(I) Body Parts

Shen Wanwan had been busy all day, meeting with suspects for the entire day, and finally managed to get a rough understanding of Cheng Liang’s case.

Tonight, she was supposed to be on duty for overtime, but for some reason, Tao Jiang had sent her home.

Cui Luo helplessly explained to Shen Wanwan, “That’s just how Captain Tao is. He always thinks women need to be taken care of, but at the same time, he resents them. It’s supposed to be his responsibility to take care of things, but that’s just the kind of person he is. Sigh! He says women need to bear children and take care of the family. I don’t want to do any of that.”

Shen Wanwan had been able to endure hardships since her school days. She wasn’t particularly smart, but she was deeply passionate about this profession and always felt that she needed to work harder to be worthy of it. She had long been prepared for a high-intensity job.

Captain Tao’s mindset was a bit outdated, but after all, he was the team leader, so things had to proceed slowly.

On her way home, Shen Wanwan bought five fried chicken wings.

The wings were coated in a thick batter, sprinkled with seasoning, and the plastic bag was left open. Every child who passed by swallowed their saliva.

Shen Wanwan preferred fried chicken legs, but she hadn’t been paid yet, so she had to make her money last.

She bought the wings based on the number of people at home, ensuring there would be enough for everyone.

Thinking about the fact that she could finally have a proper meal tonight, Shen Wanwan walked briskly into the alley.

It was just past seven o’clock, and most people hadn’t gone to sleep yet.

A few people were sitting under the big tree at the alley’s entrance, chatting while fanning themselves.

Although the moonlight was bright, its light was no match for the sun. The surroundings were dark, but it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for chatting.

“Have you heard about Old Zhang’s daughter? She found a guy from the South! Oh, that little guy, he’s shorter than me when he stands up. What’s that girl thinking? Doesn’t she consider her future children?”

“You’re talking about her, but have you heard about the eldest son of the He family, He Xingyuan? When he was in school, he acted like he was doing great, but now two years after graduation, he still hasn’t found a decent job. I think he’s finished.”

—

Just then, as Shen Wanwan walked past with the fried chicken wings, the aroma caught the attention of the group. “Isn’t that Wanwan? Where are you going?”

Shen Wanwan looked at the familiar but nameless uncles and aunts and politely greeted them, replying, “Just finished work.”

“Wanwan, you’re working now?”

“Oh, you didn’t know? Wanwan is a criminal police officer now. She’s made it.”

“Really successful. Old Shen must be so proud.”

They were chatting happily, and Shen Wanwan chimed in a few words, trying to find an excuse to slip away.

But as she turned to leave, she overheard them deliberately speaking in hushed tones, “What do you think? With Wanwan’s temperament, she couldn’t even speak up when she was beaten. What can she possibly do in the bureau?”

“Probably just running errands. I’ve never seen many women in criminal police work.”

“Sigh, it’s really unfair. Some people just have good luck and can get a government job. If any of us get into trouble, we’ll have to ask people like her for help—”

Shen Wanwan’s mind was completely focused on the fried chicken wings.

But as she thought about eating again, she heard those words and had to stop.

She walked back, holding the chicken wings.

The group didn’t realize how loudly they were talking, and one by one, they were quite calm. “Did you forget something?”

Shen Wanwan didn’t argue with them. Instead, she spoke in a kind tone, “I just forgot to remind everyone—things have been a bit unstable in the city lately. Be sure to be careful.”

Upon hearing this, they all gathered around. “What happened?”

“The body being found that happened these past two days…”

One person’s face changed drastically. “Is it real?! Was the body dismembered?!”

Shen Wanwan nodded.

Everyone became tense. “Wanwan, have they caught the killer? Can someone really dismember a body? How horrifying! Is that even human?”

“Not yet. Usually, after a killer commits murder, they feel guilty, even unable to look the victim in the eyes, sometimes covering the victim’s face with a handkerchief. But this killer is different. Not only did they kill the person, they dismembered the body and scattered the parts everywhere. You all have heard about this, right?”

“We’ve heard, we’ve heard. It’s so terrifying! I thought it was fake, but it’s actually real?!”

The laughter and chatter among the group were dispersed by Shen Wanwan’s few words.

Another person grabbed Shen Wanwan’s hand, worried. “Wanwan, do you think the killer will kill again? Are we safe?”

Shen Wanwan deliberately showed a troubled expression. “There are rules, and I can’t disclose the details of the case. But anyway… everyone should make sure to keep your doors and windows tightly closed and be extra careful, especially at night. Just look around here—it’s so dark you can’t even see anyone. Oh, I’m just saying that, I don’t mean anything by it.”

Shen Wanwan said nothing, but it was as if she had said everything.

What did it mean when a criminal police officer, responsible for the case, reminded them to lock their doors and windows?

The group went silent for a few seconds, then, in mutual understanding, they stood up, grabbed their small stools, and obediently headed home.

They didn’t forget to lock the big gate when they entered the yard.

Shen Wanwan was very satisfied.

This would keep them quiet for a few days.

As Shen Wanwan reached the Shen family’s front door, Shen Zhuo seemed to have just returned.

He had been eagerly waiting for his sister to come home, hoping to take revenge for his grudge, but had accidentally overheard Shen Wanwan’s words.

Murder and dismemberment—his little mind was filled with shadows. “Sis, is what you said true? Is there a murderer in Xuzhou?”

Shen Wanwan glanced at him. “Yeah, he specializes in killing his own children. You’d better be careful.”

Shen Zhuo: “…”

His sister was really getting out of hand.

Shen Zhuo caught up with Shen Wanwan. “Sis! You’ve been a bit too much lately! I’m telling you, Mom and Dad are waiting for you. They want to have a serious talk with you!”

Shen Wanwan knew that Shen Zhuo was going to get backup.

Her little brother wasn’t very bright, and the best solution he could come up with was to report her.

When he was in elementary school, he often got beaten by classmates for complaining to the teacher, and he still hadn’t learned his lesson.

Shen Wanwan waved the chicken wings in her hand. “You say Mom and Dad want to talk to me?”

Only then did Shen Zhuo notice what she was holding. He swallowed hard and said, “…They might just want to wait for you to come back?”

Shen Wanwan rolled her eyes at him. “Come in and eat.”

Lin Yuying and Shen Heping were indeed waiting for Shen Wanwan.

Shen Heping worked at the factory. He was the go-to guy at the factory, often working overtime for his colleagues, and most of the time without pay. That’s why he always came home late. Lin Yuying had argued with him about it many times, but it was always in vain.

Shen Heping didn’t lose his temper often, and usually had a good relationship with both siblings, but Shen Wanwan knew that, deep down, he favored Shen Zhuo.

Since they were little, whenever Shen Zhuo complained to their parents, Shen Heping would always defend him.

Even when it was obviously Shen Zhuo’s fault, he would still say, “Big sister should let little brother.”

Did the older sister really always have to let the younger brother?