Chapter 184: Spy Within a Spy

Lin Xian knew all about Ji Xin Shui.

A year ago, Ji Xin Shui had invited Tang Xin to Donghai to work on her research. He had also confronted Zhou Duan Yun, sparing his life instead of ending it.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

Ji Xin Shui, the ex-director of Donghai University’s research institute and Xu Yun’s mentor, had introduced Xu Yun to his future wife. However, he had controversially kicked Xu Yun out of the institute over his work on hibernation.

Ji Xin Shui was connected to the mysterious deaths of both Xu Yun and Tang Xin.

To Lin Xian, Ji Xin Shui was just another puppet master like Zhou Duan Yun. Since Ji Lin shared Ji Xin Shui’s last name, Lin Xian suspected they were related and possibly working together.

Now, Ji Lin was openly discussing their relationship...

What was his goal? Was this a test? A trap? Or just a way to see what Lin Xian knew?

Debating seemed pointless now. Ji Lin had asked a question, and Lin Xian needed to answer quickly.

Should he show he knew something, play dumb, or admit everything?

After thinking it over quickly, Lin Xian decided to acknowledge his knowledge. “Yes, I know him.”

“Really? From where? The news?” Ji Lin seemed interested.

“Tang Xin mentioned him,” Lin Xian said calmly. “At our high school reunion around New Year’s, she told us she was going to work at a research institute in Donghai, invited by a well-known person—Ji Xin Shui, Xu Yun’s mentor. She spoke well of him in our later talks, even mentioned how her colleagues had helped her find other jobs, like one with a symphony orchestra.”

Lin Xian thought it risky to pretend he didn’t know anything around Ji Lin, who was smart and calculating. If Ji Lin had orchestrated everything involving Xu Yun’s and Tang Xin’s deaths and the invite to the investigation team, then denying knowledge of Ji Xin Shui could be risky and pointless. It was safer to be honest, especially since Tang Xin had really talked about him.

“So, you’re Ji Xin Shui’s adopted child?” Lin Xian asked directly. “And I’m confused about your connection to Xu Yun. The sister you mentioned, is she his biological daughter or adopted?”

“She’s his niece, but we grew up together.”

Lin Xian’s strategy was similar—ambush the criminals at the crime scene, making sure their vehicle couldn’t escape. Past failures happened because the culprits’ vehicles vanished without a trace. By blocking potential escape routes, they could capture the drivers and potentially end the murder spree.

But as Lin Xian twirled his pen and watched Ji Lin present at the meeting table, doubts remained. Was Ji Lin involved himself? If they caught the driver, would Ji Lin, along with Ji Xin Shui and Zhou Duan Yun, the suspected masterminds, really avoid being blamed?

Meanwhile, at Chu Shan He’s mansion, in the dining room, a family dinner was happening. Su Xiu Ying served Chu Shan He a bowl of soup. “It’s been days, and there’s no news from Su Su. How did her date with Lin Xian go? Did it work out?”

Chu Shan He chuckled. “Let the young ones handle it. Too much probing might pressure Lin Xian. Relationships need a natural connection. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. If not, we can’t force it.”

“Probably didn’t work,” Chu An Qing snorted. “Aunt Su has never been the dating type. She’s always shunned boys, and when she interacted with them, it was usually to outdo them in some competition. She’s hardly the type to settle down. Besides, Lin Xian, with his refined demeanor, wouldn’t match well with someone as wild and spontaneous as Aunt Su. It’s a mismatch.”

“Not necessarily,” Su Xiu Ying smiled. “I know Su Su well. In the past, she stormed off from every blind date, cursing and fuming. But this time, she came back late, sober, and had spent the evening with Lin Xian, talking for hours. When she got home, she was unusually calm, just mentioned the date was over and asked me to unlock her bank card as we agreed, then left quietly.”

“What? Aunt Su said nothing more?” Chu An Qing was surprised. “That’s so unlike her. Something’s off.”

“Every pot has its lid. Let’s not interfere too much,” Chu Shan He advised, putting down his chopsticks. “It’s normal for there to be no news. Lin Xian’s been assigned to the Donghai Public Security Bureau, working on the special investigation team for the Xu Yun case. He’s very busy, living in the dorms, rarely able to go out.”

“That busy?” Chu An Qing looked concerned.

“It’s unavoidable,” Chu Shan He replied. “The pressure on Donghai Public Security is immense. With two consecutive scientist murders and no leads, everyone’s stressed, hoping to break the case or at least find some clue. So yes, Lin Xian and his team are swamped.”

“I understand...” Chu An Qing took her phone, opened Lin Xian’s profile, and checked his social media—no updates for days. Their chat history was just as barren. She sent a message, hoping for a response. “Senior, still busy? Have you had dinner? Dad mentioned you were transferred to the special investigation team.”

Lin Xian responded quickly. “Not yet. Everyone else has gone to eat. Ji Lin and I are staying late to work.”

Ji Lin, of course. Chu An Qing knew him; he was not only a brilliant detective but also a well-known screenwriter. They had met at the New Year’s banquet, and her father often praised Ji Lin’s contributions to the investigation team.

“Skipping meals isn’t healthy,” Chu An Qing thought, seeing the leftover food in the kitchen. She packed meals for two. “I’m heading out for a bit!”

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation