Chapter 121
Ren Yi stood before the charred ruins, unable to breathe for a long moment. In such an oppressive environment, anyone would feel the weight of despair.xjWwsNDvKCKxVrzVdYnKTLEJCOKuKA
cpOquWYhfkRQEASGong Yingxian handed him protective shoe covers and gloves. “Go take a look.”tEYyEzdHsKYyJhZBRwtSSyzJPZnYmm
GvIUTSadNqukiXMAfter putting them on, Ren Yi stepped forward cautiously.PwcVEWGZPkrLMtcGUelAyJDsVNyFAn
PfUUdHefWKkVWOUThe scene was littered with police tape and evidence markers. Ren Yi reviewed the photos while reconstructing the original positions of some evidence based on the layout.ZBOzcHkPGYRunutoaEOSetTdbYolWJ
kZslylPMrQETHYQTracing the burn marks, he conducted a preliminary analysis of the site. It was a straightforward fire scene: gasoline—ignition—combustion. The ignition point, accelerant, and spread direction were all clear. The overall findings aligned closely with the fire investigation team’s report.OTAhnGbsfxXdtNopQJLQfBJCXGgZPc
oWaGUcaVFEZeigVFeeling a tinge of disappointment, Ren Yi stood at the ignition point, lost in thought.iwDlcWCQxJbDBzaBIoVzvDWhLMreYk
WvEaIstMcMGzWnFGong Yingxian approached him. “What do you think? Any discoveries?”ffAGQKbNMSmyyFAdxrIdrvaFIxHswA
PWZhMKBNNuqRWdgRen Yi shook his head, unwilling to give up. “I’ll look again.”xytqHLRKqFYaiCKpvkuQffTrFZOWjW
SodxEYcYrpjQBEUHe meticulously combed through the scene once more. Under a pile of charred clothing, he noticed a peculiar mark. It was a palm-sized, incomplete square burn mark—extremely inconspicuous. First, it was hidden beneath the clothing. Second, it was covered by accelerant. Due to the prominent burn patterns left by the accelerant, this mark appeared faint in comparison.yDNsBwVEQaNdPSUHJIOQAmYMfOivHo
YHaidCGPmqxgMqOAt first glance, the mark seemed unremarkable, like something caused by a burned-out switch or socket. However, Ren Yi recalled that there hadn’t been anything like it in the evidence photos. Flipping through the pictures again, he confirmed his memory—nothing similar was documented.ldrIiJEiMFSEphdbpAQBfwXpAxWsik
yQmVhpSuqAgaTgrGong Yingxian crouched beside him. “What is this?”FdqqftveFnNuojFKuqFCQlPLtCztRB
AbjIxfKVrbiEKTN“Not sure yet,” Ren Yi replied. “Judging by the size, it might be from a switch or socket, but there’s clearly no floor outlet here. What’s strange is that there’s nothing like this among the evidence. It’s possible it got washed away during firefighting.” Fire hoses, with their intense pressure, often displace or destroy fragile, fire-damaged items.FYQwLvBucwEjvYCrczKHnDdjzWVfNy
cjPZgtCpeoYgiif“Could it be one of those support stakes for a booth? This rack is pretty heavy—it might need an extra support point.”RTzjpXTmgKpbsaxaAAZAcohbdTHZeW
fziCZAvuQnHLodG“That’s possible too.”DoXhddKrTFoaBYisrQxKhbkjSxgbZn
eeKpfQNHWuCuYtQ“Shall we look around the scene?” Gong Yingxian suggested, glancing at the sprawling, hundreds-of-square-meters of charred wreckage. He inhaled sharply at the thought.UIzKjinSLuJZVVpTUhPhOLAtvDnMXC
deLQbgaFkUDbauORen Yi sighed. “Let’s search the nearby area.”JqdpNekWnjlkHpCTHambvJJwVXkSVI
RYDEsTAarlNztlwThe two spent a long time sifting through the surrounding debris but didn’t find anything matching the shape. However, they did uncover something else: incomplete shoe prints in a location farther from the ignition point.VJveLbHYtElCjSkFSphMmxaVKaeVZm
sixHQxQYfpWWcUxThe reason these were identified as shoe prints rather than footprints was due to their distinctive characteristics: footprints typically show the impression of weight-bearing, while shoe prints reveal the tread pattern of the sole. These marks were irregular—some displayed clear shoe tread patterns, while others only showed the weight-pressed indentations.tdajOzvUbGrjdNOLhzOZhstfgzXHLW
DVBTbSozXFIKHerRen Yi immediately became alert. These shoe prints couldn’t belong to the firefighters or the investigators. Firefighters wear standardized boots with familiar tread patterns, and Ren Yi knew every variation by heart. Investigators—whether police officers or members of the fire investigation unit—wore gloves and shoe covers to preserve the crime scene. Moreover, this location was in the opposite direction of the fire’s origin, an area unlikely to be a focus for investigation.AYDHXoMEHUmllAwqccMSsqIybpnGYF
UwsjQXMUlNvpGUpThe prints were peculiar, appearing intermittently, as if the person had moved in a stop-and-go manner, eventually leading to the exit.ZsHHRxaVLQMJwkERgvtaGvgiAFFTFg
OmCXEWLlEmyuoVM“These shoe prints must have been made later. There’s no way such critical evidence was overlooked during the initial investigation,” Gong Yingxian said grimly. “Someone came here during the night.”vlExdZvpPnGpAOifpIALvOEiWuXOvO
MWzldAILdxZHGCN“Didn’t you assign people to guard the site?”IQVOpeTwYXMIVCjUCxQpeJYloxRGDi
FXrGkmWhGwhSOJo“We did, for seven days. But with limited manpower, we had to pull them back eventually.” Gong Yingxian frowned. “The way these marks look, I suspect whoever came here was wearing shoe covers. However, the covers might have torn on something at the scene without them realizing.”EjECsarBuLSkRqinISpoObVyIcUNjd
ktctvaFGZFEMAhNRen Yi’s eyes lit up in understanding. “Exactly. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have left such odd traces.”tXDBZhXJxhsequaslBgPHzkqfmimtd
gnppqvpTEhwIpEN“Follow me.”hHuJTqqbLpQppSdAnXXbMzhoeUhEdD
KboflVSMYdKKzgmLeaving Building A, Gong Yingxian led Ren Yi to the nearest garbage bin. Once there, she raised an eyebrow, signaling Ren Yi to check it.mBLNQbGrozaDTrIwaANSjJVDxvjvlz
VftWHHWlYmvrfbSRen Yi took a deep breath, then held it, rolling up his sleeves as he reluctantly started digging through the trash.NiFcjIbCDusdynfyGjxSbUAuSaaruE
QkOZEcNzmtBwAQT“In high-traffic areas like this, garbage trucks usually come daily,” Gong Yingxian explained. “But since this area has been sealed off, the only ones coming and going are investigators and staff. These municipal trash bins probably haven’t been emptied for several days.”QbYPpeedmKDymStRrDtZjSiykIBHgW
GKvIlcDqfvrFdewRen Yi quickly searched through the bin, then stood up, taking deep breaths. “Nothing.”xOExWvEpuGYgjvtHaiinkGzKopNDIX
FyGwrBCLBfugIdq“Let’s circle the building.”rracOPxkhjwyZrzSTPQmuLyzPsGehg
JEGOvZrDFVfZHDoAlthough Ren Yi despised rummaging through garbage, especially alone, he knew that “Princess Gong” wouldn’t dirty her hands.DNxUStAuiVPzjAaHTYkjjgPLQjxoVq
qUGORlFdygAngJgResigned to his fate, Ren Yi checked four more bins in succession. Finally, he pulled out a torn pair of shoe covers, the sole of one ripped open.oZNJXBkcuDQaOaTBgdjWMyZmKLXTpv
OhTVmTTcStuYEegGong Yingxian opened an evidence bag and held it out. “As expected. Someone came here. Whether they’re the arsonist remains to be seen.”hGktjkPLrYVPZmxPsRmGvBkjnVtKTq
ZKRiswxYPXTEAts“They must have come after your team pulled back and likely chose late at night. If we check surveillance cameras on nearby streets during that time frame, we should find something.”RxRfeSXnMDYRuFIWCNgINdKRFufnbD
ZDxdDxtxAvZOcJO“Exactly. The search radius has now been significantly reduced.” Gong Yingxian smirked coldly. “They’ve left behind a clue after all.”EwFHKKcNKxzkrfIthstnYwRcfDWlTJ
mNzZrYFDluzXRsi“But why would they come back?” Ren Yi speculated. “To take photos? Livestream? That’s far too risky, especially with the task force watching this case closely. No one would risk this much for a little money.”SejTynTKOoMGLPrsLToGqAztEBEhEa
gSHSentRyoClTKM“You’re right. The risk is too high—it couldn’t be for money,” Gong Yingxian said thoughtfully. “In a situation like this, the most likely reason is to destroy evidence.”VAnOqoFfaeaHpZvNakpLxLjtwrBoVu
mOkWIIZlTGCyMtpRen Yi cursed under his breath. “How did this person know when the police would pull back? And what kind of evidence were they so desperate to destroy?”WpDBanebCiFpfCJdEUfNqSUXTGpYFe
taymRYGJJvrHzjF“It’s clear he’s cautious—a seasoned arsonist with anti-surveillance awareness,” Gong Yingxian said, his expression darkening. “But even he didn’t realize his shoe covers tore. He knew he had to return to destroy evidence, knew exactly when the police would withdraw. He’s one of us.”gINZPobhPFJizyoPYeKRNdRLkcWHcB
CQUTcnpkjDpieUMRen Yi felt his hands trembling. The thought was unbearable—just how deeply had this organization infiltrated? Nineteen years ago, there had been a mole in the case. Now, were they facing the same nightmare?LVhvcCqbkiHDvKkaIbVQxNTKEMgzIN
qERPGLgolJmRlguGong Yingxian’s expression grew grim. “This shoe print, though incomplete, is enough to identify the shoe model. We have a comprehensive tread database. Once we match the pattern, I’ll compare it with all personnel involved in the case.”GJrIIsMKuqZvYzTfFEcSFfJkzUXZyb
iShoETXRfOPxurERen Yi clenched his fists. Suddenly, he lashed out, kicking the trash bin with all his might, venting his frustration. He kicked it several more times, the surging anger within him refusing to subside.CoVAeMCQVzzjklJzUJgtQnwwnBywbA
VSCtcfYPJeuOkevFinally, Gong Yingxian stepped in, pulling him back. “Enough. You’re still injured—don’t overexert yourself.”rFxgVgCekXhSilTtMzMkVhDCrLoCnq
pcoFGcgTqxqJIEaRen Yi turned his back to him, struggling to suppress the murderous rage boiling inside.KufUVqKYjffyIjLVdgkGckPAmHyVGQ
yhdPfYmsuQgXrOoHe could maintain calm objectivity in other arson cases—he was ordered to. But this case had taken his brother’s life. The resentment he harbored had never truly been quelled. It festered like a restless volcano. And now, realizing the police might not even be trustworthy, how could he not feel enraged? How could he not feel utterly despondent?etvFXzWwMIpDULmpXNHQbDucXouzMd
QzumZbAoKUIdqgjGong Yingxian watched his silhouette in silence, unsure how to console him.HuenoRHdBkfUnRRDqCNYpAgUZgQzfF
yDgGVUNmENmdEFqAfter a long while, Ren Yi finally calmed down. He turned to face Gong Yingxian, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t angry at you.”arLFfnEXWgsazpnOXxOUCbyobJhzfc
XELKvmLzaQGCTvSGong Yingxian reached out, clasping the back of Ren Yi’s neck, pulling his head to rest on his shoulder. With a gentleness he hadn’t even noticed in himself, he said, “I understand.”tuABTlCzrikITdOoTysJNJApkmHOez
SYxzIUYHPROQLhNPsychologically, grief is often described as a process with multiple stages, and while the specifics vary, anger is always a significant and inevitable step. The incident hadn’t occurred long ago, and Ren Yi’s rage was far from dissipated. He was merely suppressing it. No one understood the pain of losing someone important better than Gong Yingxian.qpYWAQkqVPgDlzggMgyurSSifwxjOe
MlYwSGdWmhfUrJKRen Yi nestled his forehead against Gong Yingxian’s shoulder, finding a brief moment of solace and warmth.CIlSPStgSaTJJfAOGXIEAXVxncaWIf
fQbqOZnTWsetxCPBut they were still out in the open, on a public street, and couldn’t linger too long. They separated soon after.MsRQapMbKGtuobqsfPSCkbNJcxDtOA
RGwNnJkPxEtiASxReturning to Building A, they collected evidence of the shoe prints and carefully examined the scene again. Only when the sky darkened did they finally leave.MkJVxdHwJrWJWceAuKcFqoITAVHIww
KGRFDWrEZqCHBsVGong Yingxian drove Ren Yi back to his team’s base. Along the way, they continued discussing the case.OEIJyPpMFePVIpvBHUJYcYWUAAFxCh
mFflorGojayzYPrAt the gate, Ren Yi leaned over, planting a quick kiss on Gong Yingxian’s cheek. With a touch of reluctance, he said, “Looks like we won’t see each other until the New Year.”AehULVrZCFWAcXvgExVnkEwzEnmPAV
SvPcQsiCSfRssxi“Yeah, it’s only a few days away. Be extra careful until then.”iYlQJurxGlYuIWYzDlVoTQHpfsiIMz
RtFXTuLjLrSbUif“Don’t worry. You too.” Ren Yi smiled. “I’ll head in now.”MRpzzLDzeDRMLtMPQZfbYEdBxroyFE
anpcArhJQosCWAA“Wait a second.” Gong Yingxian hesitated, his expression conflicted.MNIvdMOfDjUKQzzqaKovMnXLBoyyqC
LaxdfSeKXDqvVLS“What’s wrong?”plRsFBcQwCsMYJkMevKMnNoarZRWPi
NINDZSmCEOahVHvAfter a pause, Gong Yingxian retrieved a document folder from the storage compartment. “This came from the hospital a couple of days ago. It’s the second-phase treatment plan for your father. They needed your signature. It should have been sent to you directly, but…”yCdhHFwVJoxHaqvrOFSzLdGIXcKhPh
nEQFqVTPDxuksDM“Oh, okay.” Ren Yi thought about his state over the past few days. Even if it had been sent to him, he wouldn’t have dealt with it. He took the pen and signed without hesitation.wqKmFLbGlwbkRdcPDNhtwMthmfUQFK
UycnRYKDYGYFXtq“You’re not going to read it?” Gong Yingxian asked, his eyes betraying a moment of internal struggle.UtroVwSXOXaoTIylfMLtMtcIPFJquy
MCetoMAlAPReoUqRen Yi flipped through it casually and laughed. “Like I’d understand it. I recognize every word, but together, they make no sense. Anyway, the first phase worked well. Your doctors are incredible. Thanks.”MsYsWvBLGSBxeqSeyiwRRtyAbeRNPp
MgOVoYQVzVUZvFBGong Yingxian responded with a low “mm.”ICjVxahCtJMJVOGvinzEhyHhSYQrJQ
pCXGwzCLfBmwqKcRen Yi looked at him deeply. “I was feeling awful earlier, but after thinking it over, even if there are untrustworthy people in the police force, I trust you. I know you’ll catch those bastards—those animals who destroyed your family, who took my brother, who took so many innocent lives.”OUYhIKeRBAGATySPyWYGwLBOvtqPOl
gmFSRFJIQiEcPSCGong Yingxian’s lips quivered slightly. He nodded slowly.OEQfEhpLnSRdoeFQYToVranUmaKYhc
RQSMucmActfxQeN“See you at New Year.” Ren Yi got out of the car, waved at him, and headed into the building.tUHLYyfTyKuRpsTMFAxUVChRhPYoMS
wFdbxOmPCxnLFEVGong Yingxian watched him disappear inside, then looked down at the contract on the passenger seat. He closed his eyes, exhaustion washing over him.cbVqXNBrMItlgCcAZTtovlXbhLWVkI
hTERbdRLeSwXcwreUYizwSUnoIALrwpnPyNPSZpZZdLTh