Chapter 83

Chu Tingwu wasn't lying.

She really had felt hostility from the man... but she couldn't be sure what connection he had with the weapon buried in the ground, though the police were nearby and would arrive soon.

The bag of cat food had left a red mark on the man's chest and left him unable to get up—

But Chu Tingwu had only thrown the cat food, even though it had the same effect as throwing stones, the visual impact was different, making it seem like a mischievous prank rather than an "attack."

The police arrived quickly, and the man seemed confused: "Why are you still here? Isn't that kid from the Xiang family already in custody?"

He seemed to have been sleeping at home and hadn't been questioned during the first round of interrogations.

Officer Zhou glanced at him and smiled: "I heard your father has been missing for a long time. Any news?"

The man's father seemed to have symptoms of dementia and had been reported missing some time ago.

The man was taken aback: "This... shouldn't you be the ones figuring it out? Why are you asking me?"

Officer Zhou: "We will look into it, but as an only son, shouldn't you be making an effort too?"

The two went back and forth, while Chu Tingwu and the police dog Youyou crouched nearby, watching them talk.

Only Director He was working.0

Director He awkwardly operated the drone and then found that it was quite user-friendly, as if it had some kind of intelligent control program. He gave a command, and the drone automatically flew according to his intentions.0

—Technology is getting more and more advanced.0

Finally, after some skillful maneuvering, Officer Zhou said: "We still have your father's data at the station. How about you come back with us and make a statement?"0

Without evidence, he could only detain the man for up to twenty-four hours... However, seeing his colleagues already starting to dig, Officer Zhou felt that evidence would soon surface.0

A corpse itself was a massive piece of evidence, providing a wealth of clues... For instance, verifying the identity of the deceased, especially when there was a suspect, the results would naturally come quickly.0

The group returned to the police station, and within half an hour of sitting in the interrogation room, the man's emotions collapsed—0

Inexperienced killers like him often had poor mental fortitude. On the way there, he hadn't confessed, merely hoping for a miracle.0

The corpse was his father.0

According to him, his father didn't actually have "dementia."0

His father had been a retired technician from a factory, with a high pension. But the man had recently gotten into online gambling, becoming increasingly desperate for money. During a heated argument with his father over money, he had lost control—0

And killed the old man.0

Director He, listening in, sighed: "Ah, ah!"0

After killing his father, the man's mind cooled down and he immediately started thinking about how to dispose of the body.0

Police: "Why didn't you turn yourself in?"0n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Man: "He was my dad, not someone else. If he were alive, he wouldn't want me to go to jail!"0

Although the Xiang family hadn't notified anyone when they moved, the neighbors found out after a couple of days.0

The thief's return time was fixed, so the man thought he could bury the body in their yard.0

The chainsaw was from his own home. After cutting up the body, he was afraid of being discovered, so he buried it right by the gate. As for the murder weapon—0

It was a mahjong table. The old man had hit his head on the corner, and after wiping off the blood, they continued to use it.0

The man was full of regret. After confessing, he seemed to know he was done for and spilled everything:0

"I still haven't found my dad's money. Those people online are going to come for me soon, and I can't sleep day or night because of the pressure. Now... I guess it's a relief."0

The police said: "He tried to withdraw his father's pension, but it's paid directly into the account, so he couldn't get it."0

Although this case was disgusting, the police were actually used to it—0

"Murder cases, especially accidental killings and love killings, are the most common. The perpetrators are usually people close to the victims. Those random killings or serial killings you see in dramas are rare and not easy to come across."0

"By the way, why did you hit him as soon as you saw him? Did you instinctively think he was the murderer?"0

Chu Tingwu "mm-hmm"ed and suddenly asked: "Did he explain why he reacted that way when he saw me?"0

Police: "?"0

The police hadn't specifically asked that question—Chu Tingwu and Youyou had been at the spot where the chainsaw was buried, so the murderer's nervousness and hostility were normal.0

But after Chu Tingwu mentioned it, they realized something was off: the man's speech was all over the place, and it seemed he might really have stress issues. According to his confession, he had actually forgotten the chainsaw was buried there.0

Was that carelessness, or a complete lack of conscience?0

The police went in again to ask, and when they came out, their expressions were a bit grim:0

"He said he saw your photo at an underground gambling den."0

For gamblers, this was a kind of "bounty."0

These underground gambling dens required an introducer, and participants wouldn't bring electronic devices or leave written records... The venue could be in a high-end club or hidden in a rural restaurant.0

The criminal had seen Chu Tingwu's photo in a restaurant, where she was presented as a "betting chip," meaning she could be used as collateral. When gamblers lost their minds, they might one day take desperate actions.0

Officer Zhou immediately thought of a previous warning: "Hiss, it's those guys..."0

As an unofficial collaborator, Chu Tingwu had worked with the police many times, from training police cats to catching thieves, becoming something of a spokesperson.0

Her prominence attracted some malicious individuals.0

They might never have met Chu Tingwu or had any direct interest in her, but they still arrogantly ordered low-level thugs to "cause her some trouble."0

The police had heard rumors from informants but hadn't been able to locate the organization behind it.0

"We suspect it's some underground organization from abroad." Like rats hiding in the shadows, they gathered in dark places and took pride in their power.0

[…]0

[Don't worry, kiddo! Cats are the best at catching rats!]0

Chu Tingwu: "=="0

Chu Tingwu: "But didn't you catch one before? Maybe it's just too low-level here, so there's no news?"0

When Officer Zhou first warned her, the system had already started a massive online sweep, but an offline photo couldn't be found, and that wasn't its fault.0

[Then it's not clean yet!]0

Chu Tingwu: ...No, they might really just not have heard anything.0

The system added an extra word of comfort to Chu Tingwu: "Meow."0

-0

The so-called "dark web" was just some websites that required complex procedures to access, filled with videos that couldn't be shown in public.0

The system had naturally swept through the entire network society, reporting some people who were just talking big.0

But when the police mentioned the dark web, it was puzzled and expanded its search, finally discovering—0

The people on those websites hadn't used Chu Tingwu's name or photo, only cryptic codes.0

System: "=="0

According to the rules, after fulfilling the bounty conditions, the related video had to be posted on the website to complete the bounty. Chu Tingwu's information wasn't prominent on the site—there were far more horrifying videos, some even touching on the bottom line of human morality, but the system didn't care.0

It just followed the clues to find the bounty issuer, located the person, and confirmed it was a wealthy pervert. Then, it conveniently vaporized all the liquid assets in the person's home.0

After that, it wrote a report email in the tone of the person's parents, reporting the website.0

After finishing all this, the system solemnly sighed to its youngling: "Money is just a number."0

Chu Tingwu: You really risk making people jealous!0

Although for the system... money really was just a number it could easily manipulate, it had never actually done so—0

Chu Tingwu opened the car door and got in, asking, "Is everything okay now?"0

Did you send the mastermind to prison?0

The system replied, "Yes, everything is fine now."0

After making that guy suffer enough mental torment, we even scattered his ashes. Perfect!0

Chu Tingwu: "Good."0

The driver started the car and headed toward the police station. However, on the way, Chu Tingwu opened her personal panel—0

Although she hadn't faced any direct danger, Chu Tingwu felt she should still upgrade her panel data. After all, you never know when danger might strike.0

Intuition lv1, Genetic Inheritance lv1, Perfect Control lv0... The levels of the three skills remained the same, but the skill bars below had all grown a bit during this period.0

Her Intuition seemed to upgrade a little every day, probably because Chu Tingwu was constantly using it. She also noticed that it upgraded faster during dangerous situations. Now, it was not far from lv2.0

Genetic Inheritance was a bit strange; Chu Tingwu hadn't found a way to upgrade it yet... When she went to the Red Stone Nature Reserve, her experience seemed to increase faster while she was with the wild animals. But after returning, it went back to normal. Now, she was about halfway to lv2.0

Perfect Control was the skill she was closest to breaking through to lv1. Since it was a comprehensive skill involving physical techniques, and Chu Tingwu was always using her body, she guessed it would upgrade faster.0

Although the system could predict the effects of Chu Tingwu's upgrades, the direction was ultimately decided by her. So, it didn't know which effect would occur—0

[“Upgrading” is essentially “evolving.” Your body will obey your commands, understand your desires, and evolve in the direction you prefer.]0

Chu Tingwu: "Hmm..."0

But she felt her stats were already quite "over the top." What would happen if she evolved further?0

With these thoughts in mind, she greeted Director He at the police station, and the drone behind her swayed slightly.0

Director He in front of her: "Good morning."0

After several encounters, he had noticed that the drone following Chu Tingwu seemed unusually intelligent and easy to use. If he operated it himself, it was just a machine. Did this child's drone run a different program?0

Today, Chu Tingwu was starting to shoot footage for the police cats.0

In fact, drones had been following the two police cats for a while, capturing a lot of footage, but there was no specific direction yet.0

Director He seemed to have light work today and strolled over to watch Chu Tingwu shoot.0

He asked, "Are you going to shoot the police cats, or these two cats?"0

Shooting the police cats was simple—documenting their selection, training, and deployment, similar to how police dogs are filmed.0

But if the focus wasn't on the broad "police cats" concept but on the two cats employed at Jin City Police Station, then it would be about human interest, their personal stories—from their previous owners to their current lives. Being a police cat would just be one label in their lives.0

The police only had one requirement: to promote and document the selection and work of police cats.0

So, the specific theme depended on the director.0

Chu Tingwu held the drone and pondered:0

"I want to unfold this from the perspective of the audience—"0

Director He: "Oh?"0

Chu Tingwu: "Information about police dogs is easily searchable online. People know how they are selected, how their salaries are used, and how they are adopted after retirement. Their entire lives are transparent."0

Chu Tingwu: "But police cats are too 'new,' and their work doesn't seem as 'stable'... How do they get hired, how do they retire, what happens if they get injured, and what are their advantages? I think these are things the audience would be curious about, so I want to capture them."0

In other words, use the two cats as examples, but don't just focus on them. Instead, showcase the entire police cat system.0

The two cats at Jin City Police Station had different job orientations. The Siamese, Buna, was gentler in nature, so he was more suited for search and rescue or drug detection.0

So, he was now employed in the drug enforcement department.0

The Tabby, Dog Sheng, was more lively and energetic, but due to his smaller size, he couldn't serve as a riot control dog like a police dog. Therefore, he was assigned to security patrols.0

Chu Tingwu used the drone to film the cats' work for two days. At the airport, there were often onlookers... She showed the footage to Director He, asking for his judgment on any inappropriate scenes.0

But her work wasn't done yet, as Chu Tingwu also contacted the original owners of the two cats.0

The Siamese's owner said, "The base told me that selecting police cats from adult cats was a special case because everything was new, and the rules were unique... In the future, police cats won't be selected from adult cats. Now, the base has set up a breeding center in Xinshan City to breed and raise kittens."0

"Hmm... But I think if it were your Three-Five-Five, she might get an exception as an adult cat?"0

Chu Tingwu: "That line won't be in the documentary."0

The Siamese's owner laughed, "Oh, Director Chu, I recognized you as soon as you entered. Where's Three-Five-Five? My Buna was interviewed by you, the interviewer."0

All the adult police cats were local, and after retirement, they would be prioritized for adoption by their original owners or police officers. The same applied to other police cats. All retirement standards would be based on those of police dogs. This was an official document issued two months ago—though due to dietary differences between cats and dogs, meal allowances and salaries would also vary.0

After finishing the shoot in Jin City, Chu Tingwu discussed with the police station and decided to head to Kongsu City.0

Kongsu City, located at the southernmost part of Shannan Province, was almost half city, half mountain, surrounded by the Wo Mountain Range.0

The breeding center in Xinshan City was also in Shannan Province, and during this period, it had sent a police cat to each city in the province.0

After the official document was issued, each city increased its police cat quota. Kongsu City Police Station was the last in the province to receive a police cat—so the cat and the officers were still getting used to each other. Chu Tingwu thought this would be a good opportunity to film them.0

With help from Jin City Police Station and the green light from Shannan Province, Chu Tingwu could soon "go on a business trip."0

But this time, she brought Three-Five-Five along.0

She applied for Three-Five-Five to have an "assistant" role and bought tickets for both of them.0

The police: "..."0

Does the cat assistant help you communicate with other cats? Well, since she's acknowledged as the "best little cat," it's normal for her not to sit in the pet compartment.0

As soon as Chu Tingwu got on the train, she started catching up on her homework.0

Outside the window, vast stretches of green scenery whisked past. She lowered her head to work on her biology homework, sitting side by side with Three-Five-Five. A few nearby passengers occasionally glanced at the collar-wearing tortoiseshell cat, while others behind her occasionally reached for their phones to take pictures of the tortoiseshell mom.0

Three-Five-Five: "=="0

Three-Five-Five turned to Chu Tingwu and meowed twice.0

Chu Tingwu, staring at the question in front of her, didn't even look up as she responded with an "Mm," and unbuckled Three-Five-Five's leash.0

The tortoiseshell mom jumped off the seat, dodged the trolley selling boxed meals, and made her way to the bathroom at the end of the carriage.0

Then, the long-haired tortoiseshell found herself deep in thought.0

A nearby attendant: "..."0

She quietly stepped forward and helped the cat open the door. Three-Five-Five gave her a friendly meow.0

The attendant: "..."0

Should I prepare wet wipes? There's no cat litter here; her long fur might get dirty...0

The door opened, and Three-Five-Five jumped out, her tail held high, looking clean. But the attendant still smiled and crouched down.0

Three-Five-Five: "..."0

-0

Chu Tingwu turned her head and saw Three-Five-Five jump back onto the seat, meowing discontentedly.0

Chu Tingwu, whose mind hadn't fully switched to cat language: "Meow?"0

Dai Mao's mother raised her paw and tapped on the table. The train entered a tunnel, and when it emerged, someone exclaimed in surprise.0

The greenery outside the window had already filled the eyes. Layers of mountains rose and fell, and between the mountains, one could see small red-roofed houses in the distance. As the train sped along the viaduct, the man-made structures began to increase as it approached Kongsu City.0

Chu Tingwu, with her luggage, let the cat crouch on top of the suitcase as she got off the train. The car from Kongsu City Police Station was waiting for her outside the high-speed rail station.0

Xiao Yan the police cat crouched to the side, while its partner Yan Ping stood outside the car with arms crossed.0

Seeing Chu Tingwu's figure, he straightened up: "Hello, Chu Tingwu, please sit in the passenger seat. I'll help you with your luggage... Are there any fragile items?"0

Probably filming equipment, right?0

But why did only one person come? Filming videos would usually require an assistant to help with props, wouldn't it?0

Chu Tingwu pointed at the assistant cat.0

Yan Ping: "=_="0

Alright, he got it. He'll be the one carrying the props.0

Little Yan raised her paw and patted his arm.0

Then, this black-and-white cow cat curiously glanced at Three-Five-Five and raised her paw—0

Three-Five-Five high-fived her.0

Yan Ping: "Oh, they can even high-five!"0

Chu Tingwu: No, they almost fought, Three-Five-Five was just telling this cat to stay away from her!0

The two cats sat on either side of the back seat, with Little Yan constantly turning her head to look at Three-Five-Five. Finally, she started: "Meow meow? Meow-woo meow-woo? Meow... Meow meow..."0

Where are you from? You're not from around here, are you? How old are you? Have you tried the cat food here? By the way, do you know how to train? Meow meow meow? Meow?0

Three-Five-Five: "……"0

She lowered her ears.0

So annoying, this cat is such a chatterbox!0

Although Little Yan wasn't chatting with Yan Ping, every time the cat meowed, Yan Ping would respond with an "mm-hmm," very perfunctorily, but the cat didn't care... yet he responded to every meow.0

Yan Ping also told Chu Tingwu: "Ever since Little Yan came, I've been fine. Everyone at the station stopped calling me Little Yan to avoid confusion. Now, from the gatekeeper to the chief, they all call me by my full name, as if they're about to start scolding me."0

Chu Tingwu: You're not having it easy, huh? ==0

She soon realized that both the police and the cats were chatterboxes, a perfect match.0

Kongsu City wasn't very big. In the past few years, due to transportation issues, the economy hadn't been great. Now that the train had arrived, the city was also pushing hard on tourism, trying to develop the nearby Wo Mountain. Wo Mountain wasn't particularly famous for its height, but its range stretched endlessly, and from anywhere in Kongsu City, one could see the Wo Mountain Range by simply looking up.0

As Chu Tingwu gazed out the car window, Yan Ping was also observing her—0

She was here to film a documentary, but her "underage" status already raised eyebrows. So, the higher-ups provided everyone with her information, and after reading it, the murmurs grew louder: "Not... Look at this little sister, and then look at me. Have I been living in vain all these years?"0

It was said that she could speak cat language, a master who could translate everything a cat said! It was also rumored that she understood other animal languages, with a professional level four? Anyway, dogs and wolves weren't a problem!0

Just these few points were enough for the Kongsu City Police Station to treat her with respect. Such a language master should join the police force—when solving cases, just grab a bird outside the house, and the culprit would be caught in no time!0

—Of course, that was just a dream.0

She was only here on a business trip.0

Yan Ping continued driving, occasionally bickering with the cats in the back. Chu Tingwu was still observing the scenery outside... Then, she slowly turned her head and placed her hand on Yan Ping's arm: "Stop the car."0

Yan Ping: "?"0

He glanced at her, first noticing her eyes.0

There was no other emotion in those eyes, and her tone was like a command... but he instinctively stopped the car.0

Then Yan Ping noticed: They were in the middle of the main road!0

Yan Ping: "Wait—"0

Chu Tingwu whispered: "There's going to be an earthquake."0

Yan Ping: "Ah..."0

What?0

What?0

The next second, Yan Ping felt his phone vibrate. He took out his phone and opened the door, only to see the topmost earthquake warning notification—0

【Earthquake epicenter: Kongsu City... Early warning magnitude: 5.4... Arriving soon... Please seek shelter in the nearest area...】0

Yan Ping's expression changed.0

With such proximity, earthquake warnings would usually be issued only a few tens of seconds in advance. People in the epicenter would only have time for the most hasty reactions, and many wouldn't even check their phones.0

The alarm sounded at this moment.0

Yan Ping: "?"0

He didn't know where the alarm came from. The entire Kongsu City seemed enveloped in an apocalyptic atmosphere, with all vehicles simultaneously sounding their horns and the central alarm spreading everywhere: "Please pay attention to earthquake safety, please pay attention to earthquake safety—"0

There was no time to lose, so Yan Ping quickly turned on the police car's siren and took out a megaphone, starting to direct traffic to stop and take shelter on the spot.0

Standing in the middle of the traffic, he could feel his ears almost bursting. At this moment, he had no time to think about why there were so many alarms—he turned his head and saw Chu Tingwu crouched on top of the police car, her gaze scanning the surroundings like a patrol.0

Fortunately, both cats were with her, uneasily touching heads.0

Thirty seconds passed.

The earthquake didn't come.

A minute passed.0

The earthquake still didn't come.

But the alarm continued to sound. Yan Ping clenched his palm, not thinking about whether anyone had been injured in a stampede, nor picking up the phone. He just felt deeply uneasy.0

One minute and thirty-two seconds after the notification—0

The earth, at this moment, split open!0

Chu Tingwu took a deep breath—0

【You've upgraded [Perfect Control lv0] to [Perfect Control lv1]】0

She jumped off the roof.0