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"Old Liu, maybe we should just forget it!" Shi Songmei hesitated, lacking the courage to proceed.
"But we can barely afford next month's rent," Liu Baoshan replied, puffing on a cheap cigarette, his expression dark. "Those who are bold survive, while the timid starve."
Lowering his voice, Liu Baoshan continued, "Xiao Wu has so much gold and silver jewelry at home; just a few pieces would keep us going for a long time."
Shi Songmei hesitated. "But... what if we get caught?"
"We won't," Liu Baoshan said, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "As long as we do it cleanly, who would know? Besides, she's just a woman; how much strength can she have?"
In the end, Shi Songmei couldn't resist the temptation and nodded in agreement.
The next day, she began to casually observe Xiao Wu's situation. She learned that her husband was often away on business and that their child was studying out of town, leaving her alone at home most of the time.
"Xiao Wu, aren't you scared being home alone?" Shi Songmei asked, feigning concern.
"Scared of what? Our neighborhood is quite safe," Wu Yan replied without suspicion. "Besides, what do I have that others would want?"
After saying this, Wu Yan sighed. "My husband just got back a few days ago and now he has to leave again. It feels like I'm living like a widow."
Shi Songmei rushed home to tell Liu Baoshan.
"The opportunity has come," Liu Baoshan rubbed his hands together. "We need to act in the next few days."
However, when the time came to take action, Shi Songmei felt fear creeping in again.
"Old Liu, she's been really nice to me..."
"Nice my foot!" Liu Baoshan grabbed Shi Songmei's wrist with such force that it made her wince in pain. "Have you forgotten our situation? In a few days, we might not even have food to eat! Do you want to live well with me or suffer in poverty for the rest of your life?"
Frightened by his ferocity, Shi Songmei nodded. "I... I'll do as you say."
"That's more like it," Liu Baoshan released her hand and softened his tone. "Don't worry; I have experience. As long as you follow my lead, nothing will go wrong."
In the end, they devised a detailed plan.
On the evening of November 13, 1999, Shi Songmei called Wu Yan, "Xiao Wu, my boyfriend wants to discuss a business opportunity with you. Do you have time?"
"What kind of business?" Wu Yan asked.
"Just something like opening a small shop together," Shi Songmei fabricated a story. "He said you have good insight and would like to hear your opinion."
Wu Yan, without suspicion, readily agreed, "Sure, when?"
"How about tonight? Come over to my place; I'll make you something delicious."
At 7 PM that evening, Wu Yan arrived at Liu Baoshan's residence right on time. She was wearing a red down jacket, adorned with a gold necklace and bracelet, and she carried a box of pastries.
"Xiao Shi, this is a treat I brought for you," Wu Yan said with a smile. "Where's your boyfriend?"
"He's in the back room; he'll be out soon," Shi Songmei replied as she took the pastries. "You sit down first; I'll get you some drinks."
As Shi Songmei walked into the kitchen, her hands trembled uncontrollably. Liu Baoshan had already mixed the sedative into the drinks and was waiting for her to serve them.
"How are you feeling? Nervous?" Liu Baoshan whispered.
"A little..." Shi Songmei admitted.
"Don't worry; after tonight, we'll have money," Liu Baoshan reassured her with a pat on the shoulder. "Remember, you don't know anything. Just say she gets sleepy after drinking and then falls asleep."
Shi Songmei carried the drinks out of the kitchen, forcing a smile on her face. "Xiao Wu, have some drink; my boyfriend will be here soon."
Wu Yan took the cup and drank it in one go. "It's quite sweet; what brand is it?"
"I forgot; it's just really good," Shi Songmei replied as she sat across from her, watching as Wu Yan began to yawn slowly.
About ten minutes later, Wu Yan started to feel dizzy. "What's happening... why am I so sleepy..."
"Maybe you're just tired from today," Shi Songmei said feigning concern. "Why don't you rest for a bit?"
Wu Yan tried to stand up but found her legs too weak to support her, collapsing onto the sofa instead. She sensed something was wrong, but it was already too late.
At that moment, Liu Baoshan emerged from the back room holding a metal rod.
With her last ounce of strength, Wu Yan trembled and asked, "What... what are you going to do...?"
Liu Baoshan did not answer, raising the iron rod in his hand.
Shi Songmei closed her eyes. She heard a dull thud, followed by a deathly silence.
When she opened her eyes again, Wu Yan lay motionless on the ground, with clear marks around her neck and blood on her head.
"Is... is she dead?" Shi Songmei's voice trembled.
"Dead," Liu Baoshan calmly checked Wu Yan's pulse. "Completely dead."
A wave of nausea suddenly washed over Shi Songmei, and she rushed to the bathroom to dry heave.
When she returned to the living room, Liu Baoshan was already rummaging through Wu Yan's bag and jewelry.
"Gold necklace, gold bracelet, and 1200 in cash," Liu Baoshan counted the spoils. "Not bad; this should last us for a while."
Watching Liu Baoshan's skilled movements and calm expression sent a chill down Shi Songmei's spine.
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