novelraw Chapter 454 - 271: Martial Arts Prodigy Sun Zhidong
Chapter 454 - 271: Martial Arts Prodigy Sun Zhidong
"I... I think I’ve learned it."
Sun Zhidong had been digesting the content taught by Li Xiang. When he suddenly heard Yang Ming’s comment, "You speak so fast, who can remember?", he realized that not only had he remembered it, but he could also perform the basic moves just after watching Li Xiang once. Instantly, he was shocked:
Could it be that I am the legendary martial arts prodigy?
Otherwise, how do I explain all this?
"You’re kidding, you learned it? If you have, show us."
Hearing Sun Zhidong brag, Yang Ming was not convinced. Everyone had listened for the same duration, the teaching environment and the teacher were the same. Up to now, they’ve all forgotten what Li Xiang taught. Why does Sun Zhidong get to claim he’s learned everything?
"Alright, watch me. I’ll show you the extraordinary talent of a martial arts prodigy."
Sun Zhidong, full of confidence, was not intimidated at all. He performed all the moves Li Xiang had demonstrated in a smooth sequence, looking quite the part, marking his entry into combat techniques.
"Seriously? Is there really such a thing as a martial arts prodigy who can learn everything in one go?"
Yang Ming was too shocked to speak. This was too unrealistic.
Sun Zhidong, the usually laid-back fellow, turned out to be a martial arts prodigy. Who would have thought?
He Wenqiu, who was initially just here to watch the excitement, now looked curious. He thought Li Xiang was just teaching a couple of random moves, but the always-enthusiastic-about-learning-taekwondo Sun Zhidong turned out to be a martial arts genius.
Everyone was dumbfounded. Those who wanted to learn from Li Xiang began to doubt their own talents rather than Li Xiang’s teaching methods.
"Li Xiang, did I perform it correctly?"
After completing a full set of combat moves, Sun Zhidong went to Li Xiang, asking for affirmation.
"Not bad, you have a talent for this and learn quickly."
Hearing Li Xiang’s praise, Sun Zhidong was immediately elated: "Of course, I’m a martial arts prodigy."
Seeing Sun Zhidong’s smug look, Li Xiang took out his phone, wondering if there was a way to retrieve his spendings.
He had paid in ’diamonds’ to let him bask in glory.
"Alright, stop showing off. A teacher can lead you in, but personal effort is key. You’ve just entered the basics of this combat technique. Practice more diligently, and you’ll naturally improve."
"Of course, if I don’t practice, won’t that be a waste of my immense talent? I wish I had realized this sooner; I could have been a master by now."
"Okay, everyone, go back to whatever you were doing."
Seeing more people gather, Li Xiang dispersed them. He hadn’t expected that a simple sparring session would attract so many.
Does everyone have nothing else to do?
The happiest among the dispersed crowd was clearly Sun Zhidong, whereas Yang Ming was left disappointed.
He would have been less upset if no one could learn it.
Comparing oneself to others can drive one crazy. The stark contrast to Sun Zhidong left him demoralized.
His talent was leagues away from Sun Zhidong’s, which was quite disheartening!
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Wang Ruigang, taking a few steps back, suddenly remembered he came looking for Li Xiang, completely forgetting while watching the commotion.
As he backtracked, he recalled his main purpose and headed back.
"Captain Li, regarding the Yuncheng Case No. 1, we have some leads. You see..."
"We have leads? That’s great."
Hearing this, Li Xiang was overjoyed. After so many days, the special task force involving over 300 people and a systematic investigation had finally uncovered a clue.
Efforts do pay off in the end.
"Let’s go take a look now."
Li Xiang, eager and impatient, pulled Wang Ruigang towards the task force office.
"We have thoroughly examined the social circles of the 11 victims with more than 300 people, focusing mainly on women, and finally found someone who fits the profile."
"Zheng Wei, 48 years old, divorced, with a daughter living with her ex-husband, local to Yuncheng. When the first incident occurred, she worked at the same electronics factory as the victim. Due to her solitary and harsh personality, she was ostracized at work and resigned in early May 2013. On the 12th, ’Xiao Mei’ was murdered."
"After killing ’Xiao Mei’, she soon found a job as a female security guard but was dismissed soon due to her character issues. And this school happened to be where the second victim ’Xiao Ping’ attended."
The subsequent cases, without exception, all have traces of Zheng Wei. She shared life intersections with all the victims. Although there’s no direct evidence proving she killed the victims, various signs indicate that she’s the prime suspect.
"From what we see, we’re not off track. This woman called Zheng Wei is highly suspicious. We can start a secret investigation on her."
After hearing Wang Ruigang’s report, Li Xiang also found this woman to be very suspicious. She was the prime suspect in Yuncheng Case No. 1 at this point.
Her trace appeared in all the victims’ social circles, and they had life interactions.
Though there was no obvious evidence of conflicts between them, the sheer number of coincidences raised significant concerns.
"We’ve already arranged for an investigation on her. Without new leads, I wouldn’t have reported to you. Do you know why this serial murder case stopped five years ago?"
"Why?"
This was also a question Li Xiang couldn’t figure out. The serial killer, having experienced the thrill of murdering, would find it extremely difficult to stop through self-control.
"Because five years ago, she was sentenced to seven years for intentional assault and is about to be released."
"I see, and the assaulted person would most likely have been her 12th target?"
"Yes, we reviewed her case file. The victim was indeed a woman named Qin Yue."
Five years ago, Qin Yue and Zheng Wei worked at the same company. A verbal conflict led to tensions between them. After work, Qin Yue found Zheng Wei stalking her home, confronting her again and leading to a physical altercation.
The final injury report showed minor injuries for Zheng Wei and severe injuries for Qin Yue.
"This Zheng Wei certainly goes hard on people, injuring someone so severely so casually."
"Indeed. While in fights, even if one loses their temper, they have some restraint, fearing they might seriously hurt someone. But for someone who’s killed before, once that violent streak kicks in, they’re bound to attack fiercely."
"Qin Yue certainly is lucky, or she could have been the 12th victim in the Yuncheng Case No. 1."
Wang Ruigang felt a cold sweat for Qin Yue. If she hadn’t been vigilant and noticed Zheng Wei’s stalking, prompting the confrontation, the victim count in the Yuncheng Case No. 1 might still be rising.
"Now, all this is just speculation. Without direct evidence, we can’t convict her. We need more evidence."
"Have you contacted her ex-husband?"
"Not yet."
"First, get hold of her ex-husband for more information. Also, search her residence for any clues."
After identifying the suspect, Li Xiang and Wang Ruigang, along with a team, found Zheng Wei’s ex-husband, Song Peijun.
"Hello, we’re from the police department."
At the Song Peijun residence, Li Xiang and team made an unannounced visit, with Wang Ruigang presenting his badge.
"What’s the matter?"
"We’ve come to inquire about your ex-wife Zheng Wei."
"Sorry, we’ve already divorced. I don’t know much about her now."
Hearing that Wang Ruigang and the team came because of Zheng Wei again, Song Peijun’s face clearly displayed annoyance.
It wasn’t his first encounter with the police. Previously, it was because Zheng Wei severely injured someone, and during that time, his parents were unwell and needed care. Zheng Wei, meanwhile, was criminally detained for fighting, and their daughter needed attention for school. He felt overwhelmed and finally lost faith in Zheng Wei, deciding to divorce her.
Five years later, the police came knocking again for Zheng Wei, bringing unpleasant memories flooding back.
He didn’t even attempt to put on a friendly face for the police.