After hearing everything, a heaviness settled over my heart, so much so that even my voice felt weighted when I responded to him. I had never imagined that Chu Qingci's childhood was so oppressive.
"Chu Qingci, I understand, but please, don't do anything reckless."
The more I listened, the more fearful I became, as though his years of accumulated hatred might erupt like a volcano, leading to a catastrophic end where he and that man—unworthy of being called human—were destroyed together.
Hearing my plea, his taut expression gradually softened, and a faint smile touched his lips as he reached out to gently tousle my hair.
"Don't worry, I won't break the law," he said softly, his voice gentler now.
"Alright," I nodded.
After hearing his words, I felt I had gained a clearer understanding of Chu Qingci's family, yet his cause of death still eluded me. Was this all He Yi wanted me to learn here? My thoughts spun with chaotic, fragmented images.
He broke the silence, his voice steady.
"Shen Jia, in the future, you may encounter terrible things, see unpleasant scenes, but you must remember—don't be afraid. Face them. Overcome them. Believe that you are not alone; I am here with you." His voice was firm, each word deliberate, his expression more earnest than I had ever seen.
I wondered if he was speaking from his own experience, trying to impart a lesson, or if there was something more to his words. His seriousness reminded me of the strange driver He Yu and what he had said. The meaning behind Chu Qingci's words was nearly identical to what He Yi had told me at the café the other day.
What was awaiting me in the future? I racked my brain for answers.
I tried to recall my memories of this moment in my previous life, but I found they no longer existed in my mind.
"Chu Qingci, do you...?"
I wanted to ask if he knew something, but the words wouldn't come out. It felt as if I was being restrained. Had Chu Qingci also met with He Yi? The fleeting figure at the street corner—was it him?
But in what capacity could he have interacted with He Yu?
I came to this world because, in the year 28, I was still alive. He Yi also existed in that timeline and brought me here. Chu Qingci, however, belonged to this world. How could there be any connection between them? The Chu Qingci of 28 had long since died at the age of nineteen.
If only those alive in 28 could be brought into this world and maintain a connection, then it would mean Chu Qingci hadn't died in 28. But that was impossible—Chu Qingci had died that summer, not only in my memory but in those of my friends as well.
If he hadn't died, why did He Yi insist I uncover the truth behind his death?
A flood of unanswered questions overwhelmed me, like a dense fog clouding my path. My thoughts drifted far until his gentle voice pulled me back.
"Shen Jia, what are you thinking?" I shook my head, signaling it was nothing.
Seeing the late hour, I asked if he wanted to head back. He nodded. After locking the door behind us, we left.
Yunhai Road was only one stop from Wangbei Station, so it wasn't far. I suggested we walk, and he agreed.
As we walked, he noticed my heavy backpack. Though the weight was manageable for the short distance, he seemed concerned. Suddenly, I felt a tug. I stopped, turning to see him lifting the bag from my shoulders.
"Don't turn around. Give me your bag; I'll carry it," he said simply, holding the strap.
Reluctantly, I slipped the straps off, immediately feeling lighter. Without the weight on my back, walking became effortless. We chatted as we strolled, and time passed quickly until we reached Wangbei Station.
It was time to part ways. Smiling, I asked him to return my bag.
"We're close to parting now. Let me take it," I said, my tone light.
But he replied, "I'll walk you home today."
He gazed at me with lowered eyes, his expression warm and tender. I nodded, and he walked me to my building.
At the door, he handed me the bag.
"See you tomorrow," I said, turning to leave.
"Shen Jia," he called out, halting me. "You will eventually learn everything you need to know. But you must rely on yourself. No matter how much a person or an event weighs on you, remember to confront it, to conquer it. Don't let yourself become trapped. Understand?"
His voice trembled slightly, his gaze unwavering.
I nodded firmly, replying in a quiet but resolute voice, "I understand, Chu Qingci. Though I don't know what awaits me, I will face it. Trust me."
With that, I turned and left without looking back.
Their repeated warnings of something impending weighed heavily on me. What could it be? I pondered endlessly, distracted even as I entered the elevator and forgot to press my floor number until moments later.
At home, I felt drained. The sheer volume of information from the day ensured a sleepless night ahead.