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“Welcome, welcome! Lin Xian, my wife has been looking forward to meeting you,” Chu Shan He said warmly.

“Hello, Auntie,” Lin Xian replied, smiling at the elegant woman. He had met Su Xiu Ying, Chu Shan He’s wife, at the New Year’s banquet hosted by the Donghai Chamber of Commerce.

Su Xiu Ying, dressed in an apron and clearly busy with cooking, stood next to her husband and daughter, radiating a warm and inviting aura.

“Lin Xian, I’ve been eager to meet you,” Su Xiu Ying said with a bright smile, inviting him inside. “An Qing always talks about you. It’s great to finally meet you in person. You truly live up to your reputation.”

Chu Shan He gave Lin Xian a quick tour of the home, showcasing his collection before leading him to the tea room. “Lunch will be ready soon, but first, let’s enjoy some tea and talk,” he suggested.

Once the tea room door was closed, Chu Shan He skillfully handled various tea tools to brew a pot, explaining the tea’s origin and his insights on tea culture.

After some light conversation, Chu Shan He put down his cup and turned to Lin Xian seriously. “Lin Xian, there’s something I need to discuss with you. I hope you won’t refuse.”

“What is it, Mr. Chu?” Lin Xian asked.

Chu Shan He placed a bank card with a note beside Lin Xian’s teacup. “This is a small token from me and Auntie Xiu Ying. It’s not much, but please let us know if you ever need anything. We’ll do whatever we can to assist you.”

His implication was clear: accept the money, but remember the favor. Feel free to ask for help anytime. Lin Xian understood but slid the card back. “Mr. Chu, I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t accept this money.”

Lin Xian faced Chu Shan He. “An Qing and I are just classmates and friends. It was natural for me to help her. I don’t think such help between friends should be compensated. Also, An Qing might not have mentioned, but the girl who passed away was a close friend from my high school. I even attended her funeral in Hangzhou.”

Chu Shan He nodded, understanding the situation’s gravity.

“So, I thank you for the offer, but I really can’t accept it,” Lin Xian said earnestly.

Chu Shan He poured more tea for Lin Xian, then smiled with a sigh. “You’re as noble and talented as An Qing described. It’s rare to find young people like you these days.”

“I respect your feelings, but you saved my daughter’s life. I can’t overlook that. It would be rude not to acknowledge it. But since you insist, I won’t press the issue. I’ll find another way to thank you. And remember, if you ever need help in Donghai, I’m here.”

Chu Shan He took another sip of his tea, then continued. “The girl who died, Tang Xin, was often mentioned by An Qing. It’s tragic, especially because she was so young and a researcher. I’ve been closely following the investigation.”

“To be honest, the Donghai police haven’t linked Tang Xin’s case with Xu Yun’s publicly, but they have internally. They’ve even formed a special team.”

Lin Xian nodded, realizing Chu Shan He could be a valuable source of information. This wasn’t shared publicly, even when Gao Yang and Tang Xin’s brother had asked.

Chu Shan He appeared reluctant but then said, “There’s more I should share. Since you’re my daughter’s hero and Tang Xin’s friend, it’s appropriate.”

Lin Xian leaned in, attentive. “What is it, Mr. Chu? I promise to keep it confidential.”

Chu Shan He looked conflicted but continued after pouring more tea. “The investigation concluded. They’ve identified the killer.”

“What?” Lin Xian frowned. “If it’s solved, why hasn’t it been announced?”

“Because the details behind the case are quite sensitive,” Chu Shan He explained, looking at Lin Xian seriously. “I hesitated to tell you because I didn’t want to tarnish your view of Tang Xin.”

“What do you mean?” Lin Xian was confused. Tang Xin was the victim; how could her image be tainted?

“Initially, the police thought the same person was behind both Tang Xin and Xu Yun’s murders. However, after further investigation, they found the cases seemed similar but weren’t connected.”

“A dashcam from a Rolls-Royce captured crucial footage. Although the hit-and-run car wasn’t found, they identified a suspect. When they unlocked Tang Xin’s phone, her chat logs revealed a lot.”

Chu Shan He paused. “Tang Xin’s death was a crime of passion.”

“That’s impossible,” Lin Xian objected, finding it unbelievable.

“I know it’s hard to accept,” Chu Shan He said, “but the evidence suggests Tang Xin’s personal life was complex. I haven’t told An Qing because, to her and you, Tang Xin was an exemplary woman. This conclusion is difficult to accept.”

“This isn’t just difficult—it’s unbelievable,” Lin Xian said, his world turning upside down. “Tang Xin wasn’t promiscuous. How could the police draw such baseless conclusions?”

Lin Xian knew Tang Xin well enough to refute such claims. He wondered if Chu Shan He thought he was just another one of her admirers.

“Mr. Chu, I can’t accept these findings. I knew Tang Xin well. Besides, chat logs alone can’t be definitive. Could they have been tampered with? Is there no chance someone is trying to defame her?”

Lin Xian’s suspicion deepened. If Tang Xin’s death marked the end of her story, why would anyone attempt to damage her reputation now?

As for the dashcam and chat logs provided by Zhou Duan Yun, Lin Xian doubted their authenticity. For someone who had meticulously planned a murder, fabricating evidence would be straightforward.

“You’re correct, Lin Xian. That’s why the police haven’t released the findings,” Chu Shan He nodded. “But I believe the truth will eventually come to light. An Qing probably told you, she’s terrible at keeping secrets. The Donghai police have brought in an outsider to help with the investigation.”

“This person is incredibly skilled. Since joining, he’s solved many unresolved cases and gained everyone’s trust. He’s leading the Xu Yun and Tang Xin investigations and is extremely capable.”

“Can you tell me who this outsider is?” Lin Xian inquired.

“I’ve said so much already, so I might as well tell you. You might know him by name,” Chu Shan He said with a grin. “He’s a young, bestselling author, renowned as a genius detective—Ji Lin.”