What It's Like Being a Vampire

The taller one glanced at Zhou Rui, who was collecting soil samples, and inquired with a frown:

“What are you guys doing?”

It was apparent that the four of them, Mijoe, Zhou Rui, and the rest, given their equipment and current behavior, did not resemble tourists.

Crouching on the ground, Zhou Rui looked up and asked bemusedly: “Why is what we’re doing any of your concern, and what are you two doing here?”

Because he had gone to bed late last night, woken too early this morning, was slightly carsick, and most unfortunate, he had stumbled a couple of times on the climb, Zhou Rui was already feeling frustrated and disgruntled. Now, being questioned by these two “men of unknown identity” in this manner only served to worsen his mood.

But Ye Chong didn’t wait for the tall man to speak, immediately taking over the conversation and stating: “We are from Taiyu Biological Laboratory, here to collect some samples.”

“Thai? Sawadeeka?” The shorter man among the two also opened his mouth to ask.

The taller one explained to his companion: “Not Thai, ‘tai’ as in ecology, ‘yu’ as in universe, a laboratory in Citong.”

After explaining, he turned back to Ye Chong and asked: “Why would you guys come here to collect… these are soil samples, right?”

“Oh, it’s related to our research,” Ye Chong succinctly stated, making it clear that he didn’t intend to reveal details of their research.

“I’m a police officer, here is my identification.” The taller man took out his identification from his pocket and showed it to Ye Chong, Mijoe, and Gao Shu, who had gathered around, then continued: “Can you briefly explain why you have come here to take samples? Of course, you do not need to delve into details if it pertains to confidential scientific research.”

These two who had come over to “question” Mijoe and the others were none other than Officer Xiao Zhao, Zhao Feng, and his classmate from the police academy, his roommate, good friend, Officer Xiao Wang, Wang De’an, who had just arrived in Citong City the night before.

After receiving Zhao Feng’s call on Sunday and hearing that he had discovered three bodies hidden deep within the mountains, guided by a dream, Wang De’an, having tied up loose ends on his end and submitted his report, took time off and rushed to Citong City.

Both of them were materialists. Whether they were investigating a case or dealing with other matters, their judgement was based on facts, evidence, tangible proof.

Therefore, the real-world impact of Zhao Feng’s dream reignited their passion to investigate the “multi-armed monster illusion”.

Of course, it also had to do with the fact that they had only started working a few years ago, had not started families, and both were single. Otherwise, it would have been hard to find spare time for themselves to investigate such bizarre, illusory matters after a busy workday.

The pair had chatted late into the night in Zhao Feng’s quarters the night before, discussing the various known information about their investigation into the “multi-armed monster illusion” and making numerous conjectures. The more they talked, the more excited they became, and they got up early the next morning, headed into the mountains toward the location of the cave where Zhao Feng had discovered the bodies.

However, neither of them had expected to encounter other people in the remote mountain area, which barely had a path, first thing in the morning.

Although Ye Chong claimed they were “researchers from Taiyu Laboratory”, Zhao Feng continued his questioning with a hint of suspicion.

After all, they were investigating a matter which was very strange itself, and this area was also quite special, with many odd occurrences of late.

Aftrer checking Zhao Feng’s identification, Ye Chong rummaged in his backpack and took out his own ID to hand over, as he explained, “We came here to collect samples because of the thunderstorm that occurred in the early hours of February 14th. As to why…that would involve laboratory secrets that can’t be disclosed and, besides…you probably wouldn’t understand even if we told you.”

Zhao Feng, however, did not pay heed to his slight ridicule, but instead recorded their information with his phone and then asked Mijoe, Zhou Rui, and the other three to produce their identification as well.

Neither Mijoe nor Zhou Rui had their IDs on them, as they were left at their accommodation.

Of course, how could they have expected to get their IDs checked deep within Zi Huan Mountain?

Zhao Feng didn’t press further, simply manually recording the information they verbally provided on his phone.

But Mijoe sensed something was amiss: “Officer Zhao, why are you guys here, and why are you checking our identities? You must have a reason, right?”

Zhao Feng glanced at her and said, “Because not far from here, there is a crime scene.”

At these words, Mijoe and the rest were stunned.

Had there been a murder case nearby?

“What kind of murder case, and where?” Zhou Rui unconsciously asked aloud.

Zhao Feng replied, “I can’t tell you that. Check the news after some time, and there should be an official report.”

According to their investigation, this case should be classified as a murder-suicide committed by the deceased male on the two females, and once the case was closed, related news should be released soon.

Zhou Rui didn’t press anymore, as he knew Ye Chong could likely dig up more detailed information later.

Just as Zhao Feng finished recording the four people’s information and was preparing to leave, Wang De’an suddenly spoke to Mijoe:

“Miss Chen, you’re from Yuan City?”

Mijoe, now under the name “Chen Tianhua”, nodded, “Yes, why?”

“Oh, your accent doesn’t sound like you’re from Yuan City, but there’s a hint of Yangcheng in it,” said Wang De’an.

“I left Yuan City with my parents a long time ago when I was a child.” Mijoe answered concisely, her “Chen Tianhua” identity had a whole set of arranged background and experiences, all of which she remembered distinctly.

“Have you been working in Citong for several years? Always at the Taiyu Lab?” Wang De’an continued.

Ye Chong voiced his confusion, “Officer, why are you asking this?”

Mijoe frowned slightly and countered, “Are you a cop, like Officer Zhao?”

Wang De’an took out his ID as well for her to inspect.

However, upon seeing it, Mijoe frowned, “You’re not part of Citong police force?”

“I’m here to assist in a case,” Wang De’an briefly stated, “Miss Chen, you have not answered my question yet.”

“I’ve just arrived in Citong about half a month ago.” Mijoe answered just as briefly, with concise content.

“And before coming to Citong?” Wang De’an asked again.

Ye Chong stepped in again: “Officer Wang, did we do something wrong? Are we not allowed to collect scientific research samples here? Do I need to contact our legal department?”

“No need, go ahead with your work. Just avoid that direction,” Wang De’an pointed in a certain direction.

Then he and Zhao Feng walked away from the group, heading toward the vicinity of the cave where the three corpses were found.

“Do you think there is something off about that Chen Tianhua?” Zhao Feng asked his companion in a low voice, after they had walked a certain distance, far enough that they were sure Mijoe and the others couldn’t hear them.

Zhao Feng had not interjected when Wang De’an was questioning “Chen Tianhua” since he knew his friend’s nature and was certain he’d noticed something.

Wang De’an nodded, “I have a feeling she resembles someone.”

“Who does she resemble?” Zhao Feng curiously asked. He knew that his friend had a strong memory for faces and images.

“A suspect from a case in Yangcheng which we were asked to assist in.” Wang De’an said.