The Entomologist's Perfect Crime Chapter 14

I then displayed images of Maricopa harvester ants and Texas horned lizards, introducing them to the students one by one.

"I can't take it anymore. I still think this story is real," a student said, face pale. "Our professor is a murderer who killed three people."

"Is this the legendary perfect crime?"

...

Some students supported me though.

"Didn't the professor say it's just a story?"

I strongly agreed:

"Yes, it's just a story. But have you noticed? Now you know about Maricopa harvester ants, Texas horned lizards, Italian bees, and death's-head hawkmoths. You've also learned about the connection between entomology and criminal investigation."

Another student asked:

"Professor, although poisonous insects can kill, animals are living creatures. In reality, insect behavior is still highly unpredictable. The ants might not follow the scent to find the neighbor, and the bees might not immediately become agitated and attack your son. The probability of these 'perfect' coincidences happening in real life is extremely low."

I applauded:

"This student is excellent with careful thinking. But this is just a story. Stories don't need strong rationality. After listening, do you have a clearer understanding of the connection between insects and criminal investigation?"

The students were in a daze:

"Yes, knowledge entered my brain in a strange way, and I even enjoyed listening to it."

"I even want to hear more. Professor, can you tell us more?"

I was gratified that my class could make students so enthusiastic:

"Students, if this person had highly professional entomological knowledge and counter-investigation capabilities, using professional knowledge to commit crimes isn't impossible."

I paused: "This professional knowledge isn't limited to entomology. It could be criminal investigation, agriculture, physics, chemistry... even medicine."

Then I heard a question:

"Professor, at the beginning you said you were afraid of bugs, so you told this story. But I don't feel like you're afraid of bugs at all. You seem to really like them, even..."

I scanned the entire classroom, countless young, vibrant faces looking at me.

At this moment, they must be full of passion, full of justice.

I said seriously:

"I really am afraid of bugs. More precisely, I'm afraid of the people who use these bugs."

"Your initial motivation for choosing this major must have been full of justice and passion. I hope you can maintain this sense of justice forever."

"Countless scientists work hard, study diligently, research painstakingly, exploring the unknown world and unknown creatures, making many contributions to improving human quality of life and expanding living space. But there are also a very few scum who use the specialized nature of academic knowledge for personal gain, breaking the law and committing crimes, ultimately going down a path of no return."

"I hope that all the students here, no matter why you chose this righteous path, can walk the correct path firmly, uphold the justice that should exist, and have the backbone and courage not to bow your heads even before so-called high officials and authority!"

As soon as I finished speaking, applause and the class bell rang simultaneously.

I relaxed my bearing, quickly gathered my things, and smiled:

"I never extend class. I'll continue next time. Remember to review this lesson's content—I'll be asking questions next time we meet."

Students groaned: "Ah... first time I've felt class time was too short."

A student asked: "Professor, when is the next class?"

I'd already packed my things and shouldered my backpack:

"I don't know. After all, this is my first time teaching at the police academy."