I took the lead and held Xiaotao’s hand and led her down into the basement. The steps had been soaked in water and moisture in the air for so many years that it was very slippery, so we had to be very cautious with our every step.

The walls of the basement were covered with old tiles. The original color was no longer visible because of the water stains. A lamp hung down from the ceiling. The light was on, but it flickered from time to time, probably due to unstable electricity.

The entire basement was divided into two by a plastic curtain. I sensed a strong bloody smell from behind the curtain—it was definitely human blood. Who would’ve thought that the real culprit had been in front of us the whole time!

Xiaotao pulled out her gun and examined the room cautiously. I reached out and pushed the curtain and walked further into the basement with Xiaotao. There was a row of rusty iron hooks hanging from the ceiling, like the ones that butchers used to hang meat. I noticed congealed blood...