Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

In an open area with chilly winds all around that seemed to prick the skin.

Her feet stood on muddy ground, but she dared not take another step

One black hole.

Two black holes.

The third, and the fourth

In front of Xiang Wan, there was a vast and desolate dark space. Apart from watching the jagged black holes that stretched out endlessly over the immense space, there was nothing she could do. She couldnt prevent the black holes from activating, and she didnt dare to move recklessly The black holes were as deep as the dark abyss. One wrong step and shed be crushed to pieces

The dream was excruciatingly long. Xiang Wans nerves were taut as the strings of a bow.

When she woke up, she realized that she was drenched in perspiration.

Huff!She ruffled her hair; her fingers felt somewhat moist as her head was also damp with sweat.

She could still feel tremors in her chest. She took some time to calm down before she looked at the time on her mobile phone.

It was eight oclock in the morning already!

Fortunately, the nightmare woke her up.

Xiang Wan took a look at her thick blackout curtains and yawned, fell back to bed and only climbed out after two minutes

Youre finally up? Captain Cheng has been waiting for you for a long time. Fang Yuanyuan was in the living room talking to Cheng Zheng. When she saw Xiang Wan come out of her room, she smiled and winked at her. Quick, eat your breakfast! Captain Cheng made it, heheh. Thanks to you, I got to eat something nice this morning. Im done with my share, so Im going to get ready for work now!

With that, Fang Yuanyuan quickly dashed into her bedroom.

Xiang Wan was left alone with Cheng Zheng, feeling awkward when she saw him sitting properly on the sofa.

My apologies for waking up late.

Its alright, we still have time. Cheng Zheng took a look at his watch. Hurry up and eat your breakfast or itll be cold soon.

Hm, Xiang Wan responded somewhat unnaturally before asking him politely, Have you eaten?

Ive eaten! Im just waiting for you.

Geez! I feel awkward all over,thought Xiang Wan.

Xiang Wan hurriedly sat down to eat at the dining table while Cheng Zheng sat alone on the sofa, quietly reading Fang Yuanyuans magazine.

Sis, Im off to work now! Fang Yuanyuan came out of her room, grabbed her bag, and left the house as if fleeing for her life.

Xiang Wan felt even more awkward now that it was just the two of them under one roof.

She didnt take more than two minutes to eat breakfast.

After that, she got changed, applied her lipstick and packed her laptop bagthat was another five minutes.

The entire process didnt take more than ten minutes, totally breaking her best speed record in getting ready for work.

Im done, we can go now!

Cheng Zheng glanced at her. Maybe he was moved by her speed, but he didnt say a word as he stood up from the sofa.

He was a quiet person who kept silent most of the time. On the journey to work, Xiang Wan was preoccupied with her own thoughts and only chatted casually with an occasional sentence or two. When they arrived at the office, she totally couldnt remember what theyd talked about.

The detectives saw her and Cheng Zheng coming in together but they only took a look, and that was all.

Im going up. Cheng Zheng nodded at her politely and proceeded to the forensics team.

With such politeness, maybe no one would have guessed that they were next-door neighbors, had eaten breakfast together, and had gone to work together.

Xiang Wan suddenly felt the urge to laugh.

Well, it was good that Cheng Zheng knew how to behave to avoid gossip. That way she wouldnt need to worry so much.

However, it was best not to get too close to him. Otherwise, if their relationship got too close, it would spell trouble for her.

After all, the two of them had gone on a blind date before

When there werent any major cases, the advisor would stay idle. The only thing she could do was ask Tang Yuanchu for some files to look through some past cases. She treated each and every bizarre case as stories to read; stories she could learn from and use as a way to kill time.

In the end, the more she read, the more fascinated she became

Whats so great about the creativity of the authors?

The creativity of the masses is the greatest!

Actual cases were far more nonsensical, exaggerated, and more intriguing than stories

Perhaps it was possible if people outside of stories never thought of it, but ultimately there was nothing that couldnt be done.

When it was lunchtime, Xiang Wan met Mei Xin.

Female police officers were a rare commodity. When they both saw each other, they naturally chose to sit together.

And naturally there was nothing to say.

Xiang Wan had felt two incidents of awkwardness on the same day and now believed in the saying like teacher, like pupil. Mei Xin was Cheng Zhengs disciple. She was a carbon copy of Cheng Zheng; their personalities were exactly the same

Teacher Xiang, where are you going after lunch? Mei Xin put down her chopsticks and suddenly asked.

It was rare for Mei Xin to take the initiative to talk to her. Surprised, Xiang Wan put on a smile.

Im planning on lying down on my desk or reading a book. You know that I dont have anything to do for now.

Could you do me a favor? she asked.

Eh? Okay. Xiang Wan smiled radiantly.

Mei Xin said her thanks and went to put away her food tray before coming back to sit with her.

I cant eat anymore if shes going to wait for me like this!Xiang Wan felt the other woman staring at her, and she instantly thought of herself as naked meat spread out in front of Mei Xin.

Wait for me! She picked up her food tray and left the table.

When she came back, she realized Mei Xin was still sitting in the same pose, as if she hadnt moved at all.

What a weird person!

Xiang Wan laughed. We can go now!

Mei Xin nodded her head and left with Xiang Wan.

The two of them were poles apart in terms of personality; one was warm while the other was cold. Many male police officers cast their eyes on them as they walked across the canteen.

Xiang Wan didnt know how hanging out with Mei Xin would affect her, but she could sense something unusual from their gazes.

I dont have friends, Mei Xin said suddenly. Im not familiar with them.

Oh. Xiang Wan didnt know how to answer that and suddenly realized that her own emotional intelligence was really quite lacking.

In the office, I hardly talk to anyone. Of course, that includes meal times as well.

Xiang Wan understood now.

That meant Mei Xin was so cold and aloof that she didnt mingle with anyone, yet she was willing to get close to Xiang Wan, and that attracted the attention of their colleagues?

Thank you for the honor. Xiang Wan laughed softly, trying to make the atmosphere less embarrassing, Im wondering what you want me to do for you?

Mei Xin glanced at her. Its something very simple. Dont be nervous.

Was she nervous? She was sure that she wasnt.

Yes, as long as it didnt involve moving a real body specimen or something like that, she wouldnt be nervous

Soon enough, Xiang Wan realized that shed been wrong. Mei Xin hadnt lied to her. It really was something very simple.

The forensics team had a large balcony where several layers of flower racks were placed on top. On the flower racks, there were many succulent plants being raised on the shelves.

These succulent plants were well-cared for and appeared to be flourishing. They were neatly arranged and indulgently fitted into decorative flower pots. Xiang Wan found them breathtakingly beautiful.

At first, Xiang Wan felt as if shed walked into the succulent section of the XiShuangBanNa BotanicalGarden¹. She was so surprised that her mouth fell agape.

These are all yours?

No. They belong to Captain Cheng. Im helping him take care of them.

Of course, I like them too. I bought some of the pots over there myself.

Oh, okay!

Xiang Wan felt like her brain couldnt keep up with what was happening.

The two cold and apathetic human beings were actually succulent lovers? And they were the owners of these lovely, adorable succulent plants?

She somehow felt creeped out by the scene!

They faced these succulent plants with their emotionless expressions every day. Did they spare a thought for the feelings of these succulent plants?

Tch!The gentle-looking and tiny leaves of these plants How could they stand the cold temperature those two gave off?

Xiang Wan realized that the air-conditioning of the forensics team was really cold and shuddered out of reflex.

I cant imagine that Captain Cheng actually liked these little things

Mei Xin seemed to know what she was thinking.

She gave her a glance without saying anything and proceeded to crouch down, meticulously taking care of these little plants.

Xiang Wan was standing beside her, looking at what she was doing and didnt know where to start.

Um Is there anything I can do to help?

Just watch, answered Mei Xin, You can watch what Im doing.

So Im not here to help out?

The succulents dont need to be watered every day. Mei Xins head was lowered, so she didnt see Xiang Wans startled expression and continued to tell her how to take care of the succulent plants. Theyre meant to grow in tough conditions. Theyre not afraid that you wont love them, only scared that youll love them too much. When you overwater them, they will die.

Xiang Wan squeezed out an okay from her silence.

She didnt know why Mei Xin was doing this, so she could only listen.

When the suns bright, dont water them and dont expose them to long periods of sunlight.

Pests will also eat the succulent plants. Most of the time I dont use insect repellent, but I do use a needle to prick them to death, one by one

Pricked to death, one by one?

Xiang Wan gave an uncontrollable shudder and smiled awkwardly.

Youre really good. You actually know so much about them!

I didnt know in the beginning either, Mei Xin replied casually. I got to know all this after working for so long with Captain Cheng.

Xiang Wan became silent once again.

For a long time, Mei Xin didnt say another word.

When she finished taking care of the row of succulent plants before her, she suddenly turned around and looked deeply at Xiang Wan.

If youre ever free, can you help me take care of them?

? Xiang Wan looked totally confused.

The succulent plants were theirs, not hers. On what basis did she have to help them take care of the plants?

Helping occasionally would count as a favor. But if she were to help them every day, wouldnt it

This didnt feel right; what exactly did Mei Xin mean by asking her this?

Xiang Wan looked into her eyes, but the young woman avoided her gaze. She lifted her hand to wipe her forehead. There was nothing she could read from her expression, Xiang Wan couldnt discern any emotion from her. Even though the fiery sunlight shone onto the balcony, her skin was still pale and colorless.

Captain Cheng really likes you, Mei Xin said suddenly, Will you cherish him, please?

Making such a request with that slightly pleading tone, what was she trying to do?

Xiang Wans mouth closed tightly. After pondering for a while, she laughed softly.

So, youre asking me to learn how to take care of these succulent plants for him?

Mei Xin looked at her. Cant I?

Well I have no clue how to reply to her.

Xiang Wan didnt know if she should say Mei Xin was really naive. Beneath her cold exterior, she actually had such a young, childish heart that was similar to a kindergartener. Or should she say people who study technology had the one-track mind of a simpleton maybe

Why did she assume that other people were willing to do the things that she was willing to do?

Im sorry, I cant. Xiang Wan looked Mei Xin in the eyes and replied seriously.

Mei Xin pursed her lips, not saying a word. She looked at Xiang Wan beseechingly.

As Xiang Wan observed Mei Xin for a moment, she realized something about this outwardly cold and distant female medical examiner. Even if she dealt with dead bodies every day, even if she came into contact with the darkest part of society, she was simply a person who had absolutely no clue how the world worked

You obviously like him, yet youre pushing him into the arms of another. Miss, this is not called being magnanimous. Xiang Wan heaved a sigh of helplessness. After a moments contemplation, she continued, Ill be frank. If another person said this to me, Id call them pretentious. But for you, Id like to say: Miss, you need to have more courage.

She then pointed at the entrance. Ill be going then.

I dont. Mei Xin suddenly seemed flustered and turned around to look at Xiang Wan who was leaving. I really dont like him.

Xiang Wan raised an eyebrow and kept quiet.

Hes my benefactor. Mei Xins gaze was as pure as clear spring water. I just wanted to help him

Benefactor Whats the story behind that?

Xiang Wan was actually a little curious, but in order to avoid getting too involved in Cheng Zhengs affairs, she refrained herself from asking about it.

I got it. Im sorry, I take back what I just said. Xiang Wan smiled. However, Im the same as you too. I dont like him; I just think of him as an ordinary friend. We havent reached the stage where I would help him take care of his succulent plants

When Xiang Wan came back, she noticed that the atmosphere at the main office was somewhat different compared to that morning.

A police officer was answering the phone, leaning over his desk and speaking nervously. Tang Yuanchu was beside the police officer, staring at him with a face full of taut muscles and tense lines.

After hanging up the phone call, they exchanged a few words, and the police officer left with much haste.

When Tang Yuanchu saw Xiang Wan, he paused for a while and walked over in big strides.

Teacher Xiang, youre not busy, right?

He asked politely and Xiang Wan laughed, shaking her head.

Nope!

She wasnt the kind of person who would accept a white collar jobs salary without doing any work. Although she hoped that there wouldnt be any major homicide cases, she would do what she could to alleviate the awkward atmosphere within this new environment, as well as prevent people from assuming she got the job because of her relationship with Bai Muchuan. Lastly, she wasnt someone suffering from princess syndrome.

Detective Tang, did something happen?

She asked nervously and clenched her hands, worried that it might be a big case.

Something did happen. Theres been a report of theft on the set of The Grey List.

Ah! The set of The Grey List had been robbed?

You mean the Criminal Investigation Unit handles cases of theft as well?

This should be the actual, real case of nepotism?Xiang Wan thought. Somehow, she felt a little resentful about it.

Tang Yuanchu glanced at her; he clearly had no idea what she was thinking about. When the thief was leaving, a security guard on the set saw him and got stabbed! Captain Bai just called and told us to hurry over and to get you to come along as well.

This was Xiang Wans first time hearing Bai Muchuans name that day.

She hadnt seen him in the morning either and had deliberately avoided learning more about him.

However, they were working under the same building; how could they possibly have no contact with each other?

Is the man seriously hurt? she asked.

Hes been sent to the hospital; were not sure how he is right now.

Lets go! Xiang Wan didnt hesitate. She took her bag and followed along.

Aside from herself, Tang Yuanchu also brought along two other detectives, making a total of four of them.

Xiang Wan sat at the front passenger seat of the police car. Other than the injured security guard, what was lost at the set?

Yes! Tang Yuanchu replied, Its that famous celebrity, Xie Wanwans doll

Ah?!A doll was lost?

So, everyone was putting on such a display just to search for the doll of a famous celebrity?

Its a very important doll. Well only know about the specific details when we get there. During the phone call just now, Captain Bai didnt give a lot of details

Very important, huh?

Xiang Wan had once told Bai Muchuan that her pajamas were important because her grandpa had given them to her as a birthday present

Thinking back to what happened in the past, she narrowed her eyes. What about Captain Bai, hes not going over?

Tang Yuanchu: Captain Bai is already there. He drank a lot last night and spent the night at that hotel Anyway, he cant handle this alone as a dispatch requires at least two police officers.

Hmm!

Xiang Wans ears hummed for a moment. After thinking for a while, she was finally clear about the sequence of events.

If what Cheng Zheng said was true, then that meant Bai Muchuan had gone to the set of The Grey List to visit his girlfriend yesterday. During the night, he drank wine with Xie Wanwan and had stayed at the hotel.

Of course, as to whether he was sleeping alone or sleeping together wasnt the question right now. The main problem was that a thief had snuck into the same hotel as the production crew and had stolen his girlfriends important dolla doll that shed brought along to a location shoot. While the thief was escaping, he even stabbed a security guard. And all of this was done under the very nose of the sharp Detective Bai?