Chapter One: Every Lie Has a Root

Lin Yan raised his eyes and found its root. Luo Cheng had taken a call from Chen Hao’s father the night before. The investigation already had its ending. Something colder than the accusation settled into Lin Yan’s stomach. He had always thought his loneliness came from poverty, silence, and being too clever. Now he understood that loneliness could also come from seeing too clearly. “Fine,” he said. “Then we call the police.” He took out his old phone, its screen cracked from corner to corner, and dialed in front of everyone. When Chen Hao lunged, Lin Yan stepped aside and pulled open his bag. A ring of red fibers clung to the inner pocket, identical to those on the evidence seal. Someone gasped.