Chapter 8 The Shadow Returns
Mu Weiyi was still missing.
During dinner one night, the news happened to air her missing person notice.
The anchor's voice was solemn and professional:
"We urge all citizens to stay alert. If you have any information, please contact the hotline shown below immediately… At the same time, please remain vigilant about suspicious people and vehicles around you, and help combat child and women trafficking…"
My parents' chopsticks slowed.
Ever since Weiyi disappeared, they had become like frightened birds—any tiny mention could cut them like a knife.
I matched their reaction, pretending it was hard to swallow.
After a long silence, my father asked in a rough voice:
"Nanfang… is it safe around your school?"
"It's safe, Dad." I answered obediently. "There are lots of security guards and cameras everywhere.
Don't worry. Nothing will happen to me."
The evening news finally ended. Cheerful background music played.
My parents let out breaths so faint they were almost invisible.
For the past six months, they had poured everything into searching for Weiyi.
Business at the factory had suffered too.
But life had to go on, didn't it?
I set down my chopsticks.
"Dad, Mom, when I come back on breaks, I'll help at the factory. You shouldn't work so hard alone."
My father paused, then shook his head.
"Focus on studying. Your teacher said you're very diligent. We don't need you worrying about the factory."
"Yes," my mother added quietly, her gaze briefly resting on me. "The homeroom teacher praised her again today."
The food at City No.1 High was good. They emphasized balance between study and rest.
My health had improved a lot.
They watched me grow taller day by day, my frame filling out, my eyes brighter, my skin smoother, my speech more polished.
With my impressive grades, I wouldn't lose to Weiyi.
And Weiyi—if she ever came back—would have been wandering, suffering, maybe damaged.
How could she reclaim her old position then?
I know I'm despicable.
Looking back, maybe even unforgivable.
But no one ever taught me right from wrong.
I only followed instinct—chasing what benefited me.
The only one who still seemed to sense something was Officer Tu.
During winter break, my parents enrolled me in a nearby cram school to make sure I was always supervised by neighbors or teachers.
One day on my way home from class, I spotted a familiar figure.
I instinctively wanted to turn and avoid her.
But she called out—
"Nanfang?"
I could have pretended not to hear and walked faster.
But I stopped.
For some reason, Officer Tu had this pull about her.
From the first time I saw her, she drew me in without words.
Snow fell quietly, dusting her fluffy collar like white frosting.
She walked toward me, expression still gentle.
"Long time no see. How are things at the new school?"
If it had just been casual talk, I wouldn't have minded.
But then she mentioned Mu Weiyi again.