Flashback to over twenty years ago. The eighteen-year-old Chen Xiangli was considered quite beautiful in Feng’an County. She went to the city for middle school and returned to Feng’an County after finishing vocational school. Because her family was also in the funeral business, she met Tan Fabin.

At that time, Tan Fabin had just taken over the Tan family’s workshop. He was ambitious and spoke with great enthusiasm about the future of the funeral industry. Chen Xiangli was easily attracted to this good-looking and hardworking man. The two hit it off. Initially, Chen Xiangli just gave Tan Fabin some ideas—young people always find it easier to talk to each other, and Tan Fabin highly approved of Chen Xiangli’s development strategies.

Soon, Tan Fabin confessed his feelings to Chen Xiangli, and they began a relationship, stealing moments of leisure from their busy lives.

Although she was busy every day back then, Chen Xiangli was undoubtedly happy. She even felt a sense of fulfillment in doing housework for Tan Fabin.

Tan Fabin’s energy was focused on his career, so his home was naturally a mess. Tan Fabin also had a younger brother, Shen Wei, who was an excellent student. Chen Xiangli had a good impression of the polite little gentleman, and Shen Wei treated her like an older sister. The two secretly agreed to become Tan Fabin’s right and left hands.

A few years later, the Tan family became a landmark in Feng’an County’s funeral industry, and the Chen family’s workshop merged with the Tan’s. Everyone congratulated Chen Xiangli, saying she had a good eye for picking a man who could make money. Some also reminded her to keep a close watch on Tan Fabin, as men tend to go bad once they get rich.

Chen Xiangli wasn’t worried about Tan Fabin going bad. The man was a funeral fanatic, with eyes only for those lifeless handicrafts.

The divergence began here, or perhaps the seeds were sown from the very beginning of their acquaintance.

When the business stabilized, Chen Xiangli began to think about marriage. By then, both she and Tan Fabin were no longer young, and they had been together for so many years. Anyone would think it was time to get married and start a family. But when she proposed it, Tan Fabin said he still had business to expand in the city and other provinces, and he also wanted to promote the culture of ghosts and gods, so he couldn’t juggle a family at the moment.

Chen Xiangli didn’t argue with Tan Fabin, but she felt a faint sense of loss. She knew very well that Tan Fabin wouldn’t “go bad once he got rich,” but in Tan Fabin’s heart, she was not as important as his career. What she sought was an ordinary, affluent, and happy family, while what Tan Fabin pursued was spiritual satisfaction in the funeral, white affairs, and supernatural industry.

Tan Fabin spent less and less time at home. Shen Wei was studying in another city and could only return during holidays. Many times, Chen Xiangli was the only one at home. She felt lonely and slowly grew angry.

She even wished Tan Fabin would fall for someone else, then she would have a legitimate reason to end the relationship—she didn’t really care that much about the money; she longed for the stability of a family. If Tan Fabin were willing to marry her, she wouldn’t complain even if he was still always away on business trips after marriage.

She never complained to anyone about her unhappy love life until Shen Wei brought Fu Shun’an back from school. She had a very happy holiday because the house, long silent, suddenly became lively. Shen Wei, having been “poisoned” by the school cafeteria for a semester, ordered dishes from her every day. She loved this feeling of interacting with family.

Fu Shun’an was a quiet and introverted young man, but once his area of expertise was mentioned, he couldn’t help but talk animatedly.

Chen Xiangli was very interested in law because not long ago, Tan Fabin had been scammed over some legal issues and lost a sum of money. She took the opportunity to consult Fu Shun’an. Fu Shun’an had his textbooks in his luggage and meticulously explained and took notes for her.

Gradually, an unusual affection grew between the two, unknown even to Shen Wei.

When Tan Fabin returned to Feng’an County, Chen Xiangli, who used to be overjoyed at his return, now felt a faint sense of annoyance. Tan Fabin was completely unaware. Seeing that Shen Wei had brought a classmate back, he even took Fu Shun’an out for a drink.

Chen Xiangli felt even more wronged. Tan Fabin hadn’t taken her out for a drink in a long time, yet he could take Shen Wei and the newly met Fu Shun’an out. In the end, Tan Fabin was deeply chauvinistic at his core, believing that men were worth befriending, while women were not as important.

Chen Xiangli thought: You’re not that important either.

When the holiday ended and Shen Wei and Fu Shun’an left Feng’an County, a sense of loss swept over Chen Xiangli. But soon, she received a letter from Fu Shun’an, in which he wrote that he missed everything in Feng’an County, and the people of Feng’an County.

Chen Xiangli looked forward to the next holiday with great anticipation, even more so than she looked forward to Tan Fabin’s return home.

To prepare for their graduate school exams, Shen Wei and Fu Shun’an returned to Feng’an County. Tan Fabin gave them a newly renovated house to live in. Chen Xiangli went to cook for them every day. In the afternoon, while they were doing practice questions, she would also take a book and read quietly with them. In between, she would cut some fruit and make some pastries. Shen Wei would tell jokes while eating, and Fu Shun’an would exchange glances with her.

In the evening, under the magnificent sunset of Feng’an County, she and Fu Shun’an would stroll along the small river.

However, neither of them ever verbalized this affection.

The results of the graduate school exams were released, and both Shen Wei and Fu Shun’an were successful. It was only then that Fu Shun’an held Chen Xiangli and said, “Being a lawyer will definitely be a very promising profession in the future. When I make a name for myself, will you be with me?”

Chen Xiangli said “yes” countless times in her heart, but the great mountain of Tan Fabin stood between them. She had been with Tan Fabin since she was eighteen. Tan Fabin had done nothing wrong. How could she leave him?

After Shen Wei and Fu Shun’an returned to school, Chen Xiangli thought it over carefully and decided to break up with Tan Fabin. However, Tan Fabin’s reaction was beyond her expectation.

“Break up? Why? I’ve never been with another woman. How will others see me after we break up?”

Chen Xiangli was stunned. She had originally thought that since Tan Fabin valued his career so much, and she had put in ninety percent of the effort to maintain their relationship, it meant Tan Fabin didn’t need her that much, so an amicable breakup should be possible.

But now she knew that Tan Fabin didn’t need her affection, but he needed her as a symbol by his side—her presence would add luster to his career.

Tan Fabin told her clearly that a breakup was impossible.

Chen Xiangli suddenly asked, “Then what about marriage? If we’re not breaking up, then let’s get married first!”

Tan Fabin fell silent, then said after a long while, “Xiangli, I don’t have the energy to consider that right now.”

Chen Xiangli’s perception of Tan Fabin completely collapsed. Before, she had only thought Tan Fabin was very chauvinistic and valued his career more than his family. Now, she felt that Tan Fabin was selfish and detestable, like a cold-blooded demon.

She couldn’t have a family, nor could she leave Tan Fabin to pursue the happiness that was within her reach. Every time Fu Shun’an came back to see her afterward, she felt sad. When could they truly be together? Was it only if Tan Fabin died that she could be free?

This thought that suddenly entered her mind made her shudder. Yes, if Tan Fabin died, she could be with Fu Shun’an!

During that period, Tan Fabin happened to be staying in the county for an unusually long time. The workshop had run into legal problems again, and Tan Fabin was somewhat irritable. Chen Xiangli brought out the law books she had borrowed from the county library and discussed them with Tan Fabin. Tan Fabin praised her for being so capable.

Their relationship became harmonious again. Chen Xiangli took the opportunity to ask Tan Fabin to come to the workshop at night to see the new paper house he had designed. Tan Fabin readily agreed.

That day, Tan Fabin drank a lot. When he arrived at the workshop, Chen Xiangli hadn’t arrived yet, so he continued to work on the paper house. Once immersed in his own world, Tan Fabin would become exceptionally focused and generally wouldn’t hear the noises around him.

It was precisely because Chen Xiangli knew this habit of his that she approached him quietly with a knife and stabbed him fiercely in his internal organs.

When Tan Fabin died, his eyes stared at her blankly, as if he still hadn’t registered what had happened. She held back her tears and fear, and said with a tremor, “I had no choice. You forced me to do this!”

After Tan Fabin stopped breathing, she quickly followed her previous plan, covering Tan Fabin’s body with the paper house to create a bizarre, vengeful scene. Then she cleaned up the workshop, disposing of everything related to the crime.

When the police came to investigate, she was constantly in tears. The whole county said her relationship with Tan Fabin was very deep and they were about to get married. Coupled with the fact that there were more worthy suspects to investigate at the time, she, the true killer, faded from the police’s view.

“You killed Tan Fabin alone?” Ji Chenjiao said, “Fu Shun’an was also in Feng’an County at the time.”

Chen Xiangli said excitedly, “Fu Shun’an knows nothing. I did it all by myself!”

Ji Chenjiao sighed. Even now, Chen Xiangli still wanted to protect Fu Shun’an. Back then, the police determined the killer was male. How could a petite woman like her have killed Tan Fabin alone?

And Fu Shun’an’s story was completely different from Chen Xiangli’s—

After Tan Fabin’s death, Shen Wei was overcome with grief. Fu Shun’an stayed in Feng’an County to help with the funeral arrangements and assist in the investigation, staying almost inseparable from Shen Wei. He felt pity for the constantly weeping Chen Xiangli.

Later, he continued his studies and learned that Shen Wei and Chen Xiangli had disbanded the Tan family’s workshop and used all the family’s funds and compensation money to track the killer, but to no avail. He wanted to help, but he was just a recent graduate, his career was not going well, and he hadn’t even established himself in society.

He kept in touch with Shen Wei, but Shen Wei seemed reluctant to trouble him and rarely asked for anything. It was only half a year later that he found out Shen Wei and Chen Xiangli had left the heartbreaking place of Feng’an County and come to Feng City to work.

His once warm and cheerful classmate had become silent and reserved, barely making a living by setting up a food stall at the hospital gate. Chen Xiangli also had to become a caregiver to support herself.

Fu Shun’an felt heartbroken and also hated himself for being unable to catch the killer.

A few years later, due to career development, he moved to Feng City and had more and more contact with Shen Wei and Chen Xiangli. Shen Wei still hadn’t given up on hunting the killer, while Chen Xiangli, unable to forget Tan Fabin, lived a lonely life.

He suddenly felt a great deal of pity for Chen Xiangli. This pity was different from infatuation and love; perhaps it stemmed from the meals Chen Xiangli had cooked years ago and those carefree youthful days. He felt that such a woman deserved someone to cherish her.

Three years ago, he faced his feelings honestly and confessed his love to Chen Xiangli. Chen Xiangli was very flustered at first, repeatedly emphasizing that she loved Tan Fabin and that their social statuses were too far apart.

He understood that Chen Xiangli had low self-esteem. But once love arrives, it gives one the courage to cross mountains and seas. He continuously showed her care and gradually won her over. Chen Xiangli slowly accepted his pursuit.

But a problem he had never considered arose—how would they face Shen Wei?

Shen Wei regarded Chen Xiangli as his sister-in-law. His sister-in-law was now with his best friend. Although it was legitimate in the eyes of the law, in terms of personal relationships, Shen Wei would definitely not be able to accept it.

Fu Shun’an and Chen Xiangli had no choice but to hide their relationship from Shen Wei. Out of consideration for Shen Wei’s feelings, Chen Xiangli was even unwilling to move out of the dilapidated old building. Fu Shun’an felt extremely guilty. He wanted to give Chen Xiangli a happy home, and he now had the means to do so, but he couldn’t fulfill his wish.

“Xiangli and I were both very sad about Brother Tan’s death, especially Xiangli, but it had nothing to do with us. It’s been so long, the living have the right to pursue happiness.” Fu Shun’an said with great emotion, “I admit to forging the audio, but Old Shen administering the poison and Brother Tan’s case have nothing to do with me!”

When the two statements were put together, it was very clear who was lying.

Ji Chenjiao: “You want to give Chen Xiangli happiness?”

Fu Shun’an’s eyes were red. “Yes! She has had it too hard for so many years. In the future, I will make things clear to Old Shen. I want to live with Xiangli in the sunlight!”

“But she has already confessed that she alone killed Tan Fabin.” Ji Chenjiao stressed the words “alone” particularly heavily. “Because as early as seventeen years ago, she fell in love with you and wanted to remove the obstacle to you two being together. Fu Shun’an, it’s already impossible for her to live with you in the sunlight.”

Fu Shun’an froze. Red veins throbbed in his eyes. He shook his head in disbelief, stunned. “Xiangli, how could Xiangli…”

“Indeed, how could a delicate woman like Chen Xiangli kill Tan Fabin alone?” Ji Chenjiao said, “She’s protecting someone, isn’t she? Seventeen years ago, they killed Tan Fabin together so they could be together.”

Fu Shun’an fell from his chair, which tipped over backward with a harsh scraping sound.

Ji Chenjiao walked up to him, his figure blocking part of the pouring light. “Fu Shun’an, can you bear to watch the person you want to protect suffer the punishment all alone?”

“No!” Fu Shun’an howled like a wild beast. He frantically tore at his own hair, speaking incoherently, “We had an agreement! We had an agreement! Why didn’t you listen to me!”

Ji Chenjiao squatted down. “What did you agree on? To never confess? Because the case is seventeen years old, as long as you don’t admit it, it can be treated as if it never happened?”

Fu Shun’an looked at Ji Chenjiao in terror. This young police officer seemed more terrifying than all the criminal police, judicial police, and prosecutors he had encountered over the years.

“Fu Shun’an, I’ll ask you one more time. Was it really only Chen Xiangli who killed Tan Fabin?”

A sorrowful roar erupted in the interrogation room. Fu Shun’an’s face was covered in tears. “It was me! I was the one who killed him! I was the one who forced Xiangli to leave Tan Fabin and be with me! Xiangli is innocent, you let her go!”

This time, Fu Shun’an’s confession was basically consistent with Chen Xiangli’s, except that Chen Xiangli said she was the killer, while Fu Shun’an said he was the one who did it. Chen Xiangli had only lured Tan Fabin to the workshop and did the subsequent cleanup.

“We were very naive back then, thinking that as long as Tan Fabin died, we could be together. But when the police started investigating the case, I realized that if Tan Fabin were alive, we might have had a chance to be together openly one day. With him dead, we could only ever hide in the darkness.”

“It wasn’t just the police watching us, but also Shen Wei. Shen Wei was more difficult to deal with than the police. If he found out that Xiangli and I had any interaction beyond the normal, he would immediately suspect that we killed Tan Fabin!”

“What kind of life have Xiangli and I lived all these years? I really…” Fu Shun’an sobbed uncontrollably. “I so badly want Xiangli to have an easier life. Tan Fabin is already dead, but he still won’t let her go!”

Ji Chenjiao asked, “After so long, why did you suddenly want to use Mou Dianpei to send Shen Wei to prison?”

Fu Shun’an wiped his face and gave a bitter smile. “As long as he’s around, Xiangli and I can’t live a proper life. We’re already in our forties. How much hope is there left in life? Is Xiangli supposed to be a caregiver for the rest of her life? We’re too tired, constantly having to be on guard against Shen Wei. What if one day we’re not careful and he finds out?”

“Xiangli works in a hospital and is used to seeing life and death. As for me, I’m a lawyer, and I’m also used to seeing the unpredictability of life. Maybe one day there’s an accident, and we… I don’t want to leave behind the regret of ‘never having been properly together in this lifetime.’ Besides, that guy Shen Wei, he’s very smart and also scary. When he eliminates all other options, he will definitely suspect Xiangli and me.”

Ji Chenjiao said, “Shen Wei gave Chen Xiangli a Buddhist shrine. Did you know about that?”

Fu Shun’an was stunned for a moment, then nodded. “Xiangli was terrified. It was also because of this incident that I made up my mind to send him to prison.”

At this point, Fu Shun’an’s mood sank again. “Xiangli, she’s still too fragile. It was my fault for not making her feel secure. I repeatedly told her that no matter how the police questioned her about what happened seventeen years ago, she shouldn’t crack, that she should leave everything to me, but she still confessed. How did you threaten her?”

“Threaten?” Ji Chenjiao sneered. “I didn’t say a single word to threaten her.”

Fu Shun’an frowned and shook his head. “Impossible. Then why would she confess?”

“Because I told her you were also at the Municipal Bureau.”

Fu Shun’an was blank for a moment, then suddenly understood.

Ji Chenjiao: “In her heart, you as a lawyer still have a bright future. She wanted to take the blame for you.”

Fu Shun’an lowered his head, and after a moment, a muffled sob escaped his throat.

The case was basically clear. But the Feng’an County case was not just about Tan Fabin; the Bi Jiang case was still unresolved. Fu Shun’an and Chen Xiangli would have to await further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division. They both staunchly denied killing Bi Jiang.

From a motive perspective, it was indeed unlikely that they had killed Bi Jiang. In that case, this case was very likely a copycat crime.

As for Lu Feixiang, the details of his poisoning had been investigated and cleared, and his case was about to be transferred to the procuratorate.

On the day he left the Municipal Bureau, Lu Feixiang had specifically requested not to see Shen Wei, wanting to leave quietly alone. But three “uninvited guests” suddenly appeared at the Municipal Bureau—Zeng Shu, Xue Bin, and Cao Xinxin.

To be precise, Cao Xinxin had been dragged there by Zeng Shu and Xue Bin.

The three got out of a luxury car. Cao Xinxin’s shoulders were slumped, and his face was tear-streaked, looking extremely panicked. Xue Bin, ignoring that this was the Municipal Bureau, grabbed Cao Xinxin by the back of his collar and barged into the Criminal Investigation Division.

Huang Yi rushed over upon hearing the news. “What are you doing? This is the Municipal Bureau! Watch yourselves!”

Only then did Zeng Shu pull at Xue Bin, making him let go of Cao Xinxin. “Captain Huang, I want to see Teacher Ling. He knows me. We were all classmates of Lu Feixiang.”

Huang Yi knew about Lu Feixiang’s withdrawal from school. He had them wait in a lounge first and warned Xue Bin not to cause trouble. Soon, he called for Ling Lie.

“Teacher Ling! We want to see Lu Feixiang!” Zeng Shu’s face was flushed, looking very excited. “For the past few days, Xue Bin and I have been investigating Lu Feixiang’s case. We’ve already found out the truth. The person who stole the dorm supplies back then was this person.” Zeng Shu pointed at Cao Xinxin. “He was also the one who stole the lab reagents and equipment! And, he was the one who framed me and Lu Feixiang for holding hands on a walk at night!”

Xue Bin kicked Cao Xinxin’s stool. “Are you mute? Speak!”

Cao Xinxin shrank back in fear. “It was me, it was all me! I’ve always had a habit of petty theft, and my family’s financial situation wasn’t good. There were two rich kids living in the dorm, so I got an idea. I was afraid of being found out, so I spread rumors that Lu Feixiang took it. Later, my intentions became more and more twisted. I stole reagents to sell them. At that time, the incident with Lu Feixiang, Xue Bin, and Zeng Shu had just happened. I saw Xue Bin targeting Lu Feixiang, so I framed Lu Feixiang for the missing reagents. To provoke Xue Bin, I even made up a rumor that Lu Feixiang and Zeng Shu were holding hands… It was all my fault. I’m sorry to Lu Feixiang. I, I’m here today to apologize to him!”

Xue Bin stood up swaggeringly, once again grabbing Cao Xinxin by the back of his collar, and looked at Ling Lie cockily. “That’s how it is. We want to apologize to Lu Feixiang in person.”

Ling Lie’s gaze swept across the three faces. The criminal police officer next to him was about to say that Lu Feixiang refused to see anyone, but Ling Lie interrupted him, showing the curiosity of a gossip-loving onlooker. “Sure, he’s about to get in the car. You’ve come at just the right time.”

In the Municipal Bureau’s parking lot, the procuratorate’s car had already arrived. Lu Feixiang was being led down by three criminal police officers when he suddenly heard someone call his name from behind. He turned around, and his brow immediately furrowed.

Zeng Shu ran towards him, waving and shouting, “Brother Feixiang!”

Xue Bin lagged behind, dragging Cao Xinxin, his expression somewhat awkward.

Lu Feixiang: “What are you doing here?”

Zeng Shu: “We’ve already cleared up what happened back then. It was all Cao Xinxin’s doing. Xue Bin and I are here today to sincerely apologize.”

With that, she bowed deeply to Lu Feixiang.

Xue Bin was somewhat reluctant, but he also said, “Brother, I’m sorry. I was blinded by anger back then and caused you to drop out of school.”

Cao Xinxin also bowed, crying.

Ling Lie leaned against the car, his expression somewhat cold.

Lu Feixiang didn’t speak, nor did he accept their apology. He turned to get into the car.

Xue Bin suddenly stopped him, and Zeng Shu also caught up. “Brother Feixiang, don’t worry. We are responsible for what you’re going through now. Xue Bin and I will hire the best lawyer for you. When you get out in the future, we will also cover all your expenses for studying abroad. We are truly sorry and want to compensate you. Please forgive us!”

Xue Bin nodded. “Brother, look forward. There’s no obstacle in life that can’t be overcome.”

After a few seconds, Lu Feixiang said faintly, “Stop with the self-congratulatory theatrics.”

Zeng Shu and Xue Bin were both stunned.

Ling Lie silently applauded. Self-congratulatory. That was exactly what he had wanted to say to Zeng and Xue just now, but what credibility would his words have? This had to be said by Lu Feixiang, which was why he let them see him.

Xue Bin: “You, what do you mean?”

“Do you think that after an ordinary person’s life has been pushed onto a side road, it’s so easily corrected? That’s only a privilege for you rich kids.” Lu Feixiang spoke very calmly, as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him. “For someone like me, once you’ve ruined me, there’s no chance of getting back up. What you’re doing now, if not self-congratulatory, what is it? Do you think I need it? When I truly needed it, where were you?”

Zeng Shu, with tears in her eyes, “Brother Feixiang, let us explain. Xue Bin and I were indeed wrong, but we have the ability to…”

“No need.” Lu Feixiang cut her off, a hint of disgust in his eyes. “Are you here to show off your superiority to me again? Put away your good intentions. Not all mistakes can be compensated for. Too late is too late. I could have been at the Third Hospital saving lives, but now? I poisoned and killed a person.”

Zeng Shu covered her mouth, unable to speak another word. Xue Bin also didn’t know what to say. “Brother…”

“Don’t call me brother, I’m not worthy.” Lu Feixiang pulled open the car door and didn’t look back. “Go back. My business has nothing to do with you, and I don’t want to accept your ‘good intentions’ anymore.”

The car drove out of the Municipal Bureau. Zeng Shu and Xue Bin stood there blankly. Behind them, Cao Xinxin squatted on the ground, holding his head, it was unclear if he was crying for himself or for Lu Feixiang.

Shen Wei was also watching the procuratorate’s car leave. He wanted to see Lu Feixiang off and say a few more words to him, but Lu Feixiang refused to see him. He could only come secretly, hiding in a place where Lu Feixiang couldn’t see him to watch him go.

But Ling Lie saw Shen Wei, a very thin figure from the back. Ling Lie stopped. Just as Shen Wei was about to turn, he hid in the shadows, not letting Shen Wei see him.

Ji Chenjiao also watched this scene from the temporary office. Soon, Ling Lie came upstairs. Huang Ping rushed over with the final case report, asking if there was anything else they could add.

Ling Lie finished half a bottle of iced water and, without even looking at the report, smiled. “Case closed already?”

Huang Ping was taken aback. “The Tan Fabin case still needs further investigation, but this Mou Dianpei case can be closed. What, is there something still not right?”

Ling Lie said, “I don’t think this Mou Dianpei case can be closed either.”

Huang Ping: “Huh?”

Ji Chenjiao walked over and thoughtfully picked up the report. Objectively speaking, this report was written very clearly, but there was one person who was almost invisible in it.

Ling Lie said, “Actually, all of this was orchestrated by Shen Wei. We, the police, were just a knife in Shen Wei’s revenge.”