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“These are the scientists I’ve identified who have made significant breakthroughs or show great potential in hibernation research. Take a look.”

As Ji Lin gestured, the team looked up at the screen displaying a dozen leaders in the field of hibernation.

Some of these scientists had developed groundbreaking hibernation devices, others had formulated maintenance drugs, some had proposed new theories, while others had innovative ideas for the recovery phase after hibernation.

Clearly, these individuals were leading the field. The team speculated that they were likely to be the next murder victims.

Lin Xian noticed that most of these scientists were from other countries, with only three from their own, but all were working overseas.

A colleague next to him also noticed this and asked Ji Lin, “But Ji Lin, most of these scientists are overseas, and we can’t monitor their movements. If the murderer targets them, we won’t be able to set up an ambush in time. And there are too many of them to protect!”

Ji Lin nodded. “You’re right. Our resources are limited, and so is our jurisdiction. Outside of Donghai, we can’t just call up local police forces. Plus, the 00:42 incidents have only occurred in Donghai, and local authorities are keen to keep it that way.”

“But our chances are also limited. If we don’t catch the murderer at the next crime scene, we might never get a lead on them.”

“That’s why I’ve decided we need to split up.”

He paused, then continued with a serious look. “I have some connections in the international police community. I’ve assisted with many cases abroad, and they respect and are willing to collaborate with me.”

“So, I plan to use my influence abroad to organize ambushes and capture operations, while the rest of you will stay in Donghai to try to trap the murderer here. We can’t let them get away this time.”

Ji Lin’s announcement made everyone’s eyes widen.

“Wait, Ji Lin… you’re leaving Donghai?”

“This is so sudden!”

“Why go overseas now? Have you found a clue?”

“There must be a reason for Ji Lin’s decision. He probably has a specific scientist in mind.”

Everyone was surprised by Ji Lin’s departure, but after some thought, they trusted that Ji Lin wouldn’t abandon them or flee from danger. He had a good reason.

Indeed, Ji Lin nodded, stood up, and pointed at a photo of a white-haired elderly man on the screen, working in a lab in Japan. He was a pioneer in low-temperature freezing studies and currently led their hibernation project.

“This leader in Japan has been traveling a lot recently. I think the murderer might target him next, so I need to go to Japan to coordinate with local police and set up an ambush.”

The team nodded, understanding Ji Lin’s logic.

Given the number of potential targets worldwide, if the murderer was operating internationally, it made little sense to stay only in Donghai.

Ji Lin was the only one with the necessary connections and influence to handle such tasks abroad.

For the team staying in Donghai, Ji Lin might be leaving, but he left a detailed plan of action. They just needed to follow it carefully. However, Lin Xian’s thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Ji Lin was up to something.

Though Ji Lin’s plan to catch the murderer abroad sounded plausible—since not all crimes would happen in Donghai—Lin Xian still suspected Ji Lin might be the murderer.

Was Ji Lin simply playing a more elaborate game of cat and mouse?

Suddenly, Ji Lin caught Lin Xian’s gaze. He smiled, looked around, and said, “Even though I invited Lin Xian here, you’ve all seen his skills through our work together. He’s solved many tough cases with us. His sharp analytical skills are obvious to everyone.”

“And now, the most crucial task is to predict the murderer’s next moves and set up an ambush. Lin Xian, having been at two crime scenes, has a strong instinct and can be trusted. So, while I’m away, I hope you’ll rely on Lin Xian’s judgment in identifying potential targets. I’m confident he won’t let you down.”

After Ji Lin spoke, the others nodded in agreement. They trusted Lin Xian; he had proved himself by solving numerous cases and was well-respected among his peers.

“Are you really going?”

In the shared dormitory, Ji Lin was packing his suitcase while Lin Xian leaned against the wall, watching him.

“Aren’t you worried about missing something with so many scientists coming to Donghai?”

Ji Lin stopped packing and looked at Lin Xian. “I thought you’d be glad I’m going away. Isn’t more freedom a good thing for you?”

He grinned. “Starting tomorrow, no one will limit your freedom. You can go home, go out, or have fun whenever you like. What will you do on your first day of freedom? Take a vacation?”

“Tomorrow?” Lin Xian checked the date on his phone. “I have plans. I’m going to a little girl’s birthday party.”

Ji Lin looked puzzled. “How do you know so many little girls?”

“No, this time it’s actually a little girl,” Lin Xian laughed. “A fourteen-year-old patient. I’m going to the hospital to celebrate her birthday.”

“You really are kind-hearted,” Ji Lin resumed packing his suitcase. “Compassionate and kind.”

He zipped up his suitcase and headed towards the door.

“When will you be back?” Lin Xian asked, watching him leave.

“It won’t be long. Once I’ve caught the murderer or secured the academic leader, I’ll return.”

Ji Lin turned to face Lin Xian. “If you catch the murderer here before I do, I’ll come back to celebrate with you. Either way, I’ll be back by my birthday on May 3rd. I’m looking forward to your birthday gift.”

Lin Xian chuckled. Even at such a moment, Ji Lin was thinking about his birthday.

“Is your birthday that important to you?”

“Absolutely,” Ji Lin affirmed. “Because… I have a date with friends.”

“Chu An Qing?”

“And you,” Ji Lin added.

The air suddenly felt still. Although they were only a few meters apart, their eye contact seemed to span a vast, insurmountable distance.

“Goodbye, Lin Xian.” Ji Lin turned and walked away, pulling his suitcase.

Lin Xian stood still, not following him. He didn’t see Ji Lin off. He just stood inside, listening to the sound of the suitcase rolling away, then the ding of the elevator door opening.

Then… silence.

“Goodbye,” Lin Xian whispered softly.

He never intended to go to Ji Lin’s birthday party or give him a birthday gift.

At the moment, the suspicions around Ji Lin, Ji Xin Shui, and Zhou Duan Yun remained unresolved.

A blood debt must be repaid with blood.

This cat-and-mouse game could only end with one side’s death. There was no draw, no tie, only a fight to the death.

Perhaps in Ji Lin’s heart, he genuinely considered Lin Xian and Chu An Qing as friends. But Lin Xian did not. Not even for a moment. He could never be friends with the murderer who killed Xu Yun and Tang Xin. A blood debt can only be repaid with blood.

…

“Happy birthday, Xiang Yue!”

On April 1st, at Donghai University Affiliated Hospital, on the 17th floor, in Zheng Xiang Yue’s ward.

The candles on the cake were blown out by Zheng Xiang Yue. She giggled, adjusted the birthday princess hat on her head, and made a heartfelt wish.

“Here’s your birthday gift.” Lin Xian brought out a large foil-wrapped package with a big pink bow from behind him. The gift inside seemed almost as large as Zheng Xiang Yue herself!

But it didn’t seem too heavy as Lin Xian lifted it with ease.

“Wow! It’s so big!” Zheng Xiang Yue dived towards it! It was soft, and she sank into it. “Brother Lin Xian! Can I open it now?”

“Of course,” Lin Xian smiled. “It’s your birthday gift; it’s all yours.”

Zheng Xiang Yue eagerly untied the bow and tore off the colorful foil, revealing a soft toy inside.

“It’s a huge Rhine Cat! I’ve never seen one this big!”

Her eyes widened in disbelief at the massive Rhine Cat toy. She tried to hug it several times but couldn’t wrap her arms around it due to her short reach. Finally, Zheng Cheng He lifted both her and the giant Rhine Cat onto the bed.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Lin Xian.” Zheng Cheng He sincerely thanked Lin Xian.

“Xiang Yue has always loved Rhine Cat toys. I’ve bought her many… but I’ve never seen one this big in any store.”

“That’s because it’s a limited edition. There are only two in the world,” Lin Xian explained with a smile. “When we first designed this toy, the factory made two samples for us to review. But the production cost was high… our boss didn’t want to sell expensive items, so the project was put on hold.”

“Now, the Rhine Cats on the market are all smaller. This large prototype was never released, and I took it from the warehouse for Xiang Yue.”

“Wow! Only two in the world!” Zheng Xiang Yue hugged the huge Rhine Cat, rolling around happily. “Who has the other one?”

“The other one…” Lin Xian

He remembered the MX company’s celebration party where Chu An Qing won the other giant Rhine Cat toy. He gently patted Zheng Xiang Yue’s head and said, “The other one belongs to another little princess. You both are princesses.”

Zheng Xiang Yue giggled, clutching the Rhine Cat tightly, reluctant to let go.

After they finished the cake and cleaned up, Lin Xian prepared to leave.

“Mr. Lin Xian, how did you get here?” Zheng Cheng He inquired.

“I took a taxi.”

“Let me drive you back.”

Zheng Cheng He smiled and pointed towards the parking lot outside the window. “My taxi is parked out there. I took the day off to celebrate Xiang Yue’s birthday, but I should get back to work. Let me drop you off at your office first.”

Lin Xian agreed.

Zheng Cheng He usually worked day shifts as a taxi driver, and it was his usual working hours now.

The two said goodbye to Zheng Xiang Yue and made their way to the parking lot. Zheng Cheng He opened the car door, and Lin Xian climbed into the front passenger seat.

“Mr. Lin Xian, where to?”

“To the Donghai City Police Department,” Lin Xian answered. With Ji Lin gone, Lin Xian’s schedule had become even busier, especially as he adjusted to his new responsibilities.

Zheng Cheng He started the car and pulled out a mask and sunglasses from the glove compartment. Seeing this, Lin Xian sat up.

“Do you always cover up like this when you drive?”

“I have to…” Zheng Cheng He gave a wry smile and pointed to his right cheek. “My right face is covered in scars. I don’t want to scare my passengers…”

Lin Xian said nothing, simply nodding in understanding. “Okay.”