Chapter 347

No matter how she tried to hide it, the sadness on the girl's face showed through; her brows and eyes inherited her mother Jiang Mu's gentle grace, her eyes clear and limpid like autumn water, with a tear-shaped mole at the corner that glowed faintly in the dim yellow light.

The fingers she used to sign were pale and slender, like peeled scallion roots, with pinkish tips.

Wen Chijin clearly saw her name on the registration form, though he probably guessed why she wouldn't admit it.

For the city competition, the combined travel, lodging, and registration fees amounted to a considerable expense.

"Sis, I made some money from my weekend part‑time job this month; I can give it to you."

Jiang Zhi shook her head several times, firm: "I'm not going, A Chi—save that money yourself."

Wen Chijin brought the bowl of noodles to her and reluctantly agreed: "Okay."

Only then did Jiang Zhi relax, eating her noodles while she kept signing praise to him.

"Delicious!"

In the empty living room, only a single lamp on the ceiling glowed, shedding a little warmth that drove away the darkness.

Although she couldn't speak, she always managed to let him know that he wasn't the only one at home.

Only one egg was placed in the pot, and it would end up in her bowl. Jiang Zhi would save the egg for last, then say she couldn't finish it and put it into his bowl.

"I'm full~" Jiang Zhi said, carrying the empty bowl back to the kitchen.

Wen Chijin stared at the egg in the bowl for a long while.

…

Early morning.

Jiang Zhi arrived at the school gate on the bicycle Wen Chijin rode.

Before parting, Wen Chijin handed her a thick envelope and said, "Sis, I want to accompany you to the competition; will you grant my wish?"

Seeing the money inside the envelope, Jiang Zhi's eyes reddened, her slightly upturned lashes drooped, her pupils filled with water, looking misty.

Wen Chijin crouched, his 1.86-meter height instantly seeming half as short, and looked her in the eye, saying, "I believe you will definitely win the championship, sis."

Jiang Zhi suddenly reached out and hugged him.

She quickly let go, signing, "Ah Chijin, thank you."

After she left, Wen Chijin, still standing where he was, lowered his gaze to his chest, as if a faint warmth still lingered.

Not long after, he turned and left.

…

The next day.

On October 18 at 21:16, a homicide occurred in Xin'an County, Pingshan Province; the victim was a student from Peace Origin No. 2 Middle School…… It is reported that the victim had suffered brutal torture before death…… The case is still under investigation……

Jiang Zhi, who was drawing at the living-room table, saw the news broadcast on TV and suddenly stood up.

Wen Chijin went out to buy soy sauce; he left at eight, and it's now nine and he still hasn't returned.

An'yuan No. 2 Middle School is the school he attends.

Jiang Zhi also couldn't continue drawing; she didn't even put on her coat and hurriedly left home.

Late autumn, the night deep and quiet.

The residential complex had no property management; its entrance/exit had two points, outside the complex were low-rise alleys, winding and twisting, with constant traffic, many cars parked.

The night wind was cold and cool; the lingering summer heat seemed to be blown away, bringing a chill to the body.

Jiang Zhi had no phone to reach him, so she could only search nearby stores.

After searching for an unknown length of time, she faintly saw several figures, one of which was very familiar.

Seeing that, Jiang Zhi lengthened her stride and ran over.

After running over, she realized there was no Wen Chijin inside.

She turned to continue searching, but those few people walked up to her.

Reeking of alcohol, with ill intent.

This alley housed many unregulated shops, uncontrolled, mostly entertainment venues, red lights and green wine, neon lights casting ambiguous colors.

"Beautiful lady, where are you headed?"

The drunken man had already lost his reason, his eyes fixed on her slender, graceful figure and that pure, lovely face, like a magnolia blossom blooming in a clear pond, young and beautiful.

Jiang Zhi glanced around.

This alley was dim and quiet, rarely passed through; even if someone did, they'd just stand at the mouth smoking to rest.

She tried to run, but the several middle-aged men quickly gave chase, stumbling as they lunged at her; Jiang Zhi dodged, her face turned pale, she stepped back two steps, and her wrist was suddenly seized; as she struggled, a blurry face loomed before her eyes.

The headlights of a passing car flickered across the alley entrance, and she saw clearly the boy standing before her.

Wen Chijin met her tea-colored, wet eyes; the tear mole at the corner of her eye flushed red, filling his vision with her.

"Danger, run quickly!" the girl signed anxiously.

Wen Chijin's gaze swept past her to the men behind her, the depths of his midnight-like pupils shrouded in thick darkness.

He took off his coat and covered her head with it, blocking her view, then promptly dealt with the drunken men.

Jiang Zhi heard the commotion outside, but before her eyes was total darkness, she could see nothing, which made her somewhat panicked.

She tentatively reached out, hoping to find Wen Chijin.

Wen Chijin grasped her wrist and led her out of the alley, back into the residential complex.

Removing the coat, light poured into her eyes, slightly dazzling; her densely packed lashes trembled lightly, and she gradually made out the person before her.

Wen Chijin said, "Sis, where did you go? I've looked everywhere for you."

Jiang Zhi thought of that news, her pupils trembling slightly: "A student at your school has been murdered; I'm worried about you."

Wen Chijin stared for a few seconds, then asked, "How did you find out?"

Jiang Zhi signed: "The TV at home reported the news. You must be careful these days; don't go out at night anymore, it's dangerous!"

Wen Chijin paused.

So she came out this late because she was worried about his safety?

The black-haired boy nodded obediently: "Okay, I'll listen to sister."

The coat was placed on her shoulders, he rubbed her frozen cold fingers: "It's very cold at night, sister, why didn't you wear a coat when you came out?"

Jiang Zhi hastily pulled back her finger, cheeks slightly red: "I accidentally forgot."

After finishing the sign language, she lifted her foot and walked forward.

Wen Chijin's eyes were deep and obscure, until he looked away from her side, returning to his usual gentleness.

…

The news of the murder case caused panic throughout New South County; the investigation lasted two days with no progress.

An Yuan No. 2 Middle School issued a notice, temporarily suspending classes for one week.

The day before the competition.

Jiang Zhi was packing her luggage, perhaps because she was nervous, she stood in front of the wardrobe not knowing what to bring.

She simply took two sets of change of clothes, stuffed them into her backpack, walked out of the room, and saw the news playing on the TV.

Wen Chijin sat on the sofa watching, the TV volume turned low.

"Another corpse was discovered, time of death was on the 19th at 20:06, the body had been burned by fire, suffering multiple comminuted fractures, and had been subjected to inhumane treatment before death..."

Jiang Zhi, standing behind the sofa after watching that news segment, sighed incessantly.

As expected of Wen Chijin's dream, it's too brutal.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Wen Chijin turned around, saw her frightened expression, stood up and walked to her front, soothingly said: "Sister, don't be afraid, I will protect you."

Jiang Zhi:... Really? I don't believe it.