Chapter 5, Fright

Returning to the Public Security Bureau with a contemplative expression, he looked up and noticed several young police officers from the Criminal Investigation Team watching him with smiles, saying, "Team Leader Lu, why don't you go see them off?"

Returning to the office, she opened her phone and found a missed call. She called back, and it was Li Fan, asking if she was free in the evening, saying he had something to ask for her help with. What could he possibly need her assistance for? Zhi Lu readily agreed.

"I do not know what document you are referring to, nor do I understand what you are saying," Zhi Lu replied calmly. A thought arose in her mind that this person was likely looking for the wrong individual. She had often received threatening emails and phone calls in the past, but this was her first experience with such a direct and violent threat.

Zhi Lu was taken aback for a moment, pulled her thoughts back a little, and asked: "Senior sister, have you ever been followed by someone?"

Lu Jianzhong looked at the sketch, seemingly deep in thought, "According to your description, that person is only slightly taller than you, not the one I saw at the supermarket that time"

During the investigation and evidence collection that lasted for more than half an hour, he maintained a serious expression, as gloomy as the sky at that moment. Now, his tone has softened, no longer formal, resembling a conversation between two good friends reminiscing: "Zhi Lu, don't be like this. If you encounter such situations again in the future, you must inform me immediately. Also, after work, make sure to go home early and avoid taking the small paths. If you see any suspicious individuals or hear any suspicious sounds, do not approach them; call me right away. Don't take matters into your own hands; you cannot handle such a dangerous person. Leave it to us, the police."

Deng Muhua was deeply worried, "Continuing like this is not a solution. Let me introduce you to a boyfriend. Would starting a new relationship be better? Hey, I'm talking to you, can you hear me?"

What money can you have? I still don't know you. If Zhong Ke gives you money, you don't want it. In the past two or three years, journalists' salaries have been just that much, how much can there be? The Hope Project, various disaster relief activities, you must have donated quite a bit, right? If you don't ask us for money, we should be grateful. Zhong Zaiguo, knowing his daughter, spoke in a completely indifferent tone.

She sat on the balcony outside the living room with a book for an entire evening. In the middle of the night, feeling cold, she went back inside to grab a blanket to wrap around her body. There were no stars, and the night sky glowed darkly, resembling lake water mixed with pigments, exuding a strange luminescence. Occasionally, a breeze brushed against her cheeks and ears, as if whispering softly. She was nearly asleep

"Are you being followed?" Deng Muhua looked her up and down, suddenly bursting into laughter, "Is your admirer stalking you? This kind of thing must have happened back in the day. You should have some experience with it"

At that moment, Zhi Lu was taken aback, completely confused, "What document?"

Zhi Lu shook her head, "What can Xiao Li possibly know? If she knew anything, she wouldn't tell us. Others might conceal the truth, but Xiao Li is different; I understand her. Moreover, the deceased is her mother."

She said: "I have endured with your father for decades, and yet you haven't learned a single one of his virtues; instead, you have inherited that stubbornness. You have spent your whole life without adapting, and you nearly missed your chance to turn things around. Between husband and wife, can't we take a step back? I would have let you have the child earlier, and I would take care of the child for you. What about you? You only know how to be stubborn with me and with Zhong Ge. Now look, you are divorced; are you satisfied? I am moved just watching how Zhong Ge treats you, and Secretary Ye likes you so much. What more could you possibly want?"

Zhi Lu felt a lack of oxygen, and after taking a deep breath, continued to say: "If that document is worth my life in exchange, then why would I place it in a location where you could find it? If I die, will that document still be safe? Do you think I would be that foolish? To be honest, killing me would bring you no benefit at all, and you would have to bear the weight of a life taken."

In that moment, I found myself at a loss for words, and could only remain silent

Since the time when Lu Jianzhong mentioned that someone might be following her, Zhi Lu has fallen into a strange state, somewhat reminiscent of the feeling she had as a child after watching stories from "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio." She cannot help but feel that something happened behind her. Whether she is in a car or walking, she feels as if someone is following her, causing a chill at the back of her neck. Even indoors, she senses something amiss; inexplicably, a cold sensation sweeps across her skin. After a week, this feeling has intensified.

Zhi Lu told him, still forcing a smile as she replied: "Look at what your parents have done. Haven't they always been proud of me since childhood? Is it just because they got divorced that I am worthless in your eyes?"

When the long bell rang, she suddenly realized and forcefully pressed the hang-up button

She took a taxi home, and on the way, she finally felt a sense of dread. The fear surged up her throat like the aftereffects of strong alcohol, compelling her to cough repeatedly, but she held back after the first sound. She had no injuries anywhere on her body, yet every nerve was taut, and even the slightest touch could cause her heart to race. Coming into such close contact with the murderer, and nearly being killed herself, was undoubtedly a new and chilling experience for Zhong Zhilü.

"Yes, and she anticipated that something would happen to her, this is clue one," Lu Jianzhong said slowly. "Secondly, regarding that matter. We went to find Wu Jiang and obtained her fan letters and emails from her. Among them, there were two letters that were unusual; the writer was obsessed with the article 'The Blue and White Sunlight,' to the point of near madness. There was no return address on the letters, but the envelopes had postal codes printed on them. Upon checking, we found out that they were from the area around Jiahe Road in Hexi District. Thus, these two clues are connected."

Zhi Lu held the pencil, resembling a motionless puppet. She blankly pondered how much credit he truly deserved for the successes she had once achieved. Was her work at the Southern News Agency also orchestrated by him? He had even generously extended a helping hand to his former lovers; how would he treat his own wife? Her reflections on marriage had always reached a conclusion at this point. Today was no exception. Pursuing the matter further would ultimately be futile. He had even generously extended a helping hand to his former lovers; how would he treat his own wife? Her reflections on marriage had always reached a conclusion at this point. Today was no exception. Pursuing the matter further would ultimately be futile

The distance of over a hundred meters felt incredibly long. Zhi Lu dragged her painful legs away, returning to the wide road, brightly lit and bustling with traffic. Suddenly, she felt the urge to cry. Her previously stiff legs began to soften, and she staggered, leaning against the wall to steady herself. Instinctively, she took out her phone and quickly scrolled through her contacts, finally finding the entry labeled "Husband" and dialing it.

Yang Li's expression suddenly changed. She took a few steps forward, embraced her waist, and murmured: "Sister Zhi Lu, you must not think this way, you absolutely cannot think like this. My mother said that you are a truly good person and will be rewarded for it. I believe that your divorce is actually a good thing, really, it is a good thing. You haven't lost everything; you still have your father and mother."

Li Fan leaned forward, his expression calm, and his tone unremarkable, as if he were stating the most ordinary thing in the world: "I want to pursue you, is that alright?"

The next day, Lu visited the Public Security Bureau and reported in detail to Lu Jianzhong about everything that had happened the day before, including all the circumstances and details. She had already explained everything very thoroughly, yet Lu Jianzhong still persistently asked about every detail again and again

The meal was very enjoyable; at least, compared to the gloomy atmosphere of the past few days, they had a good time. A long-lost smile appeared on Yang Li's face. Although her eyes were red when blowing out the candles, she ultimately smiled.

Zhi Lu smiled bitterly with a sense of helplessness, wondering how there could still be two or three people who were against her. She turned her head and looked out from the window of the evidence collection room, where the police were busy and orderly. Suddenly, she felt for the first time in a long while a sense of security. At Lu Jianzhong's gesture, the other two police officers who were also investigating the case stood up and left, leaving only the two of them in the evidence collection room

The first time Ye Zhong'e was brought home, he looked at her bedroom with a bit of shock and said, "This is not a bedroom; it is more like a study."

Really?" Ye Zhong'e's voice deepened, "Did I dial the wrong number?"

After sending Lu Jianzhong back, Zhi Lu began to tidy up the kitchen. Yang Li offered to help wash the dishes, but Zhi Lu declined and asked her to go upstairs to read.

That night, Ye Zhong'e took her out. They were on the rooftop of a fifty-story building, where the wind blew fiercely and unrestrained. She wore his coat and felt an inexplicable warmth. The distance between the ground and the sky was equally vast, so far that everything seemed to stand still. She did not know what he intended to do; she sat on the railing, laughing as she spoke to him about Nietzsche, Kant, Schopenhauer, and Osho, animatedly reciting excerpts from articles for him. Her hand drew warmth from his palm, and suddenly, as she looked down, she was astonished to find a ring on the fourth finger of her right hand. She did not know what he intended to do; she sat on the railing, laughing as she spoke to him about Nietzsche, Kant, Schopenhauer, and Osho, animatedly reciting excerpts from articles for him. Her hand drew warmth from his palm, and suddenly, as she looked down, she was astonished to find a ring on the fourth finger of her right hand.

He kissed the back of her hand, and when he lifted his head, his gaze was like stars, filled with tenderness. He said: "Zhong Zhilü, will you marry me?"

He was impatient, and Zhi Lu felt her wrist being twisted harshly by someone, causing a piercing pain. Cold sweat rolled down her pale, bloodless cheeks, and at the same time, she heard him say: "So you really don't want to live."

As she reached the door, Li Fan suddenly called out to her. Under the ambiguous lighting, his expression fluctuated between dark and light as he said in a low voice: "Zhi Lu, are you really not going to consider it?"

Everything remains as it was at the beginning

She turned around, her expression one of surprise. Lu Jianzhong was momentarily at a loss for words, and her look of astonishment grew more intense. After a brief silence, he pointed to the sky and said, "It is going to rain, take care on the road."

Lu Jianzhong wore a stern expression, his sharp gaze sweeping across their faces.

Zhi Lu placed the last plate into the sterilization cabinet and then said: "You are still young and do not understand many things. A person cannot simply be evaluated as 'good' or 'bad.' I am not a qualified wife; I do not care for him enough... Moreover, we are divorced, and we have no relationship, so how could he come to see me? Unless..." She recalled the car accident that afternoon, looked down at the band-aid on her hand, smiled slightly, and gently said, "Perhaps if I were to die or have an accident, then he might come to see me, right? Hmm, maybe he would even bring a bouquet of flowers? Roses, lilies, or some other kind of flower?"

The light in the room flickered appropriately. Zhi Lu quickly blinked, finally confirming that she had not misread Li Fan's expression, nor had she misheard his words, before responding: "I'm sorry, that's not possible"

Later, Zhi Lu pondered why she had not lost herself in the chorus of praise. One reason was the influence of her father, and the other was her reading. Whatever books she wanted, Zhong Zaiguo would buy them without hesitation. The more she read, the more she knew, and the more she realized how much she did not know. Her thoughts were perhaps deeper than those of her peers, and naturally, she was able to cultivate some valuable qualities, such as morality, integrity, and perseverance. The more she read, the more she knew, and the more she realized how much she did not know. Her thoughts were perhaps deeper than those of her peers, and naturally, she was able to cultivate some valuable qualities, such as morality, integrity, and perseverance

"Not necessarily," Lu Jianzhong glanced at her, "Even that old woman selling groceries can sense that Xu Huishu is highly nervous. Yang Li is her daughter, and their living space is that small room of just over ten square meters. How could she not feel it? Xu Huishu might hide things from Yang Li for her daughter's safety, but do you think she can really keep it a secret?"

The coldness at her neck, his knife resting against the artery of her neck, with just a slight cut, she would probably never see the sun of tomorrow again. For the first time in her life, she was so close to death, and this feeling left her stunned for a few seconds. A chilling wind battered her heart, and death continued to breathe in her ear

Zhi Lu smiled and nodded in agreement: "Thank you, I have remembered everything. I think, since he let me go yesterday, he should not pose any significant threat to me in the short term."

"The relationship has soured, the relationship has soured," everyone began to laugh, "That reporter from the bell is quite good, so beautiful, with a great figure. Once this case is settled, go pursue her, so you won't be a lonely person for the rest of your life"

Of course, that is the case; it must have been dialed incorrectly. After saying so much, it only served to draw attention to the matter, revealing a sense of timidity. Zhi Lu felt a pang of regret, as if her heart were being clawed by a cat. She changed her tone, smiling cheerfully, as if she had just won a prize, and said, "I have things to attend to, so I won't chat with you any longer. Goodbye, good night"

Li Fan invited her to dinner in a quiet and luxurious private room with excellent sound insulation. The waitstaff were uniformly tall and attractive, and after serving the dishes, they politely stepped out in turn. Li Fan asked her, "Is it okay to smoke?" Zhi Lu smiled and made a gesture inviting him to proceed. She initially thought there was something significant to discuss, but instead, Li Fan took out a manuscript and asked her to see if it could be published, saying it was his sister's work. His sister had become infatuated with writing and dreamed of becoming a writer.

The person you encountered last night should be the murderer, do you think this aligns with the characteristics of the author of this letter

Zhi Lu was taken aback, "So Sister Xu knows that someone is plotting against her?"

Zhi Lu suddenly turned around, and the presence of another man approached from behind. In the blink of an eye, the blade sliced through the air, leaving a chilling sensation at her neck. The metallic texture felt entirely different from the warm, moist touch of fingers, carrying an undeniable hostility.

The person's voice was decisive: "Where is the file?"

Have you finished all the tasks at hand? Then please submit the investigation report to me first thing tomorrow morning," Lu Jianzhong changed his tone, "Wang Rui, during this period, you should quietly follow her, mainly during her commuting hours. In my opinion, she has narrowly escaped this time, and it is uncertain whether the perpetrator will resort to more extreme measures.

After work, Li Fan waited for her downstairs in his car. Li Fan's flamboyant style is well-known; he leaned against the car, causing the passing ladies to lose their composure with his smile. Colleagues from the publishing house all paid attention to this notable figure, and Deng Muhua was especially delighted, while Zhi Lu felt embarrassed and shot Deng Muhua a glare, yet still got into his car

After a moment of contemplation, Zhi Lu spoke: "Wu Jiang's work is not something that the general public can easily accept; it is somewhat unconventional, even stream of consciousness. Those without a certain cultural foundation may not even understand it. Officer Lu, could you let me take a look at those letters?"

Where have you heard this phrase

That person fell silent for a moment, and after a brief pause, let out a few sinister laughs, "It seems that I truly cannot keep you."

That person's response was filled with extreme contempt: "What is a human life worth?"

"Who sent you?" Zhi Lu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "Why did you come to me?"

These words left her utterly disheartened. Seeing that there was nothing more to say, she stood up to take her leave, and Lu Jianzhong accompanied her to the entrance of the Public Security Bureau

During lunch, Deng Muhua said to her in an annoyed tone: "Why have you been experiencing so many issues lately?"

For several consecutive nights thereafter, she lived like this. The strange sound had also disappeared. However, the result of spending the night outdoors was that she caught a cold. Her throat was hoarse, she coughed, and at the worst times, she could not speak at all

Lu Jianzhong said: "How much inside information do you think Yang Li knows? Is it possible that he has concealed some matters from the police?"

The figure behind remained silent, and that silence only heightened the sense of fear

Zhi Lu fell silent for a moment, racking her brain to organize her thoughts, recalling what she had heard in the elective course on criminal psychology. After a pause, she spoke clearly: "It is true, I do not know what document you are referring to, I completely do not understand what you are saying. If you are sure you have not mistaken the person, please first tell me what that document is."

Zhi Lu swayed back to her bedroom and turned on the television. These past few days, the provincial government has been holding two sessions, and the news reports are all about it. She tilted her head to watch the news; she recognized every leader and heard every word, but she just couldn't piece together what it all meant.

Zhi Lu only smiled

Zhi Lu wiped away her tears and said with a smile, "Alright then, Dad, when are you coming to Jiangzhou? Call me. Also, if you need money, just let me know."

Lu Jianzhong glanced at her and said nothing further

Yang Li was lost in thought and did not pay attention to his steps while going upstairs, resulting in a hard fall. His knees and calves were bruised significantly.

Zhi Lu listened quietly

She hung up the phone abruptly. She lacked the courage to continue speaking, fearing that if she opened her mouth, she would be unable to hold back her sobs and would plead out loud. They had known each other for five or six years and had been married for three, yet she had never shed a single tear in front of him, nor had she ever shown any sign of grievance. Even when they finally divorced, she said nothing.

Watching her departing figure, Lu Jianzhong recalled the danger she encountered last night, and his throat tightened once again. If it were not for the need to work overtime, he would certainly have accompanied her home. Unable to resist the urge to see her face, he called out to her.

She lives in his place, eats his food, and almost everything in this house belongs to him; she has also heard from others that the documentary report about Yang Li's father's factory was cut off by the director due to its sensitivity, and someone helped her behind the scenes. As long as there is any other path to take in the world, she is unwilling to rely on his power. She believes in her own abilities, but compared to him and the Ye family, she is truly worth nothing. The reality is such that she has to depend on him, even though she has never made a request, and he has never mentioned it either; yet his shadow is omnipresent. She can only survive by tightly clinging to the tall oak tree like a climbing vine. Yes, she is unwilling to accept this. The reality is such that she has to depend on him, even though she has never made a request, and he has never mentioned it either; yet his shadow is omnipresent. She can only survive by tightly clinging to the tall oak tree like a climbing vine. Yes, she is unwilling to accept this

Li Fan adjusted his sitting posture, shook the ash into the ashtray, raised an eyebrow at her, "What, do you think I am a playboy? I admit, I have many girlfriends. I liked you from the very beginning and wanted to pursue you, but later I found out you were married, and your husband is Ye Zhongke. I had no choice but to give up on you."

Several years as a journalist were not in vain, and during that time, she did encounter danger. Her intuition came into play, warning her of the impending threat

Oh, oh, said Zhi Lu, "It's you."

Yang Li asked: "Sister Zhi Lu, you are such a good person, why does Brother Ye still want to divorce you? Moreover, it has been so long, and he hasn't come to see you?" Xu Huishu had met Ye Zhongke before, while Yang Li had not, but after several years of interaction, she had developed a certain understanding of him, and she had always referred to Ye Zhongke in this manner.

Ye Zhong'e asked: "Will you call me tonight? What happened?"

After a while, she turned back; Yang Li had not left, standing not far away, his eyes sparkling.

The person laughed a few times, the blade avoided her neck, "You do have a bit of courage."

She calmed her mind in the shortest time and said calmly: "Have you ever thought that if I had what you mentioned and you killed me, wouldn't you end up with even less?"

Before she asked the question, she already had the answer, and now it has finally been confirmed. The laughter of this person clearly reveals a desire, an absolute intent to kill, like a vampire that has caught the scent of blood, fierce and cruel, devoid of any compassion

The man suddenly released her, and Zhi Lu felt that he was taking the phone from his jacket.

Suddenly, the sound of a crying child, around seven or eight years old, reached her ears. Zhi Lu stopped in her tracks, looked around, and discerned that the cries were coming from an alley between two nearby buildings. The alley was dark, and although her eyesight was quite good, she strained to see but still could not make out what was happening inside. However, the child's cries grew louder and more anguished, as if desperately recounting some unfortunate experience.

He, growing impatient, tapped a knife against her neck, his tone becoming even more severe: "I ask you, where is the document hidden!"

Zhi Lu pressed her temple, "It feels about right; they are not completely insane or psychopathic, but they have a strong sense of purpose and are quite intelligent. I just really don't know what that document is."

Zhi Lu was surprised and said, "What happened?"

Indeed, it is a well-known fact that Zhi Lu has never brought shame to her parents throughout her life. She is always regarded as a model and an example in the eyes of others. Those who know their family would say that President Zhong's daughter is both beautiful and intelligent, consistently ranking among the top in her class. She excels in singing and dancing, writes excellent essays, and plays the piano. On weekends, the sound of her piano can always be heard from her home, what a demure child she is. She has sailed smoothly through her studies, being granted direct admission to high school, and ultimately achieved outstanding results to enroll in one of the top universities in the country. If it were ancient times, suitors would likely be lining up at her door.

It is I, Zhi Lu

Good people do not live long, while bad people can live for a thousand years. Isn't that what the saying goes? Yang Li claims she is a good person, and Sister Xu also claims she is a good person. Are they not the kind of good people that one could hardly find even with a lantern? They have lived their entire lives without even having the heart to step on an ant, yet what will happen in the end? How can society allow them to continue living?

As soon as the words fell, the knife moved downward, coming to rest at her chest. Although the tip of the knife was a certain distance from her chest, she could still feel the cold emanating from the blade through her clothing. Looking down, she noticed that the alley was so dimly lit, and the blade was narrow, making it hard to see clearly; she vaguely sensed it was made of stainless steel. She closed her eyes and asked, word by word: "Did you also kill Sister Xu?"

She immersed herself in sketching the outline of the murderer, as usual, refraining from any deeper contemplation. She feared the final answer, sensing that it would lead to her utter defeat. Even in middle school, she had already been reading "The Second Sex"; over the years, although the book had become tattered, the word "equality" was deeply etched in her spine. She understood that self-esteem could not be eaten, and that couples should not dwell on such matters, yet she stubbornly clung to her last bit of outdated and pitiable pride, even to the point of obstinacy. Even in middle school, she had already been reading "The Second Sex"; over the years, although the book had become tattered, the word "equality" was deeply etched in her spine. She understood that self-esteem could not be eaten, and that couples should not dwell on such matters, yet she stubbornly clung to her last bit of outdated and pitiable pride, even to the point of obstinacy.

A moment of surprise, it turned out to be the voice of Ye Zhong'e, warm and deep.

Although I have heard it many times, tears once again fell uncontrollably. Hearing her cry, Wang Liangjing no longer said anything, and the call finally reached Zhong Zaiguo.

Lu Jianzhong made an internal phone call, and after a while, someone delivered a copy of the letter, a thin four-page document with large, messy handwriting. Zhi Lu read it carefully and, in astonishment, pointed to the letterhead saying: "Look at this sentence, 'Our very existence is a potential death,' this was said by the Japanese writer Yukio Mishima. The person who wrote this letter has read some books"

"This is not the kind of tracking," Zhi Lu pondered for a moment, "Actually, it's nothing. Ah, let's just forget about this matter."

Zhi Lu found some safflower oil for her to apply, then escorted her back to the bedroom. She went to the study, retrieved a sketchbook and pencils that had not been used for a long time, sat down, and began to draw or record all the details she felt about the appearance and physical characteristics of the murderer. While she was focused, the landline phone next to her rang. She did not look up and casually picked it up, "Hello"

Then who is it

Zhi Lu, there is no need to be polite with me, just call me by my name. It was fine to be polite before, as you were concerned about Ye's feelings, but now that you are both divorced, I will speak frankly. In fact, it is not only about the manuscript, but there are other matters as well

At this moment, the child's cries abruptly ceased, and the alley suddenly became exceptionally quiet and empty, making people unusually sensitive.

Zhi Lu was momentarily taken aback; he vanished just as quickly as he had appeared, disappearing into the depths of the dark alley. Zhi Lu stared blankly, lacking the courage to pursue him

Oh, it's nothing, I'm sorry, I dialed the wrong number." Zhi Lu laughed lightly and briskly twice, surprised by her own quick change of mood. However, there was no response on the other end of the line, creating an awkward silence. She continued, "Really, it's nothing at all. I originally intended to call my senior sister, but I ended up dialing the wrong number and reached you instead. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it wasn't meant for you, please don't misunderstand, I appreciate your understanding.

Zhong Zaiguo has never had the habit of speaking unnecessarily, and he could not bear to criticize his daughter any further, so he quickly got to the point. It was at this moment that Zhi Lu realized the purpose of her parents' call. Zhong Zaiguo had reached retirement age and was about to retire

"It's nothing." Zhi Lu smiled, "Come in."

Zhi Lu tightened her grip on the shoulder bag and entered the alley without hesitation, raising her voice to ask: "Is anyone there? Which little child is crying? Don't be afraid, Auntie is here to find you"

The ground in the alley is uneven, and Zhi Lu walks in with a stagger, recalling a documentary news report she once did. In any major city in the world, there are such alleys in the urban area, even in the city center, where the streetlights are dim or even absent. No matter how well urban construction is done, there will always be these places where sunlight cannot reach, existing outside the urban planning. The most critical issue is that these areas are also hotspots for crime, and the government is powerless to address them. No matter how well urban construction is done, there will always be these places where sunlight cannot reach, existing outside the urban planning. The most critical issue is that these areas are also hotspots for crime, and the government is powerless to address them.

When preparing to sleep, I received a call from my parents. Zhilu held the receiver, silently listening to her mother's scolding, which still revolved around the two words "divorce," with content that was utterly unoriginal

Zhi Lu thought for a moment and asked, "Dad, what will you do after retirement?"

Zhi Lu accepted the manuscript, shook her head with a smile, and said, "It's just this matter, so there's no need to specially invite me to dinner. Mr. Li, you could have just sent someone to deliver the manuscript and said a word."

A warmth filled her heart, yet it was also tinged with sadness. Zhi Lu's palm rested on her shoulder, gently stroking her hair, and said: "Don't worry, I was just joking."

In the silent alley, the distance felt close, and the voice on the other end of the phone was faintly discernible, belonging to an unremarkable middle-aged man with a southern accent. The man continued to listen, nearly dissatisfied as he shoved the phone back into his clothing, and a cold voice uttered, "Consider yourself lucky"

"That is not how it should be said. I am thinking of your lifelong happiness," Zhong Zaiguo sighed deeply. "My daughter, your mother is not wrong; it seems I have spoiled you."

Zhong Zaiguo said: "While you are still able to move, it is advisable to join a tour group and travel."

The dumplings were cooked, and the restaurant was set up. Zhi Lu went to the living room to call Yang Li and Lu Jianzhong, but she found the two of them engaged in a low-voiced conversation, their expressions remarkably serious. After a brief moment of surprise, she invited them to dinner

Given the circumstances, Zhi Lu calmed down at a speed that is difficult for ordinary people to imagine. In any case, she did not want to die in such an environment and at the hands of such people

She struggled to recall the content she had written in that manuscript, searching for the source of the crying. Her eyes gradually adjusted to the dim environment, and with the aid of the moonlight, she was slowly able to distinguish the walls, the floor, and the trash can further away.

The person moved with incredible speed and possessed an astonishing strength, their hands resembling iron pincers as they twisted her wrists, preventing her from reaching for her phone. Then, with a light laugh near her ear, they gently tapped a cold, temperatureless knife against her neck, hissing softly, the chill penetrating to the bone. This was the most chilling sound Zhi Lu had ever heard; she pondered her words in her mind, thinking that if the Cobra King could speak, the two could indeed compete with each other.

Lu Jianzhong cleared his throat and said, "The investigation details of the case should not be disclosed casually, but since you were nearly harmed by the murderer, you should be informed of some circumstances."

It is already night outside, and the neon lights are flickering incessantly. She walks slowly along the wide road, passing by towering skyscrapers, her mind heavy with thoughts, still reflecting on what Li Fan had just said. Li Fan expressed his intention to pursue her; rather than feeling shocked, she felt more of a sense of regret. She is well aware that it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to remain friends with him.

The staple food was dumplings, and Zhi Lu also prepared five or six dishes, all of which were light and presented on exquisite plates, making for a delightful sight. Journalists and editors from around the world are the best conversational partners; having seen and discussed much, every word they speak can be eloquently articulated.

She did not know how she managed to get through that night, but she did not want others to notice. Her attempts at concealment were not entirely successful. Yang Li was very concerned and asked her if she had encountered any issues that night. She hesitated, and in the end, said nothing, only urging her to go upstairs to study

In an instant, despair surged within her heart, and the world ceased to exist, leaving only this moment infinitely prolonged. Life and death were but a heartbeat away, and she recalled a book she had read many times, murmuring the lines: "Day and night, summer and winter, light and darkness, all are accepted. When both are accepted, when the polarities of life are embraced, you will attain balance ... ... "

Lu Jianzhong said: "Last time at your home, I privately asked Yang Li, but she insisted that she knew nothing. I believe she has her reasons and cannot tell us. In my years of handling cases, this is one of the most complex cases I have encountered. Therefore, Zhi Lu, you must ask her; you are close, and she may tell you. This is also for her safety. If you are being threatened, she may also encounter such situations." So Zhi Lu, you must ask her; you are close, and she may tell you. This is also for her safety. If you are being threatened, she may also encounter such situations.

Lu Jianzhong saw the band-aid on her hand and asked, "Did you cut yourself while chopping vegetables?"

Zhi Lu dragged out several large boxes from under the bed, all the books neatly organized, not a single one out of place. She picked up a biography of Adam Smith and was about to speak when he leaned over from the boxes and covered her lips, swallowing every word she intended to say. She gasped for breath, struggling to catch her breath, and after a long while, she finally managed to say the sentence in a fragmented manner: "This is all my dowry, do you want it?"

She stood up and said, "Mr. Li, thank you for your kindness. I will take my leave first"

Zhi Lu was completely at a loss for words. She knew that ten adults could not match Yang Li's intelligence, sharpness, courage, and perseverance

Zhi Lu bit her lip, and after a moment, repeated the words "I'm sorry." Then she took her hands off the table, brought them together, interlaced her fingers, and slowly began to speak: "Regarding the matter of divorce, I have no way out. No matter how Zhong Ke thinks... However, I love him, I love him more than I ever imagined, I cannot love anyone else. I have missed many things like a fool, and there is nothing I can do about it, I am powerless. So, I'm sorry, I will never use you or anyone else as a sedative." I have missed many things like a fool, and there is nothing I can do about it, I am powerless. So, I'm sorry, I will never use you or anyone else as a sedative.

Zhi Lu could not have imagined what he was about to say next. He shook the teacup and said, "Please go ahead."

He said: "Be good, if you want to stay alive, do not move"

Without any consideration, Zhi Lu bowed slightly, opened the box door, and went straight to the counter to settle the bill and leave. She did not want to owe him anything, not even a meal.

After the murder case of Xu Huishu, we first conducted inquiries with some residents near Jiahe Road, where a diverse mix of people congregate, making it not unusual to encounter anyone. We did not obtain any useful clues from the neighbors, but an elderly woman who sells groceries nearby reported a situation to us. This elderly lady buys groceries at the intersection every day, and whenever Xu Huishu had the time, she would chat with her. Starting from the week before her death, she began to behave unusually. The elderly woman said that Xu Huishu appeared hurried every day and curiously asked her why she no longer chatted with her. Xu Huishu replied, 'Auntie, someone has been following me lately, and I need to be cautious.'