The Ferris Wheel Corpse Case

Page 1 of 3

On a midsummer evening, even after the sun had set, the heat lingered in the air. The amusement park was ablaze with lights and full of life.

Wang Jiarui and his girlfriend, Wu Xiaoqian, sat together in the Ferris wheel, savoring this rare moment of a date.

“Jiarui, look, there’s the roller coaster. We always said we’d ride it together someday, but we still haven’t gotten around to it,” Wu Xiaoqian said wistfully, pointing at the roller coaster thundering by in the distance.

Wang Jiarui followed her gaze. Indeed, that was the ride they’d once promised to challenge together. But as high school studies had grown more demanding, their dates had become less frequent, and this small wish had been set aside.

“Xiaoqian, after the college entrance exams, we’ll come back here and try every ride we want,” Wang Jiarui said, gripping her hand tightly, his eyes shining with determination.

Wu Xiaoqian smiled gently and leaned against his shoulder. As the Ferris wheel ascended, the city’s nightscape unfolded beneath them, filling them with a rare sense of peace.

But then, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility. A figure tumbled from one side of the Ferris wheel and crashed violently onto the ground below.

Wu Xiaoqian gasped, her hands flying to her mouth, while Wang Jiarui turned pale with shock. Neither could believe such a terrifying thing was happening right before their eyes.

Panic spread among the other passengers, shrill screams rising as chaos swept through the amusement park.

The Ferris wheel car carrying Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian began its slow descent, their hearts pounding ever faster. As soon as it stopped, they rushed out, heading straight for the spot where the figure had fallen.

By the time they arrived, the area was already crowded. Police and ambulances had arrived swiftly. Medical staff were attempting to resuscitate the victim, but it was clear there was nothing more they could do.

Pushing through the crowd, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian saw the victim’s face—a young girl, delicate features now twisted in terror.

“How could it be her?” Wu Xiaoqian suddenly cried out.

Wang Jiarui stared at her in confusion. “You know her?”

Wu Xiaoqian nodded, her voice trembling. “That’s Lin Xinyi, our classmate.”

A chill swept through Wang Jiarui. Lin Xinyi—a name he knew well. She was the top student in their class, always quiet, her grades consistently at the top. No one would have imagined such a brilliant girl would end her life in this way.

The police began to clear the crowd and gather evidence. Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian were asked to leave, but their hearts were heavy with confusion and unease.

“Jiarui, why was Lin Xinyi here? Why did she fall from the Ferris wheel?” Wu Xiaoqian clung to Wang Jiarui’s hand, her eyes wide with fear and bewilderment.

Wang Jiarui shook his head, unable to find an answer. Yet he knew, deep down, that things were not as simple as they seemed.

They decided to remain in the amusement park, hoping to glean some information about Lin Xinyi from others. Yet after questioning many people, they found no useful clues.

Night fell, and quiet gradually settled over the park. Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian sat on a bench beneath the Ferris wheel, lost in confusion and uncertainty.

“Jiarui, I think there must be more to Lin Xinyi’s death than meets the eye,” Wu Xiaoqian said suddenly.

Wang Jiarui looked up at her. “I agree. She was so hardworking and her grades so good. Why would she suddenly give up and take her own life?”

“Besides, why did she come to the amusement park today? And why ride the Ferris wheel alone?” Wu Xiaoqian pressed.

Wang Jiarui frowned, a bold idea forming in his mind. “Xiaoqian, what if we investigate this ourselves?”

Wu Xiaoqian hesitated, but quickly nodded with resolve. “Yes, let’s find out the truth together.”

They decided to start with Lin Xinyi’s family and friends, hoping to uncover some clues. They first went to her home, but her parents were inconsolable, unable to answer any questions.

With no other choice, they headed for Lin Xinyi’s school. They found her homeroom teacher, hoping for useful information.

Her teacher, a middle-aged woman, looked at them with sympathy and sorrow. She told them Lin Xinyi was always diligent, her grades excellent, but lately she had seemed troubled and often sat alone, lost in thought.

“She seemed troubled? Do you know what was on her mind?” Wang Jiarui asked anxiously.

The teacher shook her head. “I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn’t say a word.”

Disappointed, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian left the school, but refused to give up. They continued their investigation.

Over the next few days, they spoke to Lin Xinyi’s classmates and friends, searching for clues. But everyone was shocked and confused by her death; no one could offer any useful information.

Just as they were at a loss, they remembered someone—Li Hao, Lin Xinyi’s desk mate. Li Hao was the class sports representative and had always gotten along well with Lin Xinyi. They decided to seek him out.

They found Li Hao playing basketball on the court. He stopped when he saw them and wiped the sweat from his brow.

“What’s up?” he asked.

Wang Jiarui looked at him seriously. “Li Hao, we’re Lin Xinyi’s classmates. We wanted to ask if you noticed anything unusual about her recently.”

Page 2 of 3

Li Hao hesitated but quickly sighed. “Actually, Lin Xinyi was acting strange lately. She often zoned out and her grades started slipping.

I even heard her crying in the dorm at night sometimes.” Li Hao lowered his head, recalling something unpleasant.

“Crying in secret? Do you know why?” Wu Xiaoqian pressed, her heart full of sympathy and curiosity.

Li Hao shook his head, frowning. “I have no idea. I asked but she told me to mind my own business.”

Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other’s eyes. Clearly, there were secrets behind Lin Xinyi’s death.

“Li Hao, do you know if Lin Xinyi had any conflicts with anyone recently?” Wang Jiarui continued, hoping for more leads.

Li Hao thought for a moment. “Come to think of it, a few days ago she argued with Zhang Wei from our class. But I don’t know the details.”

“Zhang Wei?” Wu Xiaoqian’s curiosity was piqued. Zhang Wei was another top student, and her relationship with Lin Xinyi had always been strained. Could Zhang Wei be involved?

Wang Jiarui noticed Wu Xiaoqian’s doubt and gently patted her shoulder in reassurance. He continued, “Do you know why they argued?”

Li Hao shook his head. “No idea. It was pretty intense, but they were quickly pulled apart. After that, Lin Xinyi just sat at her desk, ignoring everyone.”

After thanking Li Hao, they decided to find Zhang Wei. But when they reached her dorm, she wasn’t there. Her roommates told them Zhang Wei had taken a leave of absence and no one knew where she was.

With no other leads, they returned to a small restaurant near the school to eat and discuss their suspicions.

“Jiarui, do you think Zhang Wei could be responsible?” Wu Xiaoqian asked, looking at him expectantly.

Wang Jiarui shook his head. “It’s too early to say. But Lin Xinyi’s death is definitely connected to her recent state. We need to find out what was troubling her.”

They decided to try approaching Lin Xinyi’s family again, choosing a more suitable time in the evening when her parents were calmer.

They knocked on the door and explained their visit. Lin Xinyi’s mother, surprised but polite, invited them in.

“Auntie, we want to know if Lin Xinyi showed any signs of trouble or distress recently,” Wang Jiarui asked gently.

Her mother’s eyes reddened as she sighed. “To be honest, Xinyi had been troubled about something. She told me she felt isolated at school, that she didn’t have real friends.”

“Isolated? Why?” Wu Xiaoqian was surprised. Lin Xinyi was quiet but always excelled—she should have been popular.

“I’m not sure why. She just said she felt different, like she didn’t fit in. I tried to comfort her, but nothing helped.”

Sharing a glance, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian felt an inexplicable sadness. It seemed Lin Xinyi’s death was indeed linked to inner loneliness and distress.

“Auntie, do you know if Lin Xinyi argued with anyone lately?” Wang Jiarui pressed.

Her mother thought for a moment. “No, not that I know of. But she did tell me she felt Zhang Wei was hostile towards her, always picking on her.”

“Zhang Wei?” Wu Xiaoqian frowned. That name had come up again. Could Zhang Wei really be involved?

They thanked Lin Xinyi’s mother and tried to visit Zhang Wei’s house, but she wasn’t home—her parents said she was away with relatives for a few days.

With nothing else to do, they returned to the campus, sitting under a large tree, confused and lost. Was Zhang Wei involved? Or was it someone else?

Just then, an unexpected message broke through their uncertainty. Xiaofang, one of Lin Xinyi’s close friends, approached, looking anxious.

“Jiarui, Xiaoqian, I just saw something on Lin Xinyi’s QQ—something she posted days ago, set to private. I stumbled across it in her secret journal,” Xiaofang said, handing over her phone. On the screen was Lin Xinyi’s writing, brimming with despair and loneliness.

“I’ve tried so hard to fit in, but no matter what I do, I’m always an outsider. Good grades don’t bring true friendship or recognition. Sometimes, living just feels so exhausting…”

Reading those words, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian were overcome with sorrow. The message laid bare Lin Xinyi’s inner struggle and pain, confirming their belief that her death was not a simple matter.

“Xiaofang, do you know of any other secrets or troubles Lin Xinyi had?” Wu Xiaoqian asked urgently.

Xiaofang thought for a moment. “Well, I know about her conflict with Zhang Wei. They argued about their exam rankings, but I don’t know the details. Lin Xinyi became even quieter afterward.”

“Arguing over exam rankings?” Wang Jiarui recalled that Lin Xinyi’s grades had slipped after that exam while Zhang Wei’s rose. Could the quarrel have been the final straw?

“We need to find Zhang Wei and learn the truth about that argument,” Wu Xiaoqian said, her eyes shining with resolve.

After some inquiries, they learned that Zhang Wei had returned from her relatives’ house and was in the school library preparing for the upcoming mock exams. They hurried over and found her among the bookshelves.

Zhang Wei was surprised to see them, but quickly regained her composure.

“You’re here about Lin Xinyi, aren’t you?” she asked directly, her voice tinged with a complex emotion.

Page 3 of 3

Wang Jiarui nodded. “Yes. We want to know what happened between you and Lin Xinyi after that exam.”

Zhang Wei sighed, lost in her memories. “After that test, I overtook Lin Xinyi and became first in the class. She confronted me, accusing me of targeting her and spreading rumors. I tried to explain, but she wouldn’t listen. Our relationship grew even more strained after that.”

“But we never had any real conflict, and I never wanted to hurt her.” Regret and helplessness flickered in Zhang Wei’s eyes. “I know she was always trying her best, but sometimes grades and rankings become invisible pressures.”

After hearing Zhang Wei’s story, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian fell silent. The argument, while intense, didn’t seem a sufficient reason for Lin Xinyi’s suicide. Was there another secret hidden beneath the surface?

“Zhang Wei, did you notice if Lin Xinyi had conflicts with anyone else or exhibited strange behavior lately?” Wu Xiaoqian asked.

Zhang Wei shook her head. “I haven’t been paying much attention. Everyone’s busy with revision. But I do know she seemed depressed, often crying alone.”

Their trail seemed to have gone cold, but Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian refused to give up. They decided to comb through Lin Xinyi’s QQ posts and private logs, hoping for another clue.

After a night of searching, they found something crucial. In one of Lin Xinyi’s private entries, she mentioned a name—Teacher Chen. “Teacher Chen, why are you treating me this way? I just wanted your approval and care, but you always ignore me.”

Teacher Chen was Lin Xinyi’s homeroom teacher and the school’s math teacher. Could he be connected to her death?

Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian decided to question him. But when they reached the staff office, Teacher Chen was absent—he had taken a personal day, reason unknown.

Disappointed but undeterred, they waited near the school, hoping to catch him. At dusk, they finally spotted him hurrying down the street, seemingly unaware of their presence. They followed, looking for a chance to speak.

For the next few days, they tried to approach Teacher Chen, but circumstances always intervened. At last, they found him walking alone on the school field.

Summoning their courage, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian approached and explained everything—their investigation, Lin Xinyi’s death, and the clues they had found.

After listening, Teacher Chen’s expression grew grave. He sighed. “I always paid attention to Lin Xinyi. She was an excellent student, but too introverted, always closing herself off. I tried to reach out, but she kept her distance.”

“Then what about what she wrote in her journal?” Wu Xiaoqian asked urgently.

Teacher Chen shook his head, guilt clouding his eyes. “Perhaps I neglected her in some ways. But I don’t know why she’d write such things. Maybe I just didn’t give her enough care or encouragement.”

Though his answers did not solve the mystery, what he said made Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian realize that Lin Xinyi’s death was not the fault of any one person, but the result of many factors combined.

They resolved to continue their investigation, hoping to uncover more about Lin Xinyi’s secret pain. At the same time, they wanted to raise awareness of teenage mental health.

On another sultry evening, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian sat on a bench beneath the Ferris wheel, filled with resolve and courage. The path ahead might be uncertain and fraught with challenges, but they were willing to pursue truth and justice.

In the days that followed, they shifted their focus to Lin Xinyi’s school life, especially her interactions with teachers and classmates. They realized that to truly understand her, they needed to immerse themselves in her daily world and search for overlooked details.

They visited the places Lin Xinyi frequented: the school library, the cafeteria, and a quiet corner where she liked to go. Everywhere, they spoke to students and staff, gathering every scrap of information.

The library attendant recalled Lin Xinyi always reading alone in a corner, sometimes gazing out the window with a melancholy air. She remembered Lin Xinyi borrowing books on psychology and personal growth—unusual choices for a high school student.

In the cafeteria, classmates described her as diligent and distant, often studying even during breaks.

Their biggest breakthrough came in the quiet corner of the campus, where a student named Xiao Li often ran into Lin Xinyi. Xiao Li said Lin Xinyi sometimes confided that she felt like an “outsider” at school—no matter how hard she tried to fit in, she always felt out of place. She also mentioned a “secret base,” a sanctuary she used to relax, though she never revealed its location.

This “secret base” piqued Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian’s curiosity. They searched the campus and its surroundings, hoping to find it and perhaps uncover more of Lin Xinyi’s secrets.

After much searching, they discovered it in a small grove behind the school—a circle of stones and a tree, forming a secluded hideaway. Scattered inside were a few old books and a hand-drawn map marking Lin Xinyi’s important places: her home, the school, and the “secret base.”

There, they found a diary chronicling her thoughts from the start of high school: hope and excitement at first, then confusion and loneliness, and finally despair and struggle. On the last pages, Lin Xinyi wrote about her uncertainty for the future, her sense of loss, and her longing for dreams that seemed so near yet so far.

Through the diary, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian came to truly understand Lin Xinyi’s inner world—and the long, slow accumulation of pain that had led her to her final act.

Determined to make Lin Xinyi’s story known and to draw attention to the issue of adolescent mental health, they compiled their findings into a report for the school and education authorities. They also contacted local mental health organizations, hoping to support other troubled youths.

Their efforts were met with support from many—Lin Xinyi’s family and friends, as well as those willing to listen. They realized that everyone’s heart needs understanding, and true strength comes from unity and compassion.

Ultimately, Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian’s work gained wide recognition. Their story was reported by the media, sparking public debate and reflection on mental health among teenagers. Lin Xinyi’s name became a symbol for the movement to protect adolescent well-being.

On another summer evening, as Wang Jiarui and Wu Xiaoqian sat once more on the bench beneath the Ferris wheel, their hearts were no longer clouded with confusion, but filled with hope and strength. They knew that though Lin Xinyi was gone, her story would forever inspire them—and all who are willing to listen and care—to move forward and strive to create a warmer, more understanding world.