a hurry.

Lao Chen had kept things brief over the phone, simply telling Mingdi that something major had happened: Zhang Yuancheng had been killed, Liu Jing was seriously injured and undergoing emergency treatment, and he and Gao Min were accompanying Auntie Liu.

Mingdi asked for the hospital's address and set off immediately.

"How could this happen?" Mingdi asked Lao Chen as he ran down the corridor, observing Gao Min's condition.

At that moment, Gao Min also noticed Mingdi.

As it turned out, Zhan Zhao's so-called "grief diversion" was quite valid.

Gao Min's emotions shifted, and her attention had been drawn away by Mingdi's sudden arrival. As for why... that went without saying. Gao Min also realised that this case seemed to be more or less connected to Mingdi Yang. Most importantly, before losing consciousness, she found Mingdi's novel and handed it to Zhan Zhao. There must be some significance to this.

Moreover, while Mingdi knew both Zhang Yuancheng and Liu Jing, their relationship had never been particularly close, so why had he come rushing over?

The more Gao Min thought about it, the more suspicious Mingdi seemed. She no longer had time to cry.

Human emotions worked that way, whenever a stronger emotion emerged, it naturally suppressed the previous one.

Right now, Gao Min was filled with a burning desire to uncover the truth and seek justice. She was determined to find out who had harmed her best friend and her husband and to bring that person to justice!

After staring at Mingdi, Gao Min instantly stopped crying. She wiped her tears and first comforted Auntie Liu, saying that Jing Jing had always been blessed with good fortune and would surely survive this ordeal. Auntie Liu had to stay strong!

Mingdi nodded in agreement, adding that Auntie Liu had to be strong at a time like this, Xiao Min was right!

Zhan Zhao watched with great interest from the side.

Lao Chen also looked surprised as he looked at Gao Min, who had just been unresponsive to all his attempts to persuade her but had suddenly regained control of her emotions just like that...

The old man cast a silent glance at Zhan Zhao, who still stood there with his hands behind his back, observing everything like an outsider, and sighed – This man wasn't just peculiar, he was a bit godlike.

At that moment, Yang Fan emerged and gave Zhan Zhao a nod. "Her life is saved!"

All five of them let out a simultaneous sigh of relief in the corridor.

Yang Fan had clearly come out to deliver the news first. Shortly after, the neurosurgeon who had performed the operation arrived and explained Liu Jing's condition to Auntie Liu in detail. Liu Jing was now out of immediate danger, but she had yet to regain consciousness.

Auntie Liu followed Liu Jing as she was wheeled out of the operating room and taken to the ward. Gao Min accompanied the nurse to handle the hospital admission procedures, with Lao Chen going along to help.

Yang Fan whispered to Zhan Zhao, "The weapon that caused the injury was likely a hammer."

Zhan Zhao nodded. Yutang had also mentioned a hammer on the phone just now.

With that, Yang Fan also left, and soon, Zhan Zhao and Mingdi were the only ones left in the corridor outside the emergency room.

Mingdi seemed to want to follow the others, but after taking a few steps, he met Gao Min's fierce glare. Startled, he immediately stopped.

Zhan Zhao stood to the side, quietly observing Mingdi's every move.

After a long moment, Mingdi let out a deep breath, scratched his head, and turned his face, only to spot Zhan Zhao.

Mingdi hesitated for a second, seemingly finding Zhan Zhao somewhat familiar.

Then he asked, "Dr. Zhan?"

Zhan Zhao nodded.

Mingdi stepped forward to shake hands with Zhan Zhao while asking, "Is SCI in charge of investigating this case?"

Zhan Zhao nodded again, continuing to study Mingdi's every reaction, every expression on his face.

Not long after, Gao Min, who had finished the formalities and was holding the admission paperwork, quickly walked back.

Both Mingdi and Zhan Zhao turned to look at her.

The moment she reached them, Gao Min asked Mingdi Yang, "Why are you here?"

Mingdi said that Lao Chen had called to inform him...

"Did you know that Yuancheng and Jing Jing went camping?" Gao Min pressed further.

Zhan Zhao didn't stop her. He simply stood by with his hands behind his back, watching.

"Camping?" Mingdi froze slightly before asking, "Sparrow Campground?"

Gao Min's eyes immediately narrowed as she stared at Mingdi – There are several campgrounds in S City, and White Sand is clearly closer, how did you know it was Sparrow Campground? It must have something to do with you!

And Mingdi's next words only made things worse. "I was the one who recommended it to them..."

"You recommended it?" Zhan Zhao interjected at just the right moment, cutting off Gao Min when she was about to lose her temper.

"Yes... They had an accident at the campground?" Mingdi frowned. "Such a coincidence?"

"Why did you recommend they go to that campground?" Zhan Zhao asked.

Mingdi furrowed his brows and replied, "I heard from Yuancheng that he and Jing Jing were going through a divorce, and I thought it was a shame. They'd always been homebodies, and when a couple spends too much time together under the same roof, arguments are bound to happen. I happened to have a coupon for the campground, so I gave it to Yuancheng and suggested he take Jing Jing there to relax."

Gao Min's eyes widened – Such a coincidence? You're way too suspicious!

Zhan Zhao, however, asked curiously, "Why did you have a coupon for Sparrow Campground?"

Gao Min glanced at Zhan Zhao in disbelief – At a time like this, you're focusing on the coupon? Shouldn't he be suspected? Drag him back to the SCI office for interrogation!

Mingdi told Zhan Zhao that he had visited the campground before for research, as his next book was set around camping. He had stayed there for a while, and the campground management had given him coupons, hoping he would help with promotion.

"When you were there, which cabin did you stay in?" Zhan Zhao continued.

"The villa up on the mountain, number R17."

Gao Min's mind was now filled with the door number "R17". She was just waiting at the villa entrance, and it turned out to be the same one!

Gao Min kept glancing at Zhan Zhao to see if he had handcuffs on him. Hurry up and cuff this guy!

Of course, Zhan Zhao didn't take out any handcuffs to restrain Mingdi. For one, he didn't have any. And for another... this case, aside from its seemingly flawless process, the suspicion of Mingdi's involvement was, inexplicably, just a little too perfect!

......

In the parking lot of White Sand Campground, Bai Yutang waited for Gongsun's forensic team, who were rushing over.

Gongsun had just finished at the Sparrow Tunnel site, and Xia Tian had already taken the body back to the SCI office, so he had come here with Ma Xin to inspect the second crime scene.

Bai Yutang didn't say anything and simply let the two of them get into the vehicle to take a look first.

The moment they stepped inside, both Gongsun and Ma Xin found themselves at a loss. They stared at the body on the sofa, then at the bloodstains opposite it.

Forensics had already completed their work. The entire vehicle was packed with evidence, so rather than collecting more, they would simply drive the whole thing back to the station.

Inside the vehicle, Gongsun examined the body while Ma Xin took photos. Bai Yutang finally stepped in as well.

Taking in the scene, Bai Yutang suddenly understood what Old Yang had meant earlier. On the surface, there was no problem, but with his years of crime scene experience, he could tell there was definitely a problem.

"Suicide or homicide?" Bai Yutang asked Gongsun.

Gongsun crossed his arms and stared at the body. He thought for a moment, then walked outside, took off his gloves, and took out his phone. "Let's test it."

Bai Yutang followed him out, puzzled – How was he going to test it?

Outside, Gongsun called Xiao Ding.

"What are your orders, Great King?!" Xiao Ding answered respectfully.

"Your film crew has these RVs, right?" Gongsun took a photo of the RV and sent it to Xiao Ding, "I want a few of them."

"How many do you need, Great King?" Xiao Ding asked. "Would three be enough?"

"That'll do. Also, bring three of those dummies you use for filming, along with an expert in special effects makeup, someone skilled in horror effects and blood splatter. Make it quick. Bring everything straight to White Sand Campground."

"Understood, Great King! We'll be there within half an hour, Great King!" Xiao Ding hung up and got to work immediately.

Before long, three brand-new RVs of the same make and model appeared in the empty section of White Sand Campground's parking lot.

The twins had driven them over, bringing along two professional makeup artists and two large boxes filled with blood and all sorts of blood vessels.

Zhao Hu and Ma Han watched as the makeup artists pulled life-sized dummies from the trunk, both nodding in admiration – The power of money!

So what exactly did Gongsun want to test? According to Zhao Hu, it was something straight out of a cartoon! Could such a suicide scene be artificially created?

After carefully studying the body for some time, Gongsun came up with two plausible methods.

The first, the straddling method!

This involved positioning the unconscious victim on the sofa while the perpetrator straddled the backrest. With their knees pressing against the victim's upper back, they would use one hand to hold the victim's forehead, forcing their head back, while guiding the victim's hand with the other, making them appear to have sliced themselves.

This hand holding the knife has its own considerations. It can't be placed on the back of the victim's hand, because that would easily leave clues on the victim's hand. After all, once the blood sprays, no one knows where it will land.

Gongsun asked Ma Han to play the role of the murderer this time.

Once Ma Han was seated, Gongsun instructed him to put on rubber gloves, then slip his hand inside the victim's collar, thread it through the same sleeve, and conceal it beneath the victim's hand while gripping the knife. The victim's sleeve was then pulled down, with the cuff wrapped over the back of the hand, so that the victim's hand covered Ma Han's hand.

Of course, all of this was done using a dummy wearing the same clothes.

The makeup artist installed blood vessels identical to those in the human body in the neck of the corpse and used an air pump to simulate the circulatory system of the heart's blood supply.

Bai Yutang and Zhao Hu watched in stunned silence from the side, So this was how movies were made...

Ma Xin set up cameras to record the entire experiment.

Following Gongsun's instructions, Ma Han sat on the back of the sofa, and everything was ready.

Everyone looked at this posture; although it was a bit awkward, it was doable!

Gongsun gave Ma Han a demonstration of the correct motion for slashing before the experiment began...

If we're talking about steady hands, a professional sniper's hands are naturally steady.

Ma Han followed Gongsun's directions and, with one swift motion, slit the dummy's throat... Blood spurted out, leaving an arc-shaped streak on the opposite wall.

However, the wound on the neck was incomplete.

Comparing the length of the wound on the dummy's neck to the length of the actual wound, Gongsun found that the dummy's wound was noticeably shorter.

Ma Han explained that when swinging the knife, his arm had been restricted by the victim's clothing and hand. This was already the furthest he could extend it.

After some thought, Gongsun concluded that the first method wouldn't work.

"Then let's try the second one." Everyone moved to another vehicle to test the "inverted hanging method."

The RV had a sunroof that could be opened upwards.

This time, Zhao Hu was the one to test it.

Hu Zi climbed onto the roof of the RV, then crawled inside, bent his knees, and hung his lower legs over the roof, suspending himself upside down inside the RV. He also reached into the victim's sleeve to grab the knife.

Zhao Hu was utterly miserable, thinking to himself, If the murderer had really committed the crime like this, they must have had way too much free time on their hands.

Still, although it was difficult, it can still be done.

Ma Xin switched on the camera, and under Gongsun's guidance, Zhao Hu swung the knife...

And this time, it actually worked... The blood spatter and the dummy's posture closely matched the real crime scene. However... Zhao Hu ran into some trouble when trying to exit the scene.

Hu Zi needed to climb out through the sunroof, but there were no proper handholds anywhere.

To say that Zhao Hu has good physical strength is an understatement, but Hu Zi was wriggling on the roof like a worm for a long time and still couldn't get out. In the end, he accidentally fell down... and he landed in the blood with a splat.

Face covered in blood, Zhao Hu lifted his head and swore, "Sure enough, I really shouldn't watch too many cartoons."

After saying that, he licked his lips – It's sweet!

The makeup artists beamed proudly. "Edible fake blood!"

Zhao Hu smacked his lips. "Honey flavour!"

The two makeup artists gave him a thumbs-up – Blood used in vampire films.

With both methods proving unsuccessful, Gongsun clicked his tongue, feeling rather defeated.

After silently observing both tests, Bai Yutang remained quiet for a moment. Then, he reached out and patted the slightly deflated Gongsun on the shoulder. "There's another possibility."

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

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Translator Notes

Please feel free to comment any mistakes I made so I can improve and do better as I go through the book.

Translated: March 13, 2025 by Angel

Edited: May 7, 2025 by Soojin