Chapter Forty-Five: The Maniac Killer

The figure drew nearer—it was Li Yingying. As she walked, she glanced furtively around, finally coming to a stop not far from the tree where Lu Hehuan was hiding.

A moment later, Yue Xiaodong crept over, and upon spotting Li Yingying, headed straight toward her.

Li Yingying watched Yue Xiaodong approach, glanced anxiously around, and lowered her voice. "Say what you have to say, and quickly!"

"I was going to ask you the same thing!" Yue Xiaodong, her face drained of color, snapped irritably.

As the two spoke, Lu Hehuan, concealed behind the tree, stealthily tossed a dagger to the ground at Li Yingying's feet. Hearing the clatter, both women looked down and were startled to see the knife.

"Trying to silence me?" Each cast a suspicious glance at the other, voicing the accusation in perfect unison.

"Yue Xiaodong, you’re ruthless!" Li Yingying hurled the accusation first, her voice fierce.

Yue Xiaodong gave a cold snort. "Nonsense! The knife fell from you! You want to kill me and take all of Dabao’s wealth for yourself!"

"Yue Xiaodong, stop slandering me—clearly you brought the knife!"

Furious, Yue Xiaodong jabbed a finger at Li Yingying. "Don’t play innocent, Li Yingying. I finally see through you. That night, you deliberately didn’t show up and made sure you had an alibi, all so the police wouldn’t suspect you. Then you could find a chance to kill me and keep all the inheritance. You’re truly vicious!"

"You’re the one used to murder! You plan to kill me too and swallow Dabao’s fortune! I took you away from the war-torn countryside, found you a place to stay—you repay me by trying to kill me!" Li Yingying glared venomously at Yue Xiaodong.

Yue Xiaodong seized Li Yingying’s hair in fury. "Who are you calling vicious? You’re the vicious one!"

"That’s right, I’m talking about you, you heartless wretch!" Li Yingying fought back, and the two women fell into a brawl.

As their shouting and scuffling continued, Lu Hehuan and the others stepped out from their hiding place.

"Li Yingying, Yue Xiaodong, you are under arrest," Lu Hehuan announced in a steady tone.

The two women froze, their bravado evaporating at the sight of Lu Hehuan and her companions.

Night fell. The interrogation room at the police station was cloaked in silence. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi sat across from Li Yingying and Yue Xiaodong. Bao Kang sat to one side, while Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou stood nearby as observers.

Ying Xi rapped the table. "At this point, you’d best confess everything."

Li Yingying and Yue Xiaodong exchanged a glance, then lowered their heads in silence.

Lu Hehuan swept her gaze across the pair. "If you won’t talk, I’ll speak for you."

Li Yingying and Yue Xiaodong’s heads snapped up, eyes fixed on Lu Hehuan. Ying Xi, Bao Kang, Liu Rushuang, and Bai Yulou all turned their attention to her as well.

Lu Hehuan’s expression became grave. "Li Yingying, when all is said and done, this was born of your insatiable greed. Ever since you married Dabao, you squandered money lavishly, yet it was never enough. I spoke with Bai Mudan from Zhiyin Brothel—she said you picked up the vice of opium soon after your marriage and were quickly unable to make ends meet. So you and your equally destitute confidante, Yue Xiaodong, joined forces to stage an ‘accident’ to murder Dabao, intending to split his inheritance. You deliberately brought Yue Xiaodong home to seduce Dabao, setting the stage for your crime."

She paused, then turned to Yue Xiaodong. "Yue Xiaodong, you found an opportunity to get Dabao drunk, then asked him to take you for a drive along the Suzhou River. While Dabao was driving in his drunken state, you snatched the wheel and drove into the river. When the car hit the water, Dabao tried to escape, and in your struggle your heel snapped off on the seat, leaving a fragment behind. Dabao managed to break free of the car, but you chased after him and forced him back under the water, which is why there was so much silt on the soles of his shoes. Once Dabao drowned, you fled."

Lu Hehuan fixed them with a piercing gaze. "Am I right?"

The two women hung their heads in silent admission. Tears of regret streamed down Li Yingying’s face—she had schemed so carefully to make Dabao fall for her, never imagining she would destroy her own hard-won happiness by her own hand. Yue Xiaodong looked at Li Yingying with a bitterness she could not express. This woman had once been her closest friend, who had helped her escape the chaos of the countryside, only to push her into the abyss. She found herself suddenly longing for the simple country life, rising with the sun and resting at dusk—but it was far too late.

Lu Hehuan turned to Ying Xi, her expression relaxed. "Inspector Ying, the case can be closed now. I told you—keep digging, and the truth would come out."

"You just got lucky, like a blind cat finding a dead mouse—it was all guesswork," Ying Xi said dismissively.

"It wasn’t guesswork, it was deduction. Li Yingying and Yue Xiaodong clearly knew each other, but when I questioned Yue Xiaodong, she denied it. That’s a textbook cover-up—proof she was hiding something."

"Detective Lu, don’t get too full of yourself. I suspected as much long ago—I just let you take the lead out of courtesy," Ying Xi boasted shamelessly.

Liu Rushuang hurried forward. "Brother Ying truly is the greatest detective in Old Zha! Brother Ying, you’re brilliant, you’re amazing, you crack cases like no other!"

Ying Xi shot her a glare. "I’m not a frog—what’s with all the croaking!"

"It’s just a turn of phrase—a compliment," Liu Rushuang said with a grin.

Ying Xi, secretly pleased, raised his chin. "With the facts before us, no need for flattery."

At that, Bao Kang couldn’t sit still. He stood and cleared his throat. "In truth, solving this case isn’t the triumph of any one person. It was a team effort, and the credit belongs to good leadership."

Ying Xi caught on and immediately began to flatter him. "The credit for cracking this case goes to Chief Bao’s able leadership. Without your guidance, how would we have found our way?"

Bao Kang smiled smugly, basking in the praise.

Lu Hehuan shook his head helplessly but said nothing.

"I now declare the Dabao murder case officially closed. I’ll go report to Chief Superintendent Gordon at once," Bao Kang said cheerfully as he turned to leave.

Just as Lu Hehuan and the others were about to exit, Lu Xiang entered abruptly, blocking the doorway with a stern face.

"Father?" Lu Hehuan looked at Lu Xiang curiously.

Lu Xiang first looked Ying Xi up and down, then fixed a cold gaze on his son. "I hear you’ve been frequenting certain unsavory establishments lately?"

"Oh, that was for the investigation…"

Lu Xiang cut him off gruffly. "I don’t care about your reasons. You’re not married yet—don’t spend your days in such places, lest you pick up bad habits from certain people."

Ying Xi, realizing the barb was aimed at him, stepped forward. "Deputy Chief Lu, what do you mean by ‘certain people’? I haven’t led Lu Hehuan astray!"

"Hmph! You, with your disreputable ways, dragging Hehuan to those places—who knows when he’ll start following your example!" Lu Xiang snapped.

"Deputy Chief Lu, what kind of talk is that? Disreputable? Are you calling me immoral?" Ying Xi demanded furiously.

"And are you not?" Lu Xiang retorted, domineering as ever.

Seeing the argument escalating, Lu Hehuan hastily grabbed Ying Xi’s arm and tried to steer him past Lu Xiang. "Father, I understand. We have other matters to attend to—we’ll be going."

"I’m not leaving! I want your father to finish what he started!" Ying Xi refused to let it go.

"Come on, we have things to do," Lu Hehuan said, dragging him away.

The sky had grown darker. As Lu Hehuan led Ying Xi through the police yard, Ah Hua the chicken suddenly darted at them.

"Not only do people give me trouble—even chickens are out to get me," Ying Xi fumed as he dodged.

Ah Hua lunged again. Just as Ying Xi was about to swat the bird, Bao Kang’s voice rang out behind him.

"Ying Xi!" Bao Kang shouted.

Ying Xi froze. As Ah Hua charged again, he hastily pulled Lu Hehuan in front of him—leaving Lu Hehuan splattered in chicken droppings.

Lu Hehuan stared at his soiled clothes, then bolted for the dormitory in a rage.

Ying Xi looked sheepishly back at Bao Kang, then at Ah Hua, putting on a sycophantic smile. "Hey there, Ah Hua."

But Ah Hua flapped her wings and again left Ying Xi covered in filth. Disgusted, he too hurried toward the dormitory.

Bao Kang picked up Ah Hua, his expression tender. "Ah Hua, have you been eating something bad? Is that why you have diarrhea—" He didn’t finish before Ah Hua soiled his hand as well.

Bao Kang grimaced, unwilling to scold the bird, and stared helplessly at his soiled hand.

The police bathhouse was empty. Lu Hehuan dashed in, found a stall at random, and, not bothering to shut the door, began stripping off his clothes and washing himself under the tap.

He undressed completely and was mid-shower when Ying Xi suddenly burst in, coming face-to-face with a naked Lu Hehuan.

"Ah—!" Ying Xi shrieked.

"What’s wrong?" Lu Hehuan was startled as well.

Ying Xi hastily turned his back. "Why didn’t you close the door while showering?"

Lu Hehuan scratched his head in confusion. "We’re both men—what’s there to be embarrassed about?"

Ying Xi slammed the stall door shut, gritting his teeth. "I only like bathing with women! Next time, be careful!"

"Don’t worry, even if Ling Yan didn’t exist, I’d never have any improper thoughts about you," Lu Hehuan replied, exasperated by Ying Xi’s reaction.

"It’s best that way," Ying Xi grumbled, entering the next stall and starting his own shower.

The next morning, the police station’s meeting room was packed. Under Bao Kang’s direction, Lu Hehuan, Ying Xi, Bao Rong, Lu Xiang, and the officers convened an emergency meeting.

"We just received word from headquarters: the infamous killer Long Zhentian, who has terrorized several southern provinces, has arrived in Shanghai. He’s extremely elusive—we know nothing about his identity," Bao Kang announced, holding a dossier, his expression grim.

Lu Hehuan frowned. "It seems this case will be unusually difficult."

Bao Rong interjected, "Not just difficult—highly dangerous. According to the dossier, Long Zhentian has at least eleven murders to his name. He cut each victim in half with a blade—his methods are unimaginably brutal."

The room erupted in alarm.

Bao Kang gave a sly smile. "The harder and more dangerous the case, the bigger the reward. Headquarters has authorized a large bounty for Long Zhentian’s capture, plus a personal commendation from the Chief Superintendent."

At the prospect of a commendation, Ying Xi perked up and looked expectantly at Bao Kang. "Chief Bao, let me and Lu Hehuan take this case."

Lu Xiang frowned anxiously. "I think Hehuan is still a new recruit, lacking experience. It’s too dangerous for him to take on such a case."

"Danger doesn’t distinguish between new and old hands. Deputy Chief Lu, are you just reluctant to let your son take the risk?" Bao Kang retorted.

Lu Xiang cleared his throat, masking his worry. "I’ve always kept public and private matters separate. Long Zhentian is cunning—I’m concerned Officer Lu’s inexperience may put him at risk."

"No need to worry—Inspector Ying will keep things in hand," Bao Kang insisted, determined to press the point.

Lu Xiang shook his head and gave Lu Hehuan a warning look, signaling him not to accept the assignment.

Lu Hehuan, honest as ever, replied, "Father, why are you shaking your head and winking? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I slept wrong and got something in my eye," Lu Xiang snapped.

"Is it serious?" Lu Hehuan asked, concerned.

"It’s better now!" Lu Xiang replied irritably.

Bao Kang, pleased at Lu Xiang’s discomfort, looked around. "Any other questions?"

"No," the group replied in unison.

"Good. Then Inspector Ying and Lu Hehuan are in charge of the case—everyone else, give them your full support."

"Yes, sir!"

Bao Kang nodded solemnly, fixing Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi with a stern gaze. "The intelligence says Long Zhentian frequents brothels. You two will go undercover as clients at Zhiyin Brothel and apprehend this killer."

"Yes, sir!" they replied in unison.

Lu Xiang frowned, still unwilling to give up. "Chief Bao, Hehuan isn’t married yet. Even if it’s for an investigation, frequenting such places isn’t ideal, is it?"

"So you’d rather he waited until after he got married to be a policeman?" Bao Kang pressed.

"Well..." Lu Xiang was at a loss for words.

Sensing his father’s concern, Lu Hehuan declared, "Father, don’t worry. I know my limits."

"Limits, my foot!" Lu Xiang fumed, storming off.

Bao Kang grinned, surveying the room. "Any other questions?"

"None," everyone replied.

"Meeting adjourned!"

That night, Zhiyin Brothel shimmered with neon in the misty dusk. Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi were immaculately dressed, the very picture of gentlemen. To avoid recognition, Lu Hehuan wore a false mustache, and Ying Xi donned glasses. They strode boldly inside, and, under Ying Xi’s tutelage, Lu Hehuan was no longer shy about such establishments. No sooner had they entered than Bai Mudan, Hong Meigui, and others—Ying Xi’s old flames—crowded around them.

"Inspector Ying, you’re finally here! I’ve missed you so," Hong Meigui purred, putting her arm around him.

"I’ve missed you too," Bai Mudan added, clinging to his other arm.

The dancers showered them with affection, leaving their faces covered in lipstick. Ying Xi reveled in the attention; Lu Hehuan grimaced and wiped his face repeatedly.

"I’m disguised—how did you recognize me?" Ying Xi asked, curious.

Bai Mudan rubbed her cheek against his. "How could I not? Inspector Ying’s charm is unmistakable."

Ying Xi scratched his head. If Long Zhentian, the killer lurking in brothels, recognized him, it could spell disaster.

At that moment, the madam bustled up to greet them. "Oh, Inspector Ying, it’s been ages!"

"Well, I’m here now," Ying Xi replied, then, seeing even the madam recognized him, cautioned the group, "While in this den of pleasure, let’s not mention my title and spoil the mood."

"Of course, sir," they all replied at once.

Ying Xi smiled in satisfaction. "Good."

Lu Hehuan cast him a sidelong glance and shook his head helplessly.

In a private room bathed in soft light, Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi sat at a table laden with food and wine. As they drank, the madam brought in a delicate young woman.

"Gentlemen, this is Bai Lian, our newest girl," the madam said, nudging her forward. "Bai Lian, greet our guests."

Bai Lian curtsied. "Bai Lian greets you, gentlemen."

Ying Xi looked her up and down—she was graceful and elegant, pure as a lily, her name well chosen.

"Miss Bai Lian is truly a beauty—who would have thought Zhiyin Brothel had such treasures," Ying Xi exclaimed, nodding appreciatively.

"As long as you’re pleased, I’ll have Bai Lian stay and keep you company," the madam said, then slipped out.

Ying Xi, delighted, beckoned her over. "Come, sit beside me and pour the wine."

Bai Lian glided to his side, filled his cup and her own. "Sir, I toast you."

Ying Xi accepted the cup, his eyes roving lustfully. "How could I refuse a beauty’s toast?"

Lu Hehuan, seeing Ying Xi so smitten, frowned in distaste.

Bai Lian refilled his cup as soon as he finished.

"Pour for my friend as well," Ying Xi said.

Bai Lian nodded. "Yes, sir."

She moved to pour for Lu Hehuan, but he waved her away. "No need to attend to me—just look after this gentleman. I don’t care for such things."

Bai Lian nodded, not quite understanding.

"Forget him—let’s drink," Ying Xi said to Bai Lian, clinking glasses. "Cheers!"

They downed their drinks, and Bai Lian filled their cups again.

Looking at her delicate makeup and refined bearing, Ying Xi couldn’t help asking, "Miss Bai Lian, you don’t seem much touched by the world—how did you end up here?"

Her eyes reddened, and she sighed so faintly it was barely audible. "I’ve had a hard life—sold as a maid to a landlord before I was even of age." She paused, tears welling up. "The landlord took advantage of me, regardless of my age. When his wife found out, she sold me here."

"Such a tragic tale, Miss Bai Lian. How about this: I’ll take you as my sister, all right?" Ying Xi, moved, offered.

"That would be wonderful," Bai Lian replied, joy and tears mingling as she filled his cup again. "Sister to brother—a toast."

"Good, good," Ying Xi agreed heartily.

Bai Lian raised her cup to Lu Hehuan as well, who nodded and joined the toast.

As Lu Hehuan and Ying Xi tilted back their drinks, Bai Lian’s eyes suddenly turned cold. She picked up an empty bowl, snapped off a shard of porcelain with a quick twist, and in a flash slashed it toward Ying Xi’s throat.