The Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Female Lead is Mine [Transmigration Into a Novel] - Chapter 8

In the jurisdiction where Xie Zhitian resides, there are over a thousand cyborgs.

A few of them are traveling with Xie Zhitian’s parents, while the rest are currently stationed in the area, performing daily patrol and maintenance duties.

The remote controls for all the cyborgs’ self-destruct systems are locked in a confidential room in the jurisdiction. To open it, the fingerprints of Xie Zhitian’s parents and two other high-ranking officials must be entered simultaneously.

If a cyborg seriously violates regulations to the point where the use of the self-destruct system is considered, a trial and vote must be held based on the actual circumstances before it can be activated.

This is the information Xie Zhitian read in the book.

So even if one of the cyborgs has an incident now, the trial would take some time, and the self-destruct system wouldn’t be activated immediately. The worst-case scenario is that they would be temporarily imprisoned.

However, Xie Zhitian also knows that there is a small group of extremists in this jurisdiction who have always viewed cyborgs as a plague, firmly believing they are monsters that could mutate and go berserk at any moment, as there have been rare instances of this happening.

When humanity was facing a great disaster, people used cyborgs to fight aliens, and the infinitesimal chance of them losing control was negligible.

But now that the disaster has passed, that infinitesimal chance has become a cardinal sin.

With the situation stabilizing, humans have gained experience in fighting aliens, and weapons are gradually resuming production, so the value of cyborgs is decreasing day by day. Some people are eager to find a reason to drive the cyborgs out of the jurisdiction, leaving them to fend for themselves.

Besides those who are quick to betray and show their dark side, there are also some who are simply afraid, or have personal grudges.

The grudges even include one of the high-ranking officials of the jurisdiction—Ren Meng.

Although it’s not explicitly stated, everyone knows that Ren Meng’s relative was once injured by a berserk cyborg, which is why she holds a deep prejudice against them.

Xie Zhitian can understand Ren Meng’s disgust for cyborgs and can also understand why some people are stubborn and can’t accept outsiders. But in her opinion, having an opinion is one thing; collective punishment is an incredibly foolish act.

As Xie Zhitian follows Xiang Nan toward the scene, she mentally reviews the relevant information in case she needs it.

She sees the pale face of Luo Yang beside her and knows she must be feeling terrible right now, so she takes the initiative to hold Luo Yang’s hand to comfort her.

She reassures her, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

Luo Yang’s hand is cold, without a hint of warmth, which makes her feel sympathetic.

After the initial shock, her eyes have gradually become cold.

Like a warrior about to step onto a battlefield, ready to face a battle that is impossible to escape.

“You don’t understand, Miss,” she says in a low voice. “I’ve long known this day would come.”

After she became a cyborg, she was given many honors because of her outstanding performance. But those honors were like a double-edged sword hanging over her head, ready to strike a fatal blow at any time.

What Luo Yang has faced over the years is far more than just physical suffering; she has also endured the scrutiny and suspicion of ordinary citizens, like a turbulent ocean that could swallow her whole at any moment.

Xie Zhitian feels a mix of emotions. She takes a deep breath and says to Xiang Nan, “Tell me everything you know about the cyborg who killed someone.”

“Miss, her name is Jasmine, you must have heard of her.”

Xiang Nan stammers, “Jasmine is very capable. She was once entrusted with important national tasks and just returned from the army to reunite with her family two days ago. She performed excellently in the army and never made a mistake. I don’t know what happened this time; she suddenly lost control…”

Xie Zhitian is full of doubts. If Jasmine could be entrusted with such important national tasks, she must have been evaluated as extremely outstanding in all aspects. How could she suddenly lose control and kill someone?

She asks Xiang Nan, “Who did Jasmine kill?”

Xiang Nan says, “Her husband, Zhao Jie.”

Upon hearing this, Xie Zhitian immediately recalls the plot from the book.

In the original novel, a murder case occurred shortly after Xiao Wen arrived in the jurisdiction, and the murderer was the victim’s cyborg wife. The author glossed over the details of this incident, only mentioning that the murderer was executed and the status of cyborgs became precarious.

Xiao Wen stood up for Luo Yang when she was questioned by others, earning him a lot of goodwill.

Throughout the story, Jasmine’s name was never mentioned; she was always referred to as “the murderer” or “that woman.” Zhao Jie’s name was mentioned once, which is probably why she didn’t connect the dots at first.

Xie Zhitian suddenly understands what Xiao Yi said: the content shown in the book is only a small part of it. There is still much to explore in this vast world. Even a minor character like Jasmine, who was only mentioned briefly and never appeared, is a living, breathing person with a rich life.

She has to get to the bottom of this.

Xie Zhitian’s eyes darken.

She asks, “Did Jasmine and her husband have a bad relationship?”

Xiang Nan says, “They seemed to get along well. I heard people say just now that Zhao Jie was always smiling and often told his neighbors how happy he was that his wife was coming home. Who knew something like this would happen right after she returned.”

He looks ahead and points, “Miss, that building up there is it. B区25号503, Jasmine’s house.”

Xie Zhitian notices that many people are walking in groups toward Jasmine’s house, discussing something as they go. It seems that the human nature of loving to watch a spectacle is deeply ingrained and can’t be changed.

Her eyes accidentally meet those of a few onlookers, who immediately look away, lowering their heads and quickening their pace to distance themselves from her.

It seems the original owner of this body, the young miss, is truly unpopular.

Xie Zhitian doesn’t mind and slowly scans her surroundings.

This is the first time she has left her residence since transmigrating. The jurisdiction’s condition is similar to the book’s description, still in a state of “awaiting a new start.”

The residential buildings are a bit old, mostly five- or six-story old-style apartment buildings. Single-family houses like hers are few and far between. In the distance, large fields stretch to the horizon, and the faint, busy figures of people working can be seen.

The apartment building where Jasmine lives is a bit remote. There is a proper police cordon set up at the entrance, keeping the onlookers out. Xie Zhitian doesn’t care about that, and no one dares to stop her. She bends down and slips inside. The staircase is narrow, with six households on each floor, and the hallway is cluttered with various items, making it look a bit crowded.

The three of them go up and stop in front of apartment 503.

Xiang Nan stands respectfully and says, “Miss, we’re here.”

The door is ajar, and faint sounds of conversation can be heard from inside.

Xie Zhitian raises her hand and gently knocks on the door twice before pushing it open.

She has arrived just in time; the scene has not been disturbed yet. A young man’s body is sprawled face down on the old living room floor. A gash on the back of his head is gushing blood, which has pooled and hardened into a stagnant puddle on the ground, a very jarring sight.

Three people are standing around the body. In the middle is a tall, short-haired woman with a cold, imposing aura. To her left is a well-behaved young man who looks like her assistant.

And to the woman’s right is Xiao Wen.

Xiang Nan first respectfully greets the woman, “Hello, Miss Ren.”

Then he greets the two men, “Mr. Xiao, Bai Yang.”

It seems the woman in front of them is Ren Meng, one of the high-ranking officials of the jurisdiction. The person next to her, Bai Yang, is her assistant, with a status similar to Xiang Nan’s.

Xie Zhitian politely greets Ren Meng, “Hello, Miss Ren.”

She nods to Bai Yang but completely ignores Xiao Wen.

When Ren Meng sees Xie Zhitian, a hint of surprise flashes in her eyes, as if she is wondering why the young miss, who is only known for her extravagant lifestyle, would appear at such a serious scene.

The surprise deepens when she sees Luo Yang behind Xie Zhitian.

She raises an eyebrow slightly and says mockingly, “Miss, why are you here instead of studying your dandelions?”

Xie Zhitian knows that capable people like Ren Meng would naturally look down on a good-for-nothing like the original owner, so her attitude is understandable.

“I heard there was a death. As a civil affairs officer of the jurisdiction, I’ve come to understand the situation.”

She says this without a change in expression, her gaze lingering on the body for a moment before she looks up and asks, “Where is Jasmine? Where is she?”

“Oh, so you still remember you’re a civil affairs officer.” Ren Meng clearly doesn’t take her seriously and speaks in a flat tone. “Jasmine is in a bad state and has already been contained. If there’s nothing else, Miss, please leave. We are very busy.”

“Please don’t say that, Miss Ren. The young miss probably just wants to help, like me.”

Xiao Wen still has that same hypocritically refined demeanor, with a hint of concern in his eyes, as if he genuinely wants to contribute to the jurisdiction. “Miss Ren, you’ve already seen the scene. It’s clearly a case of intentional homicide, there’s nothing more to investigate. Please go and question Jasmine. Leave the dirty work of handling the body to Bai Yang and me.”

Ren Meng glances at the body on the floor, a look of hesitation on her face. However, she doesn’t seem annoyed by Xiao Wen’s sudden interjection and is instead seriously considering something.

Xie Zhitian narrows her eyes.

It seems that without her knowledge, Xiao Wen has already made connections in the dark and established some kind of relationship with Ren Meng. At the very least, Ren Meng doesn’t reject him at the moment.

And from Xiao Wen’s attitude, it seems he’s very eager to convict Jasmine immediately. Why?

What’s the benefit for Xiao Wen in targeting a cyborg?

And besides, this part of the story wasn’t in the book…

At this moment, Ren Meng speaks, “Alright, I’ll leave this place to the two of you…”

Although Xiao Wen is a newcomer, he has been performing commendably so far and seems to be a promising talent. And Bai Yang has been with her for a long time and is her confidant. He’s loyal and reliable, so she trusts him completely.

“Wait a minute!”

As soon as Xie Zhitian hears this, she immediately interrupts Ren Meng. “Miss Ren, I think there’s something fishy about this. We want to stay and investigate thoroughly.”

Xiao Wen is stunned. “Miss, that’s not necessary. Bai Yang and I can handle it.”

“We have nothing to do anyway. What’s wrong with having more witnesses?”

Xie Zhitian looks at him innocently. “Mr. Xiao, why are you in such a hurry? Are you trying to tamper with something or hide some clues?”

Before she finishes her sentence, Xiao Wen’s eyes have become a little gloomy.

He didn’t expect Xie Zhitian to be so terrifying when jealous, trying to oppose him at every turn.

But he quickly regains his composure and explains gently, “Miss, the situation at the scene is self-evident; there’s no need to waste so much manpower. You’re a young lady, Xiang Nan is a coward, and Luo Yang is injured. Why get involved in such a mess?”

“And murder must be paid with a life. There’s no doubt about that. Jasmine will be executed by the jurisdiction soon, so what tricks could I possibly play?”

“You can’t say that. There must be a motive for murder.”

Xie Zhitian remains unmoved and says unhurriedly, “Jasmine has been away for so many years. Her husband has been living alone. Who knows if he did something scandalous or even tried to plot against her for money? Or maybe Jasmine had some other reasons for doing this? It’s not appropriate to jump to conclusions without a thorough investigation.”

She blinks and continues, “In my opinion, since Jasmine served the country for so many years, she must be an honest person. Why don’t you investigate what this man did to push an honest person to this point?”

Xiao Wen is dumbfounded. These words sound familiar, but he can’t quite recall where he heard them. He is carefully choosing his words to rebut when he hears Ren Meng’s faint voice.

“Fine. Since the young miss insists, you can stay.”

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