Still Tan Jiao
I felt a great sense of achievement when I saw Wu Yu looking at me, speechless and awestruck. I shuffled over to him with the stool I was on, wanting to communicate clearer in this noisy environment. Yet, before I even opened my mouth, he asked, You saw the birds as well?
Jeez, do you have to be that quick-witted?
I nodded and replied, Yes, when I was dining at a family-oriented restaurant with plenty of children around. Thats where I saw those birds; there were hundreds of them, lingering outside the restaurant. If the birds are some kind of foreshadowing, then does it mean that perhaps that person is there? Perhaps selecting the next target?
Yes.
Should we warn the police to have them take precautions in advance?
Although his answer was yet another simple yes, he seemed particularly attractive with his dark sparkling pupils that paid close attention to me. Even the manner in which he sat on the stool similar to mine was attractive.
At that moment, Wu Yu waved to a waiter that was passing by and said, Please get us the bill.
I pulled out my wallet, intending to pay for the meal. Let me. I ate quite a bit and Im the reason your colleagues asked you to pay for the meal.
Thats another matter, he said casually.
The waiter let out a smile while looking at the two of us before reaching out for Wu Yus money. I stretched my arm over, insisting that the waiter took my money. However, before my hand could fully extend out, a firm and muscular arm appeared in front of me, blocking my way. I wanted to push him aside, but I was instead firmly fixed on my stool, unable to move. My outreached hand was even caught by him.
Hey, why should I let you pay for the meal?
While he handed money to the waiter, he replied softly, Ill let you pay if youre able to go over.
Unfortunately, my mind was occupied with something else as my heart fluttered wildly. I felt Wu Yus warm skin gently burning my neck and cheek.
Thats unreasonable, I muttered, which triggered a smile from him.
I did not dare to remain in this position for too long, so I leaned back, breaking away from his dominance. I said with a cool tone, Fine then, Ill pay next time.
He responded similarly with a casual okay.
My mind came back online with the gradual normalization of my heartbeat as the two of us got up. While walking out, a thought sprung into my mind and I said, Oh no! My best friend and her nephew were also at the restaurant that day; this means they might be in danger as well.
Wu Yu turned to me when he heard this and asked, How old is her nephew?
Eight but with a small stature; he is easily mistaken for a six or seven-year-old.
With a worried look in his eyes, he said, Im afraid its not only possible but very likely that the next target would be them.
Why? I asked in shock.
I saw those birds outside the workshop a few days ago, roughly ten of them. I pondered then why they appeared there. According to my speculations, these birds do not appear for no reason. The only other possible reason is that they recognized me even though Ive only encountered them on that ship. Perhaps you think this is inconceivable, but that is the feeling I got.
I was dumbstruck but soon became convinced that he was not jesting when I saw the serious look on his face. Although what he said seemed impossible, I was willing to trust him because he seemed confident about the feeling he had.
Youre saying those birds might have recognized me as well?
A look of admiration flashed across his face as he looked at me before explaining, The night we encountered the perpetrator, I saw hundreds of those birds gathered in that area. The fact that they appeared in front of the restaurant may mean that they were on a hunt. If they were able to recognize you as well, then its highly possible that theyll take notice of the child with you.
Chaos filled my heart instantly, prompting me to walk faster toward the car. I need to quickly warn Zhuang Yu and the police.
Right as I pulled out my car keys, Wu Yu said, Let me drive.
Why?
He looked at me and said, Ive seen your driving.
I flushed immediately as I understood what he was insinuating. Sure. You drive. Lets see how good you are.