Chapter Seventy-Seven: Confession

The afterglow of the sunset seemed to linger affectionately over the land, caressing it gently, thread by thread, as if reluctant to part from this place already scarred and battered beyond recognition.

Qin Yu stood in her bedroom, gazing at the evening clouds through the window, and let out a long sigh. After some time, she withdrew her gaze and stepped out of the bedroom. As she entered the living room, she saw Tao curled up asleep on the sofa. The small figure was huddled tightly, traces of tears still wet upon her cheeks. All of Qin Yu’s emotions condensed into a single, deep sigh.

She walked over and gathered Tao into her arms. Tao seemed to sense something, rubbing her head against Qin Yu’s arm and muttering softly, but she spoke so quickly that Qin Yu couldn’t catch the words.

Qin Yu carried Tao into the bedroom, tucked her in beneath the covers, closed the door, and left the room.

Sitting in the living room, Qin Yu took out the notes found near Feng Meier and Qian Ying’s bodies, examining them closely. She stared at the bold characters, unable to spot any difference apart from the peculiar tail on one of them. She pressed her fingers to her brow, recalling the scene when she discovered Qian Ying’s corpse.

Tian Jian claimed he hadn’t touched the scene—was he telling the truth? When she entered, the room indeed seemed undisturbed. There were no wounds on Qian Ying’s body; aside from the incredulity frozen in her eyes, nothing seemed amiss.

Incredulity? Could it have been someone familiar, someone close? But what method could kill a person without leaving any trace? Could it have been a psychic attack? From what she knew, only Feng Meier in the Falcon Squad possessed psychic abilities. Did that mean Feng Meier wasn’t dead? Or was someone concealing their psychic powers?

If it was the former, why had Qian Ying been so frantic to find her, seeking refuge? If it was the latter, who could it be? Who could live among them so long, day in and day out, without anyone discovering their abilities?

Qin Yu had considered the possibility of dual abilities, but such talents were already rare, not to mention a psychic dual ability. Though she’d entertained the thought, she ultimately dismissed it. The probability was so slim it was akin to winning the lottery, hardly worth considering under these circumstances. Of course, that didn’t mean she’d rule it out entirely.

As the saying goes: eliminate all impossibilities, and whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.

Qin Yu watched the sky grow darker, put away the notes, and stood, staring out the door, lost in thought.

Late at night, Xia Cheng emerged from the bedroom and saw Qin Yu sitting in the living room with her head bowed. He walked over and sat opposite her, saying, “Qin Yu, do you think we should tell Zhao Meng about the notes?”

Qin Yu lifted her head to look at Xia Cheng, her voice hoarse. “What do you think?”

Xia Cheng didn’t answer immediately. Instead, with a trace of tenderness, he said, “Qin Yu, do you know? This afternoon, when Xiao Meng called me ‘husband,’ I felt my world was complete. Apocalypse, intrigue, all I wanted was a haven where I could live peacefully with Xiao Meng. But when I saw her sleeping so calmly, tears still clinging to her lashes, I realized the life she wanted was the one I truly longed for. And that life is following you, forging her own path in this world’s ruins.”

He lowered his head and continued, “If it were Xiao Meng, I think she’d want to know the truth, no matter how painful. She wouldn’t care, because to her, she’ll always be Xiao Meng. But as her man, I’m afraid. I’m afraid something will happen to her. I’m afraid she’ll leave me.”

“Qin Yu, do you know? Xiao Meng was once deeply hypnotized. The last time she lost consciousness, it was likely triggered by seeing one of Feng Meier’s movements, which brought back painful memories. So many unfamiliar recollections flooded her mind—she must have suffered terribly. I could clearly sense her will to live ebbing away. Tell me, how cruel must those memories be to make the ever-smiling Xiao Meng show despair? How agonizing must they be to make that little sun lose her will to live? Qin Yu, I’m really afraid.”

Qin Yu just stared at Xia Cheng, listening to his confession. Watching Xia Cheng’s hands buried in his hair, she spoke bitterly, “I didn’t know. I didn’t know Xiao Meng had been hypnotized, didn’t know she’d ever suffered such pain and despair, even lost her will to live. I—” Only now did Qin Yu realize that the person she had vowed to protect in this life, she had never truly understood.

No, in truth, in both her lives, she had never truly known Xiao Meng, the woman who always wore a smile.

Suddenly, Qin Yu thought of Xiao Meng’s mysterious death in her previous life. Perhaps it was tied to this so-called organization. Back then, she was too insignificant, unable to access that circle, and in the end, she could do nothing.

But in this life, Xiao Meng lived safely by her side. A strange organization was beginning to surface. This time, she would never let tragedy repeat itself.

Determined, Qin Yu’s gaze sharpened. “Let’s show Xiao Meng the note. Even if it’s painful, it’s better than knowing nothing at all. I think that’s what Xiao Meng would want. After all, she’s fearless. This way, if we ever encounter someone from that organization, at least we’ll be prepared.”

Xia Cheng heard this and suddenly laughed softly, his laughter filled with endless melancholy and helplessness. He murmured, “Xiao Meng…”

Qin Yu looked at Xia Cheng, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words.

After a while, Xia Cheng finally looked up and said, “All right. But, Qin Yu, promise me: no matter what happens, you’ll always trust Xiao Meng! You’ll always keep her safe!”

Qin Yu met Xia Cheng’s determined gaze and replied, “I promise you! Even if you didn’t ask, I would protect Xiao Meng with all my heart!”

Xia Cheng stared at Qin Yu’s serious face, locking eyes with her. Seeing the unwavering resolve in her gaze, he finally relaxed.

Leaning back a little, he looked at Qin Yu pitifully and said, “Boss Qin, I’m thirsty.”

Qin Yu watched Xia Cheng’s sudden shift in demeanor, smiled, and casually picked up a cup, conjuring half a glass of water and handing it to him.

Xia Cheng took the water, drained it, and then held up the empty glass. “Boss Qin, it’s not enough!”

Qin Yu yawned and said, “I’m sleepy,” then strode swiftly into the bedroom, leaving Xia Cheng alone and frustrated.

Neither Qin Yu nor Xia Cheng realized that during their midnight conversation, someone had come and gone.