Death Notice 2 Destiny

Chapter 14

"What...do you mean?" The girl's voice trembled slightly as her sensitive spot was touched.

The young man bit his lip, as if something was causing him pain, then said in a low voice, "I know you lost your father..."

The girl let out a soft sob, and tears immediately streamed down her dazed face. At the same time, she heard the young man continue, "I also just lost my father, so I understand how you feel… Suddenly losing care feels like a vital support in your life has vanished…"

"What? Your father too..." The girl's mouth gaped open in surprise, tears still clinging to her face, though her hostility had clearly diminished considerably.

“Yes, my father,” the young man repeated. He didn’t think there was anything wrong with what he said; after more than ten years of living together day and night, that person’s place in his heart was no different from that of his father.

The girl paused for a moment, her tears gradually stopped, and then she suddenly asked, "Is this why you sent me flowers? And why were you staring at me?"

“No,” the young man shook his head and said, “I gave you flowers simply because I like your music.”

The girl looked slightly surprised: "You understand music?"

“I don’t understand. But I can understand your music. Especially the first piece you play every day, it always… always reminds me of those I’ve lost…”

“That’s a memorial piece by the German composer Delder, originally written to commemorate those who have passed away…” The girl sighed softly. “The fact that you can understand this piece means you weren’t lying to me; you really have lost someone very important to you. Just like you said, your father…”

The girl's voice grew softer and softer, revealing a hidden sorrow as she shared a similar plight with the stranger.

The young man fell silent, his gaze somewhat unfocused, as if the soft, quiet music was echoing in his ears again... At the same time, the faces of those people flashed before his eyes, sometimes blurry, sometimes clear, some overlapping and transforming into strange shapes that he could not discern.

Those memories made his head throb more and more, and he finally couldn't help but let out a painful groan.

"What's wrong?" The girl's question was no longer as cold as before.

"It's alright." The young man took a deep breath, rubbed his forehead as if trying to get rid of his current predicament, and then changed the subject, saying, "I also really liked the third piece you played."

"The third one?" The girl gently propped her chin up with her hand. "What kind of feeling will it give you?"

"It calms my mind."

"Are you burdened by many things? Are there things that are confusing you, the past, the future... and the road ahead..."

The young man was stunned. He stared blankly at the girl, wondering why she had made such an accurate judgment.

The girl seemed to sense his actions and thoughts. She smiled and explained, "That piece of music is Massenet's 'Meditation,' a famous meditation piece. It resonates with whatever you have on your mind."

This was the first time the young man had seen the girl smile, which brought warmth to her slightly pale face. He couldn't help but sincerely compliment her, "You look so beautiful when you smile."

The girl lowered her head; her smile faded, but her expression clearly indicated she accepted the compliment. After a moment, she said in a judgmental tone, "You're not a bad person."

"Why?" the young man asked. This is probably a question any man in the same situation would ask.

The girl's answer was surprisingly simple: "Because you really understood my music."

"And before that? I mean before we discussed music—was I a dangerous bad guy in your eyes?"

"It's not entirely..." The girl felt a little apologetic as she thought about her initial attitude. "Actually, it's because something happened, and I didn't want to get into trouble."

"Um... what is it?"

“Yesterday, a customer came who had drunk too much… and then said some rude things to me. You should know about this, right?”

“Yes. I was very worried at the time, so I waited until you left the restaurant safely before I left. I was keeping an eye on you today because I was afraid that person would come back to cause trouble.” The young man sounded a little anxious, but his words were immediately interrupted by the girl: “That person is dead.”

The young man exclaimed in surprise, "What?"

“It happened after he left last night. It looks like a car accident, but some of his friends think it’s not that simple. This afternoon, those people came to me. They suspect that the incident was caused by an argument with me. But it’s impossible for anyone around me to do such a thing… But since you showed up again today, I’ve started to think more…” The girl carefully considered her words, trying to be as tactful as possible. “It’s not that I suspect you, it’s just… I just wanted to see you so I could ask you in person.”

The young man's heart tightened slightly, but he didn't show it on his face. He knew who Atai's friends were. He had been extremely careful last night, afraid of attracting the police or Ahua's attention and causing trouble for the girl, but trouble still came knocking. This Ahua... it seems he can't be underestimated.

"You don't need to think so much. Just have a clear conscience," the young man comforted the girl. "Someone like him has caused a lot of trouble in his daily life. Even if someone really harms him, you won't be held responsible."

"Yes, I was just overthinking it." The girl had completely dispelled her previous doubts and said with a self-deprecating laugh, "Maybe it's related to my personality, maybe it's genetic."

At this point, she thought of something sad again and suddenly fell silent. After a moment, she said in a calm voice, "Do you know? My father is a policeman."

The young man didn't respond for a while. The girl looked up, her eyes widening in vain: "What's wrong?"

“It’s late, you should go home…” the young man said, controlling his turbulent emotions and trying to sound as natural as possible.

The girl sensed that the other person was saying goodbye, and she also felt that she had said too much, since the other person was just a stranger.

"It's very late..." The girl hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Will...will you still take me home?"

"Of course," the young man answered without hesitation, feeling an inexplicable sense of responsibility towards the girl.

"Thank you." The girl smiled again, and then she gave her name, "My name is Zheng Jia."

The Fate of the Death Sentence (09)

9:36 PM.

Inside the guesthouse of the provincial capital's criminal investigation team.

Luo Fei was standing at the window, gazing outside. It was a high-rise room facing the street, so his view was quite expansive. The bustling streets of the provincial capital shimmered with dazzling lights in the night, giving Luo Fei a feeling that was both familiar and strange.

During his university years, Luo Fei spent four years in the provincial capital. Those were the most triumphant and happiest four years of his life. Youth, friendship, love, ideals... he possessed almost everything wonderful that was available at the time. But as those four years were drawing to a close, everything was shattered.

Then he left the city, carrying a heart shattered by pain. Eighteen years later, when he returned, the city had undergone a complete transformation: wide streets, towering buildings, colorful neon lights, and a constant flow of traffic... These luxurious and modern scenes were unattainable for Longzhou, a second-tier city.

After several days of continuous autumn rain, the weather finally began to improve. Washed clean by the rain, the city's night view under the clear sky appeared even more dazzling and charming. Luo Fei was in such an environment, with the bustling night scene unfolding before his eyes as if it were within reach, but he felt no excitement.

Although separated by the window, a few wisps of cold air still seeped into the room through the cracks, making Luo Fei feel quite chilly. Looking into the distance, the city lights and the stars on the horizon gradually merged into one; behind those lights must be countless warm families. Surely, the cold wouldn't so easily invade those houses?

Even Han Hao, a fugitive, could still enjoy a brief moment of family warmth in the afternoon. Witnessing that scene firsthand, Luo Fei was filled with endless emotion. He wondered how many other lonely people in this city were as homeless as he was.

There is at least one person who shares your plight, and where in this city is he hiding right now?

They hid from each other while observing each other, enduring loneliness while enjoying the thrill of struggle. In some ways, they were so alike, yet they were like two sides of the same coin, destined from the moment they were made to never overlap.

Eumenides, a character created by Luo Fei eighteen years ago, marked a major turning point in his life. Now, as he faces the character again, is he able to reverse that painful trajectory?

Luo Fei couldn't give an answer either. He only knew that he and Eumenides were heading towards an unavoidable collision. They both looked forward to it and feared the final outcome of the collision.

Luo Fei's thoughts drifted aimlessly until the doorbell rang, pulling him back to reality.

Luo Fei went over and opened the door, where Zeng Rihua was standing.

"Captain Luo, did I disturb you?" The young man noticed the lingering seriousness on Luo Fei's face and asked tentatively.

"Oh...no, no." Luo Fei smiled, taking the opportunity to adjust his demeanor, and then asked, "Why are you here? Didn't you go home?"

"Hey, what difference does it make whether I go home or not? Besides, it's convenient to eat and stay here, and there's someone to clean the house," Zeng Rihua said with a grin.

"Then come in and sit down." Luo Fei made way for Zeng Rihua, and looked at him half-jokingly, "You know this house well, so don't be shy."

Zeng Rihua was taken aback, then realized what Luo Fei meant: when Han Hao was in charge of the task force, he had been ordered to secretly search Luo Fei's room. Now, however, times had changed, and Luo Fei had become a trusted task force leader. He could only chuckle awkwardly, pretending not to understand and ignoring the other man's words.

Luo Fei waved to the guest, gesturing for him to sit down. At the same time, he noticed the guest was carrying a plastic bag and casually asked, "What's that?"

"Oh, some daily necessities." Zeng Rihua pushed the plastic bag in front of Luo Fei. The latter opened it and found shampoo, soap, toothbrush and the like.

"The disposable toiletries provided by the guesthouse are of very poor quality. The toothbrush is so hard that it can make your gums bleed. You've been here for more than just a day or two, so don't make do with things you don't need to be." Zeng Rihua said, then noticed that Luo Fei's eyes had become a little strange, and quickly added, "Captain Luo, don't misunderstand... These are all things that Teacher Mu asked me to bring to you. What I just said was also something she asked me to pass on."

Luo Fei chuckled as if suddenly realizing something, "I was wondering why you, this slovenly bachelor, would think of such things..." He had come in a hurry and hadn't brought any personal items. These things were truly a godsend. Luo Fei couldn't help but feel a little warm, and at the same time, he noticed something and glanced at the other person's head, "Hmm? You got a haircut, huh? That's all thanks to Teacher Mu, isn't it?"

Indeed, Zeng Rihua's messy "bird's nest" hair was gone, replaced by a neat short haircut. The young man looked much more energetic as a result.

“Hehe, you can see right through anything,” Zeng Rihua said. “I treated Teacher Mu to dinner tonight, and she said she couldn’t stand my dandruff anymore, so she dragged me to get a haircut after dinner. Then she bought me a bottle of anti-dandruff shampoo, and she also bought this package for you.” As he spoke, he habitually scratched his scalp, and this time there was no more “snowflakes” flying around.

"Then I'm still benefiting from your help," Luo Fei said with a smile. Since Zeng Rihua saved Mu Jianyun a few days ago, the relationship between the two young men had clearly grown much closer. Luo Fei had noticed all of this.

Zeng Rihua looked at Luo Fei and shook his head: "That's not necessarily true. Maybe I'm just benefiting from your influence."

Luo Fei asked, puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"Teacher Mu bought these daily necessities and asked me to deliver them to you. She looked very unnatural at the time—" Zeng Rihua said with a pursed mouth, "—so I suspect that she spent so much time arguing with me, but her real purpose was just to get me to bring these things."

"Then why did she do it?" Luo Fei disagreed. "Couldn't she just hand it over to me?"

"Have you ever heard of a hen that eats ginseng?" Zeng Rihua suddenly blurted out. "I feel like I am that hen."

Luo Fei frowned, completely baffled as to what the other person was talking about.

“There was once a wealthy family in the Qing Dynasty whose daughter was frail and wanted to take ginseng as a tonic. However, the medicinal effects of ginseng were too strong for a young woman to handle directly. So they chopped up the ginseng and fed it to a hen, and then gave the hen's eggs to the daughter. In this way, the medicinal effects of the ginseng would be absorbed into the eggs, acting as a buffer. So although the hen got to eat the ginseng, it was just a waste of the daughter's resources.” After telling this story, Zeng Rihua sighed and said, “As for me, I'm just like that hen. Teacher Mu was too embarrassed to give you the gift directly, so she devised this whole scheme to have me do it on her behalf.”

Luo Fei was taken aback, a strange feeling rising in his heart, much like when he was imprisoned in the Valley of Terror, and the Hamo girl Xu Xiaowen fed him meat through the prison gate. However, he quickly suppressed that feeling, because deep in his heart, some things could never be crossed.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Anyway, I've completed my task, and I can report back to Teacher Mu tomorrow." Zeng Rihua was a straightforward person and didn't care about the subtle changes in Luo Fei's heart. He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to the other party, changing the subject, "Take a look at this, this is my real task - to report back to the head of the task force."

Luo Fei took the paper and unfolded it. It contained only a few words, but included a single piece of information about a person:

"Huang Jieyuan, male, 43 years old, is currently the owner of Black Magic Bar. Mobile phone: [phone]."

Zeng Rihua explained from the side: "Huang Jieyuan. He was Ding Ke's assistant in the 130 hostage crisis eighteen years ago. So, besides Ding Ke, he is the person who knows the most about that case."

Luo Fei smiled, understanding that this was Zeng Rihua's true purpose for coming. Since they already knew Eumenides was the orphan of the perpetrator in the 130 kidnapping case, the task force had identified the police officers involved in the case as their targets. Although two major events occurred in one day—Wu Yinwu's suicide and Han Hao's meeting with his wife and children—Zeng Rihua hadn't given up on investigating the 130 incident; now he had delivered the most crucial lead into Luo Fei's hands.

Luo Fei sincerely praised, "Very good." Although the young man had an unruly personality, his work ability and initiative were beyond doubt.

“It’s a pity we only found this one person.” Zeng Rihua rolled his eyes, seemingly dissatisfied with himself. “Ding Ke is hopeless—the entire provincial police force has been searching for him for ten years… Some of the others are no longer alive; another one named Zhong Yun—the SWAT sniper who directly killed the criminal Wen Hongbing back then—we can’t find any information about him, it’s very strange…”

Luo Fei hummed in agreement and said, "That might be an alias."

"A pseudonym?"

"Because he killed someone, even though he is a criminal, it still puts a lot of pressure on the executioner. So if he doesn't want to reveal his identity, he is allowed to use an alias."

"Oh." Zeng Rihua nodded, indicating his understanding of Luo Fei's explanation, and then pushed up his glasses and said, "Then I can't help you find this person."

“If we find Huang Jieyuan, we won’t have to worry about not finding him. However—” Luo Fei changed his tone, “—I don’t recommend looking for him, because not finding him is actually a form of protection for him.”

“That’s true.” Zeng Rihua understood immediately. For Eumenides, if he wanted revenge, the sniper who killed his father would obviously be on his target list. Now that no one knows who this person is, he is relatively safe.

“Then we’d better contact Huang Jieyuan quickly,” the young man said again. “If Eumenides finds him first, we’ll be at a disadvantage—should I make a call now?”

As they spoke, Zeng Rihua had already pulled out his phone. In fact, given his personality, he would have been itching to act long ago. However, having learned his lesson from his time as team leader when Han Hao was in charge, Zeng Rihua was wary of subordinates overstepping their authority. Therefore, he didn't act rashly this time, but instead reported to Luo Fei first.

"Don't rush," Luo Fei waved to stop Zeng Rihua's actions. "It's already quite late, let's talk about it tomorrow."

"It's quite late?" Zeng Rihua was taken aback, seemingly not quite understanding Luo Fei's reason. He hesitated for a moment, then emphasized as if to remind the other party, "We're racing against Eumenides."

“I know.” Luo Fei focused his gaze on the other person, then softly uttered three words: “Listen to me.”

Luo Fei's eyes seemed to hold something unspoken, yet also revealed a commanding firmness. Zeng Rihua's anxious emotions calmed down under that gaze.

Both being task force leaders, Han Hao usually gives orders in a forceful and unassailable tone, while Luo Fei's attitude at this moment is much gentler, yet this gentleness seems to conceal endless subtle power, making it even more irresistible.

"Alright. I'll do whatever you say." Zeng Rihua said obediently under this gentle persuasion. "If you need me to do anything, just let me know."

"Don't worry. Your time to shine will come." Luo Fei's eyes were now filled with encouragement.

"Alright, then I won't worry about it." Zeng Rihua completely relaxed. His eyes darted around, and his thoughts jumped elsewhere: "Hey, Captain Luo, there's a question I really can't hold back anymore, I have to ask you."

"What?"