Sha Qing

Chapter 13: Bloody Roses (1)

Ten minutes later, a bad news came from Serena: the location of the mobile phone could not be traced, maybe because the phone was completely damaged or the battery was removed.

Rob's face turned solemn at the news but to his surprise, Leo did not show a look of frustration or pain, but the latter's whole demeanor made him feel that his partner was like a bowstring that was stretched taut, like a piece of rock heated to extreme temperature, that would remain in this critical state until the last trace of tensile force was applied or a bucket of iced water was poured. He felt worried that when that moment comes, Leo will be overwhelmed by the excessive load.

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Leo and Rob arrived at an empty rented apartment so they descended from the 17th-floor elevator and raced straight to the Portland State University.

The language training course instructor today happened to be Wayne. He was a bit nervous when Leo asked him."Biqing? Yes, yes, he came to class today, although he was a little late. Yesterday he asked for a leave so I thought he wouldn't come today ... Right now? I don't know ... Everyone, does any of you know where your classmate Li Biqing went?" He turned and asked a dozen students who were muttering in class.

A Chinese guy raised his hand lazily a moment later: "I saw him answer a call before, and then carried his bag out."

"When?" Leo asked.

"About an hour ago, I can't remember exactly."

"Did you hear what he said on the phone?"

"Hey, how would I know? Do I look like someone who pries into other people's privacy all day?" The guy shouted discontentedly.

"Aren't you, gossip boy?"His desk mate took the opportunity to criticize and the classroom was suddenly filled with laughter.

Leo left without leaving even some polite words for Wayne. The big White man awkwardly waved his hand at their back: "You're welcome.."

"What now?" Rob chased after Leo.

Leo forced his throbbing brain to calm down and sorted out his chaotic thoughts. "Suppose it was Reggie who called Biqing, what would he say? Especially after his identity as a murder suspect had been revealed? Biqing is not the kind of person who does things lightly. Reggie must have a very strong excuse that led him out instead of calling the police immediately."

"Uh... 'I'm actually innocent, the killer is someone else.' Or something?" Rob tried to think, "No, all the case evidence is solid, and Biqing himself is very clear of that. He won't believe that statement. So what would it be ... Is it a sincere confession before a fake suicide? It touched him so much that he went to see Reggie for the last time regardless of the danger?"

"Shit, what's with that speculation?!" Leo's rare burst of foul language.

"It's quite possible, isn't it? Don't tell me you can't see that the Latino guy is interested in Biqing."

"Nonsense, that's why he's being targeted!"

"No, no, I'm not just talking about that abnormal desire, but some kind of hidden ... sincere affection? Perhaps, in his opinion, Biqing is the most distinctive one among his chosen targets..." Rob expressed his views in a way that would not stimulate Leo as much as possible.

But still, he inevitably stimulated his dark-haired partner, who glared at him fiercely as he did at a ferocious criminal, "How is it different? You just made it more elaborate! Damn, if you say that again, I swear I'll give you a good beating!"