Wen Kexing's beautiful wife, Gao Xiao Lian, is murdered, and the police request coroner Zhou Zishu perform the autopsy. The police commissioner gives them fourteen days to arrest the murderer. But is this a simple stalking case or do they have a s...
Ye and Zhou paused at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for their host to join them. Trudging silently down the steps, pulling a suitcase and clothing bag, his reddened eyes met with those of the uncomfortable doctor, abruptly halting his flight. That face mesmerized him. All in an instant, the eyes drew him in and ignited a longing, a recognition of something unnamed. He yearned to kiss those firm full lips, to taste the nectar of his mouth, to hear the timber of his voice. And his laugh. He imagined the feel of the strong arms around his body, the hard muscles against his chest. Desire filled his heart. He blushed and dipped his gaze to that mouth, licking his own lips. And fastened his attention back on those dark eyes. The policeman coughed and the spell shattered. A servant rushed to take the suitcase and garment bag to the door. A second carried his coat over. A security guard brought his car around.
"Let us know your address and your plans," Ye advised him neutrally.
"I included that when I wrote my statement. I intend to stay there indefinitely. Unless I go on a vacation and get away. If I decide to do so, I will inform you. I also included my department number, but dial extension five for my office. Call anytime and leave a message. Or talk with my grad students." Ye examined them both. Their attention seemed locked, and he understood the attraction between them. Aware of their personal histories, he predicted a relationship sometime very soon.
"We'll excuse ourselves," he interposed firmly. The parent group watched them, and he anticipated an unwelcome intervention. "If you intend to escape, you better leave this minute before another discussion breaks out." He disliked family arguments and proposed to avoid one more. "Let us walk you out to your car." He gripped his friend's arm and pulled him through the door, the other man following. The guard tried to speak to his boss, but Wen brushed him off with a dagger word. Ye's car waited at the curb while Wen's security loaded his suitcases into his Mercedes and the two left in a line.
While he drove, Ye cast glances at his passenger. He observed the smiling lips, the blind eyes. 'Oh man. He has it bad.' He cleared his throat. He viewed his friend's sexual preferences as none of his business.
"We ruled out Wen Kexing as a suspect, obviously. He stands on the sidelines of the case. But those fathers worry me. The prosecutors are keeping Duan and wife in solitary for now. Not my responsibility now they are in procuratorate custody."
"Um," responded his friend.
"Too much personal information tonight. Talk about dysfunctional. I'm always grateful for my family. Makes me want to hug my kids when I get home. And my parents. Did you notice how none of the four touch each other, even in the midst of a horrible fight? Not even the day of the murder. No comforting words or gestures. No love lost there. He'd be better off without them." The passenger turned his black cherry eyes his way and nodded.
"Love is the most important thing in a person's life. My aunties loved me extravagantly," he shared. "Still do. You've seen them. I never missed my parents. My extended family provided everything I needed and more." He looked at his watch. "It's early. Please just drop me off on the corner near the house and I'll walk up to visit them." He needed the healing warmth of their hugs, attention, and snacks. He anticipated their insistence on cooking something for him and maybe playing a game or two.
"Give them my best," agreed Ye. He decided to stop off at the bakery and select some treats, even if he had to interrupt the kids' studying. He, too, needed love after that evening. He appreciated that he could share with his wife and parents and unload his feelings. Poor Wen Kexing. He wondered if he had someone to comfort him. He hoped so. He shuddered at the thought of losing his wife. He refrained from driving too fast, just to reach the comfort of her embrace.
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Zhou enjoyed his evening with his aunties. They greeted him with surprised joy and plied him with delicious foods made just for him. They played a game of mahjong, laughing and talking. He forgot the case, the funeral dinner and all the unpleasantness involved.
"Time for me to go," he finally conceded. "Let's eat at that new restaurant up the street tomorrow night. I'll pick you up at seven pm, ok? And let's dress up, just for fun." They nodded, happy to spend any time with their darling boy. He ordered a cab and whisked home. Having showered and set out clothes for the morning, ready for bed, he sat in his comfortable living room and dialed the unfamiliar number.
"Hello," the deep voice answered, hoarsely, warily.
"Wen Kexing, this is Zhou Zishu. I hope I am not intruding. I just wondered if you were ok." He hesitated. "Do you have someone to call, to talk to? You left so upset and the day seemed so terrible for you. Are you alright alone?" He fumbled to a halt and sighed. "Sorry. So clumsy of me. Didn't mean to butt in." Silence met him. A sound, maybe a sob?
"Thank you, Zhou Zishu, for your concern," the hushed voice breathed. "I am ok for now. I just meant to put on some music and go to bed. Thank you for being there today. Maybe we could talk again in the future?"
"That would be welcome to me," he confirmed quickly. "When you have had a little time, there are any number of good restaurants near the university. Join me for lunch, or how about meeting for coffee someday soon?"
"Yes, I like both ideas a lot. Let me call you in a day or two. Your work number is listed in the university directory. I'll be in touch."
"Good night then, sleep well."
Wen stared at the phone, exhausted from emotional overload. He drank a pitcher of tea, drained from crying himself to dehydration. He sought out eye drops for his swollen, gritty eyes. He reminded himself that, for once, this evening he ended the confrontation. 'I spoke my whole mind, pulled no punches, put my own feelings ahead of everyone else,' he congratulated himself. 'Wish Lian could have seen me. Oh, my dear, how I regret never having fought that hard for us together.' He soaked in the hot tub until he felt limp and relaxed, not thinking of anything, just listening to the music. As he dressed for bed, he tingled at the attraction to Zhou. In a day or two, he definitely would make that phone call.
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