The book-crossing case happened! The villains all want me to go to jail

In a remote corner of the campus, there is a slightly old classroom, which has become the "battlefield" where Zhao Heng and Xie Xuan'an will go all out for the upcoming high-level debate competition.

Every day after school, the afterglow of the setting sun shines through the slightly mottled windows of the classroom like a golden veil, and sprinkles on the neatly arranged desks. Zhao Heng is always the first to arrive. He will carefully tidy up the desks and chairs to prepare for the intense training that is about to begin. Xie Xuan'an always carries a thick notebook, which is densely filled with his carefully prepared arguments, evidence, various thoughts and inspirations.

Their training was intense and orderly. Sometimes Xie Xuan'an would cross his arms, frown, and fall into deep thought; sometimes he would stand up passionately and loudly express his views, as if he were already in a real debate arena. And Zhao Heng, with his wise eyes, could always quickly catch the subtle loopholes in Xie Xuan'an's arguments, and then give precise suggestions in a calm and clear tone.

"Zhao Heng, do you think my argument about the balance between social equity and personal freedom is not novel enough?" Xie Xuan'an looked serious, with beads of sweat on his forehead because of thinking.

Zhao Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, tapped his fingers on the table, and after thinking for a moment, he responded: "Xuan, I think you can start with some of the latest social phenomena, which will resonate better with the judges and the audience."

They constantly simulated various possible debate scenarios, from fierce exchanges of opinions to clever roundabout rebuttals, without missing any details. Sometimes, they would argue until their faces turned red because of a difference in opinion; sometimes, they would excitedly high-five and cheer because they suddenly thought of a brilliant argument.

The days passed in such an intense and fulfilling rhythm, and they seemed to see the dawn of victory gradually brightening up ahead. However, the wheel of fate inadvertently turned in a dark direction.

One morning a few days before the competition, the tranquility was broken by a sharp siren. A horrifying case happened in a dormitory near the classroom where they were training. When the police arrived at the scene, everyone gasped in shock at the tragic scene before them - the victim was cruelly turned into a human pig under the bed. The bloody and horrifying scene was unbearable to watch.

The police quickly launched a comprehensive and detailed investigation. Because the crime scene was so close to their training grounds, coupled with some seemingly coincidental clues about the time and whereabouts, Xie Xuan was unexpectedly listed as a key suspect. This news was like a sudden storm that swept the entire campus in an instant.

Students were talking to each other during the break, looking at Xie Xuan with fear, suspicion and alienation. Friends who had a good impression of him began to avoid him, as if he was carrying some terrible curse.

Xie Xuan felt as if he had fallen into a bottomless abyss. "How could I be the murderer? This is ridiculous!" He roared angrily, his voice full of grievance and despair. His eyes were bloodshot and his face was as pale as a piece of paper.

Zhao Heng was extremely anxious, and he firmly believed that his partner was innocent. "Xuan, don't panic, we will definitely find evidence to prove your innocence." He held Xie Xuan's trembling shoulders tightly, his eyes full of determination and encouragement.

With Xie Xuan'an shrouded in suspicion, Zhao Heng decided to step forward and clear his friend's name.

He frequently visited the school library and archives in his spare time, looking up a large amount of information and trying to find clues and inspiration from similar cases in the past. He eagerly read every book and every file, not missing any potentially useful information.

At the same time, Zhao Heng began to quietly visit classmates and teachers near the crime scene. He communicated with everyone politely and sincerely, hoping to get even the slightest clue related to the case from their mouths. Some classmates were wary of his inquiries and sent him away with a few words; some merchants chose to keep silent for fear of getting into trouble. But Zhao Heng did not give up. His firm eyes and persistent attitude eventually moved some people.

"That night, I seemed to see a dark shadow running out of the building in a hurry," recalled a student who was setting up a stall nearby.

Zhao Heng's heart was startled, and he quickly asked, "Do you remember what the characteristics of that black shadow were?"

The old man shook his head. "It's too dark. I can't see clearly."

Although this was only a vague clue, for Zhao Heng, it was already a ray of light in the darkness.

During this difficult period, although Xie Xuan'an was filled with pain and grievance, he did not give up. He tried hard to recall every detail before and after the incident, trying to find strong evidence to prove his innocence.

"After school that day, I went straight to the library and stayed there until closing time," Xie Xuan'an told the police who came to inquire.

The police began to verify the clues provided by Xie Xuan'an. However, the library's surveillance happened to be malfunctioning during that time, which made Xie Xuan'an's defense seem pale and powerless.

Just when everyone was feeling desperate, Zhao Heng accidentally discovered a missed surveillance video. Although the video was blurry, it was vaguely visible that on the night of the crime, a strange figure was wandering around the crime scene.

Zhao Heng was overjoyed and immediately handed the video to the police. After technical analysis and in-depth investigation by the police, they finally identified the real murderer - an off-campus person who had a complicated emotional entanglement with the victim.

When the truth came out, Xie Xuan'an was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. The rumors on campus also disappeared, and his classmates looked at him with apology and admiration.

But after going through this storm, Zhao Heng and Xie Xuan'an's friendship has become deeper in this test.

Although the competition day was approaching and the preparation time was greatly compressed, they did not back down. With this unforgettable experience, they prepared carefully.

The town was shrouded in darkness, and the deserted streets looked eerie under the dim moonlight.

In a dilapidated house, the lights were dim and flickering.

"What is going on?" The young policeman Xiao Li frowned, his voice trembling slightly with nervousness.

Experienced police chief Lao Zhang looked solemn, staring at the mysterious letter in his hand, and said slowly: "Don't panic, Xiao Li. This matter may be much more complicated than we thought."

Xiao Li came forward and asked anxiously: "Sheriff, what's written in the letter?"

Lao Zhang took a deep breath and read in a low voice: "When the moonlight is covered by dark clouds again, the bell of death will ring in this town."

"What does this mean? It's just a trick!" Xiao Li shouted angrily.

Lao Zhang shook his head, "I don't know, but this is definitely not a simple prank."

Suddenly, a cold wind blew and the window creaked.

Xiao Li couldn't help but shudder, "Sheriff, I have a bad feeling."

Lao Zhang patted Xiao Li on the shoulder and said, "Be prepared, kid. Maybe a terrible storm is coming."