Chapter 1: The Complexity of Human Nature

In life, a person's morality often isn't tied to their intellect. Some individuals may lack intelligence yet possess kindness, while others, despite high intelligence, can be cruel and twisted. When a partner decides to leave, an enraged and paranoid individual may resort to extreme measures to retaliate. A common tactic might include causing a scene at the partner’s workplace, filing complaints, or even inflicting harm while they sleep.

Conversely, when a woman feels abandoned by her partner, an angry man may seek to destroy her reputation or appearance, resorting to physical violence or spreading damaging rumors. This twisted view leads them to believe that their partners prioritize certain traits—men think women value looks and reputation, while women assume men prioritize wealth and sexual prowess.

This narrative delves into the chilling reality of possessive love, highlighted by the life of Chen Danlei, a PhD student at Purdue University. Standing at just 160 cm, she once attempted a desperate act to reclaim her husband, He Lei. Disguised as a man, she tried to return to Shanghai using his passport but was caught at customs.

Chen Danlei, upon her arrest, maintained silence, pretending to be mute about her actions. With no immediate family in China, the police had to contact her in-laws, who were baffled to see her alone after so many years. Chen told them reassuringly that their son was in a "safe place," which turned out to be the trunk of a car in Lafayette, USA. There, she had dismembered He Lei, leaving his remains in garbage bags.

Her in-laws were left in shock, struggling to comprehend how their children, who had gone abroad for education, ended up in such a horrific situation. The roots of this tragedy can be traced back to Chen Danlei’s troubled childhood.