Zhang Hemei was the mistress of the room, and I, merely a repairman, naturally could not refuse her request. Furthermore, as a woman, she possessed small secrets in her life that a man should not see—this is simply human nature. Therefore, her request was not in the least bit unreasonable. Yet, through it, I perceived the meticulousness of this woman’s conduct, her composure amidst chaos, and how she managed every situation with effortless grace.

After a moment, Zhang Hemei opened the door, and I stepped inside. This room was entirely different from the previous one; it was clearly Zhang Hemei’s private bedroom. A sleek tablet computer rested on the writing desk.

I am functionally illiterate when it comes to computers; even if her machine held some earth-shattering murder secret, I would have no way to find it. Thus, my true purpose for entering was not the computer at all, but sheer luck—whatever I stumbled upon, I stumbled upon.

Zhang Hemei’s bedroom, like that of any rich young woman, exuded luxury, filled with a faint, intoxicating perfume. Amidst the dazzling display of wealth, I heightened my visual acuity to its maximum setting and rapidly scanned every corner of the room, leaving no secluded nook unexplored.

A large, floor-standing bed occupied the very center of the room, measuring over two and a half meters in both length and width, consuming nearly half the space. The walls were adorned with various trinkets, all the favored items of a woman, each one undeniably expensive.

My gaze did not linger on these trivialities but traveled directly to the desktop. There stood several books vertically, appearing to be women's magazines, alongside a few feminine products, all arranged with neat precision—clearly tidied moments before. However, my eyesight is excellent, and I immediately noticed one book with a distinctly different color. Though only the spine was visible, I could clearly make out the title—The Mirror of Prison Judgments.

My eyes ceased their wandering and moved directly to the wireless router. I tapped the power switch, then pulled out my multimeter and pretended to test the connections before taking my leave.

The objective of this trip had been achieved. That single volume, The Mirror of Prison Judgments, had revealed everything to me. This book, an ancient compilation on forensic medicine, appearing in Zhang Hemei’s master bedroom, spoke volumes about the relationship between her and You Qiaolin.

Glancing at the time, it was already two in the afternoon. I remembered my appointment with Chen Yujia and said to Supervisor Li, “We’ll stop here for today. I’ll return another day. Keep a close watch on things in the meantime, and if you notice anything unusual, call me immediately.”

Supervisor Li nodded his agreement and escorted me all the way to the street before heading back.

By the time I rushed to the "Yujia Psychological Counseling Center," the hour hand was pointing to three. I pushed open the door to find Chen Yujia sitting quietly, meticulously reviewing the materials in his hand.

Seeing me enter, Chen Yujia immediately put down his papers and stood up. “I’ve been waiting for you for a while. Would you like some tea first?”

I waved my hand. “No need for tea. Please, just look this over quickly.”

Next, I recounted in detail the hallucinations I had witnessed over the past two days. He frowned, silent, listening with intense focus from beginning to end. When I finished, he slowly remarked, “Lan Jinxuan’s disappearance has been a massive shock to you. This could trigger a pathological reaction. Coupled with your dismissal, this is also a blow to your psyche. Although I know you never sought great heights in your career, having your abilities negated inevitably affects your mood, subsequently causing fluctuations in your thoughts.”

Chen Yujia’s tone was incredibly calm. Speaking of Xiao Xuan’s disappearance, it was merely an unemotional factor from his perspective; he analyzed the problem strictly from a pathological angle, skillfully linking it to my emotional state. This was certainly a skill not achieved overnight.

But I couldn't be like him. Xiao Xuan was a living person to me, a woman I loved and who loved me. My entire spectrum of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness resided with her. I could not possibly remain detached.

“I must find Xiao Xuan!” Clenching my fists, I felt as if I could shatter the world. Though my actions stemmed from love for one person, my expression was one of hatred and rage.

Chen Yujia remained unfazed by my agitation; he continued calmly, “If something untoward has happened to Lan Jinxuan, can you accept it? Or rather, how are you preparing to accept it?”

Had anyone else—even Gao Jianning—dared to say such a thing to me, I would have instantly lunged at them, not stopping until I had beaten them into a pulp. But Chen Yujia was different. He was my doctor; he asked that question to treat my illness. Thus, I felt no anger, but instead began to struggle agonizingly under his guidance.

I clutched my head, unwilling to imagine that scene unfolding. If I could, I would rather take Xiao Xuan’s place, enduring a thousand swords piercing my heart without hesitation. Because Xiao Xuan was so beautiful and gentle, so utterly captivating, I believed no one could bear to harm such a mesmerizing woman. Yet, this world is full of wolves wearing human skin, hiding among the masses with identical facades, secretly watching every vulnerable prey nearby, ready to expose their savage fangs at the first opportunity.

No, no, I shook my head desperately. Under Chen Yujia’s gentle pull, I gradually entered a state that bordered on madness yet remained lucid. In my confusion, I desperately sought an exit but could see no direction, as if traps and murderous maniacs lay everywhere.

Suddenly, I saw Xiao Xuan not far ahead. Her face was smeared with blood, devoid of her former beauty, letting out a hoarse shriek like a wounded little animal. My heart plunged to the bottom, then soared violently—rage truly erupted at that moment. I straightened my neck and howled at the sky like a wolf, then charged toward Xiao Xuan. But just as I was about to reach her, a steel spear thrust horizontally across my path, violently impaling Xiao Xuan’s swan-like neck right before my eyes. Thick, crimson fluid spurted out in a horrifying spray, drenching me, who had lunged forward, entirely—face and body.

I was unrestrained, yet I could not move. I stared blankly at Xiao Xuan as if life had abandoned me. The potent smell of blood nearly made me faint, but an even stronger pain kept me painfully aware, forcing me to clearly feel every drop of hot blood slowly growing cold, finally losing all warmth, congealing into a dry, hard crust upon my face and body.

I wanted to scream, but the blood had turned cold. I wanted vengeance, but I could find no target for retribution.

At that instant, those wolf eyes suddenly appeared vaguely. This time, they were not hidden; they stared directly into mine, then howled, “She died because of you!”

As the words faded, Xiao Xuan’s head snapped off her swan-like neck, drifting into the distance before I could utter a final farewell...

I completely collapsed. Tears burst forth, soaking into Xiao Xuan’s blood, and flowed down together. The ground beneath me suddenly transformed into a boundless, crimson ocean that instantly engulfed me...

When I awoke, the streetlights outside were already glowing, but my heart felt like cold ash. That dream had been so real that even now, I could not fully emerge from it.

“What did you see?” Chen Yujia asked calmly.

I remained silent, for it was a dream I would never dare mention or even consider. I hoped it would remain just a dream, never to surface in my life or in anyone’s words.

Because it was nonexistent, and things that do not exist cannot be described.

Chen Yujia did not press further. With his knowledge, he had already gleaned everything from my expression. His profound eyes, distant and inscrutable like the sea, seemed no longer human, capable of perceiving the unreachable distant skies and those illusory, bizarre things unseen by ordinary men.

Just then, I felt my face was wet. Reaching up to touch it, I found tears.

I had actually cried!

Was my dream real?

Wasn’t it said that only a portion overlapped? Why was this happening?

Was this merely a dream, or a convergence of reality?

I suddenly let out a guttural cry, just like in the dream, transforming into a beast—but a helpless [REDACTED] beast.

Chen Yujia waited quietly until my outburst subsided before slowly saying, “Your condition is severe now. I hope you will take leave; it would benefit your recovery.”

I was silent for a moment, then shook my head. “No, I need to find Xiao Xuan quickly.”

In the dream, I could be powerless without blaming myself, but in reality, if I did nothing, I would wish for death.

Chen Yujia countered, “Didn’t you say the murderer warned you not to investigate? Perhaps taking leave is the best option.”

I laughed, my tears looking tragically desolate amidst the grin. “Do you believe the murderer? So much time has passed; if they were going to release her, they would have done so already. I must hurry, because I cannot lose Xiao Xuan.”

Chen Yujia sighed. “But you already lost her once in the dream, yet you still live. I can tell you, if you had died in that dream, you would be dead in reality too. Your being alive proves that Lan Jinxuan might not be as important to you as you imagine.”

“No, you don’t understand. A dream is not reality after all. In the dream, I couldn't control my actions, but in reality, I can. I must do this.”

“Ah, in fact, dreams can change as the person changes. If you become strong enough, the dreamscape will shift with you. It is precisely because you are not strong enough that you are controlled by the dream.”

Chen Yujia’s words held much truth, but I still shook my head. “This is something I must do; nothing can stop me, or I will be a walking corpse for the rest of my life.”

Chen Yujia offered no further opposition. He was merely a psychiatrist, and his duty was limited to proposing the optimal treatment plan to the patient. If the patient abandoned treatment, he could only sigh in helpless regret.

I was so exhausted that day that when I went upstairs to my home, I forgot my fear. What in this world could be scarier than losing Xiao Xuan? And the specters hidden in the darkness seemed to sense my state of mind, not daring to disturb me further. I slept soundly that night, and upon waking the next morning, my eyes were completely free of bloodshot veins.

Today I would receive the results of the hair sample analysis from You Qiaolin. Logically, I should be excited, but for some inexplicable reason, my mood felt heavy.

Recalling yesterday’s events at International West Garden, I felt a sense of bewilderment.

Chen Yujia was absolutely right; I was not strong enough, at least intellectually, I was weak. If You Qiaolin was the informant planted in the police department, and I had spent so long with him without realizing it, didn’t that prove my stupidity? But if You Qiaolin was not the hidden ear, and I had groundlessly suspected my colleague, leveling such a grave accusation against him, then my foolishness and sin were even deeper, equally irredeemable.

I had now fallen into a state of helplessness. No one could help me; everything depended on myself, and I had begun to doubt my own capabilities. Is there any greater sorrow in this world?

With a complicated heart, I arrived at the forensic office. I stood outside the door for quite a while before steeling myself and pushing it open, arriving before You Qiaolin’s office.

Just then, You Qiaolin was returning from outside. Seeing me, he called out, “What a coincidence. I just got the analysis results.”

My heart leaped into my throat. This was the moment that would determine the happiness of my life; I couldn't help but be nervous. But You Qiaolin’s next words left me utterly stunned, because that strand of hair had nothing to do with Xiao Xuan.

I stood there, my mind blank, my body trembling uncontrollably, as if facing something truly terrifying.

You Qiaolin supported me into the office and brewed a cup of hot tea. I held the scalding cup with my icy hands, sensing not even a trace of warmth, holding it there until You Qiaolin noticed something was wrong, by which time my hand was blistered and bleeding.

“Wang Lei, you need to pull yourself together. Look on the bright side of things; don't get stuck in a rut.”

I looked coldly at You Qiaolin. At this moment, I trusted no one, let alone someone I already harbored doubts about. To me now, You Qiaolin had become an unadulterated demon—one who tipped off the murderer, destroyed evidence, allowed the killer to roam free, and then delivered the corpses to him for dissection...

What a horrifying cycle!

An evil murderer and a righteous forensic examiner—they were a match made in heaven, a perfect pairing. Fresh bodies became chunks of minced meat under their knives; sinews, bones, flesh, and blood laid bare, clear for all to see.

Suddenly, I screamed madly, “You are the murderer! You are the murderer!”

You Qiaolin’s face turned chalk-white. He shouted, “Someone come! Officer Wang has lost control!”

My mind snapped back into clarity at that moment. Pointing at everyone who rushed in, I yelled, “You are the murderer! You are the murderer!”

...

At the Special Investigations Office, I sat, now calm, appearing utterly exhausted.

Zhang Jiewei sat opposite me and finally spoke, “Wang Lei, I think you need a leave of absence. Consider it. Continuing like this will certainly have a negative impact on our office, but most importantly, it’s detrimental to you personally. I don't want to see one of my colleagues stripped of their uniform.”

Zhang Jiewei’s words hit the mark. Given my current mental state, I was indeed prone to committing unforgivable errors. I knew this clearly in my heart, but how could I possibly step away at this critical juncture?

“Stop your hypocritical concern. I know my own situation; don’t try to fool me here.” After replying stiffly, I immediately felt guilty and added, “But I appreciate your good intentions. Let’s not discuss the rest.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door, surprising everyone. Since the Special Investigations Office was established, hardly anyone ever visited. Who would come at this hour?

The most suspicious, Little Monkey, hopped to the door, yanked it open, and made a rather dramatic gesture inviting the visitor in. We all froze when we saw who stood there.

It was the Director’s Secretary.

Why would the Director’s Secretary come here early in the morning? Couldn't they have just called?

I was suddenly overcome with a sense of impending doom.

As expected, the Director’s Secretary addressed me directly, “Wang Lei, go to the Director’s office now.”

The others visibly relaxed, breathing a collective sigh of relief, while I felt the immense pressure of the Five Elements Mountain upon the Monkey King.

My heart pounding, I arrived at the Director’s office and immediately spotted two unexpected figures: the fat old demon Wang Xueming and Chen Yujia.

Why were these two in the Director’s office?

Amidst my shock, Chen Yujia approached and patted my shoulder. “I’m sorry. Yesterday, I saw your condition was very serious, and you refused treatment, so I spoke with Officer Wang about it. I hope you don’t hold it against me.”

Faced with such sincere friendship, what could I possibly say?

By standard procedure, an officer who loses mental control certainly couldn't remain in the police force. No one dared imagine the scene if a mentally unstable person, fully armed and holding a legal gun license, appeared on the streets. But I was only taking leave, which I assumed was due to Chen Yujia exerting pressure on the Director through Old Demon Wang.

After handing over my weapon, I felt completely calm, devoid of any psychological pressure. In fact, this situation felt more suitable for me.

The moment I stepped out of the police station, I took a deep breath, feeling immensely relieved. Now, I no longer had to feel guilty about failing to bring justice for the victims. Only one thing lay before me: finding Xiao Xuan! That had nothing to do with being a policeman.

Chen Yujia pulled his car up beside me and leaned out the window. “Come to the clinic with me for a bit.”

I smiled. “Perhaps a bar would suit me better. Are you interested?”

Chen Yujia shook his head. “I don’t drink, and you should avoid excessive amounts too. Come tomorrow; you need treatment.” With that, he drove away.

It was still early, and most bars weren't open. I knew a few that operated twenty-four hours, but I felt reluctant to go. I rarely frequented such places unless on official duty, and I was sure any owner who recognized me would stare wide-eyed, which would ruin the mood entirely.

At that moment, a taxi pulled up.