Location: A luxurious villa in Dongchuan Guang.

Time: One evening during dinner at a certain household.

"The next segment is today's special news report. Citizens of Dongchuan Guang surely haven't forgotten the abandoned factory collapse six months ago—that shocking, unsolved crime. Today, we revisit the truth behind that mysterious murder case!" the TV announced.

"On February 20, 2015, a deafening blast shattered the Southern District's peace. An abandoned factory on the outskirts collapsed under strange circumstances. Eyewitnesses claimed it wasn't natural. They clearly saw multiple loud bangs and bursts of sparks from the deserted building. Many believed an explosion caused the collapse."

"Why did a long-abandoned factory suddenly fall? Why did an empty ruin explode? What truly happened inside?" the TV voice pressed.

"Firefighters arrived to a baffling scene. Police and ambulances soon sealed off the entire hillside. After nearly half a month of investigation, authorities clamped down on all details. But rumors spread like wildfire. Public pressure forced officials to explain—yet they refused, fearing social unrest."

"Finally, bowing to public demand, police held a press conference..."

"The truth they revealed terrified everyone... Among the wreckage, they found ninety-nine charred corpses. Most horrifyingly, none died from the collapse or fire. All were murdered before the building fell."

"The victims' bodies were mutilated—no heads or necks remained. Countless wounds covered them. Investigations showed small bombs killed them first, then fire or debris finished the job."

"Bloodstained weapons littered the site: axes, machetes, pipes. Crossbows, bear traps, spike boards—even the remains of a Winchester M1887 shotgun were found!"

"This was a premeditated mass murder! But no one knows what happened inside. After six months, police have zero suspects. Was it a lone killer? A cult? Terrorism? No progress at all."

"Records also show mass disappearances on February 19, 2015—students, drifters, office workers, retirees. Most likely victims of the factory massacre. Severe damage made identifying many bodies impossible."

"Whether one killer or many, the mastermind behind this horrific crime is now dubbed the 'Serial Bomb Butcher' online."

Thanks to the TV's explanation inside the luxurious villa.

At the lavish dining table, a stunning woman sat on the left. Her true age was hard to guess—she looked twenty-seven or twenty-eight, but her mature, noble aura as a wife far exceeded that of a young woman. In the center sat a suited man in his forties, radiating success and wealth. Seeing his wife beside him made others feel utterly outshone.

Next to the beautiful woman sat a young man who resembled her at least eighty percent.

"Honey, can't you skip such terrifying shows during dinner?" the woman said.

"Dongba? Still refusing to eat with us?" The middle-aged man folded his newspaper and waved at nearby servants, signaling them to turn off the TV.

The screen went dark instantly.

"Sigh... Since that day, he's locked himself in his room. Won't even attend school."

"No school? Unacceptable! He's meant to inherit my billion-dollar empire! Does he think he can lead Luo Dong Tech like this?" Luo Donghao removed his gold-rimmed glasses, a trace of anger in his voice.

"Heh~ Dongba challenged his love rival at university. Got knocked out cold in front of three hundred people—and right before his crush too~ Who'd show their face at school after that?" Bao Meiyan chuckled lightly.

"What? Dongba was the city's karate champion! Who among his peers could beat him? Must be cheating! And who dares bully my son? In Dongchuan Guang, who doesn't know me? At that university, who doesn't recognize Dongba?" Luo Donghao slammed his palm on the table, roaring.

"I watched the student-recorded video. That freshman Li Xiaobai took Dongba down in seconds. I saw no cheating."

"Hey~ Why talk like it wasn't your own son beaten? Aren't you worried about Dongba?"

"Heh~ Dongba's just like you—too scheming, loves trapping people. Let him face setbacks. He won't end up like you~ Remember how many you tricked chasing me? Good thing you never met someone sharper, or I'd have a different husband now~" Bao Meiyan paused, dabbing her lips with a tissue.

"Hmph~ Dragging up old stories again... Fine, go comfort him. He is your son!" Luo Donghao rubbed his forehead. Women always revisited the past.

"What? Weren't you always biased? You gave Dongba all the best. Now you call me? I won't bother~ You handle Dongba; I'll care for Donghui." Bao Meiyan finished, stroking the young man's head beside her with doting affection.

"How can you say that~ I treat Donghui well too! Donghui, tell Dad—am I not good to you?" Luo Donghao sighed, rubbing his forehead again. Women—so unreasonable. He was stricter with his eldest son, training him as heir. He swore he cherished his second son deeply. It's just Donghui looked too...

"Mom~ Dad is good to me..." I said softly.

"You're scaring my son again?" Mom instantly pulled me into her embrace.

"What 'scaring your son'? Isn't Donghui my son too?" Luo Donghao shouted.

"You only ever care about Dongba!" Bao Meiyan shot back.

"Unreasonable!"

"You dare call me unreasonable?!" Bao Meiyan shrieked.

Alright, alright~ My parents' daily squabble is starting. I'll tune out their boring noise and just catch the useful bits.

I think everyone knows my background by now.

I'm Luo Donghui. Male. Seventeen. Second son of Dongchuan Guang's richest man, Luo Donghao, and Bao Meiyan—a born rich second-gen. But that doesn't matter. My older brother Luo Dongba inherited all Dad's traits: sunny and handsome, tall and mighty, popular and sharp—a perfect tall-rich-handsome idol. I only inherited one thing from Dad: being male.

I'm male. That's vital, so I'll say it a third time.

Mom, Bao Meiyan, comes from a family as prestigious as Dad's. She has breathtaking beauty. Back then, titles like "Socialite Flower" and "Dongchuan Guang's #1 Beauty" blew everyone away.

And I, Luo Donghui, perfectly inherited her genes. As a man, I have skin as crystal-clear and white as hers. My face mirrors eighty percent of her youthful beauty. The remaining twenty percent is a hint of masculine contour—just enough vigor to soften my otherwise feminine looks.

Honestly, you can't tell I'm male by appearance alone. Only my flat chest, clothes, and gestures give me away...

"Um~ Mom, Dad, I'm full."

"Oh? My precious son finished so fast? Allowance enough? Want anything bought? Mom will get it! Where to? Shall I come with you?" Bao Meiyan stopped arguing instantly.

"Um~ No need, Mom. Just a slow jog for exercise. I'll be back soon."

"Exercise? You're perfect as is—so cute~"

"Uh~ Mom, Dad, I'm off now." With that, I quickly fled the dining table, rushed to my room, changed into casual sportswear and sneakers, and headed out.