Chen Shi asked, “Officer Liu, how long have you lived here?”

“Well, almost ten years.” Officer Liu said with a sigh, lighting a cigarette. “Sometimes I feel like a hunter, chasing this beast for over ten years. Other times, I feel like I’m almost like a beast myself.”

“You are a good policeman!” Chen Shi said with admiration.

“I can’t accept that title! I can’t!” Police Officer Liu waved his hands again and again. “I'm trash. I haven't solved the case after so many years. I haven’t been able to get an explanation or justice for the victims and their families… By the way, do you want the information I have here? I can give them to you unreservedly.”

Chen Shi said, “I have a favor to ask that might be unwelcome. Could you let us borrow this house for a few days? That would save everyone from going in and out. The things you’ve...