Hey! The Criminal Assistance System Can Even Be Used Like This? 104

It has to be said, Xu Zhizhi’s talent, affirmed by the Criminal Assistance System, was exceptionally outstanding. In just a few days, her improvement became increasingly significant.

She could even mimic Feng Jie with seven-tenths accuracy; two-tenths were due to acting skills, and five-tenths to makeup.

Xu Zhizhi felt that if she were a skilled mimic among criminals, she would be incredibly adept, even surprising herself.

Perhaps, this was the reason why the system, or whoever created the system, chose her, she mused while applying makeup.

She was seated on a chair in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass window. The tall stool and slender, large table occupied half of the window.

Because she didn’t change clothes or engage in similar actions, and because she was almost purely an actress, few paparazzi followed her.

Forget about dedicated fan photographers (zhanjie – fan photographers who dedicate themselves to a specific celebrity); some are even cultivated by the idols themselves, and the rest are generally wealthy women. Xu Zhizhi honestly questioned if she was anywhere near attracting wealthy fan photographers.

The table was steady, with pothos and gladioli placed on either side, creating a fresh and elegant atmosphere with the wood finish.

She touched her makeup, a thoughtful expression in her eyes. It’s difficult to paint the bones of a tiger (meaning mimicking someone is difficult, especially replicating their bone structure), the hardest aspect of disguise was replicating the bone structure.

This would add a few more points of resemblance, making the disguise look even more like the intended person.

Xu Zhizhi was missing this final step; clearly, it required some talent.

Lost in thought, Xu Zhizhi leaned on the table, gazing at the lights of the building across the street.

Opposite was a residential complex; as it had only been completed and handed over half a year ago, the occupancy rate was extremely low.

Looking across, Xu Zhizhi only saw a few scattered lights, the rest were hollow and dark, looking somewhat eerie.

Xu Zhizhi looked up, her gaze falling upon those dark spaces, a chill running down her spine.

She shook her head, shifting her gaze away. It’s better to avoid overthinking, to stop scaring herself and creating negative thoughts.

However, after some consideration, she still pulled down the gauze window screen, creating a private and secure space to reduce her anxieties.

This interruption made Xu Zhizhi abandon her thoughts about replicating bone structure. Instead, she picked up the script to review.

Tomorrow’s scenes were prison scenes, showing several meetings between lawyer Wei Qunqing and Xu Xu.

The required emotional expression was wide-ranging, requiring careful consideration from Xu Zhizhi.

She stood up and tried rehearsing with Feng Jie next to her. Feng Jie played Wei Qunqing, reading her lines while Xu Zhizhi acted.

Feng Jie was quite accustomed to it and started reading the script.

Xu Zhizhi focused on getting her expressions and lines right, adapting in advance and memorizing the lines.

Reading a script, no matter how many times, is never as effective as reading it aloud and acting it out.

They rehearsed for about ten minutes before Xu Zhizhi checked the time and prepared to sleep.

Feng Jie also put down her script and left.

After seeing her go, Xu Zhizhi stood up, double-locked the door, and engaged the security chain.

This had become a routine action since the Minjia Village incident and the installation of surveillance cameras.

Especially after Qin Su informed her that Song Yang might be working with others.

It was better to be cautious than careless.

After locking the door, Xu Zhizhi closed the fabric curtains to prevent peeping and private information from being photographed.

After doing all this, Xu Zhizhi turned to wash up.

Unbeknownst to her, in the middle of the opposite building, a tall, dark silhouette shifted slightly, then quietly disappeared into the dark frame.

Xu Zhizhi knew nothing of this and slept soundly until dawn.

Being an actor’s apartment, only the crew members and actors of the currently filming production were permitted entry; therefore, Xu Zhizhi ordered takeout for breakfast as usual.

With the regular schedule of the crew’s filming, Xu Zhizhi’s sleep and mental state were extremely stable. She was well-rested physically and mentally relaxed.

When Xu Zhizhi went downstairs, she smiled at the security guard.

The security guard froze for a moment, then blushed and greeted Xu Zhizhi.

Xu Zhizhi waved and left with Feng Jie.

The weather was pleasant and her mood excellent; Xu Zhizhi felt a sense of joy, taking pleasure in even the smallest things such as seeing a flower in full bloom.

Xu Yunlai and Fu Nian weren’t usually clingy, but with Xu Zhizhi’s arrival, they curiously surrounded her, examining her from head to toe.

“You look like you’re in love,” Xu Yunlai commented.

Xu Zhizhi looked at him in surprise, “Are you hoping for something good for me? Maybe I won the lottery!”

“…Did you win the lottery?” Fu Nian asked curiously.

Xu Zhizhi shook her head, “No, I’m just in a good mood.”

The three of them bantered, and the set gradually became lively. Some were preparing, others applying makeup.

Many people brought breakfast in the morning.

Since it was a film and television base, with two other crews in residence, there was a plentiful variety of breakfast.

Chu Lu yawned and walked in, followed by the post-production team.

Unlike other crews whose post-production happened after filming, this film was different; they needed to create web pages to display the cyberbullying comments.

They also needed post-production work on some critical videos; for added realism, Chu Lu had found amateurs to participate in the filming.

This included the male lead’s Weibo and other social media pages, all of which needed to be recreated.

Once the film was finished, all of this would be integrated and edited into the final product.

The person behind Chu Lu looked at Xu Zhizhi, their eyes met, and a gentle smile was exchanged.

Wearing black-rimmed glasses, a programmer-style checked shirt, casual pants, and sneakers, and carrying a large black computer bag; he looked like a recent college graduate at first glance.

Xu Zhizhi, in a good mood, returned a light smile.

After this brief interlude, Xu Zhizhi began filming.

The post-production guy had just joined the crew that day and didn’t have any important tasks; his main goal was to meet Xu Zhizhi.

During Xu Zhizhi’s break, the three discussed what type of web pages and online videos would be suitable for the post-production.

The makeup artist applied a slightly haggard look to Xu Zhizhi, but her lips were kept moist.

This scene would be specifically filmed, implying that Xu Xu deliberately attracted Wei Qunqing’s attention.

From the moment she first saw the young, inexperienced, but passionate Wei Qunqing, she had her eyes on him.

She needed someone like him to help her “overturn” her case. Wei Qunqing was the prey Xu Xu had long targeted.

Xu Xu smiled at him, a smile of appreciation. In the character setting, she was beautiful, pursued perfection, and her appearance was as captivating as a lily.

“Thank you. I’ve let you down, I really am the murderer of my daughter,” she smiled.

This was their second meeting, and Wei Qunqing continued to look at Xu Xu with pity and scrutiny.

He was conflicted; on one hand, he didn’t believe Xu Xu killed her daughter, as her daughter’s diary showed suicidal tendencies.

On the other hand, why did she confess? Did she truly kill her daughter, or was there another reason? And she was different from the person he saw in court; when she heard she was sentenced to death, there was joy, relief in her eyes.

There was no fear, no cries of injustice. It was too calm, too calm for a real murderer.

After all, real murderers often display a release of pent-up emotion and hatred.

He slowly said, “I’m willing to help you, but you don’t seem to want it. You seem to enjoy being in shackles.”

“I actually quite like it. It brings me inner peace,” she smiled.

Wei Qunqing looked perplexed, he questioned, “Isn’t freedom precious? If the judgment stands, you’ll be executed next year, disappearing from this world forever.”

“Thank you, don’t waste your effort on me, end this legal aid!” Xu Xu said softly.

Wei Qunqing didn’t notice that she hadn’t actually asked to end the legal aid, but exclaimed, “Appeal! For the sake of this case’s perfection! Your daughter committed suicide, I believe she must have left behind evidence!”

A triumphant smile flashed in Xu Xu’s eyes, but her eyelids drooped, hiding it from view. She shifted her emotions, looked directly at the lawyer, “Do you really believe me that much?”

“I believe you! You must be innocent!” Wei Qunqing exclaimed excitedly.

Xu Xu stared at him, finally lowering her eyes, “Then as you wish, appeal! Then you’ll be convinced.”

Wei Qunqing’s face showed joy, stating that he would investigate further.

Xu Xu acted helpless, watching Wei Qunqing leave after the excited call, revealing an extremely cold expression that sent chills down one’s spine.

The camera focused directly on Xu Zhizhi’s face, recording every moment of her performance.

At this moment, everyone watching the screen felt a strong sense of discomfort and oppression.

The feeling of someone manipulating others, looking down upon their pawns, was easily unsettling and oppressive. Before such a person, they seemed to have no secrets; Xu Xu knew everything they were thinking.

Only after the filming ended did everyone sigh inwardly, “Monster.” It was truly terrifying.

Xu Zhizhi’s acting had improved incredibly fast.

Xu Yunlai clutched his beating heart, looking dejected at Xu Zhizhi, “Last year I could still keep up, this year, even if you intentionally try to surpass me, I might not even notice!”

“Heeheehee, it’s a good thing Zhizhi and I don’t have any scenes together!” Fu Nian said, fiddling with his camera.

Lin Yu beside Wu Su also nodded with a smile, “My scenes with Zhizhi are fewer than Yunlai’s!”

Although he had scenes with Xu Zhizhi, they weren’t as many as Xu Yunlai’s.

Chu Lu helplessly shook her head, at this group of youngsters.

“Wu Su, don’t celebrate too early, beware of being constantly surpassed by me and endlessly NG’d,” Xu Zhizhi, her handcuffs and leg irons removed, looked at them and threatened.

Wu Su’s expression was one of terror, “Sister Xu, spare me!”

“Hahahahaha!” Lin Yu laughed wildly.

Others followed suit.

After this scene, it was noon. Everyone received their lunch boxes, followed by a break.

After the break, they filmed some empty shots of the detention center, some moving shots, and close-ups.

This lasted until two in the afternoon, when Xu Zhizhi and Xu Yunlai resumed filming.

Others mainly observed; Chu Lu’s acting requirements were almost perfect; they had to constantly learn to pass smoothly when it was their turn.

This scene was where Wei Qunqing found the watch; he excitedly handed the evidence to the police and eagerly went to see Xu Xu.

Xu Xu was stunned, with a hidden smile of triumph; Wei Qunqing was filled with joy.

Next was Wei Qunqing’s attempts to comfort and persuade Xu Xu. It was a pep talk, encouraging Xu Xu to abandon her suicidal thoughts and telling her that her daughter probably hoped she would live well.

Xu Xu accepted Wei Qunqing’s advice with tears in her eyes, deciding to give up the idea of suicide.

Wei Qunqing happily left, while Xu Xu covered her face and sobbed. Slowly, however, the sobbing seemed to change in tone.

“Good! Cut!” Chu Lu said.

Due to the number of NGs, by the time this scene was finished, night had fallen.

After removing makeup and changing clothes, everyone ate dinner and chatted.

By 7:30 pm, when it had truly gotten dark, everyone packed up and left.

Xu Yunlai, Fu Nian, and others had something to do and went out. The rest of the crew was still wrapping up; Xu Zhizhi, Feng Jie, Lin Yu, and Wu Su left together.

Since the rented venue wasn’t far from the hotel, they decided to walk back.

Xu Zhizhi and Wu Su were wearing masks; Wu Su had acted in several online films and had some fame, so he also wore a mask.

They chatted casually, creating a sense of camaraderie.

Xu Zhizhi looked into the distance, her eyes vacant. She had released a lot of emotion today; her mind was completely blank.

Feng Jie suddenly said, “Zhizhi, where did Sister Han put the bracelet she gave you?” She had wanted to ask for days but kept forgetting.

“In the closet, with the thank-you gift from Qin Su, and the clothes and bags they sent,” Xu Zhizhi replied.

Lin Yu smiled, “Sister Han is as always, aloof but generous. That Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is custom-made, worth over three million; two would be even more expensive. It seems she truly considers you her best friend, sending such a bracelet as a gift.”

“Huh?” Xu Zhizhi was startled, looking at Lin Yu in surprise, “Three million?!” A three-million necklace?!

Feng Jie and Lin Yu looked at Xu Zhizhi simultaneously, both saying, “You didn’t know?”

Wu Su looked at the three, realizing belatedly, and exclaimed, “Ah!” Then he added in horror, “Three million?” A one-hundred-square-meter apartment in Jiang City is worth that much, but it’s just one of the gifts.

“I really didn’t know. I just thought it was beautiful, afraid of scratching it, so I put it in the closet with the box,” Xu Zhizhi was surprised. This was too expensive. Wow, this incredibly wealthy person.

Millions in checks and a three-million-dollar bracelet, plus countless seemingly valuable clothes and bags.

Feng Jie, seeing Xu Zhizhi’s expression, couldn’t help but laugh, “A wealthy woman’s support is truly extraordinary!”

She knew Xu Zhizhi’s financial situation; in total, Chen Han had spent almost eight million on Xu Zhizhi.

“…I…I…” Xu Zhizhi stammered for a long time, eventually accepting the reality.

Perhaps for Chen Han, this money was nothing.

The three burst out laughing; Xu Zhizhi’s expression of regret and helplessness was hilarious.

Although they didn’t know why Chen Han gave Xu Zhizhi so much, as long as Chen Han was willing, she had her reasons.

Previously, Chen Han had given Xu Zhizhi a tens-of-millions necklace with a matching dress and even organized a banquet to introduce Xu Zhizhi.

Compared to that, this didn’t seem that extravagant.

As the four walked forward, about to pass a section of street with broken streetlights, a dark figure suddenly flashed at the end of the road.

The expression on Xu Zhizhi’s face changed; she sensed a trace of danger.

“Wait, let’s take another route.” Xu Zhizhi suddenly said.

Feng Jie asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just that there are too many broken streetlights ahead; I feel unsafe,” Xu Zhizhi said, feeling uneasy.

Wu Su looked at the four; although he felt a little helpless about having to take a detour, since Xu Zhizhi said so, they should detour; anyway, there was nothing to do at night.

He nodded, “Let’s take the longer route.”

“Let’s take the longer route,” Lin Yu firmly believed in Xu Zhizhi; her sense of danger was far superior to others.

Feng Jie was easy-going and nodded, “Let’s take another route.”

Just as they were about to step into the dark area, they turned and walked in another direction.

Before leaving, Xu Zhizhi looked back at that section of the road; there was still no one there, just an ordinary street.

The weather in May and June changed rapidly; the day was sunny, but at night, it became a torrential downpour.

The heavy rain, accompanied by occasional lightning and thunder, sent Xu Zhizhi into a deep sleep.

As she slept, the doorbell rang, “Ding-dong.”

Then came a series of “Ding-dong” sounds. Like a death knell.

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter