Split Personality

Huang Xiaotao asked Master Tang for the contact information of that meat processing factory. I felt the search scope was a bit large. They couldn't possibly be killing people in batches inside the meat processing factory every day, could they? It would be like a Nazi concentration camp then.

So I asked, "Is it the same person delivering the meat every day?"

The answer was as I had expected. Master Tang nodded right away: "Yes!"

"Do you know what that person is called and where he lives?"

"I don't know where he lives, but he's called Ma Jinhua. Looks dark and skinny, and doesn't smile much either. He's been the one responsible for delivering meat for half a year now." Master Tang explained.

The name sounded a bit strange. I borrowed Huang Xiaotao's notebook and asked him to write it again. Huang Xiaotao leaned over to take a look and said, "What a weird name!"

I explained, "It's probably because his life lacks gold and fire that he was given such a name. Usually people lack one of the five elements, but a very small number of people lack two."

Huang Xiaotao said, "I feel like he lacks three, and lacks morals too!"

I gave a cold laugh. "Killing people, chopping them into mincemeat and selling it for money, he's already beyond just lacking morals. He doesn't even have the qualifications to be human anymore."

Master Tang didn't know Ma Jinhua's address or contact information. He only said the other party came to deliver meat every three days, and had come this morning already, so next time would be three days later.

After the forensics team had collected evidence, Huang Xiaotao and I both felt there was no need to bring Master Tang back to give his statement again. Huang Xiaotao asked me what to do next.

I replied, "Ma Jinhua who delivers the meat is highly suspicious. I feel there are three investigation directions now! First, find out about this person at the meat processing factory, but I estimate there may not be any gains; second, summarize all the missing persons cases in Nanjiang City over the past three months; and lastly, the most labor-intensive, search around this area to see if there are any discarded human bones or organs."

Huang Xiaotao stood with her arms crossed, tilting her head and smiling at me.

I asked what was up. She said, "I'm thinking, are you and the you from this morning really the same person?"

I smiled, embarrassed, "This is what's called split personality, I guess."

Huang Xiaotao exclaimed in surprise, "You have split personality?"

"Look how shocked you are. Actually, everyone plays different roles in different situations. This is split personality in a broad sense. But it's different from pathological split personality, where the two personalities are completely isolated from each other, not knowing of each other's existence..." I patiently explained.

Huang Xiaotao said, "I feel like he lacks three, and lacks morals too!"

I gave a cold laugh. "Killing people, chopping them into mincemeat and selling it for money, he's already beyond just lacking morals. He doesn't even have the qualifications to be human anymore."

Master Tang showed a hint of incredulousness when I mentioned 'split personality'. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. When I finally understood the meaning behind that expression, I nearly lost Huang Xiaotao because of it.

I also said, "Let Master Tang run his business as usual."

Huang Xiaotao's eyes widened. "What, you want him to still make human meat buns?"

"How could he make human meat buns anymore, just regular buns will do. Think about it, we're in the light and the murderer is in the dark. If the murderer sees this shop suddenly closed with police tape all around, would he still walk right into our trap?"

"You're so right!" Huang Xiaotao snapped her fingers. "I'll get in touch with the quality inspection department later to issue Master Tang a penalty ticket for food hygiene, just to create a front."

When he heard this, Master Tang said innocently, "Officer, I didn't use gutter oil or additives. Why do you want to fine me for no reason?"

Huang Xiaotao scolded him. "You should be grateful we're letting you run your business as usual. Don't complain when you don't even know gratitude! Don't worry, the penalty is just for show. We won't really fine you or revoke your business license."

Only then did Master Tang let his guard down.

Huang Xiaotao notified everyone to withdraw and return for a case discussion meeting. It was at this time that Wang Dali finally sauntered over, drenched in sweat. He said panting, "It was so difficult. I just managed to squeeze onto the bus during rush hour. Here, what you wanted."

Not wanting to disappoint him, I didn't say I didn't need it for now, and just thanked him.

Huang Xiaotao glanced at Wang Dali, "You're just in time. Let's go to the police station together for the meeting."

"Meeting?" Wang Dali looked at the bun shop. "What kind of case is this anyway?"

"You'll find out later."

We took a car to the police station. The case had occurred suddenly, and Huang Xiaotao had pulled some manpower for a task force without consulting Captain Lin, which showed she had some clout now as a police superintendent in the detective squad.

There wasn't much to say at the case discussion meeting, just a simple overview of the case and assignment of tasks. This time it was a carpet search, Huang Xiaotao gave the police officers under her two days, to gather together their discoveries 48 hours later.

She also emphasized not to alert the snake in the grass.

After the meeting, Huang Xiaotao clapped her hands decisively and said spiritedly, "Dismissed!" The officers then left to carry out their tasks.

Huang Xiaotao came to the two of us and said, "Song Yang, you guys should just stay on standby at school. I'll notify you when a body is discovered."

"Notify me too when the DNA test results are out," I said.

"Sure!" Huang Xiaotao replied.

Wang Dali brownnosing said, "Little Tao Jiejie, you're so cool when you speak and act now!"

Huang Xiaotao laughed. "Haha, it's honed from experience, I guess."

Shamelessly, Wang Dali said, "Treat us to dinner tonight? I came in a rush and am still hungry."

At the mention of dinner, Huang Xiaotao's expression changed instantly. "Let's give it a miss tonight. I estimate I won't want to eat anything till tomorrow. But if you guys are hungry, I can treat you to something downstairs."

"No no, don't trouble yourself. We'll head back to school," I quickly declined.

Surprisingly, Wang Dali didn't realize I had come out alone with Huang Xiaotao today. I didn't plan to tell him either. I felt my relationship with Huang Xiaotao was still up in the air.

After getting back to school, I copied notes from a classmate for the two classes I had skipped today, then read for a while.

Huang Xiaotao sent a WeChat saying, "The DNA test results are out. It's confirmed to be human tissue."

I replied, "Noted."

I wanted to say something else, like ask if she had fun going out today, but felt it inappropriate and deleted it. Then I wanted to tell her not to stay up late and sleep early tonight, but felt that inappropriate too and deleted it.

While I was hesitating, Huang Xiaotao sent a message: "Coming to my place tonight?"

I was extremely shocked. My astonishment could be described as a bolt from the blue, although the idiom wasn't quite suitable.

Huang Xiaotao sent another message: "Don't get the wrong idea! I just got hungry and cooked a big pot of pork, cabbage and mushroom dumplings. Turns out I can't finish them alone. Come help me finish them!"

I replied, "Aren't you too much! Just said you didn't want to eat anything these few days, yet you went home to cook dumplings. Don't you think dumplings look a lot like buns?"

Huang Xiaotao sent a laughing emoji. "Buns and dumplings are not the same thing! Are you coming or not, it'll be too late to get a car soon."

"But Wang Dali is still in the dorm..."

Huang Xiaotao immediately replied, "Since when is Wang Dali your wife!"

My face flushed red instantly. I really couldn't believe myself, blushing from behind a screen.

Huang Xiaotao urged, "Coming or not? If not I'll throw the dumplings downstairs to feed the dogs. Three..."

"Two!"

"One!"

I gritted my teeth and replied with two words: "On my way!"