Two days later, Wei Zhi retrieved Wei Lai’s old phone from Tan Mengyan.
"I asked a friend in the lending business to help; they’re quite skilled at tracking IPs. However, this 'Soul Master' uses a proxy. Every time we track the location, it’s different."
"So, he can't be found?"
"I had him apply to join the group using a burner account. If he’s accepted, he’ll continue tracking the Soul Master’s location. Once he gets a real IP, he’ll notify me immediately."
A cunning dolphin, indeed.
"Help me get a SIM card," Wei Zhi added. "The original card in this phone has been deactivated."
A small matter like that was nothing to Tan Mengyan.
The following day, Wei Zhi inserted the new SIM card into the old phone, set up call forwarding from her current number to the old one, and headed out with the device in hand. With call forwarding active, she had more freedom to move.
Wei Zhi’s destination was the Dashanguan Police Station. She hadn't contacted Zhang Kaiyang in advance, but as she expected, he was there.
Seeing her visit, Zhang Kaiyang’s surprise was tinged with a hint of worry. He led her away from the noisy service windows to the quiet administrative area. In the same vacant office as before, he invited her to sit and placed two cups of tea before them.
"You said you had something to ask me?" Zhang Kaiyang began.
"It’s about Ji Qikun and Mei Man," Wei Zhi said. "I want to know more details about their relationship. I’ve looked online, but I can hardly find any specific information."
"After the court ruled against Mei Man’s family, the Ji family intervened with the media. A lot of things can’t be found now," Zhang Kaiyang explained. "Why are you looking into this?"
"Did Ji Qikun restrict Mei Man’s social circle?" Wei Zhi asked directly. "Did he use tactics to drive a wedge between her and those close to her? Did he establish a conditioned reflex in her through a cycle of repeated suppression and reward?"
Zhang Kaiyang’s expression shifted. He looked at Wei Zhi with a grave intensity. "How do you know about these things?"
"I was browsing the internet a few days ago and found a group called 'Dolphin House.' I learned about something called 'PUA.' Many people in the group share these emotional control techniques. They call themselves 'Dolphins' and control the minds and bodies of their victims through a constant cycle of suppression and reward."
She paused. "I’ve realized that many of my husband’s behaviors match the rules listed there."
Zhang Kaiyang remained silent.
"I want to know," Wei Zhi looked up, meeting his eyes, "if it’s possible that Mei Man was forced into suicide while under mental control."
The steam from the teacups, which had been vigorous at first, had dwindled to a faint wisp circling the rims as time passed. The silence in the office lasted for a long while before it was broken by Zhang Kaiyang’s sigh.
"One of the reasons Mei Man’s family lost the case was that there was too little direct evidence to prove she was under mental control. Ji Qikun left no evidence of abuse in places where it could be traced. Even on the day Mei Man jumped, there was no surveillance on the rooftop. We had to rely on Ji Qikun’s own account and the scene investigation to reconstruct what happened."
"The police found no signs of a struggle or coercion during the investigation. We could only conclude that Mei Man walked to the edge of the roof and jumped of her own volition. If there had been more evidence then to prove she was in a state of mental control where she couldn't resist, the verdict might have been different."
Wei Zhi asked, "The statute of limitations for Mei Man’s case hasn't expired. If new evidence appears, could it prompt a retrial?"
Zhang Kaiyang was utterly bewildered. He didn't understand—if Wei Zhi wanted to pursue Ji Qikun’s past crimes, why was she so determined to marry him? If, as she said, she married for love, why was she so obsessed with digging into the past?
"...What exactly are you trying to do?" he asked.
"You haven't answered my question," Wei Zhi pressed. "Did Ji Qikun do those things to Mei Man?"
This involved the privacy of the two parties, and by regulation, Zhang Kaiyang shouldn't have disclosed too much. But after a moment’s hesitation, he decided to be honest with Wei Zhi. She wasn't an irrelevant outsider; she was now the wife of one of the parties involved, and she might be the next person to fall under mental control.
"Yes," he said. "Ji Qikun restricted her social life, alienated her from her friends, and instigated a break with her family, turning her into an isolated island. When Mei Man jumped, Ji Qikun’s was the only name in her contact list."
Zhang Kaiyang paused, glancing at Wei Zhi.
"...Just like you."
"I can't tell you for certain that Ji Qikun is one of those people who use PUA techniques, but I can tell you that anyone who tries to control the human heart through such means has a desire for control that is far beyond the norm—they have personality defects. They despise human reason and emotion. Not only do they control and abuse those close to them, but they also post photos or videos of their victims online to brag, calling them 'works of art' to show that they are superior in intellect and tactics."
"Is that why you were hesitant to speak the first time we met?" Wei Zhi smiled. "You were afraid I’d become the next victim?"
"...Aren't you?"
"With a cautionary tale before me, I will naturally find ways to protect myself." Wei Zhi stood up. "That’s all I wanted to ask. Thank you for telling me the truth, Officer Zhang."
After Zhang Kaiyang saw Wei Zhi out of the station, he ran into Old Wu, who was returning from a call.
"Captain Wu," Zhang Kaiyang greeted.
Old Wu, clutching his thermos, squinted at Wei Zhi’s familiar figure and recognized her instantly.
"Did something happen around her again?" Old Wu asked, looking concerned.
"She came to ask about the Mei Man case."
"What, is she scared now?" Old Wu teased. "I thought she was dead set on marrying the guy."
"...She’s not scared," Zhang Kaiyang said.
"Then what is it?"
"I can't quite put it into words... She already suspects Ji Qikun’s behavior is related to mental control, but she doesn't seem afraid."
"How can a normal person not be afraid when they find out their husband is a freak?" Old Wu looked skeptical.
"She really isn't." Zhang Kaiyang recalled Wei Zhi’s expressions and actions. "She didn't even ask how to protect herself if she suffered similar harm. It’s not logical."
"Speaking of illogical, nothing that happens with that girl follows logic."
"...The look in her eyes reminded me of Weng Xiuyue," Zhang Kaiyang remarked.
Old Wu took a sip of his goji berry tea and said, "Don't say I didn't warn you—you can only act if there’s evidence."
"I understand," Zhang Kaiyang replied.
***
The autumn sun cast patches of gold across the ground in front of the police station. The light spread softly, leaping across the street, filtering through the gaps in the treetops, and passing through large floor-to-ceiling windows to illuminate countless dust-free mirrors in Ji Qikun’s home.
Ji Qikun had been out on business, but passing nearby, he decided on a whim to stop home.
He had imagined many scenarios, but he hadn't expected that the only thing waiting for him would be Wei Zhi’s phone sitting on the kitchen island.
He picked up the phone, studying it in silence. His downcast black lashes half-veiled a cold, flickering light in his eyes. The brilliant sun behind him only cast a layer of shadow over his face.
Suddenly, his own phone vibrated. It was a call from Secretary Tang.
"Young Master Ji, the Madam is at the company and wishes to speak with you," the young woman’s soft, pleasant voice came through the receiver.
"...The Madam?"
"Yes, I’ll hand her the phone now."
Soon, Wei Zhi’s voice came from the other end.
"Husband, I’m at your office. Why aren't you here?"
"What are you doing at the office?" Ji Qikun asked. "And why didn't you take your phone?"
Wei Zhi glanced at the amused Secretary Tang. Holding the borrowed phone with her hand adorned with her wedding ring, she turned away and said sheepishly, "I wanted to give you a surprise, so I came to the office without telling you. But how did you know I didn't have my phone?"
Ji Qikun placed Wei Zhi’s phone back on the island and continued, "Because I’m paying attention to my darling’s whereabouts every moment, of course. I’m out on business right now, but I’ll be back immediately. Will you wait for me at the office?"
After hanging up, Ji Qikun drove back to the corporate headquarters.
Wei Zhi was sitting primly on the sofa in his office, surrounded by several department employees who were eager to build a good relationship with her. She listened to their compliments, responding with appropriate smiles. Many of them held Starbucks cups—evidently, Wei Zhi had brought afternoon tea as a gift.
The scene reminded Ji Qikun of when he first met her. He had almost forgotten that she used to be a socially graceful person whom everyone at the gallery liked. Later, through his deliberate intervention, the words used to describe her at the gallery became "silent" and "withdrawn."
"Everyone, out," he said coldly.
Those thick-skinned enough to come here for networking weren't fools. Sensing the displeasure in Ji Qikun’s tone, they scattered quickly. Soon, only Wei Zhi and Secretary Tang remained in the office.
"I’ll go photocopy the morning’s contracts. Call me if you need anything, Young Master Ji." Secretary Tang tactfully closed the office door.
Now, only Wei Zhi and Ji Qikun were left in the room.
"Are you rebelling against me?" Ji Qikun’s voice sounded as if it were seeping through ice.
"What?"
Wei Zhi started, immediately feeling a chill. Ji Qikun’s thin frame cast a shadow over her like a dark shroud. She was forced back into a corner, his arms acting like cold iron chains, trapping her in the narrow space. He looked down at her, his eyes devoid of warmth.
"First, you went out without permission. Second, you didn't bring your phone," he whispered. "Why? Why won't you listen to me? These are things you promised me personally. Is your word so cheap?"
"I just wanted to give you a surprise..." Wei Zhi said.
"Do you think I’m surprised?" His words carried a sharp edge of irony.
Wei Zhi was speechless. Ji Qikun continued, "Judging by the result, I don't feel surprised, so this can only be considered your own wishful thinking. You betrayed your promise."
"I..." Wei Zhi tried to explain, but her voice was stifled in her throat.
Ji Qikun’s hand suddenly clamped around her wrist. The force was so great it felt as if he might crush the fragile bone.
"Do you really take my words to heart?" His tone was calm, yet it made the air feel even heavier.
The office door suddenly swung open, followed by a cold voice.
"I’m the one who told her to come. Do you have a problem with that?" Xi Manjing, dressed in a designer suit and carrying a crocodile-skin Hermès bag, stood at the door with an expressionless face. Behind her, Ji Zhongyong’s expression was equally displeased.
As if scorched by an invisible fire, Ji Qikun instantly released Wei Zhi’s wrist and switched to interlacing his fingers with hers. The oppressive atmosphere vanished in an instant, replaced by a refined, gentle smile on his face.
"Uncle, Aunt—what brings you here?"
Xi Manjing and Ji Zhongyong stepped into the office. Secretary Tang quickly closed the door, sealing the family friction inside.
"You’ve been married for a while now, and the people in the company haven't met your wife. Instead of letting them gossip behind your backs, it’s better to let Xiao Wei make an appearance," Xi Manjing said. "If you want to vent your anger, vent it on me."
The corner of Ji Qikun’s mouth curled into a perfect smile. "How could I be angry? I’m very happy Xiao Zhi came to the office. I was just startled because no one informed me in advance."
"It’s my fault. I should have told you first," Wei Zhi said softly.
"It’s a small matter. What does it matter if you said it or not? You don't have anything shameful going on at the company, do you?" Xi Manjing’s words were laced with subtle thorns.
"Aunt is right." Ji Qikun’s smile didn't fade. "I was just worried about Xiao Zhi’s safety on the road."
"Alright, these are trifles. No need to mention them again." Ji Zhongyong clearly wanted to end the topic. "Your aunt is in a good mood today and wants to eat out. The restaurant is booked. Put aside what you’re doing, and let’s head out."
"Alright, I’ll get ready," Ji Qikun replied, his tone betraying a trace of imperceptible coldness.
Wei Zhi followed the three of them through the company corridors like Ji Qikun’s shadow. Employees waiting at the elevators saw the two Mr. Jis and Xi Manjing and instinctively stepped aside, yielding the arriving elevator entirely.
As the metallic doors, reflecting blurred silhouettes, slowly closed, Wei Zhi and Xi Manjing’s gazes briefly met. Xi Manjing’s eyes clearly said: *Only this once.*
Wei Zhi returned a look of gratitude.
If Tan Mengyan, stationed at the water station, hadn't discovered Ji Qikun’s unexpected return home immediately, she wouldn't have been able to find Xi Manjing to play out this scene and bluff her way through.
Lunch was held at a members-only private kitchen. In the quiet, courtyard-style private room, the only sounds were the occasional discussions of company business between Ji Zhongyong and Ji Qikun. Ji Qikun handled himself with poise and clear logic, and the initial displeasure on Ji Zhongyong’s face was gradually replaced by satisfaction.
"Seeing you like this, I don't have to worry about the company’s future," Ji Zhongyong said with emotion. "In another two years, I plan to retire."
"Uncle is still in his prime; you could work until you’re ninety-nine," Ji Qikun joked.
"Ah, that won't do—" Ji Zhongyong waved his hand. "I want to retire early. I promised to take Manjing on a trip around the world. Right, Manjing?"
Ji Zhongyong was trying to please his wife, but Xi Manjing didn't seem to appreciate it. The smile on her lips was closer to a sneer.
"A promise made when I was twenty, and you’re fulfilling it when I’m fifty?" she said. "With our son like that, I don't even want to go anymore."
"Xiao Teng can come with us," Ji Zhongyong coaxed. "I’ll arrange everything."
"Uncle and Aunt’s relationship is still so good," Ji Qikun teased.
"Of course. In this world, only a wife can stay with you for a lifetime. Neither parents nor children can," Ji Zhongyong said, looking pointedly at Ji Qikun. "So you must treat Xiao Wei well. Don't wait until you’re alone to regret it."
"I know, Uncle." Ji Qikun smiled and took Wei Zhi’s hand. "Xiao Zhi is my everything."
"Oh! We old folks can't listen to this, it’s too cheesy!" Ji Zhongyong said jokingly.
Xi Manjing also offered a couple of polite laughs.
After the meal, Ji Zhongyong and Ji Qikun needed to return to the office, while Xi Manjing was going shopping. Ji Zhongyong "packaged" the equally free Wei Zhi off to Xi Manjing, telling her to "buy plenty for Xiao Wei too."
Wei Zhi had things she wanted to ask Xi Manjing, so she readily agreed.
Before the two groups parted, Ji Qikun took her hand and whispered in her ear, "You didn't blame me just now, did you, Xiao Zhi? I was just too anxious, worried something happened to you on the road without me knowing."
Wei Zhi shook her head. "I know you mean well."
Her answer brought a smile to Ji Qikun’s face. "...That’s good."
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Go on. Swipe your husband’s card for whatever you want."
After Ji Qikun and Ji Zhongyong’s car left, the Ji family driver arrived. Xi Manjing and Wei Zhi sat in the back seat, neither of them speaking first. At Xi Manjing’s direction, the car drove to Jiangdu City’s largest luxury shopping plaza.
They browsed the shops like an ordinary mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Wei Zhi’s knowledge of luxury brands was limited to which brands were easy to resell and which had many counterfeits that were easy to pass off. At first, Xi Manjing asked for her opinion, but she soon realized Wei Zhi was a novice. She preferred to text her friends for advice rather than ask Wei Zhi again.
In less than two hours, Wei Zhi’s arms were draped with shopping bags. Why was she the one carrying them? Because even the driver had both hands full.
Finally, Xi Manjing finished her shopping, satisfied.
"Take these things back first. Come back after I’ve finished my coffee," she instructed the driver.
"Yes, Madam." The driver bowed respectfully.
Xi Manjing swept a cold gaze over Wei Zhi. "Any requirements for coffee?"
"Whatever you like," Wei Zhi said.
From Xi Manjing’s expression, she was likely thinking that Wei Zhi’s taste in coffee was as poor as her taste in luxury goods.
The two went to a luxuriously decorated café within the plaza. Xi Manjing ordered a Blue Mountain, while Wei Zhi chose the cheapest Americano on the menu.
"I’m paying," Xi Manjing said nonchalantly. "Get something good."
"It’s the same regardless of who pays," Wei Zhi smiled gracefully. "Since I can't tell the difference between good and bad, why waste the good stuff?"
Xi Manjing said nothing more and returned the menu to the waiter in the suit.
Once there was no one else around, Xi Manjing spoke slowly. "Where did you go today?"
"The police station," Wei Zhi said. "I wanted to know more details about Ji Qikun and Mei Man."
"The police won't have any new leads. Going there is just a waste of time." she glanced at Wei Zhi. "It might even arouse Ji Qikun’s suspicion."
"I just wanted to confirm the truth of the past with my own eyes and ears," Wei Zhi said.
Xi Manjing gave a disdainful sneer.
For a long while afterward, neither spoke. Warm yellow light fell upon the exquisite marble tabletop. Behind the counter, the barista’s movements were skilled—grinding, extracting—each action showing professionalism and focus. The air was thick with the aroma of coffee, the silence accompanied only by the delicate sound of flowing water and soft jazz.
The waiter returned with two fragrant cups of coffee on a tray, placing them steadily before the two women.
"Please enjoy." The waiter bowed and left with the tray.
Xi Manjing picked up her coffee spoon, gently stirring the aromatic Blue Mountain. Wei Zhi took a sip of her iced Americano. Xi Manjing’s gaze swept over the wedding ring on Wei Zhi’s ring finger.
"You haven't actually fallen in love with him, have you?" she asked with a hint of mockery.
"He is my husband. Of course, it’s impossible for me to have no feelings for him at all," Wei Zhi said.
"If you said you had no feelings, I wouldn't believe you. That man is better at keeping up appearances than anyone," Xi Manjing said. "Few people can see through his true face. Most people are played for fools by him—"
She paused, her contemptuous gaze flickering to the side as if looking for a non-existent figure. "Like my husband, for instance."
Without waiting for Wei Zhi to speak, she ended the introductory topic and got straight to the point. "I know you didn't come with me just for a cup of coffee. Speak—what do you want to ask?"
Since Xi Manjing was being so direct, Wei Zhi followed suit. "I want to know... how did you and Zheng Tianxin meet?"
"Zheng Tianxin?" The coffee spoon paused in the cup, the ripples gradually settling. Xi Manjing looked up. "She’s the person I hired to investigate Ji Qikun. Didn't she tell you?"
"What I’m asking is, through what channel and how did you find out about someone like Zheng Tianxin?"
"Have you found evidence?"
Xi Manjing took a slow sip of her coffee before answering. "Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have hired her."
"You don't know exactly what the evidence is?" Wei Zhi keenly identified the key point.
"The more people who know, the easier it is to alert the target."
"That’s what Zheng Tianxin told you, isn't it? You trust her that much?" Wei Zhi probed.
"We pay after the work is done. Although there was a deposit, I believe that small amount isn't enough to make Zheng Tianxin work for me for two years. Over these two years, I have seen tangible results," Xi Manjing said calmly. "I trust her."
"I have one more question," Wei Zhi said. "In the absence of evidence, why are you so sure that Ji Teng’s fall was Ji Qikun’s doing?"
"Are you doubting me?" Xi Manjing’s face suddenly turned cold. "It’s a mother’s intuition. It can't be wrong."
"Once you become a mother, you’ll understand—" she said, her voice hard and resolute. "No mother would mistake the murderer of her own child."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
灵魂主宰 | Soul Master | The leader/admin of the "Dolphin House" PUA group.
泡学 | PUA / Pick-up Artistry | Referred to as "Pao Xue" in Chinese; the study of emotional manipulation.
海豚 | Dolphin | A term used by practitioners of this specific PUA group to refer to themselves.
海豚之家 | Dolphin House | The name of the online group where PUA techniques are shared.
打压和奖励 | Suppression and Reward | A psychological manipulation tactic used in PUA.
呼叫转移 | Call Forwarding | A telecommunications feature used by Wei Zhi to hide her location.
作品 | Works of Art | How PUA practitioners refer to their victims or the evidence of their successful manipulations.
蓝山 | Blue Mountain | A high-end variety of coffee.
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When the Dolphin Sinks | Chapter 36 | The Dolphin's Shadow | Novela.app | Novela.app
