“Yes, Xiao Shan used to work at our store, but she already quit.” Manager Lu of the convenience store handed the photograph back to Chen Zheng and asked nervously, “Nothing happened to her, did it?”
“Do you still have her employment records here?” Chen Zheng asked. “I want to see her full legal name. And when did she quit?”
The store was part of a chain, and Manager Lu was only an employee himself. Not wanting trouble, he immediately pulled out a folder. “Here, take a look. Everything’s in here. Xiao Shan was a student at the health college. She worked here for more than a year. She graduated this year, right? So she stopped working here. I don’t know where she is now, but her phone number is registered here. If she’s still in Zhuquan and hasn’t changed numbers, you should be able to reach her.”
Chen Zheng picked up the thin sheet of paper. The girl’s name was Wu Lianshan. She was twenty-three years old, a nursing student at Zhuquan Health College, and not originally from Zhuquan City. A one-inch ID photograph was attached to the upper-right corner of the form. In it, she wore her hair in a ponytail and had a fresh-faced appearance with very small eyes. She looked a little younger than in the photograph left on “Zeng Yan’s” phone, probably because this one had been taken when she first enrolled.
The murder at Fengshu Residential Complex had caused an uproar throughout the city recently. Most residents only knew that the victim was a young woman, not her exact identity. The more Manager Lu thought about it, the more frightened he became. “Officer Chen, the person who died… it wasn’t Xiao Shan, was it?”
Chen Zheng shook his head. “No. But Wu Lianshan knew the victim.”
Goosebumps immediately rose all over Manager Lu’s body. “Huh?”
“By the way, take another look at her. Do you remember her?” Chen Zheng handed him “Zeng Yan’s” photograph.
The instant Manager Lu saw it, he shot up from his stool. “Her? She came to my store lots of times!”
“Alone?” Chen Zheng asked. “Or with Wu Lianshan? When was this? No rush. Think it through slowly.”
Manager Lu opened a bottle of water and downed more than half of it in one breath before calming somewhat. He pointed at the tall stool where Chen Zheng was sitting. “They—they loved sitting right here, eating ice cream and oden.”
Manager Lu had an excellent impression of Wu Lianshan. She was not loud or ostentatious, but neither was she introverted. Whenever customers needed something, she proactively helped them, and she worked quickly and efficiently. Whenever she was on shift, Manager Lu felt completely at ease.
The residential complexes around Nanchun Street were all mid-range developments with several broad open plazas. Many retired people with little pressure in their daily lives liked to square dance there. What surprised Manager Lu was that Wu Lianshan joined them too.
During casual conversation, Wu Lianshan told Manager Lu that studying and working kept her too busy to exercise much, and that if she wanted to work as a nurse later, she would need stamina. Since so many people danced nearby, she would join them whenever she had free time. She also emphasized that it never interfered with her work.
Naturally, Manager Lu was not going to make things difficult for her over something like that. He even joked that she should work harder and become the lead dancer. “I’ve seen plenty of young lead dancers.”
Wu Lianshan made a pleading gesture. “No, no. I’m fine hiding in the back. I don’t want people looking at me.”
Manager Lu thought that suited Wu Lianshan’s personality. She was a diligent foot soldier who worked hard but did not want to stand out. The weather was starting to grow warmer at the time. Since Wu Lianshan had always done a good job, he gave her an employee-benefits card with a small allowance for cold drinks and snacks that she could use in the store.
Later, several times after Wu Lianshan got off work, Manager Lu saw her sitting on the tall stools by the window with a beautiful woman, sharing food.
Once Wu Lianshan was off duty, she was simply an ordinary customer, and strictly speaking, Manager Lu had no business asking what she did. But the woman was so beautiful that he could not help becoming interested and asked Wu Lianshan about her. Wu Lianshan said she was a friend called Yanzi whom she had met while square dancing. They got along very well, so she had invited her in for something to eat and a rest.
Wu Lianshan looked a little uneasy and explained that all the food had been paid for with the card; she had not taken anything for free. Afraid of frightening her, Manager Lu quickly said it was fine and that he had only been asking casually. Later, when Wu Lianshan realized he might be interested in Yanzi, she told him Yanzi had no intention of ever marrying. Manager Lu had not been so taken with her that it had to be Yanzi or no one, so he quickly let the idea go.
Chen Zheng asked Manager Lu to call Wu Lianshan. The call connected before long. After a few pleasantries, Manager Lu heard someone calling for Wu Lianshan on the other end. Wu Lianshan apologized repeatedly and said she was very busy with work now, but would come back to visit the store when she had time. Chen Zheng quickly wrote a sentence on a piece of paper, and Manager Lu immediately asked, “Xiao Shan, where are you working now?”
Whether Wu Lianshan was completely unsuspecting or simply had to hurry back to work, she blurted, “Internal Medicine at No. 9 Hospital.”
By the time Manager Lu hung up, his forehead was covered in sweat. The look he gave Chen Zheng seemed to ask: Was that good enough?
Chen Zheng thanked him. Before leaving the convenience store, he bought a bag full of water and food. Once he was back in the car, he called Ming Han, who was closer to No. 9 Hospital. Ming Han said, “Okay. Then we’ll meet at No. 9.”
Among all the hospitals in Zhuquan City, No. 9 Hospital could only be considered lower-middle tier. It was located in the old city, and its facilities were relatively outdated.
Ming Han arrived at the Internal Medicine ward and wandered through the corridor. The smell of disinfectant hung in the air, along with the scent of death that very few people could detect. No one stopped him to make him register. After observing for a while, he saw Wu Lianshan pushing a medication cart in and out of patient rooms. He did not disturb her yet. Although she was young and had only recently started the job, the patients seemed to trust her, and she communicated with her coworkers with the ease of someone who had been working there for years.
After changing the medication in the final room, Wu Lianshan pushed the cart back to the nurses’ station. It looked as though she was about to end her shift and take a break. Only then did Ming Han approach. “Ms. Wu.”
Wu Lianshan froze. “You are?”
Instead of immediately showing his identification, Ming Han went straight to the point. “‘Zeng Yan’ was your friend?”
At the name, Wu Lianshan went rigid almost by reflex. Her lips moved twice, and her entire body shifted from relaxed to tense. “Sister Yanzi…”
The head nurse came over, apparently thinking they were dealing with an angry patient or relative. “Who are you? I’m calling security!”
Ming Han smiled. “Police. I’m here to ask Nurse Wu a few questions.”
Wu Lianshan quickly stopped the head nurse. “It’s fine. I’ll cooperate.”
The head nurse still did not understand what was happening, but Ming Han had identification. She scrutinized him suspiciously for a long while before finding them a break room. As a precaution, she immediately contacted the hospital director as well.
“You seem to know why I’m here.” Ming Han watched Wu Lianshan. “To tell you the truth, that reaction is a little more than I expected.”
Worry covered Wu Lianshan’s face, nothing like the vitality she had shown in the photograph. Half a minute later, she lowered her head and said, “I heard about the case at Fengshu Residential Complex. People said—said the person who died was surnamed Zeng and sold cold dishes. I guessed it was Yanzi, but I—I didn’t dare think any further.”
Ming Han took out the photograph. “You’ve been to ‘Zeng Yan’s’ home. You were friends. When you heard she might have been murdered, you didn’t even contact her?”
At the sight of the photograph, Wu Lianshan went pale, as though she had never known the picture existed. “You… you found me because of this photograph?”
Ming Han looked at it as well. “Yes. You weren’t looking at the camera. ‘Zeng Yan’ took this without you knowing. Why would she secretly photograph you?”
“I—I don’t know,” Wu Lianshan said helplessly.
Ming Han gave her a little time to calm down, then said, “How about this? Let’s start with how you met. That might help you remember how this photograph came about. Don’t be nervous. I’m not here because I suspect you. The ‘Zeng Yan’ case has had a considerable impact, and I need to speak with everyone connected to her one by one. Understand?”
Wu Lianshan straightened her back and hesitated before speaking. “Sister Yanzi and I met while square dancing.”
As she began her story, Chen Zheng had already reached Internal Medicine at No. 9 Hospital. Standing outside the door, he heard a more detailed version than the one Manager Lu had given him.
Wu Lianshan’s hometown was Yafu City in northern Han Province. Her family was of modest means. Both parents died in a traffic accident, and she had grown up with her grandmother. Her grades were not exceptional, so in hopes of securing a stable livelihood, she chose to attend health college. She began working part-time as soon as she enrolled, though the jobs were scattered and temporary until she started at the convenience store on Nanchun Street, which finally gave her a relatively steady income.
What she had told Manager Lu—that she began square dancing because she wanted exercise—was not entirely accurate. At first, she still thought of square dancing as an “old people’s activity.” How could a young person like her go do that? But after spring began that year, she passed the open plaza on Nanchun Street and saw “Zeng Yan.” “Zeng Yan” stood in the very last row, her body moving freely. Even with sweat covering her head, she wore a brilliant smile, like a green vine swaying in the spring breeze, brimming with life.
In that instant, Wu Lianshan was drawn to “Zeng Yan” and actually began moving her own body to the strongly rhythmic music. “Zeng Yan” turned and their gazes met. Embarrassed, Wu Lianshan immediately stopped, but “Zeng Yan” smiled and waved at her. Wu Lianshan was not good at dealing with strangers, so she quickly walked away.
After that, however, whenever she passed the plaza, she subconsciously searched for “Zeng Yan.” She discovered that “Zeng Yan” never appeared during the liveliest evening sessions; only during the day would that graceful figure show up on the plaza. Even then, “Zeng Yan” did not come every day, only once or twice a week.
One time, Wu Lianshan was standing to the side watching “Zeng Yan” dance when “Zeng Yan” noticed her again. This time, it happened to be a break between songs, and “Zeng Yan” walked over. “I’ve seen you a few times now. Why don’t you come dance with us?”
Wu Lianshan was a little nervous. “I—I don’t know how.”
“You’ll learn if you try. Come on, I’ll teach you.” “Zeng Yan” pulled her to the back of the group—“Zeng Yan” always stood at the back. When the music started again, “Zeng Yan” demonstrated the movements for her. Wu Lianshan went from being stiff and self-conscious to gradually finding the rhythm, and by the end, both of them were drenched in sweat.
“You learn so fast!” “Zeng Yan” praised her without reservation. “Do you live around here? Why don’t we dance together from now on?”
“I work over there.” Wu Lianshan pointed toward the convenience store not far away. “What about you? Are you a student too?”
“I…” “Zeng Yan” shook her head. “I’m working already.”
Wu Lianshan felt she had been rude. Flustered, she invited “Zeng Yan” to the convenience store and offered to buy her water. “Zeng Yan” smiled. “Sure.”
After that, whenever “Zeng Yan” came to dance and Wu Lianshan had time, they danced together. When “Zeng Yan” did not come, Wu Lianshan would sometimes dance by herself. As time passed, they became friends who talked about their lives. “Zeng Yan” said she sold cold dishes in the snack alley near Fengshu Residential Complex and lived alone. She wanted to save more money while she was young and keep exercising, otherwise old age would be difficult. Wu Lianshan often complained about school and about her boyfriend. “Zeng Yan” was older and had long since entered society, and somehow always knew exactly how to soothe her.
Wu Lianshan had told “Zeng Yan” that Manager Lu was interested in her. “Zeng Yan” said, “You absolutely have to turn him down for me. I have no interest in marriage or children.”
Wu Lianshan graduated that July, but because she did not immediately find a suitable job, she continued working at the convenience store through the summer and kept seeing “Zeng Yan” as usual.
“How many times did you go to ‘Zeng Yan’s’ home?” Ming Han asked.
Wu Lianshan reacted as though someone had stepped on her tail. “Only once! We actually weren’t as close as you’re imagining.”
“That does seem to be the case,” Ming Han said. “People in the snack alley hardly ever saw you. So why did you go to ‘Zeng Yan’s’ home on August tenth?”
Wu Lianshan looked dejected. “I fought with my boyfriend. I had nowhere to go and felt awful. Somehow, without really thinking, I ended up walking to the snack alley.”
Wu Lianshan’s boyfriend was younger than she was. He also attended the health college and was a local. He rented an apartment outside the school, and they normally lived together. After their fight, Wu Lianshan went out alone, desperately wanting someone she could vent to.
She did not want to go to classmates or people from her hometown. They belonged to her regular social circle, and she was afraid they would look down on her. Only “Zeng Yan” was different. Like an older sister, she was gentle and rational and always seemed to say exactly what Wu Lianshan needed to hear.
When Wu Lianshan reached the snack alley, “Zeng Yan” was packing up her stall. She did not interrupt. Only after “Zeng Yan” pushed her cart away did Wu Lianshan follow. “Zeng Yan” was surprised, and the moment she asked what was wrong, Wu Lianshan could no longer hold back her tears. “Zeng Yan” quickly took her home.
That night, Wu Lianshan lay on “Zeng Yan’s” bed and poured out all her troubles, complaining about how unreasonable her boyfriend was. “Zeng Yan” listened in silence, handed her tissues to wipe away her tears, and told her that women should live more independently and be tougher. If the relationship could not continue, then break up—the next one would behave better.
Wu Lianshan had been emotional at the time and felt that everything “Zeng Yan” said was right. She made up her mind that as soon as she went home, she would break up with her boyfriend and devote herself to her career, saving enough money for retirement while she was young just as “Zeng Yan” did.
They talked deep into the night. Wu Lianshan forgot when she fell asleep, but she remembered promising “Zeng Yan” before bed that she was absolutely done with that relationship.
The next morning, as soon as Wu Lianshan woke up, delayed embarrassment struck. Looking back in daylight, some of what she had said was unrealistic, while some had been far too emotionally exposed. She still needed to look for work that day and was in a hurry to leave. “Zeng Yan” cheerfully encouraged her, apparently fully convinced that Wu Lianshan was going to dump her boyfriend that very day.
“The photograph must have been taken around then,” Wu Lianshan said. “After I changed my clothes. But I don’t understand why she took it.”
“What happened afterward?” Ming Han asked. “Did you see each other again?”
“No. I never truly wanted to break up. I went back and made up with my boyfriend.” Wu Lianshan said, “I felt awkward telling her that. And—and she had immediately started urging me to break up, which made me a little uncomfortable too.”
Their connection had existed only through square dancing to begin with. Wu Lianshan started her internship at No. 9 Hospital and no longer had time to dance on Nanchun Street. She also deliberately avoided “Zeng Yan,” and gradually the relationship faded.
Tears welled in Wu Lianshan’s eyes. “I don’t know why something like that happened to her. She was a good person. She really was.”
Leave a Reply