Chapter One: The Beginning of the School Year

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, I strode purposefully toward the school. My name is Lin Xuan: the world’s top assassin, the foremost hacker, a leading scientist and pharmacist, equipped with unparalleled investigative skills and combat prowess—a true master of all trades at the very pinnacle.

Dragging my suitcase behind me, I entered the campus. Now in my sophomore year, finding my dormitory was effortless—at least, I am no stranger to directions. Still, due to countless missions I carried out during my freshman year, I missed much of campus life. So, despite my familiarity, I couldn't help feeling a bit lost as I walked through the grounds. After navigating a series of left and right turns, I finally arrived at the base of my dormitory building.

My room was in Building 12, on the sixth floor, Room 4. From the main gate, you had to pass all the way to the innermost teaching building, circle back, and pass buildings one through eleven before reaching twelve—a walk of nearly twenty minutes.

Upon entering the dorm, I saw my two roommates, Wang Qing and Zhou Jie. While we weren't particularly close, we greeted each other politely.

Just then, the door swung open and a girl in an ornate white dress entered. She was clearly another member of our dorm—a scion of the school’s elite, and renowned as the campus belle. Her name was Feng Danyan, a bold and just young woman. With a radiant smile, she greeted the three of us; I remained silent, while the other two responded warmly.

I had little interest in associating with someone whose university place was secured by family privilege. Noticing my lack of response, Feng Danyan left her luggage and darted over to greet me at my ear. I frowned, unwilling to engage.

Sensing the awkward tension, Wang Qing and Zhou Jie hastily struck up a conversation to break the ice.

At that moment, my phone rang. It was Captain Liu from the police bureau, likely seeking my help with another investigation. Glancing at Feng Danyan, who still hovered nearby, I ignored the call and walked out.

Shortly after I left, Wang Qing’s phone rang as well. The caller ID displayed Captain Liu’s name—she, too, had been summoned to assist with the case. After a quick farewell to the others, she hurried out.

That left only the two bewildered roommates behind.

On my way to the police station, I donned a black hat, black mask, and a pair of black rubber gloves. I had to ensure I left no fingerprints—given my many identities, being identified by prints would be risky and potentially disastrous.

Meanwhile, Wang Qing made her way there without any such precautions. I arrived first; soon after, Wang Qing appeared as well.

I hadn’t spent much time with my roommates, so Wang Qing didn’t recognize me from the two eyes visible above my mask. Captain Liu briefed us in detail on the case. He then handed a laptop to Wang Qing. Her fingers danced nimbly across the keyboard, and in moments, a surveillance video appeared on the screen—her technical skill was impressive.

A distinguished and handsome young officer approached the laptop. His name was Lu Yun, an outstanding policeman. He frowned as he watched the footage, then, without hesitation, motioned for us to join him and other officers to a nearby alley.

As expected, once we arrived, the forensic team and investigators confirmed, through DNA analysis and other checks, that this was the initial crime scene. Lu Yun’s investigative abilities were truly remarkable.

Wang Qing surveyed the spotless ground and surroundings, skeptical. She donned gloves and examined the area once more, but from her expression, she hadn’t found anything new.

She voiced her doubts: “The ground and surroundings here are immaculate. Officer Lu, how did you determine this was the first crime scene?” Before Officer Lu could reply, I pointed to a cigarette butt beneath a fence in the left corner.

“Oh! It seems I was being foolish—sorry for making a spectacle of myself,” Wang Qing said with a nervous laugh to cover her embarrassment.

She sidled up to Officer Lu, whispering, “Officer Lu, who is that? She’s amazing.” “The chief often hires her at great expense to help us with investigations. I don’t know much more,” he replied.

I waved for the forensic officers and police behind me to collect the evidence. They understood immediately and retrieved the cigarette butt, which bore several fingerprints. Though partially covered by dirt and debris, the DNA would likely reveal the culprit.

Both Wang Qing and Lu Yun applauded the find. Glancing at my watch, I noticed the hour was late and decided to return to the dormitory. To my surprise, Wang Qing was also preparing to leave, following just behind me.