S.C.I. Mystery Files Case 2 Chapter 37

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Killer Training Camp - Chapter 37 Taking Advantage

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Bai Yutang had long lost count of the number of times he had been to the special visitation room of the prison, but it still made him depressed each time he did. If it were just normal criminals, whether they were inside for breaking into homes, robbery, or burning, killing, and pillaging, he could deal with them just fine. However, towards these “special” criminals, there was nothing much he could do about them.

Just like Yang Feng who was seated before him right now. Just yesterday he was a criminal committing murder, but today, he had become a patient who had committed a crime.

Yang Feng simply sat there with no expression on his face, completely indifferent as if he had nothing to do anything.

Bai Yutang looked like Zhan Zhao beside him and gave the latter a look which meant I’m not good at this, you do it.

Zhan Zhao gave him a nod before looking at Yang Feng. “Do you still remember me?”

Yang Feng was silent for a good ten seconds before he slowly lifted his head. He glanced at Zhan Zhao and nodded his head.

“Are you willing to answer a few questions for me?” Zhan Zhao asked.

Yang Feng continued nodding his head, seeming very cooperative.

“Then…” Zhan Zhao flipped through the document in his hand, looking for a place to start. It was a little out of his expectation that Yang Feng was being so cooperative.

“I’m crazy,” Yang Feng started talking without even being prompted, “that’s what everyone says…”

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang exchanged a look before the former closed the document in his hands.

“Tell us about you,” Zhan Zhao asked in a soft voice.

“Ke～～” Yang Feng scoffed sadly before opening his mouth to tell his story…

It was a very common tragic tale. He was born to an unfortunate family; his father abandoned him and his mother and under the pressure to survive, his mother had to take on menial jobs to earn a meagre living to pay for their expenses. It wasn’t long before she contracted a drug addiction.

The addiction made her life even worse—illness, poverty, crankiness, discrimination… Bad luck seemed to follow them wherever they went, accompanying Yang Feng throughout his entire growth. That’s why he became sensitive, had an inferiority complex, and was untrusting of love.

Yang Feng knew that he was abnormal from a very early age. He hated women with passion, to the point of an extreme, especially the ones who were addicted to drugs and sold their bodies. He began to have dreams and in those dreams, he would slash and kill those filthy women to his heart’s content.  He dreamt of making their blood flow like a river, burning them to ash to purify their depraved souls. 

And so, he welcomed his first crime. At that time, he only injured a female drug dealer but it elicited a great deal of pleasure out of him. When he went home that day, his insomnia was gone and he slept like a baby. Ever since then, as if he was placed under a spell, he started to commit crimes non-stop until he was caught yesterday.

Listening to Yang Feng recount the first twenty years of his life, he was so indifferent as if he was talking about someone else’s story; he was so unconcerned it felt tragic.

Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao felt as if there was something weighing down on their heart after listening to his story. If he had never committed a crime, he would definitely be a person worthy of sympathy but… so many lives were taken… and in such a cruel way too… Who was it that was truly abominable, him or the organisation manipulating him from behind the scenes?

“This.” Zhan Zhao placed the lighter with the words Killer Training Camp engraved on it in front of Yang Feng. “Can you explain this?”

Yang stared at the lighter and after a momentary pause, he lifted his head to look at Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang. “I don’t know it.”

“What?” Bai Yutang’s brows furrowed at the sound of that.

Yang Feng laughed. “I really don’t know.”

Zhan Zhao stared Yang Feng in the eye and asked, “Where did you get the information on all the victims?”

“Someone sent it to me.”

“Who?”

Yang Feng shook his head and declared rather firmly, “Don’t bother asking anymore. I’ve said all that I wish to say and I don’t want to say any more.”

“You don’t want to?” Bai Yutang scoffed at him, “Do you know that whatever training camp is just taking advantage of your illness to help them kill people?!” 

Yang Feng asked in turn, “Have you never killed anyone?”

Bai Yutang was stunned.

Yang Feng looked him in the eye as he continued, “People like you can take hold of their own destiny; you can protect yourself and the ones around you. You’ll never be able to understand the life of scum like me.”

Bai Yutang returned Yang Feng’s gaze with some shock in his eyes; he didn’t know how to react to that. This child’s life was a tragedy through and through but the problem was that Bai Yutang actually didn’t know how to refute his words.

“And he can understand you?” Zhan Zhao asked suddenly.

“Of course they can!” Yang Feng sneered, “They gave me power, peace! They gave me the courage to live on and make me feel like there was worth to me.”

Zhan Zhao listened to him quietly, allowing him to finish his speech before posing another question, “I said ‘he’, why did you say ‘them’?”

“…” Yang Feng was stupefied for a moment and in the next, flustered. He immediately lowered his head and said resentfully, “I hate people like you!” As he said that, he pointed at Bai Yutang while still speaking to Zhan Zhao, “You’re even more repulsive than him!”

Bai Yutang frowned and just wanted to stand up, but Zhan Zhao pulled him back and asked Yang Feng, “Why do you hate me? Is it because I can see the truest side of you?”

Yang Feng nodded and fell silent once more.

In that instant, Zhan Zhao felt like he could see that the door to Yang Feng’s psychological defences had opened. He even thought of several ways to get the information out of the latter, but… for some reason, he suddenly felt exhausted. What Yang Feng didn’t know was that it was equally painful for both the person whose deepest, darkest thoughts were being peeked into and the one looking at them.

Bai Yutang reached out to press the bell on the table. The shrill ringing jolted Zhan Zhao who had fallen into deep thought back to his senses.

Two prison guards came in and Bai Yutang told them, “Take him back; that’s all for today.”

Yang Feng was quickly escorted away and Zhan Zhao felt a little apologetic.

Bai Yutang smiled gently as he reached out to rub Zhan Zhao on the head. “It’s okay, Kitty, let’s take it slow. You’re tired, let’s stop here today.”

Then, Bai Yutang got up to his feet looking all relaxed as he added, “I want to talk a walk; let’s walk back.”

　

“What about your car?” Zhan Zhao asked.

“I can just come to get it tomorrow.” Bai Yutang put his jacket back on. “So, do you want to go?”

“Mhm.” Zhan Zhao nodded and the two walked out side by side.

Zhan Zhao who walked with his head lowered in thought did not notice that Bai Yutang’s eyes were following him closely. Something flashed across them, as if he had made up his mind about something.

After the lengthy board meeting, Bai Jintang rubbed his somewhat sour brow and walked out of Bai Group’s building.

Sitting in the car with his hand on the steering wheel, Bai Jintang thought aloud to himself, “I should think of a way to get closer to Gongsun. He sees me as a see harassment pervert right now; I should show him a more tasteful side of me… Hmm～～”

Thinking as he drove, his eyes lit up when he turned the corner.

There, he saw Gongsun standing by the driveway below the apartment building, seemingly waiting for something.

Bai Jintang enjoyed the view from a distance as if he was admiring a piece of art… Gongsun appeared to have just returned from the office, standing elegantly by the side of the road. He wasn’t in his white coat; he simply wore a black V-neck sweater paired with black casual slacks. That fair complexion, slender limbs, delicate joints, and messy black hair… even that pair of rimless glasses were all indescribably sexy～～

Bai Jintang happily drove the car forward, wanting to say, “Babe, do you need a ride…”

However, before he even finished daydreaming, a white car cut in and stopped in front of Gongsun.

That seemed to be the car Gongsun was waiting for. He had a smile on his face as he said something to the person in the car and got on. 

Although he was far away, Bai Jintang could still very clearly see that the person in the car was that manager known as Fang Jing; the one who had a great conversation with Gongsun during the banquet that day.

After Gongsun got in, Fang Jing started the car. Before he knew it, Bai Jintang instinctively drove after her.

The car stopped in front of a French restaurant not too far away, and the two got out, talking, and laughing as they walked into the restaurant. 

Bai Jintang pulled over to the side of the road and took out a packet of cigarettes with no expression on his face. He lit a stick and sat quietly in the car, staring fixedly at the restaurant.

Gongsun and Fang Jing took a seat at a table by the window. They had smiles on their faces as they talked, ordered the food, and had their meal.

Bai Jintang just kept smoking, one cigarette after another. He didn’t have any expression but the face that reflected in the rear-view mirror… it held this unspeakable coldness and ruthlessness.

　　

Gongsun who was enjoying his meal in the restaurant had no idea that Bai Jintang was just outside. He got the call from Fang Jing when he was getting off from work. Because she was an old classmate he hadn’t seen in many years, they exchanged numbers after that last coincidental meeting, but he didn’t expect her to really ask him to dinner.

“You seem surprised.” Fang Jing sipped on her wine as she smiled at Gongsun.

“Gongsun nodded very honestly.

Fang Jing laughed, “You really haven’t changed at all.”

Gongsun shrugged at her words. He didn’t know whether or not he had changed but the girl before him was a completely different person! In his memory, Fang Jing was a quiet, introverted and somewhat timid girl who studied hard and dressed conservatively… but now, she was a successful fashionable and elegant woman.

“I never had the chance to say thank you after that incident.” Fang Jing put down the wine glass.

“Well… it’s been a long time, don’t dwell on it.” Gongsun brushed it off with a smile. Although they could talk about it so easily now, but back then, it was really a bolt from the blue for that young female student—that’s right, Fang Jing used to be a drug addict.

Gongsun never understood why a girl of such good character and academic excellence like her would have a drug addiction.

During his schooling years, Gongsun would often pretend to be sick to avoid going to gym class because he was lazy. He would bring his books to the infirmary or the rooftop and when he stayed there, he would often be there for the entire afternoon. Thus, one time when he went to the rooftop, he bumped into Fang Jing who wanted to commit suicide.

While saving Fang Jing, Gongsun noticed needle marks on her forearm.

And even more unfortunately, the commotion between the two on the rooftop alerted some teachers in the office on the top floor. In her fluster, Fang Jing grabbed Gongsun and told the teachers that they were a couple. Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, Gongsun did not deny her claims.

However, news of Gongsun, the popular campus idol, caused a huge stir, like a boulder had fallen into the water, bringing about huge waves. They were even more shocked especially since said lover was your average girl who couldn’t be more ordinary.

To help Fang Jing, Gongsun did not give any clarifications to the situation, he would just spend a certain amount of time with Fang Jing each day, though it was mostly spent reading or studying by himself.

Half a year later, Fang Jing transferred schools and they hadn’t been in contact ever since then.

“You… How are you?” Gongsun tried to find something to talk about as he ate his meal feeling a little awkward. 

Fang Jing looked at him before answering with a smile, “I’ve already quit.”

“…!…” The surprise and relief on Gongsun’s face drew a giggle from Fang Jing.

“Do you know why I transferred?”

“…To get clean?” Gongsun asked earnestly.

“Haha～～” Fang Jing could not help but shake her head as she said, “It’s because I couldn’t be in that school anymore!”

“How come?” Gongsun didn’t understand what she meant. Did she meet with some kind of trouble?

Fang Jing gave Gongsun a weak look. “You really are so slow. Did you know that I would receive at least ten threatening letters every day—all demanding that I break up with you!”

Gongsun stared at her with wide eyes.

Fang Jing continued with a laugh, “Well, it can’t be helped, after all, how could an ugly duckling like me dominate the school’s heartthrob¹?”

Understanding the smile in Fang Jing’s eyes, Gongsun laughed awkwardly in turn.

The entire meal continued with an amiable atmosphere filled with smiles and laughter.

About 1 hour later when they were done with their meal and preparing to leave the restaurant, Fang Jing suddenly asked, “Oh right, how’s the case?”

Gongsun froze momentarily at her question before remembering that Fang Jing should be asking about the shooting case at the banquet. “I don’t really know much about it since I don’t normally participate in investigations.”

“I’ll send you back,” Fang Jing offered. 

“It’s alright, I want to take a walk,” Gongsun replied. For some reason, he felt a vague sense of displeasure inside… It felt like Fang Jing’s main motive for inviting him to dinner was to ask that last line just now… Could it be that the friendly conversation from before was all just for show? Just how much has she changed?

Seeing the change in Gongsun’s expression, Fang Jing said with a wry smile, “You really haven’t changed at all… but that’s what makes you attractive.”

The two said their goodbyes at the door and Fang Jing drove off while Gongsun leisurely strolled back.

Beep beep～～ He barely made a few steps when a somewhat urgent horn sounded behind him.

When he turned to the sound, he was greeted with the sight of a familiar black Mercedes Benz, slowly pulling up beside him. Bai Jintang leaned over and opened the door. “Get in the car.”

Gongsun was taken aback by his appearance—didn’t he say he had a board meeting today? What was he doing here?

Moreover, Bai Jintang would always either pounce on him or tease him when he saw him, but today… he appeared rather grim…

However, for Gongsun whose personality was that of a sloth—he would never stand if he could sit; he would never sit if he could lie down—naturally, he chose to take the car over walking. 

The moment he got into the car, his airways were attacked by the intense smell of smoke, causing him to cough.

“Cough cough… Why is there so much smoke? I’ve never seen you smoke before.” Gongsun waved his hand to try and dissipate the smell; he wanted to unwind the window but nothing happened even after pressing the button a few times.

“Is the window broken?” Gongsun asked as he pressed on the button. When he didn’t get an answer from Bai Jintang, he looked at the latter a little curiously.

Bai Jintang was currently completely focussed on driving. Although he didn’t have any expression on his face, Gongsun could still sense that something was off about him—there was something scary about Bai Jintang today.

“…What’s the matter with you?” Gongsun couldn’t help but ask after a moment of silence.

Bai Jintang still didn’t answer his question while he drove the car at a shocking speed and not in the direction headed for home.

“W-Where are you going?” Gongsun was starting to get a little uneasy. There’s something different about Bai Jintang today.

He ignored Gongsun, completely focussed on driving.

“Stop the car!” Gongsun exclaimed, a little agitated, “I want to get off!”

Bai Jintang continued to ignore him.

Gongsun tried to open the car door but it was locked.

“B-Bai Jintang, what are you doing?” Gongsun asked, puzzled by the person beside him.

The car came to a screeching halt and Gongsun flew forward. Luckily he had his seatbelt on but the sudden force that threw him forward still left him seeing stars and his shoulder hurt from the seatbelt pulling on it.

“You… What the hell are you on?!” Gongsun was absolutely livid and wanted to curse at the other party but the expression on Bai Jintang’s face gave him a scare.

The Bai Jintang before him was not the shameless pervert with one or two screws loose but someone… terrifying.

“You…” Gongsun panicked and raised a hand to push against Bai Jintang who leaned over. “What’s wrong?”

The air of violence surrounding Bai Jintang gradually faded, leaving behind a cold and calm look on his face.

“Gongsun,” he said slowly while reaching out to grab Gongsun’s chin, forcing the latter to look him in the eye, “do you see this? This is the real me!”

“W-What does that mean?” Gongsun leaned back but Bai Jintang closed in yet again. “I will kill all those who even think of laying a hand on you, regardless of gender.”

“You…”

“I like you.” Bai Jintang moved even closer and spat the words out to a scared witless Gong Sun, “So I’m going to take you! Right here and now!”

As the night fell, on a path along a lake, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were enjoying a leisurely stroll under the Wutong trees which countless lanterns hung from.

To their left was a tranquil lake; bright lights flickering from the pleasure boats² on the lake. 

To their right was highway swarming with traffic; the tail lights of the cars intertwined in a gorgeous network of lights.

Zhan Zhao walked in front while Bai Yutang quietly followed slightly behind him.

Surprised by how quiet Bai Yutang was, Zhan Zhao kept an eye on the former from the corner of his eyes as he walked. However, that person kept his head down, seemingly thinking about something.

“Kitty.”

Just when he was about to feel a little troubled, Bai Yutang suddenly called out to him. He turned around to face Bai Yutang who was behind him.

Under the blend of light and shadow, the person before him was like an existence independent of the hustle and bustle around them—he was extremely outstanding.

Bai Yutang took a step forward and stood in front of Zhan Zhao.

“Kitty…” He took a deep breath before continuing solemnly, “C-Can we change things up?”

Zhan Zhao was slightly taken aback, slightly uneasy. “C-Change what?”

“Ku…” Bai Yutang tried to maintain a calm smile as he said, “The state… of the relationship between us.”

“Zhan Zhao’s face flushed slightly. “What?”

“It’s always been…” Bai Yutang tried his best to keep his composure. “v-very ambiguous.”

Zhan Zhao looked up at him but said nothing.

“Um…” Bai Yutang scratched his head. “I want to… make it clear.”

“…Mhm…” After a long pause, that was the answer Zhan Zhao gave him, a soft murmur.

“I-Is that a yes?” Bai Yutang was a little surprised.

“…Mhm…”

Bai Yutang chuckled at his response as he gently lifted Zhan Zhao’s chin. “Kitty, ‘mhm’ what?”

Zhan Zhao looked up at him, interlocking eyes with him and simply waited without saying anything.

“I…” Bai Yutang was feeling a little shy. “I like you.”

…

Zhan Zhao remained silent for a long while, to the point Bai Yutang felt like his hair had already turned white when he saw the former lightly nod his head. “Mhm.”

“Hmm??”

“…Mhm.”

“Hmm?”

“Mhm!”

The corners of Bai Yu Tang's mouth gradually widened, forming a smile that extended from the corners of his mouth to his eyes. He reached out to pull Zhan Zhao towards him and bowed his head…

“Kitty…” He planted a gentle kiss on those lips. “I like you.”

Zhan Zhao tilted his head upwards to return the kiss, albeit rather inexperienced, leaving Bai Yutang wide-eyed with joy. “I want you… right now…”

Then he heard Zhan Zhao huffed under his breath, “Damn mouse, I give an inch you want a mile³ !!”

All people in this world could breathe in the fresh air and bask in the sunlight. However, each soul had a different destination—some surrounded by love and others plagued by hatred. If one held forgiveness in their heart, they would lay atop the pure clouds; if the heart held resentment, it would sink into the black mire.

The arrival of an email could be seen very clearly on a computer screen.

Why are you the only one who can’t get happiness? Why are you the only one who’s lonely?

Tears slid down, tracing the outline of the face distorted by a smile, and in their hand, a coloured pill…

A swamp it forms which hath the name of Styx,

this dismal little brook, when it hath reached

the bottom of the grey, malignant slopes.

And I, who was intensely gazing there,

saw muddy people in that slimy marsh,

all naked, and with anger in their looks.

They struck each other, not with hands alone,

but with their heads and chests, and with their feet,

and rent each other piecemeal with their teeth.

Said the good Teacher: “Son, thou seest now

the souls of those whom anger overcame;

nay, more, I ’d have thee certainly believe

that ’neath the water there are folk who sigh,

and make this water bubble at its surface,

as, wheresoe’er it turn, thine eye reveals.

　　

————————《Divine Comedy》The Fifth Circle⁴

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1. Written as "校草" which directly translates to school grass. It is just a term to call those handsome, popular guys in school. This term is in direct contrast(?) to "校花" (school flower) which is the female equivalent.^↩

2. A pleasure boat is a large boat which takes people for trips on rivers, lakes, or on the sea for pleasure. from collinsdictionary^↩

3. Said to mean that if you do a small favour for someone, they will become greedy and ask you to do bigger and bigger favours for them and make you regret doing the first favour. from collinsdictionary^↩

4. This excerpt was taken from here. I'm not sure if I stopped at the correct part though lol^↩

That stark difference between the brothers (┛ಠ_ಠ)┛彡┻━┻

Please feedback to me in the comments below if you find any typos or terrible grammar, etc that you think I should change. Or maybe you think my interpretation is completely off lol Help me help you have a better reading experience ahahah what a tongue twister XD
Thank yous!! (˶‾᷄ ⁻̫ ‾᷅˵)

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