Xiaoyun... missing...
The first thought that crossed my mind was Chen Kai's recording. I couldn't help but feel that Xiaoyun is innocent in this situation, as she should also be considered as a victim.
Who is observing me? Why do the people around me vanish whenever Chen Kai's death is mentioned? To others, it appears that none of this concerns me, and they wouldn't believe it has anything to do with me. Yet, no matter what I attempt or how I wish to uncover the truth, outside forces seem to respond immediately. Is every action of mine being watched? How is this happening?
I suddenly started to run home, feeling as if I had a ticking bomb on my back, and that mole was the bomb! There's no one who can assist me; I can't discuss this more with anyone anymore, so I can only rely on myself.
When I returned home, the cold was shockingly intense. It seemed almost strange to me.
When I got back home, I was struck by how chillingly cold the house felt, almost as if it were unfamiliar to me.
I took off my shirt entirely and looked for the lump transformed from the mole in the mirror. The lump rested along my spine, resembling a dangerous snake.
I feel like I'm losing my mind. My brain is buzzing and chaotic, and I don't care about anything anymore. I took a knife from the kitchen, turned on the gas, and heated the blade until it was glowing red. Then, I stood in the living room, gripping that lump tightly, and without a second thought, I plunged it down with the knife!
I can't express how painful it is, to the extent that I screamed. I could clearly feel that rigid mass twisting and pulling at my heart, stomach, lungs, and brain. My entire body was being dragged along with the twisting of that lump.
I screamed in pain, removed the knife, and let it fall to the ground, feeling faint. The sharp agony persisted for around a minute. When I checked my back in the mirror, I noticed blood along with a bluish fluid; that lump had disappeared, absorbed into my body perhaps.
Where did that thing go? Damn, is that ghostly thing alive? I started pinching all over my body, making myself covered in blood.
Suddenly, someone kicked open my front door, and four police officers burst in. They were surprised to find me in the center of the room, shirtless and covered in blood. They yelled, "Li Shengli, what are you doing? Stop! Halt!"
In response, I shouted, "Who are you? Get out of here!"
After a short standoff, I found myself firmly held down to the ground by four strong men, I struggled, but it became clear that I was no match for four adult men. I yelled, pleading for them to release me. I felt small and helpless, like a tiny ant, knowing that these giants could easily crush me with a mere flick of their fingers...
During the next two days, I was at the detention center. I lost track of how many people questioned me or who they were. The only thing I recall is that they all had a similar tone: "Li Shengli, I will ask you questions, and you must respond honestly. We will conduct a thorough investigation."
I recall seeing my boss and some coworkers. A doctor was shining a light into my eyes while I was lying on a cold, hard bed. I couldn't help but wonder if I was losing my mind or if this was all just a dream.
The findings of the investigation have been released. I am not linked to the suicides of Chen Ying, the explosion at Chen Ying's house, the disappearance of Xiaoyun, or the car crash involving Chen Kai, as I am not capable of having committed these crimes. I have sufficient witnesses to demonstrate my innocence. The police informed me that these events were simply accidents and that no one was implicated.
I chuckled to myself, thinking, "Those cops are just like me, nothing special." They gave me a bag containing my wallet, keys, phone, and other belongings. Just like that, I returned home from the detention center.
The bloodstains on the floor remain, and it is obvious that everything has been roughly turned over by someone; this must all be the result of the police's actions.
My phone ran out of battery, and when I charged it, I saw that my text messages and all my call records had been cleared. I checked my wallet, and everything was there; the only thing missing was Chen Kai's memory card. Now, The last clue has been cut off.I sat alone in this empty room and cried.In the days to come, if it weren't for these memories, life wouldn't have anything particularly special. I got several phone calls, including some from my parents, whose worry really moved me, but I didn't share any additional information. Xiaoyun is still missing, and I've also had a few calls from the police in another city looking into her case, but I found myself have nothing to say.I took a short break from work, and my boss agreed. However, some coworkers appear to feel uncomfortable around me, likely because they are aware of my situation. When Chinese people suspect someone may have mental health issues, they often distance themselves. Well, I can understand that.The lump on my back is nowhere to be found anymore; it seems to have disappeared forever. If I don't think about it, I don't feel like there are any problems in my life.A month has passed, and my work has returned to normal. I have started to take on some projects, after all, I am a very qualified project manager in the company, and it can be a bit challenging without me for major tasks.The military personnel came by once, which was quite normal, regarding some system maintenance and upgrades; these are services we must provide. When I faced those soldiers, I remained calm and didn't dwell on any past memories.
Xiaoyun has been officially declared missing. Although she is gone, I surprisingly feel a sense of relief inside. I'm not someone without feelings... maybe I'm just a coward.
As I make an effort to resume my usual life, I begin experiencing nightmares that frequently leave me waking up in a cold sweat. I can't recall the specifics of the dreams, but I know they were extremely frightening. Maybe due to these nightmares, I wake up each time with an unexplained headache, occasionally feeling as if my brain is being hit by lightning, and I see flashes of light in my vision.
I went to the hospital, and the doctor said that I might have experienced some stress recently, which could have affected my brain. He gave me some medication whose name I can't recall and recommended that I engage in social activities, boost my physical activity, and focus on more positive thoughts. I followed all the instructions, and I found that I particularly enjoy running. It allows me to release energy, and the more I run, the more I want to keep going. Initially, I only managed two or three laps around my neighborhood, but before long, I needed to increase my distance and push myself to run faster; otherwise, I felt restless. After each session, I feel especially revitalized, and on days when I skip running, my muscles tend to feel sore and uneasy.Running regularly lifts my mood for work each day, and I feel energetic while I'm on the job. Although my coworkers have grown somewhat distant, I appreciate the peace and keep myself entertained by concentrating on my tasks. My biggest concern, however, is sleep, as I experience nightmares and am starting to recall my dreams. They are quite bizarre; sometimes I find myself trapped in a tiny room, other times I expand quickly until I explode, or I'm being chased by someone.Time flew by peacefully, until one day, trouble returned...
After restarting my job, I finished a new project that turned out to be very successful. During the celebration party, I was given the largest red envelope. That night, I had a lot of alcohol.
After I got home, I took a shower, took two pills, and then went to sleep.The morning sunlight woke me up, and when I checked the clock, I realized I was running late. I hurriedly got out of bed, freshened up, and headed to the office. The traffic was unusually light today, allowing me to reach the company in a flash.Sitting in the office, I opened my computer. Since it was still early, I went online to check the news, but surprisingly, there were no updates. I guess this website can't keep going; the news isn't being updated anymore.A colleague came over to chat with me for a moment. Suddenly, someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around and laughed, "Chen Ying, what brings you to our company?"Chen Ying said with a smile, "I've been busy working for two days already. It's you who seems unaware; I still need to come and say hello."I laughed and said, "It's my fault, I've been too busy these past few days."Chen Ying said, "I knew you would say that. Dinner on you tonight then.""Dinner with...""Me and my brother of course.""Sure.""Oh, my brother's here."Chen Kai remains the same indifferent person.
"Shengli, you little rascal, you never come to see me!""What the fuck? What's going on today? Why are you here too?""I am now the new project director of your company, you get me?""What? You? My supervisor?"
"Yeah, you have a problem with that?" Chen Kai hit me hard, laughed, "Go back to work. Now!"
"See you later." Chen Ying smiled and walked away."Catch you guys after work." I'm feeling really happy today. I was then going to see my boss.I knocked on the door, and a woman's voice came from inside the office, "Come in!"I opened the door and was surprised to see Xiaoyun there. "What are you doing here?" I asked.Xiaoyun tapped the table and said, "What do you think?"I moved in closer to Xiaoyun and said, "Quick, spill the beans, or I'll start tickling you!"
"Oh, please."
The door opened again, and the boss walked in. He laughed, "Don't make out at the office! Shengli, Xiaoyun is my new vice president, and this office belongs to her now.""Boss, why do I see so many familiar faces today?""What's unusual about this? Look, the commander is here too."
Before he finished speaking, the commander came in. However, he was not wearing a military uniform; instead, he was dressed in a blue uniform."I specially come to see you, li Shengli."
"Thank you, sir, really flattered."
"Your work on this project is excellent. I intend to assign you another project now."
"No problem, sir. It will be a great pleasure."
"This project involves a demolition task."
"Demolition?!"
"Yes, look, they are doing it over there." He pointed outside the window.I glanced outside and saw a fierce fire consuming the city.
"Well..." I didn't think it was unusual. "I specialize in communications engineering, so I'm not familiar with this."
"It's very easy, just take a look at this and you'll understand." The commander took out something and spread it out on his palm.The commander was holding a blue mole. It was roughly the size of his palm and was squirming. Eventually, it transformed into something just like my head!That head suddenly shouted, "Do you miss me!!"