"I requested a few days off for you. You can go back to school for the final exams." Mom sat on the sofa with a medicinal patch on her forehead given by Grandma. In just these few days, Mom's face, which always looked drawn, appeared even more haggard. Occasionally, you could see the nasolabial folds extending down to her chin.

Chu Yi didn't say anything. He didn't know what he should do now.

He didn't want to go to school in the first place, but he also felt a bit reluctant to directly take time off like this. If he did go, facing those stares and mockery at school, he would feel oppressed again. Maybe there would even be people thinking of "eliminating harm for the people"...

"Go stay at your grandpa's place for a few days," Mom said. "And ask them if they know of any other places your dad could have gone to."

Chu Yi nodded.

Normally, if he was told to go to his paternal grandparents' home, he would be very happy. But under the current circumstances, he really didn't want to see his grandparents looking sad and distressed.

"The good son they raised," Grandma said while cracking sunflower seeds. She hadn't stopped all morning, as if having a compulsion. "Such a big thing happened and they haven't come even once. Really admirable."

"What's the use of them coming over," Mom said. "Our family can't fit them if they come, and we'd have to take care of them too."

"In your dreams! They still want to stay here? And be taken care of?" Grandma tossed a handful of sunflower seed shells on the ground. "With a son like that they raised, who abandoned his wife and child and ran at the first sign of trouble, they still expect me to take care of them?"

Mom didn't say anything, furrowing her brows.

"Do you still remember! When Chu Yi was little, he took Chu Yi on a broken bike to the market. They ran into people fighting with knives, and he threw away his son and fled!" Grandma lit a cigarette and held it in her mouth. "Good-for-nothing!"

"He said he got separated from Chu Yi while running." Mom said.

"If he says they got separated, then they got separated!" Grandma exhaled smoke from her nose and mouth, looking as if she was fuming from all seven orifices. She pointed at Chu Yi, "You ask Chu Yi, did they really get separated!"

Chu Yi didn't make a sound.

He couldn't remember this incident clearly. Maybe he was too young at the time.

"You're not a stutterer!" Grandma said. "You're a damn mute!"

Chu Yi couldn't stand being at home, but he didn't dare go out during the day, firstly because of the neighbors, and secondly because of Grandma.

He could only stay cooped up at home, communicating telepathically with his phone for a while.

Yan Hang's WeChat Moments hadn't been updated for a long time. Chu Yi had read through the old posts countless times, even though he couldn't understand them. He also went to look at Yan Hang's Weibo. Yan Hang's username was always Xingtian, very easy to find.

There was no content on Weibo either, even earlier than the WeChat posts. His fans checked in every day under his last Weibo post - good morning, good afternoon, good night. There were no more livestreams either.

-Can't remember how many times he's suddenly disappeared. Remember to come back.

Chu Yi stared at this comment for a while. It seemed Yan Hang had always been like this, suddenly disappearing, and maybe also suddenly reappearing.

Chu Yi quietly followed Big Brother Xingtian's Weibo with his own account. He had never used his account before, and the username was just a string of random numbers.

In order not to be mistaken for a fake fan account, he specifically changed his username to "New Year's Day", and also reposted a few funny Weibo posts with a string of "hahahaha".

It seemed to look more authentic this way... So he reposted again, adding an extra word to the laughter - "hahahaha".

A little better perhaps.

He originally wanted to tell Yan Hang that he was going to stay at his grandpa's for a couple of days, but then felt it was very silly. With Yan Hang in his current state, how could he be in the mood to care where Chu Yi was going.

Besides, Chu Yi didn't dare contact Yan Hang. Other than secretly observing, he didn't know what other appropriate way there was to handle this awkward relationship.

He had never had friends to begin with, and now that he had one, it had turned out like this. Whenever Chu Yi thought of Yan Hang, he would feel a sense of helpless panic.

Grandpa's home was in a town on the outskirts of the city, quite difficult to get to, requiring a bus ride.

But today Mom called Aunt, and Aunt drove him there.

"Look at your mom," Aunt said. "Not hesitating at all when she needs me."

Chu Yi smiled a little embarrassedly.

"It's just because I'm sending you. If she needed the car herself, I wouldn't bother," Aunt took out a red envelope from her pocket and handed it to him. "Here, your aunt is giving you this to calm your nerves."

"Thank you." Chu Yi held the red envelope.

"It's good for you to go settle down at your grandpa's for a couple of days, and comfort your grandparents while you're at it," Aunt said. "Your dad is fine, we just don't know why he ran off. Just tell them, he's a grown man, as long as he's not dead, there's nothing to worry about."

"Mm." Chu Yi nodded.

As the car passed by Yan Hang's doorstep, he turned his head and peeked out.

The curtains in Yan Hang's home were half open, but he couldn't see clearly inside.

However, Chu Yi felt this was a good sign. There was light in the room, which could greatly improve one's mood.

Aunt dropped him off at the bottom of Grandpa's building and left. Chu Yi knocked on the door upstairs for a long time before Grandma came to open it.

As soon as she saw Chu Yi, Grandma's tears started flowing.

"Don't cry," Chu Yi quickly hugged Grandma. "It's, it's okay."

"Don't keep crying, it's not good for your health," Grandpa came down from the balcony and patted Chu Yi's shoulder. "Your grandma has been missing you these past few days."

"You're not going to school?" Grandma wiped her tears.

"Took a few, days off," Chu Yi said. "Will go back, for the final exams."

"Look, even the child's schooling is being delayed." Grandma said.

"It's not, a delay," Chu Yi said. "I didn't, want to go anyway."

"Stop crying," Grandpa patted Grandma. "Go make something for the child to eat."

"Okay, I'll go now." Grandma went into the kitchen, wiping her tears.

"Any news of your dad on your side?" Grandpa pulled Chu Yi to the side and asked softly.

Chu Yi shook his head. Grandpa was in very good health. He could easily tend to the flowers, plants and vegetables he grew on the balcony. But now, he seemed to have aged.

Chu Yi frowned, suddenly feeling a bit dissatisfied with his dad.

All these days, he had been worried, afraid that something had happened to his dad, constantly guessing the responsibilities his dad would have to bear in this incident, hoping he could come back.

Until now, seeing his grandparents looking pained and haggard, he suddenly felt anger.

Anger towards his dad.

Even if he killed someone! He has to take responsibility for what he did!

Running away like this, what kind of man is he!

In the past, grandpa and grandma's place was a quiet haven for Chu Yi.

Grandma would be busy in the kitchen, making delicious food for him. He would sit on the small stool on the balcony, watching grandpa tend to the flowers and plants, occasionally helping to water them or move a flowerpot.

It was never boring, and his heart was especially calm.

But this time, there was only torment.

Grandma holding back tears, grandpa sitting in a daze on the balcony.

Every minute and second was filled with heartache and anger.

He didn't dare imagine what the consequences would be if his dad never came back.

The day before the final exam, Chu Yi returned home.

Before leaving, grandpa stuffed some money into his pocket, as was always the habit.

"I reckon your mom and grandma are too preoccupied to take care of you, with such a big thing happening at home," grandpa said. "Take care of yourself, and take care of your mom and them. No matter what, you have to take responsibility, don't be like your dad."

"Mm." Chu Yi nodded.

Sitting on the bus ride home, his mind was racing.

What his dad did was no longer the most important thing.

His mind was filled with screaming, where did his dad go! Where could he go!

The journey home was extremely difficult. From the moment he turned the corner, he couldn't tell if it was his imagination or real, but he could feel all kinds of stares.

The small shops on both sides of this road were mostly run by neighbors in their area. Thanks to grandma, almost everyone knew their family and recognized him.

He didn't even dare to look to the side, afraid of meeting someone's inquisitive, mocking, or disgusted gaze.

He didn't even dare to go over when he passed by Yan Hang's house.

When he reached the convenience store, he breathed a sigh of relief. He was almost home, although home was just like that, but at least he was used to it.

"Chu Yi," the store owner sat at the door, holding a small electric fan, "where have you been?"

Chu Yi didn't answer and walked forward with his head down.

"That Liang Bing kid is back. The police called him in for questioning, seems he wasn't involved. Looks like your dad really has a problem, huh?" the owner said.

Chu Yi turned his head and glanced at the owner.

The owner wanted to say something more, but opened his mouth without speaking.

When Chu Yi got home and was changing shoes at the door, he glanced at himself in the mirror beside him.

It startled him.

The gloomy complexion, furrowed brows, slightly reddened eyes.

The owner was probably scared by him just now, and didn't continue speaking.

Grandma and mom weren't home, only grandpa was sitting on the sofa watching TV. When Chu Yi entered, he said, "Liang Bing hid for a few days and was found by the police. Heard they didn't get much out of him, he wasn't very involved, just ran errands for that Ding something. Looks like your dad..."

Chu Yi didn't make a sound. He put on his shoes, turned around and went out the door again.

He really didn't understand grandpa's mentality. Besides not knowing how to talk, he seemed to lack normal emotions too. At a time like this, coming home and still hearing the same kind of gossip and speculation as outsiders was really unbearable for him.

There was nowhere to go after leaving the house. It was still light out, he didn't dare go find Yan Hang, and didn't dare wander around, afraid of hearing something else that would make him gasp for air.

He went to the riverside.

From a young age, whenever he had nowhere to go, he would come here.

Talk to the tree hollow for a bit, then stare blankly at the aesthetically lacking riverbank.

Or grind some pebbles to pass the time.

"I want, want to have su-super, powers, that would, be great," Chu Yi pressed his face against the tree hollow and said softly. "Then I could find, my dad, and ask, ask him why, why he's so use-useless."

"I'm afraid grand-grandpa and grandma can't, can't take it..." He furrowed his brows. "I want to find, my dad."

"I'm going to find my dad." Chu Yi gritted his teeth and repeated.

Surprisingly, he said it very fluently. It must be because he was so determined.

Chu Yi stroked the tree hollow and walked over to sit on the railing by the river.

Liang Bing was called in for questioning by the police, indicating he knew something, he just wasn't at the scene when it happened, so he's off the hook for now.

Chu Yi stared at the river. How much did Liang Bing really know?

Did he know the relationship between Old Ding, his dad, and Uncle Yan? Was his hurried departure that day related to this incident?

Chu Yi squeezed the lucky coin in his pocket repeatedly.

If he wanted to figure out what was going on with his dad, the only relevant person he could think of now was Liang Bing.

Yes.

Only Liang Bing.

Chu Yi jumped off the railing and turned to walk upstream along the river.

He knew where Liang Bing might be. One of Liang Bing's underlings opened a motorcycle repair shop. It didn't seem to have much business usually, it was pretty much just his hangout spot. A few thugs would squat inside, scaring away any business that came.

He used to avoid Liang Bing when he saw him, but today he walked straight to the repair shop entrance without any hesitation.

There was a pretty big empty lot in front of the door, with two disassembled unrepaired motorcycles.

Liang Bing wasn't inside, only his three underlings were sitting at the door.

Seeing Chu Yi, they were a bit surprised, but sat still.

Chu Yi didn't go over either, just stood under the tree on the sidewalk looking at them.

As long as Liang Bing came back, he wouldn't be alone. He would definitely come here to meet up with his underlings.

"Here for a beating?" One underling yelled at him with a cigarette in his mouth.

Chu Yi didn't make a sound, still standing quietly.

"Your dad killed someone, not you," another underling said. "How much courage did Liang Jingru* give you?"

*T/N: A famous singer who sang the song "Courage"

Chu Yi remained silent.

He always thought he wouldn't change, that he would silently hide in the corner until the day he left.

He never thought he would have such anger.

After charging at Liang Bing by the river that day, for the second time he had the uncontrollable urge to take action regardless of the consequences.

It's just that Liang Bing hadn't shown up yet, he had to endure it.

Perhaps because of the major incident, perhaps because Liang Bing was called in for questioning by the police making them more restrained, the three underlings didn't seem to want to make a move, just sat there smoking and mocking him.

It wasn't until Liang Bing's motorcycle pulled up that they stood up together and pointed at the tree over here. Liang Bing cursed "fuck your mother" as he turned his head.

Chu Yi didn't hear it, but could read his lips.

He walked over.

"Are you sick?" Liang Bing looked at him. "You two aren't done yet, are you?"

Chu Yi didn't understand what Liang Bing meant by "you two" and "not done".

But he didn't intend to figure it out. He looked at Liang Bing, "What happened?"

"What the fuck happened!" Liang Bing said. "I'll give you ten seconds. If you don't fucking get lost, don't blame me for being rude!"

"Old Ding," Chu Yi said, "what happened?"

"Go ask the police!" Liang Bing yelled. "Who the fuck are you? You think I have to tell you if you ask? Your dad killed someone and you're still throwing your weight around?"

Your dad killed someone.

Chu Yi had heard this countless times in the past few days.

These two words that should never have any connection with his dad in this lifetime were put together, pressing heavily on his nerves that were already stretched to the limit.

Liang Bing's combination accurately ignited his anger.

Without thinking, he rushed over and slammed his fist hard into Liang Bing's stomach.

Liang Bing apparently never expected him to do this. He didn't even dodge and took the punch head-on, his face instantly turning pale.

This punch was taught by Uncle Yan. It wasn't just the force of the fist, but also borrowed the strength of the waist, back and shoulders. When the fist smashed over, it even hurt from being jabbed by the buttons on Liang Bing's shirt.

"Fuck!" A lackey reacted and slapped Chu Yi on the head.

Chu Yi raised his arm to block. This move wasn't taught by Uncle Yan, but came from years of experience being beaten.

After blocking the slap, he threw another punch at Liang Bing's lower abdomen.

Liang Bing couldn't catch his breath and staggered back a step, sitting on the ground.

Chu Yi pounced on him, grabbed his collar and pressed him to the ground.

Another punch landed on his face.

"Pull him off!" Liang Bing finally shouted, struggling to pull out his arm pinned by Chu Yi's knee.

"I'm asking you!" Chu Yi's voice was hoarse as he threw another punch. "Huh!"

Blood spurted from Liang Bing's nose.

Several lackeys rushed up to grab Chu Yi's arms, trying to pull him off Liang Bing.

For the first time, Chu Yi discovered he had so much strength when he was angry. He shook off the hands grabbing his arms and punched Liang Bing in the nose again.

The splattering nosebleed made the anger that had been suppressed for the past half month, no, for more than a decade, erupt from his body.

He single-mindedly focused on smashing Liang Bing's face two more times before finally being kicked aside by a flying kick to the head from a lackey beside him.

Liang Bing was pulled up from the ground by a lackey, while two others rushed over and started kicking Chu Yi.

His back, shoulders, and arms were all kicked.

But Chu Yi didn't feel the pain. He didn't dodge the kicks from the two lackeys either, but got up and pounced on Liang Bing again, grabbing his wrist.

"Just grab it and twist it up like this," Uncle Yan said. "But you're short, so you don't have enough upward force. You have to twist his wrist and press down, then he'll immediately kneel down on one knee for you."

He fiercely twisted Liang Bing's wrist back and forcefully pressed it down.

Liang Bing cried out as his body followed the force downward and one leg knelt on the ground.

The lackeys came over and kicked Chu Yi a few times. Seeing that Chu Yi wouldn't let go, they had to grab him and drag him back.

But Chu Yi was still twisting Liang Bing's wrist. With this pull, Liang Bing immediately howled in pain.

The lackeys quickly let go again.

Chu Yi suddenly pressed Liang Bing to the ground. Liang Bing's face was pushed down as he was pinned, and Chu Yi yanked up the arm he had been twisting.

Liang Bing was in too much pain to make a sound.

"Talk," Chu Yi grabbed his hair and pulled his head up from the ground. "Old Ding!"

A lackey picked up a large wrench and smashed it on Chu Yi's shoulder. This time he finally felt the pain.

In order to prevent his stutter from wasting time, he chose the shortest way to ask.

"Fuck off!" Liang Bing cursed through gritted teeth.

Chu Yi slammed his head into the ground.

This move was learned from Yan Hang.

Liang Bing's nosebleed instantly bloomed into a small flower on the ground.

"He fucking told me to let him know if I saw the guy surnamed Yan at home, then go block the intersection to stop him from going that way!" Liang Bing finally couldn't hold out and spoke. "I didn't block the person! He didn't come this way!"

"Really?" Chu Yi asked.

"I fucking told the police the same thing!" Liang Bing roared. "Go ask the police! Ask Yan Hang!"

Chu Yi let go. The lackeys behind him rushed up, pulled him away and started punching and kicking like crazy.

A few uncles from the shops nearby who were watching the commotion ran over at this point, shouting a few times to pull the people apart.

Liang Bing wiped the blood from his face and glared at Chu Yi.

"Didn't expect that," someone said in a low voice. "This kid used to get bullied all the time."

"Pushed to the edge," another person said. "When pushed to the edge, one can even kill."

Chu Yi turned his head to look to the side. There were quite a few onlookers, but he couldn't find the ones talking.

However, the sound of discussion stopped.

He shook off the people holding him, lowered his head to dust off his body, gave Liang Bing a stare, then turned and walked towards the riverbank.

As he passed by the onlookers, some people moved aside to let him through.

Chu Yi didn't look back or around. He stared at the ground and kept walking forward until he reached a deserted spot by the river before stopping.

His mind was blank.

There was a buzzing in his ears.

He couldn't even fully recall Liang Bing's words.

He was completely dazed.

After a long time, he slowly came back to his senses due to the intense pain all over his body.

His shoulders hurt, arms hurt, head hurt, back and legs all hurt a lot.

He moved his arms and legs. They could still move.

Only then did he slowly go over Liang Bing's words again and suddenly realized what Liang Bing meant by "you two" and telling him to ask Yan Hang.

Yan Hang had already gone to see Liang Bing!

Maybe beat him up too.

Getting beaten up twice in a row right after coming back... for a local boss, it was a huge humiliation. Chu Yi suddenly felt a bit excited and thrilled.

He turned around and wanted to run to Yan Hang's house, but hesitated for a moment before taking out his phone.

The phone screen was cracked.

He frowned and tried it out. It was still usable, but a bit glitchy. Before he could even tap on it, several apps on the screen opened by themselves.

His hands were also shaking a bit, not knowing if it was from using too much force earlier or from being injured. He lost the battle of hand speed against the phone.

Sending a message was too difficult. He could only pull up Yan Hang's number and hit dial before the phone jumped back to the home screen on its own.

Seeing the screen display "dialing," he finally breathed a sigh of relief and put the phone to his ear.

"Sorry, the user you have dialed is powered off."

Chu Yi paused for a moment, brought the phone in front of his eyes, and confirmed that he had dialed Yan Hang's number correctly.

Powered off?

Chu Yi stood there for more than ten seconds before suddenly breaking into a run towards Yan Hang's house.

A phone being powered off wasn't really a big deal. It would power off if the battery died.

But even when Yan Hang was in such a poor state a few days ago, he didn't forget to charge his phone. He could order takeout and play games on it. How could it suddenly be powered off now?

Deep down, Chu Yi had a vague premonition.

But he didn't dare to think about it.

He just kept his head down and ran forward.

It was only when he ran all the way to Yan Hang's doorstep and saw the wide open door that his legs went weak. He staggered a few steps before coming to a stop.

"Who are you looking for?" A woman walked out from inside and paused upon seeing him. "This family has moved away."

Chu Yi looked at the woman, continuously gasping for breath, unable to speak.

As if he would faint from suffocation in the next second.