C6 Three Days to Solve the Case

Lin Xiangyi glanced uneasily between the two men before checking her watch and realizing they were running late. She quickly tugged on Lu Wangshu's arm, saying, "We should take Senior's car; the case takes precedence."

Zhou Henglv caught the challenging tone in Lin Xiangyi's voice and shot a look at Lu Wangshu, who reluctantly got into Zhou Henglv's car.

The drive was filled with awkward silence. Zhou Henglv glanced at Lu Wangshu in the rearview mirror and asked, "Did you and Xiangyi grow up together?"

He had intended to refer to them as childhood sweethearts but decided against it, feeling it would unsettle him.

"Yes," Lu Wangshu responded curtly, turning his gaze to the passing landscape, lost in thought.

Qiao Liang had informed him that they had only three days to crack the case, piling immense pressure on him. He had been haunted by dreams about the case, eerie and frightening. Were these dreams trying to tell him something, or were they misleading his investigative instincts?

Zhou Henglv found Lu Wangshu's lack of interest exasperating and couldn't fathom why Lin Xiangyi, the campus beauty, would be attracted to such an odd person.

"Xiangyi, stop working at the detective agency. Join my company, and I'll put you in a prime position," Zhou Henglv offered.

Lin Xiangyi turned to Lu Wangshu, curious to see his reaction to his rival's proposition. However, Lu Wangshu seemed to be in his own world, completely ignoring Zhou Henglv's words.

Accustomed to concealing his emotions, Lu Wangshu masked his disappointment and declined, "There's no need, Senior. The agency needs me."

Zhou Henglv, realizing it was futile to press further, drove on in silence until they finally reached the orphanage.

Qiao Liang was tied up with another case at the police station and couldn't visit Yun at the orphanage that day. He had, however, contacted the orphanage ahead of time, so as they stepped out of the car, they were greeted by the welcoming principal.

The director was a kind-looking elderly lady in her sixties with white hair and gold-rimmed glasses, exuding a sense of warmth and intellect.

"Hello, Dean Liu," Lu Wangshu greeted as he stepped out of the car and approached her, offering a handshake.

In a gentle voice, Dean Liu inquired, "Are you Mr. Lu Wangshu? Have you come to visit Yun?"

Lu Wangshu nodded, and they all followed Dean Liu into the gates of the orphanage.

The Yongzhou City Orphanage housed over a hundred children, making it the largest in the city. The government, deeply invested in the welfare of these children, had generously funded the orphanage, giving it a cozy and colorful appearance reminiscent of a kindergarten.

Once inside the reception room, Dean Liu said, "Please take a seat. I'll check to see if Yun is awake."

With Dean Liu gone, Zhou Henglv whispered, "Is she the little girl in red from the May 15th case?"

Curiosity piqued, Lin Xiangyi asked, "How did you know?"

"It's a high-profile case; the whole city is talking about it. I heard they caught the perpetrator but can't find any evidence. Do you have any inside scoop? Share some details," Zhou Henglv said, his curiosity evident.

Lu Wangshu gave Zhou Henglv a silent, exasperated look. "You've delivered the person. Why haven't you left yet?"

Zhou Henglv, visibly annoyed and ready to argue, held back his retort as Dean Liu returned.

Dean Liu appeared distressed as she spoke, "Yun is awake, but she still seems reluctant to interact with the outside world."

She sighed heavily and sat down. "The media coverage of the case has only increased Yun's distress. Many well-wishers have visited, and some have even expressed a desire to adopt her. But since the incident, she's become withdrawn."

Lin Xiangyi nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. The trauma must have been overwhelming."

Their conversation was interrupted by the ring of Dean Liu's phone. He apologized before excusing himself to take the call outside the room.

When Dean Liu came back, Lu Wangshu earnestly said, "Dean Liu, could you please try speaking with Yun again? Her testimony is crucial to our case."

Dean Liu gave a hesitant nod and led the group to Yun's room. He tapped gently on the door and asked in a soft voice, "Yun, your grandma has brought some uncles and aunties to see you, is that okay?"

When there was no response from inside, Dean Liu pushed the door open. Lu Wangshu carefully scanned every detail of the room. It was dimly lit, with the curtains drawn shut, and the cozy decor featured many plush toys scattered around.

A slight figure by the window stirred. Yun lifted her head from her knees to gaze at Dean Liu, Lu Wangshu, and the others, remaining silent.

Dean Liu was quite curious; when people had visited Yun in the past few days, she had been resistant, even to reporters disguised as well-intentioned individuals looking to adopt her. They had bombarded her with questions about her case, probing her painful memories. Eventually, Dean Liu had decided to prevent further visits to Yun.

Yet, Yun's calm demeanor in the presence of Lu Wangshu and the others was out of the ordinary.

Lu Wangshu approached Yun with caution and sat down on the floor opposite her, mimicking her posture with his head resting on his knees. Yun watched the peculiar uncle before her, and they held each other's gaze for a long while.

"Why don't you open the curtains, Yun?" Lu Wangshu inquired.

Yun glanced at the curtains, then seemed to peer through them to the world outside. After a lengthy pause, she spoke, "I'm afraid the sunlight will scorch me."

Lin Xiangyi and the rest were stunned by Yun's words. How could such sentiments come from a seven-year-old girl?

Lu Wangshu maintained a serene expression. "Yun, there's no need to be afraid. No one will harm you, and the sunlight won't either."

The thought of a child who had witnessed such brutality now fearing even the sunlight was profoundly saddening. Everyone felt an even deeper compassion for the young girl before them.

Lu Wangshu then gently asked, "Yun, can you tell me if you prefer this uncle or the auntie?"

Yun followed the direction of Lu Wangshu's pointing finger and looked at Lin Xiangyi. Lin Xiangyi smiled warmly, and Yun whispered, "Yun likes Uncle."

Lu Wangshu turned to Dean Liu and asked, "Dean, may I have a word with Yun in private?"

Dean Liu hesitated as he glanced at Yun. Noticing that Yun didn't seem averse to Lu Wangshu, he nodded and led Lin Xiangyi and Zhou Henglv out of the room.

Once the door was closed, Lu Wangshu surveyed the room and remarked, "Yun seems to really enjoy stuffed toys."

Yun nodded. "These were given to me by kind uncles and aunties to keep me company."

Lu Wangshu felt a pang of sadness as he looked at the sensible young girl before him. Yun's delicate face was framed by a pair of large, clear eyes. Such an adorable little girl would surely be adopted one day.

"Yun, there are so many kids here. Why don't you play with them?" Lu Wangshu asked softly.

Yun shook her head, her twin ponytails swinging adorably. "They don't like me."

Lu Wangshu, puzzled, responded, "But Yun, you're so adorable. How could the other kids not like you?"

After a brief conversation with Yun, Lu Wangshu said goodbye to Dean Liu and they returned to the car. Once inside, Lin Xiangyi inquired, "What did you and Yun talk about? Did you come across any new leads?"

Lu Wangshu shook his head and gestured towards Zhou Henglv, who was driving, indicating that it wasn't appropriate to discuss in front of others. Lin Xiangyi quickly caught on and smoothly shifted the conversation.