Chapter 293: The Belated Apology

After dropping off Tao Yueyue at home, Chen Shi noticed Gu You pruning the bushes at the entrance and commented, “Miss Gu, these plants belong to the neighborhood. Are you trimming them voluntarily?”

Gu You smiled, “I saw some yellow leaves from the window and it bothered me, so I came out to trim them. I have a bit of OCD.”

Tao Yueyue made a face at the door, and Chen Shi returned the gesture before she went inside.

Chen Shi actually had something to ask Gu You. He had been showing off his knowledge of psychoanalysis to Peng Sijue and Lin Dongxue earlier, but he wasn’t really an expert. He asked Gu You, “I have something I’d like to ask you.”

“Go ahead.”

“How can you tell if a man is sexually repressed from the details in his house?”

“Does he have a brightly colored towel in his bathroom?”

“Why does that matter?”

“The bathroom is a very private space, linked to bodily functions and bathing, which can be associated with sexuality. If a man uses a brightly colored towel to wipe himself, it implies a sexual longing. It shows he has strong sexual desires.”

“You’re truly an expert!” Chen Shi was impressed.

“Is it about your friend or you?”

“No, no, just a bet with a friend. Thanks!”

“You’re welcome,” Gu You replied with a graceful smile.

Chen Shi confidently texted Lin Dongxue, “Is there a brightly colored towel in Xu Nianqiang’s bathroom?”

Soon, Lin Dongxue replied, “Yes, there is! Why? Is it related to the case?”

“Seems like my analysis was correct. I’ll explain more when I see you.”

Chen Shi walked into his own bathroom and suddenly saw a rainbow-colored towel hanging there. “Damn,” he thought and quickly took it down. Tao Yueyue’s head popped up behind him, “Uncle Chen, why are you taking my towel?”

“Uh… my mistake, sorry.” Chen Shi hung the towel back up.

He quickly prepared dinner and made an extra meal for Lin Dongxue. Thinking about Peng Sijue’s grim face, he decided it wouldn’t be fair to eat alone while the other watched, so he made another portion for him too. However, there was only one tomato omelet left, and he didn’t know whose box to put it in.

While hesitating, Tao Yueyue, sitting across from him with her head propped up on her hands, asked, “Uncle Chen, is there someone else who is as important to you as Aunt Lin?”

“Go do your homework.”

“Careful, I might tell Aunt Lin!” Tao Yueyue threatened as she walked away.

“You wouldn’t dare… Oh, and don’t go out tonight. I’ll call you when I’m back.”

“Got it!”

Chen Shi finally decided to give the omelet to Peng Sijue, but he covered it carefully with other dishes so Lin Dongxue wouldn’t notice. After making sure both meals looked the same, he put the lids on.

When Chen Shi arrived at the station, everyone was still working. Peng Sijue had just finished an autopsy and was discussing the case with Lin Dongxue. Chen Shi asked, “Any new findings?”

“We measured liver temperature. The time of death was around 8 PM last night and 7 AM this morning. Both victims were killed with the same weapon. The male body in the apartment had signs of light beating post-mortem.”

“It seems like it was revenge for the abuse Lai Wei inflicted on him,” Chen Shi commented.

“From the middle-aged man’s autopsy, he didn’t smoke or drink but was under severe stress, indicating he was going through something significant. The injuries show he was dead by the fourth stab wound, the remaining ninety-plus wounds were an emotional release by the killer.”

“I told you he was under a lot of pressure. Did you check if he had a long period of sexual inactivity?”

“Get lost! That’s not part of the autopsy!” Peng Sijue retorted.

“Alright, alright. I brought you guys dinner.”

Opening the boxes, Lin Dongxue exclaimed, “You made all this in just two hours?”

“Haha, the ribs were pre-cooked. Try them, see if they’re tender.”

“Delicious…” Lin Dongxue picked up a rib and found an egg underneath. “Oh, there’s a fried egg! I love these.”

Chen Shi thought, “Oh no, I gave the wrong box!”

Peng Sijue, who had been eating quietly, gave Chen Shi a meaningful look.

Admitting the mistake now would only make things worse, so Chen Shi decided to go along with it, “Peng, let’s leave it at that. We’re all adults here. You know the drill.”

“It’s fine. Thanks for the meal.”

“Do you mean that?”

“We’re all adults here. You know the drill.”

Lin Dongxue burst out laughing and quickly covered her mouth, “This is too awkward! I just snorted rice out of my nose. I need to wash up.”

With just the two of them left, Peng Sijue asked, “Are you two dating?”

“How did you know?”

“Social distance!”

Chen Shi was secretly impressed by Peng Sijue’s keen observation. Even the subtle changes in their interactions hadn’t escaped him. “So, you’ve been secretly watching us?”

“Does she know your secret?”

“She knows nothing, completely in the dark…” Chen Shi trailed off, feeling a bit melancholic. As the case progressed, the moment his secret would be revealed was approaching fast.

But what could he do? It was inevitable. He had to cherish the present moments with Lin Dongxue.

These beautiful memories, no matter what happened afterward, would warm his heart. Sometimes, all it took was a glimmer of light to sustain someone through tough times.

For Chen Shi, Lin Dongxue was that light during his three long years in the darkness.

“This time, I won’t run. I’ll face everything head-on!” Chen Shi declared.

Peng Sijue chewed thoughtfully and suddenly said, “The number!”

“What number?”

“The deceased called a number after 6:30 PM. He called it while facing the killer. I saw it on his phone earlier but didn’t realize its significance. It must be crucial, maybe even a warning to the next victim.”

“Then it’s extremely important. It could be a lifeline for someone,” Chen Shi said.

Peng Sijue immediately set down his food, grabbed his coat and forensic kit. “Are you planning to go directly to the body?” Chen Shi asked.

“At Wang Sunxu’s killing rate, do you think this person is still alive?”

“That’s a hasty assumption.”

Lin Dongxue rushed back in, “What’s going on?”

“We might have another potential victim. Let’s get the number traced…” Peng Sijue started.

“No need!” Chen Shi interrupted, holding his phone in one hand and the victim’s phone in the other. “I called it… Hello, we’re the police. Do you know Xu Nianqiang?”

The voice on the other end was soft and slow, “He was my middle school teacher.”

“He called you this morning, right?”

“Yes, I was still asleep. It was sudden. He was crying and apologizing on the phone.”

“Apologizing?”