“Zhang Chunquan, a college student with a bright future, underwent a drastic personality change and mental breakdown after returning to school. He didn’t dare confide in anyone and eventually committed suicide. Does your ‘Pink Mask’ bear no responsibility?”

“Zhao Jie, inspired by you, believed the internet was guilty, so those who maintain and support it were also guilty. He killed six people in one go and permanently disabled several others. Do you bear no responsibility? Actually, him doing this is what you wanted to see, right? All the people he destroyed were programmers.”

Wang Yingzhuo said loudly, “It’s none of my business! I didn’t instigate him!”

“Look, you’re starting to shirk responsibility so quickly.” Ji Chenjiao smiled contemptuously. “Didn’t you want to benefit all mankind? Shouldn’t you reflect on why Zhao Jie became such a person after leaving the ‘game’? Aren’t you best at thinking?”

Wang Yingzhuo gasped in anger. “What you said is not true at all! Why should I be responsible for Zhao Jie killing people?”

Ji Chenjiao ignored him. “As far as I know, the participants were indeed taken away by you voluntarily, but before the ‘game’ started, many of them wanted to leave. However, did you let them go? You didn’t. You pointed guns at their heads and threatened them that if they didn’t obey, they would meet God.”

Ji Chenjiao pressed his hands on the table, increasing the pressure.

“Use that brain of yours that loves thinking to think carefully again. Have you committed any crimes, and what crimes have you committed? I’ll give you time. You have plenty of time.”

The door of the interrogation room opened and closed, and a cry of anger and fear erupted in the corridor.

The investigation continued, with cyber tracking and physical interrogation and searches proceeding simultaneously. Except for a few core members abroad, all other members of “Pink Mask” had been captured, and all participants in the three “games” they organized had been found.

Because the suspects and participants were scattered, the closing reports were written independently by the police in various places. But the Xiarong City Major Crimes Unit was the core unit this time, so everyone’s information would be summarized by Ji Chenjiao.

It was confirmed that only Yong Huihao and Tang Qi were killed by “Floating Light’s” intervention; there was no third person. But there were three other suicides like Zhang Chunquan, one person who committed crimes like Zhao Jie after being brainwashed, and seventeen others who were developed as new members.

Among the core members of “Pink Mask”, Ling Lie saw an unexpected name—Ye Ruige.

In Luo Manchai’s case, Ye Ruige was involved, and Ling Lie had personally gone to her to understand the situation. She was originally a hot star but suffered an accident at the peak of her career and faded out of the entertainment industry. Luo Manchai claimed to have transferred her luck to herself, causing her accident, and Director Wei Sheng thought so too, secretly putting a killer card in Luo Manchai’s bag.

Now Ye Ruige lived an ordinary life. Not only did she not complain about Luo Manchai, but she also spoke up for her, not believing that Luo Manchai really transferred her luck.

Before Ling Lie left that day, she said she hoped the police could pay attention to the chaos in the entertainment industry. Ling Lie kept this in mind but had no spare capacity to start immediately. He never expected that when he saw Ye Ruige again, her identity would be a core member of “Pink Mask”.

Ye Ruige wore no makeup, her long hair tied up with a simple black string, dressed in the most ordinary cotton clothes. Her eyes were still as gentle as when they first met. “No, actually I was already in ‘Pink Mask’ then.”

Ling Lie asked, “Why?”

Ye Ruige was silent for a while. When she looked up again, there was a helpless smile on her lips. “I told you, our circle is very chaotic. I am the luckiest among them. Someone helped me, and I was serious enough myself, so I was loved by many people. This is my honor. But I am only one percent. More people, especially women, are played with and let down in this circle. their efforts are not seen, and any mistakes they make will be highlighted in people’s vision.”

Ye Ruige sighed and shook her head. “I’ve seen too many such things. Some girls didn’t commit crimes or even make mistakes at all, but just to take the bullet for some big stars, they inexplicably became sacrifices. The internet fueled these things. I know many of you look down on us actors and singers, thinking we only have looks. Indeed, some stars are like that, but there are also people who act and work seriously.”

“But with the internet, they don’t seem to have a good end. They focus on acting, don’t know how to manage themselves, and don’t have a company that knows marketing. The traffic is not good, so there are few fans, so they are dragged out to be stepped on, rumored about, and splashed with dirty water at every turn. I hate using traffic to define actors.”

“But how does traffic come about? It’s the internet. After I left this circle, I thought about many things. The more I thought, the more I felt that the internet makes people impetuous and vicious. I want to do something for them, my juniors who work seriously. I am just an ordinary person now. Things I dared not do when I was a star, I dare to do now.”

Ling Lie asked, “How did ‘Pink Mask’ find you?”

Ye Ruige said, “I went to Country E for a trip to relax and met a group of ambitious good kids.”

This group of “good kids” was Wang Yingzhuo and others.

“I am older than them and have experienced more things, so I consider things more rationally than them. I know killing the internet is definitely not the correct decision. The internet cannot be killed, and besides malice, there is also a lot of goodwill on it.”

Ling Lie frowned. “But you still…”

Ye Ruige said, “Because we have no choice. We can’t think of a better solution. Sometimes to achieve an ordinary goal, extreme resistance must be carried out. Moreover… there is really no one to help us, help those juniors of mine.”

Ling Lie said, “When we met last time, you said you hoped the police would take action.”

“That was my unrealistic wish.” Ye Ruige smiled, her smile even containing a hint of tolerance and piety. “At that time, I was already a member of ‘Pink Mask’. I was taking action in my own way. But I know my behavior is also wrong. I hope there is a truly righteous force to correct my mistakes, the circle’s mistakes, and the internet’s mistakes. But I also understand that is wishful thinking.”

Ling Lie stood up. Ye Ruige looked up at him, the light spilling all over her. She said calmly, “I plead guilty.”

With some finishing work left, the series of “Pink Mask” cases could be considered cleared up. But Ji Chenjiao wanted to start from “Pink Mask” to catch clues about the “Floating Light” dark web. He stayed up several nights with Shen Qi and a group of tech investigation team members, but the results were minimal. Since leaving Xiarong City, Bai Lingxue was like a snowflake that had evaporated, leaving no trace, while traces of “Floating Light” were everywhere.

Ji Chenjiao pressed his forehead, zoning out on the balcony.

Ling Lie couldn’t find anyone in the tech investigation office area. After wandering around a few times, he saw the slightly lonely back on the balcony through the glass door.

Ling Lie walked over quietly and poked Ji Chenjiao’s lower back with a fist. “Don’t move, harvesting kidneys.”

Ji Chenjiao was always vigilant. Although on his own turf, being poked like this should have instinctively triggered a counterattack. But perhaps it was too familiar, or perhaps he knew it must be Ling Lie coming. He didn’t move before hearing the voice, behaving almost obediently. Hearing the voice and confirming it was Ling Lie, he symbolically raised both hands.

Ling Lie walked around to Ji Chenjiao’s front and pinched his face. “Boyfriend, in a bad mood?”

Only then did a play of light and shadow pass through Ji Chenjiao’s dark eyes. “How much for the kidney?”

Ling Lie laughed. “Not selling, or else the boyfriend becomes useless.”

Ji Chenjiao pondered for a moment. “Why are you making dirty jokes again?”

Ling Lie said innocently, “Did I? Your brain is dirty, hearing everything as dirty.”

The two bickered for a while. Ji Chenjiao’s tense nerves relaxed slightly, and he sighed.

Ling Lie said, “Sighing and groaning, you’ve become Old Man Ji.”

“Where exactly is Bai Lingxue?” Ji Chenjiao said, “I don’t know if Captain Ning can still be saved.”

Ling Lie said, “Oh, so you’re worrying about this.”

Ji Chenjiao turned back. “And you?”

“Me what?”

“‘Floating Light’ dark web is hard to take down, and Ah Xue is nowhere to be found. Aren’t you anxious?”

The weather in winter wasn’t very good; the sky was always leaden gray. Only at sunset did it stingily throw some golden-red glow onto the earth.

They stood in this glow. Ji Chenjiao had his back to the light, deep shadows on his face. Ling Lie’s pupils were illuminated golden, like a cat’s eyes at night.

“What Ah Xue Ah Xue, calling so affectionately.” Ling Lie said, “Is he your Ah Xue?”

Ji Chenjiao was speechless. There was no smile on Ling Lie’s face; he couldn’t tell if Ling Lie was joking. A few seconds later, he said, “Mm, you know each other. You called him Ah Xue.”

“Then he isn’t mine either.” Ling Lie smiled and gave Ji Chenjiao a punch. “Boyfriend, what’s wrong with you? Bai Lingxue is Bai Lingxue, Yan Xi is Yan Xi. No matter which name he uses, or what past he has with the young me or the rookie you, he is now a criminal! And we are police.”

Ji Chenjiao suddenly felt deeply moved. What was he struggling with just now? Ling Lie saw things clearer than him long ago.

But Ling Lie suddenly sighed too.

Ji Chenjiao smoothed his hair and cupped one side of his cheek. “Just finished lecturing me, what kind of sigh is this?”

“The influence of the ‘Floating Light’ dark web is deeper than I previously imagined.” Ling Lie said, “Do you think Ye Ruige is a kind person?”

Ji Chenjiao thought for a moment. “Sort of. Long-term luck made her accustomed to seeing beautiful things. Sudden bad luck made her recognize reality. She has common points with Wang Yingzhuo, liking to stand high and look down on society.”

Ling Lie said, “People like them have easier access to the dark web. Wang Yingzhuo wasn’t wrong; the dark web indeed has a threshold.”

“What are you worried about?”

“They indeed have more ideas than ordinary people and are more capable of putting ideas into practice. When the dark web meets them, greater potential will be stimulated.” Ling Lie said, “So boyfriend, actually I am also very anxious. If ‘Floating Light’ cannot be eliminated as soon as possible, it will trigger more high-level crimes.”

With the Major Crimes Unit investigating to this point, the procuratorate gradually began to intervene, and suspects would be successively transferred to the procuratorate. Xi Wan’s husband, Zhou Xiaofeng, happened to be one of the prosecutors responsible for bringing public prosecution against them.

The prosecutors went through the process at the municipal bureau, discussing case details with the criminal police. After the formal work came to an end, everyone chatted about other things.

Zhou Xiaofeng was familiar with many people in the criminal investigation detachment. After all, they had cooperated too many times, and he was even closer with the Major Crimes Unit. Him coming to the Major Crimes Unit was like returning to his wife’s maiden home.

With ample time, he stayed a bit longer at the Major Crimes Unit. Xi Wan was in a meeting over at trace inspection, so he waited for her.

Chatting, the topic gradually shifted from “Pink Mask” to Xu Jiang. Not long ago, Ling Lie interrupted mentioning that Xu Jiang was also a victim of online malice. Ji Chenjiao had been subconsciously concerned about this matter. Since Zhou Xiaofeng was here, he asked about internal news from the procuratorate.

“Hasn’t been reinstated yet. Xu Jiang’s mental state isn’t good right now either. Anyone slandered like that without being able to speak up and fight back would feel deeply blowed, right?” Zhou Xiaofeng felt regretful mentioning this. “We investigated internally for several rounds. Xu Jiang indeed has no problems, but we can’t withstand the public opinion attacks from outside.”

Ji Chenjiao said, “Can’t you issue an investigation report to clarify things?”

Zhou Xiaofeng shook his head. “But the internet insists he was domineering when studying. People won’t care if your reason was disciplining naughty boys and undisciplined girls; they will only say you engaged in bullying. You also know that school bullying is a very serious social issue now. Once used by those with intentions, it’s endless.”

“Actually, our leaders talked to Xu Jiang, wanting to temporarily transfer him to another position. Not an idle position, but also very important work. But you’ve contacted him; he’s stubborn. He feels he wasn’t wrong and shouldn’t be treated like this. The unit not speaking up for him and even compromising with malicious slanderers is emotionally unbearable for him. Once this mentality collapses, if you ask him to continue striving, can he still strive?”

Ji Chenjiao had seen some people with similar experiences. Some of them never recovered, left the system, and some went to idle departments, muddling along. He couldn’t help thinking of Wang Yingzhuo’s aggressive words. The internet indeed bred too much malice.

Xu Jiang’s situation was very complicated, and the Major Crimes Unit couldn’t help much here. Ji Chenjiao said, “By the way, Brother Zhou, regarding the ‘Pink Mask’ case, after you take over, be vigilant about them making an issue of public opinion. Condemning online malice easily arouses empathy. Their lawyers will definitely use this.”

Zhou Xiaofeng was stunned and immediately said, “Too right, I haven’t had time to think of this point yet!”

“Maybe they will even use Xu Jiang to make an issue.” Ling Lie came behind Ji Chenjiao and greeted Zhou Xiaofeng with a smile. “Hi, Mr. Zhou.”

Zhou Xiaofeng adopted Xi Wan’s address. “Hello, Mr. Ling.”

Ji Chenjiao: “Do you two have to do this? My goosebumps fell off.”

Ling Lie quickly squatted down. “Where where? Let me look?”

Ji Chenjiao pressed his head. Seeing a fight about to break out, Zhou Xiaofeng said, “Teacher Ling, you just said using Xu Jiang to make an issue?”

“I guessed.” Ling Lie said, “Xu Jiang being targeted inexplicably. Ms. Xi said last time that some prisoners started using Xu Jiang’s stains to cry injustice. Now the matter is not only unresolved but increasingly troublesome. It cannot be ruled out that individual sentenced big shots want to stink him up to gain capital for themselves after release. As long as there is money and hype, making the public believe he was framed by the prosecutor involved isn’t actually difficult—especially since this prosecutor, oh, now inspector, is full of stains.”

Zhou Xiaofeng looked serious. “We also considered this point, but haven’t found specific figures yet.”

Ling Lie nodded. “Just deduction, not necessarily the truth. But now there is a new situation. ‘Pink Mask’ condemning online malice is about to be tried. Inspector Xu suffered online malice and lost his job. A lawyer with a flexible brain will put these two things together and tell a sarcastic and resonant story—Aren’t you going to judge my client? Look at your colleague; is he a victim? We could have saved him, but what did you do?”

Zhou Xiaofeng suddenly felt his hair stand on end. On one hand because “Pink Mask” could use Xu Jiang’s predicament to checkmate the procuratorate, and on the other hand because of Ling Lie.

The person in front of him, looking devoid of any criminal police air, spoke rigorous and calm words in a lazy tone.

Recovering his senses, Zhou Xiaofeng subconsciously wanted to drink some water. He took the cup on the table, unscrewed the lid, only to realize he had finished the water during the meeting just now.

He stood up and smiled. “I’ll go get some water.”

Ling Lie suddenly leaned over significantly. Zhou Xiaofeng looked at his hand. “Hmm?”

“Cup.” Ling Lie asked grinningly, “Brother Zhou, where did you buy this cup? How much was it?”

Zhou Xiaofeng was completely baffled by the question, but Ji Chenjiao instantly understood Ling Lie’s intention. This guy was still thinking about buying him a veteran cadre thermos cup!