Good and Evil Chapter Twenty-Eight Luring the Suspect

Once people become accustomed to a certain action, it becomes an addiction—difficult to quit. Crime is no exception. The perpetrators behind every major case are rarely first-timers.

While Ye Xuefei was applying makeup to Lu Xing, Li Lei reported on the investigations into the taxi driver and Du Chun. Indeed, as Xu Lang had said, Du Chun was not a suspect. He was embroiled in divorce proceedings with his wife. When Li Lei questioned him about his dealings with Cheng Xi’s company, Du Chun admitted to signing a contract with them.

When asked where he was on the night of June 18th and the early hours of the 19th, Du Chun was hesitant at first but eventually explained that he’d been at a hotel with Du Ziqiao, from Xu Lang’s detective agency, catching his wife’s affair. There were many witnesses that night, including Du Ziqiao himself. Li Lei verified this with the hotel manager, staff, and Du Ziqiao, all confirming Du Chun’s account.

When Li Lei inquired if Du Chun knew about Cheng Xi’s assault, Du Chun was visibly shocked; it was clear he’d had no prior knowledge. Upon learning of the incident, he offered police his assistance, but Li Lei politely declined.

The taxi driver with license ending in 38 was also found. His name was Xie Tao, a middle-aged man in his forties. When questioned, Xie Tao said he had picked up Cheng Xi outside a KTV, heading toward East Factory Road. However, his car broke down near the destination. Unable to fix it quickly, he had no choice but to let Cheng Xi out. He offered to hail another cab for her, seeing she was clearly drunk and unsteady, but she refused. After Cheng Xi left, Xie Tao called a colleague, another night-shift taxi driver, to tow his car to a repair shop. He didn’t know what happened to Cheng Xi afterward.

Li Lei checked the dashcam footage and confirmed Xie Tao’s story. The colleague’s account matched as well. Asked where he went after the repair shop, Xie Tao said it was already past three in the morning, so he went to play mahjong at a parlor downstairs from his apartment, not wanting to disturb his family. Li Lei verified this with the shop owners and found his alibi solid, confirmed by multiple witnesses.

With this, both Xie Tao and Du Chun were cleared of suspicion. The trail went cold. Even after Lu Xing’s tireless video reviews and discovery of certain anomalies, there was no certainty that the series of rape-robbery cases were the work of a single perpetrator. Interviews along West Factory Road, East Factory Road, and Niwa Road yielded nothing—no one matching the victims’ descriptions, not even a vague resemblance to the rumored celebrity lookalike. The investigation was at an impasse.

The only hope now was for the culprit—or culprits—to make another move, which could provide new leads. Yet none of those present wished for further tragedy. For the perpetrator, each crime might last no more than half an hour, but for the victims, it would be a lifelong scar—especially for the third-year university student, Li Xiner, raised by a single mother. After enduring so much, what were they to do now?

Everyone in the room was weighed down with gloom. Even Zhang Lei, usually boisterous and carefree, was silently subdued.

After hearing the summary, Xu Lang suddenly asked, “In each of these cases, after the attack, the perpetrator robs the victims. Where did the stolen goods go? Has anyone investigated that?”

His question reignited hope in the team. Zhang Lei exclaimed, “That’s right! Besides the assaults, the criminals also stole property. We should trace the victims’ lost cellphones, handbags, jewelry, and so on.”

Li Lei stroked his chin. “That’s an important lead. Worth a try.”

Ning Yanran clapped her hands. “Since we’ve hit a dead end with suspects, let’s start by tracking the stolen property.”

She assigned tasks: Li Lei would check cellphone shops, repair outlets, and resellers for anyone trying to offload secondhand phones; Zhang Lei would investigate jewelry and pawn shops; Zhao Hua would look into luxury handbags. The victims had lost not only phones and wallets but also jewelry and branded accessories. For example, Cheng Xi had lost a new iPhone, a platinum necklace, two rings, and an LV handbag.

Phones could be traded anywhere, but gold, silver, and branded bags required specialized dealers—making them easier to trace if someone tried to fence them.

As they prepared to set out, Xu Lang added, “Remember to get the serial numbers of the victims’ phones—especially iPhones. As long as they’re not counterfeit, every iPhone has a unique serial number. Having those will save you a lot of trouble during your investigation.”

Li Lei nodded and left with the victims’ statements.

Once everyone had gone, Xu Lang stood to leave as well. Seeing this, Ning Yanran asked, “Where are you going?”

“Home, of course,” Xu Lang replied, rolling his eyes.

“And what will you do at home?”

“Eat, sleep, and play games,” he said nonchalantly.

“You’re not going home.”

“Why?”

“You’ve made Lu Xing look the part. Tonight, you’re coming with me to the crime scenes to see if Lu Xing can lure out the perpetrator,” Ning Yanran said seriously.

Xu Lang’s lips twitched at her matter-of-fact tone. “I’m here to help, not to do stakeouts myself,” he thought. But with nothing else to do and his detective agency in Du Ziqiao’s capable hands, he agreed, curious to see if Lu Xing—in drag—could be the bait.

Resigned, Xu Lang sat back down, lit a cigarette, and lounged with his feet on the table, earning only a frown from Ning Yanran, who let it pass for the sake of tonight’s operation.

As dusk deepened and Xu Lang began dozing, Ye Xuefei entered, finding Ning Yanran reviewing field notes and Xu Lang napping like an old man. She cleared her throat.

At the sound, both Ning Yanran and Xu Lang looked up. Ye Xuefei announced, “It’s done.” Then, she called out, “Come in.”

Lu Xing entered in high heels, head lowered, too embarrassed to meet anyone’s gaze. Xu Lang sized him up—his once flat chest was now convincingly padded, not large but passable as a woman’s. Xu Lang teased, “Come on, head up. Let’s have a look.”

Ning Yanran also watched with curiosity. After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Xing mustered the courage to raise his head, glancing at them before quickly lowering his gaze.

Even in that fleeting instant, Xu Lang saw Ye Xuefei’s skill—Lu Xing’s previously unremarkable face was now adorned with delicate makeup: long lashes, artful eyeliner, a touch of blush, and a hint of lipstick. Unless you looked closely, you’d never guess he was a man.

Xu Lang applauded. “I never realized your hands could do more than autopsies—you’re a real artist. What a waste I never noticed before.”

“Hmph, whose fault is that for not paying attention?” Embarrassed, Ye Xuefei’s pale cheeks flushed. She shot Xu Lang a glare and hurried out, muttering about her busy schedule.

Xu Lang, aware he’d misspoken, scratched his nose and said to Lu Xing, “Lift your head. Let me take a good look.”

Ning Yanran rolled her eyes and returned to her paperwork. She, too, hadn’t known Ye Xuefei had such makeup skills. Though curious about Ye Xuefei’s relationship with Xu Lang, she refrained from prying—after all, they were colleagues, and knowing too much would only make things awkward.

Lu Xing, looking aggrieved, gave Xu Lang a wounded glance—the combination of his forlorn expression and flawless makeup made Xu Lang shudder. “Better keep your head down,” he hastily said.

Lu Xing’s look grew even more plaintive, as if Xu Lang had toyed with his feelings and then discarded him. Xu Lang could only light another cigarette in silence.

Ning Yanran couldn’t help but smile at the scene.

Night fell quickly. After a simple dinner, the three left for West Factory Road. No one recognized Lu Xing as they departed—everyone was curious about the “woman” with Xu Lang and Ning Yanran, but no one asked.

They avoided Niwa Road, the site of the most frequent attacks, because Ning Yanran had led a raid there earlier that day, and the commotion would surely have deterred the perpetrator from returning.

They dropped Lu Xing off a distance from West Factory Road, with Ning Yanran tailing from afar in the car. As a man in women’s clothes and heels, Lu Xing was clearly uncomfortable, walking awkwardly and stumbling from time to time—prompting laughter from both Ning Yanran and Xu Lang, heard through Lu Xing’s earpiece.

“If you two keep this up, I’m quitting!” Lu Xing fumed.

Their laughter only grew louder, until Xu Lang finally calmed himself and tried to reassure him. “Lu Xing, why’s your walk so funny? Ever watch anime?”

“Sure, why?” Lu Xing replied.

“Do you know who you remind me of?”

“Don’t tell me—Hatsune Miku?” Lu Xing guessed.

“Lu Xing, you’re overthinking it. Ever seen Donald Duck? You two look quite alike,” Xu Lang said.

This set Ning Yanran off again, laughing so hard she nearly burst into tears.

“I quit!” Lu Xing stomped his foot in protest.

Xu Lang and Ning Yanran exchanged glances, shook their heads, and stopped teasing him.

“All right, Lu Xing, keep going. We promise not to laugh anymore,” Ning Yanran said.

“You promise?” Lu Xing pressed.

“I promise.”

With her assurance, Lu Xing continued down the road. They all walked the length of West Factory Road but nothing happened. Ning Yanran stopped the car. “Has the perpetrator gotten suspicious?” she wondered aloud.

Xu Lang frowned, scanning the area. Not far away, he noticed a patch of darkness where the streetlights didn’t reach. “Park over there,” he instructed.

Ning Yanran moved the car into the shadows, killing the engine. From this midpoint on West Factory Road, they could respond quickly to any incident—a car parked here would be hard to spot unless someone came close.

Lu Xing had walked to the end of the road and radioed, “I’m here. Now what?”

“Walk back slowly,” Xu Lang replied.

Lu Xing obeyed, pacing the street several more times. Still, nothing happened. The only traffic was the occasional passing taxi; not even a stray dog appeared. The three grew increasingly dejected.

“Should I keep going?” Lu Xing asked, exhausted. West Factory Road wasn’t especially short—it spanned several kilometers. As a tech officer, not used to fieldwork, he was already tired, and wearing heels only made things worse. Even a woman would be exhausted after pacing that stretch three times, let alone Lu Xing.

“No need. Wait there. We’ll pick you up,” Ning Yanran said, starting the car. With nothing found on West Factory Road, they decided to try East Factory Road. After letting Lu Xing rest and drink some water, they dropped him off again, following from a distance and parking in another dark spot to observe.

By now, it was midnight. The street was deserted—no taxis, only Lu Xing, bag in hand, walking alone under the dim lights. The air was cool, with the occasional breeze and the chorus of insects and frogs. The streetlights cast long shadows, stretching Lu Xing’s figure across the ground. After a couple of circuits, still nothing had happened.

It was past 2 a.m. Ning Yanran was dozing on the steering wheel. Xu Lang’s bright eyes shone in the darkness. He hadn’t opened the window or smoked all night, which surprised Ning Yanran—she knew his addiction to cigarettes, yet he’d gone hours without one.

Yawning, she asked, “What now?”

Xu Lang, frowning, rubbed his chin in silence, uncertain whether the perpetrator had been spooked or if Lu Xing’s performance wasn’t convincing enough.

With no answer, Ning Yanran fell quiet. Lu Xing, having made another circuit, radioed, “Can I take a break? My feet are killing me.”

“Get in,” Xu Lang agreed.

Lu Xing climbed into the car, immediately removing his heels—filling the cabin with the pungent smell of sweaty feet, which instantly revived Ning Yanran from her drowsiness.

“Put your shoes back on! This is a new car!” she protested, reaching for the ignition to start the air conditioning.

Xu Lang stopped her. “What are you doing?”

“Turning on the AC?”

“No. If the perpetrator is nearby, starting the car will give us away.”

Ning Yanran glanced at Lu Xing, who was sprawled like a lump of dough in the back seat, feet suspended in midair. She wrinkled her nose and looked away.

After a while, unable to bear the smell any longer, Ning Yanran turned to Xu Lang. “I need to use the bathroom.”

“Go ahead—you’re the squad leader, you don’t need my permission.”

Still, she hesitated. “Come with me.”

Xu Lang, still scanning the area, turned to her. In the dim light, he couldn’t see if she was blushing.

After a long pause, he nodded. “Let’s go.”

He got out, followed by Ning Yanran. They walked into some bushes. When Ning Yanran stopped, so did Xu Lang, turning away. “Hurry up.”

She moved a few steps further, crouched, and relieved herself.

As the sound of trickling water filled the air, Xu Lang suddenly heard a piercing scream in the distance, coming from West Factory Road—not far from East Factory Road.

“Did you hear something?” he called out.

The water stopped abruptly. Ning Yanran’s voice, tinged with suppressed anger, replied, “Xu Lang, you pervert! What are you thinking?”

He realized her misunderstanding. “Did you hear a scream?”

Ning Yanran, still crouched, listened. “No.”

Xu Lang frowned. He was certain he’d heard a scream. Sensing something was wrong, he began, “Are you done…”

But as he turned, he was confronted with a flash of bare skin—and his words died in his throat.

Ning Yanran turned, meeting his gaze. After a few seconds, her own scream tore through the night.

She hurriedly dressed, stormed over, and slapped Xu Lang hard across the face.

The slap echoed in the quiet. Xu Lang’s face burned with pain.

Without a word, Ning Yanran strode back to the car, cursing, “Xu Lang, you really are a lecherous creep!”

Xu Lang, rubbing his stinging cheek, muttered, “Damn it, it wasn’t on purpose!”

But his words only made things worse. Ning Yanran stopped, turned, and glared at him with murderous intent.

Xu Lang awkwardly scratched his nose and hurried to the car. As he passed her, he saw the fury on her pale face and quickened his pace. Ning Yanran, cursing him, followed—fearful herself in the dead of night.

When they reached the car, Ning Yanran found Xu Lang in the driver’s seat. He said grimly, “Get in. We’re going to West Factory Road.”

She’d intended to berate him, but his serious expression made her realize something had really happened. She got in without another word.

Lu Xing, curious, asked, “What happened, Captain Ning? Why did you scream?”

His question made Ning Yanran blush. She pursed her lips and said as calmly as possible, “Nothing—just saw a snake.”

Lu Xing frowned. “There are snakes in S City? I didn’t know…”

“Shut up,” Ning Yanran snapped, unable to contain her anger.

Lu Xing fell silent, confusion etched on his face. He glanced at Xu Lang, wondering if something had happened between him and Ning Yanran—had Xu Lang tried something while Ning Yanran was indisposed? But then, considering Xu Lang’s longstanding partnership with Ye Xuefei, it seemed unlikely.

While Lu Xing puzzled over this, Xu Lang was already driving down West Factory Road, slowing to search the roadside. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary until, near their earlier parking spot, they saw a single shoe in the grass.

With a screech of brakes, Xu Lang jumped out and raced toward it. Lu Xing and Ning Yanran followed—Lu Xing barefoot, yelping in pain as he stepped on a stone.

Xu Lang ignored them, hurrying to the shoe. Nearby, he found its pair and scattered papers. He pressed on, and in a patch of grass found an unconscious girl—her thin top pushed up, underwear exposed, denim shorts pulled down to her ankles, though her underwear, though torn, remained.

Ning Yanran arrived and shone her phone’s flashlight, discovering blood pooling at the back of the girl’s head.

“Ow, ow, what’s happened?” Lu Xing limped over, groaning with every step.

“Call an ambulance and backup,” Xu Lang ordered.

Startled, Lu Xing dialed emergency services, then the squad office.

Xu Lang removed his shirt, approaching the girl. Ning Yanran stepped in front of him, finger pointed. “What do you think you’re doing, Xu Lang? I’m warning you…”

He rolled his eyes, pushed her aside, and covered the girl with his shirt. Taking Ning Yanran’s phone, he searched the grass and soon found a half-torn condom wrapper, which he carefully wrapped in a tissue and handed to Ning Yanran. “Keep this safe.”

She opened it, nearly dropped it in disgust, but handed it to Lu Xing, who observed, “Durex—extra thin.”

Ning Yanran rolled her eyes. “Men, all the same.”

Lu Xing scratched his head, embarrassed.

Xu Lang, meanwhile, searched with his own flashlight, eventually spotting a shoeprint in the mud. As he examined it, Ning Yanran walked over and accidentally stepped on it, crouching to check the girl.

“Why did you do that?” Xu Lang yelled, startling both her and Lu Xing—and even the girl, who groaned in pain.

Ning Yanran turned, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Seeing her obliviousness, Xu Lang’s anger flared. Such a crucial piece of evidence, ruined! He glared at her, shirtless, then looked around.

From the scene, it appeared the girl hadn’t yet been violated, though her belongings were gone. Likely, the perpetrator had heard their car approaching, panicked, and fled, taking only her possessions.

Ning Yanran’s confusion only fueled Xu Lang’s anger. He pushed past her to examine the direction of the shoeprint.

Thrown off balance, Ning Yanran fell to the ground. Even a clay Buddha has its limits. After being yelled at and pushed, she sprang up, jabbing a finger at Xu Lang’s nose. “Are you insane?”

Xu Lang glanced at her finger, then down at her feet—saw she was standing directly on the shoeprint. That was that.

Following his gaze, Ning Yanran saw the ruined footprint and her anger vanished, replaced by embarrassment. She quickly stepped aside.

Lu Xing approached, sighed deeply, and shook his head. “No way to recover it now. Li Lei is going to lose it when he sees this.”

Ning Yanran, already mortified, wished she could disappear into the earth.

Xu Lang remained alert, scanning the darkness. He had a sense the perpetrator hadn’t gone far. The night was so dark that nothing could be seen.

Just as Ning Yanran was about to speak, Xu Lang noticed a distant patch of grass swaying violently, moving toward the road.

Without a word, Xu Lang dashed off like an arrow.

He wore sneakers and, as he sprinted, kicked up a spray of mud—right onto Ning Yanran’s head, body, and open mouth.

She stood frozen, anger once again flashing across her face. Lu Xing, witnessing this, struggled to contain his laughter.

After a moment, Ning Yanran recovered, spat out the mud, and muttered, “Xu Lang, just you wait.” She then crouched to check on the girl.

Xu Lang, meanwhile, leaped through the grass, hurdling over obstacles like an athlete. The dark figure ahead noticed him and quickened his pace, eventually reaching the road, where he grabbed a bicycle and sped off.

Xu Lang reached the road just in time to see the figure vanish into the distance. He noted the direction, then ran to the car—over 800 meters away—which he reached in under three minutes.

Lu Xing was waiting by the car. “How’d it go? Did you catch him?”

Xu Lang said nothing, jumped in, started the engine, and sped off after the fleeing figure. Lu Xing barely managed to hop out of the way as the car roared down the empty road after the suspect.

And so, in the still, dark night, a tense pursuit unfolded between the hunter and the hunted—a silent drama of police chasing a criminal.