Chapter 286: Facing the Killer

The police immediately sealed off the surrounding streets. Lin Qiupu personally led a team, carrying a photo of Wang Sunxu, and started questioning shop owners.

Chen Shi and Lin Dongxue, still working together, questioned several shops. A convenience store clerk mentioned that a young man fitting Wang Sunxu’s description had recently made a purchase there.

“Do you have surveillance footage?” Lin Dongxue asked excitedly.

“Forget the footage for now. When was he here, and what did he buy?” Chen Shi interjected.

“Around 4:30. He bought a bunch of Sprite and some sandwiches,” the clerk replied.

Chen Shi picked up a bottle of Sprite and examined it. “Damn, he plans to keep killing.”

“With Sprite this time?” Lin Dongxue asked.

“No, look at the bottle. It’s similar to the other carbonated drink. He probably has stockpiled the original drink’s packaging and caps, making these easier to carry.”

Lin Dongxue was surprised. “So, even if the city stops selling that drink, he still has the tools. If we keep a close watch on all convenience stores, he won’t be able to commit more crimes, right? He can’t just sell drinks on the street.”

Chen Shi pondered. Wang Sunxu’s chosen method was incredibly risky. Why take such a difficult route? Was there more to this than met the eye?

Lin Dongxue relayed the information via radio, and she and Chen Shi continued their search. A security guard at a nearby residential complex reported seeing a young man in a black hoodie entering the complex, claiming to be visiting relatives.

The complex had many buildings. As they searched, a flowerpot suddenly fell from above, causing the surrounding people to scream. Chen Shi looked up. “Let’s go upstairs!”

They found the apartment from which the flowerpot had fallen. Chen Shi knocked, but there was no response. He shoulder-checked the door, bursting it open on the third try. Inside, they found a mother and daughter bound and gagged on the floor.

On the balcony, the father was tied up and had used his head to knock the flowerpot down as a distress signal.

The table had some half-eaten food, and a bowl of instant noodles was still steaming. Sensing the urgency, Chen Shi sprinted out, instinctively knowing Wang Sunxu was heading up. Most buildings had rooftops that connected to others.

Reaching the top floor, he saw the rooftop door’s lock had been broken. He pushed it open, stepping onto an empty rooftop bathed in the setting sun.

Scanning the area, he spotted a rope tied to the railing. He rushed over and saw Wang Sunxu, with a waist bag, rappelling down the building’s exterior.

Their eyes met. Unfazed, Wang Sunxu smiled and saluted with two fingers from his forehead.

Chen Shi gritted his teeth, considering climbing down, but the railing gave a bit under his weight. It couldn’t support both of them.

He had another option: untie the rope and let Wang Sunxu fall.

Wang Sunxu shouted, “Officer Song, that would be outright murder! Want to change your face again?”

Chen Shi called Lin Dongxue. “Dongxue, get to the north side wall now.”

“I’m freeing the hostages…”

“Wang Sunxu is rappelling down. Hurry!”

“On my way!”

Wang Sunxu, sensing danger, sped up his descent. As he reached the second floor, Chen Shi untied the rope. Wang Sunxu plummeted, hitting the ground hard, writhing in pain as onlookers gathered.

“He’s a criminal! There’s a reward for capturing him!” Chen Shi shouted, but no one dared move.

Damn bystander effect, Chen Shi thought, rushing down as fast as possible. He emerged from the complex to the sound of gunshots. A black SUV sped away, weaving through traffic. Lin Dongxue, her gun still smoking, explained what happened.

“Almost had him. A car suddenly picked him up!”

“Calm down. It’s not your fault,” Chen Shi consoled her, though he shared her frustration.

“It is my fault!” Lin Dongxue exclaimed, visibly upset.

In the escaping SUV, the driver said, “You’re not cut out for serial killing. I’ll help you this once, but you’re on your own next time.”

Rubbing his aching back, Wang Sunxu replied, “Didn’t think he’d actually untie the rope.”

“Someone who’s lost everything fights harder than you think.”

Wang Sunxu patted his bag. “Thanks. The real show is coming. Stay tuned!”

Back at the scene, Lin Qiupu and others, learning what transpired, felt a pang of regret. “It’s clear Wang Sunxu is our culprit, and he has an accomplice… Dongxue, where did you aim those shots?”

“Into the air. I should’ve shot at him… Lin, I’m not shifting blame, but there were too many bystanders,” Lin Dongxue lamented.

“You did the right thing. In that situation, you can’t just shoot. We must follow our principles,” Lin Qiupu assured. “Our investigation was correct. We cornered him this time; next time, we’ll catch him!”

Chen Shi remained silent, Wang Sunxu’s taunt echoing in his mind. The day they caught Wang Sunxu would likely be the day his true identity was exposed.

He had indeed been tempted to let Wang Sunxu fall, but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Even as Chen Shi, the line he’d drawn as a cop still held.

He thought, The time will come. After three years of hiding, it’s time to face everything.

“Chen, why so quiet?” Lin Qiupu asked.

“I’m thinking about why he didn’t kill the family, risking exposure. It seems he’s playing by his own rules, only targeting those with the bottle caps,” Chen Shi replied.

“Treating it like a game? Fine, we’ll play along,” Lin Qiupu said.

His phone rang. After answering, his expression changed. “Wang Sunxu struck again!”

“So soon?” The officers were shocked.

It looked like it was going to be a long night. Chen Shi called Tao Yueyue, telling her he wouldn’t be home and to be careful on her way back. Tao Yueyue replied, “Don’t worry, I’m already home.”

“There’s danger outside. Lock the doors and don’t go out. I’ll call when I get back.”

“Got it,” she said.

Tao Yueyue hung up and looked at Gu You sitting across from her, who smiled. “Uncle Chen seems quite busy.”

“Yeah, always working late.”

“Remember what I told you?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s play a fun game…” Gu You took out a small packet, her smile radiant. “Put this powder in Uncle Chen’s water. That’s your first task. If he drinks it, there will be a reward!”