Tan Jiao's Perspective

  Later, when I looked back, I realized that all the things that happened that night had actually been foreshadowed. In our brief time together, every psychologically twisted person was able to pick up on subtle clues. Betrayal, jealousy, sadness, repression, and a desperate search deep within human nature. After experiencing all sorts of hardships and despair at the Chen family's house, what was ultimately hidden was just one person's heart, twisted to the extreme yet simple to the extreme.

  I cannot agree with what that person did. But I understand that he has no way out.

  After witnessing Chen Baozhu's betrayal, Wu Yu's pale face only had a hint of coldness. As if he was used to the suffering in the world, he lowered his head and continued to repair the satellite phone.

  Not long after, the old lady who had a stroke was no longer convulsing, but her eyes were half-closed and half-awake, seemingly not very conscious. Chen Baizhu was untied, knelt in front of her, and patiently fed her water, medicine, wiped her face and hands.

  Zheng Zhiwei and Su Wei were both unscrupulous. Zheng Zhiwei sat beside them, smoking and chatting. His gaze at Chen Baozhu was like looking at an ant that could be crushed at will. Although his temperament as the son of a nouveau riche family didn't fit in with the group of thugs, he was good at pretending to be strong. Su Wei had his arm around Feng Yan and sat beside her, looking like a big brother who had won over a beauty. Feng Yan's expression was still very calm. She hadn't looked up once since coming downstairs. I was grateful to her.

  Others were also locked in the room.

  Suddenly, the old lady made a vague humming sound, and everyone looked over. Chen Baizhu immediately leaned in close. If the old lady had said anything, only she could have heard it. After a few seconds, the old lady resumed her steady "hmm-hmm" sound, and when Chen Baizhu lifted her head, her expression was somewhat sorrowful. Perhaps "tragic" would be more fitting.

  "What did she say?"

  Chen Baozhu said in a low voice: "I asked her. Mom finally said... the big buckle is on the second floor, my brother's small living room right side third grid... or the thirty-third grid of tiles on the wall. I didn't hear very clearly."

  Su Wei's face revealed a joyful expression, and he glanced at Zheng Zhiwei, who also seemed somewhat excited and nodded his head. Su Wei gestured to two of his accomplices to go upstairs and said, "You guys take the tools and smash the wall, bring out the stuff." Then he turned to Chen Baozhu and said, "You did a good job, it seems that this Chen family finally has someone with a clear head. As long as you behave yourself and let the old lady reveal where she hid the things, your whole family will be fine. I guarantee, we're only after wealth."

  Chen Baozhu's eyes also became somewhat hollow, as if she had completely despaired and surrendered. She said: "You... keep your word. Money is not important to me, I will also advise my mother to take it out. As long as you can guarantee that my mother, brother, niece... everyone is safe and sound."

  Su Wu smiled and said: "Of course what I say counts."

  But in my heart, anger arose. Wu Yu had already told me his speculation earlier, that the fire was likely set by Su and others to destroy evidence. So no matter how we investigated before, there would be no results. Now he's deceiving Chen Baozhu, vowing solemnly. In the face of evil, ordinary people are so weak and helpless, at their mercy to trample and manipulate.

  At this moment, I noticed that Feng Yan glanced at Chen Baozhu, and the two of them exchanged a brief glance before each looking away, neither showing any expression.

  I don't know what this gaze between them represents, is it mutual disdain or mutual sympathy? Or perhaps, only indifference remains?