Ordinary people would have no idea what Zhao Simeng was doing. Forensic expert Huang, watching in disbelief, asked, "Is this girl new here? What kind of examination uses these items? Don't tell me you can figure something out with a red umbrella and a few potted succulents! Haha!"Xiao Yuande, equally puzzled, chimed in, "A forensic investigator should be using shadowless lamps and wearing gloves at the scene. But here she is, opening a red umbrella and setting out plants. Is it because investigating a scene is so boring that she's using the plants to lighten the mood?"Ignoring their remarks, Zhao calmly opened the red umbrella and squeezed juice from a succulent onto one of the shattered car windows.Under the red umbrella, a peculiar light shone onto the window next to the driver's seat.Moments later, metallic powder began to emerge on the glass.I approached her, intrigued. "Zhao Simeng, what is this?""Bones are opaque objects that selectively reflect sunlight. The driver's side window was once scratched by a metal tool. Someone who couldn't find the keys broke the window to get into the car. That's why metallic residue was left behind," she explained."Can you tell what kind of metal it was?" I asked."A wrench," Zhao replied confidently.Forensic expert Huang, still skeptical, came over to observe. But even he had to admit she was right.His face turned red as he realized his error. Swallowing hard, he asked, "Without any equipment, how did you figure this out?""Do I really need equipment for this?"Not backing down, Huang retorted, "You may have some skills, but these methods seem more like superstition!""Even if that were the case, it can all be scientifically explained. This red umbrella filters certain wavelengths of light, while the succulent juice makes metallic residue more visible. As for the vinegar…"Before Zhao could finish, Huang interrupted, "Impossible! I've been a forensic expert for 20 years and never encountered anything like this!""So, someone else drove this car, and that person might be linked to Zhang Jiye's disappearance?" I interjected, steering the conversation back on track.Zhao stood up, her expression cold as always, and gave a faint smile. "Exactly."She then took out a bottle of vinegar and poured it over the area around the car. Everyone was stunned by her action, unsure how to react. Huang, visibly angry, shouted, "Are you crazy, Zhao Simeng? Don't you know you're contaminating evidence?!""In forensic science, every piece of evidence can be uncovered directly at the scene. Not just objects—if a corpse were here, I could make it speak for itself."To Huang, her words sounded like nonsense. He stood there, dumbfounded, unable to comprehend.Zhao, unbothered by the anger and surprise of those around her, continued with her work. After the vinegar was poured, handprints of various sizes began to appear on the front windshield of the white Porsche."Wait—are those… animal footprints?" I exclaimed."Yes. If my calculations are correct, it's from a German shepherd," Zhao replied, biting her lollipop with a confident smile.How could this be? The officers at the scene were all stunned by her deduction. Huang, refusing to accept this, accused her: "This must be some kind of witchcraft! There's no way animal footprints could show up on the car—especially after it was submerged in water!""Do you even qualify as a forensic expert, Huang? Witchcraft? Really?""Impossible! This is absolutely impossible!" Huang muttered, staring at the blue Porsche in disbelief.I spoke up, "The vinegar caused the invisible footprints to reappear. It's a natural chemical reaction. While I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, one thing is clear: a German shepherd was in contact with this Porsche. If we can find the dog's owner, we might uncover more clues.""You're right, Captain He! How did I not think of that?" Xiao Yuande said, slapping his forehead in realization.Zhao nodded and said, "As a forensic expert, this is as far as I can take you. The rest is up to you.""Wait! What did you mean earlier by 'forensic science'? What's the difference?" Xiao called after her as she was leaving.Zhao didn't respond. I pulled Xiao aside and explained, "Forensic science, or 'forensics,' was traditionally known as 'coroner work' in ancient times. These were the officials responsible for examining bodies in cases of unnatural death—essentially the predecessors of modern forensic experts.""So, the techniques she's using are based on ancient methods?" Xiao asked."Exactly. In all my years as a detective, I've never seen such a young forensic expert demonstrate skills this extraordinary," I replied.I then began recounting the history of Song Ci, the pioneer of forensic science."That umbrella is likely called an 'examination umbrella.' Legend has it that when the red umbrella is held over bones, any injuries will reveal red markings. This technique, much like modern ultraviolet light detection, relies on optical principles. The red umbrella Zhao used is treated with certain chemicals that react to light, a method documented as far back as the Song Dynasty during the time of Song Ci. Over the centuries, this technique has been refined to near perfection."Xiao handed me a cigarette as I spoke. After exhaling a puff of smoke, I continued, "The use of vinegar, fermented grains, white plum, and gallnuts to expose wounds is another traditional method. What Zhao did today, though ancient, has a solid scientific basis."