Dingjie's gloved hand slammed down on the evidence table, coffee sloshing from his mug as the team flinched. The spiral symbol照片 stared up at them, pristine as the crime scene itself.

"This isn't just a signature," he growled, voice dropping to dangerous register. "It's a message. And I want to know exactly who he's sending it to." His eyes locked on the tech specialist. "Now."

The room temperature seemed to drop as his gaze lingered too long, approval and something darker flickering across his features. When he spoke again, it was with calculated casualness that made seasoned agents uncomfortable.

"Cancel your evening plans," he ordered, not looking up from the photos. "I want you in the field tonight." He finally glanced up, a predatory smile playing at his lips. "Alone with me."

The air crackled with unspoken tension as his phone buzzed. He answered without breaking eye contact, tone shifting from professional to something intimate, possessive.

"You think I'd let anyone else crack this code?" His laugh was low, dangerous. "Be ready in twenty minutes. Wear something... practical." He ended the call, ignoring the team's averted eyes.

"The killer's escalating," he stated, returning to case files with forced focus, "and I intend to be there when he makes his next move." But everyone in the room knew—Dingjie Qiu was chasing more than just a serial killer tonight.