Chapter 1 Uncle Seventeenth
Before the window sits a pot of Epipremnum aureum, its leaves plump and lustrous, exuding an air of vitality. In front of this lush greenery, two aged office desks are joined together. Amidst them lies a haphazard stack of books, beside which stands a desktop computer that bears the marks of bygone years. On the rear of the computer's casing, a sticker of the Haier Brothers clings, a relic of a bygone era. In the corner of the desk, a broom, its bristles half - shed, leans forlornly, and a dustpan with a conspicuous c***k lies nearby.
In the morning, the sun spills its golden rays generously, casting a warm glow that makes the Epipremnum aureum seem to shimmer with an even more vibrant shade of green. Jiang Yuan enters the office, slides the chair back, and takes a seat. He powers on the computer. As the machine whirs to life, he pours himself a glass of water and, as an afterthought, sparingly waters the Epipremnum aureum. He gives the dusty desktop a few brisk pats. By the time he finishes tidying up, the computer has fully booted. Habitually, he clears his throat with a couple of soft coughs and then opens a novel page. He had reached Chapter 403 yesterday and is eager to continue his literary journey today.
Jiang Yuan is the newly arrived forensic doctor in Ningtai County. Tall in stature and with a clean - cut visage, he finds himself with a fair amount of idle time. In his youthful imaginings, a forensic doctor was a figure cloaked in a spotless white coat, dashing towards the scene of every major crime, a beacon of justice in the face of mystery. However, the reality is somewhat different... Jiang Yuan has been on the job for half a month. During this time, he has devoured more than a dozen novels and lent a hand in three or four cases, yet not once has he laid eyes on a corpse.
He immerses himself further in the novel. In the forensic room, there are only he and his mentor. His mentor, on the cusp of retirement, often strolls in just as the clock strikes the hour. Once present, he pays little heed to Jiang Yuan's activities. After all, when there are no corpses to attend to, a forensic doctor's role seems little more than that of ordinary labor.
...
Suddenly, with a resounding "Bang!", the door is flung open. The newcomer's eyes land on Jiang Yuan, who appears gentle and refined before the computer screen. The man squints, taking a closer look, and inquires, "Isn't Old Wu here?"
"Captain Liu, my master should still be on his way," Jiang Yuan responds, lifting his head. Captain Liu, the leader of the Second Squadron of the Criminal Police Brigade, sweeps his gaze around the compact office. As he fishes his phone out of his pocket to make a call, he commands, "Then come with me immediately. There's a corpse!"
Jiang Yuan rises, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through him. At long last, his career as a forensic doctor is about to truly commence. As if on cue, a screen materializes before his eyes: Detection indicates that the host is about to encounter the first corpse. Task: Conduct a comprehensive autopsy and contribute to the resolution of the case.
Jiang Yuan composes himself, feigning nonchalance as he trails Captain Liu out the door. Indeed, he possesses a forensic system. Ever since graduating from medical university and returning to his hometown of Ningtai County through the civil service examination, this system has been a part of his life. However, for the past half - month of work, the system has remained stubbornly silent, insisting that it awaits the appearance of a corpse. This long wait has been nothing short of exasperating. Were Jiang Yuan not a law - abiding citizen through and through, he might have even been tempted to conjure up a corpse himself.
Ningtai County No.1 Middle School. At the entrance of an alley fifty meters from the East Gate, the police officers who arrived earlier have already erected a cordon. In the center, a tent has been pitched, effectively shielding the interior from prying eyes. The scene is impeccably organized.
"Little Jiang, start with some peripheral tasks for now. Your master will be here in a quarter of an hour," Captain Liu, still not entirely convinced of Jiang Yuan's capabilities, offers a word of instruction.
Jiang Yuan acquiesces. He carefully places his portable investigation kit and a white cloth in a corner, then takes a few deep breaths to steady his nerves. He turns his attention to the tent. Lying within is a man of stout build, his belly round and protruding. His feet are shod in a pair of Red Dragonfly shoes. Several buttons of his checkered shirt have been ripped off, exposing his pale, bloated belly. Astonishingly, there is not a single visible wound on his body, yet he lies lifeless, a riddle begging to be solved.
Jiang Yuan takes a step closer. Only then does he notice that the deceased's neck is askew, revealing a ghastly, blood - smeared hole. And then, recognition dawns... With a gasp of astonishment, Jiang Yuan blurts out, "Uncle Seventeenth?"
