June 1994, a rainy day.
Though I continue writing, it’s likely out of habit. I’ve abandoned the idea of treating this as a diary. How can it be a diary when I can’t keep track of dates? Besides, I’ve discovered that giving up isn’t as difficult as I thought. Haven’t I always been subtracting from my life?
As I sit in the sewer writing these words, a strange feeling persists. It’s as if I’ve always belonged here – past, present, and future. The ties binding me to the world above have been severed completely. The subtraction that’s been constant in my life has finally reached its end, resulting in zero.
When that man helped me climb the iron ladder, I wanted to cry and laugh simultaneously. I never imagined the exit would be so close to that “room.” While I stumbled through the pitch-black sewers with a candle, the home was within reach.
He pushed open the manhole cover above, and warm sunlight poured in. Simultaneously, a cacophony of sounds flooded my ears, making my head buzz.
How long had I been in darkness and silence?
I didn’t have time to ponder this. As soon as he crawled out of the sewer, I scrambled up after him. When my hands touched the dry asphalt road and I breathed fresh air, tears streamed down my face.
Then I started running. I’m not sure why – perhaps to prove I was still alive. After sprinting several dozen meters, I remembered him.
Panting, I turned around. He stood motionless by the open manhole, watching me. This was the first time I saw him in a strong light.
His face was mostly hidden by tangled hair and a beard. He wore what looked like a military coat of indistinguishable color and carried a canvas bag slung across his body.
I waved at him, the words “thank you” caught in my throat.
He slowly raised his hand, mimicking my wave.
Thoughts raced through my mind: I’ll come back to see you. I’ll bring you lots of good food. I’ll give you clean clothes. I’ll ask Dad to take you for a bath and haircut. When I grow up, I’ll help you find a job.
But one thought overpowered all others: I want to go home.
So I turned and ran again.
It wasn’t a long street. I quickly reached its intersection with a larger road. This area was busier, with more cars and people. Standing at the crossroads, I looked around and was thrilled to realize I recognized this street!
Many people stared at me curiously – a filthy, foul-smelling girl in soaked shoes, leaving smelly footprints with each step. But I paid no attention. Having determined the way home, I ran as fast as I could.
Those familiar streets. Those familiar buildings. Those familiar scents of street food.
It felt wonderful.
After passing through alleys and building clusters, I could see the roof of our building in the distance.
Then I started crying. The place I’d longed for in the darkness was right before my eyes.
But I had no strength left.
I leaned against a tree, bent over, gasping for breath. My throat felt like it was on fire. Sweat mixed with a strong stench rose from my body. I looked down at myself.
I was filthy, like a rag soaked in sewage for half a year.
Looking up at the sky, I guessed it was around 3 PM. There shouldn’t be many people out near home at this time. I couldn’t let others see the eldest Su daughter in this state. My parents valued face above all else. I didn’t want to embarrass them too much.
I forced my legs to move, avoiding main roads and taking side streets towards home.
Fifteen minutes later, I finally slipped into the stairwell of our building. Mom and my brother should be home, along with Old Gu. Holding my breath, I quietly opened the entrance door, walked to apartment 101, and gently knocked.
There was no response from inside.
Disappointed, I knocked a few more times, but still no one came to answer.
My keys were long gone. After thinking for a moment, I snuck out again and went around to the back of the building.
Even through the glass windows, seeing our familiar home filled me with warmth. Mom and my brother weren’t in the rooms. They must have gone out looking for me.
I wondered how happy they’d be to see me.
I sat in the flower bed, hidden behind tall weeds and wildflowers. I decided to wait for them here. No one would see the Su family’s eldest daughter in this ghostly state. I’d appear suddenly when no one was looking. Mom, Dad, and my brother would be overjoyed. Then I’d take a nice bath, eat a delicious meal, and sleep soundly.
Then I fell asleep.
A book once said that sleep is a brief death. For some, sleep becomes eternal – they never wake up. That’s what happened to my grandmother.
Now, I envy her.
If I could lie among these wildflowers and never wake up…
If I could quietly stop breathing in this unnoticed place…
If I could close my eyes and never open them again…
My body would decompose, nourishing the wildflowers and weeds beneath me. Then my soul would attach to one of the flowers, blooming vibrantly and withering silently, waiting to sprout again next spring.
I wouldn’t have heard their conversation.
Yes, them.
When I woke up, I was curled up in the flower bed. Despite my efforts, despite my unwillingness to believe, I understood one thing clearly.
I had been abandoned.
Everything about me had been exchanged for a household registration, a legal identity, a child who could go to school, and perhaps a sum of money.
As he said, “Let’s pretend we never raised her.”
I used to think she didn’t like me, but it turns out he didn’t either.
When my brother cried and said he wanted to find me, I almost rushed out. But I didn’t. I just lay motionless in the flower bed, eyes wide open, staring at the night through gaps in the weeds.
I was already dead. At least in their hearts, I was dead. And a dead person shouldn’t move.
Alright then. If my death could solve their worries, then so be it.
Little brother, I broke your robot. Now, your sister is making it up to you.
No need for goodbyes, I suppose. They hadn’t planned to say goodbye to me anyway. But…
I quietly got up and walked to the window of apartment 102.
Old Gu sat at the dining table with his back to the window, head down, seemingly smoking.
I opened my mouth but no sound came out. Then I raised my hand and waved at his back.
For those two plates stuck together. For those moments of satisfaction during hungry nights.
Goodbye.
Walking those streets, I thought of nothing. Like a walking corpse. Yes, that’s it. Everything seemed natural, expected. I didn’t even feel hatred, not even for Mana and the others who drove me into the sewers. What was I anyway? Someone who shouldn’t have existed in the first place – what right did I have to hate all this?
Even when the heavy rain started falling, I felt nothing. And nobody saw me, right? A girl soaked to the bone, walking alone in the downpour.
So I walked on, through places bright with lights or pitch black. Just walking. Until I returned to that small road.
As if by instinct, I walked to the middle of the road, opened the manhole cover, and climbed down the iron ladder. Finally, I pulled the cover, watching it slowly close above me.
Before the last bit of dim streetlight disappeared, I saw the shape of the manhole.
A round, perfect zero.
Professor Qiao Yunping’s office was much as Wang Xianjiang had imagined: dimly lit, with books and documents scattered across the walls, floor, desk, and chairs. A faint smell of mold and tobacco lingered in the air. The originally spacious room felt cramped due to the clutter.
Professor Qiao appeared to be in his fifties, with graying hair neatly combed back and piercing eyes behind his glasses. Wang Xianjiang thought he looked exactly like someone who dealt with abnormal humans daily.
The professor moved some stacks of documents from the sofa, inviting them to sit. He then placed an ashtray on the coffee table.
“Feel free to smoke if you’d like,” he said, pulling up a chair opposite Wang Xianjiang and Tai Wei, lighting a cigarette himself.
“How’s it going? Last time Officer Tai came to consult me about a serial killing case. Any progress?”
Tai Wei handed him the map marked with key investigation points. Professor Qiao examined it carefully, smoking as he listened to Tai Wei’s explanation, then pondered for a moment.
“Hmm, I agree with your assessment,” he said, returning the map to Tai Wei. “Now it’s about finding the person, right?”
“Correct,” Wang Xianjiang nodded. “That’s what we’d like your advice on.”
“Is there more information?”
“No,” Tai Wei shook his head. “No crime scene reports, no interview records, no physical evidence analysis. All we have now are those three bodies and this map.”
Professor Qiao’s expression remained neutral as he adjusted his glasses. “Just what you told me last time, right?”
“Yes.”
He fell silent, turning to look out the window, one hand tapping lightly on his knee.
Tai Wei and Wang Xianjiang exchanged glances, patiently waiting for him to speak.
A few minutes later, Professor Qiao slowly said, “All victims were female, sexually assaulted before death, strangled with wire-like objects, stripped of all clothing and personal belongings, then dumped in sewers.”
Tai Wei looked at him, unsure whether to respond. The professor didn’t seem to expect a reply and continued, “First, the killer couldn’t have had obvious connections to the victims in daily life, or he would have been quickly identified. You were right not to waste time investigating the victims’ social circles.”
Tai Wei looked smugly at Wang Xianjiang but quickly sobered when he saw his mentor’s serious face.
“He needs to approach the victims as a stranger and lead them to suitable locations for the crimes,” Professor Qiao narrowed his eyes. “This suggests he must have an appearance that easily earns trust.”
Professor Qiao paused, then continued: “Such a person would be well-educated and have a respectable job. Considering the times when the victims disappeared, he likely doesn’t have a fixed position and enjoys flexible working hours.”
He looked at Tai Wei: “So your assumption that he might use a vehicle to transport and dispose of bodies is correct.”
Tai Wei asked, “If we consider the perpetrator using a vehicle, should we expand the ‘buffer zone’?”
“That’s unnecessary,” Professor Qiao glanced at the map. “Your designated area is already quite large. Besides, the vehicle’s main value is in transporting and disposing of bodies. He’ll choose familiar locations, which won’t significantly affect the buffer zone.”
Wang Xianjiang remained expressionless. Professor Qiao’s analysis largely aligned with their judgments, offering no breakthrough for the investigation.
“Next, let’s look beyond the surface,” Professor Qiao continued. “Given the victims’ economic situations, robbery wasn’t a motive, nor was there a need to approach them in broad daylight. Therefore, the killer’s motive is likely sexual gratification.”
“But if the perpetrator is as you describe,” Tai Wei interjected, confused, “wouldn’t he have many ways to satisfy his sexual desires? With money and time, why resort to murder?”
“This is another matter of inner motivations,” Professor Qiao smiled. “Since he commits rape and murder indoors, he likely lives alone.”
Tai Wei blinked: “A bachelor? So that’s why…”
“We can make that assumption, but it’s not definitive,” Professor Qiao said. “He could easily have a separate residence.”
Tai Wei was bewildered: “I don’t understand.”
“I agree with your theory that the killer might have disposed of all three bodies in the same storm drain,” Professor Qiao furrowed his brow. “But why would he do that?”
Tai Wei was momentarily speechless. He glanced at Wang Xianjiang: “Habit?”
“It’s unlikely he’d simply dump the bodies in a storm drain,” Professor Qiao shook his head. “Storm sewers are regularly maintained and cleaned. If someone happened to open that manhole cover, his crimes would be immediately exposed.”
Wang Xianjiang pondered: “Would he place the bodies at a specific location in the storm sewer?”
“Possibly,” Professor Qiao mused. “Let’s consider a bold theory – he might frequently return to visit them.”
Tai Wei stared at him incredulously: “Surely not. He goes back to… admire them?”
“It happens,” Wang Xianjiang reflected. “I once handled a serial arson case. The suspect would stay to watch after setting fires. He’d revisit the scenes days later. His frequent appearances at various fire sites caught police attention, leading to his arrest.”
Tai Wei snorted: “That’s a psychological issue.”
“The perpetrator in this serial killing case also shows signs of psychological abnormality,” Professor Qiao lit another cigarette. “Or rather, he has a void to fill.”
Wang Xianjiang raised an eyebrow: “A void?”
“Yes. Long-suppressed and unsatisfied sexual desires vented on these women he doesn’t know. If our assumptions are correct, he’d dispose of the bodies in the same storm sewer location, frequently returning to admire his so-called achievements, relive his crimes, perhaps even manipulate the bodies.”
Wang Xianjiang immediately asked: “Why would he do this?”
“Because corpses are compliant, offering no resistance, allowing him to defile them at will.”
Tai Wei was dumbfounded: “What kind of person is this?”
“What he satisfies through crime indicates what he lacks in life. Rape and murder are a form of compensation for him.”
Professor Qiao took a deep breath: “I believe you’re looking for someone aged 30-40, with at least a bachelor’s degree, average build, well-dressed, with normal social relationships. He works in a public institution, not in a substantial position, is financially comfortable, and has a habit of collecting objects.”
He pondered further: “Regarding marital status, he’s either single with a very unpleasant past relationship where he was the victim, or in a strained marriage, possibly separated, or with another residence. No children, or estranged from them if he has any.”
Tai Wei diligently noted everything. Professor Qiao waited patiently for him to finish, then looked up: “Anything else I can help with?”
Wang Xianjiang glanced at Tai Wei and stood up: “That’s all for now. Thank you for your help.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll contact you if I have any additional insights,” Professor Qiao shook hands with both of them. “However, I must warn you about one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Solve this case quickly,” Professor Qiao’s expression turned grave. “Judging by his frequency of attacks, I believe he’ll kill again.”
Ma Dongchen instructed the driver to park at the school gate. He took two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes from the trunk, wrapped them in a black plastic bag, and walked through the gate toward the teaching building.
The principal’s office was on the fourth floor. Upon entering, Ma Dongchen saw Principal Dong sitting behind a large desk, on the phone.
Principal Dong gestured for him to sit on the sofa opposite the desk while holding the receiver.
“I understand, I understand. This is good news… Don’t worry, Director Xu. I’ll handle it properly. Once we find this student, I’ll report back to you.”
Ma Dongchen paused as he was about to light a cigarette, listening intently to Principal Dong’s phone conversation.
Principal Dong quickly ended the call and walked over to the sofa. He first glanced at the black plastic bag on the coffee table, then sat down next to Ma Dongchen.
“Look at you, being so polite again,” Principal Dong patted his thigh. “That thing you gave me last time… it was quite expensive.”
“A mobile phone, some call it a ‘big brother,'” Ma Dongchen smiled. “You’re busy, it’ll be convenient for contacting people.”
Principal Dong laughed heartily: “Mr. Ma, I shouldn’t have troubled you to come here. However, this matter… is indeed a bit tricky.”
“It’s no trouble,” Ma Dongchen asked eagerly, “You mentioned finding a student on the phone just now?”
“A call from the Education Bureau,” Principal Dong waved dismissively. “A female student did a good deed, following Lei Feng’s example. The Bureau wants to publicize it.”
“Oh, that’s good news,” Ma Dongchen relaxed. “Has Mana caused trouble again?”
“How should I put this?” Principal Dong chose his words carefully. “Mana is a good child. Enthusiastic, lively… her relationship with classmates is fine.”
Ma Dongchen listened attentively, nodding repeatedly, waiting for the “but.”
“But, perhaps this child’s personality is too strong—I don’t think that’s entirely a bad thing, we’re advocating for personalized education now.” Principal Dong pondered again, “Sometimes she has disputes with her classmates. Maybe it’s due to her family background. She often shows… a lack of respect for others, though not towards me, of course.”
“She certainly wouldn’t dare!” Ma Dongchen’s tone was resolute, “I’ve told her more than once at home to respect teachers and classmates, especially the principal.” He changed his tone, “Sigh, it’s because I’m too busy with work, and her mother always spoils her. This child is indeed a bit out of line.”
“As parents, we all understand,” Principal Dong patted his knee. “If it were just conflicts with classmates, I think it would be easier to handle. With dozens of teenagers together, all going through puberty, arguments and scuffles are normal. But this time…”
Ma Dongchen’s eyes widened: “She didn’t… to a teacher?”
“Yes. And not just any teacher,” Principal Dong’s expression turned serious. “The school’s Youth League secretary, surnamed Zhou, son-in-law of a deputy director at the Commerce Department. You know, it’s quite difficult for me. Though the Commerce Department isn’t directly connected to the school, it’s still a significant government office. After much thought, I had to ask you to come.”
“What did that little brat do?”
“Mana is participating in an English play performance now,” Principal Dong scratched his head. “During rehearsal, for some reason, she publicly insulted Secretary Zhou, even bringing up his marital relationships, making it very awkward for him. Now it’s been reported to me.”
“That’s completely unacceptable!” Ma Dongchen exclaimed, “How could she insult a teacher? That wretched girl, I won’t let her off this time!”
“Don’t be too angry,” Principal Dong waved his hand. “She’s just a child, proper education will suffice. If it weren’t for the bad influence of this incident, I wouldn’t have troubled you to come.”
Ma Dongchen nodded: “Principal Dong, what do you think would be the best way to handle this?”
“Well, Secretary Zhou feels he’s lost face, it’s embarrassing for him,” Principal Dong pondered. “How about this: I’ll call both Mana and Secretary Zhou here, and you have Mana sincerely apologize to him. Teachers generally don’t hold grudges against students. If her attitude is sincere, we can put this matter behind us.”
“That’s not a problem,” Ma Dongchen readily agreed. “I’ll personally invite Secretary Zhou for a meal later and sincerely apologize to him.”
“That’s not necessary,” Principal Dong called for his secretary. “Let’s agree on this: no hitting the child when they’re here.”
“I absolutely won’t do that here,” Ma Dongchen said through gritted teeth. “I’ll deal with her severely when we get home!”
About ten minutes later, Mana sauntered into the office, swinging her school uniform sleeves. Seeing Ma Dongchen there, she was momentarily startled, then quickly understood the situation.
“Damn impressive,” she muttered. “Now he’s learned to cry and complain everywhere. Calling him a freeloader is a compliment.”
“You dare to keep spewing filth!” Ma Dongchen stood up abruptly. “Who gave you the audacity to insult a teacher?”
“What kind of teacher is he anyway? Does he know literature, history, geography, or math, physics, and chemistry?” Mana sneered. “He just wanders around with a camera all day, pretending to be an artist.”
“Stop talking nonsense!” Ma Dongchen rushed over, raising his hand to strike. Principal Dong quickly intervened, repeatedly trying to calm him down.
“We agreed no hitting, Mr. Ma, please calm down.”
“What kind of child is this!” Ma Dongchen’s temple veins bulged. “Look at yourself, do you look like a student at all?”
Mana rolled her eyes at him, crossed her arms, and shook her leg, looking utterly fearless.
“When Teacher Zhou comes later, you must apologize properly,” Ma Dongchen grew angrier. “Damn it, I can’t believe I can’t control you.”
Mana retorted irritably: “I won’t. I didn’t say anything wrong.”
“Mana! What business is it of yours what’s going on in Teacher Zhou’s family?” Principal Dong’s face darkened. “If you continue like this, you’ll be completely out of control! If I weren’t friends with your father, the incident where you beat up a classmate last time would have been enough to get you in serious trouble!”
“Tch!” Mana sneered. “Fine, I’ll quit school then. Anyway, next year I’ll…”
“You’re dreaming!” Ma Dongchen pointed at her nose. “You’ll study properly until you finish high school, or you can forget about going to America, England — anywhere!”
Mana looked at Ma Dongchen, hesitated, then said impatiently: “Alright, alright, I’ll apologize. Happy now?”
“Stand up straight!” Ma Dongchen was still furious. “You better be sincere when you apologize. If you keep acting like this, I won’t let you off when we get home!”
Mana stood up straight but still held her head high, staring at the ceiling.
Ma Dongchen slumped onto the sofa. “I’m furious! How did I end up with a child like you?”
A few minutes later, there was another knock on the principal’s office door. A young man in his thirties poked his head in.
“Principal, you wanted to see me?”
Principal Dong waved him in. “Teacher Zhou, come in quickly.”
As Teacher Zhou approached the desk, he noticed Ma Na standing by the sofa. His expression immediately darkened.
“The situation you reported last time concerns the dignity of our profession. The school takes it very seriously,” Principal Dong said, coming around his desk and gesturing towards Ma Dongchen. “I’ve asked the student to apologize to you, and for the parent to address the issue as well.”
Ma Dongchen immediately stood up and extended his hand. “Teacher Zhou… Secretary Zhou, I’m Ma Na’s father. There’s nothing to say about this incident except that it’s entirely my daughter’s fault. As her parent, I’ve failed in my duty to teach her properly. Please accept my apologies first.”
Teacher Zhou shook Ma Dongchen’s hand with a neutral expression, saying nothing.
Ma Dongchen awkwardly withdrew his hand and barked at Ma Na, “Come here!”
Ma Na grunted and reluctantly approached.
“Apologize to Secretary Zhou.”
Ma Na turned her head away, quickly muttering three words: “I’m sorry.”
Teacher Zhou smiled. “Is this how your daughter typically apologizes?”
“No, no, please don’t be angry,” Ma Dongchen said, growing heated. He kicked Ma Na’s shin lightly. “Say it word by word: Teacher Zhou, I was wrong. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Ma Na stumbled from the kick. She steadied herself, raised her eyes, and glared at Ma Dongchen.
Ma Dongchen’s eyes bulged with anger as he pointed at Teacher Zhou. “Hurry up and do it!”
Ma Na shifted her gaze, glanced at Teacher Zhou, then lowered her head again. “Teacher Zhou, I was wrong. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Teacher Zhou stared at Ma Na for a few seconds. “Making you apologize is for your own good. If your parents and the school fail to educate you properly, someone else will teach you a harsh lesson in the future. At that point, a simple apology won’t be enough to resolve matters.”
Ma Na remained silent, head bowed.
Principal Dong tried to smooth things over. “Teacher Zhou, you see…”
“That’s enough,” Teacher Zhou said, his expression still a mix of amusement and sternness. “I accept her apology.”
“Alright,” Principal Dong said, patting Ma Na’s back. “Let the child go back to class now. Don’t let this affect her studies.” Ma Na left without a word.
Ma Dongchen was both exasperated and angry. “This child…”
Teacher Zhou turned to Principal Dong. “Principal, if there’s nothing else…”
“Teacher Zhou, please wait a moment,” Ma Dongchen quickly interjected. “Are you free this evening? I’d like to treat you to dinner at Chaoshan Lou as an apology. I truly feel terrible about this…”
“That won’t be necessary,” Teacher Zhou waved his hand dismissively. “If you have time, focus on disciplining your young lady better.”
“Certainly, certainly,” Ma Dongchen said, pulling out a business card and offering it with both hands. “I’m in the construction materials business. If you need anything for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
Teacher Zhou took the card, glanced at it briefly, and tucked it into his pocket.
“Principal, I’m heading back to work now.”
He gave Ma Dongchen a slight nod before turning and leaving.
“Well, Mr. Ma, let’s consider this matter resolved,” Principal Dong said, spreading his hands. “When you get home, you really need to manage Ma Na better.”
“Principal Dong, thank you for your help once again.”
Ma Dongchen’s face was sincere, but inwardly he was praying that no more issues would arise before sending this troublemaker abroad.
The disappearance of Old Su’s eldest daughter, Su Lin, rather than her supposed transfer to a southern school, was an established fact.
However, it wasn’t certain that she was dead. Otherwise, Old Su’s wife wouldn’t go out searching for her every day.
Su Lin’s disappearance was related to someone surnamed Ma.
This Ma person seemed to have considerable influence, managing to persuade the Su family not to pursue the matter further. Of course, this came at a price: arranging Su Lin’s withdrawal from school, helping the Su family’s young son get registered and enrolled in school, and providing a large sum of money.
Then, they could treat the girl as if she were dead.
Gu Hao taped a large sheet of white paper to the wall next to the TV. It had several names written on it with criss-crossing lines connecting them. Su Lin’s name stood out prominently. Next to it, the word “Death” was followed by a question mark.
Since that rainy night, he had avoided further contact with the Su family. Firstly, by eavesdropping on their conversations, he had already gained a general understanding of the entire incident. Asking further questions would only increase unnecessary hostility and suspicion without yielding any valuable leads. Secondly, he feared losing control of his emotions and beating Old Su severely.
He sat on the bed, smoking while staring at the large white paper. His gaze constantly shifted between Su Lin’s name and the word “Death.”
Outside, the sky remained gloomy. The heavy rain had turned to moderate, then to a drizzle, persisting for nearly two days. There was still no sign of clearing.
He suddenly began to loathe this rainy summer, as it seemed that bad news always arrived with the rain.
Suddenly, there was an urgent knocking at the door. Gu Hao already guessed who it was but remained seated. This little monkey never learned proper knocking etiquette; he needed to be taught a lesson.
However, after a few seconds, Gu Hao still got up to open the door. After all, he needed this kid’s help.
Tai Wei burst in, muttering, “Old man, you’re not up yet? What time is it?”
Gu Hao was about to scold him for his lack of respect when he was taken aback by the young man’s appearance.
His hair was long and unkempt, his cheeks sunken, and a fine stubble had appeared on his face.
“What have you been up to lately, kid? You didn’t even return my calls,” Gu Hao said, closing the door and picking up the thermos. “Why do you look like such a wreck?”
“The case of those three female bodies in the Weihong Canal. My pager might have been out of battery that day,” Tai Wei said, collapsing onto the bed. “Dad Gu, got anything to eat?”
Gu Hao thought for a moment, remembering the braised pork and eggs Du Qian had prepared in the refrigerator.
“Yes, wait a moment.”
The rice and braised pork with eggs were quickly reheated. Tai Wei sat up and began eating and drinking without hesitation. As he ate, the young man suddenly chuckled.
Gu Hao, sitting nearby and smoking, glanced at him. “What’s so funny?”
“I can tell it’s my mom’s cooking right away,” Tai Wei said with a mischievous grin. “Old man, you’re something else. When did you get in touch with my mom?”
“Shut your mouth.”
“But my mom seems to have been unhappy these past couple of days,” Tai Wei said, pointing at Gu Hao with his chopsticks. “You old rascal, did you…”
“Are you going to eat or not?” Gu Hao’s face flushed with embarrassment. “If not, get out!”
“I’m eating, I’m eating,” Tai Wei didn’t dare joke further and buried his head in the food, quickly polishing off the meal. After finishing, he picked up the dishes to take them to the communal kitchen, but Gu Hao stopped him.
“I’ll do it,” Gu Hao said, pointing to the bed. “Go lie down for a bit.”
Gu Hao washed the dishes clean and returned to the room to find Tai Wei hadn’t rested as told. Instead, he was squinting at the white paper, cigarette dangling from his mouth, examining it closely.
“Dad Gu, what’s this?” Tai Wei asked as Gu Hao entered, pointing at the paper. “I remember this Su Lin. What’s this about ‘Death’?”
Gu Hao wiped his hands and pulled up a chair to sit down. “That’s why I called you here today.”
Seeing Gu Hao’s serious demeanor, Tai Wei also became solemn. “Go on.”
“Two things,” Gu Hao said, counting on his fingers. “First, I need you to check if there have been any unidentified female bodies, around 16 or 17 years old, found in the city recently. Second, go to the shelter and see if there are any homeless individuals matching this description.”
“What does she look like?”
“About 165 cm tall, thin, with long hair,” Gu Hao thought for a moment. “Pointed face, single eyelids.”
“Alright,” Tai Wei furrowed his brow and looked at the white paper again. “Dad Gu, I’m still a bit confused. What’s this all about?”
Gu Hao hesitated for a moment but decided to explain the whole incident and his deductions. As he spoke, Tai Wei’s eyes grew wider and wider.
“Damn it!” Tai Wei exclaimed, looking towards the door. “Your neighbors are quite something. Their child is missing, possibly dead, and they just swallow it down?”
“You don’t understand. When something you’ve always dreamed of is placed before you, it’s hard not to be tempted,” Gu Hao shook his head. “Besides, from what I’ve seen, the Su family never really cared much for their eldest daughter. The son is their treasure.”
“I really don’t get it. Sacrificing your own daughter for a boy,” Tai Wei snorted. “Dad Gu, what’s your plan?”
“Simple. I’m going to find this child.”
“Dad Gu, you need to be prepared,” Tai Wei chose his words carefully. “If she were still alive, she would have come home by now. So…”
“I need to see her if she’s alive, or her body if she’s dead.”
“Alright, leave it to me,” Tai Wei nodded. “You just rest, old man.”
“No need. You just help me with those two tasks. Focus on your own case; I’ll handle the rest myself.”
“Come on, give it a rest,” Tai Wei said dismissively. “What can a retired old man like you do? Find something else to pass the time. Maybe put more effort into things with my mom, for instance.”
Gu Hao stared at him for a few seconds before calmly saying, “Do you also think I’m just bored and looking for trouble?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Tai Wei became flustered. “I just…”
“You’re right. I am just a retired old man with no power or influence, but I have plenty of time,” Gu Hao interrupted him. “This child has no relation to me, and we barely know each other. But she called me Uncle Gu…”
“And she brought you some flowers and plants.”
“Yes. Because of those flowers and plants, this matter concerns me,” Gu Hao raised his voice. “The girl came into this world unloved and uncared for, which isn’t my business. But even when you pull out a blade of grass, you leave a hole in the ground—I can’t let her disappear without a trace like this.”
He paused, out of breath. “I need to find someone to explain to me why they pulled her out, how they did it, and where the hell they threw her after!”
“Dad Gu, calm down,” Tai Wei quickly reached out to pat his shoulder. “We’ll see this through to the end. I’ll help you, okay?”
Gu Hao shrugged off his hand. “Did you understand the two tasks I assigned you?”
Tai Wei nodded repeatedly. “I got it. I’ll let you know as soon as I have any news.”
Gu Hao grunted in acknowledgment and pointed to the door. “Go on, get back to your work.”
Tai Wei obediently walked to the door but turned back. “By the way, Dad Gu, when you have time, get in touch with my mom.”
Gu Hao looked up at him silently.
“You know how the old lady feels. Don’t give her the cold shoulder. At your age, there aren’t many good days left,” Tai Wei thought for a moment, his expression serious. “I’m saying this for your own good. Long-term suppression and lack of satisfaction can lead to perversion in people.”
Gu Hao glared at him. “Who are you calling perverted?”
“I’m not saying it, a psychologist said it,” Tai Wei defended himself. “You should trust science.”
Gu Hao lunged for the mop in the corner. “I’ll show you what perversion really is right now.”
“Look at you, getting worked up again,” Tai Wei hurriedly opened the door and fled. “Wait for my call!”
“Get lost!” Gu Hao shouted after him, putting the mop back in its place. His thoughts inevitably turned to Du Qian once more.