Certainly! Here's the improved and polished English version of your text:
Overwhelmed with nervousness, my steps quickened instinctively. I was desperate to see him, to uncover the truth of what he was about to reveal. We had arranged to meet in a secluded alley off Wangbei Road. As I arrived, I caught sight of him.
But just as my eyes locked on his figure, a familiar silhouette flickered at the edge of my vision, disappearing behind a corner behind him. I wasn't sure if it was a trick of my mind. I dismissed the thought quickly—when I saw the taxi driver, everything else faded. My focus narrowed on what he was about to do next.
Stepping into the alley, I stopped in front of him, my gaze sharp with unmistakable hostility. He didn't seem surprised.
"There's a café inside. Let's talk there. I'll even treat you to a cup of coffee—how about that?" he said, his tone gentle, his expression kind, as though he hadn't noticed the enmity in my eyes.
His calm demeanor felt unsettling, but I didn't refuse. I nodded, and he turned, walking toward the café. I followed him, though something nagged at me—I couldn't recall there ever being a café in this area.
The place was eerily empty; we were the first customers. After entering, he continued deeper into the establishment until he reached a secluded corner and finally sat down. I took the seat opposite him.
The café was of modest size, staffed by a single employee. We ordered two cups of coffee, which were served promptly. Once the server left, the conversation began in earnest.
I looked at him intently now, the hostility in my gaze replaced by a serious curiosity. He appeared to be in his forties, his features kind and gentle. Thick eyebrows framed slightly drooping eyelids. His nose was prominent, his face soft and rounded, marked by faint wrinkles and loose skin. His lips, unusually healthy in color, suggested a well-maintained lifestyle.
He gazed at me silently—not with scrutiny, not with probing or judgment, but with a serene calmness.
His voice broke the quiet. "I know you must have many questions for me," he began. "So listen carefully. As I explain, or once I've finished, you may ask me three questions."
He paused briefly, and I nodded for him to continue.
"I understand that after arriving in this world, you noticed significant differences from your previous life. Changes in the timeline, changes in Chu Qingci, and those recurring visions in your mind—these must confuse you. I can see that you've been trying to intervene and alter the course of events. But you must remember: the overall sequence of this world cannot be changed. Whenever you attempt to interfere, this world's mechanisms will stop you. That's why you couldn't follow Chu Qingci off the 227 bus."
"I've told you before that you're allowed to do certain things. When you undertake the tasks I assign you, these restrictions will be lifted."
"In 2028, you lost a portion of your memory. That period aligns precisely with the time Chu Qingci died in your previous life. Investigating the cause of Chu Qingci's death—that's the first thing you set out to do upon arriving here, isn't it?"
Though phrased like a question, his tone left no room for doubt. The more he spoke, the more alarmed I felt. Who was this man?
He continued, unbothered by my silence.
"The visions and scenes that often appear in your mind, the voices you sometimes hear—those are my doing. You should know that if something appears in your mind's eye, it is destined to become reality. These premonitions will prove invaluable at critical moments."
He took a sip from his coffee, his voice momentarily paused, as if to moisten his throat. Meanwhile, my fingers drummed nervously against the table.
Placing the cup back down, he fixed me with a steady gaze. "Shen Jia, it's time for you to take action."
"You already have a sense of what kind of man Chu Qingci's father is. The scene I showed you yesterday will take place two days from now—on the 17th, at 2 PM. Chu Qingci won't be at school that day. At that moment, I'll lift your restrictions, but you must wait until after 3 PM to see him. Remember—after 3 PM."
He repeated the instruction, then continued. "This is what you must do. Now, ask your questions."
I stared at him, confusion swirling in my eyes. Questions flooded my mind, one after another, as I tried to organize them. After a long pause, I lifted my gaze and locked eyes with him.
"What's your true purpose in asking me to do this?" I asked, my voice steady.
"To expedite your understanding of Chu Qingci's death," he replied calmly. "At your current pace, you would remain here far too long. Neither I nor he wish to see that happen."
He stopped there, leaving me more puzzled than ever. He? Who was he referring to?
"How did I come to this world? And who are you, really?" I finally asked.