Chapter Ten: Notorious

Hearing Qin Ruonan’s question, An Changpu finally realized he had overlooked this issue. He had been so fixated on waiting for the DNA results from Forensic Zhao that he’d forgotten these two lines of investigation didn’t conflict. He couldn’t help but admire Qin Ruonan’s persistence—she knew full well that Professor Jin was a difficult and arrogant person, yet she still risked being berated to pursue her questions, unlike most women who would be more concerned about saving face.

After clarifying the progress of that still-unknown patient’s surgery, the two hurriedly drove back to City C. At the very least, they now knew the general area where this person lived; they could inquire around, and perhaps gain some clues. After all, a grown man suddenly developing a full chest was not a change that could go unnoticed.

As they neared City C, Forensic Zhao called to inform them that the DNA comparison was complete. It was now certain that the upper half of the body with breast implants and the lower half found earlier belonged to the same person. In other words, their original suspicion of a serial dismemberment case could be ruled out—there was only one victim, though their identity remained unknown.

With this news, An Changpu and Qin Ruonan felt even more confident in their deduction. The upper body had undergone breast augmentation, while the lower body retained male characteristics; this matched perfectly with the patient Professor Jin had treated the previous year. The odds that the deceased was that very person were now extremely high.

With a clear target and direction, An Changpu bypassed the city center and drove toward the more remote Jiangkou District. Professor Jin had only provided a general location, not a specific street or residential complex. Following the directions, An Changpu found the place at the district’s outskirts. Though it was somewhat isolated, the population density was high and the residents diverse. Trying to find someone here without a name, knowing only their gender and approximate age, felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.

An Changpu and Qin Ruonan parked near a small roadside market and walked in to start making inquiries. The market was bustling with people, clearly one of those regular, long-standing markets that appeared at intervals. Instead of questioning stall owners or customers, the two of them instinctively set their sights on the group of motorcycle taxi drivers waiting for fares at the market entrance. Their silent accord in this decision surprised both of them.

Here, on the border of urban and rural, motorcycle taxis still thrived, unlike in the city center where they’d been banned. In the short walk of a dozen meters, An Changpu and Qin Ruonan saw several motorcycles speeding by, passengers clutching large shopping bags. Just watching made one feel uneasy, let alone riding.

About five or six motorcycles were scattered near the market entrance. It was a warm autumn afternoon; the drivers had left their bikes by the roadside and gathered under a small awning, smoking and chatting. When they saw An Changpu and Qin Ruonan heading their way, three or four of them immediately approached with eager calls: “Looking for a ride?”

“What ride?!” one driver, who hadn’t come over, called out from the shade. “Didn’t you see these two drive here themselves? Why would they ride your bikes when they have a car?”

The drivers slowed, puzzled and curious, eyeing An Changpu and Qin Ruonan.

“We’re hoping to ask you about someone. Are you familiar with the locals around here?” An Changpu asked with a pleasant smile.

Hearing they were after information, a few lost interest and returned to their seats or lounged in the sun on their bikes. Only one middle-aged man with a weathered face looked at them and asked, “Who are you asking about? Maybe I know them.”

“We don’t know his name, only that he’s a local,” An Changpu hesitated, lowering his voice. “About fifty, quite tall and thin. He once went to the hospital for breast implants…”

Before he could finish, another driver listening nearby let out a loud snort of laughter.

“You mean that one? The guy who tried to become a woman?” The laughing driver glanced between An Changpu and Qin Ruonan, then smacked his forehead with sudden realization. “I know who you are!”

At these words, both An Changpu and Qin Ruonan tensed, worried that their case had already stirred up unexpected trouble in the area. But the driver’s next sentence put their minds at ease.

“Are you from the newspaper or the TV station? Reporters, right?” The driver waved dismissively. “Give it up. His family won’t let him be interviewed—they’re ashamed of it.”

“What do you mean? You know who we’re talking about?” Qin Ruonan pressed, sensing he was in the know.

The driver grinned, and even those who’d walked away returned, crowding around them.

“Who doesn’t know him around here?” None of them clarified their identities, which the drivers took as tacit affirmation—assuming they were media. The driver who’d laughed said cheerfully, “He’s a local ‘celebrity’! If his family hadn’t stopped him, he’d probably be on national TV by now. After living most of his life, he suddenly wanted to become a woman! You’re a bit late—he hasn’t been around for a while. Otherwise, you’d spot him right away; no one else around here attracts as much attention!”

“He’s that famous? Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?” An Changpu was cautious, not wanting any mix-ups.

The driver snorted with scorn. “Who else could it be? His name was originally Lu Min. Then he got his hands on some cash, got his chest done, and changed his name to Lu Bing! No mistake about it—he’s the most notorious one around!”