Chapter 204 - Source

However, after a few days of interaction, Mo Li did have an idea of her own. "You suffer from PTSD, don't you?"

Xiao Rui looked at Mo Li and he was flustered. He opened his mouth but did not know what to say. Eventually he asked, "How did you find out?"

"It's because I'm familiar with your past." Mo Li told Xiao Rui. "Everyone has their own history, everyone is haunted by their past in one way or another. If you want to stay at your post, I suggest we coexist in peace. I personally believe I will be a great asset to your team."

Xiao Rui was surprised that Mo Li was so observant. Whenever he was pressured, Xiao Rui would smoke. "When you're on a mission with me, no smoking." Mo Li plucked the cigarette away and tossed it out the car window..

"You... Fine, as long as you can help me solve the case."

Lu Xuan silently gave Mo Li a thumb's up. He didn't expect Mo Li to be able to settle the 'mad dog' of the police force, Xiao Rui.

...

When they arrived at the gate of 22 High School, there were little hawkers present. They had arrived too early in the morning. Both the owner for the blood cakes and the milk tea stalls were not there yet.

Xiao Rui and Mo Li led the way and the rest followed.

"Wait, isn't that Mo Li?"

"She looks just like the commercial, no, she's prettier in person!"

"She is the finalist in the national IMO but she has rejected all the interview requests."

"I wonder if I can get her signature, I'm her biggest fan!"

"She's so beautiful!"

"Wait, aren't those the police? Why are they at our school?"

"Hmm, actually Mo Li looks quite compatible with that handsome officer next to her."

...

Listening to the whispering of the students, Xiao Rui thought to himself. Who would have thought Mo Li is so popular among the high school students?

"Regarding the legend of the henna, I haven't heard anyone say that the tattoo has to be inside their tongues. Along the way, I did notice many students with henna tattoos but none of them black. We'll have to dig deeper. Xiao Kang, you go question these students. Ask them about the legend and try to find out the relationship between the 3 victims, if any."

"Yes, boss!"

Xiao Rui then added, "I still think we need to talk to the boss of the milk tea and hotpot stalls. Even though they said they have no idea about the human blood and ashes, and had no motive, they would have come into contact with the real killer. We should try to jog their memories."

...

"Headmaster Shen, thank you for helping our child. Your supplement of pig's brain, monkey's brain and fish oil extract to the students of the key development class helps tremendously with their physical and brain development. In appreciation, I've donated some new beds for the breakroom so that the children can have a better rest after the morning classes."

"Then I shall thank you on the children's behalf."

"Oh, Headmaster Shen, you're being too kind! I should thank you instead for taking such good care of the students!"

"Little aunt?" Xiao Rui exclaimed in surprise, "Why are you here?" Even though Xiao Rui knew that his aunt's child studied at this school, he didn't expect to run into his aunt during this mission.

"Hey, isn't it Captain Xiao?" The middle-aged lady turned to the headmaster. "Headmaster Shen, let me make some introduction. This is my nephew, Xiao Rui. Xiao Rui, this is Headmaster Shen." The two shook hands and greeted each other.

"Nice to meet you, Captain Xiao. I've already gathered the relevant students in the meeting room. They'll cooperate fully as long as peace can be returned to the school. I still have some school affairs to attend to so I shall leave first." Then Headmaster Shen left with the teachers and parents. Only a cleaning auntie was left in the corridor. She was disinfecting the corridor.

Xiao Rui glanced into the meeting room. "It's a girl. Mo Li, you and Si Lin should go talk to her. She might open up easier to girls.

"Doctor Lu and I will go find those 2 hawkers."

...

Inside the meeting room.

"Shen Tong, Zhang Ling's deskmate said that her henna came from you. So where did you buy the black henna?" Si Lin's voice was gentle but serious.

"Where else but the internet? You can find it on many websites. So many people bought it, so why are you only questioning me? Besides, I used the henna myself and nothing happened. See..." The girl stuck out her tongue. There was a unique black pattern on it.

"When did the student body start to hear about the legend of the henna? That doing this can grant you divine blessing?"

"I heard it from Song Wen but she heard it from someone else too..."