Chapter 12: A Night of Terror

Who’s there?!

A chill ran down Zhang Shutong’s spine.

The beam of the flashlight swept above their heads, gradually devouring the darkness around them.

Was it a few minutes? Or just one? Perhaps even less. If the footsteps drew any closer, their secluded patch of grass would be completely exposed.

Countless clues suddenly snapped into place:

...Restricted area.

...A man.

...To the west.

...The opposite shore.

...A recently opened package.

These keywords flashed rapidly through his mind, piecing together like fragments of a puzzle. But no matter who the intruder was, there was no time to dwell on it—

Should they run?

Absolutely not!

Zhang Shutong dismissed the thought immediately. If it were just himself, maybe he could try, but there were too many of them. They couldn’t risk it—any accident involving any one of them would have unbearable consequences.

He swiftly waved his arm, pointed toward the reed thicket, and whispered sharply:

“Everyone hide!”

He usually spoke little, but when serious, his words carried weight. In this small group, besides Rong Ping, he was the only one who could make decisive calls at critical moments.

The others exchanged glances, but Lu Qinglian was the first to step forward. Rong Ping and Dukang had something to say, but once Lu Qinglian moved, they instinctively followed, quickly gathering their belongings.

The flashlight beam drew nearer.

Zhang Shutong scanned the surroundings. The bicycles were the largest and easiest to spot, but luckily, no one had moved their bikes; they were still tucked away in the reeds.

Left were fishing rods and stools. Stools were easy—they could be picked up and carried off. Fishing rods, however, were different. They weren’t just poles; they had lines, floats, and hooks attached, which could easily get tangled in the grass.

His own rod was already in his hands. Rong Ping and Dukang hadn’t been fishing at all. Only Qingyi had been chatting with them, leaving his gear by the water’s edge.

Seeing the stranger about to turn back, Zhang Shutong took a quick step forward, grabbed the man’s arm, and signaled upward with his eyes. They shared an unspoken understanding—perhaps a trait of their youthful recklessness, but it helped them slip into character quickly.

Qingyi nodded solemnly and decisively kicked the fishing rod into the water without hesitation.

The force was just right, like a tender bamboo shoot slipping into a boiling pot, producing an almost inaudible splash.

Turning back, Zhang Shutong saw the others crouching low, swiftly disappearing into the reeds.

—He knew they all assumed it was the police on patrol. Each of them was well-trained for this kind of hide-and-seek; they had done it many times before and knew exactly what to do without his guidance.

So he didn’t explain. In such a situation, maintaining this perfect misunderstanding actually favored their operation.

The footsteps grew louder, almost directly overhead—like a wolf standing atop a mole’s burrow, while the moles trembled beneath.

The wolf’s gaze scanned the burrow:

As the flashlight beam swept over them, Zhang Shutong’s nerves tightened to the breaking point. Whether a few seconds or ten, his heart pounded relentlessly—he lost count until the beam suddenly shifted away.

A thick-accented muttering reached his ears:

“Strange, I thought I heard someone just now. Where are those kids?”

...

A long breath escaped his chest.

Of course, no one around immediately burst into laughter; they patiently waited for the footsteps to fade until the flashlight’s glow almost vanished.

A crisp laugh came from behind—it was Rong Ping:

“Shutong, you were so scared you bent your waist, even pulled out a baton...”

Dukang chimed in:

“Man, the police didn’t scare me just now, but you did—I thought you were about to attack the cops.”

Zhang Shutong ignored them, exhaled, and shone his flashlight back at their faces, all flushed with excitement from the adrenaline, seemingly reluctant to end the night.

But one thing caught him off guard—

Behind him stood Lu Qinglian.

When did she come over?

Wasn’t it supposed to be Qingyi? He remembered they were the last two to enter.

Only then did he recall the cold hand that had passed him the baton.

She still wore that indifferent expression. Zhang Shutong expected her to frown and ask questions, but instead, she remained as usual, emotionless.

Only when the flashlight accidentally caught her face would she squint and turn away, catlike.

Well, as long as everyone was unharmed, that was enough.

Though it had been a false alarm, it was undoubtedly the best outcome.

Thinking this, he put the baton away and smiled:

“Am I really that cowardly?”

“Tch, I’m a girl and not as scared as you. Look at Qinglian—when I was right behind her, she didn’t even change her breathing.”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re brave. From now on, we all listen to you...”

Just as he was about to urge everyone to leave, Qingyi spoke thoughtfully:

“Shutong isn’t wrong. No one knew it was the police before coming here. It could have been someone else. We should be careful.”

Zhang Shutong silently thanked him for speaking up. In a way, Qingyi had guessed right.

“You mean the man Dukang mentioned?” Rong Ping asked.

“Yeah, very strange, isn’t it?” Qingyi turned to Dukang. “Did you notice any features?”

“Uh, not really. He wore a baseball cap, had a woven bag over one shoulder, and seemed to be carrying something in his other hand. That’s all I remember.”

“Exactly why it’s odd.”

“Stop teasing and say it already. Besides, maybe he really was here to fish?” Rong Ping urged. Everyone knew Qingyi loved puzzles.

“What do you think, Shutong?” Qingyi tossed the question to him. “What does it mean?”

“That he’s from around here,” Zhang Shutong thought for a moment. “And he’s not here to fish.”

“Why not?”

“If Dukang saw correctly and the man carried a woven bag, it means two things: first, whatever’s inside is heavy—otherwise, the bag would tear. It’s probably not fishing gear.”

“Maybe he just used that bag because it was the only one he had. My grandma uses fertilizer sacks for groceries,” Rong Ping said with a pout.

“Your grandma’s thrifty, but if he had a full fishing kit, he wouldn’t be missing a proper bag,” Qingyi replied.

“So what’s the second problem?” Rong Ping asked, turning toward Qingyi.

“Second, this place is far from the city. If he’s carrying something heavy on his shoulder, he couldn’t have come by foot from the city. But Dukang saw him walking, which means he must have a base nearby—maybe a car or something else.”

“So what’s he really doing here?”

“That I don’t know. But consider this: normal people don’t wear hats at midnight. That’s why I said Shutong was right to be cautious.”

“Alright, you two convinced me.” Rong Ping gave Dukang a nudge, scolding, “You were the first to spot him. How did you miss all this?”

Dukang grinned: “Hey, weren’t you just on my side?”

“Hmph.”

“Enough! Let’s go. If there’s anything else, we’ll talk in the group chat.”

Zhang Shutong shone his flashlight around, urging them on.

“Let’s head back. It’s already 7:40. If it weren’t for you, Shutong, I’d have been home binge-watching by now.”

Girls and their dramas—nothing unusual.

“Me too. I still have to study,” Qingyi said, reaching for the fishing rods.

Nothing but books for him.

“Yeah, and I need to check on my frogs.”

The group fell silent at once.

“W-what’s wrong?” Dukang nervously put his hand in his pocket.

Even Zhang Shutong had a few sarcastic thoughts brewing.

Luckily, Rong Ping broke the tension:

“What do you mean? First, did you really bring back frogs? Second, Dukang, can you not put your hand in your pocket?”

She laughed with relief:

“Who wants to fight you over frogs?”

As her voice rose, a sudden croak came from Dukang’s pocket, as if the frog inside had just awakened from hibernation.

Dukang quickly changed the subject:

“Let’s hurry home. Your show’s probably starting already...”

“Don’t take it lightly,” Zhang Shutong warned. “Since you sensed something was off, be careful, and keep your phones with you. Remember to call the police if anything happens. Don’t try to be heroes.”

Dukang held his head: “No problem, no problem. By the way, you’re unusually chatty today.”

Zhang Shutong ignored him:

“Also, if this ever happens again, follow my lead. If I can’t handle it, run and call the police. Got it?”

He looked at each face; they all nodded.

He finally relaxed a little and glanced at Lu Qinglian:

“That includes you. It’s best not to stray from your usual routine.”

Though theoretically safe, tonight’s ordeal taught Zhang Shutong one thing: theory is just theory.

In normal life, Lu Qinglian wouldn’t have come fishing with them, Dukang wouldn’t have run back to get a stool, and he wouldn’t have seen the suspicious man on the way.

Since the past was already altered, though still manageable, no one could guarantee bigger dangers wouldn’t arise.

Besides, Qinglian had neither her bike nor phone. If danger struck, she couldn’t run or call for help. She was more vulnerable than the rest of them.

Fortunately, she nodded slightly at his words—no expression, just a subtle nod, but that was enough.

Zhang Shutong said again:

“You all start packing up. I still have some business.”

“You all?” Rong Ping asked. “What are you up to now?”

“Making a call. My mom just urged me.”

He lit up his phone and walked up the dirt slope with his bike.

But in truth, he wasn’t going home—he was preparing to call the police.

This wasn’t a game with save points; the chance was right here, and missing it meant losing everything.

Besides, “rewinding” no longer existed. He didn’t have endless retries or ways to gather information. He had finally caught a lead on the killer, who was likely nearby. He had to act decisively.

So Zhang Shutong never intended to return tonight.

He only needed an excuse to safely send the others home.

Strength lay in numbers, but he didn’t want to involve his close friends.

He tread cautiously down the dirt road, checking his phone’s screen—and frowned.

No signal again?

He hadn’t expected to lose connection at such a critical moment.

He walked a few more steps toward a more open area, but still couldn’t get through.

Frustrated, he put away his phone.

He’d have to ride.

Before the patrolling officer got too far, he hurried to catch up, hoping to call him back in time.

He shouted down:

“You all go together. My mom’s mad, so I’m heading back first. Rong Ping, take care of them. Call me when you get home.”

Their homes weren’t in the same direction, so no one could argue with that excuse.

Without waiting for questions, he mounted his bike and rode off.

...

“Hey, Zhang Shutong!” Feng Rongping called out, realizing the boy was already riding away on his own.

She muttered in dissatisfaction, “Seriously, how can he be like this?”

Now it was all on her. She felt like an overprotective mother... No, that was too old; better a zookeeper.

But she was used to it.

Just as she told the others to pack up, Qingyi suddenly asked:

“Don’t you think Shutong’s acting a bit strange today?”

“Not really. He’s always like this—a lone wolf...”

“Do you remember what he said when he came back tonight?”

“What?”

“That his mom asked him to deliver something.”

“Oh, yeah, I guess.”

“Then just now, he said his mom was urging him with messages.”

Qingyi pulled the fishing rod from the water and wiped it off. “Notice a problem?”

“Ah, enough suspense already.”

“These two stories contradict each other,” Qingyi mused, resting his chin on his hand. “We all know his parents work at the research institute and aren’t home much, right?”

“So?”

“Here’s the question: if his mom had a day off and was home, why would she need him to deliver something? And if she wasn’t home, how would she know he hadn’t returned?”

Feng Rongping frowned. “Yeah, so Shutong...”

“He’s probably chasing after that man Dukang mentioned.”

The girl grew anxious. “That can’t be. Who knows if it’s dangerous? What if something happens to him alone...”

Before she finished, Qingyi was already eager:

“Shutong’s no good. Let’s go too.”

“Forget it!” Rongping rolled her eyes. “I’m calling him back right now. Honestly, none of you can be trusted...”

But the phone’s voice on the other end was:

“User out of service area.”

Feng Rongping stomped her foot:

“Then we’ll go find him together.”

She gathered Dukang and Lu Qinglian.

Dukang had nothing to say, but she apologized to Lu Qinglian:

“Qinglian, why don’t you wait here for a bit? If we find Shutong, we’ll come back together.”

It was too late for the girl to head back alone, and with their limited numbers and unknown situation, it wasn’t ideal to send someone with her. So she asked Qinglian to wait.

But Lu Qinglian shook her head.

“Let’s go together.”

Just as they agreed to leave, footsteps echoed above.

Dukang grumbled first:

“What the hell, when will this end? Who’s back again...”

Before he finished, Qingyi covered his mouth:

“Quiet. Didn’t you notice...”

His voice dropped to a whisper:

“He’s not using a flashlight.”