The Moment the White Rose's Star Falls

Female Forensic Pathologist vs. Police Captain

The first time they met, he was leading the investigation beside a body in a park west of the city, and she was the forensic pathologist in charge of the autopsy. A survivor of the White Rose Case ten years ago and the son of the “negligent police officer” faced off across a corpse.

“There are traces of sandalwood under the victim’s fingernails,” Chi Xingzhi said matter-of-factly as she leaned down to collect a sample. “Just like at the scene of my mother’s case.”

Xie Linshi’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “You remember that pretty clearly.”

“Hard to forget watching the killer slip away right under your father’s nose.”

The second time they met was at the forensic center. Chi Xingzhi had just unlocked an encrypted diary when Xie Linshi burst through the door, clutching a photograph. It showed the white rose she had drawn as a child, now pinned inside a new victim’s wardrobe.

“Care to explain?” He slapped the photo on the table, his shadow falling across her face.

Outside, rain hammered against the glass, just like on that night ten years ago, when someone had tapped three times at the door, carrying the cold scent of white roses…