Chapter 140: Dr. Cheng’s Secret

We arrived at the gynecology clinic where Qu Tingting worked. While other departments were nearly empty, this one had a long queue of patients waiting.

I asked a woman in line who the attending doctor was. She widened her eyes and said, "You've never heard of Dr. Cheng? He's a nationally renowned gynecologist. I actually took a bus all the way from the county early this morning just to see him."

Sun Bingxin asked, "Is Dr. Cheng the same Cheng Yahui?"

The woman nodded. Sun explained that Cheng Yahui also lectured at their medical university. He was only in his early thirties, single, handsome, highly skilled, with numerous medical papers published. He used to work at a top-tier provincial hospital but had been transferred here. Yet, a famous doctor attracts patients no matter where he goes.

I asked, "With such great credentials, why was he transferred here?"

Sun pouted, "Are you saying the university hospital isn't good enough?"

I chuckled, "Surely not better than a top provincial hospital."

Sun whispered, "I heard he had a scandal — an affair with a married patient. Her husband was a high-ranking official. When it got exposed, the husband complained to the hospital, and Cheng had to resign in disgrace. A senior I know used to have a crush on him but gave up after hearing that."

Huang Xiaotao frowned, "I hate scumbags like that!"

…

Just then, Qu Tingting called the next patient in. Huang Xiaotao said, "No way. Too many people here. Let's just barge in."

We pushed into the consultation room, causing grumbles from those waiting outside.

Dr. Cheng was indeed striking—wearing gold-rimmed glasses, gentle and refined. He looked surprised to see the four of us enter and asked quietly, "Who's here for an appointment?"

His voice was low and magnetic. I guessed these women weren't just after his medical skill but probably came to see the handsome doctor himself.

Back in my hometown's clinic, there was a nurse who looked like a celebrity. Some young men even faked injuries just to get admitted and see her. Everyone has a bit of a lustful heart.

Huang Xiaotao showed her badge. "We're police officers here on an investigation."

Dr. Cheng gestured for us to sit, fingers intertwined calmly, and asked, "How can I assist you?"

Huang Xiaotao showed him photos of the three deceased women. While Dr. Cheng examined the pictures, I noticed Qu Tingting looked nervous.

"These three were all my former patients," Dr. Cheng said. "What happened to them?"

The moment I heard that, I knew we had a lead. Huang Xiaotao said, "They were murdered."

"What?!" Dr. Cheng was shocked. "Who did this?"

"If we knew, we wouldn't be here. Do you have any special connection with them?"

Dr. Cheng pushed up his glasses and smiled, "Detective, you don't suspect me, do you?"

"Just routine questions. No offense meant," Huang Xiaotao replied.

"We were just doctor and patients," Cheng said.

I noticed him nervously scratching his pants and his ears flushed red—a clear sign of lying. I asked, "Where do you live?"

"I haven't bought a place here yet. Currently, I stay in the faculty dormitory of the medical university. Why?"

I sneered, "If I'm not mistaken, one of those women booked a room near the university this morning for you. Her name is Xiaowen."

Dr. Cheng's face drained. "How do you know that?" Then quickly, "That's not true!"

Just as I suspected, the model Xiaowen was waiting for him but got stood up. Wang Gongzi ended up taking her place, almost getting accused of murder.

But did Cheng really not go? I wasn't so sure.

I said, "You must be busy if you didn't know a murder happened near the hospital this morning. Xiaowen died in a hotel near here."

Dr. Cheng broke out in cold sweat. "What does that have to do with me? I admit Xiaowen liked me, but I never reciprocated. Rejecting advances isn't a crime, is it?"

Huang Xiaotao asked, "Do you have an alibi between 9 and 10 a.m. today?"

Dr. Cheng laughed, "I was seeing patients all morning. Didn't even have time for the bathroom. You can ask Nurse Qu."

I said, "You seem quite close to these three women, huh?"

Dr. Cheng snapped, "Young man, stop guessing or I'll sue you for defamation. I swear on my medical ethics that anyone who walked into my clinic was my patient—and once they left, I had no further relationship with them."

I scoffed, "Your medical ethics? Everyone knows why you got kicked out of that top hospital."

Dr. Cheng's face reddened. "Who hasn't made mistakes? Don't you police believe in second chances? I swear I had no private relations with these three, and Xiaowen's feelings were one-sided. I never encouraged her. Ask Nurse Qu if you don't believe me."

That was almost his catchphrase. Qu Tingting quietly nodded.

I realized Qu Tingting obeyed Cheng unquestioningly. Her claim of never meeting the three victims was likely a cover-up. Cheng Yahui was definitely hiding something.

Dr. Cheng cleared his throat. "Sorry, I'm still on duty, and there are patients waiting outside."

Huang Xiaotao said, "We'll meet again."

"Goodbye," Cheng said sternly.

Sun Bingxin suddenly blushed, clasping her hands. "Detective work aside, I just want to say—you're really handsome, like a movie star!"

Dr. Cheng probably heard that a million times. He smiled, "Thank you! You're cute too."

Sun pleaded, "Can I have your contact info?"

Dr. Cheng handed over a business card. Sun beamed, "Actually, I'm not a cop. I'm a med student. This is my cousin. Can I invite you out sometime to ask questions?"

Cheng smiled but quickly got serious. "Only for academic questions. Nothing else!"

Sun giggled like a lovesick teenager, thanking him repeatedly, and we left.

Outside, Wang Dali twitched his cheek. "Miss Sun, didn't expect you to have this silly side. What's your type?"

Sun said, "No way. I was just testing him."

Wang laughed, "No test needed. The moment you walked in, his eyes went straight. Total perv!"

Huang Xiaotao nodded, "I think this guy's shady too."

Sun handed her the card. "Xiaotao, can this help?"

"No need. Cops don't beat around the bush like this. You watch too many dramas… But your acting's good—you'd make a fine detective."

Sun giggled. Huang's comment had a hint of mutual respect—they were both pros.

I said, "Did you notice something? When Bingxin was acting like a fangirl, Qu Tingting's eyes were weird—like she wanted to kill her."

Sun gasped, "Really?"

Huang frowned, "Me too. Female intuition says Qu Tingting secretly loves Dr. Cheng. Whether he reciprocates, who knows…"

Wang laughed, "Unless he's blind. Look at that scary face of his—imagine kissing her! Any victim would be prettier."

They glared at him, and Wang lowered his head in shame.

Huang said, "All three victims were Cheng's patients. It can't be a coincidence. If he's the killer, what's the motive?"

Wang said, "Probably took advantage of them, then killed to cover it up."

I thought that was weak. If anything, the women threw themselves at him—no rejection motive.

Maybe they knew some dark secret of his. Some twisted fetish?

Huang said, "Anyway, I'm pulling back the forces for now. We'll keep a close watch on Cheng Yahui."