The Deceased

When the taxi neared the residential complex, Silei heard sirens.

A sense of dread surged through her. The moment she got out, she sprinted toward the sound. Beneath the apartment building flashing with red and blue lights, Silei spotted the police tape at once.

From afar, an officer noticed Silei rapidly approaching. She lowered her radio and stepped forward to block Silei's path.

"Ma'am—"

"Let me up!" Silei shouted. "I'm family! I'm family! Where is Ms. Xu Ruyi?"

"Who?"

"The fifth floor! Isn't Ms. Xu Ruyi's home on the fifth floor?"

The officers exchanged glances and temporarily lowered the police tape. "Please come with me—"

Silei had already rushed into the building.

In those brief seconds, Silei had heard someone mention "the deceased" over the radio. Those few words made the veins on her forehead throb—someone had died tonight. Who was it?

It couldn't be Xu Ruyi...

She should have stopped her at the hospital. She should have talked her out of leaving.

She had seen the signs of domestic abuse on Xu Ruyi's face. She had even considered that the abuser might come after her today, so why had she let Xu Ruyi go? Why had she let her leave alone?

Silei finally charged up to the fifth floor. An old security door stood open, police officers constantly moving in and out. Two young women stood outside speaking with an officer.

"Ms. Xu!" Silei shouted as she ran into the apartment.

The moment she entered the living room, she saw Xu Ruyi from behind—Xu Ruyi sat blankly at the table, holding a cup of hot water.

Hearing Silei's voice, she turned toward her in confusion.

In that instant, Silei's legs went weak.

"You're all right..." Silei approached her, her voice trembling. "Thank goodness."

Only when Silei stopped beside Xu