Hey! The Criminal Assistance System Can Even Be Used Like This? 52
by adminXu Zhizhi’s return from the missing person’s case caused quite a stir in the entire neighborhood and even the surrounding areas.
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A mentally ill person missing for two years had a very high probability of being dead. Wandering, hunger, and mental disturbances combined led everyone to conclude that she was certainly dead. Just when everyone had made this assumption, she surprisingly returned without her mental illness and was found by the police, back at the Fu family home.
The Fu family was in high spirits, and the community was jubilant; this was indeed a great celebration. Many elderly residents came to the Fu household, looking at Fu Qinghua, whose spirit seemed clear despite her frailness, nodding and praising her repeatedly.
“Cuiyun, you are so fortunate! You’ve finally awaited your child’s return!” An old lady who had come to inform Ming Cuiyun to take care of her son-in-law patted the elderly lady’s hand, her eyes slightly misty with joy.
Ming Cuiyun thought of her daughter, who they had presumed dead, and sadness overwhelmed her as tears rolled down her cheeks. Xu Zhizhi quickly sat beside her to comfort her, gently saying, “Mom, I’m back. Don’t cry; good days are still ahead!”
Relatives also nodded in support, trying to console Ming Cuiyun. The old Mr. Fu looked affectionately at Xu Zhizhi and understood that the young girl had good intentions.
“Don’t be sad, the child’s room should be tidied up! It’s getting chilly, add an extra light blanket for her,” Old Mr. Fu, who was physically impaired, encouraged Ming Cuiyun to get busy as there were still important matters to tend to.
Ming Cuiyun wiped her tears and got up to prepare a room for Xu Zhizhi. To express their deep concerns for their child, Xu Zhizhi would directly stay in the old couple’s house for the next couple of days rather than living with Zhang Yuming. This was mainly to prevent any danger to Xu Zhizhi and to avoid letting her be alone with Zhang Yuming.
Xu Zhizhi stood off to the side, her eyes filled with smiles, occasionally glancing at relatives and friends before calling out “Third Aunt” or “Second Aunt.”
Seeing her so healthy and restored, just as the police described, the relatives were astonished, and soon they surrounded her with a flurry of concern. Xu Zhizhi didn’t wait for any testing from Zhang Yuming, as he turned out to be even more cowardly than expected, standing off to the side completely.
Xu Zhizhi decided to take the initiative and give him a little shock. She was able to accurately call out everyone’s names and occasionally chat about major past events. She handled everything with ease, showing no trace of fear or the melancholia from her previous state of mental illness.
Neighbors often peeked in through the door or windows, and occasionally Xu Zhizhi could even call out one or two of their names. With each action she took, she could hear the Malice Value incrementally increasing.
Zhang Yuming stood at a distance observing Xu Zhizhi; as her demeanor and familiarity with those around her became evident, his expression darkened. Yet when people turned to ask him if he was happy, he forced a gentle smile, claiming to be a bit excited, even stating that he couldn’t believe she was really back.
Third Aunt stood beside Zhang Yuming, patted his arm, and earnestly said, “You’re a good man; now you’ve finally seen the bright side after the clouds parted! Make sure your family gets along well, and maybe you’ll have a grandson or granddaughter for your parents!”
“I will, Third Aunt…” Zhang Yuming’s face remained tense, a flicker of malice flashing in his eyes, but his tone was obedient.
At this moment, Fu Xuelin approached him, extending his hand and smiling as he said, “Who would have thought that misfortune could bring fortune? Your sister returning from her disappearance has apparently restored her normalcy. The doctor said she lost the memories from her delusional period. It’s better that she doesn’t remember; that way, she can continue to be this normal!”
This was all unknown to Zhang Yuming; he had only heard about Fu Qinghua’s return yesterday and had no clue about the details.
“That’s for the best,” he replied vaguely while staring at Xu Zhizhi, his pupils flickering with uneasy light.
Xu Zhizhi sensed a wave of malevolence directed at her. She turned and met Zhang Yuming’s eyes directly, then revealed a pure smile.
It seemed joyful, but there was an underlying hostility, as if a vengeful ghost had crawled back from hell. Xu Zhizhi’s objective was simple: she wanted him to perceive her as a vengeful spirit returning! Then, if she exposed a hint of weakness, he would be compelled to act swiftly.
Zhang Yuming intuitively took a step back under her gaze, his pupils constricting. In the air-conditioned room, an icy chill enveloped him completely. He hadn’t felt it clearly in the police lobby earlier, but now he was struck by a bitter coldness that surged up the back of his neck and spread down his spine.
Fu Xuelin discreetly stashed away a silent toy fan that produced a gentle breeze, hiding his own merit and fame while creating a chilling atmosphere. Xu Zhizhi sat beside Old Mr. Fu, whispering something in his ear; afterward, Old Mr. Fu’s gaze fell upon Zhang Yuming.
Zhang Yuming’s heart skipped a beat; Fu Qinghua clearly did not seem as forgetful as Fu Xuelin claimed. If she hadn’t lost her memory, she certainly wouldn’t let him off easy. What was Fu Qinghua truly saying?
He instinctively believed that Xu Zhizhi was badmouthing him. Her return must have been to bring him down!
In no time, Old Mr. Fu waved Zhang Yuming over, signaling him to sit next to him. Zhang Yuming’s heart sank; his footsteps hesitated as he thought about how to escape if he were exposed.
But what had to come, would come. Under Xu Zhizhi’s and Old Mr. Fu’s watchful eyes, he steeled himself and sat down next to Old Mr. Fu, while Xu Zhizhi sat on the other side.
“Dad, what’s wrong? Why did you suddenly call me…” His tone was somewhat strained, forcing himself to appear nonchalant, though sweat bead up on his forehead.
Old Mr. Fu and Xu Zhizhi pretended not to notice; Old Mr. Fu maintained a serious expression and cleared his throat.
Instantly, everyone in the room turned to Old Mr. Fu, curious about what he was going to say. Zhang Yuming gulped hard—no murderer is indifferent when they are about to be exposed, unless they are born psychopaths. Generally, a person who kills for fame or fortune becomes extremely anxious in moments like these because being exposed would mean losing everything they have!
Fu Qinghua’s return signified the moment he could lose everything. This deeply frightened him; it wasn’t regretful despair, but a fear of losing everything he had long pursued.
Under everyone’s scrutiny, Old Mr. Fu extended his hand and suddenly patted Zhang Yuming’s shoulder heavily.
Zhang Yuming was startled and flinched, his heart racing to his throat. His body stiffened, shedding all traces of the previous gentlemanly composure.
Seeing he had achieved his aim, Old Mr. Fu suddenly changed his tone and spoke softly, “All of our friends and family know that Qinghua has been missing for a full two years. Before her disappearance, she had some issues upstairs.”
Everyone nodded along in agreement but looked puzzled, not understanding why Old Mr. Fu suddenly brought this up.
Old Mr. Fu sighed and continued, “I know everyone might not understand the significance of what I’m saying. What I really want to do is to thank my son-in-law in front of you all; he never left Qinghua’s side when she fell ill two years ago. Over the two years of her disappearance, he has taken exceptional care of us old folks. My son-in-law has it really tough!”
“Yes! Yuming has suffered!”
“It’s hard to find a son-in-law like Yuming!”
“Yuming is a good husband—a rare good husband!”
The relatives’ praises flooded Zhang Yuming’s ears, making him regain his sense. He looked at Old Mr. Fu, “That’s what I should do!”
“There’s no such thing as should or shouldn’t; you’re a good kid. Today we’re gathering, and you and Qinghua shouldn’t leave; stay here for a few days!” Old Mr. Fu, visibly excited, patted Zhang Yuming’s hand.
Zhang Yuming winced from the forceful pat, his expression twisting momentarily. Xu Zhizhi sat beside Old Mr. Fu, turning her head to look at Zhang Yuming, “Let’s enjoy this gathering, Yuming~”
Xu Zhizhi’s eyes held a hint of disdain, along with a smirk barely concealed on her lips, her gaze frozen like ice.
Zhang Yuming, initially relaxed, felt all tension returning as he sensed that his chance to escape danger had slipped through his fingers; his pupils narrowed suddenly, and he swallowed hard.
Then, meals were being served, and relatives moved closer. The group consisted of three to four relatives and the old lady who had previously sent the news.
Though it was bustling, Ming Cuiyun and Old Mr. Fu wore cheerful smiles. Occasionally, they checked on Xu Zhizhi, serving her dishes. They chose dishes that were favorites of their daughter’s, fearful that Zhang Yuming would notice any inconsistencies.
Zhang Yuming was clearly still flustered, frequently distracted during the meal, and didn’t dare to meet Xu Zhizhi’s gaze. He was an ordinary man who had committed murder; Xu Zhizhi was playing the role of a psychopath like Chen Xu, enhanced by a vendetta.
Even the most vicious criminals would be apprehensive before someone like Chen Xu—let alone someone like Zhang Yuming. Xu Zhizhi observed his behavior, her smile becoming more evident.
The day wore on, and as afternoon turned into evening, more matters unfolded. After everyone dined together, they returned home.
Fu Xuelin, as the first relative staying over, remained at the Fu residence for the night, claiming his home was too far away. Zhang Yuming was on edge, terrified of the unmistakably troubling Fu Qinghua getting too close.
This fear kept him in a state of constant anxiety. The remaining members of the Fu family could see this clearly, but they all pretended not to notice, letting him think his disguise was still intact.
When bedtime finally came, Zhang Yuming was informed he would be sleeping on a small bed in the study, while Old Mr. Fu and Fu Xuelin shared a bed, and Xu Zhizhi and Ming Cuiyun would sleep in the master bedroom.
Ming Cuiyun claimed she missed Fu Qinghua and wanted to stay near her daughter.
Zhang Yuming
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