Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Everywhere.
There's someone with a great sense of adventure who wants to enter and take a closer look and, if possible, snap a selfie to post on Instagram in hopes of becoming popular.
But Ran stopped him, refusing to let him in.
The person got annoyed: "Why can't I go in? That guy can."
Ran, experienced enough to handle these kinds of people, replied, "Shinichi is a detective, and the police know him. But you're not like him… If you want to enter, I can't stop you. But when the police arrive, I'll tell them you came in and tampered with the crime scene, and then they'll consider you a suspect and investigate you..."
She said this calmly, unhurried, as if she had said it many times before.
After saying this, Ran stopped blocking him.
The subject hesitated for a moment, and in the end, decided not to enter for fear of getting into trouble.
In the midst of the commotion, Director Ochiai appeared, and Lin Yi suddenly had an idea in mind.
Then, Lin Yi opened his eyes wide and adopted a scared expression.
Why open your eyes like that if you're scared? I don't know either. Ask Yang Tian bao.
In any case, Lin Yi looked frightened, his steps careless and unstable. As he passed in front of Director Ochiai, he stumbled at that very moment.
Director Ochiai instinctively caught him and asked, "Are you okay?"
Lin Yi grabbed Director Ochiai's hands to avoid falling and said with a forced smile, "How could I be okay? There's a dead person... And besides, stuck to the wall with a sword, it's terrifying."
After releasing Director Ochiai, Lin Yi asked, "Excuse me, where's the bathroom?"
"Turn right before you go out, and you'll see the sign..." said Director Ochiai.
"Thank you."
Lin Yi nodded slightly, put his right hand into his pants pocket, and pulled out a pen.
After washing his face, Lin Yi returned to the crime scene. At that moment, the police officers nearby had already arrived to secure the area.
Ran and Sonoko were also able to leave the area.
"Where have you been?"
Sonoko finally found Lin Yi and said, "Don't wander around, the police will come to ask questions later."
"I went to the bathroom."
Lin Yi showed a bitter expression: "It's the first time I've seen a corpse... I feel a bit uncomfortable."
Sonoko and Ran nodded in understanding, as they also had difficulties when they saw a corpse for the first time.
"And where's Kudo?"
Lin Yi changed the topic to Shinichi.
"That guy is still inside," said Sonoko, pointing back with her right thumb.
Lin Yi didn't understand: "Doesn't he have to come out? Isn't he supposed to not alter the crime scene?"
"That's not necessary," Ran replied. "Shinichi is a detective; he knows how to proceed without altering the crime scene. Besides, he has helped the police solve many cases before."
She said this with a particularly cute expression.
"Really?" Lin Yi was surprised. "So that's how it is... it's really impressive, Kudo."
"He's just a complete idiot at deduction," Sonoko said disdainfully, crossing her arms. "When faced with a murder case, he's like a puppy smelling meat, he just dives in without thinking..."
Ran wanted to respond but couldn't. The truth is, that's really what happens.
As they chatted, the police officers finally arrived at the crime scene.
From now on, the police will follow established procedures:
Securing the scene, inspecting the location, extracting evidence, interviewing witnesses, searching the scene, etc.
Of course, the procedures aren't fixed; some can be carried out simultaneously.
I won't go into detail here.
Lin Yi saw that Shinichi was talking to a chubby detective wearing a beige coat.
That detective was obviously Inspector Megure.
After noticing Lin Yi's gaze, Ran said, "That's Inspector Megure. Shinichi has a good relationship with him."
Lin Yi nodded, as he had realized that. Otherwise, Inspector Megure wouldn't call Shinichi for the more complicated cases.
Soon, a tall, slim detective with slightly darker skin found the three of them.
This is Takagi Wataru, who is somewhat attractive but feels a bit uncomfortable.
"Ran, Sonoko... it's been a long time."
"Officer Takagi, long time no see," the two girls greeted.
"Is this the witness?"
"Yes, he's our classmate, Lin Yi."
"Hello, Lin-kun."
"Officer Takagi, hello."
Takagi Wataru looked at Lin Yi and felt a slight discomfort—perhaps because he is better looking than him.
But as a competent police officer, Takagi Wataru wouldn't let a small emotion affect his work.
"You must already know the procedure..."
Since they were acquaintances, everything was much easier. Takagi Wataru went straight to the point and asked Ran how they discovered the crime scene.
Ran and Sonoko, being "regulars," naturally knew how to respond.
Since they were familiar, Ran and Sonoko's testimonies were very reliable, and Takagi Wataru quickly completed the record.
"Alright! Thank you for your cooperation."
After completing the record, Takagi Wataru was about to leave, but Lin Yi stopped him.
"Wait, Officer Takagi."
Lin Yi halted the officer and asked, "Can I leave now?"
"Once the record is complete, of course, you can leave," Takagi Wataru replied. "If I have any questions, I'll just ask him. I shouldn't bother you anymore."
"I understand," said Lin Yi.
"Is there anything else?"
"No."
"Then I'll take my leave first."
After watching Takagi Wataru leave, Lin Yi immediately turned with an uncomfortable expression: "I'm sorry, Ran, Sonoko... I don't feel very well here, and I can't help much... I'll go to a nearby café to wait for you. Call me when you're done."
Lin Yi suggested leaving.
Lin Yi's words immediately resonated with Sonoko.
Sonoko responded immediately: "Then let's go together to the café."