Section 2: The Fragrance Fades and the Jade Perishes

"Hey, don't say that about me! I was with you all day yesterday!" Yixue said excitedly, pouting in anger.

The police have also interrogated him. Since he lives alone in a small room of less than 10 square meters behind the school, he is unable to provide an alibi. However, the police have ruled out the possibility of his motive and physical involvement in the crime. Although the key belongs to him, the murderer could easily replicate a new key in various ways, and the police certainly believe this as well

Alright! said Tang Sen and Yi Xue

However, during the week we came, Joanna has always been a cheerful person, and the three of us are all proficient in observing expressions and understanding language. If there were really a problem, how could we not notice it?" Tang Sen said, puzzled, as he tried hard to recall fragments of Joanna's behavior

"Do you think it was suicide or homicide?" Tang Sen gazed at the sky and asked, for Joanna was a very warm-hearted girl, and a genuinely good person

Not necessarily. Do you remember what I said yesterday on the rooftop? The ground is very clean, which indicates that the murderer is very familiar with the terrain and has deliberately cleaned it, making this an important clue. Yixue, if I am not mistaken, the rooftop is locked, and usually no one else goes up there, so the rooftop should be quite dusty and somewhat dirty. Do you know how often the rooftop is cleaned?

"Indeed, this does provide some clues," Tang Sen said to Lloyd

The clue has come to a halt here again, "" said Yixue, turning around and walking over to Tang Sen with a sense of regret.

In that case, if the murderer was walking down the street with a broom, at least the campus security would have noticed if he had left the school gate, said Tang Sen. Then I will go ask the campus security. Tang Sen rushed to the school gate, and after careful inquiry and confirmation, found that there were no suspicious outsiders entering or leaving yesterday, nor did any students or faculty leave carrying anything.

Moreover, Uncle Zhang is one-armed, making it unlikely for him to possess the ability to strangle someone, especially at his advanced age. Tang Sen flexed his most proud bicep and continued teasingly.

However, the murderer would never be foolish enough to make a phone call, leaving a record before committing the crime! I will go check it out. Please wait a moment.

It is very likely! "" Yixue clasped her hands behind her back and replied thoughtfully

Quickly call the police! Do not disturb the scene!" Lloyd said cautiously while observing the surroundings

It seems that the murderer went to great lengths to avoid leaving any traces on the rooftop said Lloyd

Yesterday you said the only person with the key is Uncle Zhang from the security office, right? Lloyd asked again, glancing at Yixue

"I got it! Let's go!" Yixue said excitedly, running from a distance while holding up the keys.

Since the three young individuals were all primary witnesses, they were all retained at the police station that night to provide separate testimonies. After comparison, their accounts were consistent. After a night had passed, the three were deemed not suspicious and were released.

Tang Sen was utterly at a loss; this was the first time a girl had pursued him in such a manner. Tang Sen looked at Yi Xue with gratitude as he took the heart-shaped piece of paper from her hand

After Tang Sen and Yi Xue arrived, they were astonished to discover a female corpse hanging from the stairs of the water reservoir. To their shock, the corpse was none other than Qiao Na

Before long, Tang Sen approached with a dark expression and said, "Indeed, it was made using a public phone."

Searching for clues

Stay at the police station

Before the police arrived, Thompson and Lloyd carefully examined the scene. Joanna's body showed no obvious signs of a struggle, and her clothing was intact; however, it was evident that the deceased had struggled before her death

Jona rolled her eyes, unable to close them in death, her tongue protruding, her hair in complete disarray, her face devoid of color, and livor mortis had already set in.

The sunset is quite beautiful, and speaking of which, we have actually been wandering for several hours. I wonder what is to the east; is it the area we just passed through?" Lloyd, not wanting to be a third wheel, pretended to say this and then changed direction to walk away.

Indeed, the question remains, which broom has been used to sweep the rooftop? The murderer may have placed this broom in a certain classroom, or perhaps discarded it in a corner of the school that is particularly difficult to find, or it might have been inadvertently taken out of the school at some point

In that case, it seems that the broom the murderer came into contact with is still inside the school said Tang Sen excitedly

Can this matter be discussed casually? Do you know how the police questioned me last night? It scared me to death! Moreover, such matters are inherently frightening!" Yixue said angrily, standing up and walking aside, turning her back to Tang Sen

Then, the second person to take the key is... Yixue?" Tang Sen said with a hint of hesitation, glancing at Yixue beside him

After the door opened, everyone walked to a place about 1 meter away from the railing and began to gaze into the distance towards the school. The evening sunset cast a warm glow, and the clouds in the sky resembled waves in the sea, gently swaying with the breeze. Although they were already at a high altitude, they could still faintly sense the fragrance of the exotic flowers and plants in the nearby botanical garden

Good! Tang Sen immediately took out his phone to report to the police

However, there are no remnants of any weapons or potential assailants that could have fallen beneath the reservoir, and the ground is exceptionally clean

No! Sitting on the ground in a state of collapse, how could this happen?

Indeed, you are absolutely right. Although it is quite difficult, fortunately, this is at school, and everyone will help out, and they will all actively follow the order!" Lloyd said. "Hurry up, Yixue, go to the broadcasting station to make the announcement, Tansen, go to the security office to seal off all entrances and exits of the school, and I will go to the principal's office.

"Take it easy, Yixue, I was just saying it casually..." Tang Sen comforted in a panic

It is said that a thorough investigation was conducted last night, but the police have not made any announcements for the time being. Yi Xue sat down next to Tang Sen

"Wow, the scenery is truly remarkable!" Tang Sen said excitedly, taking a deep breath.

She brightened the key with the snow and smoothly unlocked the door: "This is the tallest building in the school, so the view should be the best here"

"Tang Sen! Yi Xue! Come here quickly!" Lloyd suddenly shouted in a serious tone, his voice very urgent

Three people stood silently on the playground, gazing into the distance

Could it be that strange man on the phone?" Lloyd asked the back of Yixue.

Well, all the keys to the locked doors in the entire school are with him, and it is well known that there is only one key to the rooftop of that building, so not many people have been able to go up there. Yesterday, I explained our situation to Uncle Zhang, saying that you are distinguished guests, and it is rare for you to come here, plus you are all adults now and will pay attention to safety. It was not easy to obtain the key.

Ah... let me think, it seems to be once every 4 to 5 months, and it is usually cleaned by Mr. Zhang, because the school is aware of his poor health. The rooftop is not used much, so it takes a long time to clean it.

Before long, a melodious sound was heard coming from afar

Haha, it seems that our trip was not in vain!" Yixue said happily, taking out a piece of cardstock folded into the shape of a heart and presenting it to Tang Sen

Indeed, it is quite unique! Moreover, the wind on the rooftop is strong, giving a refreshing and comfortable feeling! The key point is that the rooftop surface is surprisingly clean!" Lloyd also remarked, stamping his foot, and indeed, not a speck of dust was raised.

No one would lock the door from the inside with the intention of committing suicide. As for the lock at the door, it serves as a clue; anyone with a key would be a direct suspect. In that case, does this mean that Uncle Zhang is the prime suspect? So, does the result provided by the police today indicate homicide?

Three individuals arrived at the rooftop, where they encountered a door secured with a simple iron chain and locked.