Genius Club

Chapter 163: The Bait

MX Company, 20th Floor, Lin Xian’s Office

Lin Xian sat at his desk, spinning a pen thoughtfully, mulling over what Chu Shan He had said earlier.

The current evidence held by the Donghai City Police suggested that Tang Xin, a woman with a complicated personal life, was the victim of a revenge killing. Dashcam footage and chat logs from Tang Xin’s phone seemed to support this idea, making it appear legitimate. But what if… What if all that evidence was fabricated? Could Zhou Duan Yun and his partners be behind it?

That raised another question—Who were Zhou Duan Yun’s partners? So far, Zhou Duan Yun had avoided all blame. Aside from Lin Xian, no one suspected him. But Lin Xian’s suspicions were just theories, without solid proof. He needed more clues. Lin Xian tapped his desk rhythmically.

For now, he seemed safe. Maybe Zhou Duan Yun and his partners had marked him but hadn’t decided to move against him yet. What were they waiting for? He had to act fast. The key lay in the fake evidence used against Tang Xin.

“I need to see that evidence myself,” Lin Xian thought, eyes closed.

Approaching the police directly wouldn’t work; they wouldn’t listen to him, much less show him confidential evidence. So… “Maybe I can talk to Ji Lin directly.”

Lin Xian had only met Ji Lin once, but they had a good chat at the Donghai Chamber of Commerce’s New Year’s Eve party. Ji Lin was a fan of the Rhine Cat brand, and Lin Xian admired his books. Perhaps Ji Lin could offer insights the police couldn’t.

Lin Xian opened his browser and started searching for news about Ji Lin. With the upcoming Oscar ceremony, Ji Lin was often in the entertainment news. Everyone was wondering if he could win the Best Screenplay Oscar. This was unprecedented for someone from the country.

As he scrolled, Lin Xian noticed Ji Lin had been more social lately, attending many events in Donghai City. His promoters were likely boosting his visibility. Lin Xian learned from a past collaborator that Ji Lin would be at a book fair soon. He planned to meet him there.

Two Days Later

Outside the Donghai City Library, the book fair was lively. After the events, Lin Xian followed a publisher backstage and found Ji Lin.

“Hi, Ji Lin.”

“Lin Xian?” Ji Lin turned, surprised. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Do you have a moment?” Lin Xian asked. “I’d like to talk privately. If you’re busy, we can find another time.”

“It’s fine. Follow me.”

Ji Lin led Lin Xian to a meeting room and invited him to sit. Lin Xian got straight to the point. Ji Lin nodded. “Yes, I’ve heard. My involvement with the Donghai City Police was bound to be revealed. It’s no big deal.”

“I’m glad,” Lin Xian said. “Tang Xin was my high school friend. We were close. I know the investigation results, but she wasn’t like that. I wanted to discuss it with you.”

“Of course, I understand your position. I know you’re bound by confidentiality, but this is about Tang Xin’s reputation. Her family deserves the truth.”

Ji Lin gave a gentle smile. “You’re kind, Lin Xian. I understand. You doubt the police evidence and think someone falsified it against Tang Xin.”

Lin Xian nodded.

“I see,” Ji Lin said, adjusting his posture. “I came to Donghai for a similar reason.”

“For what reason?” Lin Xian inquired.

“To seek justice for a friend.”

“A friend?”

Lin Xian remembered Ji Lin at Professor Xu Yun’s memorial. “Was Professor Xu Yun your friend? You seemed quite different in age. Was it a cross-generational friendship?”

“No.”

Ji Lin shook his head. “Xu Yun was my sister’s husband.”

“So, your brother-in-law,” Lin Xian clarified.

“Technically, yes. But I never called him that. He was a friend first.”

“Why?”

“I’m adopted. My sister and I aren’t blood relatives.”

“I see.” Lin Xian pondered Ji Lin’s complex family ties. “So, you’re here to find Xu Yun’s murderer?”

“Exactly,” Ji Lin confirmed. “Though not related by blood, Xu Yun was like a brother. He inspired me a lot as a kid. I owe it to him.”

“I grew up with few friends. Besides my sister, Xu Yun was significant to me. Sadly, he’s gone, and his murderer is free. I stayed in Donghai to solve this.”

Lin Xian now understood Ji Lin’s sudden involvement in the police investigation and his connection to Xu Yun.

“That’s why I get where you’re coming from,” Ji Lin said, turning to Lin Xian. “Seeing Tang Xin maligned and murdered must be hard for you. The police haven’t gone public with the information yet.”

“But facts are facts, and evidence is evidence. Once the murderer is found, the truth will come out.”

“If you doubt our work, I can show you the unpublished files. See for yourself.”

“Really?” Lin Xian was startled. He hadn’t expected access to confidential police information.

“Technically, no,” Ji Lin smiled. “But for you, I’ll make an exception.” He paused, then added, “Honestly, even if you hadn’t come to me today, I’d have reached out to you.”

“Why?”

“There are aspects of Xu Yun’s case that tie back to you. I’m not saying you’re involved, but there are odd connections. I need to know… why are all profits from Xu Yun’s chemical research under your name?”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation