Volume One, Chapter 12: The Death of the Dancer (Part 5)

That evening, I received a text from Old Cui:

"Young man, why so much anger? We are guardians, but sometimes we feel powerless. I know ‘neglect led to a child’s death’ weighs heavily on you, fills you with guilt and sorrow. But we did save some people, helped victims and their families. If you’ve done your best, you have no cause for shame. Don’t burden yourself too much."

Thinking of Old Cui’s nature—sharp-tongued yet meticulous—I could imagine how he must have pondered over those words, typing and deleting repeatedly before finally sending that semblance of wisdom. It moved me, and I couldn’t help but smile.

At that moment, I unexpectedly thought of Xu Zhibin, quietly whispering in my heart, “Xu Zhibin, I miss you.”

Whether for him or because of him, tears welled up uncontrollably. After a long while, I calmed myself, tidied up, turned off the light, and went to sleep.

The next morning, upon waking, all the previous day’s events and emotions were cast aside, as I resumed my routine.

This time, the person to be interrogated was Chen Muqing.

She sat upright with her hands cuffed, and upon seeing us enter, she even greeted us proactively.

Old Cui led the interrogation while I took notes and assisted with the questioning.

Perhaps recalling Chen Muqing’s defiant attitude from yesterday, Old Cui’s voice was sterner and louder this time: “Chen Muqing, why did you harm Li Xiaole?”

Chen Muqing showed no fear; narrowing her eyes, she smirked and said, “Can I have a cigarette before I answer?”

Old Cui shot her a glare. She just smiled and stared back steadily. We entered a silent standoff.

Eventually, she lit the cigarette.

Crossing one leg over the other, she began to leisurely exhale smoke, enjoying herself, and said with a casual tone, “Officer, it’s my fault. I acted impulsively. I was thinking about how my husband was killed because of her.”

Old Cui pressed on, “Do you have any evidence proving she caused your husband’s death?”

“That’s actually the clue I wanted to give you earlier. My husband kept lying to her, saying he would divorce me and marry her. This woman waited three years for our divorce that never happened. Besides, she got a lot of resources through my husband. But this time, halfway through filming, my husband replaced her. She resented him for that, so she took it out by killing him,” she said, drawing on her cigarette but not losing her train of thought.

“But she was pregnant, very likely with your husband’s child,” I interjected.

“Oh, she was pregnant? That does make it less likely she killed my husband,” she smiled slyly, chuckling, “After that lady told me, I started thinking the same. You say she sold herself around and ended up a mess like that. If she really had the guts, hmm…”

“I really made a mistake, I was too impulsive. I’m truly sorry for Li Xiaole,” she added, putting on a face of deep regret.

I cut her off, sensing her dramatic act, and asked according to my previous suspicion, “Is it possible you held a grudge over your husband’s betrayal, so you slipped sleeping pills into their drinks and, while they were unconscious, killed your husband?”

She laughed loudly, mocking, “So that’s your police work? No wonder so many cases go unsolved.”

Her words filled me with a sudden dread, while the shadow inside my mind rolled its eyes and muttered, “How utterly stupid.”

That shadow not only mocked me but shouted, “That woman dared mock you like that? Hao Zheng, you’re a cop—you have to show her who’s boss.”

I steadied myself, feeling sweat break out on my forehead.

Old Cui seemed to understand, then stepped in to salvage the situation: “Your motive to kill your husband isn’t strong, but it’s not impossible. So, what was your alibi that day?”

“Anyway, I didn’t kill him. You can investigate,” she finally abandoned her flippant tone and answered seriously.

“I need you to tell me, where were you that day?” Old Cui’s demeanor instantly grew intense, full of pressure.

“You seem like an old detective, not some rookie. I believe you’ve figured out that killing that bastard wouldn’t benefit me. Otherwise, I would have divorced him long ago. That day was my son’s eighteenth birthday; I threw a party for him,” she cooperated.

“Alright, we’ll look into it later,” Old Cui replied.

“So, you came here this time to kill the child in her womb, so you and your son could inherit everything,” I asked, my voice hoarse and cold.

“I don’t understand what you’re saying. I didn’t even know she was pregnant. I hit her only because I lost control just then. Please, officer, help me convey my apologies to Li Xiaole,” she responded quickly, but her voice wavered.

“But most of your kicks were aimed at her abdomen and lower body,” I pressed on.

“I don’t understand what you mean,” she looked at me, biting her lip tightly.

“We will verify some information with your friends and son, including your alibi, the possibility of you killing your husband, and whether you knew about Li Xiaole’s pregnancy. I believe we’ll uncover something,” I said.

“Don’t bother my son, or I’ll have my lawyer sue you. I truly regret why I never continued my career back then, why I let some ugly, worthless man woo me with sweet words. All these years, his troubles have worn me down, body and soul, leaving me like this…” She stared at me, releasing her last burst of defiance, as if hoping to move me with her bitter story.

Listening to her rambling memories, I felt a strange mix of sympathy and detached observation.

Thinking back to the clear, logical questions I’d just asked, this was no longer the old me.

Replacing retreat and panic with offense and strength.

Silently, I whispered in my heart, “Thank you, little demon with dark circles.”