Demon hunter's Cooking Manual

Chapter 500 - 3 Imitation? Reproduction!_2

The two fell silent once again.

Only the sound from the television remained—

"According to reports, this homicide occurred in a secluded alley, where a pitiful woman was found with her arms severed and hanging; on her body was written: ’Boring, boring, can’t have fun.’

"Those who have seen ’Cross Street Stalker’ must be very familiar with this scene."

"However, this time it is not within the pages of a book, but in reality."

"Someone is imitating the murderer from ’Cross Street Stalker,’ carrying out a killing spree."

"Luckily, we’ve interviewed the author of the book..."

The television showed pixelated images that seemed to incite an even greater desire to peer closer.

One after another, photos accompanied by the host’s commentary appeared, giving viewers an eerily chilling feeling.

Excitement, fear.

The combination of the two birthed a curiosity strong enough to attract attention.

Especially with the insertion of Jason’s interview toward the end.

Jason’s voice wasn’t heard, only an image was shown.

And it was this image that continued to tremble up and down.

As if something had happened

Then, the scene switched back to the studio.

"We saw the writer of ’Cross Street Stalker,’ but it seems the signal was quite poor..."

The host continued to speak.

But Jason was no longer interested in listening any further.

He directly turned off the television.

A bunch of people hungry for ratings, what can’t they fabricate?

If they said he was the one who killed, Jason wouldn’t be surprised.

After all, a washed-up author taking risks to gain attention was a plausible narrative.

"I’ve read your book."

John suddenly spoke up after Jason turned off the television.

"How did it feel?"

Jason casually asked.

He hoped to break the silence between them.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to ask anything else, let alone get some useful information.

"The descriptions of the corpses are quite impressive."

"Professional level!"

"Before, I wondered how you could write something so professional, and now?"

John said, glancing at Jason again, but he didn’t continue.

Even though he didn’t say it, the implication couldn’t have been clearer.

"I’m a writer,"

Jason emphasized.

Then, he added silently to himself: At least that’s the role he assumed.

"And I am just a landlord,"

"Someone who just lost his wife, and then, managed to lose the most precious thing she left behind for me."

John likewise emphasized.

"Your wife?"

Jason inquired appropriately.

"Disease took her life,"

John said somberly.

"Sorry."

Jason offered his sincere condolences.

He could tell that the man before him must have loved his wife dearly.

Naturally, he would also cherish the pet his wife had left behind.

Listening to Jason’s sincere apology, John seemed to open up. Read exclusive content at empire

"After meeting my wife, I chose to retire. I wanted to live a simple and safe life with her, but accidents always happen."

"Disease took her before."

"There was nothing I could do."

"Because I am not a doctor."

"But now that someone has taken the most precious thing she left me, I believe I need to do something."

John spoke slowly.

"I believe you can make it,"

Jason nodded in affirmation.

"So now, we need to find that bastard who stole my dog—I’m worried about Daisy getting hurt. I don’t want her to suffer even the slightest harm."

John spoke and then took a deep breath.

Following that, he continued, "Since he’s imitating everything in your book, he will naturally call you."

"Hmm."

Jason didn’t refute.

Then, out of curiosity, he asked.

"How did you manage to lose... hers?"

Jason originally meant to say ’it.’

But as the word reached his lips, he changed it to ’her.’

Jason didn’t mind respecting the pet owner’s terms, as long as there was no ill intent.

"This morning, when I went to see my wife, Daisy stayed in the car. When I returned, Daisy was gone, and my car had been broken into with professional skill."

"No fingerprints were left, neither were there any footprints or any other traces."

"Then, the broadcast announced the ’Cross Street Stalker’ copycat murder, and naturally, I thought of you, the author, plus, I’m your landlord."

John explained, his gaze drifting towards the only phone in the room.

He was waiting for the impostor to make the call.

And then?

He would deliver the caller to repentance.

"An imitation?"

"I don’t think it’s an imitation,"

Jason adjusted his sitting position slightly before saying so.

Instantly, John’s attention was captured.

"From the moment I moved in here, and you just happened to have a dog, it’s no longer imitation."

"It’s..."

"Reenactment!"

Jason stressed his words, his eyes unblinkingly fixed on John.

"The person wants to reenact everything that happened in ’Cross Street Stalker,’ where events in the book happen synchronously, with the protagonist being lured step by step into traps, while the murderer simultaneously kills innocent people. And now?"

"Your dog should be right near the scene of that recent murder!"

No sooner had Jason finished speaking than John rose to his feet, ready to head out.

John couldn’t wait to get his Daisy back.

But just at that moment—

Ding-a-ling!

The phone rang.

John halted in his tracks, his gaze turning to the phone.

Jason, however, went straight for the receiver.

"Hello."

"How does it feel to be back in the spotlight?"

A deliberately disguised voice came through.