Chapter 33: The Death Photography Studio (2)

On the way back to their office, Meng Siqi asked, “Zhao Leiting, I feel like you didn’t fully explain it to Captain Han earlier. How did you determine she was actually dead?”

With her experience in criminal investigations, Meng Siqi always kept a skeptical mindset. Doubting something meant getting closer to the truth. If they started off in the wrong direction, they’d just be wasting their efforts.

Zhao Leiting seemed to think hard before slowly replying, “I got too caught up earlier and couldn’t put it into words properly. Normally, the pupils react to light exposure. If there are signs of life, the pupils will instinctively contract when exposed to strong light, such as a camera flash. Have you ever felt this when looking at the sun?”

“Yeah,” Meng Siqi nodded.

“But after death, the muscles controlling the pupils stop functioning. No matter how bright the light is, the pupils won’t react.”

“That makes sense,” Meng Siqi acknowledged his knowledge, but she considered something else. “What if the person was just forcing their eyes to stay open despite the flash?”

“That’s possible,” Zhao Leiting admitted, “but that’s only one factor. There’s something else… I just can’t quite put it into words. It’s more of a feeling. Tell you what—let’s check with Chen Jierong.”

Meng Siqi nodded. Chen Jierong was a forensic examiner. She would know best how to judge a deceased person’s eye condition.

The two made their way to the forensic office. Since there weren’t any ongoing homicide cases at the moment, Chen Jierong was at her desk, taking notes. She looked completely focused, her right hand holding a pen while her left casually picked up a slice of tangerine.

As she placed the fruit into her lightly colored lips, chewing slowly, she exuded a mix of both elegance and casual sensuality. The contrast between her serious demeanor and the effortless charm of her movements made her oddly captivating.

Meng Siqi had always thought that Chen Jierong was the most beautiful woman in the station. Her skin was flawless, and though she looked no older than twenty-five or twenty-six, she would actually be turning twenty-eight next year. Perhaps due to her forensic work, she had yet to marry.

Her profession had its unique challenges—many men were put off by it. Of course, whether that was the only reason, Meng Siqi didn’t know.

Chen Jierong looked up slightly and smiled as she chewed the tangerine. “Siqi, I’ve got more of these here.” She didn’t get up—she and Meng Siqi were familiar enough that formalities weren’t necessary. She grabbed a few tangerines from the table and handed them to both Meng Siqi and Zhao Leiting. “A colleague brought them in. They’re really sweet—try some.”

“I’ll just have one, thank you Sister Rong.” Meng Siqi said with a smile.

“Are you here to see me, little beauty?” Chen Jierong glanced at Meng Siqi with a teasing look.

“I’m here to see you, Sister Rong, but I also have a small favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

Zhao Leiting placed a photo on the table. “Forensic expert, can you take a look? Does the person in this photo appear to be deceased?”

The moment Chen Jierong saw the photo, her professional instincts kicked in. She picked it up, her gaze fixed on the image. After a brief silence, she slowly spoke. “The photo isn’t very clear, but based on the condition of the eyes, I can make some observations.”

“After death, due to changes in glycosaminoglycans^[1]Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long sugar chains found in the body that help keep tissues hydrated and cushioned, acting like natural moisturizers and shock absorbers in joints, skin, and cartilage. and moisture levels, the cornea undergoes noticeable changes. Within twelve hours, cloudy patches start to appear, and the pupil remains faintly visible, indicating mild turbidity. Between twelve and twenty-four hours, the cornea becomes semi-transparent, with the pupil barely visible, showing moderate turbidity. By thirty-six to forty-eight hours, the cornea turns highly opaque, making the pupil almost indiscernible. However, this process is influenced by temperature and environment—there are differences between summer and winter, indoors and outdoors. Judging by the clothing and setting, I’d estimate this was taken indoors during autumn, meaning the person in the photo likely died within the past twelve hours. But since it’s only a photo, I can’t determine the exact time of death with certainty.”

Meng Siqi admired Chen Jierong’s precise explanation. She spoke with clarity and confidence, exuding the charisma of a professional woman.

As soon as Chen Jierong finished, Zhao Leiting’s face lit up with pride and excitement. He even shot Meng Siqi a smug glance, as if validating his earlier intuition.

Meng Siqi quickly followed up. “So, Sister Rong, do you also think she’s dead?”

“Something does seem off, but I’d need to examine the actual pupils to confirm.”

Meng Siqi nodded. From a forensic standpoint, conclusions must be based on physical evidence. While Chen Jierong couldn’t make a definitive statement, her observations suggested the photo was highly suspicious.

After thanking Chen Jierong, the two left the forensic office feeling more confident.

Since there was no official case yet, they wore plain clothes when they headed out. With time to spare after finishing another errand, they drove to the address of the person involved.

The address led them to a photography studio. As the car pulled over, Meng Siqi noticed a sign above the storefront that read “Yizhihua Photo Studio.” A wooden board outside listed services: “Portraits, Lifestyle Photography, ID Photos.”

At this time, Photoshop was still in its early stages, and computers weren’t widely used. Meng Siqi’s first thought was that these artistic portraits were likely taken on-site rather than digitally altered. The photographer must have had some artistic sensibility.

Stepping inside, her gaze immediately landed on a man behind the counter, appearing to be in his late twenties.

The studio owner, Jin Yaming, had shoulder-length, slightly wavy hair. His appearance immediately gave off an artistic vibe. He was tall and wore a slightly worn-out brown trench coat.

His long, slender fingers were carefully adjusting a camera with tweezers. Without looking up, he spoke in a calm voice, “Are you two here for a photo?”

“Yes, just taking a look,” Zhao Leiting stepped forward and replied.

Meng Siqi scanned the room. The studio was a decent size, with enlarged portrait photographs hanging on the walls. There were family portraits, individual shots, and uniquely styled artistic photographs. However, she didn’t see any eerie “death art” photos like the ones from the exhibition Zhao Leiting had visited.

“Are you getting a photo together?” Jin Yaming asked.

As he finally lifted his head, Meng Siqi got a clear look at his face. His features were sharp and well-defined, with a high nose bridge and piercing eyes that carried a hint of coldness. Paired with his wavy shoulder-length hair, he truly had the look of an artist.

Her first impression was that he had the striking appearance of a movie star.

“We can take one together or separately,” Zhao Leiting replied with a smile.

Jin Yaming’s gaze shifted to Meng Siqi. His cool, indifferent expression sharpened slightly as his eyes lingered on her face before returning to Zhao Leiting. “Are you two a couple?”

His sudden question was unexpected, and his reason for asking was unclear.

Zhao Leiting and Meng Siqi exchanged glances. A second later, Zhao Leiting quickly looked away, his face turning slightly red. “Uh… something like that.”

Meng Siqi had the urge to correct him but chose to remain composed. They were here to gather information, so she casually said, “We’re not officially together yet.”

At that moment, she noticed Zhao Leiting swallow nervously, clearly flustered.

Jin Yaming seemed to have taken in their appearances and continued adjusting the camera with a screwdriver. Though he remained standing, his hands moved with steady precision.

“Boss,” Zhao Leiting said, “we came here specifically because of your Devil’s Art Exhibition. We really liked it and wanted to get a similar photo taken.”

Meng Siqi noticed a brief pause in Jin Yaming’s movements. However, he quickly resumed his work. After a moment of silence, he finally set down the screwdriver and slowly looked up. “Honestly, that style doesn’t suit you.”

“…” Zhao Leiting opened his mouth but didn’t respond, as if he had just suffered a blow.

Jin Yaming’s gaze shifted to Meng Siqi. “But she suits it.”

Now he really seemed deflated. Zhao Leiting’s tone became more defensive. “Why do you say I don’t fit the style?”

“No particular reason,” Jin Yaming replied casually. “Just a personal judgment. This lady has a beautiful facial structure. With death makeup, the effect would be stunning.”

So, this “artist” actually had standards—he wouldn’t take just anyone’s portrait.

“So, no matter how much I pay, you wouldn’t take my picture?” Zhao Leiting pressed.

“Of course not. If the result wouldn’t look good, there’s no point in taking it. She, however, has natural features that would make the effect outstanding.” Jin Yaming wiped his hands with a cloth as he spoke.

“Then, would you take a solo photo of me?” Meng Siqi asked.

Jin Yaming paused momentarily. He didn’t lift his head right away but hesitated for a second before slowly nodding. “Wait a moment. You can check the pricing list in the meantime. These kinds of photos are more expensive.”

Meng Siqi glanced at the price list on the wall. Special artistic portraits were five to ten times more expensive than ordinary photos. She immediately responded, “If it looks good, I can give it a try.”

Jin Yaming carefully finished wiping the camera, blew on it a few times, then finally put it down. He raised a hand and gestured, “This way, please.”

Perhaps the clues they were looking for are inside.

The two exchanged another glance before following Jin Yaming through a short corridor into the back room.

To their surprise, the space inside was even larger. Aside from the photography setup, the walls and floor were adorned with numerous unique artistic portraits. Finally, Meng Siqi saw the Devil’s Art Exhibition photos that Zhao Leiting had mentioned. Each one depicted models in different poses and expressions, imitating death. Some had their eyes open, others closed, all showcasing a haunting stillness. In some, streaks of crimson “blood” were smeared across their faces or bodies to enhance the eerie effect.

At first glance, the images were visually striking, leaving an unsettling feeling that lingered.

People inevitably face death. What would it look like when it arrives? Confronted with such vivid representations of “death,” one couldn’t help but feel both disturbed and drawn in. It was as if these images whispered of an inescapable fate.

Like her, Zhao Leiting’s eyes studied the different photos depicting death.

They both had the same goal. However, after scanning every picture, their gazes met with confusion and doubt. The one that looked strikingly like a real corpse was not among them.

If they asked about it directly, would it arouse suspicion?

To divert attention, Meng Siqi deliberately inquired about two or three other photos, asking if her features could achieve a similar effect.

Jin Yaming confidently responded, “Of course. You would look even better.”

So, in his eyes, she had such high artistic value. She smiled slightly, then turned to Zhao Leiting with a hint of playful shyness in her tone, “Didn’t you say you really liked that one with the white flowers and the red dress?”

She was imitating the tone of a girlfriend. Zhao Leiting licked his lips and said, “Oh, I remember, I remember. That portrait of the elegant lady in white—Boss, why don’t I see it?”

Jin Yaming’s expression subtly changed. His brow furrowed slightly, and a fleeting glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. However, he quickly masked it with a faint smile. “You like that one?”

He didn’t wait for the two to respond. He stepped forward and moved aside two artistic photos, instantly revealing the “corpse” photo of the elegant lady in white.

Now that they saw the enlarged version, Meng Siqi found herself momentarily stunned by the girl’s eerie resemblance to a real corpse. She quickly regained her composure and smiled naturally. “Yes, this is the one.”

She then asked, “Could I achieve the exact same effect in the photo?”

Jin Yaming chuckled, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. “Exactly the same? That would be impossible. Just from facial features alone, you surpass her. However, talent varies from person to person. You might not be able to replicate her expression.”

Meng Siqi understood his implication. The girl in the photograph appeared so convincingly lifeless that it couldn’t be achieved without natural talent.

“Was she a professional actress?” Zhao Leiting asked.

Jin Yaming paused slightly. “I wouldn’t know.”

“You don’t know her?” Zhao Leiting pressed further.

Jin Yaming’s lips curled into an enigmatic smile that slowly spread across his face. “Of course not.”

“Don’t you require a contract for these shoots?” Zhao Leiting continued.

Meng Siqi noticed Zhao Leiting’s questioning style was starting to resemble an interrogation. However, she didn’t stop him, hoping they could extract some useful information.

Jin Yaming chuckled. “Sometimes, when I come across particularly unique individuals on the street, I invite them for a shoot. I never ask for their personal details.”

He was explaining in such detail that it made Meng Siqi feel as though he had noticed something. She immediately followed up, “Boss, can I start today?”

“The price is 100.”

“No problem,” Zhao Leiting responded.

In this era, 100 yuan was a steep price. However, given the effort required—especially in costume and makeup—it made sense for such an artistic portrait.

“But we won’t have enough time today,” Jin Yaming said. “By the time we finish the full makeup, it’ll be too late. Come earlier next time.”

Meng Siqi and Zhao Leiting exchanged a glance. Zhao Leiting nodded. “Alright, we’ll come back another day.”

After thanking Jin Yaming, they left the shop together.

Once inside the car, Zhao Leiting asked, “Do you think Jin Yaming is suspicious?”

Meng Siqi thought for a moment. “He’s a little odd, but I can’t say for sure.”

“Do you believe him when he says he doesn’t know the girl in the photo?”

“Even if he did, he wouldn’t admit it.”

Zhao Leiting nodded. “You’re right. Should we ask Captain Han if we can bring him in for questioning?”

Meng Siqi considered it carefully. “I have a feeling we wouldn’t get much more out of him than we did today.”

Zhao Leiting gripped the steering wheel tightly and sighed. “You’re right. There’s no official case, no body. Our suspicions are too subjective.”

He added thoughtfully, “But if he really finds models on the street, that means the girl must have lived or worked nearby. What if we take her photo and ask around door to door?”

Meng Siqi admired Zhao Leiting’s persistence. However, the workload would be overwhelming. Without an official case, they could easily be pulled away by other investigations, dragging this one out indefinitely.

Still, she had her own opinion. “I support it. But with the makeup, she might look quite different from her real self. Finding her won’t be easy. Still, it’s better than doing nothing.”

They sat in the car for a while, gazing at the photography studio in silence, hesitant about their next move.

Just then, a woman appeared at the entrance of the studio. She was tall and slender, about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, with short black hair neatly cut at ear length. She was dressed in a white down jacket and lightly tapped her shoes against the snow before entering.

Jin Yaming suddenly appeared at the door, covering the woman’s hands with his own and breathing warm air onto them.

Zhao Leiting leaned his head forward and asked in confusion. “Jin Yaming isn’t married. Is that his girlfriend?”

Meng Siqi had also been watching the scene, but whether Jin Yaming had a girlfriend or not didn’t seem to provide any useful clues.

The two at the door chatted and laughed before heading inside. Seeing this, Zhao Leiting started the car engine and said to Meng Siqi, “Alright, looks like they’re done for the day. I’ll take you home.”

Over the next few days, whenever they had time, Zhao Leiting and Meng Siqi carried the photo around the area near Jin Yaming’s photography studio, asking people if they recognized the girl. However, most passersby reacted negatively to the photo and refused to take a closer look, let alone identify the person in it.

With no new leads, Meng Siqi assumed Zhao Leiting had given up on the investigation. She was about to ask him if he had any new thoughts when he suddenly walked over to her desk. He pulled a photograph of a young woman from a folder and placed it in front of her.

“Take a look. Doesn’t she look a bit familiar?”

He then placed the “corpse” photo next to it for comparison.