The Brain Science Case 27

Chapter 27: The Ulysses Contract – 3

“Well… could it be that he killed her first and then… after all, the victim would have resisted.”

“So it was necrophilia?” She crossed her legs and sat down. “Where did the fruit knife come from?”

“According to the victim’s husband, it belonged to their family.”

“Alright, let’s briefly summarize the clues we have.” Yingli clapped her hands. “The suspect, through some specific and clever method, entered the house from near the kitchen, grabbed a weapon, and while rummaging through the house, found the female owner sleeping. He was overcome with lust, assaulted her, and after he was done, killed her to silence her, then escaped from the same place, correct?”

“Mm…” Zhou Jinglin nodded, taking a small bite of rice.

“That doesn’t make any sense at all,” she said, resting her chin on her hand, completely overturning the series of speculations.

“Huh?”

“To target a mansion, the suspect must have done a considerable amount of observation. If the goal was simply theft, it’s unlikely he wouldn’t even know if the owner was home or not.”

“Are you saying… the suspect would have chosen a time when no one was home?”

“But if raping the female owner was the main goal, would the killer, after killing her, still be in the mood to rummage through the mansion, take a few valuable pieces of jewelry, and then calmly leave?” Yingli pushed up her glasses. “If that’s the case, then this killer must be a psychopath of the highest order.”

Given the messy state of the scene, it was indeed hard to believe that he had assaulted the female owner after rummaging through the house.

“Not to mention the location of the fatal wound and the suspicious disturbance of the wound… so the previous theory, I think, is completely illogical.”

This coincided with their internal discussion. “Then, do you think it could have been an acquaintance, Teacher?”

“Are you saying she let the killer into the house?”

“That’s right. After all, the locks on the house are very sophisticated, and there’s a security system. Not many suspects could have perfectly bypassed it. The French doors are the kind that lock automatically when closed, and the clothesline in the yard was empty, meaning she had no reason to go into the yard. Besides, I don’t think she would have been so careless as to forget to close the French doors before taking an afternoon nap.”

“I see. A new and interesting hypothesis.” Yingli looked at her with unconcealed admiration. “The killer was let into the house, and after raping and killing the female owner, he staged the scene… By the way, have you investigated the victim’s romantic life?”

“Yes, at least there were no ambiguous contacts in her call records.”

“Then the list of suspects has been narrowed down a bit,” she muttered to herself, then smiled when she met Zhou Jinglin’s questioning gaze. “It’s nothing… Is the braised beef brisket rice good?”

“It’s not bad… wait a minute. Weren’t you the one who recommended it?”

“Recommending it doesn’t mean I’ve tried it.” She took a spoonful. “Mm, it’s really not bad.”

Zhou Jinglin pulled her plate back. “That’s a huge bite! If you want some, order your own.”

“Tsk, so stingy… By the way, can you come with me somewhere this afternoon?”

That fawning smile… it couldn’t be good. “I have duties this afternoon. Don’t use me as your driver again.”

“Just for a little while. We can wait for Dr. Tao’s forensics report at the same time.” Yingli put her hands together. “This is very important to me, and you’re the most suitable person to help.”

She says it’s important, but it’s probably just shopping somewhere. Facing this unpredictable neuroscientist, Zhou Jinglin was gradually getting used to her way of thinking.

She pouted and glared at Yingli. “Where on earth do you want to go?”

**

The answer was revealed. The destination Yingli had specified was a p-e-t s-t-o-r-e!

“This way!” Yingli pulled her along, her voice more cheerful than ever before.

“What are you doing here?”

“Picking out a pet, of course!”

She paused for a moment at the kitten section, then bypassed the dogs and went straight to the rodent and aquatic sections.

“Wait… you’re not considering getting a dog, Teacher?”

“Don’t even think about those terrifying animals.”

She quickly picked out a round, plump golden hamster. “Although I considered a cat for a while, I think a hamster is more suitable for me… I live alone and I’m often out, so I need a small animal that doesn’t require too much care. Will you come home with me?” The last sentence was directed at the hamster in her hand.

Zhou Jinglin was at a loss for words. “So this is what you meant by ‘very important’?”

“Don’t underestimate pets. As a companion at home, the psychological comfort a pet can bring is sometimes no less than that of a person.” Yingli gently stroked the golden hamster in her hand. “Humans are social animals. We unconsciously mimic others’ expressions through mirror neurons, which brings about an emotional convergence with others, what’s called emotional contagion. This can lead to positive social responses.”

“Can a hamster bring about that kind of emotional contagion?”

“She can make me laugh. And through laughter, others will know I’m happy, and it will also cause those who see my smile to experience emotional convergence.”

She was actually quite indifferent to the hamster in Yingli’s hand. “All I know is that you’re very happy.”

“So you’re smiling too, aren’t you?”

Yingli’s smile was right in front of her, and it was only then that she clearly felt the corners of her own mouth lift. She gazed at Yingli, but Yingli was once again focused on the golden hamster. “I’ve decided to give you the name of my previous hamster. I’ll call you Antisocial Personality.”

“A-Antisocial Personality?” Zhou Jinglin pointed at the hamster. “That’s her name?”

“To be precise, her full name is the ‘Trans Fat Socialist Human Development and Style Research Center,’ or Antisocial Personality for short.”

“What on earth…” She was truly defeated by her.

Ignoring Zhou Jinglin’s dumbfounded expression, Yingli picked out a suitable cage, food, and other related supplies, then happily paid.

“Never mind the strange and long name… this is the first time I’ve seen you so happy.”

“Of course! Because I’ve found a roommate to share my living space with.”

“Teacher,” Zhou Jinglin couldn’t help but ask on the way to the car, “can I ask you a personal question?”

“Hm?”

“Have you… ever been in love?”

“No.” She held up her left pinky and turned back with a confident, happy smile. “A lot of people have expressed their feelings for me, including during my years of studying abroad, but I’ve never had my heart flutter for anyone.” As she smiled, a hint of loneliness crept in. “I used to admire someone when I was little, and I wanted to catch up to him with all my heart… but that’s in the past.”

She lifted the cage with the golden hamster. “Even if I’m alone, I can live just fine.”

“So you’re the type who doesn’t believe in love, Teacher?”

“I’m not that pessimistic. It’s just that unless I meet someone I feel is suitable for me, I don’t want to waste meaningless time trying to make it work, and I don’t want to settle.” She put her hands behind her back. “There are too many things worth spending time on, and they’re all very meaningful. So when I see other people worrying about love, I find it hard to understand.” She raised an eyebrow. “You’re the same, aren’t you, Officer Zhou?”

For a moment, Zhou Jinglin wanted to object, but she had to admit she was right.

“You make it sound like we have the same view on love…” She pinched her nose. “I’m determined to leave the ranks of the single dogs this year.”

“Ah, if you’re a single dog, please don’t come near me. Dogs are the most evil and annoying animals in the world. I wish they would disappear from this planet.”

“How can you say that? They’re so cute…” She paused, suddenly remembering how Yingli had deliberately avoided the dog section in the pet store. “Could it be… you’re actually afraid of dogs, Teacher?”

As she walked around to the passenger side, her whole body stiffened. Zhou Jinglin didn’t miss the subtle reaction.

“S-So what if I am?”

She covered her mouth to hide a smile and unlocked the car. “Nothing. I just think… it’s a little funny.”

“What’s so funny? Isn’t it normal for everyone to be afraid of something?” Pursing her lips, Yingli stomped her foot. “What are you laughing at?”

Zhou Jinglin only laughed louder. “You’re so tall and you’re afraid of dogs… wait. Are you afraid of all dogs, regardless of their size?”

“My brain just reacts that way, I can’t help it.” She pouted and got into the passenger seat.

Even though she tried to suppress her laughter, she couldn’t help but smile. “How many people know about this weakness of yours?”

“Almost everyone who knows me… as long as we’re close enough to be called friends.” She pushed up her glasses forcefully. “Let’s go back to my place first… Hey, are you still laughing?”

“Didn’t you say that seeing a smile can cause so-called emotional contagion?” Zhou Jinglin leaned in with a grin. “So, are you feeling my heartfelt joy right now?”

“I just feel like you deserve a punch…” Yingli gritted her teeth. “Zhou Jinglin, are you going to drive or not?”

“Ha, ha, ha!” “Of course. I’ll take you home.” She let out three hearty laughs, started the car, and as she was pulling out of the parking lot, her phone rang. “It’s Dr. Tao… the autopsy report is out.” She swiped the screen.

“Oh?”

‘Little Zhou, can you hear me?’ Tao Qianya’s voice came through the earpiece.

“I can hear you.” She glanced at Yingli and pressed the speaker button. “The teacher is with me.”

“Dr. Tao?”

‘Ah, perfect. Teacher, the autopsy report is complete. I’ll send you an electronic copy later…’

She interrupted, “Officer Zhou and I have already gone over the details of the case. Dr. Tao, I’ll just ask you two key questions. First, what was the real murder weapon? Second, was the killer’s bodily fluid found on the body?”

Tao Qianya took a sharp breath and chuckled. ‘It seems the teacher has already completely grasped the development of the case… According to my judgment, the fruit knife was added later to cover up the previous wound, and the previous wound was caused by a weapon that looks like scissors.’

Scissors! Yingli and she looked at each other. “Did you find any scissors at the scene?”

“No,” Zhou Jinglin answered with certainty.

‘As for the second question, I carefully examined the victim’s private parts, and even the oral and anal cavities, and the answer is—no. No suspect’s bodily fluid was found, not even the victim’s own secretions.’

“I see.” Yingli pressed her index finger firmly against her glasses.

‘The rest of the detailed report is in the electronic file. I hope this will help clarify the case soon.’

“It will definitely help. Thank you, Dr. Tao.” After hanging up, Yingli’s phone immediately chimed with a new message, but she didn’t open it. “Officer Zhou.”

“Hm?”

“I think I know who the killer is.”

Zhou Jinglin looked at her profile. The corners of her rose-colored lips lifted as she leaned back and closed her eyes, looking completely at ease.