According to the case files and the information Zhuang Yu gathered, Zhu Fengxian still ran a small mart, while his wife who passed away used to be a primary school teacher. Bitter and frail, the old man seemed to have a certain hatred for people. Currently, he had a worried look in his eyes. Usually, such an elderly man would have great authority in the family.
Zhu Zhongling was an average office worker. From his appearance, he seemed like an honest middle-aged man. Although he was not necessarily smart, he definitely had that strict look similar to his father. His wife was a cashier at a supermarket, a chubby middle-aged woman with a round face, messy hair, pointed brow, and teary eyes.
Zhu Jirui was a bank teller. She looked decent, but her fiance, Yan Yuan, had even better features. Even though he could not be considered handsome, his tall figure did give him a dashing look. It was said that he ran a decent-sized company. While he was not super rich, he was definitely considered well off in the city of Dali.
The couple each had a diamond ring on their ring fingers, so it was evident that they had a good relationship. When Zhu Jirui reached her hand out for help, Yan Yuan would help her. He would even help the other Zhu family members.
As for why we had not informed the police? Wu Yu and I had discussed it on our way here. First, we wanted to have clear evidence before notifying Shen Shiyan to quash their doubts. Secondly, we did not want to alert the perpetrator.
After they walked ahead, Wu Yu got up slowly with me mirroring his movements closely. We hid behind the trees as we followed them.
Finally, it was dark.
The hill was eerily quiet at night as if it was haunted. The blowing wind caused the trees to rustle. Illumination was non-existent, so the Zhu family had to use their torchlights. As they walked slowly, the cries of Zhu Zhihans mother echoed in the air with the occasional Shhh from her husband. The rings on Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuans fingers would sparkle occasionally, vaguely reflecting the lights from their torchlights.
How foolish can they be, not taking off their rings at such an occasion? Wait a minute Why do I feel like something is amiss?
When we were too close behind the Zhu family, Wu Yu placed his hand on my arm, signaling for me to slow down. The two of us crouched down between the little space between the tall weeds. Without much space, my head ended up pressing against Wu Yus chest. His stable heartbeat pulsated through my eardrums. I felt his arm around my waist and his gaze upon me in this soundless zone. Yet, the silence made everything feel unreal.
How will he deal with them? I asked under my breath.
His husky voice became even lower as he answered, Hell probably set a trap to subdue them all at once. Are you scared?
Yes.
He fixed his gaze on me while the hand wrapped around my waist became tensed. An involuntary shiver spread through my body from where he placed hand. I heard my breathing become shorter and shorter.
I moved ever so slightly, unwittingly touching his finger with mine. A slight touch that was almost ticklish. Then he abruptly grabbed my hand and placed it on his thigh.
My heart thumped against my chest wildly as I thought, What is he doing? I told myself he was merely protecting me and trying to comfort me. I could not clearly see his face because it was dark, but he seemed calm. Contrary to him, I felt something I could not explain. It was as though the blood coursing through my capillaries in my fingers were also intertwined with his rough hands. It created a seemingly tranquil feeling that shook me to my core.
At that moment, an unforeseen event occured!
I heard screams from up ahead, yet when I turned toward the narrow path in front of us shrouded in darkness, the entire Zhu family had vanished into thin air! Wu Yus grip on my hand became tight at this moment, signaling for me to stay low and quiet.
I fixed my gaze ahead. Soon, I noticed rays of light from torchlights coming out of the ground, shining frantically into the tree canopy. At the same time, screams of pain filled the air.
There was a deep pit ahead! Layers upon layers of sticks and leaves covered it. And the Zhu family had fallen into it! As Wu Yu previously said, the man had set a trap. This was unthinkable, but it was the most efficient and smart thing for him to do since he was outnumbered.