“I really don’t get it. Are you just obsessed with parties?”
Pei Cangyu had changed into his clothes long ago. He sat on the sofa, swinging his legs as he watched Bai Shi adjust his tie in front of the mirror. This was the seventh tie he had tried on.
Bai Shi chuckled, glancing at him through the mirror as he held up a tie with two fingers. “Is this one better?”
Pei Cangyu couldn’t tell the difference at all. “They’re all fine.”
Dissatisfied with the answer, Bai Shi untied it and swapped it for another. Pei Cangyu rolled his eyes and burrowed deeper into the sofa; who knew how much longer this would take? He watched Bai Shi fuss over himself like a peacock fanning its feathers, making sure everything was perfect—even the slight messiness of his hair was calculated. Pei Cangyu felt he should have taken a nap; next time, he wouldn’t listen to Bai Shi and change so early.
When Bai Shi finally finished, he fastened his top button and turned to find Pei Cangyu. The other man had already fallen fast asleep on the sofa, sprawled out with one leg draped over the backrest, his shirt hiked up to reveal his back in a messy heap.
The dog was circling Pei Cangyu’s head, whimpering softly. Usually, that sound meant it needed to pee.
Startled, Bai Shi quickly scooped up the dog and rushed it to the bathroom.
Pei Cangyu woke up at the commotion, unaware of the disaster he had just dodged. He looked toward the bathroom and sighed gloomily, “Still not ready...?”
***
The crowd wasn't large. Bai Shi recognized a few neighbors and an elderly man who lived as a recluse but was the church's largest donor. The old man seemed uninterested in the event, but he offered a greeting when he saw Bai Shi. When Bai Shi had lived here in his younger years, he had helped out with the choir for a few days, leaving a good impression on the man.
Consequently, the old man took notice of Pei Cangyu, waiting for a greeting.
Pei Cangyu gave a brief salutation and shook the man’s hand. The old man’s palm was broad and warm, and his gaze was exceptionally kind, exuding a sense of profound tolerance.
They chatted for a while before the old man made an excuse to leave early. He clearly didn't enjoy this environment and had only come as a favor to Prophice.
When Prophice welcomed them in, his eyes met Bai Shi’s for a moment before turning away with mutual understanding. Pei Cangyu, however, was too busy looking for the girl to notice.
He asked Bai Shi, “Have you seen Vanessa?”
Bai Shi took two glasses of wine from a passing waiter’s tray and handed one to Pei Cangyu. “No. She won’t show up; she’s mired in scandals.”
Pei Cangyu frowned. “When I saw her the other day, the impression she gave me... I don’t think she’s a frivolous person.”
Bai Shi looked at him. “Being irresponsible in her private life doesn’t mean she’s frivolous.”
Pei Cangyu blinked, confused. “Huh?”
“Lively people, pessimistic people, people with heavy hearts—anyone can enter an open relationship. It has nothing to do with being frivolous.” Bai Shi looked at him and smiled slightly. “Right?”
Pei Cangyu nodded hesitantly. “Maybe. But she felt different to me. And even if it’s like you said—that she’s unwilling to commit because of an ex-boyfriend—that doesn't explain why she said something as nonsensical as ‘she isn’t her.’”
Bai Shi shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe she was high.”
Pei Cangyu didn't know what else to say. He looked toward Prophice again. He couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but he felt the Town Head was glancing their way every now and then.
After two drinks, Pei Cangyu headed to the restroom. The attendant at the door opened it for him and mentioned someone was inside. When Pei Cangyu walked in, he saw more than one stall. Was it really necessary to announce someone was in there? For that matter, why did this private home have a bathroom with stalls like a public restroom? And since it wasn't unisex, why were there only toilets and no urinals?
Whatever.
Pei Cangyu pushed into a stall, did his business quickly, and came out.
He saw a middle-aged man at the sink, leaning over slightly to rinse his hands. Hearing the door, the man looked up, and their eyes met in the mirror.
Pei Cangyu nodded out of habit as a greeting, and the man smiled back.
Walking to the sink next to him, Pei Cangyu noticed a ring sitting on the edge of the basin.
The man finished washing, took a towel, and dried his hands with slow, deliberate movements. He glanced at Pei Cangyu and struck up a casual conversation. “Do you live nearby? I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Pei Cangyu stood straight, speaking slowly to ensure he didn't make any mistakes in English. “I just moved in. I live across the street. And you are?”
The man finished drying his hands, tossed the towel into the bin, and slid the ring back on. He extended a hand toward Pei Cangyu. “I’m from the neighboring town. My name is Francesco Cosane.”
Pei Cangyu shook his hand, sensing the man was waiting for a reaction. He was utterly baffled. Was he supposed to know who this was just from a name? He didn't know any Cosanes. He knew "cosplay," and he knew the Coen brothers, but this gentleman was clearly neither.
Seeing no reaction, the man smiled and let go. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Then he turned and left.
Pei Cangyu tilted his head. What a strange guy.
Then it suddenly hit him—when he shook the man's hand, he hadn't dried his own yet. *Ugh... how awkward.*
Pei Cangyu leaned against the sink and sighed. In that guy's eyes, he probably seemed pretty weird too...
He walked out and immediately began scanning the room for Bai Shi. Fortunately, Bai Shi was tall enough to be spotted in a crowd at a glance. Just as Pei Cangyu was about to head over, he realized someone else was standing next to him.
He recognized the man instantly as Prophice. They were of similar height, though Prophice was older. Prophice had an arm draped familiarly over Bai Shi’s shoulder as he introduced him to the people in front of them, turning to speak to Bai Shi between introductions. Bai Shi would turn his head and offer a gentle smile.
Pei Cangyu stood still, staring in that direction. The scene over there was truly beautiful—glittering lights, clinking glasses. Bai Shi looked calm and sophisticated. He and Prophice shared a similar kind of charisma; they both seemed to glow under the lights.
Pei Cangyu stood dazed for a moment, then turned toward the bar and took a seat on a stool.
After being led around by Prophice to greet a whole circle of people, Bai Shi finally found a moment to rest. Prophice saw some newcomers and tried to pull Bai Shi along again, but Bai Shi grabbed his wrist, pulled him back, and gestured for him to follow.
Prophice smiled and followed.
Once they were around a corner, Bai Shi’s smile vanished. His wine glass was gone, though he didn't remember where he'd left it. He pinned Prophice toward the wall, glanced back to ensure no one was watching, and then turned to him. “Do you think making me meet all these people makes you safe?”
Prophice nodded. “You’re an outsider. People are bound to be a bit wary.” He reached out to pat Bai Shi’s shoulder. “But with me vouching for you, you have nothing to worry about.”
Bai Shi glanced at the hand, and Prophice lowered it.
“When I arrived, I saw a car at the corner. Inside were my middle school classmates who are here to arrest me.” Bai Shi looked at him. “Perhaps you’d like to explain?”
Prophice looked genuinely confused. “What car?”
Bai Shi asked again, “It wasn't you?”
“If it were me, would you still be standing here?”
Bai Shi narrowed his eyes at him. “When do you plan on getting rid of them?”
Prophice smiled. “Don’t be in such a hurry. It’s better for business if we both hold a few cards. I can’t let you have all the leverage, can I?”
Bai Shi stepped aside, letting the noise of the party rush back in. Prophice heard him say, “I have more cards than you think.”
Prophice reached out and grabbed Bai Shi’s arm as he tried to leave. “There’s one more person you haven't met.”
It took a supreme amount of patience for Bai Shi to accompany him toward the center of a crowd.
At the center was a balding man of Italian descent, appearing to be in his fifties. He was barely six feet tall and slightly stout, but he had a bright smile that inspired a strong sense of trust. He listened intently when people spoke and had a pleasant tone of voice. He used humor well, ensuring there was never a dull moment, yet he maintained an indefinable "aura of authority."
As they approached, the man stopped to look at them. Prophice introduced both parties. Bai Shi noticed the man’s eyes darken slightly upon hearing his name, before he extended a hand.
The man was Francesco Cosane, the Mayor.
One look at the exchange between Prophice and the Mayor, and Bai Shi understood immediately. This was likely Prophice’s "well-connected" friend—his passport, his protector.
The Mayor’s handshake was a bit firm. Bai Shi finally realized that while Prophice parading him around the room was part of it, this was the main event. This was a warning, and a briefing.
The Mayor released his hand and gave a dignified little speech. Bai Shi replied politely. The scene was harmonious on the surface, but Bai Shi did not let his guard down.
Afterward, Bai Shi separated from them. Prophice and Cosane continued chatting as they moved toward a more private area, and Bai Shi finally went to find Pei Cangyu.
By then, Pei Cangyu had already had several drinks, and his face was flushed. A stranger was leaning against the bar, teasing him and even poking his cheek with a finger. Bai Shi couldn't believe someone actually dared to do that. As he walked over, he glared at the man’s finger. The stranger, sensing the relationship from Bai Shi’s gaze, quickly understood and hurried away.
Pei Cangyu watched Bai Shi sit down beside him, bringing with him the scent of various perfumes from the crowded center of the hall. He began to sing, “You have her perfume on you...”
Bai Shi frowned.
Pei Cangyu realized what he was doing and slumped onto the bar with a sigh. “I’m getting old.”
Bai Shi leaned in and stroked his hair—soft hair that felt like the thick winter fur of a fox. “Do you want to go back?”
Pei Cangyu was too deep in his mid-life crisis to be moved. “Life really passes in the blink of an eye...”
Bai Shi chuckled and tapped the counter, nodding to the approaching bartender. “Rum.”
Bai Shi and Pei Cangyu sat there, nursing their drinks and chatting idly. With his face flushed, Pei Cangyu rested a hand on Bai Shi’s thigh and leaned into him. “Xiao Bai, you really have a bright future ahead of you.”
Amused, Bai Shi looked down at him and nodded. “Mm.”
“You were good at studying. But I heard a lot of people who are good in middle school get bad grades in high school. Are you like that?” He looked genuinely worried.
“No.”
“That’s good.” Pei Cangyu leaned even closer, wobbling slightly. Bai Shi reached out to steady him. “I was looking at you just now, and I thought, you’re really amazing. Good at everything. A real shining boy...”
Bai Shi hesitated for a moment, and Pei Cangyu corrected himself. “Young man...”
Bai Shi nodded. “Mm.”
Pei Cangyu got annoyed. “Why aren't you being humble at all?”
Bai Shi looked at him, holding his waist to keep him from falling off the stool. He leaned in until they were almost touching. “I should leave myself a flaw or two.”
Pei Cangyu looked dejected. “Sigh.”
Bai Shi understood now. “So, you’re sitting here getting drunk because you saw me ‘shining’ over there?”
Pei Cangyu nodded gloomily. “And the others.” He was frustrated. “He’s so tall. I can’t grow to six-foot-three, what can I do? If I’d known, I would’ve drunk more yogurt as a kid... does yogurt even work?”
Bai Shi tilted his head, smiling. “Jealous?”
Pei Cangyu looked up at him, his cheeks puffed out. “Am I not allowed to be?”
Bai Shi leaned in, his breath brushing Pei Cangyu’s ear, and turned his head to kiss his cheek. Pei Cangyu flinched from the ticklish sensation.
Then Bai Shi pulled back, stared at Pei Cangyu’s face for a moment, and looked away, almost whispering to himself:
“You’re the only person in the world who would think I’m ‘shining.’”
Pei Cangyu asked with total sincerity, “Why?”
Bai Shi gave a helpless smile.
Prophice appeared beside them at an inopportune moment. “Sorry to interrupt, but there are some ladies who would like to meet you.”
Bai Shi turned to him impatiently. “Didn't you recruit them?”
Prophice shrugged. “Perhaps, but they’re very interested now. We can’t have them going around the neighborhood asking who you are, can we?”
Bai Shi looked down at Pei Cangyu, who had sat back up in his chair.
Bai Shi looked at the bartender. “Give him orange juice.”
He stood up, kissed Pei Cangyu’s hair, and left with Prophice.
The bartender handed Pei Cangyu the orange juice. Pei Cangyu looked up and glared at him. “Give me some Erguotou.”
The bartender didn't understand and offered a friendly, uncomprehending smile.
Bai Shi followed Prophice for another round, making sure his alias was known to everyone. At the very least, it would ensure that if Fei Zuohua and his team went asking for names, they wouldn't find anything.
From the old man he’d known since childhood to the church officials, the girls he’d caught glimpses of in his youth, and his current neighbors—everyone’s memories were refreshed tonight. If he had a good lawyer, Bai Shi could use them to piece together most of a life. As for Pei Cangyu sitting alone at the bar, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Bai Shi.
Prophice looked at Bai Shi with a beaming smile. “No need to thank me.”
Bai Shi had no intention of thanking him. He checked his watch. “It’s about time to leave.” He shook his head at Prophice. “Your party has gone on too long.”
Prophice smiled modestly. “Humble beginnings; there’s always more to learn.”
Bai Shi ignored him. Just then, someone came over to say goodbye, delaying them a bit longer.
At ten-thirty, a scream suddenly erupted from upstairs. Then came the sound of frantic footsteps. A man leaned over the banister, face drenched in sweat, lips trembling as he pointed toward a room upstairs. “Dead... dead... he’s dead!!”
The room immediately fell into chaos. Bai Shi instinctively looked toward the bar. Pei Cangyu was still sitting there, biting his straw and looking as confused as everyone else.
Bai Shi turned to Prophice. Prophice’s face was also grim. He gave Bai Shi a slight shake of his head; he didn't know what had happened either.
Prophice quickly stepped onto the stairs and asked everyone to calm down. He mentioned there were police nearby who would arrive shortly and asked everyone to stay calm and wait in the living room.
Then he came back down, walked to Bai Shi’s side, and whispered quickly, “You come up too,” before turning and racing upstairs.
Bai Shi thought for a moment and walked over to Pei Cangyu. “Do you want to go sit with them?” Bai Shi pointed to the panicked crowd in the hall.
Pei Cangyu looked over there and asked, “Can I just stay here?”
Bai Shi looked at the bartender. “If the police come, help him explain. We’re friends of Prophice; I don’t want him taken away.”
The bartender nodded. “Don’t you worry about that.”
Bai Shi patted Pei Cangyu’s shoulder and headed upstairs.
As he looked down, he saw the police entering the house almost immediately. This meant they had been very close by. Bai Shi clicked his tongue; Prophice really had defenses everywhere.
Two men were standing outside the room. One was the man who had run out to announce the death; the other was huddled in his arms, shivering. They looked like a pair of secret lovers who had gone looking for a place to hook up and stumbled onto a crime scene.
Bai Shi walked over and tilted his head toward the room. “Is Prophice inside?”
The man who wasn't shaking nodded. “He said we didn't need to go in. Are the police here?”
“Downstairs. You two should go.” Bai Shi gripped the doorknob. The two men looked at him suspiciously because Bai Shi had habitually used the hem of his suit jacket to create a barrier between his hand and the knob.
Bai Shi repeated, “Go downstairs.”
They huddled together and went down.
Bai Shi opened the door and entered.
Prophice was crouching on the floor, picking up a condom. He turned and saw Bai Shi.
Bai Shi saw the Mayor dead in a swivel chair. His head was thrown back over the backrest at an exaggerated, obtuse angle, his face practically facing the ceiling. A knife was buried in his chest. The desk was a mess; books and documents were scattered everywhere, and two wine glasses sat nearby.
Prophice held up the item in his hand and smiled. “Good thing he hadn't used it yet.”
Bai Shi noticed shoe covers on the floor. He closed the door, put them on, and stood by the door without moving.
Prophice pocketed the condom and walked to the window. The curtains were fluttering in the breeze; one window was wide open.
He turned to Bai Shi. “Was it you?”
Bai Shi shook his head. “Was it you?”
“No. Why would it be me?”
“I don’t know. Maybe something went wrong with your partnership.” Bai Shi shrugged. “What was he doing up here? Soliciting your daughter?”
Prophice frowned. “Don’t be crude. First, she’s not my daughter. Second, that’s not what you call it.” He spread his hands. “It wasn't you? You hate being threatened so much—is this a warning shot for me?”
Bai Shi walked toward him. Prophice stepped back warily, though he still said, “The police will be in here any second. You’d better confess now.”
Bai Shi circled the windowsill and turned to him. “It wasn't me.”
Prophice frowned and tapped the desk. “If not you, then who?”
Bai Shi looked at him and smiled. “Don’t be nervous. You’re too tense to think straight.”
Prophice stared at him, his hand seemingly clenching something in his pocket.
“Listen to me. If I were the one acting,” Bai Shi looked at him and sighed, explaining patiently, “you would be the one dead.”
Prophice froze.
“Killing someone else as a warning? Too inefficient.” Bai Shi took a step toward him. “If it were me, I would have made my move three days ago. Last month, you came home at six-thirty every day. But because of the summary report meetings, three days ago was the deadline. You all went out to celebrate, and you didn't have to work the next day. Your route back from the party passes ST7. You go through three traffic lights and turn right at the third. Seven hundred to nine hundred meters after that turn, there’s construction. That stretch is a blind spot for surveillance. I would have made my move there, not here. I wouldn't use a knife; I’d use a gun. The gun and bullets would be untraceable. You have radical political opponents; I could pin it on them. During the time you were being gunned down on the road, I would be at the church, helping prepare for the weekend benefit performance. Specifically, I’d be in the piano room repairing the piano. I’d be alone while working. Midway through, I’d have someone call me. Sister Lisa would come to the door to tell me I had a call, but since the door would be locked, she wouldn't come in. She’d ask from outside, and I’d answer via my phone to keep the call active. Meanwhile, I would have slipped out with the piano delivery truck. When they stopped at the intersection, I’d hop out in the blind spot and wait for you to pass. After killing you, I would mimic the killer’s silhouette—see, I prepared a red wig and a blue jacket, and I can make myself look four inches shorter—walk two blocks, enter the underground passage, change clothes, wait for the shuttle bus, get on, get off at ST9, walk back to the church, and climb back in through the window. I would visit your home to offer condolences after your death, having buried the murder weapon in your pipes. I’ve seen your new plumbing; part of it doesn't connect to the sewer line. If I put it there, it wouldn't be found for six months, by which time I’d be long gone.”
Bai Shi stopped. Prophice’s face was completely drained of color.
Bai Shi reached out and pressed a hand to his shoulder, smiling. “So, you see. I didn't kill him.”
Prophice remained deathly pale.
Bai Shi let go. “Because it was too much trouble, I gave up.” Bai Shi spread his hands. “I want a quiet life, so I’m not killing you, and I didn't kill him. Do you believe me now?”
Prophice looked at him. Though his face hadn't recovered, he slowly pulled his hand out of his pocket, putting away whatever he was holding. He muttered to himself, “Then who could it be?”
A knock came at the door. It was the police.
***
