When Bright Moon Encounter the Dark Clouds

Without saying anything more, Wu Yu sat in the driver’s seat, familiarizing himself with the car’s control while I entered from the front passenger side. After a short while, he launched the car into a speed considerably faster than mine. I felt somewhat apprehensive, as this was my first time witnessing my orange mini SUV going at a speed of eighty to ninety miles an hour. However, his driving was steady, from changing lanes, overtaking, and going through bends. I was not too surprised. After all, he dealt with cars on a daily basis.

I pulled out my phone and called Shen Shiyan first.

“Hello, Shen Shiyan. I have something to tell you.”

Shen Shiyan sounded busy on the other end of the call as he replied simply and shortly, “Sure, Tan Jiao.”

“You showing me the information related to the cases has proven to be a wise decision. I recall seeing someone that seems to be that man a few days ago at a Friendly Teddy restaurant.” Obviously, I could not tell him about our theory on the birds, so my only option was to talk about that man.

I continued to explain, “It’s the Friendly Teddy at the old part of town, where plenty of children visit. That’s why I wonder if that man was there picking his next target there.”

“That’s an important clue. Where are you now? Are you able to come over to the station to give us a detailed explanation?”

“No, I can’t. I need to warn my friend whose child was also present at that restaurant that day. I suggest you quickly check the surveillance there to see who the children present were and provide them with as much protection as possible.”

“We will deal with that accordingly. Tell me where you’re going so that I can communicate with you conveniently.”

“Where I am going?” I was taken aback briefly, thinking about the fact that Xiaohao was staying with his grandparents while his parents went overseas. As such, I told Shen Shiya the address of Xiaohao’s grandparent’s place.

“Tan Jiao, you’ve encountered the suspect twice now. You should be careful.”

“Oh, I will be. Thank you.”

Right as I said that, the car suddenly swung to the right, overtaking a car in front of us while both of our bodies swayed in response. I felt somewhat shaken, turning to Wu Yu with a quizzical look. You were driving pretty steadily previously, so what’s with the sudden maneuver? However, Wu Yu seemed calmer than ever as if nothing had happened.

“Drive better, you!” I warned him with my lowered voice and received a casual ‘Oh’ from him.

On the other end of the call, Shen Shiyan said, “You are… never mind. See you later.”

“Oh, see you later.”

After ending my call with Shen Shiyan, I quickly gave Zhuang Yu a call to warn her. She responded with a hint of excitement in her worried voice, “So this guy will do something to me and Xiaohao? He should just go after me. Why Xiaohao as well?”

“No, you’re mistaken. He’ll only go after Xiaohao.”

“Oh…” she responded before turning serious. “I spoke to Xiaohao on the phone just now, and he seems fine. I’ll give them a call immediately after this and tell them to be careful. Should we meet at Xiaohao’s place?”

“Sure.”

I let out a sigh of relief after the call. With a heavy heart, I looked out the car window toward the city that was brightly lit by the setting sun. I realized now that my fate had already become intertwined with the man sitting beside me. Yet, everything I knew about this man’s past was blank.

Filled with curiosity, I deliberated for a brief moment before I asked, “So have you been staying in Dali this whole year?”

“No, I’ve gone to other places.”

“Oh. Since we’re already working together, I was wondering if you could answer a question I have?”

He stayed silent, not immediately responding to me. I sneaked a peek at him, but I did not see any obvious expression on his face that was reflecting a slight orange hue from the setting sun.

“Then don’t ask.”

I was taken aback by his straightforward yet unexpected rejection. It was as though he knew what I wanted to ask as he fixed his gaze forward. This was the first time I clearly saw in his eyes a seemingly lonely ocean of water that was shunning me.