Miss Forensics – Chapter 68

Volume One: First Scroll

Choice

You said you were never the one chosen with certainty—well, now you are.

“Beep—Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable.”

“Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable.”

…

Even though she knew Lin Yan was still unconscious, Song Yuhang still foolishly dialed her number. After a moment, the engaged tone sounded, and she put the phone down, a little dejected. Unexpectedly, however, the call was suddenly connected.

When she saw the icon light up on the screen, Song Yuhang’s eyes brightened, her voice slightly excited, to the point of choking up a bit, “Hello? Lin…”

“It’s me, Miss Song.” Butler Lin’s aged voice came from the receiver.

“The young miss hasn’t woken up yet. Her phone is with me for now.”

Butler Lin explained the situation. Song Yuhang closed her eyes, slightly disappointed, then immediately became nervous again.

“It’s already been five days, and she’s still not awake? How could… how could this be… Which hospital is she in now? I want to go see her…”

Butler Lin turned his back, avoiding the bodyguards patrolling the hallway.

“The young miss this time, sigh…” He sighed deeply and added, “Miss Song, please don’t make things difficult for me. The Master personally gave the order: no one is allowed to visit except the doctors.”

Even he was only allowed to provide personal care as an exception because he had been with Lin Yan the longest.

“I… cough cough…” Song Yuhang’s injuries hadn’t fully healed, and she tended to cough when agitated.

Hearing her voice, Butler Lin couldn’t bear it and advised, “Miss Song, please listen to my advice. ‘As long as the green mountains are there, one need not worry about firewood.’¹ First, take care of yourself, and then you can…”

Song Yuhang covered her lips and coughed a few more times, her face pale. “I know, it’s just…”

I miss her a lot.

“Butler Lin, you can see her, right? Could I ask you to do me a favor? I have a few words I want to tell her.”

Butler Lin tilted his head and glanced inside through the glass partition door. The doctor had just finished an examination and was coming out. He stepped aside to let the doctor pass. He then said to Song Yuhang on the phone, “Alright then. I can’t stay too long. Please be quick.”

“Okay, thank you.”

The butler placed the phone by Lin Yan’s pillow.

A rustling sound of fabric.

When it became completely quiet on the other end, Song Yuhang began to speak, “Lin Yan…”

Her first words were still a cautious call of her name.

Song Yuhang didn’t know if Lin Yan could hear these words, but she just inexplicably wanted to tell her something, wanted to vent those feelings of love. If she kept them bottled up any longer, she would go mad.

“That day on the rooftop, you said you were never the one chosen with certainty. Well, I want to say, now you are.”

Lin Yan lay quietly in bed, wearing a respirator. Her hair, spread on the pillow, had lost its shine. She was as thin as a rake², huddled under the blanket, her form barely visible.

“With me, from now on, you always will be.”

Originally, Song Yuhang had wanted to tell her these things after she woke up. But now, somehow, the words just came pouring out³. She still hoped that if, if there was even a sliver of hope that Lin Yan could hear these words, it would give her immense encouragement and support, and help her wake up and keep going.

“Lin Yan, get better. Don’t forget you promised me you wouldn’t die. Don’t forget you promised me we’d go for a drink together after the case was closed…”

“I finally found someone I truly like after so much difficulty. I don’t want to lose her so soon.”

“Don’t…” Song Yuhang choked up slightly. “Leave me alone.”

The ECG⁴ monitor beside the bed fluctuated slightly. Her heartbeat and blood pressure slowly began to rise.

Lin Yan’s eyes remained closed, but a teardrop slid from the corner of her eye.

Butler Lin picked up the phone. “Miss Song…”

Song Yuhang wiped the tears from her face. “Alright, thank you for your trouble, Butler Lin.”

“Sigh, it’s no trouble, it’s what I should do. I also hope the young miss gets well soon.”

Song Yuhang nodded. “Then I won’t disturb you any longer. If there’s any change in Lin Yan’s condition, please let me know immediately.”

“Okay, okay, goodbye.”

Hearing footsteps outside the glass partition door, Butler Lin quickly put the phone away and tucked Lin Yan in.

Lin Ge verified his fingerprint and walked in. Butler Lin’s hand, which was tucking Lin Yan in, froze for a moment. He bowed respectfully. “Young Master Lin.”

Lin Ge nodded, looking at the room, which seemed empty except for them. “Why are you the only one here? Where are the doctor and the caregiver?”

“The doctor just left. I’m used to taking care of the young miss, so I came to check on her.”

“How is Yanyan today?”

“Still the same as usual.”

Butler Lin removed his hand from the blanket.

Lin Ge pulled a chair out from under the bed and sat down. “Okay, you can go out then. I’ll stay with Yanyan for a while.”

“Ah, alright.” The butler took two steps back, bowed to him again, and then exited.

---

“Auntie!” Song Yuhang had just hung up the phone when a child ran in like the wind, with Ji Jingxing chasing behind, holding onto her collar.

“Hey, hey, don’t jump on your auntie. She’s injured.”

Mother Song followed behind, carrying a lunchbox.

“Here, your favorite corn and pork rib soup. Lately, your sister has been cooking personally. Even I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy it⁵.”

Song Yuhang smiled. She had already taken Xiao Wei into her arms, holding her with one arm, and kissed the child’s smooth, tender cheek.

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Sis. You’ve both worked hard. Xiao Wei, have you missed your auntie lately?”

“I miiissed yooou—” the child replied in a drawn-out, childlike voice.

“Auntie wasn’t here, so no one played soccer with me, no one jumped rope with me, no one took me to the amusement park—” The child counted on her fingers, making everyone in the room laugh.

Ji Jingxing pulled her over, tapping her nose with a fingertip. “You little thing, you sure hold a grudge.”

Xiao Wei smiled shyly. She had two pigtails and was lively and cute. She wriggled out of her mother’s arms and tumbled over to Song Yuhang’s side, pawing at her hand, blowing on her bandaged cast.

“Auntie, does it hurt? Xiao Wei will blow on it for you, hoo hoo—”

Seeing the child puffing her cheeks and blowing hard, Song Yuhang’s heart softened. She stroked her head.

“Sorry, Xiao Wei, Auntie has been too busy lately. When Auntie has some free time, I promise you, Auntie will definitely take you to the amusement park for Christmas.”

“Mom, have a seat,” Ji Jingxing said, taking the lunchbox from Mother Song’s hand and placing it on the table. She opened the lid, rinsed the bowl and chopsticks with hot water, then ladled the soup into the bowl and handed it to Song Yuhang.

“Oh, come on now,” Mother Song said to Song Yuhang. “Christmas time is right around final exams. Don’t let her get distracted again. Besides, you’re busy, we all understand. Xiao Wei is just a child speaking her mind, don’t take it to heart⁶.”

Hearing the first part, Xiao Wei let out a wail and fell into her grandmother’s arms. “Grandma, Grandma, do something about Mom! I don’t want to go to so many cram schools—”

Mother Song’s heart melted. How could she care about much else? “Alright, alright, alright. Come play at Grandma’s during winter break. I promise I won’t let Mom give you any homework.”

Now it was Ji Jingxing’s turn to be dissatisfied, “Mom—”

While the grandmother and granddaughter were playfully arguing on one side, the soup was no longer scalding hot. Song Yuhang intended to reach for it herself, but Ji Jingxing squatted down and brought the spoon to her lips.

“Hurry and drink it while it’s warm.”

Song Yuhang was taken aback. She instinctively turned her head away. “It’s okay… I can do it myself, I can do it myself.”

Ji Jingxing frowned, slightly displeased. She had specially dressed up before coming today. She had carefully drawn her eyebrows and applied lip gloss. She looked much younger than her actual age. Her attire was also very fashionable: a trendy autumn-winter dress with low heels, adding a touch of allure to her mature look. It wasn’t a holiday or a family visit. Just to visit a patient in the hospital, it was a bit…

Moreover, from Song Yuhang’s angle, the view was unobstructed.⁷

She averted her gaze, inexplicably remembering the scene in the archives room that night when Lin Yan fed her.

Lin Yan would never show such a submissive, pitifully endearing expression—except, of course, during certain special moments.

Ji Jingxing saw her turn her face away and not accept the spoon. Her expression dimmed. “Yuhang, you—” She paused. “Do you find me distasteful?”

Mother Song looked over. “Your sister specially stewed this for you all morning—”

Song Yuhang shook her head. “No. Thank you, Saozi⁸.”

She called her “Saozi,” not “Sis.”

The difference of a single word created a distance of a hundred and eight thousand li.⁹

Ji Jingxing looked as if struck by lightning. Song Yuhang had already used her left hand to help her up. At the same time, she took the bowl from her hand and, holding it with one hand, drank it all in one go, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

“It’s delicious. But I think it’s better not to in the future. It’s too much trouble. The hospital cafeteria food is quite good.”

Ji Jingxing’s lips trembled. In the end, she said nothing. She turned her back and began to clear away the bowl and chopsticks.

Song Yuhang’s gaze fell on her, as if pondering something. Xiao Wei tugged at her hand, calling, “Auntie, Auntie, can we play Gomoku¹⁰, okay?”

Song Yuhang came back to her senses and ruffled her hair. “Okay, but you have to promise me, Auntie will play with you for one hour. Then you have to go home obediently with Mom and do your homework, alright?”

Xiao Wei nodded vigorously. “Pinky swear, for a hundred years, no changing¹¹!”

Song Yuhang’s smile was gentle. She hooked her pinky. “Whoever changes is a puppy.”

---

The blue sky and white clouds outside the window slowly drifted by. During this month, Song Yuhang called Lin Yan almost every day. But apart from that one time, the call never went through again. In this state of anxious waiting, she received her official appointment documents and attended Zhang Jinhai’s funeral.

That day, she woke up very early, put on her long-unworn uniform, fastened her shirt buttons, tied her tie with Mother Song’s help, put on her wide-brimmed cap, and limped out the door, leaning on a crutch.

Jiangcheng City Funeral Home.

Police cars led the way, escorting the hero on his final journey.

Along both sides of the road, crowds had gathered spontaneously, holding white chrysanthemums¹² and banners to see him off.

Neatly dressed criminal police officers, with white flowers pinned to their chests and tears in their eyes, marched in formation at the front. The urn they carried was draped with the Party flag.¹³

Following behind were Zhang Jinhai’s family members. His wife and daughter were crying their eyes out.

“Comrade Zhang Jinhai’s memorial service now begins.”

“Play the funeral march, fire the salute.”

“Bang bang—crack!” The ceremonial cannons fired into the sky, like clear gunshots.

“All rise! Salute Comrade Zhang Jinhai’s portrait!” Following the emcee’s command, everyone raised their hands to their temples.

Duan Cheng, dressed in black, stood in the crowd, tears streaming silently down his face.

Fang Xin and Zheng Chengrui beside him were also in police uniform, white flowers pinned to their chests, their eyes filled with tears.

After the funeral, Feng Jianguo brought a bottle of Maotai to the tombstone and poured some out.

Song Yuhang limped up the steps alone. Reaching the top step, she stood still.

His hand touched the line of characters on the tombstone. “‘Iron shoulders carry morality, a loyal heart builds the police spirit¹⁴.’ These were the words Director Zhao gave me back then.”

He had always kept it hanging in his office. Zhang Jinhai had once asked him for this calligraphy. Now, this was the only way he could give it to him.

Song Yuhang bent down and placed a bouquet of white chrysanthemums beside the tombstone. “If I sacrifice myself one day, this will also be the best epitaph.”

She looked up at the vast sea of tombstones. The wind blew, carrying the fragrance of chrysanthemums from all over the hills.

Here lay not only Zhang Jinhai, but also her father and elder brother, and many others she knew and didn’t know—friends, seniors, or colleagues, and even more brothers known only by codenames, not names.

It was they who, with their blood and flesh, protected the peace of this land and the lights of countless homes.

They were born here, grew up here, and their souls would inevitably return to their homeland.

And one day, she too would return here. But Song Yuhang thought, for a police officer, that would be the best final resting place.

She released her crutch, raised her injured right hand, and slowly brought it to her temple.

While going down the mountain, Feng Jianguo walked and chatted with her. “I heard you were the one who submitted that report to Director Zhao. Why the sudden change of heart this time? You’ve even learned to volunteer for assignments?¹⁵”

Originally, the organization had also favored her as the candidate, but the decision was delayed because there were several strong competitors from subordinate branches. Song Yuhang directly submitted a report to the provincial department, listing her merits and achievements over the years, and at the same time, expressed her determination.

This person, who had always been indifferent to fame and fortune, had finally seen the light¹⁶. It made Zhao Junfeng overjoyed¹⁷. After several Party committee meetings, the final decision was made: it was still her.

At the same time, her request to apply for a merit citation¹⁸ for Zhang Jinhai and her application for a Collective Third-Class Merit Award¹⁹ for the Jiangcheng City Public Security Bureau’s Technical Investigation Department were approved: Approved!

Zhao Junfeng, with a flourish of his pen, signed it.

Song Yuhang smiled. “I also have to thank you for your guidance.”

“…” Was that guidance? I was clearly reminding you not to get too close to Lin Yan!

Feng Jianguo was deeply distressed²⁰. “Why are you so obstinate²¹? If I had known, I wouldn’t have approved it for you…”

---

What does a Collective Third-Class Merit Award mean in peacetime?

Duan Cheng touched the big red flower²² on his chest, feeling lost.

“Come on, let’s go drinking tonight! Your Technical Investigation Department cracked such a big case this time. You’ve really brought honor to Director Zhao. I reckon your permanent position is pretty much secured this time. It’s an iron rice bowl from now on! Look out for me, okay²³?”

A familiar friend came over and put an arm around his shoulder. Duan Cheng, dejected, brushed him off.

“Not going. You go by yourself.”

“Hey—look at you! Turning your back on people as soon as you get some merit! What a piece of work!”

The friend stomped his foot in resentment. He was pulled away by someone else. “Forget it, forget it. If he doesn’t want to go, then don’t. He’s a big shot now. Let’s go, let’s go. We’ll go drinking and sing karaoke²⁴.”

It meant being flattered and sought after by some.

Duan Cheng thought vaguely. Unconsciously, he walked to the shooting range at the training base.

It was already past closing time, but the range was still brightly lit.

Peeking through the open door, a graceful figure was aiming a gun at a target.

Duan Cheng stepped inside.

After a full magazine was fired, the display screen next to her showed five hits on the ring, five misses.

Fang Xin gritted her teeth. A thin layer of sweat beaded on her forehead. She raised her aching arm again.

Gunshots sounded from the shooting lane beside her. Fang Xin was startled and looked over sharply. It was Duan Cheng.

“You… what are you doing here?”

Duan Cheng aimed down his sights. “Aren’t you all here?”

Zheng Chengrui was on a nearby piece of gym equipment doing sit-ups, panting heavily. “Ouch, I can’t do it anymore, I can’t… Someone help me up, I can’t get up, I can’t get up…”

Fang Xin: “…”

Duan Cheng: “…”

While Zheng Chengrui was over there looking half dead, someone pulled him up.

Fang Xin’s eyes widened, a huge surge of surprise in them. “Captain Song—”

Song Yuhang nodded, walked to the shooting lane next to her. Reloading, raising the gun, aiming, and firing—all in one smooth motion.

The electronic display lit up.

Ten rings.

Song Yuhang breathed a sigh of relief, flexing her still slightly aching shoulder. Only then did she look at them. “Everyone, long time no see.”

“Long time no see.”

“Long time no see.”

She fist-bumped each of them. Song Yuhang pulled the three of them over, shoulder to shoulder, heads together.

“Do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Find Lin Yan.”

Hearing this, Duan Cheng turned to leave without a word.

Song Yuhang stood up straight. “Obey the orders of a superior officer.”

Duan Cheng turned back, his face bitter. “If Director Feng blames us—”

Song Yuhang coughed. “I haven’t told you all yet, have I? From now on, I am the Captain of the Jiangcheng City Public Security Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Detachment…”

Duan Cheng ran back, looking like a total suck-up²⁵. “What do you need done? Just say the word.”

Song Yuhang looked around. “Let’s talk outside. My car is out front.”

The group closed the range door and headed out. Zheng Chengrui ran off to buy some grilled skewers from a street vendor. Fang Xin went with him, completely forgetting how they had just been in the range, vowing to exercise properly and lose weight.

Duan Cheng lagged behind. He still hadn’t figured out that problem.

Song Yuhang stopped and looked back at him. “Duan Cheng…”

The young man looked up, his face a bit lost. “Huh?”

“You did a great job.”

Under the moonlight, the boy’s eyes instantly reddened.

Song Yuhang continued, “If it were me, I don’t know if I could have done better. Captain Zhang’s death is not your fault.”

That shot, whether it hit or missed, filled his heart with immense guilt and self-blame.

Duan Cheng had been immersed in this sorrow for a while. He was both lost and helpless.

“But… but… I actually aimed at… at a child…”

“Crime isn’t differentiated by age. A child’s malice is still malice. None of us have the right to harm another innocent person because of our own past sorrow, pain, struggles, helplessness, or resentment.”

“Whether you’re cynical about the world, or lonely and in pain, you have the right to choose to end your own life, but you cannot take away another person’s right to live. That is a crime, and it’s the basic bottom line of being human.”

Song Yuhang turned, waved her hand, signaling him to follow. “Also, instead of regretting and feeling sad here now, it’s better to do something meaningful, make yourself stronger. So if you encounter such a situation again, you won’t be at a loss, and you can also better protect the people you want to protect.”

Duan Cheng thought, he now understood the meaning of this Third-Class Merit. It was an honor Zhang Jinhai had exchanged his blood for. Praise and commendation were just superficial. More importantly, it was to make them always remember the spirit of being unafraid of sacrifice, undaunted by sacrifice. And then to strive hard and forge ahead, to surpass their former selves.

Duan Cheng wiped his tears and quickly caught up.

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LP: Re-translated on May 25, 2025

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