Ep 4
As the guards spread through the village, Chen Ci remains near the school, his fingers tapping against his sleeve in thought.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Who could they be looking for? And why come all the way here?"
Suddenly, a rustling sound comes from behind the school building. His sharp eyes flick toward the source of the noise.
A shadow moves in the narrow alley between the buildings.
Chen Ci’s heart skips a beat. Someone is hiding.
Glancing toward the guards to ensure they aren’t looking, he quietly steps toward the alley. As he rounds the corner, his eyes widen slightly at what he sees.
A man, dressed in worn but finely crafted robes, crouches behind a stack of wooden crates.
His long black hair is messy, his breathing labored as if he has been running for a long time. He looks up at Chen Ci, eyes sharp and alert, yet filled with exhaustion.
Chen Ci swallows, his fingers twitching in hesitation. The man is injured—his sleeve stained with blood, his face damp with sweat.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Is this the man they are searching for?"
The man struggles to his feet, clearly weak, but his piercing gaze remains locked on Chen Ci.
mysterious man
Are you going to turn me in?
Chen Ci hesitates, but his instincts push him forward. He swiftly moves his hands in a silent response.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "You’re hurt."
The man narrows his eyes, confused by Chen Ci’s silence and gestures. But before he can say more-
He heard a voice from the distance "Check over there!"
Chen Ci’s pulse quickens. He makes a decision.
Without a second thought, he steps forward and grabs the man’s arm, pulling him toward the back entrance of the school. The man stiffens but doesn’t resist.
As the sound of approaching footsteps grows louder, Chen Ci quietly closes the door behind them.
Inside the empty storage room of the school, the man leans against the wall, catching his breath.
Chen Ci kneels beside him, quickly pulling out a cloth from his sleeve and pressing it against the wound on the man's arm.
mysterious man
*watching him carefully* …Why are you helping me?
Chen Ci glances up, his expression calm despite the situation. He lifts his hands again.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Because I know what it’s like to be powerless."
The man’s eyes flicker with something unreadable, but before he can respond, voices echo outside.
Guard
Search the school next!
Chen Ci’s breath hitches. He looks toward the injured man, then toward the door. He only has seconds to decide.
And in that moment, he knows he has just involved himself in something much bigger than he ever imagined.
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