Chapter 281: Lao Peng Has Depression
The next morning, Chen Shi rushed to find Peng Sijue, who was sitting at his desk, staring blankly at his coffee. Chen Shi said, “About the message last night…”
Peng Sijue slowly put down his coffee and started typing on his computer. “The DNA left by Zhou Xiao didn’t match any samples in the database. But when I loosened the match criteria a bit, I found that it matched closely with a criminal who was executed by lethal injection.”
A profile appeared on the screen. The man’s name was Wang Sunlei, who had committed multiple murders and was executed five years ago.
Chen Shi stared at the face for a long time. “He was arrested by Song Lang, in the poisoned drink case. Wang Sunlei injected cyanide into a brand of beverage, causing the deaths of more than a dozen people in Long’an. It was deemed a random killing, but Song Lang believed he had a target. Sure enough, after his arrest, it was found that his true intention was to kill his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend. The others were collateral damage.”
“I looked into Wang Sunlei’s background and found he had a younger brother named Wang Sunxu. Wang Sunlei was arrested when Wang Sunxu was only twelve. Being related to a murderer, he must have faced immense societal pressure and exclusion. It’s no surprise if he went down the wrong path.”
“So Zhou Xiao is him?”
“You mentioned before that you thought ‘Zhou Xiao’ was just a codename for a group. The DNA we have is most likely Wang Sunxu’s. He’s the one who tried to kill Wang Daji and is probably responsible for the other murders as well.”
Chen Shi pondered, “Finding him might lead us to the entire group and to the person who killed Han Luoxi back then! I’ll inform Captain Lin.”
“No need. I’ve already informed them. A city-wide manhunt for this kid is underway.”
A goal that once seemed unreachable was suddenly within grasp. Chen Shi could hardly believe it. The name Zhou Xiao had haunted him for a long time. Could this be the year he finally laid that ghost to rest?
He hoped so!
In the quiet office, the only sound was Peng Sijue slowly sipping his coffee. Chen Shi asked, “Are you free this afternoon?”
“Impossible.”
“Then tonight. Don’t work late tonight. I’m taking you somewhere.”
“Is it important?”
“For you, yes.”
Lin Dongxue still had follow-up work from the previous case. As usual, Chen Shi washed his hands of the case once it was solved and went back to driving his taxi. After frequently investigating cases, driving became a form of relaxation.
Passengers got in, chose their destination, and were dropped off. It was like completing a simple task, providing a sense of accomplishment. From a psychological perspective, people find joy in simple tasks, which is why games exist.
In the evening, Lin Dongxue heard a familiar car sound outside the window. She quickly gave her team their tasks for the next day and said, “No overtime today, everyone clock out!”
She put on her coat and ran out, jumped into the car, and kissed Chen Shi.
After five minutes of sweet hugging, Chen Shi gently pushed her back and said, “How about going to the amusement park tonight?”
“Anywhere with you!” Lin Dongxue sat on Chen Shi’s lap, hugging his neck. Love had brought a rosy glow to her cheeks.
“Not just us… Lao Peng!”
“Why?”
“I suspect…”
Lin Dongxue was shocked. “Captain Peng has depression?”
“That’s my suspicion. He seems really down lately. I think the work pressure is too much for him. Lao Peng is a workaholic who doesn’t know how to rest. I’m really worried he might break down one day.”
“You’re so good to him!”
“Are you jealous?” Chen Shi teased, poking Lin Dongxue’s forehead.
A moment later, Peng Sijue got into the car and said, “Dongxue’s here too? Are we on a case?”
“Yes,” Chen Shi lied.
“Then I’ll grab my tools.”
“No need.”
Half an hour later, Peng Sijue found himself at an entertainment center in a mall. It wasn’t the weekend, but there were still many parents with children. Peng Sijue, who didn’t like noisy places, frowned slightly.
“A case?” he asked.
“No rush. The person we’re looking for hasn’t arrived yet. Want to try archery?”
“No interest.”
Chen Shi went to the counter, “Three for archery.”
Peng Sijue reluctantly followed them to the archery range. Knowing his passive nature, Chen Shi demonstrated with a composite bow. He drew the bow like a full moon, but the arrow flew in an arc and landed below the target.
“What happened? Didn’t pull hard enough?”
Chen Shi tried again with similar results.
Peng Sijue couldn’t stand it. “You’re doing it all wrong. You pull the arrow, not the string!”
“Can you show me?”
“Step aside!”
Peng Sijue took the bow and arrow, demonstrating with a perfect shot to the bullseye. Chen Shi praised, “Impressive, just like the old days.”
Under the coach’s guidance, Lin Dongxue had already shot three arrows and gotten the hang of it. She suggested, “Captain Peng, let’s have a competition!”
“Don’t you know the only club I joined in college?”
“This one?”
Peng Sijue drew the bow again, hitting the bullseye. Lin Dongxue clapped, “Wow, amazing.”
“I suggest ten arrows each, total score wins,” Chen Shi said.
“I don’t want to play. Let’s get to business,” Peng Sijue started to put down the bow.
“This is the business. Stop being difficult.”
“You’re impossible!”
After archery, Chen Shi took Peng Sijue to play other games: bowling, ping pong, shooting, and so on. Chen Shi watched his stoic face for any signs of relaxation. For Peng Sijue, even a slight smile would indicate a good mood.
At 7:30 PM, the three sat down for dessert. Peng Sijue was getting impatient, “What’s the important thing tonight?”
“Tonight…” Chen Shi said slowly, “is just to have fun. I think you’re under a lot of stress lately and feeling down.”
“Yeah, Captain Peng, it’s important to feel good,” Lin Dongxue agreed.
Peng Sijue threw down his dessert spoon. “Do you think I need your concern? I have so much work to do. I don’t have time for this!”
“You have a psychological issue.”
“Is it important?”
“Yes! I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re too hard on yourself and never take a break. I’m worried about you.”
“How long have you known me?” Peng Sijue asked deliberately.
In front of Lin Dongxue, Chen Shi couldn’t reveal the truth. “Not long, but friendship isn’t about time.”
“Diagnosing others and offering ‘help’ is arrogant. I’m an adult. I can handle my own problems without anyone’s help!” Peng Sijue stood up.
“Where are you going?”
“To the bathroom.”
But Peng Sijue didn’t return. Ten minutes later, Chen Shi received a text from him: “Thanks for your concern. I’m fine!”
When Chen Shi went to pay, the waiter said the bill was already settled. Chen Shi smiled helplessly at Lin Dongxue, “What a stubborn guy.”
“I think your method was wrong,” Lin Dongxue said.