I initially found it hard to believe, given that we were married. But Ning and I had recently argued again over He Xin, blaming me for not telling her about He Xin's pregnancy sooner. I don't know what got into me, but I suddenly lost my temper and yelled at her a few words, after which she left in a huff.
Actually, Ning isn't that kind of person. I don't know who spread those rumors at the provincial department. Even though both of us were innocent, if so many people started to have that thought, the situation would become quite bad. Things that are fabricated can easily be perceived as real.
I acted very low-key, often avoiding contact. Over time, this only made our relationship more strained, and I didn't back down then. It wasn't until this morning that someone mailed me a blank piece of paper. But I used white vinegar, and words quickly appeared on it: "It's time for us to settle things, right? Since Liu Team is your wife, but you also know my feelings! — Ma Biao!"
When I read this, I almost believed it was true. He actually asked me to meet him, probably wanting to clarify things. But after thinking it over, I felt this matter couldn't be that simple. I flipped the blank paper and saw some writing on the back: "Pin Hao Hotel, Room A502, waiting for me!"
This was an address, but I looked it up online and found that the hotel had been abandoned for years. I hesitated, wondering if I should go, but ultimately decided to keep the appointment.
I arrived at the hotel around 4 PM, the sun still quite strong. I went upstairs and found Room A502. However, I suddenly noticed some movement near Room B503 opposite. I wanted to move, but someone held me by the throat from behind: "Don't move, Detective He, it's me..."
My memory ends here. I don't want to think about it further. Looking back at the hotel upstairs, I resolutely slipped out quietly, murmuring in my heart, "Liu Yuning, will you believe me?"
But they must have seen me stab Ma Biao to death with a dagger just now!
But that wasn't even...
Damn it! Why did this happen? What method caused this? Who was the person holding me hostage? My mind was filled with questions, but I had to escape now, as they would likely issue a full manhunt for me immediately.
Before I left, I dropped a piece of white paper. It actually had writing on it. It wasn't the one I received earlier, but the one that appeared on the floor of Room B503. I picked it up, read it, and then threw it down again. At that moment, Xiao Yuande and Liu Yuning, along with their team, appeared at Room A502 opposite and witnessed the bizarre scene. If I'm not mistaken, Ma Biao was killed by the person who was holding me hostage, but they pulled the curtains shut midway, and then they assumed it was me. No! That was that guy's arm, not mine!
I wanted to explain, but what was the point of explaining then? I felt that person leave, and then I saw an iron ladder that had been prepared by the window. I knew if I didn't leave then, it would be over. Those people would definitely mistake me for the murderer and arrest me on the spot. So I had to use the ladder to get downstairs. Although it was dangerous, it was nothing to me. That person had even thought of this step.
Not long after I got out and was moving through a dark alley, my phone rang. I shivered all over, but I still answered: "Who are you?"
"Who am I? You dealt with my people last time, now I'll let you experience the feeling of being arrested!"
"Are you the Sin Conductor?"
"Hahaha, don't call me that. We are not the same. But scientists are quite important to us. Detective He, it's time for you to pay the price. You can consider this operation our revenge. However, this case was actually handled by your grandfather, He Jianquan, as well. It's been 30 years. If he were alive now, he'd probably be 75."
"You..." Actually, I wanted to say that my grandfather was already dead, but I didn't. The other person ignored me and continued, "Actually, he's not... Oh well, you'll find out sooner or later. Even if he made a move this time, you wouldn't be able to escape. I will turn you into a prisoner and have you face trial! Just you wait!"
"What exactly are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about, don't you understand yet?"
"I don't understand!"
"You're doomed anyway. That's all. Don't use this SIM card; they'll find you easily. I'll tell you a method: throw your phone near a bus stop or a high-speed train station. But the closest one to you now is a bus stop. Then run in the opposite direction. This is the hardest method for the police to discover. Anti-reconnaissance skills, with your intelligence, shouldn't be difficult, right!"
"Are you teaching me how to commit a crime?"
"Of course, I am the Sin Conductor, your teacher!"
Beep beep...
Damn it! The other person actually hung up. I clenched my phone, hesitating, but what he said made sense. These guys were indeed criminal geniuses, no less than Polaris. I felt like they were even competing in some sort of criminal endeavor.
Perhaps this time I was just a pawn for them, a pawn to play against Polaris. Why did I end up like this? Am I really going to become a prisoner?
Just as I didn't know what to do, I suddenly noticed police officers appearing not far away. I had no choice but to throw away my phone and quickly lower my head, escaping into the crowd.
I need to find a place to hide, to avoid being discovered by the police. Then, I must seize the opportunity to find evidence proving my innocence. First, I can find the person who sent me the message. Second, I can find time to return to the crime scene. Third, perhaps I can ask Liu Yuning and the others for covert help. But this isn't an undercover operation. If I contact them, Xiao Yuande might find out immediately and arrest me.
Moreover, given my current status, it's very sensitive. Everyone might not understand why I'm doing this and wouldn't believe it was me. They would definitely think it was a scheme by the Sin Conductors. No, it should be an overt scheme. They are different from Polaris.
Just like this time, they made it seem like I committed murder, simple and brutal.
Following this, there will likely be even more terrifying and bizarre methods. They won't let things develop this way. This isn't their usual play.
I don't understand why they are competing against Polaris. Even if they win, what's the point? Is being the king in the criminal world really that important?