Chapter 1, Death

Yang Li let out a sound of "hm." Indeed, she had nowhere to go either

The two police officers were also taken aback, having rarely encountered such a brutal murder scene.

A moment later, two other police officers entered; one took notes while the other listened. Lu Jianzhong introduced them to each other and then said: "This case is of a serious nature. We are in the process of applying for a formal investigation. Please rest assured, we will do our utmost to apprehend the perpetrator. Shortly, we will go to the crime scene to take a look"

Upon entering the living room, through the floor-to-ceiling curtains, I saw that Yang Li was already awake. She was sitting on a small stool outside on the balcony, diligently writing something at the table. On the glass table lay her old backpack and a stack of papers.

"Where do they have any money?" Zhi Lu said, "There is some compensation money, but after paying off debts, only a few thousand remain, which is reserved for Yang Li's university expenses."

She was extremely fond of this phrase, always considering herself as the "conscience of society," wishing to expose all the ugliness of society in one breath. Ye Zhong'e could only shake his head at her self-righteous sense of justice, saying that society is treacherous, and her approach may not necessarily be effective in the real world; she was somewhat dissatisfied at the time, saying, "But didn't you say that you love my earnestness?" He smiled and replied, "Yes, I do love it." After that, he no longer brought up the matter.

The two of them walked slowly back along the alley, and Yang Li stopped crying, recounting the events that unfolded, precisely as Xu Zhi Lu had anticipated. She had always been a clever child, aware that she must face reality. Returning from evening self-study, Yang Li thought today was no different from any other day; she would come home to see her mother's warm smile, hear her caring voice, and find the little table always set with a late-night snack prepared for her. But today was different; when she pushed open the door, she realized that everything had changed.

The room is simple yet clean and tidy. Although the conditions are poor, the mother and daughter feel very warm living here. There is a bed, a small dining table, and a small room separated by a cloth curtain, along with a set of small tables and chairs. Under the table, there is a pile of Yang Li's textbooks, exercise books, and a large stack of test papers, with the corners of the books at the very bottom stained a deep red.

Yang Li responded with a sound of acknowledgment: "Sister Zhi Lu, I would like to apply to live on campus, as it would be more convenient and allow me to attend an additional morning and evening self-study session."

Lu Jianzhong welcomed them at the entrance and led the two upstairs to the evidence collection room to take a seat

Xu Huishu lay on the ground. To be precise, it was her dismembered body that lay on the ground, which was covered in her blood. She was divided into five parts: her limbs and torso, like a machine that had been dismantled, scattered throughout the room

Her appearance truly pained Zhi Lu. Zhi Lu's gaze softened, "No, it's not a bother. I live alone in such a large house, and it feels quite desolate. During this time, you can just keep me company."

It seems that there is no longer any time to be idle now

Zhi Lu was taken aback and repeatedly asked, "May I ask who this is?" Upon saying this, she suddenly remembered and hurriedly asked, "Xiao Li? Is that you? What happened? Did something happen at home? Is your mother in trouble?"

The situation is actually quite clear; apart from not knowing who the murderer is and why they acted, everything else is evident. Xu Huishu is the kind of genuine farmer who barely recognizes a few characters, and it is hard to imagine that she would have any enemies. Murder also requires strength; if there are no deeper underlying reasons, no one would resort to such a method to kill a completely harmless middle-aged woman

Yang Li is very thin and not tall. Zhi Lu held her hand, which was also thin, as if she were touching a bone. Zhi Lu felt her palm was sweaty, but she forced herself to speak in a seemingly calm voice, telling her to stay calm, while also reminding herself to remain calm.

On Monday morning, it was the time to go to work, with people and vehicles bustling on the road. They were having breakfast at a small shop near the police station. The congee and fried dough sticks were very fragrant, but the two of them were preoccupied with their thoughts, eating very little, yet desperately shoving food into their stomachs, not even knowing what they were eating, only aware that they had to eat in order to face the matters of today, tomorrow, and even the future. No matter how terrifying the future may be, they would always have to confront it. The congee and fried dough sticks were very fragrant, but the two of them were preoccupied with their thoughts, eating very little, yet desperately shoving food into their stomachs, not even knowing what they were eating, only aware that they had to eat in order to face the matters of today, tomorrow, and even the future. No matter how terrifying the future may be, they would always have to confront it.

"No," Zhi Lu immediately opposed, "You are here alone at school, and I can't help but worry about what chaotic thoughts you might have. I am not at ease. Enough, don't argue with me. I know you are afraid of causing me trouble, but think about it, in three months you will be taking the college entrance examination, how much trouble can you still cause me?" Saying this, she took out a set of keys and handed them to her, "Take these. From now on, after school, just come back here. It's not far from your school, there is a bus two streets away." Enough, don't argue with me. I know you are afraid of causing me trouble, but think about it, in three months you will be taking the college entrance examination, how much trouble can you still cause me?" Saying this, she took out a set of keys and handed them to her, "Take these. From now on, after school, just come back here. It's not far from your school, there is a bus two streets away."

Well

Zhong Zhilü was born with a penchant for meddling in others' affairs and deeply believed that journalists should be the "voice of the people"; advocating for the public interest was her duty. She was filled with passion, clarified the situation, and the next day accompanied Yang Li to Suiquan County for an investigation, feeling that the leadership in Suiquan County was thoroughly corrupt. Upon returning, she wrote a lengthy news article of several thousand words to expose the entire matter. In the evening, Ye Zhongke returned, reviewed her article with some surprise, and finally nodded, saying that the writing was passionate, pointedly addressing the issues, reasonable and principled, and quite well done. Zhilü then smiled and said, "I graduated with a degree in Chinese Literature."

Does the deceased have enemies

Then the two fell silent, unconsciously looking towards the balcony. This is the sixth floor, and from above, one can see the pavement laid with white stones and the tall trees lining the road. They have intertwined trunks covered in scabs and peeling bark, resembling aged skin. Standing on this balcony, one can see from one end of the road to the other, where the road bends, winding and seemingly endless.

"How did you get to know them?" Lu Jianzhong asked

Zhi Lu patted her head and said, "Xiao Li, go to sleep now"

At 10 PM, Zhong Zhilü had just begun to feel a bit drowsy when she was awakened by the exquisite ringtone of her phone. In the month since her divorce from Ye Zhongke, she had almost been sleepless every night, having to rely on sleeping pills just to manage a few hours of sleep. Being disturbed by a phone call at this hour, it was predictable that she would not be able to sleep well for the rest of the night.

Lu Jianzhong's expression was serious, "I will."

Zhi Lu forced a smile and said, "As far as I know, no. Officer Lu, take a look at this place; it is bare and devoid of anything. Who would hold a grudge against someone like this? There is no benefit to it."

Wow, "Yang Li's cries were heart-wrenching, " Zhi Lu Jie, please come here, my mother... has been killed..."

After concluding this bloody visit, Zhi Lu forcibly took Yang Li to buy a few pieces of clothing, then had dinner outside. After sending Yang Li back, she went out again, went to the supermarket, bought a pile of items, and with great difficulty threw herself into a taxi, closing her eyes and beginning to doze off

Having settled Yang Li, Zhi Lu lay on the bed staring blankly at the patterns on the ceiling. After a long while, she sat up and went to the guest room to check on Yang Li. The door was slightly ajar, and through the narrow crack, she could see Yang Li curled up on the bed, facing away from the door, his shoulders trembling slightly. Zhi Lu's eyes suddenly stung, and she paused, not entering, but went straight back to her bedroom, retrieved a bottle of pills, and poured several sleeping pills into her mouth, which was double the usual dosage, washing them down with water. In truth, she knew that no matter how many sleeping pills she took, it would be futile; there was no way she could sleep that night.

The taxi driver turned his head in shock, looking at the young woman in the back seat who wore a distressed expression. This neighborhood could be considered the most expensive in the city, and the saying 'every inch of land is worth its weight in gold' was certainly not an exaggeration. The residents were either wealthy or of high status, and their attire was equally impressive. However, the young woman in the back seat was somewhat different; she was undeniably beautiful, but it was clear that she had rushed out, completely unconcerned about her appearance. She clutched her phone tightly, as if wishing she could fly to the murder scene, and she kept urging him to hurry. The driver, experienced and knowledgeable, understood that she was in a hurry, and he suddenly pressed the accelerator, causing the car to speed forward.

Yang Li deeply bowed to Lu Jianzhong, "Thank you."

Under Yang Li's narration, Zhi Lu generally understood the course of events. Yang Li's father, Yang Yong, was an ordinary worker at a chemical plant in the small county of Suiquan in the province. Due to the introduction of substandard equipment, a major accident occurred, resulting in the deaths of five or six workers, including Yang Yong. In the wake of such a significant incident, the factory leadership refused to take responsibility, offering no compensation whatsoever. Instead, they slandered her father and several other workers, accusing them of violating operational procedures, attempting to suppress the matter. The county leaders were completely bribed by the factory, colluding with each other, leaving no recourse above and no support below. Having never completed elementary school and never traveled far in her life, Xu Huishu fell ill at that time. At the age of fifteen, Yang Li traveled alone to the provincial capital to petition for justice. The details of her journey need not be elaborated; in any case, when Zhong Zhi Lu saw Yang Li kneeling by the roadside, she had already been in Jiangzhou City for three days.

The sound of the police car had already alarmed the neighbors, who all poked their heads out to inquire about the situation. Upon seeing that the deceased was Xu Huishu, everyone was taken aback. A few bold individuals glanced inside the house, their faces changed completely, and they retreated to the corner to vomit

Taking a deep breath, Zhi Lu walked over and patted her

When she got into the taxi, the entire process took only 7 minutes, so agile and swift, as if the peak period of journalist Zhong had been revived once again

I never expected to hear the abrupt cries of a girl on the other end of the phone. Upon listening closely, I could also hear her repeatedly calling out, "Sister Zhi Lu, Sister Zhi Lu... my mother..."

It is just past ten o'clock. According to past conventions, he is certainly in some resplendent hotel at this hour, dressed in a sharp suit, either engaging in light-hearted banter with prominent figures from the business and political circles or showcasing his charm and demeanor in front of socialites, effortlessly winning over a large crowd of admirers. Forget it, how could he possibly be willing to call? The divorce agreement has already been signed, leaving her with no final hope; what else is there to expect? Zhong Zhilü, you should give up on this.

After that incident, her career as a journalist flourished. She was not afraid of hardship, running around the province with her camera to cover news, going to the mountains and the countryside. Within a year, she became a prominent reporter at the newspaper, and everyone in the circle knew that the Southern News Agency had a journalist named Zhong who was not only capable of writing and speaking boldly but was also quite beautiful

"I will take her to my home," Zhi Lu quickly interjected, taking out a piece of paper from her bag, writing down her phone number and address, and handing it to him. "Officer Lu, this is my phone number and address, as well as the address of my workplace. I am an editor at Southeast Literary Magazine, and you can reach me anytime."

Zhi Lu stumbled out, leaning against the wall and began to retch, expelling nothing but sour bile. She started to feel relieved that she hadn't eaten anything that day. As she felt dizzy, she caught a glimpse of Yang Li staring blankly into the room, which cleared her mind a bit. She grabbed Yang Li and went downstairs, waiting for the police while breathing in the cold air

Zhi Lu knew that Yang Li excelled in her grades, but only upon seeing her notebook did she realize that her handwriting was also very good

The young police officer named Lu Jianzhong was the calmest among everyone. He carefully surveyed the less than fifteen square meter room, observing the scene for a long time without changing his expression. Only after stepping out did he ask Zhi Lu: "What is your relationship with this family?"

She bit her finger, and tears rolled down her face like the Yellow River bursting its banks, glistening under the streetlight. She was still carrying her backpack, seemingly just returning from self-study when she witnessed the tragedy in the house. The girl, who was in her third year of high school, appeared so lonely, and Zhi Lu felt a sudden pang in her heart.

Zhi Lu felt a sharp pain in her heart, she extended her hand and waved it, saying: "I am no longer a journalist"

Lu Jianzhong patted her thin shoulder and said, "The forensic expert will finish the examination soon"

Lu Jianzhong glanced at Yang Li and said reassuringly: "Your mother is no longer in the house, Xiao Li. I called you here hoping you could check if anything important is missing from home."

Yang Li fell silent for a moment, then took the key and said softly, "Sister Zhi Lu, I will move out once I get into university."

The door was opened, and the light was turned on, making the entire room's situation clear at a glance. The living room was spacious, with a dark carpet that made no sound when stepped on. The heating was sufficient, reminiscent of a fine day in early April. Zhi Lu led Yang Li into the room and poured a cup of hot water, handing it to her. Yang Li sank into the sofa, her gaze still vacant and stiff, as if her eyes had forgotten how to blink.

Listening to the howling wind brought by the moving car, in a state of half-sleep and half-wakefulness, I recalled the resolute expression on Yang Li's face. Gritting my teeth, I made up my mind. Yes, even such a little girl knows how to be strong; I cannot continue to be so despondent. There are still so many things waiting for me to do

She tidied herself up, estimating that she could probably go out and meet people, and then found her clothes to change into for Yang Li. Yang Li was petite, and the slightly long top on her made it look like a coat, further accentuating her small stature. In the elevator, Yang Li quietly asked her, "Sister Zhi Lu, you said yesterday that you live alone?" Zhi Lu lowered her eyes for a moment, then smiled, "Yes, I got divorced."

Zhi Lu's expression suddenly became serious, "Xiao Li, I have never regarded you as a child. You are intelligent and brave, stronger than most adults I know. However, you are still a senior in high school, and studying must always come first. You must study hard to live up to your parents. I am also saddened by your mother's situation, and I will follow through on it. I know that your studies will surely be affected, but please make sure to minimize the impact of this matter on you. You have excellent grades, and as long as you perform normally, you will definitely be able to get into a prestigious university." I know that your studies will surely be affected, but please make sure to minimize the impact of this matter on you. You have excellent grades, and as long as you perform normally, you will definitely be able to get into a prestigious university.

That was three years ago. At that time, Zhong Zhilü had just graduated and had also just gotten married. With a master's degree in journalism from a prestigious university, she smoothly entered the Southern News as a reporter. She was full of vigor, and her face was constantly adorned with the expression of "acting on behalf of heaven to uphold justice." Her life motto was a famous saying by the American newspaper magnate Pulitzer: if a country is a ship sailing on the sea, then a journalist is the lookout standing at the bow, observing everything on the boundless sea, scrutinizing the unpredictable storms at sea, and issuing timely warnings.

Zhi Lu reached out and patted her shoulder, "Xiao Li, the balcony is cold, let's go inside. The study is upstairs, and you will study there from now on"

Yang Li's expression was very calm, as if nothing had happened. She put down her pen and said, "Sister Zhi Lu, my mother has always hoped that I would get into a good university; she said my father would be happy too"

She didn't even know how to bring Yang Li back home. In the taxi on the way back, she kept trembling, holding onto Zhi Lu tightly as if grasping the only lifeline. No matter how strong and brave a child is, they cannot accept such a reality: their beloved mother has died a tragic death, and in such a bizarre manner. Even the strongest of individuals would struggle to bear it, let alone a girl who is not yet eighteen years old

Zhi Lu helplessly pressed her forehead, "This situation is special, it cannot be explained clearly over the phone, I will come back and talk to you in person."

The smell of blood first penetrated the nostrils. Zhi Lu felt the rope on the wall, pulled it down, and after her eyes adjusted to the light, she was shocked and took several steps back. Zhi Lu had previously worked as a news reporter at the most renowned newspaper in the province, covering public security news and political news, and could certainly be considered well-informed and experienced, yet she was still stunned by the scene before her.

"Alright, alright," said Deng Muhua

At that time, Zhi Lu was quite proud of her achievements, believing that the accolades she received were earned solely through her own abilities. However, it was only during the divorce that she realized this was not the case. The president of the newspaper had a conversation with her, maintaining a polite demeanor, but the final remark, "You have offended too many people," led to her dismissal. Other newspapers and television stations provided similar feedback, politely keeping her at bay, with rejection letters that were all too uniform, the key phrase being, "We do not need you." The president of the newspaper had a conversation with her, maintaining a polite demeanor, but the final remark, "You have offended too many people," led to her dismissal. Other newspapers and television stations provided similar feedback, politely keeping her at bay, with rejection letters that were all too uniform, the key phrase being, "We do not need you."

Not long after she started working, one evening after work, she saw Yang Li kneeling by the roadside. On her youthful face, there was no despair, only strength, determination, and a sense of resoluteness. She told every passerby to seek justice for her father, her tone devoid of any hesitation or doubt. She may be young, and perhaps powerless, yet she repeatedly said, "I am my father's daughter; I cannot allow my father to die unjustly." From her, Zhi Lu saw a quality called faith, noble, composed, and shining brightly. She may be young, and perhaps powerless, yet she repeatedly said, "I am my father's daughter; I cannot allow my father to die unjustly." From her, Zhi Lu saw a quality called faith, noble, composed, and shining brightly.

Before leaving, Lu called Yang Li's teacher. The young female teacher probably never imagined that such a cruel murder could occur in the world. She screamed several times, as if she were terrified, and only after that did she remember to care for her student, trembling as she granted the leave.

The door was slightly ajar, likely because Yang Li had forgotten to lock it in his nervousness. Yang Li stood at the entrance, trembling and unwilling to enter. Zhi Lu took a deep breath, reached out, and pushed the door. The room was dark, gloomy, even more so than the city itself. Zhi Lu cautiously stepped forward, standing within the threshold.

Everyone turned pale upon hearing those words. After the questioning, Yang Li was escorted out of the room by the police. Lu Jianzhong turned his gaze towards Zhi Lu and said: "Such a pitiful girl, you have worked hard."

As dawn broke, Zhi Lu got up and sat in front of the dressing table, glancing at herself in the mirror. Those with large eyes often have prominent eye bags; after a night without sleep, her eyes resembled those of a panda. In the past, Ye Zhong'e was the most opposed to her staying up late, insisting that she go to bed as soon as it was past midnight. However, when he was away on business or returned late due to other matters, she would still stay up late to write articles or go out for interviews, and he could do nothing about it. At that time, she felt he was too controlling, but now she realized that having no one to look after her was not a good thing. She lowered her eyes and let out a bitter smile, then picked up the phone to call Deng Muhua to request a day off.

Yang Li's home is an old tube building, built approximately thirty years ago. The walls are mottled, and the doors and windows are peeling. The already narrow and dim corridor is filled with coal blocks and broken furniture, making it appear very crowded. Occasionally, the foul smell of dead mice wafts from the corners. This area is filled with such buildings, yet it harbors a certain vitality, housing nearly three thousand residents. For a moment, Zhi Lu felt a bit dazed; she recalled Ye Zhong'e mentioning that this area would be demolished in the second half of the year, and a refined garden community would be constructed. These people, where will they go?

This was her first highly successful news report. Once published in the newspaper, it garnered widespread attention from society, unveiling a corruption case, leading to the investigation and punishment of the involved parties, and the workers received corresponding compensation. Before long, Yang Li was admitted to a key provincial high school with outstanding results. Zhi Lu admired this young girl from the bottom of her heart and often visited the mother and daughter. The cleaning job that Xu Huishu had at Mingmen Building was also introduced by her. Before long, Yang Li was admitted to a key provincial high school with outstanding results. Zhi Lu admired this young girl from the bottom of her heart and often visited the mother and daughter. The cleaning job that Xu Huishu had at Mingmen Building was also introduced by her.

Xicheng District is the most remote and impoverished area in Jiangzhou City, located near the outskirts. The so-called Jiahe Road area resembles a slum, with clusters of low houses that sway precariously. Most residents are migrant workers from other regions, and the living conditions are as one might imagine. A diverse mix of people can be found here, and news occasionally emerges regarding roaming criminals.

Yang Li was taken aback, his expression changing dramatically, and after a long pause, he finally uttered two words: "Divorce?"

Despite a bottle of white liquor being spilled in the room, the smell of blood still lingered. Zhi Lu watched her from a distance as she sat on the edge of the bed, holding a pillow and crying. After a long time, she finally sat up, her tears no longer visible, and moved from the room to the corridor, biting her lip and softly saying: "I haven't lost anything; the five hundred yuan pressed under the bed is still there. Officer Lu... my mother's funeral..."

The color of the blood caused Yang Li's complexion to change repeatedly

This is not my first time here; I have come for interviews twice and have visited Yang Li and her mother, Xu Huishu, two or three times. After Yang Li was admitted to a key provincial high school, Xu Huishu also came to the provincial capital with her daughter, renting this small house here. The location is remote, but the rent is inexpensive

At such times, sadness becomes secondary

Zhi Lu looked out of the car window; today is the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, isn't it? The moon on the fifteenth is indeed round on the sixteenth, as the saying goes. The moon hangs in the night sky, its light resembling the glow of ancient silver coins, cold and piercing. Yet that light is still not as glaring as the lights of this city, which are of various colors, mysteriously flickering, as if they were a multitude of weary, aged eyes, revealing the most secret and darkest matters of this city. Dark transactions, conspiracies behind the scenes, unspeakable crimes, and besides these, there are murders, cruel and blood-soaked murders. Yet that light is still not as glaring as the lights of this city, which are of various colors, mysteriously flickering, as if they were a multitude of weary, aged eyes, revealing the most secret and darkest matters of this city. Dark transactions, conspiracies behind the scenes, unspeakable crimes, and besides these, there are murders, cruel and blood-soaked murders

Noticing her concealed tension and fear, Lu Jianzhong slowly nodded. After a brief contemplation, he said: "It is quite late now, you should go back and rest. Tomorrow we will come to find you to investigate the specific situation. As for that child..." His voice was steady, carrying a reassuring strength.

Sister Xu's work is not very tiring, and the working hours are not long. She came to Jiangzhou mainly to take care of her child. The salary is not high, but considering the living standards of her and her daughter, it should be sufficient. It has been nearly three years, and their life has been quite good. Saying this, Zhi Lu handed over a business card, "This is my friend, Mr. Li Fan from Mingmen Building. You can reach out to him if you need to know anything."

As she pulled open the glass door, a chill rushed in. Zhi Lu couldn't help but tighten her coat. It was good that Yang had something to do, as it allowed her to think less about the scene from last night.

The older gentleman shook his head repeatedly, saying, "It's too terrifying." After finishing, he called to gather personnel.

Previously, she had already imagined who this call might be from. If it were her parents, she would say, "I am doing well, eating well and sleeping well. It's just a divorce, which modern person hasn't gone through one? Don't worry, it's not like I can't live without Ye Zhongke. Don't you know what kind of person your daughter is? Hahaha." If it were a call from Deng Muhua, she would say, "Senior sister, please spare me... Why are you calling at this time, making me lose sleep again?" If it were Ye Zhongke... don't worry, it's not like I can't live without Ye Zhongke. Don't you know what kind of person your daughter is? Hahaha. If it were a call from Deng Muhua, she would say, "Senior sister, please spare me... Why are you calling at this time, making me lose sleep again?" If it were Ye Zhongke...

Yang Li raised her head, the light in her eyes gradually brightening, and she lowered her gaze, quietly saying: "Sister Zhi Lu, will I cause you any trouble?"

Zhi Lu asked: "Should I take the book with me"

The direct consequence of this sudden phone call was that Zhi Lu's drowsiness vanished completely. She got out of bed at a speed unimaginable to ordinary people, changed her clothes, tied on a scarf, grabbed her handbag, and rushed out the door, crossing the vast garden of the community.

The efficiency of the Public Security Bureau is remarkably high. They waited downstairs for more than ten minutes before hearing the wailing of police sirens approaching. Moments later, two tall officers also arrived downstairs. Zhilu regained her composure, introduced herself, and then led the two officers upstairs.

Yang Li remained silent, resembling a piece of wood. Zhi Lu sighed, stood up, and tidied up a guest room. This apartment was a duplex, over 200 square meters, with many rooms, any of which could accommodate people; the decoration was exquisite and well-executed, in line with Ye Zhong'e's consistent taste. Of course, with Zhi Lu's salary, it would be impossible to afford such a house for several generations; everything here belonged to Ye Zhong'e.

Zhi Lu deliberately avoided looking inside the house, feeling that speaking could alleviate her nervousness, so she continued to talk incessantly: "I am a friend of this family, I have known the mother and daughter for a long time, and we have a deep relationship, so when something happened, Xiao Li, oh, Yang Li was the first to find me."

Only then did Zhi Lu understand that without Ye Zhong'e, she was nothing, not even able to continue her career as a journalist. Everyone regarded her as a dangerous threat, avoiding her at all costs. When Ye Zhong'e was determined to divorce her, her heart turned to ashes. Following that, she faced such a blow that her past work was easily dismissed by others. She fell into an abyss, despairingly pulling at her hair, and several times contemplated jumping into the Yangtze River to end it all. When Ye Zhong'e was determined to divorce her, her heart turned to ashes. Following that, she faced such a blow that her past work was easily dismissed by others. She fell into an abyss, despairingly pulling at her hair, and several times contemplated jumping into the Yangtze River to end it all

She casually opened the refrigerator, finding it completely empty, devoid of even fruits, let alone eggs, milk, or cookies. Ever since Ye Zhong'e stopped coming home, Zhi Lu had lost the habit of preparing breakfast; her three meals a day were simply whatever she could grab downstairs at the office. On weekends, she would just stay at home, buried under the covers, sleeping soundly. When she felt hungry, she would order takeout; if she wasn't hungry, she would eat nothing, sitting in front of the television or computer, lost in thought. She did not have a habit of snacking, so she could only hold a wine glass, drinking cup after cup, getting drunk and collapsing on the sofa to sleep, then waking up to continue drinking. The wine cabinet was filled with many fine wines, which were hard to find outside, all gifts for Ye Zhong'e or her father-in-law Ye Qingmao. During the divorce, Ye Zhong'e took nothing but his clothes, leaving the wine behind, which Zhi Lu had now consumed one-third of.

Deng Muhua was Zhilu's senior during university, and they met while working on their graduation thesis. At that time, Deng Muhua was a graduate student under Zhilu's advisor, who was often too busy to attend to them. Whenever Zhilu encountered minor issues, she would consult Deng Muhua, and over time, they became familiar with each other. When Zhilu was pursuing her graduate studies, Deng Muhua had already graduated, and then there was nearly five years of lost contact. It was not until two or three months ago, when Zhilu was looking for a new job, that she discovered the editor-in-chief of Southeast Literature and Art Magazine was her former senior.

Deng Muhua readily agreed, but then felt that such an agreement was too lenient towards Zhong Zhilü. After a pause, he intentionally infused his tone with a sense of earnestness: "Have you been drinking again? Do you know how Liu Ling died? Zhilü, look at how many days off you've taken in the past two months. You have only been at the magazine for less than three months, and if you keep taking leave like this, others will have their opinions."

The neighbors on the left and right opened their doors one after another, expressing their concern for Yang Li. Although this place is impoverished, there exists a certain inextricable friendship among the poor. Yang Li lowered her head to wipe away her tears and bowed in gratitude to each neighbor who showed her kindness.

As they exited the house, Zhi Lu and Lu Jianzhong fell behind, walking slowly along the corridor of the Public Security Bureau. Lu Jianzhong glanced at the beautiful woman beside him and, feeling inspired, said: "So you are the reporter Zhong from the Southern News Daily. I heard your name yesterday and found it somewhat familiar. I often read your news reports; your writing is incisive and commendable."

Zhi Lu got out of the taxi on Jiahe Road and saw Yang Li by the most conspicuous telephone booth at the roadside

"Parents all hope their children will become successful," Zhi Lu said, "What is your homeroom teacher's phone number? I will give him a call. You don't need to go to class today; we will go to the police station."

Struggling to reach for her phone by the pillow, she saw a string of unfamiliar numbers on the screen, but the area code was from her city. At this moment, who would be calling her? With a sigh, she helplessly pressed the answer button

After making the bed, I came out and saw Yang Li still sitting in the living room, her head buried in her knees. I couldn't tell if it was because the living room was too large, but I felt as if she had become a small animal, deeply wounded, curled up in a ball, trembling alone, unsure of what to do next

At that time, Lu did not want to continue torturing herself by looking for a job; it seemed that being a journalist was no longer feasible, and other jobs were similar. Thus, she settled down at Southeast Literature. This type of pure literary magazine did not have much work to do; her daily tasks were merely reviewing manuscripts and soliciting contributions. The salary was not as high as when she was a journalist, but it was still acceptable. She could live comfortably on her own, and it was quite leisurely. This type of pure literary magazine did not have much work to do; her daily tasks were merely reviewing manuscripts and soliciting contributions. The salary was not as high as when she was a journalist, but it was still acceptable. She could live comfortably on her own, and it was quite leisurely.

Zhi Lu found that she only had the strength to smile wryly recently, so she really did manage a bitter smile, "Yes, it's quite pitiful. Father is dead, and mother is also dead. I don't know how she managed to get through it."

Lu Jianzhong looked at Yang Li, his expression unusually hesitant. In the end, he said: "We discovered at the scene yesterday that, based on our preliminary assessment, there are no suspicious fingerprints. It seems the murderer was well-prepared in advance; there are also no signs of forced entry on the door lock, which suggests that your mother may have known the murderer"

Apart from the house, she did not accept anything else that Ye Zhong'e offered. However, she still needed to work; she had to support herself, and more importantly, she did not want her parents to worry, thinking that she had fallen into despair after the divorce. Therefore, she took up a position as an editor at a magazine, and sometimes while reviewing manuscripts, she would reminisce about her once grand career as a journalist

Yang Li raised her head, and through her tears, she clearly saw the person approaching. Tears streamed down her face in large drops as she threw her arms around her waist and began to sob uncontrollably, murmuring: "Sister Zhi Lu, it’s so terrifying... so terrifying... my mother, how pitiful... I dare not go back... I dare not see her..."

What is Xu Huishu's work situation like

The wall lamp was still on. She had been afraid of the dark since childhood, always feeling that shadows lurked in the darkness, watching her intently. Thus, she developed the habit of rarely turning off the lights when sleeping. Before the divorce, she could fall asleep holding Ye Zhongke, surrounded by the masculine energy of a man, and with the lights off, she felt fearless. However, after the divorce, that strange feeling returned; the shadows crept back, hiding behind her, and every time she turned to look, they vanished. She certainly could not sleep without the lights on, and with the lights on, she might still not be able to sleep, but she preferred the latter. With the lights off, she felt fearless; however, after the divorce, that strange feeling returned, the shadows crept back, hiding behind her, and every time she turned to look, they vanished. She certainly could not sleep without the lights on, and with the lights on, she might still not be able to sleep, but she preferred the latter.

I don't know, we don't know anyone. My mother is very kind; whenever someone knocks on the door, she lets them in for a cup of hot water. Yang Li was completely bewildered, with red eyes, and said, "We always leave together in the morning, and when I come back in the evening, she is always at home waiting for me. My mother is so kind, she never speaks a harsh word to anyone, only knows how to work hard. I never knew that her mother could have enemies; I never even dreamed it would be like this. How could this happen... We always leave together in the morning, and when I come back in the evening, she is always at home waiting for me. My mother is so kind, she never speaks a harsh word to anyone, only knows how to work hard. I never knew that her mother could have enemies; I never even dreamed it would be like this. How could this happen..."

After finishing breakfast, the two individuals went to the Public Security Bureau in Xicheng District. Just as the workday was beginning, the bureau still appeared to be in a state of disarray, with much to be done.

Zhi Lu felt a pang of sorrow, her eyes were uncomfortable and swollen. She brushed aside the strands of hair sticking to her forehead and said, "Xiao Li, you cannot go back to that home. From now on, you will live here with me. You don't need to go back to get your clothes; we will buy some tomorrow."

She got into a taxi and told the driver, "Jiahe Road, Xicheng District." After speaking, she took out her phone and called the police, speaking hurriedly: "In the alley behind No. 3 Jiahe Road, in the second floor of Building 5 of the small residential complex, there has been a murder. Please send someone to check it out. Yes, this is the number. If you can't find the address, please call this number."

The complex expression left Zhi Lu momentarily stunned, and just as she was about to say something, she heard a "ding" as the elevator arrived at the first floor. Without hesitation, Zhi Lu took her hand and strode out.

No, the useful books are all at school

Yang Li is not an ordinary girl, and Zhong Zhi Lu understands this better than anyone else in the world. She has endured countless grievances and experienced immense sorrow, yet she has never been seen shedding a single tear. Three years ago, Yang Li was still in the third year of junior high school, a fifteen-year-old girl who, in pursuit of justice for her father's wrongful death, traveled alone from a remote county to the provincial capital. She visited government offices alone, kneeling on the street for an entire day, ultimately collapsing from hunger and exhaustion, and at that time, she did not cry. Three years ago, Yang Li was still in the third year of junior high school, a fifteen-year-old girl who, in pursuit of justice for her father's wrongful death, traveled alone from a remote county to the provincial capital. She visited government offices alone, kneeling on the street for an entire day, ultimately collapsing from hunger and exhaustion, and at that time, she did not cry. But now, she cries so tragically, her voice hoarse and her cries desperate.

After completing the records, they took the police car once again to the crime scene. As they ascended the stairs, Zhi Lu felt Yang Li shivering all over.

Yang Li wants to go, but Zhi Lu firmly refuses. She truly cannot bear to let her see the scene of her mother being killed again

Zhi Lu nodded and said, "Officer Lu, you may ask."

Yang Li nodded

Then it is impossible that the murder was committed for money