Insights Chapter 83: Reincarnation

Chapter 83: Reincarnation

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

It was past four in the afternoon. A team of detectives had finished handling all affairs and returned to the City Bureau. After several rounds of questioning, the security guards all unanimously concluded: Song Ran was a very strange person.

“He doesn’t talk much, keeps to himself, doesn’t socialize.”

“He hardly has any friends.”

“He doesn’t smoke or drink with us, nor does he go out to play. He usually just keeps to himself.”

“He goes to bed at eight in the evening, doesn’t use his phone, and hides under the blanket doing who knows what.”

“It seems his family is quite poor. He usually saves his salary.”

“When he’s on duty, he often walks towards Mr. Jin’s villa. I saw him talking to Mr. Jin once when I was patrolling.”

Perhaps because he was now a suspect, the security guards were all very certain that he had committed the murder.

“It’s definitely him. After he resigned, when I asked him where he was going, he wouldn’t speak, just smiled at me. That smile, it was so eerie! I had already noticed something off about him. He’s not quite right. Now thinking back, he’s just a weirdo.”

“You know what they call it, right? Class hatred. He’s one of those. He’s so poor that he wears out his colored sneakers until they turn white, with holes worn out at the big toe. Once, when he went to help someone at their home, he saw a child throwing away half a pizza, and he almost went to pick it up, almost causing a disagreement with the homeowner. I worked with him for half a year, and now I’ve got goosebumps all over just thinking about it.”

“Don’t be fooled by his quietness. A dog that doesn’t bark is the one that bites. So, this introverted guy, he’s the one capable of killing.”

As the investigation progressed, Gu Yanchen received another important clue. Despite being a wealthy businessman who often engaged in various charitable activities, Jin Yuewen’s financial situation wasn’t as good as it seemed. With the clothing factory being sluggish for the past two years, there had been multiple layoffs. Coupled with repaying debts, a significant amount of his money had been tied up. When the police investigated, they found that at the time of his death, Jin Yuewen only had twenty thousand in his bank account.

Bai Meng furrowed her brow and analyzed, “Could it be that Song Ran’s security guard job was just scouting? At only nineteen, he doesn’t seem like he could have acted alone.”

Lu Ying brainstormed, “Perhaps there’s a blackmail group behind them. They’ve been eyeing Jin Yuewen for a long time, but when they were about to act, they found out Jin Yuewen didn’t have any money. They got angry and killed him?”

Gu Yanchen felt their speculations were just guesses. He spoke up, “What about Song Ran’s cellphone signal? Can we determine its location?”

Bai Meng pointed to the information on the software, “The signal is intermittent. The approximate location is near the Chang’an Building in the western district.”

That area was a famous urban village in Penang, with some dilapidated buildings but no residential complexes. With the vast area and complexity of the population, using signals to locate someone wasn’t very practical.

After working for an afternoon, Gu Yanchen received a message from Shen Junci, “I’ve finished the autopsy on this end. Will you be working overtime today?”

Gu Yanchen replied, “No overtime. I’ll take the files back to look at tonight.” Glancing at the time, it was almost five. “I’ll come to you, let’s discuss our progress.”

Shen Junci, “Okay.”

Gu Yanchen stood up, “You guys keep investigating. I’ll go to the medical examiner’s office.” As he was about to leave, he turned back and grabbed a few chocolate bars, stuffing them into his pockets.

The two corpses had occupied Autopsy Room No. 3 of the medical examiner’s building in the afternoon, but when Gu Yanchen arrived, there was only Qi Yi’an inside, cleaning up the sticky fluids on the dissecting table with a cloth. The corpses had already been sent for storage, and a large ventilation fan was running inside the autopsy room, but the unpleasant smell hadn’t dissipated immediately.

Gu Yanchen asked, “Where’s your teacher?”

Qi Yi’an replied, “He just took a shower and went to the rest area. After dissecting the older corpse, the internal decay was severe, and it exploded…”

Gu Yanchen quickly stopped him, “That’s enough, I understand.”

Qi Yi’an looked pitiful, “Anyway, it was pretty gruesome. Even my master couldn’t handle it and went out to vomit.”

Hearing this, Gu Yanchen felt that he had made the right decision to grab the chocolate bars from his pocket. He handed a pack to Qi Yi’an, “Take this first. Don’t work overtime tonight. Rest well, and you can give me the autopsy report later.”

Qi Yi’an took the chocolate somewhat surprised, “Thank you, Captain Gu.”

Gu Yanchen went to the medical examiner’s rest area and knocked on the door. Shen Junci responded from inside. Medical examiner Shen had been busy with two giant phenomenon autopsies in a row this afternoon, and he had just finished.

After vomiting, his stomach had been uncomfortable all along, burning and throbbing, and his temples were pounding. Shen Junci usually didn’t like showering at the City Bureau, but today he couldn’t help it. He took out spare clothes, waited until no one was around, and took a shower. It took him three rounds of soap to wash away the smell of the corpses.

After taking a hot shower, he changed into a white shirt. His physical condition did not improve; his chest felt tight, his heart raced, and his hands continued to tremble. Shen Junci walked over and opened the door, but just this slight movement caused another layer of cold sweat to break out on his body. He disregarded his own condition and first told Gu Yanchen about the autopsy results, “The murderer was prepared and brought a knife beforehand. Jin Yuewen was stabbed twice in the abdomen. The weapon was a serrated blade. I’ll send over the simulated diagram later. The first stab probably pierced his intestines, but the killer didn’t stop there… Also, he’s left-handed.”

Seeing his pale face, Gu Yanchen tore open a corner of a chocolate bar and handed it to Shen Junci. “Hungry? Have a bite?”

Shen Junci shook his head. After vomiting, his stomach hurt, and he felt weak, but he had no appetite at all. He struggled to focus his consciousness and asked, “What about your end?”

Gu Yanchen had already opened the chocolate bar and could only eat it himself. “I found a former security guard from a residential area. He’s not answering calls and his whereabouts are unknown. Suspicion seems to be growing…” Here, Gu Yanchen asked, “Should I get you some water?”

Shen Junci lowered his eyes without saying a word.

Gu Yanchen asked, “Are you running a fever?” He reached out to feel Shen Junci’s forehead, which had a normal temperature.

Shen Junci persisted, “I’m just a bit tired. Let me rest.”

He closed his eyes, silent for a moment before opening them again. The dizziness didn’t ease; instead, it intensified. He felt himself slipping into an abyss. It was as if he was submerged in bottomless water, being dragged down by something unknown. Unable to bear it any longer, he doubled over, clutching his chest, breathing rapidly. His heart beat irregularly, oxygen seemed to vanish, and his vision turned from white to black.

“Shen Junci…” Gu Yanchen called out, supporting his slipping body and then embracing him, carrying him to the nearby bed.

Shen Junci felt extremely dizzy, gasping for air. He pointed weakly towards his backpack, “There’s medicine in my bag…”

Gu Yanchen fetched Shen Junci’s bag, which contained several types of medication. His grandfather had a history of heart disease, so he had some knowledge of first aid. He remained relatively calm, pouring water for Shen Junci.

Shen Junci picked out a box of medicine and took some, one hand pressed tightly against his chest, waiting for the discomfort to pass.

Seeing him feeling unwell, Gu Yanchen didn’t dare to move him or speak. He stayed by his side, observing his condition. He quickly arranged for time off on his phone, going over in his mind the principles of artificial respiration and CPR. 

After about two or three minutes, the ringing in his ears subsided, and Shen Junci finally breathed a sigh of relief. His complexion improved slightly. Feeling his heartbeat return to normal, he finally opened his eyes.

Gu Yanchen’s tense heart finally relaxed, but in those short two minutes, he was nearly scared to death.

“I’m much better now, just felt a bit uncomfortable earlier,” Shen Junci said.

Gu Yanchen got up. “Let’s go, I’ll accompany you to the clinic for a check-up.”

“Isn’t it almost closing time for the clinic?” Shen Junci was doubtful.

Gu Yanchen said seriously, “The clinic closes at six-thirty, but my family knows the director, so we can get an appointment.”

Shen Junci tried to explain, “It’s actually a sequelae from a car accident years ago, coupled with missing medication today, it’s not that serious…”

Gu Yanchen’s tone was firm, “I’ve already arranged your leave. Health matters cannot be delayed. If you still feel unwell, I can carry you down. Or should I call 911?”

Being carried out of the City Bureau would be embarrassing for Shen Junci. He sighed, “I can walk. Let’s go together.”

Gu Yanchen held his hand as they walked downstairs. The car drove all the way to the First People’s Hospital in Penang. Gu Yanchen arranged for Shen Junci to see a cardiologist, a specialist appointment. The hospital was always crowded, with doctors and nurses in white coats bustling about. One family member could accompany the patient to the examination room, so Gu Yanchen went in with Shen Junci, who didn’t object. They didn’t have to wait long before seeing the doctor. He was a director physician named Qiu Shaozhuo, as Shen Junci noticed from his name tag.

Dr. Qiu, wearing glasses and probably in his forties, spoke rapidly. He pulled up the electronic medical records and asked, “You had a heart transplant surgery five years ago?” Before Shen Junci could respond, Dr. Qiu continued, “According to your medical history, the postoperative recovery was good. However, you need to take anti-rejection drugs for life. It’s crucial not to miss doses, as it could be life-threatening. I had a case before, where the patient stopped taking the medication on their own after ten years post-surgery and passed away shortly after.”

Shen Junci explained, “I’ve been busy these days and missed the medication twice, so I’ve been feeling a bit unwell.”

Dr. Qiu reviewed all of Shen Junci’s past records, asked a series of questions, and then asked him to proceed with payment for the examination. Dr. Qiu typed prescriptions very quickly, as if the entire process was at double speed.

Leaving the examination room, Shen Junci said, “Captain Gu, I didn’t intentionally hide this from you…” He felt he should explain, as hearing about a heart transplant could be alarming for anyone.

Gu Yanchen, however, remained calm. “I’ve done some research. Heart transplant surgery is quite mature now, and the key is having a suitable donor. After the surgery, aside from the risk of rejection and the need for lifelong medication, it’s pretty much the same as for normal people. There are cases of people surviving for decades.”

Suddenly, Shen Junci remembered that Gu Yanchen had mentioned he knew about it. Although the surgery wasn’t recorded in his personal file, it could still be traced if one wanted to investigate. Gu Yanchen might have known for a long time.

As they talked, they arrived at the self-service payment machine at the entrance. Shen Junci scanned the barcode and prepared to pay with his phone.

Gu Yanchen opened the app first and paid for him.

Shen Junci said, “Let me transfer you the examination fee.”

Gu Yanchen replied, “As your boyfriend, I think this is what I should do.”

Nevertheless, Shen Junci still insisted on transferring the money. Then, Gu Yanchen accompanied Shen Junci up and down the stairs for various examinations, from simple blood tests and blood pressure checks to cardiac ultrasounds and electrocardiograms. Because it was a special case, all the examinations went smoothly.

Gu Yanchen was obviously very familiar with the hospital. In this maze-like place, he remembered every floor and the locations of the various examination rooms clearly.

Shen Junci was curious. “How come you’re so familiar with this place?”

“My friend used to live in this hospital, and I came almost every day back then,” Gu Yanchen said. “And, my stepfather started working here three years ago.”

When he was ten, his mother married a doctor named Gu Wenbin. To be precise, the doctor surnamed Gu had long been enamored with his mother, pursued her for years, never married anyone else, and finally succeeded in winning her over. So, she married him, and he took on the surname Gu.

Shen Junci remembered that he had stayed in the hospital’s inpatient department back then, and Gu Yanchen had visited often. He said, “So, your dad was transferred here? No wonder he knows the hospital director.”

Gu Yanchen said, “Actually, he’s the current director.”

Shen Junci was taken aback.

The whole process went smoothly. After all the results were out, Shen Junci took the report and went back to find Dr. Qiu.

Dr. Qiu looked at the results and prescribed medication for him. “Your body temperature is a bit low, indicating poor blood supply, and your blood sugar is low. In addition, missing doses of anti-rejection drugs can lower your immunity, leading to fainting or arrhythmia, causing discomfort. You must take your medication on time, exercise moderately, avoid coffee, and I also advise against smoking and alcohol. I don’t recommend high-intensity work or staying up late, but generally, there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

After that, the doctor repeatedly reminded Shen Junci to take his medication on time.

After the conversation, just to be sure, Gu Yanchen asked the doctor, “Dr. Qiu, are you sure all the results are fine? My colleague has a rather special occupation, so I want to clarify some things.”

Dr. Qiu asked, “What’s his occupation?”

Gu Yanchen said, “A policeman.”

Shen Junci quickly added, “A medical examiner.”

Dr. Qiu raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything further. He signed his elaborately written name on the printed medical record and handed it to Shen Junci, saying meaningfully, “As long as you don’t court death, you should be fine. But if the patient wants to court death, often even doctors can’t stop them.”

After leaving the hospital, Shen Junci didn’t hurry to leave. He noticed a café not far from the hospital. Shen Junci said, “Captain Gu, let me treat you to a drink.”

Gu Yanchen replied, “You were just told that you can’t drink coffee.”

Shen Junci said, “I’ll order milk.”

Gu Yanchen looked at him and said, “I didn’t know before, but I’ll supervise you from now on. No more alcohol.” He thought for a moment and added, “And I’ll make sure you take your medication on time.”

Since it was rush hour, the traffic was congested on the road. Gu Yanchen followed Shen Junci inside and ordered a kumquat tea. Shen Junci ordered a milk taro drink. The queue wasn’t long today. They got their drinks and found a quiet spot by the window, where they began to sip. Gu Yanchen sipped his kumquat tea and looked out the window at the traffic passing by.

Shen Junci spoke up, “I still want to explain this matter.” He lowered his head and stirred his milk with a spoon. “The accident happened a few years ago in winter. My parents and I were in the car. My dad was driving, my mom was in the back seat… and I was in the front passenger seat. After a violent collision, I passed out. Later, I found out that although I was wearing a seatbelt, I still suffered severe injuries. A steel pipe pierced my heart.”

Gu Yanchen quietly listened as he sipped his tea. The drink tasted sweet, but his heart felt sour. He knew that Shen Junci had been seriously injured in a car accident and had expected it to be severe, but hearing the description still made him ache inside.

Gu Yanchen comforted him, “It’s all in the past now. The important thing is that you’ve recovered.”

At this point, Shen Junci unbuttoned his shirt to reveal an old scar. The wound appeared to have healed a long time ago, but it still looked alarming. Gu Yanchen saw the scar and felt his heart skip a beat. Shen Junci adjusted his collar and placed his hand over his chest. It was just a light touch, but it seemed as if the bloody wound was still there.

The human body is so fragile, fragile enough to withstand such heavy blows.

“The doctors used many devices to sustain my life and issued several critical condition reports until my heart stopped beating. Just at that moment, a miracle happened. Another patient in the hospital suffered brain death and passed away. The hospital found a suitable heart for me. I am grateful to the donor who gave me a second chance at life.”

Gu Yanchen said, “You survived a near-death experience, so cherish the present. Work is not as important as life. From now on, you must take your medication on time.” He paused and added, “I don’t want to see you feeling unwell again.”

Shen Junci said, “I’ll be careful.” Then, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Captain Gu, for not minding this.”

Gu Yanchen asked, “Why would you say that? Why would I mind?”

Shen Junci lowered his eyelashes and said, “Some leaders may be a bit superstitious about their subordinates’ illnesses. Before being honest, I even worried that you might be displeased with it or ask me to change positions.”

Although Gu Yanchen had been satisfied with his performance in the past and had even expressed his liking for him, he found it difficult to predict his attitude after knowing this. After all, every time he tried to predict something about himself, he was often wrong.

Would Gu Yanchen blame him for hiding it and not reporting it? Would he be concerned that his poor health would affect his work? Would his affection dissipate, seeing him as a burden? It was like gambling, and he wanted to increase his chances of winning. After all, sometimes love couldn’t withstand reality, especially the reality of life and death.

“You are a skilled medical examiner. If you enjoy this job and your health allows it, I won’t do such a thing.” After a moment of silence, Gu Yanchen said again, “I like you, whether you’re not feeling well or what you call hiding things from me. I won’t mind. I’ll take care of you in the future. Just, you must take your health seriously.”

Gu Yanchen looked at Shen Junci sitting across from him, his face still somewhat pale. Gu Yanchen felt that he was as light as a wisp of smoke, something he couldn’t hold onto, as if he could dissipate with the wind at any moment. The matter of heart transplant surgery, Gu Yanchen had already investigated it a long time ago. 

The donor was Lin Luo, and the recipient was Shen Junci.

The accident happened on the highway from the provincial capital to Penang. The critically injured Shen Junci was rushed to the hospital in Penang for emergency treatment. That day was Christmas Eve of that year.

Endless darkness, with pristine white snow falling from the sky. He returned from a business trip, holding gifts, intending to spend Christmas with Lin Luo. But he was greeted by an empty bed. He turned and walked into the corridor, watching medical staff push in a heavily injured unconscious teenager from outside. People’s footsteps were chaotic, and the teenager’s chest was pierced by a steel pipe, blood staining the sheets on the emergency bed red.

It turned out that they had passed each other in such a way years ago. Because Lin Luo had signed an organ donation form, when he was declared brain dead, his heart matched with Shen Junci’s condition, allowing the heart to be transplanted into Shen Junci’s body. This information was kept confidential, known to very few people.

After the incident with the little train, Gu Yanchen started investigating the events of that year. Although they were family, Gu Yanchen rarely asked Gu Wenbin for anything. Not long ago, he went to find him and obtained accurate surgical records. Afterward, Gu Yanchen looked up a lot of information. He tried to explain this matter from a scientific and rational perspective.

Sometimes, the severed body parts of humans can still have sensations, feeling pain or temperature changes. This condition is called phantom limb pain, and some scholars believe it’s an expression of the existence of the soul. People who have undergone organ transplants may undergo significant personality changes, as if they’ve become someone else. Some may acquire memories that don’t belong to them, or even entertain ideas of reincarnation. These phenomena are not superstitions but rather unexplained by current scientific knowledge.

Gu Yanchen cannot confirm the specific circumstances of Shen Junci. Perhaps he is Shen Junci, with some of Lin Luo’s habits and memories mixed in. Or perhaps he’s simply Lin Luo, which is why he returned to Penang and got involved in these dark matters.

Regardless of which answer is true, Gu Yanchen knows that there is a part of Lin Luo within Shen Junci. So, in Shen Junci’s actions, he can always see traces of Lin Luo. He has also considered whether, although Lin Luo is gone, protecting the person in front of him and safeguarding this heart might be fulfilling his promise?

Shen Junci has been partially honest with him but has also concealed parts of the truth. Perhaps he thinks that revealing everything would be too unbelievable or difficult to explain, or maybe there are other concerns. Perhaps he doesn’t even know that his heart comes from Lin Luo, or he has other secrets.

If Shen Junci doesn’t speak, then he’ll pretend not to know. However, he no longer minds the things Shen Junci hides. Before confessing his feelings last time, he had already confirmed his own feelings.

For Lin Luo, he did have affection initially, but he regarded Lin Luo as a younger brother, as family. That was the person Lin Xianglan wanted him to take care of, his unfinished regret. Later, he began to develop feelings for Lin Luo, but he never had the chance to express them. But for the person in front of him, whoever he may be, Gu Yanchen can confirm, it’s a passionate love.

Shen Junci is a special presence to him. He feels that the person in front of him is probably a calamity in his life. Someone with skilled autopsy techniques yet harboring secrets, occasionally telling lies. Rather than letting him go out and harm others, it’s better to keep him close, watch over him, and take care of him.

He’ll support whatever Shen Junci wants to do and won’t interfere too much in his actions. If Shen Junci still wants to pursue this career, he’ll encourage him to continue. Gu Yanchen thought he’ll do his best to protect the person in front of him. Thinking this, he suggested, “Can you set me as your emergency contact?”

Shen Junci took out his phone and asked, “How do I do that?”

When he was Lin Luo, it was Gu Yanchen who helped him set it up, and until now, he hasn’t figured it out. Gu Yanchen took the phone, guided him through the process proficiently, and then handed it back to Shen Junci, “Press the power button five times, it’ll directly dial my number.”

After finishing their drinks, they walk out of the café side by side, with Gu Yanchen occasionally glancing at Shen Junci. Noticing Gu Yanchen’s gaze, Shen Junci lowered his head, pretending not to notice. Having revealed a part of his secrets, he felt relieved. And the outcome was better than he anticipated.

A quote from Hugo came to Shen Junci’s mind, “Having one’s secrets revealed by someone else is like being murdered.”

.

Late at night, after dinner, Shen Junci finally felt completely recovered. The room was still filled with the scent of Tibetan incense, dense and lingering, like weaving an airtight net in the room. Sitting in front of the computer, the screen’s light illuminated his handsome face. Expressionless, he lowered his head, playing with a small medicine bottle in his hand.

The pills inside collided, emitting crisp sounds. In the past, he would always avoid taking medicine in front of colleagues and Gu Yanchen, but this was not a long-term solution. If there was a risk of being discovered sooner or later, he would rather take the initiative and detonate this bomb. He didn’t want to directly tell Gu Yanchen about this because he wasn’t sure how Gu Yanchen would react. He was also unclear about the extent of Gu Yanchen’s affection, and whether he could accept his past.

So he hoped to first make Gu Yanchen feel distressed, and then inform him, having this conversation at the right time. He endured two days without taking medicine, and sure enough, his body reacted in front of Gu Yanchen after dissecting two giant corpses.

In Lin Luo’s consciousness, illness was something that could be exploited. This was a principle he understood from childhood; he had once used feigned illness to gain Lin Xianglan’s care and fatherly love. And after Lin Xianglan fell ill following that college entrance exam, he discovered even more that people tended to be more tolerant and attentive towards the sick. He hoped that Gu Yanchen’s mood before this conversation would be one of compassion and accommodation.

So by exposing his own weaknesses, he could increase his initiative. He hoped Gu Yanchen would know some things from the past. This would also reduce the risk of subsequent actions. However, just like feigning illness, if it were really serious, he wouldn’t say much, afraid of causing others to worry. If it was just a minor ailment he faked, he couldn’t help but want to seek a little sympathy from others.

Shen Junci opened his email, finding the latest message from the medical examiner department. Previously, Dr. Liu and Song Qiancheng had discussed the identity of the male corpse based on age, and it had been confirmed.

Li Chunhan, formerly a financial officer at the Penang Bin Ai Foundation, had a history of depression. The corpse had already decayed to just bones, with the cause of death preliminarily determined as suicide.

It was this Penang Bin Ai Foundation again.

Shen Junci was increasingly suspicious that this current case was not a coincidence.