Chapter 139: The Yandere Standard: Handcuffs in the Left Hand, a Kitchen Knife in the Right

"Everyone, please, have a seat."

Su Qing gestured for the group to sit around the tea table and handed Wen Wan an untitled report. It was clearly written in haste, with some phrasing still rough and unpolished. The conclusion of the report stated that the summoned individuals were innocent; they were merely attending a party at the villa, and there was no evidence to suggest any criminal activity. The following page contained the personal details of those registered, with Tang Xiwei’s information at the very top.

"Chen Luo, would you like to take a look?"

Chen Luo took the report. As he read Tang Xiwei’s details, his grip on the paper tightened involuntarily. The information provided was enough to confirm it was indeed her; he could never mistake these specific details.

"Deputy Captain Su, may I see this person?"

Su Qing shook her head. "I’m sorry, you’re too late. They’ve already left."

"Left? Regardless of the circumstances, wouldn't you at least investigate? Shouldn't you have held them for at least 24 hours for questioning? It’s only been a few hours!"

When Chen Rui brought this up, Su Qing’s temper flared. "What could I do? Without evidence, I had to let them go!"

Already feeling stifled, Su Qing barked the reply and began gulping down the tea in front of her. "I’m sorry, but I can't help you. There is truly nothing I can do about this matter," she added, her voice deflated.

Seeing Su Qing’s reaction, Wen Wan suspected there was more to the story. She immediately picked up her phone and made a call.

"Hello, Director Ma? This is Wen Wan. I am currently at your Economic Crime Investigation Division."

"Oh, you’re at the precinct? You’re coming over? Very well, I’ll be waiting for you."

After hanging up, Su Qing looked at Wen Wan with a puzzled expression. "You know our Director?"

"Yes, you could say we're friends," Wen Wan replied dismissively, her attention already shifting back to Chen Luo.

Chen Luo remained silent, his head bowed, his mind racing. What was Tang Xiwei planning? Based on his knowledge of her, she was the most selfish and vicious person imaginable, always prioritizing her own interests and survival. After realizing Wen Wan’s status and power, she had fled, even dropping out of university to disappear. Her sudden reappearance now suggested something suspicious.

Had she been able to deal with him before because she had attached herself to Wen Xiu? If she dared to return now, had she found someone even more powerful than Wen Xiu? If so, could this potentially threaten Wen Wan’s safety? That woman, if nothing else, had surely maxed out her skills in climbing the social ladder and latching onto the wealthy.

At the thought, coupled with the painful memories of his past life, a surge of urgent murderous intent erupted within Chen Luo. Since his rebirth, his focus had been entirely on Wen Wan; he hadn't had the time to deal with a bitch like Tang Xiwei, nor had he actively sought revenge. But that was merely a lack of time, not a fading of his hatred. In fact, the hatred had only grown more intense for having been suppressed for so long.

"Tang... Xi... Wei!"

The low, gravelly voice resonated, each syllable dripping with chilling intent. Everyone present looked at Chen Luo. Even Wen Wan felt a pang of heartache, seeing such an expression on his face for the first time. At his age, he should have been enjoying a carefree university life—playing games, attending classes, and falling in love. But instead, he was forced to be so mature and composed; perhaps his maturity was earned through endless scars hidden in his heart.

*Tang Xiwei! You bitch! Just how much have you hurt him?*

Overcome with sympathy, Wen Wan longed to pull Chen Luo into her arms, but at that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the room. A middle-aged man in a police uniform rushed in, and upon seeing Wen Wan, he immediately stepped forward to shake her hand with great enthusiasm.

"General Manager Wen, it’s been a long time. You’ve graced us with your presence, why didn't you give me a heads-up?"

The man was Ma Guangming, the Director of the Hangzhou Police Bureau, known throughout the force for his iron-fisted and impartial style. Su Qing was shocked to see her director behaving this way; he was famous for being incorruptible, and even when provincial leaders visited, he had never been this warm.

"Director Ma, it’s been many years. You are as imposing as ever."

"Not at all, please, have a seat." Ma Guangming’s eyes were filled with respect and a hint of gratitude as he looked at Wen Wan.

No one in the precinct knew that Ma Guangming’s ability to maintain his upright reputation while being constantly promoted was actually due to the influence of the Wen family, specifically Wen Wan’s faction. To be precise, Ma Guangming had been mentored by Wen Wan and was considered an associate of the family.

"Director Ma, we are among friends, so I won't stand on ceremony. I’m here today to ask for your help with a matter."

"Nonsense, General Manager Wen, just tell me what you need. I will do everything in my power."

Wen Wan glanced at Chen Luo, who gave a slight nod. "It’s like this: there was a case..."

Wen Wan recounted the events, and Ma Guangming listened intently, mentally sketching out the logic of the situation. "I understand the situation. What would you like me to investigate?"

"Find out where these people came from and who sent them. Also, help me investigate Tang Xiwei’s current situation and her address."

Ma Guangming nodded. Su Qing, standing nearby, spoke up quickly. "Director! I was the one handling this case. May I continue to lead the investigation?" She had been brooding over the case, and seeing how much importance the Director placed on it, she realized it was a major opportunity for her career.

"Very well, Su Qing. You will handle this case. I’ll give you one week."

After giving the order, Ma Guangming turned to Wen Wan. "General Manager Wen, we will expedite the investigation. Would you care to join me for a late-night snack to catch up?"

Wen Wan looked at Chen Luo, who was still keeping his head bowed, and shook her head. "Director Ma, let’s save it for another time. I have things to attend to tonight, so we’ll be leaving."

"Understood. We have plenty of time ahead."

Ma Guangming saw them to the door. Wen Wan arranged for a car to take Chen Rui and Su Qiang back to their hotel, while she and Chen Luo climbed into the Maybach driven by Mo Lan.

In the car, Chen Luo remained silent, his eyes filled with lingering hatred and a trace of desolation. That loneliness was blinding to Wen Wan, causing the composure she had been desperately maintaining since the station to crumble. She began searching around the car, reaching into a box under the seat and fumbling for something, the sound of clattering items echoing through the vehicle.

"Hmm? Wan'er, what are you looking for?" Chen Luo finally reacted, looking curiously at Wen Wan, who had her back turned to him.

"Mo Lan, drive to Base No. 1."

"Understood, General Manager Wen."

Wen Wan turned around, holding a pair of handcuffs in her left hand and a heavy cleaver in her right!

"Wan'er, what are you doing?"

"Wait... what is Base No. 1? And what is this 'yandere' starter pack you've put together!"