Upon learning the truth, my first reaction was disbelief.
I couldn't fathom how a father could sacrifice his own daughter to some unknown, malevolent force. What kind of person would commit such a horrifying act? What kind of madness would drive someone to such extremes?
But what I overheard next was even more chilling.
"Sister Meng, I've already brought the person you wanted. You promised me—when will you fulfill your end of the bargain?"
What kind of deal would compel him to sell his daughter, and now even lure me here to kill me and flay me alive?
Though I couldn't hear the voice of the "Sister Meng" he mentioned, I clearly caught every word he said.
I recorded his conversation and sent it to Lin Zhao, who was still at the hospital.
If Lin Zhao heard this recording, I knew that even with his injured hand, he'd be out of bed in no time.
Sure enough, he replied shortly after: "Where are you?"
I sent him the address of the restaurant and added a message, reminding him to inform Li Sisi. She had a right to know the truth about her family.
After taking care of that, I acted as if nothing had happened, returning to my seat to wait for Lin Zhao and Li Sisi to arrive.
When Lin Huairen returned to the table, he handed me the menu.
"I don't know what you like to eat, but their signature dishes here are all a bit spicy. Want to give them a try?" he said casually.
Watching his calm, composed demeanor, I couldn't help but marvel at how life itself is like a stage. Everyone is an actor with hidden talents, and people reveal their true capabilities when they have something to gain.
This man, a mere bank employee, had not only violated his conscience and hidden the truth from his wife, but now he was also plotting to lure me to my death. What sort of twisted goals was he pursuing?
"I'm not picky," I replied. "Order whatever you think is good."
He seemed to notice me glancing at the time and asked, "What's the matter, Mr. Liu? Do you have somewhere to be? I noticed you've been checking your watch. If I'm holding you up, feel free to leave. We can always reschedule."
If I hadn't known his true intentions, I might have fallen for his considerate act.
"No, nothing urgent. I just skipped work yesterday, and I'm wondering if my boss will give me a hard time today."
"I'm so sorry for dragging you into our family's troubles. If you'd like, I can explain things to your boss," he offered.
His seemingly thoughtful attitude only deepened my contempt.
"No need," I said with a dismissive wave. "I've been late so often lately that one more time won't make a difference. But honestly, I envy families like yours. A high-achieving daughter, a beautiful wife… You're a man who's got it all, aren't you?"
He smiled faintly, pouring me a glass of red wine. I politely declined, pushing the glass away.
"Sorry, I don't drink. I'm a lightweight, and I still have work to do later."
Despite my refusal, he continued to press. "It's fine to drink a little during the day. This wine won't get you drunk."
Before he could say more, Lin Zhao and Li Sisi arrived.
The moment Li Sisi saw Lin Huairen, she marched up to him and slapped him across the face without a word.
The resounding crack of the slap drew everyone's attention, and the restaurant fell silent as patrons turned to watch the spectacle.
I was taken aback. Li Sisi had always struck me as a gentle, composed woman. I hadn't expected her to lash out so forcefully. It seemed no woman is to be underestimated when pushed to the brink.
I stepped back to avoid the fallout, noticing Lin Zhao behind her. His arm was in a sling, and he'd brought two uniformed officers with him, likely realizing he couldn't handle the situation alone.
Li Sisi slapped her husband several more times before he finally reacted.
"Why are you hitting me?" he exclaimed, his face a mask of confusion.
Still seething, Li Sisi pointed at him and shouted, "How dare you ask? I've been by your side for years, raising our daughter with you, and this is how you repay me? You sold her! She died a horrible death, and you still refuse to repent! Now you're trying to harm others—where is your conscience?"
At her words, Lin Huairen turned to look at me.
I met his gaze without flinching. I felt no guilt for exposing him. A father who sacrifices his daughter for his own selfish gain deserves no sympathy.
"Thank you for the meal, Mr. Lin," I said calmly. "But as a responsible citizen, I did what I had to do."
Realizing he had no way out, Lin Huairen tried to bolt. Thankfully, the two officers acted quickly, subduing him and escorting him out of the restaurant.
As a witness, I accompanied them to the police station to give my statement.
On the way there, the ride was tense but uneventful—until we entered the highway. Suddenly, Lin Huairen managed to wrench the door open and jumped out of the moving vehicle.
The driver slammed on the brakes, swerving to the side. Another car behind us, unable to stop in time, struck Lin Huairen, sending him flying.
We called for an ambulance, but by the time paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital, his condition was critical.
At the hospital, I stayed by Li Sisi's side. She had already suffered so much—from the brutal loss of her daughter to the shattering revelation about her husband. And now, his life hung by a thread.
No words of comfort could ease her pain. All I could do was silently accompany her.
"Why did it all come to this?" she murmured, her voice hollow. "He loved our daughter so much… How could he do this? We were such a happy family, and now it's all gone in an instant."
Li Sisi slumped to the floor, her eyes devoid of light, her face a mask of despair.
Lin Zhao stepped forward, wanting to offer some words of comfort, but I stopped him, shaking my head.
"With everything she's going through, saying anything now will only push her further into despair. Let her grieve in silence."
Realizing I was right, Lin Zhao stood beside me, and together, we kept a quiet vigil by her side.