Chapter 874: Murderous Intent Arises

The next morning, Lin Dongxue found several body bags piled up under the stairs on the south side of the corridor. When she learned that one of the bodies belonged to Lie Guoxiao, she felt indescribable.

A police officer from Team Three told her what happened the previous night. Lin Dongxue then relayed to Chen Shi that gunshots were heard from Lie Guoxiao’s villa in the suburbs last night. When the police arrived, they found Lie Guoxiao and over a dozen of his men lying in pools of blood, with Lie Guoxiao being stabbed dozens of times.

At first, it was thought to be a gunfight or a gang conflict. However, preliminary autopsies revealed that all the victims died from stab wounds, despite having guns in their hands—guns that Lie Guoxiao had likely acquired through smuggling.

The police’s conclusion was shocking: one person had stormed into the mansion, faced dozens of guns, and killed everyone!

“I think Zhou Xiao did it. Probably a classic case of ‘killing the donkey after it finished the work,’” Chen Shi speculated.

“It should be investigated soon. Let’s not worry about that now and continue looking for Tao Yueyue.”

“Yeah…” Mentioning this matter again made Chen Shi feel heavy-hearted.

“When Captain Peng arrives, should we go to your house to gather evidence, or should we visit the school first?”

“No, let’s find a quiet place first. I want to show you something.”

The bureau was bustling that morning, so the two went to Chen Shi’s car. Chen Shi took out a notebook, opened it, and told Lin Dongxue to read from a specific entry—

May 22, Overcast.

I’ve been keeping a diary for over a month now. It was Uncle Chen’s suggestion. He said writing can help organize the day’s thoughts and rediscover one’s inner self. Some psychologists recommend free writing exercises to patients, where you take a blank sheet of paper and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar or theme. Eventually, your inner demands and anxieties will spill out.

If “Miso” were to do free writing, it’d probably turn into a menu of dishes, haha!

Uncle Chen also said that if I ever went missing, they could find clues through my diary.

Uncle Chen, do you hear yourself?

Today was another dull day. The physics teacher made some inappropriate jokes to the female students in class, and the boys laughed uproariously. I can only sincerely wish him lifelong impotence.

I ordered fried chicken and fries for lunch and ate it in the classroom. “Miso” saw it and started her usual “Yueyue, how much pocket money do you get?” spiel. I ended up using a whole box of chicken popcorn to shut her up.

Liang Zuoming said some sarcastic things, but I ignored him. Though in my heart, I wondered if I should break his other leg.

Oh, right, after school, “Miso” and I found a kitten on our usual route home. It was white and wobbled like a little monkey when it walked. So cute!

I really want to adopt it, but I’m about to take my high school entrance exam, and Uncle Chen is busy fighting crime every day. Even if I brought it home, no one would take care of it. Plus, Hairball might bully it to death. Better not do anything I can’t commit to.

I’ll bring some cat food tomorrow!

May 23, Sunny.

This morning, when I entered the classroom, Liang Zuoming deliberately bumped into me and mocked my lack of physical development, referring to my chest.

Hmph, childish revenge. Do you think I care about such things?

The whole morning passed, and I was still so pissed off. I definitely want to break his other leg. People like him are scum in society and should be destroyed now!

Enough about that. The kitten was so adorable today. It ate all the cat food I brought. I kind of regret it; I should have brought canned cat food. People on the forum said stray cats’ biggest issue isn’t lack of food but water, and many suffer from kidney stones.

Though it’s pitiful, cats are generally lucky creatures. They can roam freely in the human world. Despite having a natural enemy called “Cantonese people,” they are relatively few, and they eat other things too.

“Miso” named it Fluffy. I didn’t agree, but she kept obsessing over it, so I eventually gave in, “Okay, fine, Fluffy it is.”

“Miso” was overjoyed. Sigh, the happiness of simple-minded kids is so cheap.

I’ll bring a can tomorrow!

Oops, forgot tomorrow is the weekend!

May 24, Sunny.

Today, Uncle Chen took me out for pizza. We ordered ice cream, fries, pizza, and more ice cream. Uncle Chen said, “Yueyue, you work too hard in school. Eat more sweets to give your brain some energy.”

I said, “Thank you, Uncle Chen. Why aren’t you eating?”

Uncle Chen replied, “I don’t like sweets. You eat them all!”

I said, “I’ll get fat.”

Uncle Chen said, “You’re still growing. Nutrition will make you taller. Being a bit chubby is better.”

I said, “You eat too. It’s boring eating alone!”

So, we happily finished the pizza and went home. What a memorable day.

—Please read in the tone of an elementary school student reading their essay.

May 25, Overcast.

Every Monday, “Miso” complains about her Monday syndrome. I joked that she should ask the teacher for sick leave.

“Miso” was delighted, so I teased her, “If you don’t have classes on Monday, you’ll have Tuesday syndrome.”

If Tuesday is also a holiday, she’ll have Wednesday syndrome. In short, it’s just laziness!

Uncle Chen told me that humans are inherently lazy. The saying “labor created humans” is a lie. Humans invented private property and social classes because they wanted to enjoy life without working. They developed labor-saving methods and new tools out of laziness. Ultimately, laziness drives human society!

I wish I could be lazy at home all day too!

When I went to see the kitten today, I saw Liang Zuoming riding his bike from that street. He gave me a malicious smile as he passed.

The kitten was so happy to see me after two days. I opened the can, and it devoured the food, licking the can clean.

But I was distracted, wondering why Liang Zuoming was there. He never takes that route after school. Does he want to harm the kitten?

No, no, I’m overthinking. He’s just a big ape and wouldn’t come up with such a roundabout way.

Should I take the kitten home, or go look for it now?

Uncle Chen is already asleep. Forget it, I’ll check on it tomorrow!

May 26.

I’m such an idiot!

I should have trusted my instincts yesterday. Liang Zuoming wouldn’t appear there for no reason; he had a purpose!

Today, “Miso” and I went to see the kitten. It was gone. All that was left was a small paper bag soaked with red liquid. When I opened it, “Miso” screamed. Inside was the kitten’s little head, freshly severed.

I was restless all night, but I didn’t cry. I texted Liang Zuoming, demanding an explanation. His replies were as follows—

“Did you cry, stupid Yueyue? Here’s the truth: that kitten was born to my cat. My mom said we couldn’t keep so many, so we planned to get rid of it. I put it there, knowing you’d take the bait, and you did, feeding it every day like an idiot! Haha, you girls are so dumb! How does it feel?”

The second message—

“I swear I’ll deal with you before graduation. I was going to have some senior guys corner you, but you’re lucky. Here’s a mental blast from me! Haha! Remember that poor kitten forever! Meow~”