Tu Ziyun snapped his eyes open, squinting against the blinding white light. He raised a hand to shield his eyes and turned to look at the pale walls. Fei Zuohua’s face appeared above him.
"You're finally awake..."
Tu Ziyun realized he was in a hospital.
"Where is he?!" He tried to sit up.
Fei Zuohua reached out to steady him. "Who? Zhao Like? ...He’s dead."
"The one who killed him... I went after them!"
"Forget about it. When you charged in, the rear of your car was clipped by a train. The car flipped. You’re lucky it wasn't worse." Fei Zuohua helped him sit up. "The doctor said you have a mild concussion. Try not to hit your head again."
Tu Ziyun sat on the bed, his head throbbing. He frowned deeply. He hadn't slept in two days; dark circles bruised the skin under his eyes, stubble roughened his jaw, and his complexion was a sickly yellow.
Tu Ziyun covered his eyes, pressing his palms hard against his head. "...How dare that man surnamed Bai..."
Fei Zuohua poured a glass of water and held it out, but Tu Ziyun didn't look at him. He simply gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. Fei Zuohua had never seen him this furious.
"The Bai family..." Tu Ziyun spat the words through his teeth. Then he asked, "What does Division Eight say?"
"Because of this incident, Division Eight has stopped their bickering. While you were unconscious, we obtained your recording and initiated the investigation process into Bai Shi based on it. Bai Shi is going to be busy now. He has to provide his whereabouts, a list of associates... In short, he’s entered the investigation phase. His every move is under police surveillance."
Tu Ziyun interrupted him. "What about Pei Cangyu?"
"We haven't been able to ask about that yet. Right now, Division Eight only has him under legal supervision. Bai Shi is going to Division Eight this afternoon to cooperate with the investigation. The matter regarding Pei Cangyu should be brought up then."
Tu Ziyun remained silent.
Fei Zuohua hesitated before adding, "My dad... said he’s going to see Ding Chuan tonight."
Tu Ziyun’s brow remained furrowed as he nodded.
"Is something wrong?" Fei Zuohua asked tentatively.
"Did Bai Shi say where he is now?"
Fei Zuohua nodded. "We contacted his secretary. Very cooperative. Said he’s at the villa in the Yizhuang District."
Tu Ziyun rubbed his chin. "Listen, after Bai Shi leaves, go inside and look for Pei Cangyu... Never mind, I’ll go with you tomorrow."
"...A break-in?"
Tu Ziyun looked at him. "Bai Shi won't give up the whole truth easily. Pei Cangyu is a vital lead. Previously, he disposed of the bodies intermittently. Disposing of them in the city naturally requires more caution, so he wasn't fast. The reason he killed them in batches was that if he couldn't transport them out, the rotting corpses would smell. That’s why he wasn't in a hurry to kill; that’s why the Skinny One was left for last. When we last saw Pei Cangyu, he was fine. Given that Bai Shi moved to a new location, I believe Pei Cangyu should be with him."
Tu Ziyun paused, then added, "Besides, I’m the one who dragged Pei Cangyu into this. I want to make sure he gets out safely."
Fei Zuohua was silent for a moment before finally nodding.
"Where is Zhao Like’s body?"
"His family has been notified to claim it."
Tu Ziyun slumped back exhaustedly, his head hanging low. Fei Zuohua watched him. "Do you want to sleep for a while?"
He shook his head. "No, I have somewhere to be."
As he spoke, he threw back the covers to change his clothes. Fei Zuohua lingered. "Going to see Ding Chuan?"
"Yeah."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"No need. If you’re really bored, you can go scout the route to Yizhuang."
Tu Ziyun put on his coat and left the ward without staying a moment longer, heading downstairs to find Ding Chuan.
He had an important reason for seeing Ding Chuan: he wanted to prepare him for Fei Qisheng’s arrival. Back then at the docks, Ding Chuan, who had already been betrayed by Tu Ziyun, had witnessed Fei Qisheng’s betrayal as well.
Tu Ziyun didn't know which of them Ding Chuan hated more, but Fei Qisheng was far less adept at dealing with Ding Chuan than he was. Fei Qisheng was too solemn and upright; he was easily provoked by Ding Chuan. Tu Ziyun was worried.
While he was waiting for a car at the intersection, Fei Zuohua arrived at his side with an umbrella. Tu Ziyun looked up and realized it was raining; it was so light he hadn't noticed.
"Let me drive you," Fei Zuohua suggested. "It’s raining; it won't be easy to catch a cab."
Tu Ziyun nodded. Fei Zuohua gave him the umbrella and went to get the car.
A moment later, Fei Zuohua pulled up steadily in front of him. From this angle, Tu Ziyun only had to pull the door open to sit down.
Seeing that Tu Ziyun wasn't moving, Fei Zuohua asked, "What is it?"
Tu Ziyun stared at the passenger seat. He raised his hand and gestured, mimicking the horizontal shape of a gun—just like the car that had driven toward him and the Skinny One. He mimicked a shot to the head of the passenger, then shifted his gaze to Fei Zuohua’s face. Fei Zuohua looked bewildered.
"What’s wrong?" he asked again.
Tu Ziyun opened the door and sat inside. "Nothing. I just feel..."
"What?"
Tu Ziyun’s brow was knit so tightly it left a mark. "Why didn't the bullet hit me?"
"Are you talking about the trajectory? It was fired from the front at a slight upward angle, piercing the backrest. That’s why it missed you."
Tu Ziyun shook his head. "I mean, wouldn't it have been better to kill me?"
Fei Zuohua froze.
"Killing me, taking my things, and getting rid of a cop who’s been dogging him—wouldn't that have been a better choice for Bai Shi? Don't you think it feels like he was deliberately avoiding me, deliberately not killing me?" Tu Ziyun’s voice carried a hint of urgency, his tone dry and raspy.
"But," Fei Zuohua analyzed, "when the car drove up from the side and blinded you with high beams, the car didn't stop. Firing while moving would naturally cause the shot to drift forward. The upward angle could just be because the shooter was tall."
Tu Ziyun was silent for a while. "That makes sense. Maybe I’m overthinking it."
Fei Zuohua drove steadily, but Tu Ziyun remained frowning, staring out the window at the sky thick with dark clouds. "It’s going to pour today."
Fei Zuohua glanced out. "Yes."
"I just feel like something isn't right." As they passed through a tunnel, Tu Ziyun’s worry-clouded face was reflected in the window glass.
They didn't speak for the rest of the trip. Tu Ziyun got out at the hospital. Fei Zuohua rolled down the window. "Shifu, I’ll head to Yizhuang first. Bai Shi should be leaving soon."
Tu Ziyun nodded. "Be careful."
"I will."
He watched Fei Zuohua’s car drive away before taking off his coat, tucking it under his arm, and starting up the stairs.
Today, there was a nurse in Ding Chuan’s room. Tu Ziyun asked the guard who she was, and the officer told him she was there to fit Ding Chuan’s prosthetic limb.
When he entered, Ding Chuan was sitting in a wheelchair, pointing at his leg. He looked to be in good spirits. "It’s better when a professional fits it. Last time I did it myself, I got it all wrong."
Tu Ziyun sat down expressionlessly. He watched the nurse tending to Ding Chuan as she straightened his pant leg and prepared the tea set, chatting and smiling with him. Only after everything was done did she greet Tu Ziyun and depart.
"That nurse is quite pretty, isn't she?" Ding Chuan winked, a hint of vitality touching his burn-scarred face. "I heard she’s new."
Tu Ziyun ignored him. "Old Fei is coming tonight. You know that, right?"
Ding Chuan chuckled. "What are you so nervous about? What could I possibly do to him?"
Tu Ziyun took a breath and exhaled slowly, leaning back against his chair. "Division Eight has started investigating Bai Shi."
Ding Chuan lit the flame and began brewing tea with practiced motions. "Are you not satisfied?"
Tu Ziyun didn't answer. He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.
"It’s going to rain tonight." Ding Chuan looked out the window; the sky was growing darker. "What time is it?"
Tu Ziyun checked his watch. "Three-thirty. Why?"
"Aren't you going to the interrogation?"
Tu Ziyun shook his head. "I trust Division Eight."
Ding Chuan’s tea began to boil; it seemed he had botched it, but the brewer didn't care as he turned off the flame. He was merely going through the motions of learning to brew tea; he wasn't willing to put in the real effort. Tu Ziyun frowned. Ding Chuan had no patience for the craft; he didn't know why the man had suddenly become obsessed with it.
Ding Chuan lifted the pot and poured a cup for himself and one for Tu Ziyun, handing it over.
Tu Ziyun shifted his gaze from the ceiling and listlessly took the cup. He took a sip and frowned. "Can your tea brewing actually get worse?"
Ding Chuan smiled. "Ah, I’m a novice. It’s normal for the quality to fluctuate."
Tu Ziyun set the cup down and stared at the man before him. Ding Chuan looked like a piece of rotting wood, yet on this day destined for heavy rain, he possessed a spring-like joy. Even the paralyzed half of his body twitched mechanically on occasion, as if moving in sync with its master’s mood.
"What will you do afterward?" Tu Ziyun asked him.
"Me?" Ding Chuan pondered for a moment. "I’ll do what must be done."
He lowered his head and laughed. "Everything ends today."
Tu Ziyun raised his teacup. "Let’s hope so."
***
Meanwhile.
Fei Zuohua arrived at the Bai residence around three o'clock. Bai Shi’s appointment with Division Eight was at three-thirty, so he should be heading out soon.
Fei Zuohua waited at the entrance of the Yizhuang estate for a while before finally seeing Bai Shi walk out. For some reason, his gait was unsteady, as if he had a severe headache. He leaned on a cane to support himself, standing at the villa entrance, seemingly struggling to maintain his balance.
A moment later, a car arrived. Bai Shi got in, and the car drove off.
Fei Zuohua waited a bit longer. Once his friend at Division Eight informed him that Bai Shi had arrived at the police headquarters, Fei Zuohua felt safe enough to begin his unauthorized search.
The result was disappointing. Forget Pei Cangyu—the house barely looked lived-in. Aside from a dog tied up in the yard, there was no life in the house. The fruits and vegetables were fresh, looking as if they had just arrived, and the quantity was small. However, there were two washed plates that weren't stacked with the others, confirming that two people had been staying there.
The most obvious evidence was found in the laundry room: washed clothes that hadn't been hung up to dry. One set was larger, one smaller. Fei Zuohua compared them; the larger set was likely Bai Shi’s, and the smaller... he guessed belonged to Pei Cangyu. Regardless, to be safe, Fei Zuohua bagged the clothes and the plates. This would at least prove Pei Cangyu had been there; Bai Shi wouldn't be able to deny it.
By the time he finished, it was five o'clock. His friend told him Bai Shi wouldn't be leaving anytime soon; they had noticed something was off with him and planned to do a blood test.
Fei Zuohua didn't need to rush. He performed one more thorough search before leaving.
He had intended to drive back to Tu Ziyun, but thinking of Ding Chuan’s face and the fact that his father was going there tonight, he didn't want to go. He didn't want to see them. He repeatedly reminded his friend at Division Eight not to forget to ask about Pei Cangyu, and his friend agreed.
Unexpectedly, he was the one with the most free time tonight.
It had been a long time since Fei Zuohua felt this relaxed. He was always trying to prove himself. Both his father and his Shifu were like mountains blocking his path to success. He admired them, yet he longed to prove his worth, which kept him perpetually exhausted.
When he had handed over his case and saw his Shifu fighting for jurisdiction, it was impossible not to be moved. But later, he realized his Shifu’s struggle was merely for the sake of settling old scores from the past. And his father, who was already a man of few words, had acted as if facing a great enemy ever since Ding Chuan appeared.
Everything revolved around Ding Chuan and Bai Shi, Bai Shi and Ding Chuan. They had turned everyone else’s lives into a mess.
But even so, Fei Zuohua was glad to have exposed Bai Shi. On one hand, his friend’s hard work hadn't been in vain; on the other, his Shifu was right. He didn't need to doubt his Shifu anymore.
Speaking of which, he really owed Pei Cangyu an apology.
By the time Fei Zuohua snapped out of his thoughts, he had driven to Taozhong Xuan.
Since he was here, he might as well have a drink.
When he entered, Taozhong Xuan was more crowded than usual. Perhaps because of the rain, many people who hadn't gone home yet decided to have a drink and wait for the rain to let up.
Fei Zuohua walked to the bar as usual. Today, Lu Mingyue’s expression was grim. He was staring blankly at a corner, motionless.
Fei Zuohua waved a hand. "Hey."
Lu Mingyue snapped out of it, forcing a smile. "You're free today too?"
"What’s that supposed to mean? I’m usually very busy." Fei Zuohua pulled out a cigarette and glanced at Lu Mingyue, but Lu Mingyue’s mind was elsewhere. He grabbed a bottle at random and poured a drink for Fei Zuohua.
Fei Zuohua didn't light the cigarette, just left it on the counter. Lu Mingyue seemed to be in a bad mood, but that had little to do with Fei Zuohua, so he didn't ask.
After pouring the drink, Lu Mingyue asked mysteriously, "Where did you go to middle school?"
"In the city. No. 3 Middle School. Why?"
Lu Mingyue nodded. "No. 3... Is that a good school?"
"It’s alright. Pretty good," Fei Zuohua answered honestly.
"Are you twenty-two this year?" Lu Mingyue asked again.
Fei Zuohua gave him a strange look. "Why are you asking?"
"I just feel like I’m so old..." Lu Mingyue sighed, propping his chin on his hand. "I started school a year late, and then I repeated a grade. It makes me two years older than my classmates. Two years... I almost didn't recognize an old classmate. I thought they were two years below me."
Fei Zuohua laughed. "You ran into an old classmate?"
"Sort of."
"What grade did you repeat?"
Lu Mingyue pursed his lips. "Senior Kindergarten."
Fei Zuohua chuckled. "You can repeat kindergarten?"
Lu Mingyue nodded aggrievedly.
As they were talking, a short, stout man patted Lu Mingyue on the shoulder. Lu Mingyue’s expression instantly became very serious. He followed the man toward the back without even saying goodbye to Fei Zuohua.
Fei Zuohua didn't mind. He picked up the poured drink and downed it in one go.
Liqueur. It wouldn't get him drunk.
He needed a refill, but Lu Mingyue was taking his time. He grabbed the bottle Lu Mingyue had left on the bar to pour himself another, glancing at the serious-looking man as he did.
Fei Zuohua stopped pouring. He froze, watching Lu Mingyue in the distance as he spoke seriously with the man.
Fei Zuohua remained paralyzed on the spot. A flurry of trivial details rushed into his mind, awakening his police instincts: the location of the bar, the way the man walked, the shoes, the footprints, the car he drove, the serious expression, the erratic movements...
Fei Zuohua’s heart began to pound.
He looked toward the back; there was no sign of Lu Mingyue returning.
Fei Zuohua picked up the bottle, carefully avoiding the spots Lu Mingyue had touched, and quietly stood up to leave.
He needed to go to the forensics department.
Fast.
***
"What time is it?" Ding Chuan asked Tu Ziyun once more.
Tu Ziyun checked his watch. "Seven o'clock."
"Fei Qisheng is coming. Do you plan to stay here the whole time?"
"Is that a problem?"
Ding Chuan smiled. "How could it be? It’s best if you’re here."
Tu Ziyun narrowed his eyes. "There’s something I want to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"When you were telling me about Bai Shi, why did you emphasize the story of him cutting his mother’s womb?"
Ding Chuan looked at him, puzzled. "Did I emphasize it?"
"I’ve been thinking. In the stories you told me about your cooperation with Bai Shi, you were brief about how he dealt with the other members of the Bai family. Why did you go into detail about what he did to his own mother?"
Ding Chuan sighed. "Aren't you being a bit too sensitive? Isn't it exhausting to live like that?"
Tu Ziyun ignored him and leaned back. "I don't trust you, so I’m staying right here."
Ding Chuan gave a half-smile. "Fine. Suit yourself."
Tu Ziyun checked his phone. Fei Qisheng had sent a text saying he was on his way and would arrive soon.
He looked up at Ding Chuan, thought for a moment, and texted Fei Qisheng to go to the roof first. They would meet there to discuss some suspicious points before seeing Ding Chuan.
Ding Chuan tapped his wooden leg against the floor, looking dissatisfied. "Who are you talking to? I’m right in front of you."
Tu Ziyun put his phone away. "No one. Just paying a bill."
Ding Chuan offered him some tea. Tu Ziyun took it.
***
Lu Mingyue returned from the back. Just as he put on a smile, he realized Fei Zuohua had already left. His glass was still there, but the bottle was gone.
Lu Mingyue turned to the bartender. "Did you move the bottle I left here?"
The bartender shook his head. He asked the others, but no one had seen it.
Lu Mingyue stood there, the corners of his mouth curling into a smile. He picked up the glass Fei Zuohua had used, held it up to his face, and squinted at the light reflecting off the glass.
*Was I found out?*
***
