Countermeasure

Jiang Mian looked at the renovated house, took off her coat, and prepared to wash up.

Just then, the phone on her bedside table suddenly vibrated. The caller ID was labeled "He Yi".

Jiang Mian picked up the phone, instantly switching her tone back to that weak one:

"Hello? Captain He?"

"Did I disturb you?"

He Yi's tone was still steady, but with a hint of apology.

"No, no, Captain He. Are you looking for me... for something?"

Jiang Mian curled up on the bed, staring at her own soft, round toes, her gaze a little unfocused.

He Yi sighed on the other end of the phone, his tone straightening, becoming more serious:

"Mm, there's a situation I need to tell you about. Li Hao... has already been released from the detention center this afternoon."

So soon?

Although Jiang Mian had expected it, hearing the confirmed news still made her heart tighten.

The reason was simple: she had to start acting again.

She remained silent, not responding immediately, as if "shocked" by the news.

He Yi seemed to imagine her pale face on the other end of the phone, his voice softening with deep apology:

"I know you don't want to hear this news right now. Based on his actions, he should have been held for a while longer, but his father pulled some strings... I'm sorry."

"...It's, it's okay, Captain He, you've already helped me a lot. Thank you for specifically telling me."

Jiang Mian's voice trembled slightly, as if she were forcing herself to remain calm.

"It's my duty."

He Yi asked with concern, "How have you been lately? Are you still living in the same place? I'm worried he might still... so I'm calling to ask."

"Me? I moved."

"You moved already? That's good. That area was too chaotic before. How is the environment at your new place? Is it safe?"

"Mm, it's okay. It's in North City, the rent... is also acceptable."

"North City..."

He Yi pondered for a moment, not asking for the specific address, but simply instructing:

"The place is a bit remote... be careful, call me anytime if something comes up."

"Mm, I know."

After hanging up, Jiang Mian casually tossed her phone onto the bed, her gaze drifting to the somewhat desolate scenery outside the window.

Although "awakening" under everyone's watchful eyes would have been safer, but... given Li Hao's personality, he was probably already looking for her.

Jiang Mian didn't know, nor did she want to know, how he found her home address.

She just needed to make good use of Li Hao's inevitable visit, ensuring there would be "audience" when the time came.

As for who the "audience" was, or how many there were, it didn't matter.

What mattered was that she had indeed received a severe "shock," completely igniting her "potential."

West District, Jiang Mian's former rental house.

Li Hao walked out of the room with a dark expression, kicking a pile of clutter in the hallway fiercely.

"Brother Hao... did that girl really run off?"

Green Hair beside him asked cautiously.

"Nonsense!"

Li Hao spat.

He hadn't expected such a coincidence, that Jiang Mian would move out right after he left in the afternoon.

He guessed that Jiang Mian was definitely not in this area anymore, or even in the West District.

"Damn it, she's quick to run."

"So... what do we do now?"

"Investigate!"

Li Hao pulled out his phone, gritting his teeth.

"It's just checking rental records, I'll see where she can hide!"

The next evening, as dusk settled.

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Jiang Mian, carrying a shopping bag, ambled slowly on her way home.

Today, she informed Teacher Lin of her new address. He said he would visit her later today, and by the time, he should be arriving soon.

The mist blocked most of the sunlight, and the sky was always dim.

As evening approached, coupled with the unique desolation of North City, the atmosphere became even more oppressive.

However, this silence was soon broken by a familiar voice.

"Jiang Mian, you've run quite far!"

Li Hao's voice suddenly appeared in front of her. He was followed by two henchmen, blocking her path home.

Perfect timing?

Upon seeing Li Hao, Jiang Mian's expression instantly shifted to fear, and her heart stirred.

This guy, his timing was just right. She wouldn't have to do anything extra. In that case, then...

She took two steps back, her voice trembling as she said:

"Li, Li Hao, how did you..."

"How did I find you?"

Li Hao approached step by step, sneering:

"You thought you'd be fine hiding in North City? Naive!"

His gaze fell upon Jiang Mian's eyes. Those round almond eyes were now covered with a layer of mist, looking pitiful.

But this did not evoke pity in him. Instead, it fueled his wicked temper further.

"You dare to move? As a waste who hasn't awakened, wouldn't it be better to just obey obediently!"

Li Hao reached out and grabbed Jiang Mian's wrist without a word.

"Ah! You... let go of me!"

Jiang Mian cried out in pain, instinctively dropping the bag in her hand. The discounted bread and instant noodles inside scattered on the ground.

Li Hao let out a scoff, seemingly mocking her impoverished state. The wicked fire in his heart burned even fiercer as he dragged her towards a dilapidated warehouse in the distance.

Jiang Mian seemed to want to ask for help. She glanced around and happened to make eye contact with an aunt who was peeking out from a window.

The aunt's expression changed, and she instantly retracted, locking the window and even drawing the curtains tightly.

In the distance, several pedestrians saw the situation and quickened their pace, as if they hadn't seen anything.

In this world, people instinctively chose to stay away from any trouble they encountered.

Act Bravely?

Not only would she not receive gratitude, but there was also a great possibility of burning herself.

A city's Public Security Bureau, with only a hundred or so people, had to manage such a large area. They couldn't react in time to some minor conflicts.

And retaliation often came faster than them.

Jiang Mian's heart was calm; she had known this outcome for a long time.

But the play had to continue, and now it was up to her.

She struggled but couldn't break free from Li Hao's iron-like grip. She then trembled and said in a shaky voice:

"Please... let go..."

"You can't!"

Seeing Jiang Mian still trying to escape, Li Hao completely lost his patience. He quickened his pace and dragged her into the dilapidated warehouse.

Red Hair cleverly found an Iron Rod and handed it to Li Hao. He and Green Hair stood guard outside, closing the door.

With a "clang," Li Hao secured the Rusty warehouse door, separating the inside from the outside.

The light inside the warehouse was dim, making Li Hao's face look particularly sinister.

"Run, why aren't you running anymore?"

He cornered Jiang Mian against the wall, his face filled with undisguised malice and excitement.

"You ungrateful wretch, you even dared to call the police, huh?"

Li Hao leaned down, his lips pulling into a wicked curve:

"Now, it's just the two of us."

When he reached out to pinch Jiang Mian's cheek, his movement suddenly stopped.

He saw a slender, fair, and tender little hand gripping his wrist, making it impossible for him to advance.

What's going on?

He was startled and looked at Jiang Mian's eyes.

He saw that her round Almond Eyes, which were originally filled with terror, were now filled with coldness and ferocity, as if she had become a different person.

"Yes... it's just the two of us."

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