Chapter 5: The Reversal

In 2004, Tianjiaba was a desolate suburb; scattered houses had yet to form a continuous settlement, and the fields stretched out flat and untended.

On rainy nights in such a place, it was the perfect opportunity for murder and body disposal.

Wang Shun thought so too, which gave Ye Sansang the confidence that there would be no witnesses to worry about.

There was no fear of being caught.

After spending over ten minutes leaving Tianjiaba, Ye Sansang drove back to the very spot where she had first picked up Wang Shun and parked the car.

After a moment of gathering her thoughts, she completely calmed down.

Anyone killing for the first time would know that no matter how much preparation was made, the experience would never be without emotional turbulence.

Although the holographic game was virtual and simulated, the sensory experience was incredibly realistic.

Once she had regained her composure and inner peace, she began to analyze the case from start to finish. After a while, she started to move.

She began searching the car, knowing there were other items inside.

[What is she looking for? Shouldn't the priority be to clean the car thoroughly and erase all evidence?]

[Exactly! She should be wiping down the car right now, removing every trace.]

[The raincoat and shoes are full of evidence. How can she remain so calm? Isn’t she afraid the police will come knocking before she’s ready?]

The live chat erupted with heated debate; some impatient viewers even started hurling insults.

But before any harsh words could be sent, the live streaming system censored and muted them, allowing only harmless comments.

Unaware of the commotion in the chatroom, Ye Sansang methodically examined every possible hiding place in the car.

She didn’t overlook the air conditioning vents or any narrow gaps.

After some time without finding anything, she stopped.

Had she been mistaken? Was there no other clue in the car?

She began recalling every detail of the case.

In the early 2000s, it wasn’t unusual for taxi drivers to carry hammers; given the frequent robberies, having protective gear was understandable.

She was certain there was a hammer in the car, especially since the small knife found at the scene had been identified by the police as Wang Shun’s.

Therefore, the hammer—the murder weapon—must have belonged to the driver; otherwise, the reports would have emphasized whose weapon it was.

As for why the hammer was kept within easy reach, the victim’s body seemed to confirm that.

Logically, a robber wouldn’t wait until the driver got out to strike; they usually attacked while still seated in the back, either just before arrival or at a remote location.

If the hammer wasn’t the driver’s and wasn’t near him, then the deceased must be the taxi driver.

Judging from the angle of the victim’s body in the photos, Wang Shun was likely bludgeoned inside the vehicle.

And it was clearly premeditated.

The presence of gloves and medicine in the car, items not commonly carried, suggested prior preparation.

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