Âme Miroir Ancienne

Chapitre 15

When I arrived at the dumpsters at the entrance of Lion Lane, the police were already there, conducting an autopsy and collecting evidence. Using my status as a journalist, I quickly found out who the deceased was. When they announced his name, a sharp, piercing pain surged through me, followed by a blackout, and then I knew nothing more.

("What was the cause of death?" Zheng Qi asked. Meng Ping ignored him and continued speaking slowly, following his own train of thought.)

My first thought upon waking was to avenge Wang Hai's death. At that moment, my only thought was to kill that wicked woman, Luo Min, to appease Wang Hai's spirit in heaven. She was undoubtedly the one who murdered him, and the thought of how good he had been to her, yet she killed him in such a cruel way, filled me with excruciating pain and rage. I secretly resolved that I would not allow this wicked woman to live a carefree and happy life in this world, while Wang Hai suffered alone and miserable in the underworld. I would make her pay with her life.

(At this point, Meng Ping's gaze turned cold, a hint of ferocity flashing across his brow!)

At the time, I didn't know how Wang Hai died; I only knew that Wang Hai was dead. I was furious and didn't think about anything else but avenge Wang Hai.

Later, the police determined that Wang Hai died suddenly from an unexpected shock, rather than from murder. That was the final verdict!

Although I was very unwilling and disbelieving, I eventually had to accept the fact.

I suddenly remembered what Wang Hai said that night when he was drunk: "Luo Min is a monster." I thought that even if she didn't kill Wang Hai with her own hands, she at least scared him to death. But no one would believe me if I told them this, so I secretly decided to search for evidence of "Luo Min being a monster" on my own.

As Meng Ping spoke, his expression revealed a deep-seated hatred.

Zheng Qi glanced at him, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly, as if deep in thought. Meng Ping noticed, and raised his firm chin slightly. With a smug look of knowing the future, he said to Zheng Qi's bewildered expression:

"Don't bother thinking about it, I know what you're thinking."

Zheng Qi withdrew his confused gaze, a sly smile playing on his lips as he looked at Meng Ping.

"Okay, then tell me, what am I thinking right now?"

Meng Ping remained silent, gently pulling at the pristine white sheet and carefully smoothing it out with her hands. Then, she looked up at Zheng Qi and said, word by word:

"I like beautiful women, so why don't I pursue Luo Min!"

Zheng Qixian showed a hint of surprise, then nodded with a smile.

Meng Ping didn't continue speaking, instead turning his gaze to the white wall not far away.

"You like Chen Qing?"

Zheng Qi asked softly.

Meng Ping blushed unexpectedly and lowered her head to avoid Zheng Qi's gaze.

Zheng Qi couldn't help but think to himself, "I never thought that this bad man who would say he's 'complete in every way' would also have a cute and shy side!"

"I'll continue telling you the story!"

After a short while, Meng Ping regained his composure and spoke to Zheng Qi. Zheng Qi looked at him calmly and remained silent.

To be honest, when Luo Min first joined the newspaper, I liked her and wanted to pursue her. Tell me, which man in the world, handsome or ugly, young or old, doesn't like a beautiful woman? Men are all like that! Right?

(Now it was Zheng Qi's turn to blush!)

As for why I didn't join the ranks of those pursuing Luo Min, it was entirely for Wang Hai!

(Zheng Qi frowned again, as usual, a hint of surprise and confusion on his face! Meng Ping smiled at him and waved his hand, signaling him to listen to her. It seemed that Meng Ping had guessed Zheng Qi's confusion again!)

Wang Hai and I grew up in the same courtyard. We were playmates since we were toddlers. Although we weren't related by blood, our bond was closer than that of blood brothers. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to describe us as being like siblings.

From elementary school through middle school, high school, and university, until we finally joined this newspaper together, we've never been apart.

(At this point, Meng Ping's expression became somewhat sorrowful. He paused for a moment, then looked down at the ground and continued speaking.)

The day Luo Min joined the newspaper, Wang Hai told me that he wanted to pursue Luo Min.

I've never seen this guy pursue a girl in my life. Back in college, he was the only guy in the entire department without a girlfriend; classmates who didn't know him thought he was gay.

When Wang Hai told me this, I knew he was serious this time. Later, when he told me that he would marry no one but Luo Min in this life, I decided to help him fulfill his wish.

To be honest, no man could resist a woman as beautiful and intelligent as Luo Min, especially since I'm not some celibate monk. Frankly, I was quite conflicted when I heard Wang Hai's words.

But no matter what, I don't want my brotherhood with Wang Hai, which has lasted for over twenty years, to be ruined for a woman. There's a saying, isn't there? Men are like limbs, women are like clothes. Therefore, I've decided to give up pursuing Luo Min.

Wang Hai was unaware of this idea. He was quite puzzled by my actions; how could I, who always admired beautiful women, be indifferent to such a stunning beauty as Luo Min? I explained to him that I already had someone I liked, and that this time I was serious. But actually, at that time, I hadn't yet fallen for Chen Qing!

(Meng Ping blushed again, scratched his head sheepishly, and Zheng Qi chuckled to himself!)

Wang Hai is an honest and simple-minded person who believes everything he hears. He genuinely thought I already had someone I liked, so he stopped asking questions and kept urging me to treat that person well!

Sigh, looking back now, if I had pursued Luo Min with him back then, perhaps he wouldn't have died. Maybe I would have been the one to die, but that would be better too, at least now it's him, not me, who is grieving.

Suddenly, two clear tears streamed down Meng Ping's face. As the saying goes, a man doesn't easily shed tears, unless he's truly heartbroken. It seems that this seemingly carefree and somewhat eccentric Meng Ping is actually quite sensitive when it comes to emotions!

"Ugh, that kind of pain is worse than death! It fucking hurts!" Meng Ping said fiercely.

"Actually, the best way for you to gather evidence that Luo Min is a monster is to pursue her directly."

Zheng Qi stared straight ahead, his tone cold as he spoke slowly.

"You're right. To find out what kind of monster she is and how she killed Wang Hai, I just need to pursue her the way Wang Hai did!"

Meng Ping nodded in agreement with a serious expression.

A week after Wang Hai's death, a young man named Shi Feng, about the same age as Wang Hai, joined the newspaper office. That same day, Director Wang assigned him to the seat opposite Luo Min, the very seat Wang Hai had once sat in.

Shi Feng was of average appearance, with slicked-back hair and a pretty-boy look. He was the type who only knew how to talk a good game and chase girls. Sure enough, after a few days, he quickly joined the ranks of those pursuing Luo Min.

Originally, I wanted to risk my life to pursue Luo Min to avenge Wang Hai, but now that someone is willing to die for me, why shouldn't I do it?

(At this point, Meng Ping smiled slyly at Zheng Qi and said, "Don't laugh at me, I'm not exactly a kind person. As the saying goes, 'Every man for himself, or the world will destroy him.' Although I, Meng Ping, am willing to go to great lengths for my friends and die without regret, there is a selfish side to human nature.")

I remember a writer once said that, apart from your parents, no one in the world truly wants you to be better off than them. And you know what? That's a damn classic line! But if you ask me, it should be that, apart from most parents, no one else does. As the saying goes, even tigers don't eat their cubs, but some parents are really inhuman, even towards their own children... Hehe, sorry, I'm getting off-topic!

Since someone is willing to be my guinea pig, I won't make a pointless sacrifice. I don't think I need to fight to the death with anyone, right? Heh heh, Meng Ping chuckled a few times after saying that, inadvertently revealing a cynical attitude.

(Zheng Qi smiled upon hearing this, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes. Human nature can be truly pathetic sometimes!)

To be honest, I had a very strange feeling at the time. I felt that Shi Feng would be Luo Min's second target. So, I started secretly observing Shi Feng and Luo Min.

But Shi Feng was even worse than Wang Hai. Not only did Luo Min never speak a word to him, she wouldn't even glance at him. Let alone show him any enthusiasm or affection whatsoever!

Actually, Shi Feng isn't a good person either; he's quite a womanizer. I haven't found out much about his relationship with Luo Min, but I've investigated other aspects of him quite thoroughly.

This guy is desperately trying to win over Luo Min on one hand, but on the other hand, he's two-timing other women. He's such a womanizer.

(As Meng Ping finished speaking, a look of disdain and contempt appeared on his face, and Zheng Qi shared the same sentiment!)

(By the way, have you found out anything about Luo Min's background? Zheng Qi suddenly thought of this question.)

(No, Luo Min came to this city alone. As for her background and connections, I can't find out. She doesn't have any friends or relatives here, and she always goes to and from get off work alone. But judging from her indifferent attitude towards her superiors, she probably has some powerful connections! Meng Ping playfully stuck out her tongue at Zheng Qi, who understood and nodded thoughtfully.)