Chapter 2, Criminal Police Officer Deng Kun

After everyone exchanged simple greetings, they took their seats. I carefully observed Deng Kun; he had changed significantly since the time of our marriage. His once fair complexion was now marked by stubble, and he appeared to be in poor spirits, giving off an air of weariness. However, there was a resolute glint in his eyes

After dinner, my wife accompanied the child to watch cartoons while I brewed a pot of strong tea and retreated to my study. I always find myself thinking about the case of Huang Yu, with so many uncertainties and so many questions. Who would send me and Deng Kun photos of her and the cemetery after Huang Yu's death? What could their purpose be? Generally, there are two possible motives: one is to seek justice for Huang Yu, and the other is to provoke us. But why was there an extra piece of paper in the email sent to Deng Kun? Generally, there are two possible motives: one is to seek justice for Huang Yu, and the other is to provoke us. But why was there an extra piece of paper in the email sent to Deng Kun?

The work in the morning was not extensive. Liang Ping, the director of the consultation center and my professional supervisor, organized a meeting with several consultants from the center to review the recent consulting work and offer some suggestions. Liang Ping was originally a psychiatrist at a mental hospital, and when the field of psychological counseling first emerged, he resigned to establish the "Xinya Psychological Consultation Center." The center has a total of five consultants, and their relationships are generally harmonious. Although each of them is busy with their own work alongside their respective assistants, they often exchange ideas on some particularly special cases. Liang Ping was originally a psychiatrist at a mental hospital, and when the field of psychological counseling first emerged, he resigned to establish the "Xinya Psychological Consultation Center." The center has a total of five consultants, and their relationships are generally harmonious. Although each of them is busy with their own work alongside their respective assistants, they often exchange ideas on some particularly special cases.

I hung up the phone, and I couldn't help but feel a bit sad. Deng Kun was filled with guilt over Huang Yu's death, but what about me? When Huang Yu confided in me about everything, I never took her words seriously, and I was unable to truly help her. I am wondering whether my detached approach was right, and whether I should have, like Deng Kun, made an effort to uncover the truth behind it all

Deng Kun brought two scriptures from https://www.hetushu.com. One is the "Heart Sutra of Prajnaparamita," and the other is the "Great Compassion Mantra." Both books appear to be quite new, but upon opening them, it is evident that the pages have been worn down significantly, suggesting they have been read countless times. Deng Kun informed me that Huang Yu has never believed in ghosts or deities. Whenever classmates went out to visit temples, they would burn incense and pay respects to the Buddha, but Huang Yu looked down on such practices, often saying, "My fate is determined by me, not by heaven." This indicates that she should be a confident person. However, what exactly changed her? Why did she begin to take an interest in Buddhist scriptures?

Zhang Li is my university classmate. After graduation, she joined a newspaper and works as a reporter and editor for the evening edition. Our relationship has always been good, and later when I got married, her relationship with my wife became even better than hers with me, as they share many common interests.

I am waiting, and I believe that Deng Kun will definitely call me again. Regardless of the outcome he obtains at Huang Yu's place, he will inform me, for I am the only one he can confide in regarding this matter now

Liang Ping is also my teacher. Four years ago, when I was undergoing training as a psychological counselor at the medical school, he taught us "Abnormal Psychology." At that time, I studied diligently and often consulted him with various questions. Gradually, I became familiar with the subject. After I obtained the national Level 3 psychological counselor qualification, I interned with him for another six months, after which he formally invited me to join his center

This morning, without an appointment, I quietly stayed in the office, carefully studying the materials left by Deng Kun. Huang Yu, who is twenty-nine years old and divorced, has been alone for more than three years, immersed in books. During this time, she has not had a boyfriend, nor has there been any evidence of close contact with any man. So, who is the person Huang Yu mentioned during her two consultations? The materials detail Huang Yu's lifestyle; her life is quite simple. She usually goes to the bar around eleven o'clock and returns home around one in the morning. Huang Yu, who is twenty-nine years old and divorced, has been alone for more than three years, immersed in books. During this time, she has not had a boyfriend, nor has there been any evidence of close contact with any man. So, who is the person Huang Yu mentioned during her two consultations? The materials detail Huang Yu's lifestyle; her life is quite simple. She usually goes to the bar around eleven o'clock and returns home around one in the morning. She enjoys traveling with friends and occasionally plays mahjong. However, in the past six months, she has hardly engaged in any activities, moving between the bar and home in a linear fashion. I have a strong intuition that something unusual must have happened during these six months, and the bar should hold some useful information.

Deng Kun mentioned that he would look into the origins of the scriptures, and I also believe this should be a breakthrough point. How did the scriptures come about? When did Huang Yu begin studying Buddhist scriptures, and why is she interested in them? I think we should be able to find some answers in the origins of the Buddhist texts. I am uncertain whether it is right to get involved in the case, but I feel it is necessary to clarify Huang Yu's situation, not only out of curiosity but also as a professional responsibility as Huang Yu's counselor. When Deng Kun left, he provided me with all the materials related to the investigation of Huang Yu's case, as the police department has already closed the case, and all his investigations can only be conducted privately. I am somewhat worried for him; his investigation lacks police support and could easily cross legal boundaries.

Zhang Li is already divorced, so she is fully enjoying her single, bohemian lifestyle. A few close classmates from university often gather, usually initiated by her. She is a highly organized woman, shrewd, capable, and enthusiastic, with many friends, which is closely related to her personality. Her husband, or rather ex-husband, is a criminal police officer named Deng Kun. Deng Kun is a career-oriented man, three years older than Zhang Li. His job inherently lacks a regular schedule, and coupled with his fervor for work, he has almost no time to attend to family matters. As a result, Zhang Li often lost her temper, and eventually, the two began to engage in a cold war, ultimately leading to their divorce.

Before the breakup, I left him my business card, telling him that if he needed any assistance, he could call me directly without having to go through Zhang Li to make an appointment

Zhang Li called to arrange a meeting with me this afternoon at "Yesterday's Reappearance". She specifically instructed me that it was Deng Kun who needed to see me. In my memory, I do not have much interaction with Deng Kun, except for some contact during Zhang Li's wedding, and mostly just listening to Zhang Li's complaints before their divorce.

It was not until 11:30 PM that Deng Kun called me. He informed me that he had found some clues at Huang Yu's home and wanted me to take a look. I asked him to bring them to the consultation center tomorrow morning. In fact, I wanted to think it over carefully to determine whether I truly wanted to get involved in this case.

At 3:00 PM, I arrived punctually at the "Yesterday's Reappearance" café on Fushui Road, where Zhang Li and Deng Kun had already arrived.

The phone rang, and I took a look; it was an unfamiliar number: "Zhu Ge, this is Deng Kun." I hurriedly asked, "Is it Deng Kun? What’s the matter?" After a brief pause, he said, "Could you accompany me to a place?" I asked him where, and he replied, "Huang Yu's home." I declined his request, as I did not want my life to be affected by matters concerning Huang Yu. I could clearly sense his disappointment.

Early the next morning, Deng Kun arrived. He was let into the office, and the door was closed behind him.