"What method did they use to make the victims take the drugs? There's no need to investigate that in detail, since it's probably the same as before."
After the teacher was sentenced, I went to the detention center to see him for the last time, as he was soon to be executed.
When I saw him, I asked, "Teacher, why?"
"You've asked me this question so many times, He Sheng. Actually, I was conducting an experiment—an experiment called the perfect crime. But I failed. You should know that every case in this world leaves a trail, so don't try to think about the perfect crime!"
"Yes, teacher, your experiment has taught me a lot," I said.
At that moment, Professor Huo suddenly changed his tone, a strange cold smile appearing on his face as he said, "Actually, I had already figured out how to escape the charges, but before I came to Fuming City, I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. I didn't want you to live with regret, so I deliberately allowed myself to be caught!"
"What was your plan?" I asked, curious.
"Earlier, I installed a tracker on the underside of your police cars," he said with a laugh. "I know your every move, so escaping would have been easy as long as I avoided them. Would I still not be able to escape?"
Hearing his answer almost made me faint. To think he had gone that far! The gap between the teacher I remembered and the person before me now was so vast that I didn't know how to face him anymore.
Noticing my silence, the teacher continued, "Actually, there was something I missed in the lessons I gave you. If, during my attempt to kill, a professor returning late from overtime or a student lingering in the hallway had suddenly appeared, I would have been caught. So, there is no such thing as a perfect crime."
"Teacher, I understand. I will write a book about all the details you've shared with me, so that others can learn from it," I said.
"That's good, He Sheng. You're the most accomplished student I've ever taught, and because of you, I was caught."
His words were filled with irony, but the truth was indeed as he said. I replied, "Teacher, I will carry on your will and ensure that Fuming City remains peaceful forever."
"Haha, don't learn from me and become a murderer. Although I never directly killed anyone, it was my drug that made all this happen," he said with a chuckle.
"Do you know Li Mengman?" I asked.
"No, I don't know her. Is she the first killer behind the explosive tablets in Fuming City?" Professor Huo replied. At that moment, I opened my deep eyes and realized that he wasn't lying.
So Li Mengman wasn't working with Professor Huo. I said, "No, I thought you were in cahoots, but it seems not."
"I see. I used that drug on some researchers before. I don't know how Li Mengman got it. Most of the researchers are still at Longteng Pharmaceuticals. You should investigate there; you might find something," he said.
Now, the teacher's identity was quite awkward—he was a criminal, yet he was still teaching me how to solve crimes. I said, "I understand, thank you for your cooperation."
After saying goodbye to the teacher and leaving the detention center, I figured I would never see him again.
Before his death, he told me that Longteng Pharmaceuticals still had problems. I immediately brought Xiao Yuande and Gao Qiang to Longteng Pharmaceuticals. However, when we arrived, we found that the company had been completely emptied, as if everyone had fled.
"Damn! So the real mastermind behind all this is Longteng Pharmaceuticals! No wonder they could produce so many of those pills," I thought to myself. Now that the teacher was dead, no one knew where they had escaped to. I had the tech team investigate the whereabouts of Manager Du and the others, but after a long search, we found nothing.
It was as though these staff members had disappeared without a trace. Of course, I wouldn't give up on the investigation, but time was passing, and I couldn't let this case delay other matters.
Just as I was about to handle another case, I received news from Xie Deguang. He said that when these researchers were trying to flee overseas, their ship encountered a tornado, and everyone perished.
Looking at the news, I sighed, "Teacher, see? They didn't escape. There is truly no such thing as a perfect crime!"
I couldn't help but shed tears. I remembered the teachings of my teacher. I could only visit his tombstone, lay down flowers, and reflect on how, with his lifetime of effort, he had shown me the true meaning of the perfect crime. Although he ended up with a ruined reputation, his influence on me was profound.
After laying the flowers, I left the cemetery. Outside, Zhao Simeng was waiting for me, comforting me that it was time to stop grieving, and that a new life was beginning now.
I nodded, and as I checked the time, I realized that the New Year was approaching. I asked Zhao Simeng, "You don't have any plans for the holiday, right?"
"Not really. What do you want to do?" she replied.
I said, "Nothing special. Just that we'll be even busier during the New Year."
I wasn't wrong in saying that. Police officers are often busier during the New Year because many criminals don't go home.
We were heading towards the police station, planning to get back to work. However, halfway there, Director Liu suddenly called and said, "He Team, I have a new task for you."
"Go ahead," I replied.
"Are you still in Fuming City?"
"Of course, why wouldn't we be?"
"Good. I need you to go to Tangyuan Town in Gaogang City. The local chief will meet you. There's a new case there. Once you arrive, investigate it thoroughly. I know it's almost the New Year, but please help us out!"
From the phone call, I could hear Director Liu's voice clearly. Zhao Simeng immediately grabbed the phone and said, "Why does Director Liu keep sending us back and forth? What's the connection between Gaogang City and Fuming City? Why does he keep sending us there?"
"I have a strong connection with the chief in Gaogang City. They encountered some difficulties, so I just need you to go help out," Director Liu explained.
"You sly fox, how can we refuse now?" Zhao Simeng said after a few exchanges with Director Liu.
Afterward, I quickly snatched the phone back and said, "Director Liu, please send us the specific address. We'll go there immediately."
"That's my He Sheng! I've already sent it to you. But this time, my daughter will also be coming with you."
"What?!" I slammed on the brakes in surprise. Liu Kejing had appeared right in front of our car!
"I'm here, He Sheng-gege!"
"Director Liu told me to take a break and come learn from you!"
Hearing his daughter's voice, Director Liu said, "Did you hear her? This time, you have to teach her well—teach her what criminal investigation and reasoning is. With you as her teacher, I can rest easy."
Since Director Liu said it like that, I really couldn't refuse. I let Liu Kejing join us in the car, though Zhao Simeng seemed a bit displeased, saying, "Why does this little girl always follow us around like a tail?"