Chapter 610: Taking Risks
On November 8th, Chen Shi and Tao Yueyue arrived at the sales center. Tao Yueyue asked, “How do you buy a house? Is it like an auction?”
“No, when the sale starts, you can grab it using an app.”
“Then why do you have to come in person?”
“After grabbing it, you need to sign the contract and leave a fingerprint.”
“I’ll wait for you in the car,” Tao Yueyue said, pulling out her phone to play a mobile game.
“I’ll be back soon,” Chen Shi patted her head.
“Uncle Chen…”
“Yes?”
Tao Yueyue hesitated, then said, “Never mind, go ahead!”
A lot of people had gathered at the site. The sale hadn’t started yet, and everyone was waiting. The staff brought coffee and drinks. An old man sitting next to Chen Shi said, “Young man, are you buying a house too?”
“Yes.”
“I’m buying one for my son. This is my third time here, and I still haven’t found a house I like. Housing prices are so high, and it’s so hard to buy a house even with all the developments!”
“No choice. For Chinese people, anything can be skimped on, but not housing.”
“Haha, you’re right. We save on food and expenses to save up our pensions to buy a wedding house for our son. Last year, I managed to grab one, but the lighting was bad, so I didn’t sign the contract. My son complained because his girlfriend of seven years broke up with him over it. I told him not to worry. With a good house, he can find an even better girlfriend! That kid doesn’t know what’s important.”
Chen Shi smiled politely but noncommittally.
The countdown for the sale began, and everyone focused on their phones, ready to grab a house. Many turned off their Wi-Fi to use 4G, fearing the slightest delay might cost them their dream home.
Some people even had two phones out, using both hands.
The smoke-free battle ended quickly. Chen Shi managed to secure house 1818 first. Looking around, he saw mixed reactions—joy for those who got a house, disappointment for those who didn’t.
A burly man stood up and angrily kicked a trash can, shouting, “Who got 1818? Come out!”
When no one responded, he softened, “Whoever got 1818, please, come out. I’ll pay extra. I’ve been wanting that house for three years!”
Right, the previous two victims were killed after securing a house but before making the payment. This means he’s now the killer’s target.
Gong Jianqin stood in the corner, staring at Chen Shi. When their eyes met, she smiled and mouthed, “Did you get it?”
Chen Shi nodded and pointed outside.
They went outside, and Gong Jianqin said, “Congratulations, Mr. Chen. This house finally has an owner.”
“But now I’m in danger. According to the killer’s pattern, I’ll be dead in the next two days.” Chen Shi observed her reaction.
Gong Jianqin masked her unease with a habitual smile, saying, “No, you just need to be careful these days… Shall we sign the contract now?”
“No rush. Come with me to 1818; I have something to do.”
“Now?”
“Now!”
“I need to get my bag.”
“You’ll be right back.”
Chen Shi grabbed her arm, not letting her leave. The upcoming test was dangerous, and he tried to convince himself not to do anything foolish. However, the desire to uncover the truth was too strong, even if it meant taking risks.
They arrived at 1818. Gong Jianqin beamed, “This will be your future home.”
“Living in such a big house would be great. I’m planning to lay white wood flooring, put up some cat climbing shelves, and add some flowers and plants…” As he envisioned the future, Chen Shi walked into the bedroom and pointed to a wall, “Is this a load-bearing wall?”
“That one? No.”
Chen Shi suddenly pulled out a spray can and drew an X on the white wall. Gong Jianqin screamed, “What are you doing?”
“After payment, I’ll have workers merge these two rooms into one big room, so I’m marking it.”
“Can you not vandalize the wall?”
“It’s no big deal. It’s mine now. By the way, there’s no lock on this house. I’ll write ‘Occupied’ on the wall to prevent anyone from breaking in at night.”
He prepared to spray paint another wall. Gong Jianqin unexpectedly blocked the wall with her body, spreading her arms and pleading with sad eyes, “Please, don’t ruin it. Treat it well, okay?”
Staring into her teary eyes for a few seconds, Chen Shi said, “Let’s go downstairs!”
As they left, Gong Jianqin glanced at the ugly X on the wall as if seeing something sacred defiled. She gritted her teeth, digging her nails into her flesh.
Back at the sales center, the crowd had thinned. The old man from earlier was reading the contract with reading glasses, clearly having secured a desired house.
Gong Jianqin resumed her professional demeanor, smiling, “Please wait a moment while I get the contract.”
“Okay.”
Five minutes later, she returned with the contract and a cup of coffee. Chen Shi confirmed the contract, signed it, and gave it back. Gong Jianqin said, “Mr. Chen, your coffee is getting cold.”
“I don’t like coffee.”
“Shall I get you some tea instead?”
“No, I’m leaving now.”
“Don’t rush. I need to go over a few more things.” Gong Jianqin’s insistence seemed oddly intense.
Chen Shi realized the coffee was suspicious. Staring at the dark liquid, he felt the truth was within reach.
If Gong Jianqin were the killer, she’d usually use anesthesia before killing, not outright poison.
Not drinking might alert her, leading her to flee or do something more extreme.
Chen Shi swallowed hard, lifted the coffee, and slowly brought it to his lips, drinking half. Gong Jianqin visibly relaxed and smiled. Chen Shi said, “This coffee is good. Is it hand-ground?”
“Yes, we hand-grind all our coffee here. I wanted to go over…”
After discussing some miscellaneous details, Chen Shi excused himself. He felt dizzy and needed to get back to the car quickly.
The anesthetic dulled his thoughts. Reaching the dimly lit underground parking lot, he realized Gong Jianqin planned to kill him there.
For a moment, it felt like every corner hid a Gong Jianqin, knife in hand, eyes filled with murderous intent, waiting for him to collapse.
Chen Shi sprinted to his car. When he opened the door, he collapsed. Tao Yueyue, alarmed, asked what was wrong. Her voice sounded distant, her face blurry, like a dream.
With his last bit of clarity, Chen Shi opened the glove compartment, saying, “Someone wants to kill me… No time to call the police… Use this to subdue…”
Shaking his head, his limbs felt numb and detached. He barely climbed into the seat, closed his eyes, and said, “Use me as bait…” then fell into a deep sleep.