Chapter 2: The Love Gene (Mar.14)

Jun.2024 In this bittersweet world, why is the human suicide rate so low at only 0.02%?

Humans are basically governed by three preset genes.

The "Immortal Gene" drives humans to fear death and choose survival.

The "Love Gene" compels humans to bond with the opposite sex and reproduce.

The "Growth Gene" fosters a desire for novelty, providing opportunities for human development and progress.

February 26, 2004, Lo Wu Women's Correctional Institution.

At the public transport waiting area outside the correctional facility, several individuals awaited the release of their loved ones.

One middle-aged woman had even brought new clothes, eagerly anticipating the moment her relative would be released and could change into fresh attire.

Soon, several female inmates were released, among them the person the middle-aged woman was waiting for.

"Wanzhen, come over here and change into these new clothes." The woman was there to greet Liang Wanzhen, a former police detective who had accidentally killed her mother.

In May 1999, Wanzhen was sentenced to seven years in prison for the accidental killing of her mother.

Due to her good behaviour and deducted leave, she was released early today.

"Auntie, thank you for your hard work!" The woman was Wanzhen's maternal aunt.

Since the accidental death of Wanzhen's mother, her aunt had taken on the responsibility of handling the aftermath.

This included arranging her mother's funeral, dealing with the legal implications of the accidental killing, and managing the public housing unit after Wanzhen's imprisonment.

With Wanzhen's release, her aunt could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Having lost several years, Wanzhen was now 28, with a touch of weariness but still possessing a youthful, pure beauty.

Since her imprisonment and her mother's death, their public housing unit in Tsuen Wan West had been reclaimed by the Housing Authority.

Upon her release, Wanzhen had to temporarily stay at her aunt's home.

Her aunt, a widow with children living abroad, resided alone in a unit at Amoy Gardens in Kowloon's Ngau Tau Kok.

"Wanzhen, this is the room prepared for you." Her aunt had cleared out her son's old room for Wanzhen.

"Thank you, Auntie." Wanzhen looked around the room.

"No need to thank me. Taking care of you is my duty and what I can do for your mother." Aunt smiled.

"Watching the news in prison, I heard about the SARS outbreak last year. It must have been terrifying. It seems lively again now?" Wanzhen glanced out the window.

"That period was indeed horrifying. I didn't dare visit you in prison, fearing I might infect you. I only resumed visits after the outbreak ended." Aunt recalled.

"You've been through so much, Auntie. I'm glad you weren't infected, and now it's finally over." Wanzhen nodded.

"So, Wanzhen, what are your plans now?" Aunt asked.

"I haven't thought much about the future yet." Wanzhen shook her head, having just regained her freedom.

"That's understandable. Take your time to adjust here. There's no need to rush." Aunt didn't press further.

"Aunt... I want to see mother." Wanzhen lowered her head and asked.

"Oh! Okay, it's been a few years. I believe sister wants to see you too." Aunt stroked Wanzhen and nodded in agreement.

The next day, Diamond Hill Cemetery.

Wanzhen and her aunt came to the place where her mother's ashes were buried.

Wanzhen, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, has lost some of her memories and has no recollection of how her mother died.

Wanzhen only heard the police's statement that she had killed her mother by mistake.

Wanzhen was heartbroken as her mother, who had depended on her since childhood, died in vain at her hands. She burst into tears as she looked at the tombstone, and her aunt kept comforting her.

March 1, Telford Plaza.

With no clear direction for the future, Wanzhen spent her free time wandering around Telford Plaza, reacquainting herself with the changes in society over the past few years.

Her former partner, Sergeant Chen Dazhong, also lived in Telford Gardens.

Suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Wanzhen had lost some memories, including those of her partner Chen Dazhong, but the feelings remained.

Back then, during their surveillance at Dalian Hospital, after each shift with partner Li Boguang, Dazhong would drive her here for breakfast before taking her home.

Thus, the surroundings felt familiar to Wanzhen.

"Liang Wanzhen." As Wanzhen walked, someone called her name.

"Who is it?" Wanzhen turned to see a stranger.

"You... don't recognize me?" The man was Ryumoto Taro, wanted by the FBI, who had come to Hong Kong under a false identity.

Risking arrest and exposure, Ryumoto had come to find the woman he deeply loved, Liang Wanzhen.

But now, it seemed she had forgotten him, leaving him disappointed.

"I'm sorry, I have a mental condition and have lost some memories. I don't recognize you." Wanzhen explained.

"I see. No worries, let me tell you about our past!" Understanding the situation, Ryumoto invited Wanzhen to a restaurant.

Given her memory loss, Ryumoto didn't reveal their true relationship, instead presenting himself as a close friend.

Having met Wanzhen years ago, Ryumoto had been deeply attracted to her pure and lovely nature, falling in love with her.

However, to carry out Dr. Tianwu's plan, Ryumoto had to painfully use Wanzhen and others as experimental subjects.

Later, Chen Dazhong and Li Boguang's "Immortal Genes" were destroyed by the device, leading to their suicides, while Wanzhen was saved by her mother but imprisoned for accidental killing.

Upon learning of Wanzhen's impending release, Ryumoto's long-suppressed emotions resurfaced.

Despite being wanted by the FBI, Ryumoto made a risky decision.

He secretly travelled from the U.S. to Hong Kong, risking everything just to meet Wanzhen.

It seemed even the usually calm and rational Ryumoto Taro couldn't resist the control of the Love Gene.

Meanwhile, at Sham Shui Po Police Station.

Federal agents Tomson and Maggie, also from the U.S., had come to Hong Kong seeking assistance from the local police to investigate the Shinra cult case.

"Hello, I'm Senior Inspector Li Man-wah from the Hong Kong Police, here to assist with your investigation." The Hong Kong Police assigned Senior Inspector Li Man-wah to assist the two federal agents.

"Thank you, Inspector Li." Tomson and Maggie shook hands with Li Man-wah.

"Based on the information you provided earlier, here are the findings from our investigation and records from the Hospital Authority." Li Man-wah handed over two files.

One file from the Hospital Authority contained information about the establishment of Dalian Hospital.

"Tianwu Yingyang, under the name Dalian Church Limited, acquired a small private hospital in Hong Kong in 1995..." Maggie read through the Hospital Authority file.

The file showed that Tianwu had converted the acquired small private hospital into a psychiatric hospital, which began operations in early 1996 as Dalian Hospital.

At that time, Ryumoto Taro, Ito Hideyoshi, Kawasaki Yat Fu, and Kimura Jie Ming were all assigned to work at the hospital.

Among them, Ryumoto Taro was the chief consultant physician at Dalian Hospital.
"...The hospital's conference room caught fire in late May 1999. The police suspected that the five perished in the blaze..." Tomson read from the police investigation file on the hospital fire.

"Indeed, although forensic experts couldn't confirm the identities through DNA comparison, the police assumed their deaths due to the lack of criminal evidence and closed the case." Li Man-wah explained.

"It seems they deliberately misled the police." Tomson nodded.

"Yes, we were also surprised when we received the information about these supposedly deceased individuals." Li Man-wah recalled.

"These individuals did commit crimes in the U.S." Maggie added.

"So we immediately checked their immigration records and found they left Hong Kong in late May 1999." Li Man-wah gestured.

"It seems these people were acting according to a plan, and everything they did was part of it." Maggie speculated.

"Establishing a psychiatric hospital in Ho

ng Kong, then moving to the U.S. to set up a cult, leading to mass suicides among followers—their motives and goals are truly hard to comprehend." Li Man-wah shook her head.

"That's precisely why we're here to investigate." Maggie smiled.

"Inspector Li, the file mentions that two police officers investigated the hospital. Do you know what they were investigating?" Tomson noticed some details in the file.

"Yes, according to the records, the two officers were investigating a suicide case at the time." Li Man-wah looked at Tomson.

"A suicide case? Did they find anything significant?" Tomson became alert at the mention of suicide.

"According to the records, the suicide case had no suspicious elements and required no further investigation." Li Man-wah also reviewed the file.

"Inspector Li, could you arrange for us to meet with the two officers, Chen Dazhong and Liang Wanzhen?" Tomson saw the names of the two detectives in the file.

"Officer Chen Dazhong once worked with me in the Serious Crimes Unit before transferring to the Criminal Investigation Team..." Li Man-wah recalled.

"Having worked in the Serious Crimes Unit, he must have been quite capable. I'd like to hear his insights on the investigation." Tomson responded.

"That won't be possible, as he committed suicide in late May 1999." Li Man-wah's tone carried a hint of sadness.

"Suicide? How can this be a coincidence?" Maggie exclaimed.

"I also find it very strange, but the police investigation at the time found nothing suspicious." Li Man-wah turned to Maggie.

"What about the other officer, Liang Wanzhen?" Tomson continued.

"Officer Liang Wanzhen also had an unusual experience on the same day Chen Dazhong committed suicide." Li Man-wah said seriously.

"What happened?" Tomson pressed.

"She accidentally killed her mother due to a misfire of her service pistol." Li Man-wah sighed.

"Two officers who investigated Dalian Hospital both had incidents on the same day—it's indeed very unusual." Maggie questioned.

"Looking back now, it does seem suspicious, but at the time, there was no thought to investigate further." Li Man-wah felt regretful.

"You can't blame the police. Given the circumstances, it was impossible to see the connections." Tomson expressed understanding.

"Sigh." Li Man-wah felt a sense of loss.

"By the way, is Miss Liang still serving her sentence?" Tomson inquired.

"The latest news is that Liang Wanzhen was released a few days ago." Li Man-wah checked the information.

"Could you arrange a meeting?" Tomson requested.

"Of course, I'll arrange it as soon as possible." Li Man-wah nodded.

The next day, at a restaurant in Telford Plaza, Ryumoto Taro once again invited Wanzhen to dine with him.

"Wanzhen, how are you feeling today?" Ryumoto showed great concern for Wanzhen.
"I'm still adjusting to life outside." Wanzhen replied while eating.

"It's only been a few years. Adjusting shouldn't be too difficult." Ryumoto said, feeling content as he watched Wanzhen eat.

"Even mobile phones have become slimmer and more advanced. I need to relearn how to use them." Wanzhen said, gently touching the sleek phone on the table.

"If you have any questions, I can teach you." Ryumoto smiled.

"Thank you for your help, but I'm sorry I still can't remember our relationship." Wanzhen shook her head.

"It's alright, no rush. Take your time." Ryumoto said without blame.

At that moment, Wanzhen's phone rang.

"Hello...?" Wanzhen fumbled to answer the call.

Watching her struggle, Ryumoto couldn't help but laugh.

"Hello... Auntie? What's the matter? Oh... really? Okay... I'll come back right away." Wanzhen replied to her aunt's call.

"Is there a problem?" Ryumoto asked with concern.

"My aunt said some police officers are at her place and want to ask me some questions. I need to go back now." Wanzhen explained briefly.

"Then you should head back. We'll meet again another time." Ryumoto said, his heart sinking at the mention of police officers but maintaining his composure.

"Auntie, I'm back." Wanzhen returned to her aunt's apartment in Amoy Gardens shortly after.

"Wanzhen, these officers want to ask you some questions.(C)" her aunt gestured to the two men and one woman in front of her.

Among them was Sergeant Fok from the Hong Kong Police, under Senior Inspector Li Man-wah, and the other two were federal agents Tomson and Maggie.

They had come to investigate the multiple deaths linked to the Shinra cult in the U.S., hoping to find some leads.

Tomson and Maggie tried to ask Wanzhen about her investigation of Dalian Hospital years ago, but unfortunately, she couldn't recall the events.

She even struggled to remember her former partner, Chen Dazhong.

Later, Maggie showed Wanzhen photos of several Japanese individuals wanted by the FBI, asking if she recognized any of them.

"Ah... I've seen this person before." Wanzhen pointed to one of the photos.

"Ryumoto Taro? You remember meeting him?" The person in the photo was indeed Ryumoto Taro, and Maggie quickly pressed for more details.

"Of course, I just saw him earlier." Wanzhen said casually.

"Earlier?" Maggie was startled by Wanzhen's unexpected answer.

"Yes, I was having a meal with him just now. He said he's a close friend of mine." Wanzhen replied calmly.

"Take us there immediately." Tomson interrupted, stopping the conversation as an unexpected breakthrough had emerged.

Wanzhen then led the three to the restaurant where she had dined with Ryumoto Taro.
Upon arrival, Ryumoto Taro was naturally nowhere to be found.

No one doubted Wanzhen's account, so they instructed her to contact them immediately if she saw Ryumoto again.

Learning that Ryumoto Taro was in Hong Kong, Tomson and Maggie were pleasantly surprised by this unexpected development.

Back at the hotel, Tomson and Maggie first informed their supervisor, Captain Iskin, about their progress in Hong Kong.

After receiving the latest updates, Captain Iskin immediately issued a global arrest warrant for Ryumoto Taro through Interpol.

With this warrant, the Hong Kong Police could now arrest Ryumoto Taro.

After the call, Tomson and Maggie discussed the case.

"It's strange. Why would Ryumoto Taro take such a huge risk to come to Hong Kong?" Maggie wondered.

"I believe there's something Ryumoto considers extremely important, enough to take such a risk." Tomson speculated.

"What do you think it is?" Maggie asked curiously.

"For men, the things they value most are usually money, power, and love." Tomson gestured.

"Oh, from your detective perspective, which one do you think it is?" Maggie teased.
"Testing me?" Tomson smirked.

"Seems like we have the same answer?" Maggie smiled.

"Exactly, it's love," Tomson revealed.

"Although I also think it's love, rationally, how can a man take such a huge risk for love?" Maggie expressed some doubt.

"Money and power—Ryumoto wouldn't find those in Hong Kong. Besides love, I can't think of a more reasonable explanation." Tomson shook his head.

"Hmm, assuming our guess is correct, the person he's looking for must be Miss Liang Wanzhen, whom we just met?" Maggie guessed.

"Correct." Tomson agreed.

"But it's strange. Liang Wanzhen once investigated the Dalian Hospital case, so her relationship with Ryumoto should be adversarial. Logically, they couldn't be lovers?" Maggie analyzed objectively.

"Under normal circumstances, that would be impossible. But knowing they've met and dined together, my guess holds." Tomson smiled.

"That makes sense. What's the next step?" Maggie thought for a moment.

"If I'm not mistaken, Ryumoto Taro will definitely seek out Liang Wanzhen again." Tomson confidently predicted.

"So, if we just wait patiently, we can arrest Ryumoto Taro in Hong Kong?" Maggie understood her partner's plan.

"Exactly." Tomson gave a thumbs-up.

With a clear direction, Tomson and Maggie began monitoring Liang Wanzhen's movements near Amoy Gardens and Telford Plaza from a distance.

After several days of surveillance, Ryumoto Taro still hadn't appeared.

"After several days, Ryumoto Taro still hasn't shown up. Could our guess be wrong?" Maggie's confidence wavered slightly.

"I have full confidence in my judgment." Tomson remained steadfast.

"Well, besides wishing us luck, I don't know what else to say." Maggie, being more pragmatic, smirked.

"Maggie, it seems our luck has arrived." Tomson pointed ahead.

Sure enough, Ryumoto Taro suddenly appeared at the Telford Plaza mall where Liang Wanzhen was, and later joined her for lunch at a restaurant.

"Notify Inspector Li to send officers to arrest Ryumoto Taro. I'll move closer to monitor and prevent him from escaping." Tomson immediately sprang into action.

"Got it, be careful." Maggie quickly coordinated, showcasing their tacit understanding.

As Tomson approached the restaurant where Ryumoto and Wanzhen were dining, he found a seat nearby.

The presence of a young, fit foreigner caught the attention of the highly alert Ryumoto Taro.

Sensing danger, Ryumoto made an excuse to leave Wanzhen.

"Sir, hold on." Tomson stepped forward to block Ryumoto's path.

"Sorry, I don't know you." Ryumoto replied in English.

"I'm a federal agent. I need your assistance in investigating a case involving multiple deaths at a church." Tomson identified himself, standing in Ryumoto's way.

"Here is Hong Kong. You have no jurisdiction." Ryumoto, well-versed in the law, pushed Tomson aside and left.

"You're not going anywhere." Tomson, aware of his lack of jurisdiction in Hong Kong, still refused to let the suspect go and quickly grabbed Ryumoto.

Unwilling to be caught, Ryumoto decided to resist.

Having trained in karate in Japan, Ryumoto showed no fear even when facing a U.S. federal agent, and the two engaged in a physical struggle.

Their scuffle in the restaurant overturned tables and chairs, causing chaos among the diners.

Wanzhen, sitting nearby, was too stunned to react, unsure how to handle the situation.

After a round of fighting, Ryumoto managed to break free from Tomson's grasp and made a run for it.

"Don't move!" Ryumoto was stopped again after a few steps, this time by Maggie, who had rushed over to assist.

Although a woman, Maggie, as a federal agent, was skilled in combat, making it difficult for Ryumoto to shake her off.

Soon, Tomson rejoined the fight, and Ryumoto, now outnumbered, gradually found himself at a disadvantage.

"Stop!" Suddenly, someone arrived to intervene. It was Sergeant Fok, who had been notified and brought several officers for backup.

With the police on the scene, the three-way fight ended.

Seeing Sergeant Fok, Tomson and Maggie relaxed, while Ryumoto grew visibly tense.

Sergeant Fok and the officers surrounded Ryumoto Taro.

"Mr. Ryumoto Taro, you are under arrest in connection with a case involving multiple deaths at a U.S. church..." Sergeant Fok read Ryumoto his rights.

After finishing the caution, Sergeant Fok instructed his officers to handcuff Ryumoto.

As the officers moved to cuff him, Ryumoto suddenly resisted, swiftly disarming one of the officers and taking him hostage.

No one had anticipated Ryumoto's quick reflexes, and the officer was caught off guard, his weapon seized.

"Let me go." Ryumoto demanded.

"Hostage-taking is a serious offence. Release him immediately." Sergeant Fok warned, drawing his gun along with the other officers.

"I'll let him go once I'm out." Ryumoto insisted.

"There's no way you can escape. Surrender now." Sergeant Fok advised.

"Listen, if you don't move aside, I'll shoot." Ryumoto pressed the gun to the officer's head.

"Calm down, let's talk this through." Sergeant Fok, seeing the danger, quickly changed his tone.

"Last warning, move!" Ryumoto shouted.

"Alright, calm down... calm down..." While prioritizing his officer's safety, Sergeant Fok reluctantly complied, signalling the others to step aside and create a path.

With the hostage in tow, Ryumoto slowly moved out of the restaurant.

Sergeant Fok and the other officers followed, with Tomson and Maggie close behind.

Meanwhile, curious onlookers in the mall were drawn to the commotion.

Seeing the crowd, Ryumoto pushed the hostage forward after walking a distance and made a run for it.

"After him!" Sergeant Fok ordered as soon as the officer was safe.

Tomson and Maggie joined the pursuit.

Bang! Bang!

Ryumoto, while fleeing, suddenly fired two shots into the air.

The gunshots caused immediate chaos.

Shoppers scrambled for cover, and Sergeant Fok and the officers sought shelter, giving Ryumoto the chance to disappear into the crowd.

Sergeant Fok and the officers quickly worked to control the crowd, while Tomson and Maggie tried to push through to continue the chase.

After a while, the chaos subsided, and order was restored.

However, Ryumoto was nowhere to be found, leaving Tomson and Maggie disappointed and frustrated. Sergeant Fok and the officers began handling the aftermath.