Akhirnya kagak sempat juga menyelesaikan profil, ternyata sudah keburu dead-line (alias sudah harus ngumpulin tugas bahasa Inggirnya ma'am Ing). Ya detective story itu! Waduh... 11 ribu kata. Maknyus... Tapi yah... namanya juga hobi nulis... mau gimana lagi, donk?
BTW, emang boleh pake bahasa Indonesia? Oke2... inggris deh...
Alright, here's... Pyro. Hello, everybody! And, most importantly Ma'am Ing. This is my detective story. Nothing more to say. Oh! And another important thing! Disclaimer: I own nobody. All character belongs to KOEI - Dynasty Warriors, and the story itself is not 100% my work. Syah helped me a lot! Oh, and if you want to know how they looks like (I mean the character), look by yourself. I've posted once and I'm not going to post about Dynasty Warriors' characters. Right. Welcome to Pyro's detective story!
---
Am I a Good Actress?
4.03 p.m.
SLAM!
“Who the hell he thinks he is?!”
Gan Ning paced fast passing the many clerks and workers as fast as his feet allowed him to, not after an alluring woman’s voice called him from behind. “Hey, Gan Ning.”
Hearing that familiar voice, Gan Ning turned around to find the wife of the man he was mad at was standing behind him. She walked over him elegantly. Her delicateness and elegance was what made him blinking.
“Shang Xiang! What a surprise!” He greeted casually, trying to hide his admiration toward her outward look.
“Gan Ning.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Well, I’m sorry for what Liu Bei has done…”
“Nah, that’s okay.” He answered nonchalantly.
Her smile faded slightly, but quickly reappeared as she changed the subject. She started into his eyes deeply. “Aren’t there any words that you want to say after this long 3 years?” She asked.
“Well… ummm…” He scratched the back of his head, suddenly forgetting the argument he had had before. After taking the second look at her, he finally nodded, much to Shang Xiang’s joy.
“I know you would.” She entwined his arms. He twitched a bit but decided to shrug it off of his mind,
4.41 p.m.
The two were now sitting facing to each other. In front of them was two glasses of drink. The silence consumed them at first but Shang Xiang decided to break it. “So, Gan Ning, what did Liu Bei say?”
“Well…” The angered expression was still visible. “I don’t want to sell this to him, even if he pays me twice.” He showed her a gun.
“Another new gun?” She raised her eyebrows. “I don’t know why you enjoy collecting gun the same query come to Liu Bei too.”
Suddenly, Shang Xiang’s cell phone rang. She quickly answered it. Gan Ning could listen her barely. “Who?”
“Liu Bei.” She answered after putting back her cell phone to her clutch bag. “He said he would come home late.” She sighed. “He works overtime again. Why is being director of a company always busy? I though he could just simply ordering around.”
Gan Ning laughed. “Of course it’s not like that!”
His laughter quickly stopped when he felt a hand was placed on top of his. When he looked at the woman in front of him, he saw her lowering her head. She then spoke with an alluring tone. “Gan Ning, you know, since that time we broke up, I’m so long to see you again. Do you still love me?”
He gazed at her emerald eyes. “Well, of course yes. My love to you won’t change, Shang Xiang.”
She gave him the sweetest smile which made his heart fluttering. “Tonight, my husband isn’t home, and I have dismissed my maids for this one night…” She grabbed his hand tighter. “…I’m inviting you to…” She paused a bit. “…well, I think the rest will speak for itself.”
Gan Ning was shocked at her offering, but he couldn’t refuse it. It was so tempting and besides, he was actually in love with this married woman! Being a third person of a married couple is something hard, but it was worth the pleasure. Pondering for a quite long time, Gan Ning drew his lips closer to her ears. “I’d love to…”
10.34 p.m.
“Have a drink. I know you’re thirsty.” Shang Xiang poured two glass of vodka. She handed one to Gan Ning. “This is fresh and new. I’m sure you’d like it.”
He took the fragile glass as gentle as he could before drinking it. The wine was so strong and nice that it quickly made him half drunken. After some glasses of wine, he gazed at her with slightly lustful eyes. He snickered. “Shang Xiang, you’re a really dangerous woman. Liu Bei should fear you, actually.”
She grinned slyly. “If I’m that dangerous, why do you love me, then?”
Gan Ning’s laughter grew louder. “You’re like a drugs, Shang Xiang. Everyone knows you’re dangerous but can’t resist you.” Somehow, Gan Ning felt his eyelids were so heavy. “Eh, I’m so sleepy. Can we just do it now?”
Shang Xiang placed a finger in front of her lips. “Just a little bit, Gan Ning. I will have a bath first. Let this be a perfect night.”
11.32 p.m.
Shang Xiang walked over the sleeping man. She started at him for a quite long time before waking him by kissing his lips. Awakened from his sleep, Gan Ning shot his eyes to open, only to find Shang Xiang had stood in front of him. She was wearing a tight-fitting black-colored sleeping gown. What made Gan Ning staring at her even more intensively was how she moved in a bit revealing manner. He was drunk, and when he saw a lovely beautiful woman standing in front of him, he couldn’t resist the temptation.
“Well, enough staring at me?” She asked.
Gan Ning quickly turned away, embarrassed after found staring at her. However, she placed a hand and touched his face gently. “Come on, do you like making me waiting?”
Without waiting for any answer, she led him to the main bedroom. The rose’s scent that filled the room was strong. Without waiting for more time, they lied on the bed.
“Hey, why’s with that clock?” He pointed a big old-clock on the corner of the room.
“Oh, that?” She took a short glance at the said thing. “It’s not working anymore. Don’t be confused.”
Not bothering about the old clock, the two were finally having their time.
4.38 a.m.
“Hey, wake up!” Shang Xiang patted Gan Ning’s back lightly. “Liu Bei will be here soon after.”
Gan Ning groaned. “Already?” He now got up from the bed and let out a loud yawn. “Lame, I have a feeling that I’ve just sleeping only for a short time.” He rubbed his head. Certainly he was having a painful hangover.
She giggled. “Well, that’s what a man always says after having a night with a woman.”
Not long after, Gan Ning had already dressed. Shang Xiang led him to the entrance and gave him a goodbye kiss. Before he turned around, she placed both hands on his shoulder. He returned the embrace and the woman buried her head to his chest. “Gan Ning… do me a favor, will you?”
“Anything, my love.” He smiled.
She was pleading. “Would you sell your gun to Liu Bei?”
At this, Gan Ning backed away and frowned.
She didn’t give up though. “Please… and moreover… you have receive the payment, don’t you?”
He looked at her for a long time. The two were quiet until Gan Ning finally nodded. “Okay, I will be there at 8.”
--
Ling Tong yawned for an umpteen time. He was bored. Utterly, absolutely, insanely, bored. Working as a forensic science wasn’t as fun as he thought. Okay, sometimes he was involved in many cases. However, there weren’t anything happening.
He took a look at the clock. 8 a.m. Sighing again, he rested his head on his hands.
Perhaps his prayer was answered. Soon after, suddenly, well, too sudden actually, a man barged into the office. It was the head police, Inspector Lu Meng. On his hand was a phone and before Ling Tong realized what had happened, Lu Meng had already shouted with his thunderous voice. “Ling Tong! Ready your preparation! Another suicide and we’re going to investigate it.”
Not long after, Ling Tong was running fast as if he was being chased by a ghost or something like that. Fortunately, he didn’t make his superior waited long enough for him. He considered himself lucky.
“Ling Tong, a police has to be prepared anytime.” Lu Meng stated.
“Yes, sir.”
Some moments later, the forensic science found himself was standing in a crowd. He break through the crowd and his eyes saw a view that no one would want to see. A man was lying motionlessly on the floor. The dead body was pale and lifeless. Beside him knelt a woman. She was crying, weeping over his husband’s death. Ling Tong still didn’t know what to do when a hand patted his back.
“Hey, Ling Tong.”
Ling Tong turned around. “Oh, Gan Ning. What has happened?”
Forlorn was written all over Gan Ning’s face. “I found his death body this morning.”
“You know there people?” Ling Tong asked, referring to Liu Bei and Shang Xiang.
Gan Ning nodded. “Yeah, they both are old friends of mine.” He let out a deep sigh. “I can’t believe this. Liu Bei killed himself. Just yesterday I’m talking with him. Had I know that that was the last time I saw him, I would certainly have given him my gun.”
Ling Tong was a good friend of Gan Ning. He too, knew that Gan Ning was a gun collector. That must be something about gun business. Some days ago, Gan Ning had showed him his new gun. Well, perhaps someone had intended to buy that new gun.
“So, he committed suicide?”
A quick answer. “HE WOULDN’T DO THAT!” Everyone’s eyes were shot to the speaker, who turned out to be Shang Xiang. This time she said softer, although her voice was barely audible due to her sobbing. “Why should Liu Bei kill himself? He is in a good financial condition, his business goes smoothly… why should he kill himself?!”
Ling Tong knew this was his time to investigate. Gan Ning calmed Shang Xiang down and led her exited the room. Soon, with the help of Lu Meng, only the two polices were there.
“Do you think this is a suicide?” Asked Lu Meng.
“I don’t know, sir.” Ling Tong shook his head.
“Look at the gun.” Lu Meng showed a gun that was on Liu Bei’s grip. “This gun is quite good. But still, I don’t think this gun would make no sign of blood.” It was true. The blood wasn’t spurted. The bullet was buried deep inside the death body’s temple. However, the floor was clean. “I don’t think a gun like this could make no speck of blood like this.”
Suddenly, it dawned to Ling Tong who the murderer was. Gan Ning once told him that the gun he had would leave any hint of blood after killing. Still disbelieved, Ling Tong did a little operation to get the bullet. When he examined it, he knew Gan Ning was the murderer.
--
“That stupid, good-for-nothing bro…” Lu Xun sighed in exasperation as he took a look from his watched for umpteen time. Tapping his foot, he cursed his brother inwardly. “Where the heck are you now?! The door is locked and I can’t get in!” And now, the only thing he wanted to do is to beat his brother, kill him, and burn him to death. He had been waiting outside the door like a dog in front of its master’s house.
As Lu Xun couldn’t contain his impatience anymore, he took his cell phone and dialed his brother’s. Not long after, his call was answered and he was quick to complain. “Hey, bro! Where are you?! I’m locked outside the house and you have the key with you!”
No answer.
Lu Xun frowned in curiosity. “Bro? Hey, bro?”
“Lu Xun?” Finally he heard his brother’s voice. “Come here, Lu Xun. Quick!” At hearing his brother’s terrified voice, he knew something was not right. Something was happening.
“Bro, tell me what happen.” Lu Xun tried to sound calm but he failed.
A shout as a reply. It was obvious that he was at the end of tether now. “I DON’T NEED YOU TO ASK SO MANY THINGS! JUST COME TO ‘
“Bro, pull yourself together!”
“Lu Xun, you won’t believe this. Gan Ning…” His brother trailed off his word.
Lu Xun stunned on where he stood. Did he say Gan Ning? What had he done? If there was anything related to his brother or him, it must be about crime. When his brother say something about crime, could that mean… Gan Ning had committed crime?!
“What’s wrong with Gan Ning, bro! Answer me!”
“He…” the voice from the phone was now barely audible. “…has committed homicide.”
“WHAT?!” As soon as he digested the words, the call was already dropped. As Lu Xun put the cell phone back to his trousers pocket, he knew what to do. Get to the
--
“Ling Tong! What have you just said?!” Lu Meng grabbed Ling Tong’s shoulders roughly. “Who’s that?!”
Ling Tong quickly dropped the call in spite of his younger brother’s shout for the last time. He was flabbergasted at first as he didn’t know how to answer his superior. “No, nothing, sir. I absolutely find nothing. This is perhaps…” The forensic scientist didn’t know how whether to lie to defend his friend or to tell the truth to the head police. “…a suicide.”
Lu Meng narrowed his eyes as Ling Tong swallowed hard. For this time being, perhaps he could convince his superior that this was a plain suicide before finding another evidence to prove his friend’s innocence. If he was to tell the truth, Gan Ning would be in trouble and he didn’t want that. Once again, Ling Tong knelt beside the dead body of Liu Bei. “He shot himself using this gun...” He raised the weapon that lied beside the motionless body of Liu Bei. “…at 5 a.m…”
To his surprise, the superior cut him off. “No, Ling Tong. Tell me the truth.” He then picked a small plastic pocket with a bloodied small bullet there. “That lady’s right. Her husband would never kill himself. This is a homicide.” Ling Tong was ready to protest but he continued. “And this bullet isn’t suit with that gun. The one and only gun that suit this bullet is…” He trailed off his words. “…the one that owned by your friend, Gan Ning.”
--
Lu Xun ran past the corridor. He could see some workers, with a terrified expression, whispering to each other, must be about the murder and the police sudden arrival. Fortunately, Lu Xun wasn’t one of the police. His brother, though, was one of them.
“Excuse me, sir. Could you show me the way to the director office room?” Asked Lu Xun to a bystander there.
The nameless employee frowned a bit before answering. “It’s on the highest floor. Anyway, you’re…”
“A reporter.” He answered nonchalantly, speaking the only thing that was on his mind now. As soon as he received the answer, he left the dumbfounded man there. Was there any reporter without a camera? No journal?
When the lift door opened and he was on the top floor, Lu Xun quickly surveyed his surrounding to find the said room. However, his eyes caught a sight of a young woman that was weeping. Beside her was someone Lu Xun knew very well. He quickly ran over them.
“Gan Ning!” Lu Xun called, catching the attention of the two figures.
Gan Ning waved his hand, but he didn’t look as cheerful as usual. “Hey, Xun-boy.” He replied the greetings half-heartedly.
The young lady forced a sad smile and looked at the newcomer, then to Gan Ning. “Your friend?”
The older man nodded. “Yeah, Ling Tong’s little brother. Lu Xun, this is my old friend…”
Lu Xun tilted his head to one side as the lady extended her arm elegantly. From her demeanor, Lu Xun knew that this woman in front of him was no ordinary woman. “My name is Sun Shang Xiang.”
He too, extended his arm and shook hands with her. “Lu Xun.” He answered simply. Something was wrong with this woman. What was happening actually? Why was this woman crying? And if she was really a ‘someone’, why didn’t she mention her every status?
Gan Ning patted Lu Xun’s shoulder. “Lil’ buddy, what’re you doing here?”
Lu Xun scratched his head, hesitant to answer. “Well, brother Ling Tong told me to come here as soon as possible.” He then examined his older friend’s expression. There were no sign of worry or concern. Didn’t he know that he was a suspect? “Tell me, Gan Ning, what’s happening?”
“You see…”
Out of a sudden, a loud yell was heard from the director’s room. “I SWEAR I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!”
It was Ling Tong’s voice. The three pairs of eyes were shot to the very room’s door. Before Gan Ning and Shang Xiang started to run, Lu Xun had already run past them. “None of you should enter while the police are investigating!” He commanded and the two stopped their pace.
“Who’s that boy?” Asked Shang Xiang.
“Well…” Gan Ning got back to his seat. “…He sometimes likes to play detective, but he’s a real boy genius. He is a big help to the police.” He then looked at Shang Xiang, smiling sincerely. “I hope he can find the murderer. Right, Shang Xiang?”
Shang Xiang returned the smile. “I hope so.”
--
“I SWEAR I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING!”
“Lower your voice, Ling Tong.” Lu Meng growled. “You know that hiding the truth and protect the guilty, even if he is your friend, could be considered as crime.” The inspector played with the plastic-warped bullet while his free hand took the gun from Ling Tong’s hand and examined it carefully. “This case is over.”
“B-but!”
The door slammed open and someone barged in, much to Ling Tong’s surprise and joy. “Lu Xun!”
“Ah!” Lu Xun panted heavily and his eyes widened in surprise when his eyes caught a macabre view of a pale dead body lying on the ground. Looked like the victim was shot on the temple but there was only a little droplet of blood. He then eyed his older brother. “Bro, what’s happening?” He tried to sound calm.
Ling Tong opened his mouth to answer but Lu Meng had told him first. “Nothing to be worried, Lu Xun. We have found the murdered.” With that, Lu Meng walked past Lu Xun.
“You mean Gan Ning?” Still, Lu Xun’s eyes were locked on the human corpse.
“Yes.”
The boy’s hands curled into a fist. “No, sir.” His voice was firm. “Gan Ning is NOT the murdered.” He stated, not forgetting to give an emphasis on the word NOT.
Lu Meng turned around. “So, Lu Xun, are you saying that you too, are protecting your friend, just like your brother here?” He took a glance of the forensic science. At this, Ling Tong kept his mouth shut. He didn’t want to be reprimanded by his superior for protecting Gan Ning. Just trust Lu Xun and everything would be okay. “How can you be so sure? You don’t even hear the whole story yet.”
Lu Xun gave a stern look to the older man. Although he was still young, at least he had always helped the police. That was why he didn’t afraid of this. He would, once again, took care of this case. “Even if I don’t know the story yet, sir,” He lowered his head slightly in a respectful manner. “I know Gan Ning would never do this.”
Lu Meng shook his head. “Ling Tong, tell your brother everything. He sometimes could be so nosy.” Then, Lu Meng exited, leaving the still confused young men.
“So, bro,” Lu Xun turn his glance to Ling Tong. “What happen. No one has told me already.”
Ling Tong sighed. “Well, another difficult case, Lu Xun. I can’t believe that Gan Ning has committed murder.” Ling Tong took a seat on a nearby chair, followed by Lu Xun. “Yesterday, the director, Liu Bei, had a meeting with Gan Ning. They had an argument about… I don’t really know but something about gun collection. Gan Ning stated that Liu Bei invited him to his office to have some agreement. He said that Liu Bei wanted to buy his new gun. Gan Ning refused since the gun was still a rare thing. Liu Bei insisted, but Gan Ning never did sell it to him. In the end, Gan Ning left this place, angered because it was as if Liu Bei had forced him. Then Liu Bei’s wife, Shang Xiang, met Gan Ning and they had a little walk somewhere…” Ling Tong recalled the explanation. “…but on the night, since Liu Bei worked overtime, Shang Xiang asked Gan Ning to…well…you know…” Ling Tong looked at Lu Xun’s curious face. Well, Lu Xun might have been 17 years old but…
Lu Xun snorted. “… well, you think I’m too young? I know what you mean. They undressed themselves and slept together and were making love and…”
“STOP!” Ling Tong clasped his hand to Lu Xun’s mouth. “…you grow up fast, don’t you? Where do you learn so many things?”
Lu Xun rolled his eyes. “Because I’ve done it before, bro. Do not underestimate me.” He then gave a naughty grin.
Ling Tong’s eyes popped out. “YOU HAVE?!”
“Of course not.” The younger brother chuckled, which then made Ling Tong sigh in relieve. “Tell me the rest.”
“Okay. This is when the story begins.” Ling Tong continued. “On 11 p.m., Shang Xiang took a bath while Gan Ning had fallen asleep. On 11.30, Shang Xiang had already finished and soon after the two were… having their time. On 4.30, they woke up and Shang Xiang asked Gan Ning to leave because Liu Bei would come home soon. Then, Gan Ning left.”
Lu Xun nodded. “Now, tell me about Liu Bei.”
Ling Tong shrugged. “Nothing to tell you. From the very early morning he had been on the office…” He then turned a second to look at the dead body of Liu Bei. “…until now. When Gan Ning got to this room on the morning, he had found him like this.”
“That’s not the point.” Lu Xun looked thoughtful. “When was he killed?”
Ling Tong took his note. “From what I found, he was killed at 5 a.m.”
“Who’s the suspect?”
“No one else. Only Gan Ning.”
“What about the other employees?”
“No ordinary people have a gun, especially that expensive and precious gun.” Ling Tong said. “Only a gun collector like Gan Ning has.”
Lu Xun leaned against the wall. “What about that woman? Shang Xiang?”
“There’s no way she could kill her own husband.” At this, Lu Xun was ready to protest but Ling Tong had shut him up. “And she has an alibi from afternoon to 5 a.m., until now. Her alibi is perfect, while Gan Ning… he didn’t have any alibi after 5 a.m.”
“Don’t you think that if Gan Ning wasn’t with Shang Xiang after 04.30, then she too, didn’t have any alibi?”
Ling Tong shook his head. “Because she was having an affair with Gan Ning, she had dismissed her maids. After 04.30, she called her maid back.”
The young detective laughed a little. “That’s really funny, Ling Tong. Are you blind or just stupid? Shang Xiang is creating her alibi.” He then crossed his arms over his chest. “This is a perfect murder. I can’t figure out her trick yet.”
“It’s not like that, Lu Xun.” Ling Tong rested his head on his hand. “Shang Xiang doesn’t have the gun.”
“That’s why Shang Xiang asked Gan Ning to take a walk before having a night together. So that Gan Ning didn’t have time to put his gun back to his house. On the night, Shang Xiang stole Gan Ning’s gun.” Lu Xun explained.
“How about the time?” Ling Tong turned to give his brother a serious look.
“Huh?”
“The time.”
At this, Lu Xun fell silent. This was the most difficult trick. “You’re right, bro. we have to have a further investigation.”
Ling Tong nodded in agreement and exited the room to meet up with Lu Meng. However, they didn’t find anyone there except Shang Xiang. When Shang Xiang saw them, she approached them and spoke with a concerned tone. “Ling Tong, Lu Xun, tell me. Is that true? Is that true that Gan Ning is the murderer?” She started to break into tears. “My best friend… killed my husband? Is that true?”
Ling Tong shook his head. “Don’t worry, ma’am. We will prove that he is innocent.” He placed his hand on her shoulder in an effort to calm the crying woman. “We will find the real murder.”
He ended his short speech with a nod and grabbed Lu Xun’s hand, leaving Shang Xiang and ran over the lift to get to police office. Lu Meng and Gan Ning must have been there.
From the corner of his eyes, Lu Xun gave such look to Shang Xiang, disgusted and provoked look. The woman was quite startled but gave him a smile soon after. Lu Xun blinked for a second after her confusing action. He then released his hand from Ling Tong’s tight grip. The younger man glanced over his head to take a last look from Shang Xiang. At this, Ling Tong scratched his head and continued pacing. He whispered to Lu Xun. “Why are you acting like that, Lu Xun? Don’t tell me that you are now accusing her. This is too fast.”
“Hmph. Crocodile’s tear.”
--
“Yes, this gun.” Lu Meng then glared to the stubborn suspect. “Still don’t want to admit yet? All proves have shown that you’re the murderer!” The inspector pointed to him with an accusing finger. “And you’re the only one who doesn’t have any alibi after 04.30!”
Gan Ning slammed the table. “What prove?! I didn’t do anything, especially killing my friend’s husband!”
Saved by the knock, Gan Ning and Lu Meng looked at the two figures that stepped into the interrogation room.
“Finally. Lu Xun and Ling Tong.” Lu Meng welcomed them expressionlessly. “Take a seat, please.”
Lu Xun shook his head. “We will not here for too long, sir. We just ask for your permission to investigate the victim’s house…” He then winked to Gan Ning, hoping that he would understand. “…with Gan Ning.”
Lu Meng didn’t answer for some moment. When he finally spoke up, it was perhaps the last thing he wanted to hear from the head police. “Lu Xun, you’re not a detective. Yet, you and Ling Tong are always a big help to us and I really appreciate it, but now…” He looked out from the window to see the setting sun. “You’re protecting your guilty friend.”
“Sir,” Lu Xun insisted. “You have to believe us. Gan Ning is not the murderer. He is our good friend and I’m sure he won’t do that.”
Lu Meng was now only a few steps away from Lu Xun. “Lu Xun, there is a limit of friendship. If you know that he is guilty, they you shall stand on the right. Moreover…” He gave a slight smile to the young detective. “…do you know who the murderer is then?”
Lu Xun bit his lip. Was he going to tell his assumption? No, he shouldn’t accuse someone without any proves. “I don’t know yet, sir. That’s why I will continue investigating…”
Sighing, the older man finally granted him a nod. “Do what you must, Lu Xun.”
--
They were silent all the way to the mansion. Lu Xun was still baffled while Ling Tong now doubted his friend’s innocent. Gan Ning himself now felt a slight guilty for putting the brothers into a difficult case. Ling Tong was driving the police car, but his mind was somewhere else. It was then finally they drove past the mansion.
“Hey, Ling Tong!” the two’s yell quickly brought him back from his own world. The scientist quickly turned around and parked his car, which wasn’t a success as the car stopped after the wheel bucked up onto the pavement.
“I should be the one driving…” Lu Xun smacked his forehead.
The three of them walked past the great garden and soon after standing in front of the door. After ringing the electric bell, the door opened, revealing the bloodshot-eyed Shang Xiang standing on the opposite side of the door.
“Oh, you three! What a surprise.” She tried to sound warm, but still, her voice was hoarse due to all the crying. The young woman let them to come in and invite them to sit on the sofa on the living room.
The housewife looked at them one by one before calling one of her many maids. “Ready some drink.”
Ling Tong quickly objected. “No, ma’am, you don’t need to. We just want to get some information here.”
She smiled warmly. “That’s why I should welcome you. You’re doing a great favor by finding my husband’s murderer. I am certain Gan Ning wouldn’t do something such as killing.” She smiled to Gan Ning and then back to Ling Tong. “And, please don’t call me ‘ma’am’ like that. It makes me sounds old. Just call me Shang Xiang, okay?”
Ling Tong nodded while Lu Xun just watched it with an unreadable expression. Just a moment later, a maid brought four glass of orange juice to them. They took a glass except one.
“I’m not thirsty.” Lu Xun pushed the glass lightly while forcing a smile to the maid.
“Oh.” The maid took the drink and got out from the place.
Shang Xiang took a gulp of the juice and eyed Lu Xun with a slightly concerned face. “You’re not drinking, Lu Xun? Are you not feeling good today?”
Lu Xun quickly turned his glance to the speaker and when he found that the woman was smiling innocently, he snapped with a low voice. “None of your business.” He then stood up and left the room. “Bro, come on! I have much homework to do. Let’s just finish this case quickly.” Before waiting for his brother, Lu Xun had already closed the door behind him.
Ling Tong blinked and quickly apologized to Shang Xiang. “Forgive my brother’s act today. He isn’t like that actually. He’s not having a good mood today.” As a reply, Shang Xiang nodded in understanding. Ling Tong continued. “Well, if you would excuse me…”
“Oh, of course you may.”
Now only Shang Xiang and Gan Ning left. The troubled woman sighed loudly, which then drew Gan Ning’s attention to her. “Shang Xiang?” He sat closer by her side. “Are you…?”
Shang Xiang could contain her tears anymore. She threw her arms around Gan Ning’s neck and buried her head on his chest. “Gan Ning, why this is happening?!” She almost yelled in frustration. “Who has killed Liu Bei? Why?”
Gan Ning knew better than to back away from her. Without waiting for an order, Gan Ning warped his arms around the crying woman’s waist. He gave her a warm embrace to calm her down. “Don’t worry, Shang Xiang. Everything is going to be alright.”
--
“Lu Xun!” Ling Tong grabbed his younger brother’s shoulder roughly and turned him around to face him. “What are you thinking?! Saying such thing to a woman whose husband has been recently killed?”
Lu Xun fought back. “Killed? She killed her own husband!”
Ling Tong dropped his arm to his side while watching Lu Xun’s angered expression. He knew well of his younger brother. He always thought logically and never accused someone or even was suspicious of someone without a proof. This time was different though.
“Hey, Lu Xun. Calm down, will you? Don’t just conclude something without thinking.” Ling Tong advised.
Realizing his mistake, Lu Xun took a deep breath while walking toward the main bedroom. He finally spoke up after a long silence. “I just can’t stand her, Ling Tong. She used Gan Ning to create an alibi, and then made Gan Ning himself doesn’t have one.” He said in an exasperated tone. “…And even did something as dirty as that just for her plan to be successful.” A disgusted look was visible on Lu Xun’s face.
The two entered the great room. The two brothers were slightly amazed before starting the investigation.
“Hmmm…” Lu Xun placed a hand under his chin.
“Finding something?” Ling Tong asked.
“I want to see you do better than me.”
The two examined the room, but to be true, there was nothing wrong with that. It was clear that this place would give them no clue.
“Eh?”
“Huh?” Ling Tong ran over Lu Xun, who seems to examining a great old-styled clock on the corner of the room. The clock didn’t have hand that showed the second.
Lu Xun looked around the house. “This house is quite modern, isn’t it? Then why there’s an old clock like this?” He withdrew a pair of gloves from her breast pocket, wore it, and traced the rough texture of the clock. “Looks weird, huh? Are Shang Xiang and Liu Bei bad at decorating? This clock looks a bit out of place.”
“Not only that, Lu Xun.” Ling Tong looked at his watches. “This clock is still working, although this looks so old. Must be a treasury thing.” Lu Xun realized it too as his watches showed the same time as the clock. “Does it help?”
Lu Xun shook his head. “Not now.” He then shrugged it off of his mind. “And now…”
“The bathroom.”
When the two took their first step, they were quick to examine it. There was a pile of clothes and some tissue. The floor itself was covered with bath gel and foam. Ling Tong whistled. “Wow, another clue!”
The two examined the awkward place carefully. In their mind, they were both wondering how to commit a homicide by using soap. In the end, though, they came to a conclusion that they found nothing.
“Godammit. We certainly won’t find anything here.” Ling Tong sighed in defeat.
Suddenly, Lu Xun’s eyes lit up. “No wonder we don’t find anything. We don’t look for the answer in the right place.”
“What do you mean?”
The younger brother smiled as he looked up toward the ceiling. “Hey, why should we check the floor when the answer is in the up? Perhaps Shang Xiang ‘decorated’ her bathroom like this just to distract us from her real trick.” The two’s eyes met a sight of a stone ceiling, but on the corner of it was a part which only covered with a thin plywood “See?”. Lu Xun, being quick on his feet, hop on the closet and then to the wash basin.
“Lu Xun! Don’t be such a kid!”
The young detective put no heed, though. He then looked at his brother. “Which one is taller, me or Shang Xiang?”
Ling Tong rolled his eyes. “Certainly it is Shang Xiang.”
Lu Xun looked irritated a bit. “Thanks, bro.” He then put off his shoes and tried to reach the plywood. “Eh, not even you could reach this height, don’t you bro?”
“How can she jump, then?”
“Is she good at climbing?”
“She is afraid of height, that’s what Gan Ning said.”
As Lu Xun moved the plywood using the tip of his finger, it moved easily and reveal a quite big hole. “Gotcha. I know it. Bro, give me a long ropes, please.”
Soon after, with the help of some maids, Lu Xun already got the said thing. “Bro, help
Both of them pulled the ropes hard and Lu Xun was lifted to the ceiling. Soon after, he found himself was already passed the hole. As he looked around the dark place, he found something which made him smiled widely. On the pile of unused thing, he found something.
“Hey, Xun!” Ling Tong shouted. “There’s no way Shang Xiang climbed that high. She isn’t strong enough to ‘bob herself up and down’.”
As a reply, something was dropped from the hole. Some old rusty steel wheel. “That’s the trick, bro.” Lu Xun’s head popped down from the hole. “Very clever of her to use these wheels as pulleys. No one could ever notice it.”
“So what? Could this thing give Shang Xiang more strength?”
Lu Xun looked disbelieving. “Bro, don’t say you’re really a stupid.” He then explained it one by one. “A physics lesson I got today. Well, for example, if you have only one pulley to lift 10 kilograms mass, then you need 100
“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”
Much to Ling Tong’s dismay, Lu Xun replied sarcastically. “Yeah, now I know why you never want to show me your Senior High report book.”
“Gosh…” The older brother could just curse his younger brother inwardly. “This is retarded.”
Lu Xun continued with his small journey. He crawled to the other side because of the small space he was allowed to move. When he found a small opening, he shouted in glee. Exited from the dark ceiling, he stood on the roof. There, he could see some buildings. One of the nearest one was the building where the homicide took place, the Shu building. Using the rope that Ling Tong had given him, he climbed down to the backside of the garden and exited the mansion. Now everything was clear to him, other than the time. He ran as fast as his feet could allow to the big office building.
--
“Hey, Lu Xun. Quit playing.” He looked up to the ceiling but receive no answer. “Xun? Hey, what are you doing?”
A second after, his cell phone rang. From Lu Xun. “Hey, naughty boy! Where are you! Come back here! This is almost 6!”
“Heh, you won’t believe this, bro.” A voice was heard from the phone. “Guess where I am now.
Ling Tong couldn’t believe what he had just heard. “Xun, don’t lie to me.”
“Bro, I swear on my…my… MY BRAIN that I’m not joking.”
“That, if you have any.”
“If I don’t have any, then I won’t call you right now. Quickly. Come here ASAP.”
The call dropped
“What a smartass.” All that Ling Tong wanted was to beat his brother now. He then exited the room and without saying goodbye, simply leaving Gan Ning and Shang Xiang there unnoticed. He started the car and drove to the very building.
Some minutes past and the two were now in the director’s room. The body had been moved but dried blood caked on the floor was still there.
“Are you sure Liu Bei was killed on 5 p.m.?” Asked Lu Xun.
“Positive.”
Lu Xun snorted in aggravation. “The police shouldn’t have moved the body first. Bro, take the sample of the blood.”
Ling Tong followed as he was ordered while Lu Xun continued examining the room. “Erm… this is… winter?”
“Stupid, this is summer, you idiot.”
“Then why the air conditioner is turned off. This place is as hot as hell.” Lu Xun started to turn on the air conditioner.
Ling Tong turned around to warn his brother. “Hey, Lu Xun! Don’t touch anything here!”
But it was too late. The air conditioner was turned on. However, to both surprise, the room became warmer than before. Lu Xun examined the remote controller of the sir conditioner carefully. “An air conditioner combined with heater!”
Ling Tong had finished his job so he too, being curious, stood behind his brother. “Huh?”
“…And the heater… someone has just used it.” Lu Xun said.
“What kind of fool would use heater in a hot summer like this?”
Lu Xun put the remote to its own place before smiling confidently. “Let’s go to the police office, Ling Tong. Another puzzle is going to be solved.”
--
Gan Ning and Shang Xiang were silent for past some hours. Gan Ning was still waiting for his friends but little did he know that both of them had left the house. The suspect frowned a bit before turning his eyes to Shang Xiang. “Shang Xiang?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry for today. My friends…” Gan Ning scratched the back of his head. “I think they are just far too much.”
Shang Xiang rested her head on Gan Ning’s shoulder. “As long as they found the murderer, I won’t be bothered.”
Gan Ning stroked Shang Xiang’s reddish-brown hair lightly. “I know this is too hard for you, Shang Xiang. I’m so sorry…”
Before Gan Ning could continue, his mobile phone rang. He quickly asked permission from Shang Xiang before left the living room. It was from Ling Tong. Gan Ning swore mentally before answered the call. “What the heck are you doing, Ling Tong?! Come here at once before I take that brainless head of yours!”
“Whoa, calm down, friend!” From Ling Tong’s voice, Gan Ning knew that his friend had solved the mystery. “I just want you to come to the police office ASAP! We have to tell you something important!”
“You’re asking me to leave Shang Xiang like that now?!” Gan Ning fought back.
At this, Ling Tong was quiet. The phone was then snatched away from Ling Tong’s hand and another voice was heard. This time was much younger. Must be Lu Xun’s. “Hey, Gan Ning. Listen. We have found the murderer so just get here. I need to ask you something.”
Gan Ning tried to sound calm. “How about Shang Xiang?”
“Our only priority here is to find the murderer, not to calm the left behind. If you don’t want to come, alright I will leave this case in the hand of Inspector Lu Meng. How about that?” Lu Xun stern voice was heard.
“That’s blackmailing.” Gan Ning growled.
“If that’s the only way to separate you from that woman, then I’m not hesitant to use this way. If on 30 minutes you’re not here, than say hello to Inspector Lu Meng and the court.” Without waiting for any answer, Lu Xun dropped the call. Gan Ning noticed how Lu Xun mentioned Shang Xiang indirectly using ‘that woman’. The word was too harsh, and Lu Xun had never used such word before. He was, after all, well-known for his courteousness.
Having no option left, Gan Ning then took his leave and say goodbye to Shang Xiang.
--
“Gan Ning is blinded by love.” It was already 8 p.m. when Lu Xun dropped the call. He returned the cell phone to the owner. “The blood, the heater, the clock. That’s all the proof.”
“The blood…” Ling Tong rested his back on the chair. “…contain too many doses of aspirin, which mean, the murderer can slower the death time. and the warm temperature could also slower the death time.”
The door was opened and the two jumped off their seat, only to find Lu Meng was in front of the door. Lu Xun and Ling Tong backed to their seats, a bit disappointed because it was Gan Ning that they were waiting for. Lu Meng cleared his throat. “Anything?”
“Yeah.” Lu Xun smiled confidently.
“Who’s the murderer, then?”
“It is…” Ling Tong was ready to answer but Lu Xun had already stomped on his foot hard as a code not to continue. The forensic scientist let out a muted scream while Lu Xun had already spoke for him.
“No, not yet, sir. We will inform you if we find anything.”
Lu Meng nodded and left the room. After the inspector was out from sight, Ling Tong smacked Lu Xun hard on his head. “What the bloody hell are you doing!?”
“OUCH!” Lu Xun rubbed his head. “Hey, I’m only doing what is good for both Gan Ning and Shang Xiang!”
“What do you mean? Don’t speak in riddle!”
“Well,” The young detective played with the loose thread of his clothes. “If you notice it, today I’m really rude to that woman, Shang Xiang, am not I?” Ling Tong nodded as a reply before he continued. “Yeah, I’m angry with her. She dared to kill her own husband, but in the end she used Gan Ning to be the suspect. And our dumb Gan Ning could just watch. But…” He smiled sadly. “Do you ever think how Gan Ning would react if he found the woman he loved most did a crime? And used him as a scapegoat?”
Ling Tong lowered his head. “Yeah… I understand.”
“Why did Shang Xiang kill her own husband?” Lu Xun stared at the night sky from the window. “What’s her motive?”
“You don’t know anything about Gan Ning, Shang Xiang, and Liu Bei, don’t you?” Lu Xun shook his head and Ling Tong recalled what Gan Ning had told him once. “The three were a best friend since childhood. When they were Senior High school students, Gan Ning and Liu Bei both fell in love with Shang Xiang. Shang Xiang chose Gan Ning because the one that she loved was him.”
“Hmmm…” Lu Xun kicked the air. “That’s a very personal thing. I shouldn’t be involved. Anyway, aren’t you Gan Ning’s classmate too?”
“You have been involved in this actually.” Ling Tong muttered silently. “Well, I met him when we were studying on university. We are from a different Senior High School.”
“Tell me the rest of the story.”
“No.”
Lu Xun’s eyes widened in surprise. “Brother Ling Tong! What are you saying?! I want to know the whole story!”
Ling Tong smirked. “How old are you, hmm? 17, don’t you? You are still below 18 so no story for you, lil’ bro.” He ended it with a triumphant laugh.
“Hey!” the younger brother shook his body forcefully. “Come on, bro! I need it! I need to know the motive!” He pleaded
“I won’t tell you.” Ling Tong teased.
“Please…” Lu Xun showed the biggest puppy eyes Ling Tong had ever seen. To make it more dramatic, Lu Xun put his hands up to his mouth, so that he looked like a cute puppy. At this, Ling Tong could ignore his brother.
“Okay, I will tell you. But, under one condition…” He leaned closer to Lu Xun and whispered something. Soon after, Lu Xun looked as if he was just jolted with a thunder. At his shocked expression, Ling Tong smiled in satisfaction. He withdrew himself and took a better look on his brother’s face. “Understand?”
Lu Xun hissed. “I’d rather die.”
“That’s up to you.” Ling Tong shrugged. After seeing Lu Xun finally nodded, Ling Tong ruffled his younger brother’s brown hair lightly. “That’s a good boy. Okay. Liu Bei came from a rich and popular family, and of course Shang Xiang’s parents would rather have him as son-in-law than Gan Ning. So…”
“So…?”
“So, in the end, they forced Gan Ning to broke up with Shang Xiang. Liu Bei also suggested the same thing. Gan Ning was heartbroken after that, but since he and Liu Bei were good friends, he did it for him, so to speak. Gan Ning never told Shang Xiang about this. As a result, Shang Xiang thought Gan Ning had betrayed her…”
Out of the sudden, the door was opened to reveal Gan Ning, still panting and sweating. As soon as his glance connected with the two, he cursed them while laughing at the same time. “Hey, you two bloody idiots! Where’re you going, eh? Without telling me?!”
“Is that your best greetings to a friend?” Ling Tong punched his friend’s arm lightly.
Lu Xun cleared his throat to draw the two’s attention. Without wasting more time, he took a seat on a table and looked over Gan Ning with a deep frown. “Why are you so late?”
Gan Ning cocked an eyebrow at his question. “Well… I…”
“Well, I know the answer. You don’t need to tell me.” The young detective still looked far too serious. “I want to ask you something VERY important about this case. Tell me the truth. If you don’t, then I will tell Mr. Lu Meng that I can’t handle this case anymore. Understand?”
The room was silent for a bit. Gan Ning gave a confused look to Lu Xun while Ling Tong just somehow found an interest on the floor. Opening his mouth, Gan Ning answered hesitantly. “Uh, yeah, anything, detective.”
“Fine.” Lu Xun jumped off from the table and showed him something. A bullet. “Tell me, is this bullet belongs to you? We found it…”
Gan Ning’s expression quickly changed. He grabbed Lu Xun by his collar and shouted in an angry tone. Ling Tong tried to ease the attention to no avail. “DAMMIT! So you’re still thinking I’m the murderer?! Just because I’m the owner of that bullet?! Is that all you want to say?!”
“Gan Ning!” Ling Tong quickly came to his brother’s aid but Gan Ning had already thrown him aside. However, Lu Xun’s expression didn’t change a bit, although he knew that with one Gan Ning’s deadly blow, he would be nothing more than a bloody heap. He could feel his feet were no longer touching the ground.
“Okay, detective! I’m wrong to believe you! If you insist, then I will tell Lu Meng – no, to the entire world that I’m the murderer! GOT IT!?” He released the smaller man roughly. Before turned back, he ended with another curse. “I should never trust you, you good-for-nothing bastard!”
Lu Xun still panted due to the lack of air while struggled on his feet. Ling Tong supported him. The young detective the spoke, this time in much lower and softer voice. “The bastard one is you, Gan Ning.”
Once again, the enraged man turned back, ready to throw more shouts. Before he could do any, Lu Xun had already regained his composure and continued. “The reason why I’m asking you about that is…” He paused. “To strengthen your alibi.”
“WHAT?”
Before Lu Xun explained the other thing, he had already asked one more question. “The second question. Do you know the old clock, the one that seems a bit out of place?”
Gan Ning nodded, a bit reluctant to answer.
“Tell me everything about it.”
“What the…” Gan Ning was ready to protest, but when he saw Ling Tong shook his head, he knew that he had to tell him everything. Then he started to unveil the event one by one.
Lu Xun smiled to Ling Tong and then to Gan Ning. “Thank you so much, Gan Ning.” Just when Gan Ning shrugged and was about to walk away, Lu Xun stopped him. “There is another thing I want to tell you. A very important cause…”
--
Once again, the great double-door knocked. A maid appeared behind the door and bowed slightly. “Yes, sir?”
Gan Ning was on the front. He answered in casually, just like the other day. “Tell Shang Xiang that I’m here.”
The maid nodded and opened the door for the three of them to come in. After closing the door, she ran toward the main bedroom and called her mistress. Not long after, Shang Xiang had already walked to the living room. She was wearing a white blouse, looked like she was still grieving over her husband’s death. (NOTE: It is a Chinese tradition to wear white clothes when a family or friend is dead). She didn’t wear any make up but she was as beautiful as ever. “How kind you’re to visit me.” She then took a seat on an arm-chair.
Lu Xun swallowed hard before smiled casually. “We have a good news, ma’am. We have found the murderer.” He informed.
“That’s very brilliant of you, Lu Xun.” Shang Xiang’s smiled widened. “Well, I assume you’re here to tell me about that, am I right?”
The young detective twitched a bit. There was something in this woman that made him afraid. First, she simply called him by his first name, as if they had been good friends for a long time. The second was, she was so calm and there was no sign of worry on her face. After pondering a little, Lu Xun answered her question. “Indeed, ma’am. But before that, would you mind if you dismiss your maids and anyone from this room for a moment? So that only four of us here?”
She chuckled lightly. “Why should I mind, Lu Xun?” Then, she did as she told to. When she turned round to face them, she was startled a bit when she met Lu Xun’s serious expression, very contras with his friendly greeting.
Lu Xun knew better than to waste more time with cheap talk. “Ma’am, firstly, I want to tell you how the murderer could get a very perfect alibi.”
“Go ahead.”
“Fine.” Lu Xun glanced at Shang Xiang sharply before starting. “Let’s start from the very beginning. At 4 p.m., Gan Ning left the building. After that, all that we know is that Gan Ning was taken to have some meals before returning home. Right, Gan Ning?”
Lu Xun turned to look at Gan Ning, who nodded as a reply.
“Then…” He continued. “The other thing we know is someone asked him to have a night with him. At11 p.m., Gan Ning fell asleep and this person went to take a bath for 30 minutes. On 11.30, she finished bathing and called Gan Ning to have their time. At 4.30 they both wake up and finally, at 5 p.m. Gan Ning went home. That’s why all that we know is that Gan Ning doesn’t have alibi from 5 p.m. to 8, when he found the death body of your husband.”
“Liu Bei was killed at 5.” Ling Tong continued.
Shang Xiang nodded. “I have already known about that, because someone you mentioned is me, isn’t it?”
Lu Xun was hesitant to answer. No, he knew the truth behind her smile, but something tugged inside his heart, telling him to just get himself out of this place quickly. No! This wasn’t what he should be doing! “Ah, yes. You’re right. Now, I want to say that Gan Ning isn’t the murderer. You!” He pointed an accusing finger to Shang Xiang. “You’re the murderer.”
Still, Shang Xiang didn’t flinched a bit. She even giggled in a time like this! “Oh, you’re still too young, Lu Xun. Are to trying to play detective? Why should I kill my own husband?”
Lu Xun sighed. “I know you will deny it. Fine. I will tell you the trick. First, you asked Gan Ning not to go home so that he couldn’t put his gun back. At 10.30, you put a sleep drug to his drink so that he fell asleep. As soon as you had stolen Gan Ning’s gun, you changed all the clocks before playing your game. After that, you went to bathroom and there was a way you could use to get to the building.”
At this point, Lu Xun led them to the main bedroom. When they arrived at the bathroom, Lu Xun did what he had done before. “You were using pulley to lift you to the ceiling.”
“Hey! Hey!” Gan Ning cut him off. “I just found this confusing. How can we use something like pulleys to lift ourselves? And what does it do to the person’s weight?”
Lu Xun slapped his forehead. “No, not this one again.” He then explained patiently. “The steel wheel could be set into this formation.” He set it on the ceiling and using a rope, he lifted himself up. “See? With this kind of pulleys, you won’t need 100
Gan Ning scratched his head but Ling Tong stopped him from asking more question. Lu Xun then continued. “After that, ma’am, you directly went to Shu building and commit the homicide, made it as if it was a suicide. You entered the building when the security was shifting. Oh, and you did not forget to bring another gun. Your husband was a gun collector just like Gan Ning too, after all. Using Gan Ning’s weapon you shot him.” Lu Xun placed his index finger to his temple, imitating how Shang Xiang had shot Liu Bei. “And you… yeah, you spent some time there and at 2.30 you went back home, knowing that by that time, the security working time had been over. On 3 a.m., you woke Gan Ning up and when Gan Ning looked at the clock, he thought it was 11.30 p.m. After sleeping for less than 2 hours, once again you woke Gan Ning up at 4.30 and at 5 a.m., Gan Ning left the house. A perfect trick indeed, ma’am.”
Shang Xiang smiled confidently, a bit arrogant, though. “So, Lu Xun, do you have any proof?”
“Huh?”
“Do you have any proof?” She repeated.
“Oh, you want to know?” He fought back. “Gan Ning, tell me about that big clock.”
Gan Ning was startled. He looked at Lu Xun, then to Shang Xiang before answered. “Well, Shang Xiang said it was not working anymore.”
“It’s not.” Lu Xun stated simply. “Just because it’s so old and it doesn’t have second-pointer, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work, doesn’t it? Gan Ning, what time was the clock show when you asked entered this bedroom?”
“Ummm…” He bit his lip. “2.50”
“That’s it!” Lu Xun shouted. “That clock showed the right time! Yeah, it was 2.50 that time.” He then turned to look at Shang Xiang. “You lied to Gan Ning, telling him that it was 11.30! That’s because you can’t move the clock that day, and if you move it before, Mr. Liu Bei would be suspicious. Moreover, you can’t change the clock. That’s why you lied to Gan Ning when he was still half-drunk! What a trick!”
Once again, Shang Xiang laughed. “Well…well…well… I shouldn’t expect so much from you then, Lu Xun.” She said in a bit belittling tone, which made Lu Xun hissed in exasperation. Fortunately, Ling Tong was there to stop him. “That proof alone can’t make me the murderer, can it?”
“You ask for it.” He tried to sound calm. “Then, about that fake gun that Mr. Liu Bei used to ‘kill’ himself. I assume that it was his favorite gun. Thinking of it, ma’am, he always kept it in his office, which was said to be a ‘sacred’ place. No one, absolutely no one, would dare to use that gun as the trick. Mr. Liu Bei must have always cleaned it. That’s why only his fingerprints were there. Yours wouldn’t be there too, ma’am, because you had worn gloves, which mean, Gan Ning’s fingerprints wasn’t there!”
This time, Shang Xiang showed a bit hint of aggravation. “Hmmm… perhaps the murderer forced him to take that gun or using the gloves too.” She snorted. “And wasn’t all that you have said just like a desperate effort to release your friend? How about that pulley thing? If I really use that trick, then why you haven’t found it?”
“Oh, really?” Lu Xun said in a defiant tone. “Then let me show you this!” Lu Xun climbed up to the small hole. He then took the steel wheel and dropped them from the hole. “To destroy the proof, you’re using the steel wheel, and then you claimed them as unused things. With this, none of us will think you’re using pulley. Yeah, you use them to lift yourself and at the same time, none of us would know about this.”
Gan Ning’s eyes widened in surprise. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out from his mouth. From the corner of his eyes, he caught a glance of Shang Xiang. To his utter surprise and Lu Xun’s dismay, she didn’t show any sign of nervousness. Shang Xiang chuckled. “Well, so, you want to check my fingerprints there? Let me tell you, Lu Xun, there are hundreds fingerprints here.”
“Is that so?” The young detective snapped. “Of course not by the fingerprints. Look! Although they are unused and rusted like old steels, there aren’t any dusts, and I’m sure it’s you, ma’am, who cleaned it before you used it. Even if it doesn’t, the dust itself will show that someone has touched the wheel.” He ended it with a quite loud sigh. “Still denying, ma’am?”
To their utter surprise, Shang Xiang laughed a bit. It sounded eerie, though. No one could ever guess whether it was a laughter of pain, joy, or perhaps disappointment. None of them dare to break the silence. The woman took a seat on the edge of her bed. “That’s really a great analysis, detective. I applaud you.” She stated the word firmly. “I admit defeat.” Still, she ended it with a smile.
Lu Xun blinked for a moment after receiving her bizarre smile. Before he could reply, Shang Xiang had turned to look at Ling Tong and Gan Ning. “Could you two please leave us for a moment?” She asked.
The two exchanged confused glance before obeying the order. Lu Xun was then found himself alone. He back away few steps before Shang Xiang offer him another smile. “Why’s that, Lu Xun? Are you afraid of me? Don’t worry. I won’t bite.” She moved a bit to allow him to sit on the other edge. “Sit here.”
Lu Xun was hesitant to do it. He did it in the end, though. Sometimes he shifted uncomfortably before dared himself to ask. “Is there something you want to say, ma’am?”
She nodded. “Yes, Lu Xun. Actually, I want to ask you something. Mind answering?”
“If I can answer.”
“Okay.” She crossed her arms over her chest. She was so calm, and Lu Xun couldn’t believe this! How could someone easily killed her own husband and when she had been found the murderer didn’t have any guilty feeling at all? “Where is that police inspector Lu Meng? I don’t see him anywhere.” She diverted her glance. “Is this Gan Ning’s will?”
The detective didn’t have any option left again so he nodded. “Is there anything you want to ask me?” He was given a shake of head so he continued. “Then I too, want to ask you something.”
She chuckled. “I now what you want to ask. About that night, isn’t it? Why I decided to have a night with Gan Ning.”
“Ah!” Lu Xun bit his lower lip hardly that it was almost bleeding. “That’s too personal. I apologize…”
“No need. I will tell you why. From the first time I saw you, I know you are disgusted by my dirty tricks, aren’t you? Using friend as a scapegoat… I will tell you why.” She cut him off. Looking up to the ceiling, she was reminiscing about her young days. “I, Gan Ning, and Liu Bei have always been a good friend. One day…”
Shang Xiang kept telling him her story, but it was as if she was talking to herself. Lu Xun listened attentively although he had ever heard it once. From her tone, he could hear pain and slight anger. By now, Lu Xun was cursing himself for acting so rude to this woman. After she ended the story, Lu Xun asked softly. “Is that your motive? Love and hatred at the same time?”
“Yes. I killed Liu Bei, because had it not him, I would have been living with Gan Ning. And at the same time, I want Gan Ning to be punished for all he had done to me.” Her tone was emotionless. “You don’t know how it feels when you are betrayed. You’re still young, after all.”
Lu Xun smiled sadly. “You’re the one who don’t know the truth, ma’am.”
“What?” She frowned.
“Yeah, you don’t.” He drew his knees closer to his chest. “Gan Ning never betrayed you.”
“You know nothing.”
“I do.” He nodded. “But that’s the only thing I know. Gan Ning has given up and he though friendship is more important than love. Yeah, ‘one true friend equaled a thousand women’. Gan Ning is a good friend to Liu Bei, and he didn’t want to you to hate Liu Bei as your husband. That’s why he acted like a jerk so that you may not blame all of this to Liu Bei but to blame it on him instead.”
“That’s mean he’s a real jerk. Why he had to give up?” Shang Xiang still didn’t intend to believe.
“Because…” This time, Lu Xun eyed Shang Xiang deeply. “You don’t know how he felt that time. Your parents, Liu Bei, all the people around you and him always forced him to just give up. He thought that that was the best choice for both you and him. And if you lived with Liu Bei, you would be happier.”
“No, Lu Xun.” Shang Xiang looked down to the floor. “He doesn’t love me.”
“Don’t you dare to say that!” Lu Xun almost yelled. “Saying that things means you never truly love him and desired nothing more than his death, because he had caused a lot of pain to you!” Shang Xiang was taken aback by his words. “You don’t know that last night, after I told him what you have done, he was so heartbroken that he pleaded to release you from the court. He even…” Lu Xun swallowed hard, turning away from Shang Xiang. “…He even said that he would be willing to be brought to court and accept the punishment and instead of you. I…” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I don’t understand why you did this.”
“That’s why I ask him and Ling Tong to get out. I can’t see him when he can’t accept the truth that I still can’t forgive him, and I’m marrying Liu Bei to plan a vendetta on them both.” Shang Xiang said with an icy tone.
“I don’t know… I just…” Lu Xun placed a hand on his forehead. “I just don’t understand. How can be love so complicated? I think…” He laughed bitterly. “After this case, I decide not to marry. I will live forever as a single.”
Shang Xiang patted his back. “Although you say that, one day you will find your true love and you can never run away. Especially a guy with your look, it won’t spend much time. Believe me.”
Lu Xun smiled, and soon, they laughed in spite of the situation. After a moment, Lu Xun eyed Shang Xiang, this time was much more serious. “I can’t grant Gan Ning’s wish, ma’am. That’s why I’m not here with Mr. Lu Meng. If you admit this, you will be given a less harsh punishment. But if you don’t…” He left his sentence left unfinished.
“I won’t, Lu Xun. Tell Lu Meng all of this.”
Lu Xun cocked an eyebrow. “What?” He shook the woman’s body. “Ma’am, please, be consider! Gan Ning has tried the best and…and…”
“I won’t change my mind. If I’m found guilty, then it won’t be a regret.” She said simply.
“But…” Lu Xun curled his hand into a fist. “If… if you don’t do it for yourself, then… then do it for Gan Ning! There is still some love left for him, right? If you don’t want his life to be more miserable, please, do it for him.”
This time, Shang Xiang felt a tug inside her heart. She blinked hard to prevent her tears from rolling down to her cheeks. Trying to keep her composure, she finally nodded and eyed Lu Xun. “Okay, I will, just because it is for Gan Ning.”
--
“How tiring…” Lu Xun jumped on to his bed. He closed his eyes and let him entered his own world.
However, Ling Tong didn’t allow him to rest. The older brother threw a pillow at him. “Hey, lazy bum. Are you saying that you are forgetting your promise?”
Lu Xun quickly jolted and glared dangerously at his brother. “What? What promise?”
“That one.”
“No! No!” Trying to avoid this, Lu Xun changed the subject. “Anyway, how are they? Shang Xiang and Gan Ning?”
“Oh they?” Ling Tong looked uninterested. “Shang Xiang then admitted everything and Gan Ning…” He sighed. “… Gan Ning was so heartbroken, I don’t know what to say. I think he is mad at us, Lu Xun.”
“Oh well…”
“Is that all you want to say?” Ling Tong smirked. “Then I think I should remind you of your promise…”
Before Ling Tong had finished her sentence, Lu Xun’s cell phone rang. Ling Tong was the first to grab it. After reading the name, he jumped in glee. “Lu Xun! It’s from that cute girl you fancy! Quickly! This is your time to fulfill your promise!”
“AH!!! NONONONONONO!!!!”
--
The jail door was closed behind her. Gan Ning took a last look from her with a hurt expression. She glanced over her shoulder and sighed. “Don’t worry, Gan Ning.”
Gan Ning shook his head, started to leave her. “I will come here as often as I could.” Then he paced fast, perhaps he was trying to hide his emotion.
She smiled, but it was empty. What kind of emotion did she hold?
Am I a good actress?
Well, I guess not
…not yet…
---
TAMAT! Kasih comment, donk!
