At that time, several of us were discussing why the murderer would act that way.
"Actually, the so-called perfect crime is the process where the criminal commits the act, eliminates evidence, and then creates an alibi for themselves!"
"Let's not talk about cases abroad for now. Let's just take our campus as an example. If one were to commit a perfect crime on campus, how would we, as the perpetrator, execute it?"
As soon as Professor Huo said this, many students looked at each other, unsure of how to respond. Professor Huo said, "I understand it's hard for you to imagine. Would you consider the restroom?"
"That's right, Professor. If the crime is committed in a place like the restroom, where there are no surveillance cameras…" A student had not finished speaking when Professor Huo interrupted him: "Most people would probably think along those lines. But what if someone entered the restroom during the act? Wouldn't they catch you red-handed? Even afterward, the body would surely be discovered."
Hearing the professor's words, many students began to discuss again.
At that moment, an idea struck me, and I said, "If it's in the hallway of a university building, we might be able to avoid the cameras. Additionally, if we time it right, during a period when few people are around, it might work."
Hearing my suggestion, Professor Huo shifted his attention to me, adjusted his glasses, and said, "Go on."
"For example, at our school, at around 11:10 AM, all students and professors head to the cafeteria for lunch. If we use a method to delay our target, making them go to the cafeteria with us, and then, in an empty hallway without surveillance, suddenly push them down the stairs and leave quickly—of course, wearing gloves beforehand—then…"
"Good point," Professor Huo said. "Afterward, when the police investigate, they can't find any surveillance footage or fingerprints on the deceased. They would be unable to gather evidence. The school administration would undoubtedly panic. Over time, to cover up the incident and protect the school's reputation, they might suppress the case. With no breakthroughs from the police, the matter would simply fade away."
After hearing this, many students became alarmed, thinking that if someone were to use such a method, wouldn't it make them very unsafe?
Suddenly, a student said, "If such a serious incident occurred, how could the school cover it up? Shouldn't they cooperate with the police to thoroughly investigate?"
"Heh, you're wrong. From the school's perspective, they wouldn't care about the truth of the case. As long as the school's reputation is preserved, they would stop at nothing to cover it up. At this point, with the police finding no clues, the case would go cold. Don't assume reality works like TV dramas, where justice always prevails. This world operates within many frameworks."
Hearing this, even more students looked puzzled. I also fell into deep thought. But the professor quickly clarified, "The reason we analyze perfect crimes is not to encourage harm, but to train you to think critically when investigating a case. Don't just look at surface clues or witness testimonies. You must put yourself in the perpetrator's shoes and ask, 'If I were them, how would I act?' By doing this, you can trace their methods and motivations. That's the essence of a crime, and tracing it back leads to the truth."
Clap, clap, clap.
Professor Huo's words elicited a round of enthusiastic applause from all the students. I was also deeply inspired by his thinking, admiring his sharp mind and his expertise as a professor at the police academy.
As I recalled this, Professor Huo suddenly said, "Explosive pills—what an interesting concept!"
"What? Have you heard of this case too?"
"Of course. It seems you've already solved it, right?"
"Yes, Professor Huo. Why did you still come to help?"
As we chatted, we arrived near Wanda Plaza. A girl was passing by carrying several shopping bags. Everything seemed normal, but just as she walked past us, there was a sudden bang!
Professor Huo and I quickly stepped back a few paces. The girl's abdomen burst open, and her body collapsed to the ground like a pile of soil with a groan.
Professor Huo and I rushed over. He told me to keep others away and immediately called for backup. I began to block people from getting too close.
However, many passersby couldn't resist taking out their cameras and snapping photos. These people were truly reckless. Was curiosity so terrifying?
They disregarded all risks to take pictures. Many began discussing the situation nearby. Some seemed to recall hearing about explosive pills in the news and kept talking about it.
I originally thought the explosive pill case had ended after capturing Li Mengman. I didn't expect a new incident to arise so soon.
I wondered if leftover pills from that infamous online shop had resurfaced. Otherwise, how could someone still be killed this way?
At this moment, Professor Huo, who seemed like an experienced forensic examiner, crouched beside the body, put on rubber gloves, and began inspecting.
He first examined the girl's abdomen and ribs, muttering in frustration, "Only two ribs were fractured."
Something about his tone puzzled me. It sounded as if he was dissatisfied, almost as though he had expected more ribs to be broken. I wanted to activate my "Deep Sight," but I refrained.
I asked him, "What did you just say?"
"Nothing. Inform the forensic team. I can't handle this situation myself." Professor Huo suddenly shifted his demeanor. Because it was him, I didn't doubt him and stayed by his side until support arrived.
Soon, Zhao Simeng arrived with her assistant. They quickly approached the body and began their examination. Upon arrival, Zhao Simeng exclaimed, "How could this happen?"
Their reaction suggested disbelief that such an incident had occurred again. I signaled to her with my eyes that I was equally clueless.
Zhao Simeng crouched down, took out tools from her forensic kit, including an autopsy umbrella, yin-yang pillow, and listening rod, and began her examination.
It was my first time seeing her tools, but Professor Huo seemed unsurprised, saying, "I've heard there's a skilled forensic examiner at your precinct. I didn't expect it to be true! This set of tools is quite impressive!"
"Who are you?" Zhao Simeng asked curiously upon seeing Professor Huo for the first time.
"This is my university professor, Professor Huo," I explained.
"So, it's Professor Huo. My skills are just average," Zhao Simeng replied casually before using the listening rod on the deceased's ruptured abdomen.
I wasn't sure what she heard, but after a while, she told us, "I just heard the victim's blood moving within her chest. The bone marrow in her ribs contains traces of explosive chemicals, but the potency seems weaker than before."