At 9 AM on August 17, 2022, Zhang Keying called to tell me to attend early today, as it was the day of her graduation ceremony.
After four years of forensic science studies, her academic journey was finally coming to an end.
Following the assessments during this period, Zhang Keying graduated from Guangming City Forensic Medical College with exceptionally outstanding results, ranking first in the nation.
Thus, the stories of the genius detective and the genius forensic investigator became popular throughout China, continuing for centuries and profoundly impacting the future of criminal investigation and forensic science.
I arrived at the college. I had been here before. I recalled visiting Zhang Keying when she was a student. In fact, when we re-encountered each other, it wasn't after years of separation, we just hadn't recognized each other at that particular moment.
"He Sheng Ge!! Look!"
Keying was wearing a very, ahem, isn't this a lolita? A black lace princess dress, which made the already cute and charming Keying appear even more childlike.
She threw herself into my arms without hesitation, her feet wrapping around me as if a child hugging their father tightly.
Director Zhang, who was nearby, looked a bit embarrassed by the scene.
The members of the Punishing Sin group all turned their heads. Liu Yuning kept coughing, her expression changing subtly multiple times, her eyebrows constantly furrowing, her hands seeming to clench, and an unquantifiable amount of air escaping her nostrils.
Perhaps sensing the unusual gazes around them, Zhang Keying finally let go of me. By this time, many students were in shock, and several professors were also present.
However, what shocked them wasn't Zhang Keying, but rather...
"Isn't that Detective He? He looks so much like him! I saw him on TV before, I remember him now. The world's first genius detective to surpass Sherlock Holmes!"
"No way? Then I absolutely must get a photo with him, a photo!"
"Us too!"
Numerous girls rushed towards me and Zhang Keying like lunatics, but Zhang Keying was soon left in a corner, ignored. Many girls and boys surrounded me, asking for autographs. My head immediately started to ache.
People really shouldn't be too famous, let alone good-looking. Ahem, although Liu Yuning once told me I resembled Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in their minds, I wasn't like that.
After we finished signing autographs, Liu Yuning came up to me, "Alas, I can't imagine someone like you actually becoming a celebrity!"
"What do you mean 'someone like me'?" I was actually a bit annoyed at that moment, but Liu Yuning didn't argue. She just patted my shoulder and said, "We're about to take photos!"
"I know."
Everyone finally dispersed and proceeded to the college's open-air stage not far away. Many students had changed back into their black academic robes. What was with the Lolita attire at a graduation ceremony? The dean would probably be furious later.
Fortunately, they soon restrained themselves. While cultural exchange is free nowadays, it still depends on the occasion, doesn't it?
Seated near the stage, many students came onto the stage, put on their graduation caps, wore their noble academic robes, and struck various sunny, handsome, gentle, and cute poses to take photos with their families. Afterward, it was time for the group photos.
After an indeterminate amount of time, it was finally Zhang Keying's class's turn. Because they had a genius forensic investigator, their class had the most popularity. The moment Zhang Keying appeared, many junior students and freshmen cheered wildly, came onto the stage to present gifts, and took photos.
When it was time to take the group photo, Zhang Keying placed her hands on both sides of her lips and called out towards a certain direction in the audience, "He Sheng Ge! Come up here!"
The members of the Punishing Sin group immediately looked over. Liu Yuning nudged me repeatedly with her shoulder, "Someone's calling you!"
I hesitated, a hint of embarrassment flashing across my face. Keying's call had drawn everyone's attention.
However, those people actually stood up and applauded vigorously. It seemed I had no choice but to go up.
I stood up, silent. Zhang Keying, noticing my hesitation, immediately came down from the stage and pulled my arm forcefully. She then said to Liu Yuning, "Team Leader Liu, I'm sorry, but I'll borrow your husband for today!"
"Be my guest! But this is a one-time exception!"
Liu Yuning feigned anger, clenching her fist, her eyebrows knitted, but soon she revealed a gentle smile.
I nodded and followed Zhang Keying onto the stage. This girl was truly doing this on purpose, constantly hugging me and posing for photos on stage, and then kissing me wildly. Good heavens, I said she could borrow me for a day, but she didn't have to go this far!
At that moment, I saw Liu Yuning in the audience, her expression changing countless times. Fortunately, she didn't finally storm off or flip a chair, but continued to watch with a rigid expression.
Finally, the group photo session began. The old dean came to the front of the stage and raised his camera, saying, "Everyone, from today onwards, you will be leaving this warm campus. From the moment you step out of here, and in the future, you will encounter all sorts of cases and face disgusting and terrifying corpses. But I believe you can all overcome these difficulties. From today onwards, forge your own paths and bring glory to China, understand?"
"Understood, Dean!" the students responded enthusiastically. With a click, a group photo was forever captured in the trajectory of time. I remember that day, the campus was filled with the fragrance of Roland flowers, and the once clear artificial lake now had a deeper sheen. Sunlight streamed across the campus, casting it in a glow of hope.
Many students in academic robes mingled with their families around the campus, searching for suitable spots to capture the most memorable photos of their lives. This moment was indeed beautiful, but as the old dean said, once they left this campus, they would have to dedicate their learned skills to society. This process might involve many hardships, but I believe they would persevere.
As the ceremony neared its end, everyone was anticipating lunch. The old dean had told us that we would have our final meal on campus. We all assumed it would be in the cafeteria, but unexpectedly, countless tables had already been set up outdoors.
I was quite curious. This year's graduation ceremony seemed more special and grand than previous ones.
During the meal, everyone was discussing their future plans. Long tables were arranged on both sides. Although many people were present today, these long tables were sufficient for us. We ate delicious food, looked at each other, and some were taking pictures. The old dean, however, said, "This meal is to bid farewell to our diligent students. Eat more, everyone. Hmm? Where is my Qiao Qing? Professor Huang, could you go look for her? She wouldn't still be playing around and forget about dinner, would she?"