S.C.I. (Volume I) - Case 2: Chapter 11

The Killer Training Camp 11: The Devil's Child 

When Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang arrived at the S.C.I. office, they found it empty. Jiang Ping, hunched over his computer, poked his head up with a piece of bread in his mouth and greeted them.

"Where is everyone? All out?" Bai Yutang asked.

Jiang Ping nodded. "Xu Qing said he went to cover for Zhao Hu—I heard he's about to be driven to his wit's end by that little girl. Dynasty and Zhang Long are still tailing Jia Zhengyan, and Gongsun didn't come in today."

"Cough, cough..." Upon hearing the name Gongsun, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang awkwardly coughed twice.

"Did you pull another all-nighter?" Zhan Zhao looked at Jiang Ping’s dark circles.

"Sigh..." Jiang Ping shook his head helplessly. "I tried to look up information on that so-called 'Killer Training Camp,' but the amount of news online about killers, assassins, and the like is just overwhelming. I couldn't even get through it all, and there were even two people who invited me to commit suicide with them!"

Just then, the door was pushed open, and little Bai Chi walked in holding a box.

"Morning," Zhan Zhao greeted him kindly.

"Morning... I, I’m here, to report for duty." Bai Chi said timidly to Bai Yutang, "Captain... Bai."

Bai Yutang found it amusing. This kid really didn't seem like a member of the Bai family. "Did you finish all the paperwork?"

"Mm," Bai Chi nodded.

"This desk is empty," Jiang Ping said enthusiastically, tidying up the desk next to his. "You’re a civilian staff member like me, so let’s be neighbors."

"O-okay." Bai Chi happily carried his box over. Zhan Zhao could almost see a tail wagging furiously behind him...

He shook his head to chase away that uncharitable thought and asked with a smile, "Did your superiors give you a hard time about us poaching you?"

"No..." Bai Chi lowered his head, blushing. He thought to himself that they had almost set off fireworks in celebration. It was just because everyone said that going on patrol with him was a life-threatening risk, so everyone avoided him, which was why he had to go on patrols alone...

"I... what should I, do... Captain?" Bai Chi mustered up the courage to ask Bai Yutang.

Bai Yutang shrugged. "Familiarize yourself with things first, then find out what you’re best suited for as quickly as possible."

"Also," Bai Yutang patted Bai Chi on the shoulder, "just call me Brother. I’ve grown up this long and have never had a younger brother before." He glared at Zhan Zhao, "You only ever call other people 'Brother'."

"Heh heh." Zhan Zhao laughed and said to Bai Chi, "You can call everyone here 'Brother,' it’s fine. Just relax."

"Mm!" Bai Chi nodded vigorously, looking delighted.

Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao simultaneously felt that the tail behind little Bai Chi was wagging even more happily. They shook their heads again—what was wrong with them today? Nothing but hallucinations...

"Xiao Bai, Xiao Zhan." The door was knocked, and Lu Fang, who was in charge of communications, walked in. "Someone is here to see you."

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang looked past Lu Fang and saw a well-dressed woman standing there. She was not Asian, had a full head of silver hair, was in her fifties, and looked elegant and dignified.

"How can we help you?" Bai Yutang asked.

The woman gave Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang a scrutinizing look before speaking, "Are you Dr. Zhan and Officer Bai?"

The two nodded, recalling their memories and confirming they didn't know this woman.

"This is Mrs. Laura, the wife of Dr. Wilson," Lu Fang introduced to the group.

A hint of surprise appeared on both Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang's faces.

"The Doctor said he would like to see you. He has clues regarding the case to provide. Are you willing to accompany me to the hospital?"

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang immediately followed the woman to a high-end private sanatorium in S City.

"Hi! Zhan!!" Dr. Wilson leaned back on the sofa, a pipe in his mouth, looking as spirited as ever.

"Oh—Officer Bai, you are my lifesaver."

Looking at the ruddy-faced Dr. Wilson, who had even gained a bit of weight, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang exchanged glances and thought, "Where exactly is this foreigner sick??"

"Doctor, how come you're smoking again? Be careful, or the nurse will scold you~~~" A person walked in from the door and said with a smile.

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang turned their heads to look; it was the Hollywood star they had seen at the banquet that day, Jon Jin.

"Haha, never mind that. Jon, come here. These are our saviors." Dr. Wilson, who clearly knew Jon well, gestured for him to come over.

Jon shook hands with Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang very politely. "Nice to meet you." When shaking Zhan Zhao's hand, Jon pressed lightly against Zhan Zhao's palm and smiled slightly. Zhan Zhao felt a flicker of something unusual, and Bai Yutang beside him had already frowned. Zhan Zhao hurriedly pulled on the murderous-looking Bai Yutang, asking Wilson with a smile, "Doctor, you said you had clues regarding the case to provide us?"

He pushed Bai Yutang down to sit on the sofa and glared at him, signaling him to keep his cool—business was important!

Bai Yutang glared back; if it weren't for the fact that they were on official business, he would've beaten him until he was missing teeth!! He looked up indignantly, only to see Jon give him a smile with unclear intentions~~~

BOOM!

Zhan Zhao pinched Bai Yutang's arm, causing him to flinch in pain.

Glaring: Stinky cat! What are you doing?

Glaring: No fighting!

Rolling eyes: That punk is asking for a beating!

Glancing: You violent rat!

Angry glare: He was molesting you!

Glaring: What proof do you have??

Indignant glare: Hmph!!

Blinking: Be good~~~

"I wanted to show you these things." Completely unaware that Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao had already had a quarrel using only their eyes, Dr. Wilson took out two envelopes and placed them on the table.

"These are..." Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang reached out to take them and opened them. Inside each envelope was a stack of photos and a card.

The photos in the first envelope were of Qi Lei; half of them were of him in his youth holding a bass guitar, while the other half were of him at night looking cold while holding a sniper rifle... In the other envelope were photos of Yang Feng; half were of him as a student holding textbooks during the day, while the other half were of his bloodthirsty expression while hacking away at night... The content of the two cards was identical: a black card with four blood-red characters on the front—"Devil's Child"—and a pattern of a devil holding a scythe on the back, along with a row of English letters—Killertrainingcamp.

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang stared in stunned silence, asking in unison, "When were these mailed?"

Wilson also lost the smile on his face, saying with some concern, "This morning, they appeared at my door."

The envelopes were pure white, with no signature and no return address.

Bai Yutang looked at Wilson, puzzled. "What do these photos mean? Why were they sent to you?"

Wilson nodded and said, "Dear Officer Bai, you don't study psychology, so it’s no wonder you don't understand, but Zhan, you should have figured it out, right?"

Bai Yutang turned his head to look at Zhan Zhao in surprise, only to see him slightly furrowing his brows, his face full of worry as he slowly said: "Multiple personality disorder."

Wilson picked up his pipe, took two puffs, and nodded with satisfaction. "Correct."

Seeing that Bai Yutang was still looking confused, Wilson patiently explained, "My most famous work on psychology is Creating Another Self. Simply put, I have devoted my life to studying human personality and the motives behind behavior. Regarding personality fragmentation, there is controversy in psychology, mainly divided into two major factions: one argues for symbiosis, the other for parasitism. So-called symbiosis means that the fragmented personalities are equal, and two or more fragmented personalities occupy one body. Parasitism, on the other hand, believes that the fragmented personality is derived, surviving by pinning itself onto the host."

Taking a puff of his pipe, Wilson continued, "However, my academic theory is different from both of these arguments. I believe that personality fragmentation does not exist at all."

"Doesn't exist?" Bai Yutang looked at Zhan Zhao.

Zhan Zhao nodded and added, "The Doctor's theory once sparked a fierce debate in the psychological community. He believes that personality fragmentation is actually just a delusion, an illusion shaped by the human brain according to different human motives."

"Right." Wilson stood up and paced to the window. "I firmly deny the argument that personality fragmentation is innate; personality fragmentation does not exist."

"Then these letters?" Bai Yutang said thoughtfully, "Are they meant to refute your theory?"

Wilson nodded approvingly. "Not bad..."

Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao exchanged glances again, sharing the same feeling—suspicious!

"I don't have many years left to live. Honor, money, I’ve enjoyed it all. In the past, I was happy to see everyone argue endlessly over my theories, but now, I feel everything is just so foolish... If they are harming innocent lives just to refute my theory, I truly feel that my sins are heavy." Wilson paused, turned to look at Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang, and said, "I have decided to help you draw that person out."

"Draw them out?" Zhan Zhao was puzzled. Bai Yutang also looked at him with some doubt. "What do you plan to do?"

"The Doctor is preparing to host a recovery banquet for himself," Jon, who was standing to the side, said. "Inviting people from the field of psychology."

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were taken aback.

"I don't think this is a wise decision!" Bai Yutang frowned. "The risk is too high. You might very well be attacked again!"

"I already said, I don't care about my own life." Wilson shook his head stubbornly. "I invite the two of you to attend this banquet tonight." Saying this, he handed over two invitations.

"Whether or not the two of you go, the banquet will be held on time." Wilson said, "I hope that by then, you can find the suspect."

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were speechless. This old man wasn't asking for an opinion at all, but giving an order... risking his life at such an old age—he was being too reckless.

Walking out of the sanatorium full of confusion, Bai Yutang opened the car door. "I tell you, Cat, this lead is truly strange."

"Mm," Zhan Zhao nodded. "However, this is an opportunity. With the arrogant style of that organization, they will definitely attend this banquet."

"Right." Starting the car, Bai Yutang asked Zhan Zhao with some curiosity, "Didn't you study personality fragmentation for a while? Which faction are you in?"

"Neither." Zhan Zhao laughed. "Instead of having time to argue endlessly over such things, wouldn't it be more useful to study how to cure them?"

"Haha~~~" Bai Yutang nodded. "Makes sense! A cat is a cat, after all!"

"What you said makes no logical sense!"

"How is it illogical?"

"Whether it makes sense has nothing to do with whether I’m a cat!"

"I never said you made sense because you are a cat!"

"Then what do you mean?"

"I mean, because you make sense, you are a cat!"

"Is there any essential difference between 'Because you make sense, you are a cat' and 'Because you make sense because you are a cat'?"

"Of course there is!"

"Where?"

"One has 'cat' in front, and one has 'cat' in back!"

...

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

"Damn rat!"

"What?"

"Because you are a damn rat! That's why I'm not saying anything!!"

"............Stinky cat, mimicking the way I speak!!"

"Hmph~~~"

Dididididididididi~~~

Bai Yutang pressed the speakerphone button. "What's wrong, Dynasty?"

"Boss! Jia Zhengyan is dead!"

"What?" Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were shocked in unison. "How did he die?"

"It's not clear yet, but it’s preliminarily determined to be suicide by poisoning."

"We're coming right back." Hanging up the phone, Bai Yutang accelerated and sped toward the police station.

Inside the S.C.I. office.

Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao listened to Zhang Long and Dynasty recount the events of the case.

"What kind of medicine is this?" Bai Yutang picked up the colorful pills in the bag and examined them closely. On a pale yellow base, colorful stripes were distributed in a spiral pattern.

"We can only determine that after testing." Zhang Long said. "It's just strange, why would that kid run to a public restroom to commit suicide?"

"I... can I take a look?" Bai Chi suddenly said.

Dynasty handed the medicine to him. After Bai Chi took it and looked at it, he said, "This is a painkiller."

"Painkiller?" Bai Yutang asked curiously, "How is it so strange-looking?"

Bai Chi said, "It’s a special painkiller for children. After I had surgery last year... after that..."

Bai Chi's voice trailed off because everyone was looking at him, their faces full of smiles.

"You mean the painkiller the doctor prescribed you after your surgery last year was a children's painkiller??" Dynasty asked Bai Chi with amusement. "What kind of surgery did you have?"

"............" Bai Chi blushed and whispered, "Intussusception~~~~"

............The group was silent, looked at each other, and laughed—childhood illness!!

"That's not the point~~~" Bai Chi muttered.

"Cough, cough," Bai Yutang coughed to get everyone to focus back on the case.

"Why would Jia Zhengyan run into a public restroom to eat children's painkillers?" Jiang Ping was puzzled.

Just then, the S.C.I. door was pushed open, and Zhao Hu walked in, rubbing his sore neck. "Damn it, that girl, she's driving me crazy."

The group turned to look at him.

"What are you guys doing?" Zhao Hu asked, looking up and seeing everyone gathered in the conference room. He immediately rushed in, very interested. "Any progress?"

He caught a glimpse of the medicine in the bag on the table. "Why is there this medicine here too?"

"What?" Bai Yutang was stunned. "You've seen this medicine?"

Zhao Hu took out the two pills wrapped in a tissue from his pocket. "I have some right here."

"Where did you get them?" Dynasty was startled.

Seeing everyone staring at him with wide eyes, Zhao Hu looked cautiously at Bai Yutang. "Boss, are you guys playing some tricks on me again?? I absolutely won't be fooled this time!!"

Zhang Long raised his hand and smacked him on the back of the head. "We're talking business here!!"

"Qi Le wanted to take them earlier." Zhao Hu scratched his head. "That girl named Chen Yu gave them to her."

"Why would Qi Le take painkillers?" Dynasty was puzzled.

"I understand now," Zhan Zhao said. "Painkillers contain a certain amount of morphine; taking too much easily causes hallucinations."

Bai Yutang frowned. "Qi Le is using painkillers to replace drugs?"

"Replacing them shouldn't be possible." Zhan Zhao shook his head. "But they can alleviate... it's just that taking too many painkillers is highly likely to be fatal."

"So she uses children's painkillers to replace them; that way, the dosage will be lighter, and taking an overdose by mistake won't be dangerous?" Bai Yutang examined the colorful pills in the plastic bag. "Jia Zhengyan went to the public restroom to take painkillers because he was having drug withdrawal symptoms, to get some relief."

"Did he die because he took too much?" Jiang Ping asked.

"We just need to test the body and check the drug composition." Dynasty said. "The problem is..."

All the subordinates turned their heads to look at Bai Yutang and Zhan Zhao: "Where is Gongsun?"

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were stunned, glanced at each other, and said simultaneously: "He's sick / I don't know."

They glanced at each other again and said simultaneously: "I don't know / He's sick."

Glare~~~

The rest of the group was completely confused.

Bai Yutang coughed and said, "Gongsun is taking a leave of absence, find another forensic doctor."

The group............was even more, more curious~~~.

The heavy nylon curtains blocked out the bright sunlight. The warm lamp on the bedside table illuminated the thin, curled-up figure on the bed. It was unclear if it was warm under the covers, but the messy hair and pale complexion appeared somewhat cold and desolate.

Bai Jintang turned up the room temperature. For some reason, he felt that Gongsun might be cold.

He had really gone a bit too far last night... Bai Jintang, who had never known what self-reflection was, sat on the sofa in the corner of the room holding a wine glass. His heart felt a bit clogged. He had indeed gotten his wish last night, but after he woke up... he would have preferred Gongsun to stab him a few times with a scalpel, as long as he wasn't angry anymore~~~

The person on the bed moved slightly.

Bai Jintang immediately became tense—he was awake.

Gongsun opened his eyes slowly, gradually waking up as he looked at the dimly lit room before him.

Bai Jintang remained hidden in the dark corner, making no sound.

After about half a minute of blankness, Gongsun supported himself with his hands, trying to sit up.

"...Mm..."

However, this simple movement was simply impossible for him to complete right now. From his waist down, he had almost no feeling, and his whole body felt like it had been dismantled... Recalling last night, the specific details were already forgotten. He only knew that after he passed out in the car, he woke up on this bed, and then, Bai Jintang had...

"How are you?"

The sudden sound startled Gongsun. He lifted his head to find Bai Jintang standing before him, though he hadn't noticed when he got there.

Gongsun stared at the person before him, his expression unexpectedly calm.

Bai Jintang felt a bit guilty under his gaze and said, "I..."

Gongsun looked at him and spoke slowly, his voice somewhat hoarse: "You know, I actually don't hate you."

Bai Jintang was stunned, looking at Gongsun.

"When I was with you, I felt very safe... After you moved in next door, I slept very well every night."

"Gongsun..." Bai Jintang reached out to touch Gongsun's cheek, but Gongsun lowered his head to avoid him. Not looking at him anymore, he spoke to himself: "Now, I am very afraid of you."

Bai Jintang felt a bit flustered, only to hear Gongsun continue, "I will never forgive you for doing this kind of thing to me."

Lifting his head, Gongsun said coldly, "You saved my life; last night, consider it paid in full. From now on, I don't want to see you again."

"Gongsun..." Bai Jintang reached out to grab his slightly trembling shoulders, but was deterred by Gongsun's icy gaze.

"If you touch me again, just wait to collect my corpse." Gongsun struggled to prop up his body to search for his clothes.

"You... just lie down for a while..." Bai Jintang was uncharacteristically at a loss as he watched Gongsun's strenuous movements.

Composing himself, he pressed Gongsun back down onto the bed.

After being pushed around like that, Gongsun collapsed onto the bed, completely unable to move.

Bai Jintang pulled the covers over him, straightened up, and said, "Lie down for a while, I'm going out!"

He turned and walked toward the bedroom door. After opening it, with his back to Gongsun, Bai Jintang said in a low voice, "I shouldn't have forced you, but I don't regret it... I only know that I like you. I'm sorry, I don't know how to love someone."

He turned back to look atGongsun with some sorrow, "No one ever taught me, or perhaps I knew how once, and then forgot..."

He closed the door, and everything returned to peace.

Gongsun lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Bai Jintang, why couldn't you have waited just a little longer...

"Are psychologists all very rich?" Bai Yutang looked at the magnificent villa before him and asked Zhan Zhao beside him.

Zhan Zhao answered somewhat irrelevantly: "Personal preference."

Led by a waiter, the two entered the villa’s garden.

Wilson was chatting enthusiastically with his guests, showing no signs of anything unusual.

"Dr. Zhan, we meet again!"

Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang looked in surprise at Pang Yu, who had appeared behind them—this was a big fish, indeed.

Pang Yu was accompanied by Jon Jin. As soon as Bai Yutang saw that smirk on his face, he wanted to beat him up.

"Yutang, I want to get a drink." Zhan Zhao gave Bai Yutang a look, signaling, You get Jon out of the way; I want to chat with Pang Yu alone.

Coincidentally, before Bai Yutang could even speak, Jon said, "The drinks are over there; let me take you."

Shrugging indifferently, Bai Yutang gave Zhan Zhao a look that meant "be careful," and followed Jon away.

Pang Yu sipped the champagne in his hand, looking meaningfully at Jon and Bai Yutang as they turned away from the crowd and headed toward the depths of the garden, and smiled.

"...?" Zhan Zhao looked at him, somewhat puzzled.

"Is it okay for your friend to go with him?" Pang Yu suddenly asked.

"...Why wouldn't it be okay?" Zhan Zhao was stunned. "Aren't they going to get drinks?"

"Heh heh..." Pang Yu laughed. "Drinks seem to be over that way." He pointed in the opposite direction.

"Then why..." Zhan Zhao didn't quite understand.

Pang Yu leaned in close and whispered, "As far as I know, your friend is Jon's favorite type..."

Zhan Zhao was stunned for a moment. His complexion changed instantly, and he turned and chased after them.

Pang Yu smiled and continued drinking, his gaze falling on Wilson in the crowd as he sneered.

Following Jon to the depths of the garden, the surroundings were cold, isolated, and deserted.

"It seems there’s nothing here that could be called a drink?" Bai Yutang looked around.

Jon took a step closer, meeting Bai Yutang's gaze.

"You saved me that day; I haven't thanked you yet."

Bai Yutang felt he was a bit strange. "I didn't save you, though."

"Heh..." Jon smiled as he reached out, touched Bai Yutang's chin lightly, and leaned in. "You are truly cute~~~"

By the time Bai Yutang reacted, Jon had leaned in closer, seemingly wanting to kiss him, which shocked him so much his hair stood on end. Just as he was about to kick him away, he saw someone rush over from the side, throw themselves forward, and kick Jon away fiercely.

"Ouch~~~" Jon was kicked over onto the ground, clutching his waist and moaning.

Zhan Zhao stood there, panting, and glared at him fiercely before pulling Bai Yutang away.

"Why didn't you beat him up??" Zhan Zhao continued to feel indignant as they walked, waving his fist. "Beat him until he’s missing teeth and can never have children again!!"

"Cat." Bai Yutang called out to Zhan Zhao in disbelief from behind. "Are you jealous?"

"What?!" Zhan Zhao's face felt incredibly hot. "Aren't you a sanshou champion?? Someone molested you—why didn't you beat him up?"

Looking at the sour Zhan Zhao, Bai Yutang laughed so hard his mouth wouldn't close. "I hadn't had a chance to act yet, had I? You already rushed over like a wild wolf."

"Hmph!" Zhan Zhao glared hard at the Bai old rat, whose eyes were squinted into slits from smiling.

He turned and walked toward the garden, cursing under his breath: "Damn rat! Eyes full of peach blossoms, attracting bees and butterflies, playing around with flowers!!"

Behind him, the rat followed happily, tail held high.