The Same Fate Awaits All Sins Chapter 30

Worship – 15

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Meng Yong finally confessed to his crimes. He admitted to raping and murdering nine women twenty years ago, as well as killing Pei Jing a year ago. His motive for the murders was to vent his anger. As a poor boy from the countryside, he felt a mix of desire and inferiority when faced with fashionable women in the city. In an attempt to vent his frustrations, he sank deeper and deeper into the mire of sin... The tenth case stood out from the other nine because, upon returning to his hometown after working away, he had heard rumours suggesting that his rural wife had been unfaithful and that their child wasn't his. This bred deep mistrust of women in his heart. He decided to conduct an experiment involving a young girl as a test of human nature, creating what he called a "life-and-death game."

Now, aware of the gravity of his sins, Meng Yong only wished for a swift death sentence to give closure to the victims' families and society at large.

As for Pei Fan, the copycat criminal, considerations were given to the fact that his abusive childhood had led to psychological distortions. He was prioritised for isolation and psychological treatment before being handed over to the prosecution for appropriate legal punishment.

Xu Leixin, who had helped Meng Yong conceal his crimes by burying bodies, had seriously violated the law. However, given his status as a manipulated minor, he was spared prosecution and sent to a juvenile correctional facility for reformation through labour.

This case of rape and brutal murders spanning twenty years finally came to a close, causing a nationwide sensation.

The heavy burden that had weighed on the hearts of Yuchuan's citizens for two decades was finally lifted. On the day of Meng Yong's trial, many residents spontaneously set off firecrackers. In the crackling sounds, they collectively let out a long sigh of relief.

End of Part Two

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It was the day of Lu Zheng's graduation ceremony. Dressed in his doctoral robes, he sat in the front row of the auditorium, waiting for the host to conclude the speech and start the degree-conferral ceremony.

"Let's once again give a warm round of applause to celebrate the successful conclusion of Yuchuan University's 2019 doctoral graduation ceremony! Next, we invite President Zhang to present the diplomas to the graduates!"

A round of applause erupted from the audience. Lu Zheng stood and walked onto the stage. The president handed him the diploma with a warm smile, and with the sound of a click, the photograph was taken. Lu Zheng gave the president a deep bow.

That day, Lu Zheng officially ended his career as a student.

The ceremony finished around noon. As Lu Zheng stepped out of the auditorium, the sunlight blazed down on him, searingly hot. He walked straight across the lawn where graduates were taking group photos and sat on a bench in the shade of a tree. In the distance, classmates were posing for pictures with their family and friends in small groups. He removed the heavy doctoral cap, feeling a sense of relief.

"Congratulations on graduating," a familiar voice sounded behind him.

Lu Zheng turned around and was surprised to see a face startlingly similar to his own, "Brother? What are you doing here?"

"I heard from Fatty and the others that you were graduating today, so I came to see you. What? Not happy to see me?" Lu Cheng smiled faintly and handed Lu Zheng a finely wrapped box. "A graduation gift."

Lu Cheng and Lu Zheng shared strikingly similar features, both carrying an air of aloofness. However, Lu Cheng was taller and stronger than Lu Zheng. Being ten years older, he exuded the charm of a mature man.

Lu Zheng casually put the gift into his bag. "Thanks, of course I'm happy to see you, I just thought you'd be busy."

"No matter how busy I am, I wouldn't forget my younger brother. Have you still not contacted Dad recently?" Lu Cheng sat down beside Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng shook his head. "The old man thinks I'm a disgrace, there's no need for me to make a fool of myself."

"Ai, in fact, Dad misses you quite a bit, but he's too stubborn to admit it. It would be better if you made the first move. Parents can't stay angry at their children for long, after all. Your future is still in your hands," Lu Cheng patted Lu Zheng on the shoulder.

"Mhmm, I know," Lu Zheng pursed his lips.

"If there's anything you need these days, just let me know," Lu Cheng was afraid that Lu Zheng might hold back, though he quickly recalled that his younger brother had never been shy about asking him.

"Oh, right, I'm starting work at the municipal bureau soon, the house in Haibei is too far, so I'd like to rent a place in Yilin neighbourhood." Lu Zheng thought about it and said truthfully, "Of course, buying would be better since I'll be staying long-term."

"No problem!" Lu Cheng laughed heartily, unsurprised. "In a couple of days, I'll have Fatty bring the keys over. I really admire how direct you always are about what you want."

"Lu Xiaozheng!" a voice called from a distance. Lu Zheng didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

Not long after, Gu Yanta appeared in front of Lu Zheng, panting heavily. "Aiya! Sorry... got caught by Director Wu this morning for a long lecture, so I'm late, so late..."

Before Gu Yanta could finish, he noticed the big, handsome man with an imposing demeanour beside Lu Zheng. "This is...?"

"This is my older brother, Lu Cheng. And this is Gu Yanta, the captain of the municipal bureau's criminal investigation team, my future boss." Lu Zheng introduced.

"Hello, I'm Lu Cheng, please look after my younger brother in the future!" Lu Cheng stood and politely extended his hand.

Gu Yanta shook his hand and said, "Of course, of course! Looking after him doesn't quite describe it, Consultant Lu is a big shot in our criminal police team, we'll be relying on him in the future!" After saying that, he gave a hearty laugh and winked at Lu Zheng.

"Well, Xiao Zheng, I have some work back at the office. Since your friend is here, I won't bother you guys anymore." Lu Cheng said goodbye to the two. "Don't forget what I said, come to America with me someday to visit Dad."

"Got it, let's talk about it when we have time." Lu Zheng waved at Lu Cheng.

"Your brother... really doesn't look like you!" Gu Yanta said, looking at Lu Cheng's back.

"What are you talking about? Ever since we were little, everyone's always said we look exactly alike." Lu Zheng bent down to pick up his doctoral cap, which had been blown to the ground by the wind, and dusted it off.

"No, no, not your looks, your temperament. Your brother gives off a sharp and domineering feeling. You, on the other hand, are like the untouchable flower of our Yuchuan City Bureau!"

"Flower, my foot! Keep calling me that, and be careful of getting beaten up! Wait for me, I'm going to change. I'll report to the station in a while."Lu Zheng got up and started to leave.

"Got it! I'll wait for you in the parking lot. There's another new colleague reporting today, everyone's waiting for you!" Gu Yanta finished speaking and waved the car keys in his hand. After the last time Lu Zheng got carsick, Gu Yanta gritted his teeth, stomped his foot, and used his years of savings to buy a brand-new...

Jeep...

A short while later, Lu Zheng returned. He had changed into a simple white shirt, light blue jeans, and canvas shoes. He swung open the passenger door and got in.

"Whoa, you scared me, I thought a university student had just hopped in!" Gu Yanta teased. Lu Zheng's appearance did indeed look too young. Sometimes, when handling cases, he had to dress more maturely to avoid misunderstandings. But dressed like this today, he instantly looked like a sunny, big-hearted young man. As for his expression... well, it was as perpetually grumpy as ever!

"Drive, didn't you say everyone's waiting for me?" Lu Zheng crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes for a quick rest.

"Got it, got it." Gu Yanta floored the accelerator, heading straight for the city bureau.

In the office, the team eagerly awaited the arrival of their new colleagues. Everyone already knew Lu Zheng, so his presence didn't spark much curiosity. However, Director Wu had dropped a bombshell a few days ago, saying a "police flower" was being transferred to their team. With the squad being entirely composed of men, they often found themselves at a loss when it came to comforting victims' families.

As soon as this news broke, the entire team was filled with excitement, eagerly awaiting the day the new colleague would start.

A hush fell over the room when they heard Director Wu coughing just outside the door. Everyone held their breath.

"Ahem..." Director Wu's cough echoed from outside the door, and everyone held their breath.

A towering figure stepped in behind him.

"Brother Chen!" The "police flower" let out an excited cheer.

"Ah?! Why... it's you?" Chen Chen's face was a mixture of shock and dismay. Just as he turned to glare at Director Wu, their eyes met, and he immediately backed down.

"Come on, let me introduce everyone, this is Yu Tiantian, a police officer from the internal affairs department. From today onwards, she'll officially be part of the field team in the criminal investigation unit. Let's give her a warm welcome!" Director Wu took the lead and clapped a few times, and there was a sparse applause around.

Yu Tiantian stood at a hundred-eighty centimetres tall, weighed about a hundred-eighty pounds, and was a sprightly twenty-four years old. She was also the only unmarried woman in the entire bureau, making her, technically, the "police flower." Despite her gender, she had a strength and combat skill set that could rival any man in the room. Having been assigned to internal affairs since graduating, she often felt her talents were wasted and frequently applied for a transfer to fieldwork. This time, her wish had been granted.

Just then, the phone in Director Wu's office rang. "I need to take this call. Wait here for Captain Gu to arrive, then hold a summary meeting and compile everything from the past few months." After saying that, he turned around and left the conference room. 

"Da Zhuang, what's wrong with you? If you're coming, just come, why throw in smoke and mirrors, talking about a 'police flower'? Are you trying to mess with us?" Ma Qin, true to his nickname of 'No Brain', managed to make Yu Tiantian's face turn red with just one sentence.

Yu Tiantian grabbed Ma Qin's arm, twisted it behind his back, and pinned him to the conference table with her considerable weight.

"Aiyo!" Ma Qin, a team leader no less, was quickly taken down. Feeling embarrassed, his face turned red as he tried to break free, but the difference in physique left him struggling and powerless.

"Stop it." Jiang Ziyu hurriedly stepped in to mediate.

Only then did Yu Tiantian finally release Ma Qin, but not before issuing a threat. "Call me that nickname again and see what happens. How would you like it if I called you 'No Brain' every day?"

"I..." Ma Qin faltered, lost for words.

Yu Tiantian's expression shifted from anger to delight as she turned to Chen Chen. "Brother Chen! Looks like we're colleagues again, what a coincidence!" She plopped into the seat next to him, while Chen Chen's expression darkened and he remained silent.

"I think I've figured it out, the 'police flower' Director Wu was talking about is probably Consultant Lu. Between him and Da Zhuang, I'd say Consultant Lu fits the title better." Ma Qin muttered as he rubbed his sore shoulders.

"You really shouldn't say things like that..." Liang Shan whispered to Ma Qin, "Last time Boss called Consultant Lu that, he nearly got his head bashed in. Watch your tongue."

Startled, Ma Qin immediately clamped a hand over his mouth.

At that moment, Gu Yanta and Lu Zheng arrived at the conference room door. They pushed it open and entered, taking their seats.

Gu Yanta scanned the room and waved his hand, "Everyone's here! Alright, let's get started with the meeting!"

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

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Translator Notes

Hello~ I have decided that the EPUB for this novel will be split into the first three cases, and the last two cases, so the first EPUB will come once part three is done.

Please feel free to comment any mistakes I made so I can improve and do better as I go through the book.

Translated: January 2, 2025 by Angel

Edited: January 14, 2025 by Angel