It was as if the silk thread had been cut suddenly, and I had already woken up from both my dreams and my sleep. Although the night is over, there is still a little time before the alarm goes off. Shen Yuan woke up before the alarm went off again, or rather, it had become his habit. He rolled over in bed and continued to close his eyes, but he didn't feel sleepy anymore.

He just, as he felt the cold air seeping into his cheeks in the morning, he cried out into the darkness inside his eyelids:

"Sister...."

After he was fully awake, Shen Yuan washed up as usual and went to school as usual. He entered the school almost at the same time that the school gate opened, so that no one among the teachers was now empty.

Shen Yuan looked out the window, and from the hem of the milky white sky, he could still see the remnants of the night. In the silence as if his hearing had been cut off, he was in a daze doing nothing, and he loved it. This is his own moment, undisturbed.

Soon, however, footsteps could be heard from the hallway. There is a 30% chance that this kind of silence will not last.

"Good morning, Shen Yuan."

As Shen Yuan expected, it was a man he knew - Jiang Shenzhi.

"Good morning, old Jiang."

When Shen Yuan responded to the greetings, an amiable smile appeared on Jiang Shenzhi's upright face. But there was no honest impression in his eyes. When you look at him, you can only think of a cunning fox.

"Hey, it's early in the morning, but can I brag about it? I just happened to buy something nice yesterday. ”

Jiang Shenzhi stood in front of Shen Yuan, and before he could say a word, he began to look through his bag by himself.

"There must be something boring anyway......"

Shen Yuan thought so and sighed in his heart. It is understandable, after all, Jiang Shenzhi is a rich and handsome person in people's mouths, just like the kind of person who is often in the center of the crowd in the class, constantly making all kinds of carefree laughter. In this way, he came to the school to talk to Shen Yuan so early, and it is estimated that he wants to discuss some topics that no one is willing to accept except Shen Yuan.

"This one, this one, this one. The former mayor issued a license to produce 'serial murderer manju' before being ousted. ”

“.......”

Sure enough, as Shen Yuan expected. He sighed deeply as he stared at the brown wrapping paper in Jiang Shenzhi's hand. Jiang Shenzhi's interest in himself is skiing and karaoke. The sparkling combination that goes well with the hearty outdoor activities is not a lie.

However, he still has an interest, not so much unknown, as real, in a more hardcore field. That's just that.,Keen to collect information about serial murderers and the surrounding area.。

"Early in the morning... Serial murderer steamed buns...."

Shen Yuan complained in his heart. After all, it may be a bit excessive in other cities, but for Baimo City, where cases often occur, it is not surprising that there are fanatical fans of serial murderers. Perhaps, it's still normal. In addition, it is more important to hide the interest than outside the city. Because for the people here, the events caused by the serial murderers are closer to their own reality.

"It's really a bad taste, because he was deposed, and the new mayor was changed only a month ago....."

Shen Yuan said without interest, but even so, it was already a more tactful response than others.

"Don't say such cold words, I obviously only shared such joy with you."

"I'm not a fan of serial murderers....."

"But you don't despise or hate me for it, do you? There are very few such guys left. ”

Jiang Shenzhi said this, to be honest, Shen Yuan also had a very complicated mood in his heart. But despite this, Jiang Shenzhi was also able to carefully choose a discerning interlocutor, and did not cause trouble to others.

And, as a fan, you can often search for suspicious rumors from the Internet. In the past, he has also brought unexpected progress to the search.

"Well... It's nothing to just listen to what you say...."

Shen Yuan compromised.

"Besides, aren't you also very familiar with serial murderers, in fact, you are also a little interested, right?"

Jiang Shenzhi poked Shen Yuan.

"If you just watch the news normally, you will learn about it even if you are reluctant."

Shen Yuan explained.

"Reluctantly.... Well, whatever. Anyway, hurry up and congratulate me on the addition of another collection! Even if it's a reluctant look! ”

Jiang Shenzhi seemed to have a different kind of stubbornness, and then said:

"The serial murderer's steamed buns were ordered to be recalled the day after they were released. It is a super rare item. I wasted a lot of effort trying to get it. I searched around on the Internet, and finally it was auctioned, and it was calculated that a steamed bun was about 100. ”

“...... What steamed bun 100? ”

Shen Yuan felt his eyelids twitching.

"It's just an ordinary white-flour steamed bun that has changed a brand on the finished product. But well, it's not 100 RMB. ”

Jiang Shenzhi explained, and Shen Yuan was relieved.

"It's $100."

“.......？？”

"Heck, the price doesn't matter."

"So do you want to show off or belittle..... But, anyway, congratulations first. That's great...."

Shen Yuan only felt that his head was bigger, and he didn't know what to say.

"Hehe, thank you. As a thank you for your kind words, I will share one of you and take it. ”

Jiang Shenzhi neatly tore open the bag and put the contents in my hand with a confused face.

“... Huh!? Eat it now? It's... But $100, is that good? Wait.... What is this? ”

Shen Yuan held the steamed bun in his hand, a little flattered, or trembling. He saw that at the top of the brown steamed bun, there was a brand that appeared to be a female illustration. The original illustration was already difficult to read, and the lines of the imprint were thick and distorted due to the burning, making it even more difficult to see the features of the appearance.

"It's incomprehensible! It's not as good as an elementary school student's graffiti. Besides, the box says which steamed bun is which serial murderer, but.... I'll see who this is....."

Jiang Shenzhi rummaged back and forth between several steamed buns, and then said:

"That's it, that's it. Ah, I can't remember it for a while..... The one from six years ago... That's the one who killed a lot of people..... Called... The guy called 'Blood Butterfly'. ”

“......！”

Hearing Jiang Shenzhi's words, Shen Yuan immediately felt a chill. Although I was going to control the shaking immediately, I couldn't help but feel cold between them, and the steamed bun in my hand almost fell.

"It's supposed to be that, what's the name.... Damn it. If you rank all the serial murderers in White Ink City, this guy will definitely rank fourth..... I remember when that guy was active, I was just a bear kid. ”

"It's called Qin Jiu, isn't it....."

"Oh, yes, yes, that's the name... Similar feelings. That's right, Shen Yuan, you can say the name of this kind of top murderer so easily, you really have the qualifications to be a fanatical fan of serial murderers! ”

Seeing that Shen Yuan remembered the name for him, Jiang Shenzhi praised.

“..... Because there was a lot of uproar at the time, I can't forget it if I want to. ”

Shen Yuan listened to his own voice as he spoke, and judged that he had calmed down enough. He calmed down and said to himself:

"It's okay, it's just a little bit of a chat with someone."

"Well, since the name is already known, let's eat it quickly. Be careful not to be seen by others. ”

"Hmm.... Thanks...."

After Shen Yuan finished speaking, he bit down the steamed bun one by one. The taste is not delicious, whether it is spiritual or actually tasteful.

"How? Is it delicious? ”

Jiang Shenzhi said with some expectation.

"How can I say it.... The taste is somewhat subtle. ”

"Isn't it delicious? I think too! You're right, you have so much budget and it's so expensive, can't you put more effort into the taste? When the former mayor said that he wanted to use serial murderers as a plan to revitalize the city, I honestly rejoiced. It's disappointing to cut corners like this....."

Jiang Shenzhi gushed endlessly, and his disappointment could be seen in his eyes and body.

"Even in retrospect, it doesn't work. I don't know if I expected a fierce opposition, or if I really thought it would work....."

Shen Yuan recalled. The former mayor's recall riot was last month, and it is still fresh in his memory. Serial murderer Manju was criticized for a period of time as a symbol of the former mayor's "low-level pranks", but I actually think it's a very cute idea. There are also various plans such as building a museum of serial murderers and organizing tours to the criminal shelter, which looks like a blueprint for the development of Baimo City into a large-scale theme park for serial murderers.

"I don't think it's a dismissive solution. It's better to say that it is precisely in this situation that you need to laugh it off with a joke. ”

"Well, it's not that I can't understand it."

Jiang Shenzhi shrugged his shoulders with a complicated expression, and Shen Yuan also cautiously agreed. How one comes to terms with the fact that one is living with beasts of prey in prison varies from person to person. And the most effective way to do this is to get out of prison. Of course, there are many people who have left Baimo City. However, there are also many people who are unable to do so for some reason. I don't know what kind of mood it is, but there are many people who return to Baimo City. I don't know where I read about them, it doesn't seem like it's for thrills or anything, or so to get a sense of being alive or something. In short, it boils down to - I have adapted to such a view of life and death.

Therefore, people who choose to live in prison have their own ways of protecting their hearts. Shen Yuan chose to pick up his own weapon and fight the beast. And Jiang Shenzhi chose to stay out of the entertainment world to maintain his inner peace.

"Has it been almost a month since the mayor changed? It's a pity to leave someone....."

Jiang Shenzhi sighed.

"I think he's a bold man in every way..."

Shen Yuan replied. In fact, it was the former mayor who established the student investigator system, and at this point, Shen Yuan couldn't help but sincerely thank the former mayor for his flexible concept and execution.

"Good morning, Shen Yuan, Jiang Shenzhi."

At this time, Heting arrived at school. Hearing her frank greetings, Jiang Shenzhi hurriedly stuffed the steamed bun wrapping paper in his hand into his pocket.

"Good morning, Mr. Heting."

Jiang Shenzhi responded.

"You two came so early, what are you talking about?"

Heting asked.

"Huh? Yes.... Well, what political situation are we talking about, or something? ”

Jiang Shenzhi said foolishly, although it sounded fake, but Shen Yuan knew that the kind-hearted Heting would not demolish him.

"Ahahahaha, it's been serious since the morning. Besides, it must be a lie, and there must be some topic of serial murderers being discussed, right? ”

Well, Heting still debunked his cover-up.

"Huh!? Wow.... For... Why do you know? ”

Jiang Shen's face was shocked.

"In the morning, when the two of you talk alone, it's mostly like that. It's almost time for everyone to come to school, so it's time to do it. ”

“... Well..."

After putting his things in his seat, he was probably about to go to the bathroom, and left the classroom again. After Jiang Shenzhi saw her leave, he sighed deeply:

"Mr. Heting, it's so cute. It's usually cute, but today it's especially cute..... But speaking of which, she's in the same club as you, right? That weird bad taste club. ”

"I don't want to be called a bad taste by fanatical fans of serial murderers."

"Me too, I haven't been called a bad taste by guys who like to engage in inexplicable activities..... But lately, I thought maybe that would be a good idea..."

The two tacitly disliked each other, but as they spoke, Jiang Shenzhi suddenly changed his tone.

"Want to join the Magic Research Society?"

"That's not bad."

“.... I see. ”

Shen Yuan calmly echoed, but he felt a little embarrassed in his heart. In order to avoid idle people, it is packaged as a hunting club.,But occasionally there are people who want to enter the department because of curiosity.。

"But most people will fail in the face of the strange entrance test. Even if you can't salt fry bees or fried ants, you will eventually run away in front of the boss....."

Shen Yuan threatened, but Jiang Shenzhi's seriousness Chengdu reached that stage? Shen Yuan was not sure in his heart.

"Eat bugs, huh..... It's not that I can't eat it, but if I can stay with Tsutsuruto Ting in this way, it's not a cheap price. ”

“.... It's not pure.,For this kind of person who doesn't have enthusiasm to want to join the ministry.,As the president, I will never allow it.。 ”

Shen Yuan finally found a reason to reject him.

"Ah, no, no, no, no. Actually, I've been a little interested since then! There are quite a few people among the serial murderers who love these strange things.... And insects are also very nutritious, isn't it, this is the food of the future that can survive the famine era. ”

Jiang Shenzhi began a wonderful sermon.

"Since it's all said and done, it's not impossible to force you to accept the test of the lower entry department.....

Shen Yuan saw that he was so pious, so he took a step back and said.

"'Reluctantly' or something.,It's really quite a shelf-bearing president.。 What kind of test is it, or eating bugs? ”

Jiang Shenzhi looked confident.

"Yes, a test for those who join the department."

Shen Yuan said, releasing the image he had prepared in advance.

"Woooooo It's disgusting..... To die..."

Jiang Shen couldn't hold back his eyes.

"That's a lot better than you search for photos of corpses every day, right?!"

Shen Yuan replied.

"Also... It's okay, if it's a little late at this level, it's not... No.... I'm super! ”

When Jiang Shenzhi saw salt-fried bees and fried ants, he barely survived. But when he saw the third image, he stepped back quite explicitly.

"It's... This... What is this pinch..."

"This is the best test of determination. If you really want to join the department, can you eat this? ”

Shen Yuan pointed to the screen and said.

"No! No, no, no, no! Devils eat this! Only this one can't be accepted! ”

Jiang Shenzhi frantically refused, as if there was nothing more terrifying in the world.

"yes, that's a pity."

Shen Yuan pretended to look very pity.

"You're more ..... than I thought you would be How to say this, you guys are playing really! I almost shivered. I'm so embarrassed to want to enter with a frivolous mentality......"

Jiang Shenzhi sighed deeply, as if he was violently shocked. At this moment, Heting also happened to come back.

"Are you still talking? What kind of case is the topic? ”

Heting asked.

"It's rare, talking about other topics."

"Really?"

"Yes, and the membership of the club was almost able to increase, but do you really have to think about it again, it's a pity."

Shen Yuan maintained a feigned regret.

“...... yes, what a pity. We've always had a blast with newcomers, so if you change your mind, please let us know. ”

He Ting immediately understood Shen Yuan's words, and continued.

"Well... Okay...."

"It's so cute.... Such a lovely ..... Part of that cute body is made up of that thing.......? ”

Jiang Shenyi muttered reluctantly, as if he didn't notice it, Heting gave Shen Yuan a "hard work" look.

......

"A new commission is here, meet in the activity room of the Demon Academy."

During the lunch break, Shen Yuan received such a text message. Issued by Teacher Ning Tongsheng, this is equivalent to giving an actual dispatch order. Feeling that something that had stagnated was about to start moving, Shen Yuan breathed a long sigh of relief. At the same time, tension fills the limbs from between the fingers. This is by no means an unpleasant feeling.

So after school, Shen Yuan went straight to the activity room of the Demon Academy. The members gathered in a scattered manner. Ten minutes later, they sat around the table and began the meeting.

Then, just as announced, a new commission has arrived. Get all motivated! ”

Ning Tongsheng cheered up.

"Yes, come on."

"Come on, I'm already itching!"

Qian Feixue and Liu Yu also responded.

"For Xiaohe, this is his first case. It's going to be hard, but don't worry. If you feel reluctant, don't keep your complaints and worries in your heart. It's okay to give up halfway. ”

Ning Tongsheng said, as if he was worried that Heting would hide his true thoughts.

"Okay, thanks for the concern!"

"By the way, this case seems to be the case of Xiao Shen who went to 'probe' the corpse yesterday. Anyway, he kicked us away once, but he was still helpless and came over crying and begging us. To be honest, it's impossible to say that I don't think, 'You fools' you deserve it. Right, Xiao Shen. ”

“..... I have no comment..."

Seeing that Ning Tongsheng once again exposed her tone like a gangster, Shen Yuan replied helplessly.

"Ahh But wait, be mentally prepared before opening the file. This case is quite strange and cruel. ”

Ning Tongsheng reminded in advance.

"It's... Is that so? ”

Heting was a little incoherent.

"If you want to give up, take advantage of it now, Senior Sister Heting. The photos of the corpses are quite disgusting. ”

Liu Yu fanned the wind and lit the fire on the side again.

"No... It's okay! I'll keep an eye on it for the sake of searching... Alas! ”

The moment he touched the screen, Heting's face froze, his expression, blood or anger, in short, all kinds of things disappeared.

“........”

"It's inevitable."

Shen Yuan remembered the scene he saw in the morgue. Cracks were visible everywhere on the fair skin, dark and terrifying stitch marks—not scars for killing, but for torture and pain.

"It's really miserable, although I have developed some kind of habit, I still feel uncomfortable."

Qian Feixue said.

“..... It's cruel, bastard. ”

Liu Yu looked at this picture, his face couldn't help but change, and he scolded. It can be seen that no matter how lively she is, she is already a child in the face of such a scene