Chapter 6 The Policewoman Stands Her Ground

"Impossible, Xiao Tian would never kill anyone!" Lin Yueyu exclaimed anxiously, positioning herself protectively in front of Chu Tian, her voice filled with unwavering defense. In her mind, her son's character remained unchanged from before—timid and reserved, the kind of person who could never possibly commit murder.

"Mom, everything will be alright. This is all just a misunderstanding," Chu Tian explained gently. Indeed, the old him would never have taken a life. But after enduring the massacre of his entire family in his past life, his heart had long been tempered to decisive ruthlessness. For a woman as venomous as Xu Jiao, even killing her ten thousand times would not atone for her crimes. Yet Chu Tian had no wish to worry his parents, nor did he want to shatter the image they held of him.

"This..." Lin Yueyu, though slightly calmer than before, still looked deeply troubled.

"What evidence do you have?" Chu Zhengqing’s face darkened as he, too, stepped forward to defend his son. "If you have no proof, I absolutely will not let you take my son away so easily!"

"The hotel surveillance captured Chu Tian on the premises. He was the last person to see Xu Jiao alive and is the primary suspect in this case," Lu Xuelan replied coldly. Since Chu Tian had entered the room, she had been scrutinizing this young man. Even faced with a group of police officers, Chu Tian showed not a hint of panic. Such a person was either truly blameless or extremely dangerous—someone who could not be shaken even after committing murder.

Her instincts told her that Chu Tian was inextricably linked to this case, and she was determined to bring him in for questioning.

"I'll go with you to the station," Chu Tian agreed to return with Lu Xuelan for the investigation. He did not want his parents to worry; otherwise, with only these few officers, they would never be able to apprehend him.

...

Tianmen City, Hongxing Branch Police Station, inside the interrogation room.

Chu Tian sat on an interrogation chair, a harsh spotlight glaring into his eyes, causing him some discomfort. Yet his gaze remained fixed ahead, without the slightest hint of evasion. The surrounding walls were pitch black, and the oppressive atmosphere of the room would once have sent the old Chu Tian into a spiral of terror. But now, none of this could stir even the faintest ripple in his heart.

The door creaked open, and the soft sound of footsteps approached.

Chu Tian narrowed his eyes, once again beholding the striking female officer, Lu Xuelan. Earlier, his attention had been wholly on reuniting with his parents; only now did he have the leisure to truly take in her appearance. Lu Xuelan had delicate features and a tall, graceful figure. The summer police uniform clung to her, accentuating her alluring curves—an enticing sight indeed. She was like an icy beauty, or perhaps a proud orchid blooming in a winter’s night—her name was fitting in every way.

"Have you stared enough?" Lu Xuelan asked coldly.

"Forgive me, but beauties as rare as you are hard not to admire," Chu Tian replied with a light chuckle, sounding every bit the frivolous playboy. His nonchalant demeanor was, of course, a deliberate façade for Lu Xuelan’s benefit. Though he was unafraid of police suspicion, it was better to reduce her doubts and enjoy some peace.

Lu Xuelan frowned slightly, wondering if this seemingly spoiled rich boy could truly be Xu Jiao’s murderer.

After a moment’s silence, she spoke again. "If you end up imprisoned, you’ll never see me again for the rest of your life." She stepped to the interrogation table, leaning forward with her hands pressed against it, her imposing presence only heightened by the gesture.

"Is that so?" Chu Tian massaged his temples, his tone light and teasing. "That would be a shame, but I’m not worried. I trust you wouldn’t wrongly accuse an innocent person without solid evidence."

"Did you meet with Xu Jiao two nights ago?" Lu Xuelan suddenly leaned closer, her tone sharp and authoritative.

"Yes, she invited me to dinner. We did meet," Chu Tian replied with a pleasant nod, seeing no need to deny it.

"We saw on the surveillance footage that you entered Room 909 together," Lu Xuelan pressed. "Half an hour later, Xu Jiao was murdered. Was it you who killed her and then fled from the Eight Days Hotel?"

"Murder requires a motive. Why would I kill her?" Chu Tian countered.

"Xu Jiao was found wearing nothing but a bath towel. Who’s to say you didn’t try to force yourself on her, and when she refused, you killed her in anger?" Lu Xuelan slammed her palm on the table, leaning in even closer, her sharp eyes scrutinizing him intently.

Chu Tian’s expression darkened. He met Lu Xuelan’s gaze directly, his eyes suddenly icy and forbidding.

For a brief moment, Lu Xuelan’s heart faltered—Chu Tian’s unintentional aura sent a chill of fear through her.

But she quickly regained her composure.

"Bastard! Clearly, ordinary questioning won’t get you to confess!" Lu Xuelan shouted, clenching her fist and swinging it at Chu Tian’s face.

Chu Tian turned his head and easily dodged the blow. The rush of air tousled his hair. Though he preferred not to reveal his true strength, as someone who had returned from the abyss, how could he allow anyone to strike him at will? In those fleeting seconds, a glimmer of murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

Startled, Lu Xuelan dared not attack again.

"The cameras should show that I was already dead drunk at the time," Chu Tian said, suppressing his killing intent. His voice was steady. "If you have proof, by all means charge me with murder."

Lu Xuelan was taken aback, her suspicions only deepening. She had attacked with full force—how could an ordinary person possibly evade her punch? She had hoped to force some clue from Chu Tian, but it now seemed impossible. Yet his composure in the face of Xu Jiao’s death was too unnatural. Her instincts screamed that Chu Tian was involved.

At that moment, the door swung open and a burly, broad-shouldered middle-aged man entered.

"Xuelan, what do you think you’re doing?" he demanded sternly, dressed in a police uniform.

Lu Xuelan immediately straightened up and released her clenched fist, saluting him. The man was her superior, Shi Shouxin, Chief of the Hongxing Branch in Tianmen City.

"Chu family’s lawyer has come to post bail for Chu Tian. Process the release at once," Shi Shouxin ordered solemnly.

"No!" Lu Xuelan refused her superior’s command outright, standing her ground.