Only two or three streetlights shone over the alley, casting just enough dim light for one to navigate. The further in one ventured, the further they were detached from the bustling world outside. Upon reaching the deep end of the alley, the noises of the outside world disappeared completely, as if one had entered a different realm.
At the very end of the alley, there was only one path leading to the left. Before Liang Chen had had a chance to turn around, he heard the distinct knots of sobs coming from within. The echoing cries were so familiar that even he couldn't recall when they had so indelibly etched themselves into his heart.
He stood there as if paralyzed, rigid and unmoving. After what felt like an eternity, he took a hesitant step forward. Guided by the faint luminescence of a distant streetlight, he saw Jing Haohao hunched on the ground, her head buried between her knees, her body twitching with sobs, the picture of utter sorrow.
