chapter 4

Chapter 4

After Chen Suiyuan left, I gripped Xiao Min’s phone tightly on the table, debating whether or not to unlock it.

Perhaps Xiao Min only wanted me to know and remember the version of herself she showed me, and those secrets hidden in the shadows were not mine to uncover.

Even as I thought this, I couldn’t help but feel that, as her sister, I had the responsibility and obligation to know who Xiao Min truly was, to understand what she had gone through before she died.

Only then could I truly seek justice for her.

In the end, I browsed through the phone.

Contrary to my expectations, there was almost nothing in the photo album or messages, and none of the communication apps had been downloaded.

The information on this phone was pitifully scant, even more insubstantial than the Xiao Min I already knew.

Just as I was at a loss, I received a call from Liang An.

He said he’d been in a car accident, nothing serious, just a few scrapes, but he wouldn’t be able to accompany me tomorrow to handle Xiao Min’s household registration matters.

“I told you not to come with me in the first place. Honestly, Liang An, how can you not even drive properly? Are you trying to scare me?”

Having just experienced life and death, I was especially sensitive, my tone growing agitated. “Which hospital are you in? I’m coming over now. I won’t be at ease until I see you.”

“It’s fine, I’ve already been bandaged up. But if you really want to come, I’d be happy.” Liang An chuckled foolishly on the other end.

“Wait for me.”

I started putting on my coat, grabbed my bag, and just as I was about to leave, the phone rang again.

This time, it was Xiao Min’s phone.

An unmarked number, ghostly, sang out from the device.

My hands trembled as I picked up the phone, my heart racing, but I answered it in the end.

I truly wanted to know who, at this moment, would know this number and still be searching for Xiao Min.

“Don’t go.” Three words, firm and commanding, came through as soon as I answered.

“What…”

The man repeated, brooking no argument: “I said, don’t go.”

I froze instantly. It was Chen Suiyuan’s voice!

A sense of dread crept over me. “How do you know I’m about to go out? What are you trying to do, Chen Suiyuan?”

Suddenly, I realized something, staring at the phone in my hand. “Are you watching my every move? Are you monitoring me?”

“I said, don’t go visit your ex-husband.” He sneered on the other end. “Otherwise, next time it won’t be just a superficial injury.”

He pressed in, each word tightening around my throat.

I was shocked. “Did you do it? Was Liang An’s car accident your doing?”

He said nothing.

“What do you want?” I felt like I was losing my mind, being driven insane by this madman. “Chen Suiyuan, what exactly did you do to Xiao Min? And what are you trying to do now?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be any fun.” Clearly, as I lost control, his excitement grew. “Miss Xu, you’re so smart, you can figure it out yourself. When you finally understand everything, come and tell me what I want, then beg me for what I’ve done to you.”

“Beep beep beep…” The call ended.

I fought the urge to call that number back.

I had no leverage, not even a clear understanding of his motives. No matter how much I argued, it was nothing but my own desperate resistance.