Chapter 48: Closing In Step by Step—Collapse!
As Yu Dazhang spoke these words, he kept his eyes fixed on Zhou Zizhe’s gaze.
One cannot control every subtle change in the body.
Even if one manages to suppress all outward expressions, the minute alterations in facial features inevitably betray true emotions.
Among these, the pupils are telling.
When he uttered the words “insecure man” just now, Yu Dazhang clearly saw Zhou Zizhe’s pupils dilate.
Though only for a moment, he caught it nonetheless.
In microexpression psychology, three emotions cause instant pupil dilation: fear, anger, and lust.
Given the current situation, only anger fits the context.
Strike the body, not the face; expose the wound, not the shame.
Only when a painful spot is touched does anger arise.
“Keep pretending then…” Yu Dazhang said slowly, staring intently at him.
“There was a little boy, shy and insecure from childhood.”
“He wrapped himself up tightly, afraid of being looked down upon by others; even his own sister couldn’t get along with him.”
“But the neighbor’s little girl often came to play with him, brought him food, and treated him with special kindness.”
“This brought him a joy and warmth he had never known before.”
Yu Dazhang paused here, noticing a reaction from Zhou Zizhe.
Though he still tried to control himself, revealing no expression, subtle microexpressions betrayed him.
His eyelids contracted, his cheeks lifted slightly, and his tightly pressed lips gradually relaxed.
This was a blend of delight, happiness, and sweetness.
Though barely perceptible on the surface, Yu Dazhang was certain—
He was smiling!
After a brief pause, Yu Dazhang quickly formulated his words and continued:
“As they grew older, they both entered adolescence.”
“At this time, the boy’s heart began to change.”
“In his eyes, the girl was no longer just the neighbor’s little sister; she became his childhood sweetheart, his destined partner, his future wife.”
“From then on, the boy waited silently. He planned to wait for the girl to grow up, then marry her and bring her home.”
“In his mind, their union was natural and inevitable, without any obstacles.”
“But not long ago, he learned that the usually obedient girl was summoned by a teacher to meet with her parents.”
“The reason? She was dating someone.”
“He couldn’t believe it was true. To get a definite answer, he disguised himself.”
“Bought lots of stationery, then went to the school gate to inquire from the girl’s classmates.”
Got it, got it—the line of thought is absolutely correct... At this point, Yu Dazhang noticed Zhou Zizhe’s mouth slightly open, eyebrows raised, nostrils flared.
This was a sign of fear.
So the person who inquired at the school gate was indeed him!
Yu Dazhang had never been certain who that person was.
Because the individual was disguised, neither surveillance nor the girl’s classmates could identify him, leaving Yu Dazhang to only guess.
Now, Zhou Zizhe’s microexpression was the answer.
Yu Dazhang grew more fluent, his eyes gleaming:
“When he confirmed it was true, his world collapsed.”
“It turned out the girl had never thought of him the way he thought of her. She had always seen him as a brother, nothing more.”
“After suppressing his feelings for several days, he exploded.”
“He frantically sent messages and called the girl, demanding to know why she treated him that way.”
“But her answers only disappointed and chilled him.”
“He was unwilling to accept it; he wanted to confront her face to face.”
“Fourteen days ago, that afternoon at the girl’s home, he thought he could clarify everything.”
“But her reply made him lose the last shred of reason.”
Bingo!
This time it was even more obvious. As Yu Dazhang spoke, he noticed Zhou Zizhe’s hands trembling slightly.
His eyes reddened.
He had lost control.
He was about to break down!!
Yu Dazhang quickened his pace, raising his voice:
“He strangled the girl with his own hands!”
“Right there, in her bedroom, on her bed.”
“He squeezed her until she stopped breathing, until she ceased struggling.”
“He would never understand that what he called love was nothing but a delusion!”
“The girl never liked him at all, not even for a minute, not even for a second.”
“In psychology, there is a concept called ‘overly fixated.’”
“It’s a mental defect.”
“People like this tend to seek perfection, are emotionally sensitive, and constantly obsess over people and things.”
“They even refuse to accept anyone or anything that goes against their will or conflicts with their thoughts.”
Yu Dazhang paused here, staring intently at the man before him.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
Zhou Zizhe trembled more violently, causing the chains to clatter loudly.
“You are exactly that kind of person!” Yu Dazhang suddenly shouted.
“Zhou Zizhe! For your ridiculous delusions, you murdered Zhang Yan, who grew up with you and saw you as her brother!”
“Even when she was utterly disappointed in you, she trusted you completely.”
“Knowing you came to confront her, she still opened the door.”
“She never expected you would hurt her, yet you cruelly killed her!”
“You…”
As Yu Dazhang was about to continue, Zhou Zizhe suddenly roared:
“Nonsense!!”
He glared furiously at Yu Dazhang, bloodshot veins flooding his eyes.
He slammed his legs down, trying to stand, but was trapped by the restraints on the interrogation chair.
He struggled desperately to escape this cage but to no avail.
Like a beast gone mad, he yelled at Yu Dazhang:
“It’s not delusion! It’s not one-sided love! That is love!!”
“You don’t understand at all, you don’t understand the feelings between us!”
“I loved her, from age sixteen, I loved her for five whole years. Zhang Yan could feel it; she just didn’t want to admit it!”
“She betrayed me. I loved her so much, but she fell for someone else.”
“No, she didn’t like anyone else. She’s mine! She’s mine…”
“I…I just… I just…”
Zhou Zizhe’s voice grew faint, as if trying to defend himself, but in the end, he found no words.
Seeing his pain, despair, and rage, Yu Dazhang waved toward the surveillance camera in the room.
Soon after, Lü Zhongxin entered through the door.
“Let’s call it a day.”
Yu Dazhang stood and glanced at Zhou Zizhe, who rested his head on the restraint panel, sighed, and turned to leave.
“I think…” Lü Zhongxin grabbed his arm, about to speak.
But Yu Dazhang interrupted:
“Master, the suspect’s mental state isn’t fit for further interrogation. Continuing now would be coercion.”