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The traffic was heavy on the road, and what should have been a thirty-minute journey turned into nearly an hour and a half of frustration before they finally arrived at Xi Garden Community, where the lights were already twinkling. However, the well-trained security guard showed no mercy and stopped their car outright. Park Chi was about to curse when the woman behind him whispered first, “We’ll walk in today.” He turned in surprise, only to see Yan Xiaoque had already opened the door and gotten out without saying another word, leaving him no choice but to suppress his irritation.
He backed the car out to park in front of a pet hospital outside the community and spent a long time searching before he finally spotted Yan Xiaoque chatting animatedly with a few children in the small central garden. When she noticed him approaching, she leaned down and said something to the kids, who all suddenly smiled at him.
Park Chi felt utterly embarrassed and pulled her away. “We’re here for serious business today; what are you babbling about?”
Upon reaching Building B, Park Chi entered the code 1408. After a melodious violin piece filled with exotic charm played through, the hallway door opened automatically, and Yan Xiaoque walked ahead, continuing to ignore him. “What did you say to those kids? They were laughing like that,” he couldn’t hold back any longer.
Yan Xiaoque stopped at the corner by the elevator. “I just asked them a few questions. As for their laughter, it was because I told them, ‘I guarantee that this police officer still doesn’t know that parking outside the community incurs a fine.’ Are you satisfied with that answer?” She stepped into the elevator and flashed a cheeky smile at the stunned officer. “What? Aren’t you coming in?”
“Yan Xiaoque!!!”
As he rang the doorbell, he heard that violin piece again, and for some reason, Yan Xiaoque felt a strange fascination with it.
The man beside her nudged her just in time to bring her back to reality as the music abruptly stopped. The door opened to reveal a weary-looking owner who appeared almost tree-like in stature.
“Please come in.” The owner in a dark green shirt greeted them briefly before stepping aside and bending down to retrieve a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet by the entrance. “We rarely have female guests at home, so I didn’t prepare anything special. These are my wife’s slippers; please make do with them.” He looked up, his stubbled chin and bloodshot eyes conveying days of exhaustion. Yan Xiaoque accepted the slippers and put them on, feeling an unexpected pang of sympathy.
It seemed that losing both his partner and child was enough to shatter anyone's will.
“Mr. Gu, my condolences. No matter what, you must take care of your health!” Park Chi said as if he had mustered great resolve to utter such platitudes. “We came unannounced today mainly to understand…”
But he was politely interrupted by the homeowner: “Officer Park, let’s sit in the living room to talk.”
He led them through the narrow entrance, and suddenly the space opened up before them. Surrounded by a faint, mysterious fragrance, the soft pale yellow walls and the luxurious sheepskin chandelier casting a lake-green glow created an atmosphere reminiscent of an oil painting. In one corner of the living room, a tranquil lily pond silently spoke of the owner's exquisite taste. By the pond, several newspapers lay scattered on the floor, and an old rattan chair sat in solitude.
The living room was free of any unnecessary designs, and they settled onto a trio of birch wood sofas.
"I happened to be passing by, so I thought I’d drop in," Park Chi said with a goofy smile, scratching his head. Before entering the living room, he had caught Yan Xiaoque's glance and had to change his wording. "This is my..."
"I'm his neighbor, Yan Xiaoque," she interrupted with a cheerful tone. "I run a small wine shop now. Although it's a bit small, the wine is definitely top-notch! Friends get a twenty percent discount." She continued, "I heard you graduated from Donghua as well, Senior? It's true? I see you on TV all the time; I never expected to meet you in person today." It was pitiful; ever since she opened her shop, she hadn’t enjoyed a single day of watching television.
Gu Cheng looked at her with admiration and a broad smile. This girl with her neat ponytail, wearing a white T-shirt and denim overalls, had a cunning glint in her eyes that made him feel an instant connection. "Well, I can say I’m one of Donghua’s proud products. It seems Miss Yan should start calling herself Junior Yan now; your name is truly fresh and lovely. By the way, would either of you like something to drink?"
"No thanks," one replied.
"I want Nongfu Spring!" the other shouted eagerly. "Senior, where's your fridge?" Without waiting for directions, she barged toward the door.
"Yan Xiaoque!" Park Chi began to express his dissatisfaction but was silenced by the homeowner's approving gaze. "Officer, I assume your visit today isn’t just for a casual check-in; if there's something on your mind, feel free to speak directly."
"Ah..." Given the cooperative attitude, there was no need for pretense. Park Chi decisively stated, "I have news for you. A man named Lu Kai came to my station this morning to confess that he murdered your wife. I wonder—" he elongated his voice and locked eyes with Gu Cheng, "Mr. Gu, do you know this person?"
A flicker of something unusual crossed the man's eyes. "Lu Kai? He confessed?"
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