"Quiet!"
"Please, everyone, quiet!"
"I've already called the police!"
"They'll be here soon!"
"Until then, please stay calm and remain in your seats-to make up for this unpleasant experience, our station will offer everyone some financial compensation."
Amid the chaotic screams, Assistant Director Wang walked onto the stage, picked up the microphone, and shouted.
His voice echoed through the studio's sound system, drowning out the screams. The mention of the police and financial compensation put the audience somewhat at ease.
As more station staff entered the studio, the situation came further under control.
Only then did the kindly looking director approach Qin Ran.
"I'm very sorry this happened."
"If possible, please wait in the dressing room until the police arrive."
That was what he said.
"No one else has left. There's no need for me to leave either."
Qin Ran shook his head, his gaze never leaving the corpse in the box.
The corpse was curled up inside the box, its joints already completely stiff.
Clearly, it had been moved into the box immediately after the murder, before rigor mortis set in. Judging by the degree of muscle contraction, the victim should have been killed one to three hours ago.
From Qin Ran's angle, the fatal wound appeared to be a stab from behind.
The dagger used as the murder weapon was still lodged in the corpse.
It had been driven deep, piercing the heart in one thrust, but had become caught in the bone.
Not an experienced killer.
Someone who rarely even used a dagger.
With that in mind, the image of an impulsive murderer took shape in Qin Ran's mind.
As for whether there were any other injuries?
Qin Ran couldn't tell without moving the corpse.
However, he could identify the murderer.
The lingering killing intent was far