Bab 89: Chapter 89
Yan Su continued, "He's collecting women—or more precisely, he's collecting lust." His thoughts were racing, and he didn't pause to carefully choose his words. "Just like a boy collects baseball cards, a fetishist collects lingerie, or a cannibal collects bones and organs, this unknown individual collects lust, and he takes trophies."
The others remained silent, but Zhen Ai asked, "You mentioned something about their professions earlier. Do you mean that the parts he took from each victim are specifically related to their roles or identities?"
"Smart," Yan Su glanced at her with a faint look of approval in his eyes, explaining further, "First, there's the maid. She had a small patch of scalp with hair cut from the top of her head. In every culture, the head is the most dignified part of the body."
Zhen Ai recalled something she'd read in her childhood and immediately added, "I remember Native Americans used to scalp their captives during war—it was a form of humiliation and degradation of the captive's dignity."
Laise muttered under his breath, "So, the killer's Native American?" His voice was too quiet for anyone to hear.
Yan Su turned his head to Zhen Ai, as if speaking only to her. "The maid's defining characteristic was obedience. She represents all uniformed service professions—nurses, flight attendants, waitresses. This is the type of woman many men want to dominate, a type that easily triggers male desires and sadistic tendencies. Cutting off that small piece of her scalp is pure sadism and dominance, even beyond the sexual meaning."
Zhen Ai nodded in sudden understanding. "It's like how, in many fetish shops, the most popular role-play costumes are service uniforms."
As soon as she spoke, her face flushed with embarrassment. Why did she sound so knowledgeable about this? It was just something that had popped up on her computer when she was first learning to browse the internet—she hadn't clicked on it, of course.
Yan Su's eyes gleamed slightly, almost teasingly, "Yes, exactly."
Zhen Ai glanced at the others, but no one's expressions seemed to change, so she quickly refocused. "The killer strangled the maid. Strangulation is also a way to express power and dominance."
Yan Su's expression softened, a faint smile on his face, "Ai, you're very sharp."
The way he said it made it seem like he had forgotten about everyone else in the room.
Zhen Ai blushed and hurried him, "What about the kindergarten teacher?"
Yan Su answered briefly, "Her profession is defined by motherhood."
"Motherhood"—that word spoke for itself, referencing Freud's classic theories.
"Oedipal complex, the mother fixation. This is the most..." Zhen Ai struggled to find the right word—primitive? Perverse? Incestuous? Basic? Instinctive? It was a complex emotion that couldn't easily be framed in terms of good or evil, yet it was primal and universally present in the hearts of many men.
She then asked, "The most maternal feature, the one that children cling to most, is the mother's breasts. So, the killer took the teacher's breasts?"
Yan Su nodded once. "That represents the child's first intimate bond with a woman. In a way, it symbolizes a man's vulnerability and dependency."
"But why the lips?"
He glanced at Zhen Ai, "Do you know why full, soft lips, especially when painted with red lipstick, are so sexually arousing to men?"
Zhen Ai shook her head slowly.
"Because they resemble the swollen female genitalia, which is deeply seductive to men."
Yan Su spoke in an academic, matter-of-fact tone, but under his intense gaze, Zhen Ai couldn't help but blush. A fleeting thought crossed her mind: no wonder so many men say Julia Roberts is sexy. As for her, her own lips were quite thin, often looking a bit pale.
She didn't look sexy at all.
While she was thinking, Yan Su leaned in closer, lowering his voice so that only she could hear, "Ai, I really like your lips," and then added, "I like only your lips."
After a moment, he realized something wasn't right and adjusted the emphasis, "What I mean is, I only like 'your' lips, not that I only like your 'lips.' You know, I like all of you."
Though his voice was quiet enough that the others couldn't hear, their body language spoke volumes. Zhen Ai noticed Lopez and Rheid exchange glances, their eyes filled with amusement.
She lowered her head, but Yan Su didn't seem to find anything wrong with their little back-and-forth. After finishing his tongue-twister of an explanation, he seemed pleased, as if savoring the moment, even adding, "Language really is fascinating."
Zhen Ai: …
Bringing herself back to the topic, she asked, "Suffocating her with a pillow—does that convey a sense of embrace or comfort?"
"Mm."
Zhen Ai pressed on, "And what about the actress? Why was her ear taken?"
Yan Su answered, "In African culture, the ear symbolizes sexual potency."
Laise interjected again, "So, the killer wanted to take her potency?"
Yan Su didn't directly answer, instead saying, "Ears represent untamed wildness and physical temptation."
Rheid nodded in agreement. "Like the Greek myth of Satyr, the god of the forest."
That probably made sense only to Yan Su.
Zhen Ai paused for a second, then asked, "So, what does the actress represent?"
"Risk-free, dangerous relationships."
With that cue, Zhen Ai immediately understood. "That's the ultimate temptation. Whether it's a rogue or a righteous man, maybe everyone has a dark desire for risk and thrill. The difference is that the righteous can suppress it. You could also say that some people aren't truly good—they just don't want to bear the consequences of indulging their darker impulses. Risk-free means opening the door to those desires."
Like Suki said about the members of that club—each one held a prestigious position in society. Maybe in public, they were righteous judges or goodwill ambassadors, but once they put on masks and didn't have to take responsibility, their evil nature was laid bare.
Zhen Ai sighed lightly, "On one hand, he loves the thrill and evil of risk-free relationships, but on the other hand, he despises it morally. Is that why he tortured the actress so brutally? Her body was mangled beyond recognition, which was his ultimate rejection and destruction of her."
Yan Su nodded, speaking less now. Unconsciously, he was gradually letting Zhen Ai take over the conversation. Despite the presence of several professionals around them, he couldn't help but prioritize engaging with her intellectually.
Encouraged by his silent approval, Zhen Ai forgot about everyone else in the room and said, "Does the little girl represent pedophilia and a man's desire for youthful bodies? And maybe... also pederasty?"
"Mm," Yan Su replied, "The little girl's death was the gentlest. She was given sleeping pills, as if to create a dream for her, letting her sleep forever. It represents a man's paternal instincts, and also his masculine dominance."
Zhen Ai frowned. "So why use female circumcision on a little girl?"
Yan Su replied seriously, "In many underdeveloped regions and some religions, it's believed that the female genitalia lead to promiscuity. Circumcision ensures that women will never experience the pleasure of sexual climax, making them eternally faithful to their husbands and preventing infidelity."
Zhen Ai touched her neck thoughtfully. "The killer expects the girl to offer him the purest and most faithful form of love. That's just men's possessiveness, isn't it?"
"Yes." Yan Su summarized briefly. "Men's desire for conquest, weakness, ambition, paternal instincts, machismo, and possessiveness all come into play when it comes to love and sex."
Zhen Ai's face darkened. It made sense when people talked about these things casually. Some even found these masculine traits attractive. But breaking it down like this—it suddenly felt eerie and terrifying.
Lopez rubbed his forehead and sighed. "S.A., thank you. After ten years as a profiler, I've never felt so disillusioned with men."
Yan Su gave a small nod. "You're welcome."
Zhen Ai: ...
Idiot, that wasn't a compliment!
Nell summarized, "So, in addition to the basic traits of a sadist and sexual deviant, our killer also possesses a profound knowledge of semiotics and symbolism. He seems to understand, or has even studied, multiple cultures—both developed and underdeveloped. It's likely that during his life, he was exposed to various cultural environments."
Yan Su's gaze sharpened for a moment but still answered, "Yes."
Lopez added, "Then we should include another characteristic in the profile—experience living, serving, or working abroad in underdeveloped regions."
Laise looked at Yan Su curiously. How did he come up with such extensive and detailed insights? Was he a twin of this unknown subject or what? After pondering for a moment, Laise asked, "What about the male victims? What do they represent?"
Yan Su thought for a second, but Cooper interjected, "Same-sex desire. Half of it is rivalry, and the other half is admiration for male beauty. Taking the heart signifies respect and affection for the same sex."
Yan Su furrowed his brows. No, that interpretation didn't feel right. The heart—this organ must carry a deeper emotional meaning. But emotions were his weak point.
Cooper stood up and instructed, "Prepare yourselves. We'll release the profile to the precinct in five minutes."
"Wait a moment," Yan Su said, slowing his words. "There's one thing about the victims' bodies that has been bothering me."
The others exchanged glances. "Something missing? What?"
"The most explicit sign of sexual implication—bite marks." Yan Su stood up as well. "Teeth, with their sharpness and penetration, are a symbol of sexual aggression. Why would a sexual sadist leave no bite marks on the victims?"
Laise frowned. "Could it be that his teeth are bad—maybe cavities or missing teeth?"
Cooper pondered for a moment and then motioned for everyone to leave.
Zhen Ai lingered behind, trailing Yan Su slowly, and whispered, "Dear, after what you just said, I'm starting to feel like men really aren't reliable."
Yan Su raised an eyebrow slightly. "All of them? Do the others' unreliability affect you?"
Zhen Ai lowered her head, chuckling softly. "After you analyzed men's sexual fantasies so thoroughly, are you saying you're not like that?"
Yan Su glanced down at her, smiling faintly.
"If I were to tell you that, from a logical perspective, what I just analyzed refers to 'most men,' and that this is not the same as 'all men,' it would sound insincere and pretentious, wouldn't it?" He sighed softly. "But for some reason, I've never had so many desires. I've never wanted that much."
Zhen Ai knew that he was speaking from the heart, and warmth spread through her chest. Yes, wealth, fame, status, titles, attention—he never cared about any of it. Is this what they call strength through detachment?
No wonder. Whether he was praised, questioned, challenged, or flattered, he was never angry, anxious, jealous, or resentful. He never acted frivolously or arrogantly. He simply lived in his world—calm and collected, always grounded.
She stepped forward and gently held his hand.
As Zhen Ai walked out, she spotted Suki, who had rushed over as soon as she heard about the writer's death. She looked utterly devastated.
Zhen Ai could understand that feeling—believing someone was just missing, desperately searching for them, only to discover they were dead.
Just like her brother.
She watched as Suki and Eva headed toward the morgue. Then, she spotted Owen nearby.
She walked up to him. "Owen, you won't have to wait long. We should be able to leave soon."
Since returning from Silverland, Owen had changed his protective approach, now following her from a distance. Zhen Ai liked it—she had no objections. "But, Owen, you seem tired lately. You don't look too good. Why don't you take a few days off? I'll be fine."
He gave his usual shy smile. "I'm fine. Oh, I'm going to find S.A."
Yan Su was by the water cooler, filling his glass.
Nell walked over and sighed. "S.A., that analysis about sexual fantasies really opened my eyes. You men sure have complicated minds."
Before Yan Su could respond, Rheid, standing nearby, stared blankly and said, "I don't. I don't have that many thoughts."
Nell rolled her eyes. "I shouldn't have discussed this with you two weirdos!"
She took a sip of water and asked, "By the way, S.A., Rheid, have you heard that question before? A woman is an angel by day and a devil by night—or a devil by day and an angel by night. Which one would you choose?"
"Devil by day and angel by night," Rheid shrugged. "I interpret it as a choice between external appearance and inner character. I prefer meaningful inner connection."
Yan Su held his glass, sipping slowly. In his mind, Zhen Ai's image floated to the surface—her awkwardness, her quiet demeanor, her skill with firearms, and her ability to throw punches.
He smiled faintly. "Either one is fine—whatever makes her happy."
Nell raised an eyebrow. "You two are quick with your answers. None of my friends ever figured it out in under five minutes." She shook her head and muttered, "If it were me, I'd rather have neither."
Everyone quickly gathered, and Cooper issued the first official profile to several police stations:
"The unidentified individual we are looking for is tall, physically fit, with a psychological age between 25 and 28. However, due to his high intelligence, his actual age may be younger.
He is familiar with firearms and struggles with romantic relationships, particularly with women, lacking confidence in this area and having poor social skills. He is someone close to Mr. S.A. and shares a strong bond with his father. He holds a respectable job and stands on the moral high ground, representing the legitimate side of society. On the surface, he seems like a righteous person who exudes compassion and forgiveness.
It's highly likely that his childhood was unhappy—parents divorced, in conflict, or with strained relationships, possibly resulting in him being distant or antisocial.
Despite this, he has a high degree of self-confidence in his knowledge and often displays arrogance. His personality is complex, with a dual nature. He is methodical, highly organized, and capable of meticulous planning. He acts decisively and isn't afraid to use any means necessary.
He is well-read, possessing extensive knowledge of symbolism and has studied multiple cultures in depth. He likely has experience living, serving, or working in underdeveloped foreign countries. He has dental issues—possibly from past injuries..."
Zhen Ai began feeling increasingly uncomfortable halfway through the profile, even a bit angry. In her view, aside from the gender, both she and her brother fit the description almost perfectly.
Why? Why should someone with a difficult childhood have the potential to become a psychopath?
She clenched her fists slightly. Suddenly, a warm hand covered hers, gently holding it.
She looked up, startled.
His eyes were clear. "Ai, the reverse of the proposition doesn't hold."
He always saw through her thoughts at a glance. Rather than offering comforting words, he clumsily used cold logic to dismantle her irrational ideas. She really hated that about him.
She bit her lip, glaring at him unhappily.
He smiled faintly. "Come on, don't be mad."
She remained still, saying nothing.
Yan Su rubbed his nose and said, "Hmm, I've already pointed out the flaw in your logic. If you stay mad, I might have to question my intelligence."
Zhen Ai pouted. "Idiot, this is an emotional issue, not logic."
He raised an eyebrow. "Ah, I see. In that case, there's no problem. Go ahead, stay mad."
Zhen Ai couldn't help but laugh.
Meanwhile, Cooper concluded his summary:
"Everyone, this individual has a very strong need for control. He is among us, watching us work. He is one of us, and very likely involved in our current investigation..."
Standing nearby, Laise nudged Nell's arm. "Did you notice that someone here fits the profile perfectly?"
Nell looked puzzled and followed his gaze.
Owen, with his head lowered, was talking to the forensic doctor, Eva.
Not far from them, Zhen Ai also had her head down. Strangely, she looked a little fragile and even playfully coquettish.
And there stood Yan Su—normally distant and aloof—his hands in his pockets, bending slightly toward her, speaking softly with a smile. He even reached out to rub her head affectionately.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone