Chapter 203: A Disturbing Trace

Chapter 203 – Nearly Nauseating

Xiao Yu strolled through the home of suspect Luo Fei.

His eyes scanned every corner of the house.

His nose picked up every scent and trace.

What’s the point of finding or smelling anything if the person is already gone?

There is meaning!

Because every place people live in

inevitably holds traces left by its owner.

Even when journeying far or leaving, something is always left behind.

For instance, the last call made from a landline.

Or the final webpage viewed on a computer.

Ironically,

Luo Fei’s computer hard drive had actually been removed.

It was clear he was afraid someone might discover something in his house.

Such precaution could only mean that Luo Fei was on the run.

Not that he was forced out…

But why flee?

Did something happen?

Before leaving, he had managed to cover his tracks meticulously, showing he was well-prepared.

At that moment,

Wang Dong strode over, proclaiming, “Caught him!”

“Oh.”

Xiao Yu nodded and continued his search.

Caught who exactly?

According to what Song Wanyu mentioned… his clients.

There were seven in total.

What was Luo Fei’s creation?

Human Skin Wax Figures!

Each one valued at ten million!

Can anyone really collect something like that?

They can – and they’re all rich.

They’ve seen enough of ordinary things.

They look down on common entertainments.

Some wealthy individuals, seeking thrills, even indulge in perverse hobbies.

When such a mindset takes root and dark desires deepen, it morphs into something else.

The very essence of evil!

Everyone has a dark core, psychologically speaking.

Yet everyday reason usually keeps it well in check.

But when some people can’t get enough of wealth, power, or more…

that dark side bursts forth, corrupting their minds with malevolence.

Human Skin Wax Figures perfectly satisfy that twisted craving.

It’s as simple as that!

“Extract something during the interrogation…”

Wang Dong’s expression darkened as he said, “I bet you don’t even want to know.”

“Ha.”

Xiao Yu moved to the bedside in the bedroom and opened a drawer, asking, “What is it?”

“Some individuals aren’t just collecting Human Skin Wax Figures; they’re also researching something.”

With a grim look, Wang Dong’s face turned oddly, “They’re studying souls!”

“Huh?”

Xiao Yu stood up, staring at Wang Dong like a fool, and uncertainly asked, “Souls?”

“Yeah, that’s what Luo Fei said.”

Wang Dong nodded. “One client once had a conversation with him. Luo Fei claimed that when a person is skinned yet still clinging to life, before dying they see things. He said that those who have been skinned can witness things ordinary people can’t—for instance, their souls moving on to somewhere. Heaven or hell!”

“…”

Xiao Yu’s expression became odd. “You really believe that?”

“Only idiots would!”

Wang Dong winced, “But their conversation was convincing. Luo Fei even told his client that if a skinned victim sees heaven, a blissful smile will spread across their face; if they see hell, terror will be written all over it.”

“Even when the skin is gone, there can still be expression?”

Goosebumps rising, Xiao Yu smirked, “You must be joking.”

Wang Dong didn’t say more; instead, he pulled out his phone and opened the photo album for Xiao Yu.

Inside were two photos—both showing a face stripped of skin, dripping with blood.

A gruesome display: flesh scattered in a vivid, bloody mess, eyes nearly falling out, and two rows of teeth where a mouth should be…

Staring at these two ghastly images,

Xiao Yu felt a shiver run through him, his head numb.

He clearly saw that in one of the blood-red faces, a bizarre smile was etched.

It looked… blissful!

In the other photo, the skinned face bore an expression of pure terror.

Damn… Xiao Yu nearly cursed under his breath.

Stunned, his heart felt gripped as if by a vice, ready to burst.

“That client believed in souls solely because of those two photos from Luo Fei.”

Wang Dong continued, “It’s said that Luo Fei is preparing an experiment.”

“What kind of experiment?”

Xiao Yu continued scrutinizing the photos, searching for any sign of tampering.

But there were none!

These were indeed two authentic photos of skinned faces: one radiating joy, the other frozen in terror!

After years on the force, Xiao Yu felt his stomach twist in unease once more.

It reminded him of his very first encounter with a corpse—a body in shambles with rotting flesh.

That time, he almost vomited.

This time, the victims’ faces nearly made him retch!

After a long moment,

calming himself, Xiao Yu declared, “Something’s off. Luo Fei’s mind must be in trouble!”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

Wang Dong rolled his eyes, “If he weren’t out of his mind, how could he pull off a case like this?”

“We must track him down quickly.”

Xiao Yu drew a deep breath, “Otherwise, I have a bad feeling something terrible is about to happen!”

A sinister premonition gripped him.

The suspect, Luo Fei, had to be up to something; otherwise, he wouldn’t have disappeared so suddenly.

So, where is he now?

Hmm?

Xiao Yu’s gaze suddenly fixated on something inside the bedside cabinet.

It was a business card.

What could be so intriguing about a business card?

No, this card was quite striking.

It didn’t just list a name—it had a phone number and even an introduction.

Wan Hong Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Fabrication Factory!

Aluminum-magnesium alloy? (Wang Lihao)

What does that conjure up in your mind?

Instantly, Xiao Yu’s eyes brightened.

He remembered the photos of the skinned victims, the alloy houses depicted in them, the peculiar alloy bed, and even the hanging human frames…

A clue had been found!

With police cars speeding by, regardless of the lights, Xiao Yu floored it.

Thanks to his ‘Expert Driver’ ability, he wasn’t worried about accidents.

A normally forty-minute drive took just twelve minutes, and the police car screeched to a halt at a factory gate.

The person on the business card had been located by Xiao Yu and Wang Dong.

“Do you recognize him?”

Xiao Yu pulled out a photo of Luo Fei and handed it over, “Did he ever customize any special items for your factory?”

The man, upon seeing Luo Fei’s photo, first looked surprised and then nodded.

“Yes, indeed!”