Inside the slowly moving car, Zhuzhu stared out the window.
The night was so calm, so peaceful — yet her heart felt heavy.
Thoughts of the reunion kept spinning in her mind.
Shuang-shuang said the seniors would be there too…
which meant Wang Yang would surely be there as well.
Her heart began to race uncontrollably.
What if we meet again?
What will I say to him?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the driver’s voice breaking the silence.
“Sorry, Miss…
The road to your place is blocked.
Road repairs are underway.” Zhuzhu snapped back to reality.
“Very well.
Please let me off here.
It’s not far — I can walk.” She stepped out and paid the fare.
The night sky was clear, the air cold against her skin.
The moon shone brilliantly above.
Zhuzhu walked slowly, trying to breathe in the cool night air to calm her mind.
She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly.
It almost feels like it might snow…
she thought.
But slowly, that calm faded away, replaced by unease.
Zhuzhu felt something was wrong.
A shadow seemed to follow her from behind.
She dared not look back.
Her mind instantly flashed back to the mysterious case she had just handled.
Her heart pounded wildly.
She forced herself to stay calm, walking straight ahead as if unaware.
Yet the footsteps behind her drew closer, faster.
Zhuzhu began to tremble, ready to run with all her strength.
Suddenly — from up ahead — three young men appeared and blocked her path.
Their faces were grim, their eyes sharp and unfriendly.
They stood across the road, blocking it completely.
Robbers?
Or drunk men with ill intent…