Chen Ge was extremely relieved that he hadn't been badmouthing Zhang Ya behind her back. He let out an awkward smile. "I just felt the dance studio was too stuffy, so I wanted to come out and get some fresh air."
Red blood flowed down from her collar, soaking her body over and over. Zhang Ya stared at Chen Ge for a long time before raising her pale, slender arm and pointing in the direction of the campus office building.
"You want me to go there?" Before Chen Ge could ask any more questions, Zhang Ya vanished.
Chen Ge was now only a few meters from the school gate. He was torn. If he went to investigate, he'd likely run into more danger. But if he left now, he'd feel reluctant to walk away.
"Zhang Ya's attitude toward me seems to have softened a bit. Her hint probably has something to do with the case from four years ago. But there seem to be more than one terrifying existence like Zhang Ya in this school. I'd better wait for the police before going back in."
After climbing over the campus wall, Chen Ge stood guard outside with his tool hammer, unsure whether Zhang Peng was still alive. He was on high alert, ready to rush in and deliver the finishing blow at any moment.
Fifteen minutes later, blinding headlights pierced the darkness as two police cars drove up from the end of the road.
Chen Ge emerged from the roadside, waving his phone flashlight. "I'm over here!"
The police cars stopped at the entrance to Xicheng Private School. Captain Li and another completely unfamiliar officer stepped out.
"Uncle Li, you guys got here fast." By Chen Ge's estimate, the police should have taken at least another half hour to arrive.
"We got a report from a taxi driver earlier — said he'd possibly encountered a robber. We were already planning to come to Xicheng Private Academy." Captain Li had dark circles under his eyes; he'd been running on high intensity for several days straight.
"Thank you for your hard work, thank you. Come in quickly — Zhang Peng should still be inside!" Chen Ge pointed at the abandoned school gate, looking for all the world like he was welcoming guests into his own home.
"Dayong." Captain Li waved to the rear. A stocky officer who stood 1.9 meters tall retrieved a pair of hydraulic cutters from the trunk and pried open the school gate. "Once we're inside the campus, follow protocol. The suspect is very cunning — work in pairs, don't split up."
He turned back to look at Chen Ge. "Where was the last place you saw the suspect?"
"I'm not sure where the suspect is right now, but I have something else to report." Chen Ge walked over to Captain Li and gazed toward the office building Zhang Ya had pointed to. "Captain Li, let me take you somewhere."
"Dayong, stay here. Everyone else, proceed as planned." Captain Li called the 1.9-meter-tall officer, and the two followed Chen Ge into the office building.
The building was only three stories, but the renovation quality was far superior to any of the other structures outside.
"What are you bringing us here for? Has the suspect been here before?" Captain Li held up his flashlight, his gaze sharp. The fatigue had vanished from his features — the moment he stepped into a crime scene, he was like a different person.
"Zhang Peng probably hasn't entered the office building." Chen Ge walked ahead, recalling the exact spot Zhang Ya had pointed to. "The place I'm taking you to is related to the girl's suicide four years ago."
"Didn't I say we'd investigate that after Zhang Peng is caught? One thing at a time — the top priority right now is catching Zhang Peng."
"We're here. This is the room." Chen Ge didn't bother answering Captain Li. The only reason he'd waited for the police before entering the office building was to minimize the risk.
The door read "Sports Equipment Room." After tearing off the seal and kicking the door open, Chen Ge and Captain Li stepped inside.
The room was haphazardly piled with all kinds of balls. On the cabinets lining the walls sat badminton rackets, ping pong paddles, and other sports equipment.