Dark Light Chaser.

Chapter 8 Pain to Loved Ones
“When Xingyue and I arrived at the school, the police had already blocked off the corridor, and there weren’t many students in the stairwell at that time.”

Yue Qihua withdrew her hand, her lips pressed against her index finger knuckle as if sucking on her finger—a little habit she had when thinking.

"Ai Liang, you glimpsed someone secretly wiping away tears, but by then the body had already been covered with a white sheet, and apart from you and that girl, no one knew who had died."

We only found out that the deceased was Gao Jiajia after Gao Jiajia's father arrived. However, that man was secretly wiping away tears just as the police cordoned off the corridor. Gao Jiajia's father hadn't even arrived yet. How did he know the deceased was Gao Jiajia?

Yang Xingyue and her two companions, who had initially come with the intention of listening to a story, suddenly felt a chill run down their spines after hearing Yue Qihua's analysis, even though it was a hot day.

"Therefore, there is a high probability that person knew from the beginning that the deceased was Gao Jiajia. Apart from the two eyewitnesses, how did he know? So his identity is very likely that of the murderer himself!"

Thinking of this, Yue Qihua couldn't sit still any longer. She stood up, leaned on the table, and approached Ai Liang over the table: "Am I right?"

The two were less than 30 centimeters apart, and Ai Liang could feel Yue Qihua's warm breath patting his face. Also, Yue Qihua's T-shirt wasn't tight, and the neckline had slipped down slightly, revealing her delicate collarbone through the gap in the neckline, which made Ai Liang look away.

"Ahem, cough cough."

Yue Qihua seemed to notice as well, coughed lightly, and sat back down.

At this moment, no one cared about the distance between Yue Qihua and Ai Liang; everyone was pondering Yue Qihua's words.

"You're right."

Ai Liang's agreeing answer ignited panic among the crowd.

"Ai Liang! Ai Liang! Doesn't that mean the murderer is Wang Zi?! Quickly go find the police, explain the situation, and have him arrested!"

Fang Xiaoxiao was the most flustered among them. After all, she was in the same class as Wang Zi, and the thought of sitting in the same classroom with someone who had killed her classmate gave her goosebumps.

"I already reported this detail to the police at the criminal investigation team this afternoon."

"Then why wasn't he arrested?!"

Ma Yu was also a little anxious. How could he not worry about his girlfriend being in the same class as the suspected murderer? What if Wang Zi realized that things had been exposed and wanted to drag a few more people down with him? Ma Yu didn't dare to think any further.

However, Yang Xingyue, who should have been the most nervous at this moment, was much calmer than Ma Yu and Fang Xiaoxiao.

"Xiaoxiao, Ma Yu, it's not that simple for the police to arrest people."

Finally, he added, "An arrest warrant is required to make an arrest."

"Yes, and besides, what I said was just speculation. There's no substantial evidence to prove that Wang Zi is the murderer," Yue Qihua said casually, taking a sip of orange juice.

Because of their family backgrounds, the two naturally had some understanding of arrests and apprehensions.

"But what if he really is the murderer?"

"Without evidence, he will always remain a criminal suspect."

Yue Qihua interrupted Fang Xiaoxiao, "What if the real culprit is found after he's been arrested? When he comes back, there will definitely be rumors everywhere at school, which could ruin his life."

He might have identified the deceased as Gao Jiajia through hand jewelry or other physical characteristics. We shouldn't assume he's the real culprit based on preconceived notions.

"Phew. What? You scared me!"

Fang Xiaoxiao gently patted her barren chest and breathed a sigh of relief: "I almost thought Wang Zi's tears were all an act. If he was faking it, he must be a psychopath."

After the explanation, the tension between the two eased considerably. However, Fang Xiaoxiao was still a little scared, so she picked up her drink and took a big gulp to calm her racing heart.

To ease the serious atmosphere, Ma Yu took the initiative to change the subject and decided to talk about some everyday things: "By the way, are you guys planning to take leave for the last month? My parents found me a tutor, and I plan to tutor Xiaoxiao together."

"So you two aren't coming to school for the last month?"

Yue Qihua glanced at the conjoined couple and said, "Tsk, remember to be careful when you're alone."

"Sister Hua!" Fang Xiaoxiao said coquettishly, hugging Ma Yu's arm even tighter, then asked in return, "Sister Hua, what about you?"

"Me?" Yue Qihua waved her hand impatiently. "I'm too lazy to go to school for the last month anyway. I'm already admitted through the guaranteed admission program, so it doesn't matter whether I go or not."

After speaking, Yue Qihua, Fang Xiaoxiao, and Ma Yu looked at Yang Xingyue, who was in a daze.

"Me? Actually..."

Yang Xingyue glanced at Ai Liang shyly, then lowered her head and fiddled with her fingers.

"I understand, I understand. With Ai Liang around, she's more effective than any private tutor." Ma Yu said with a double meaning, looking at Yang Xingyue with a half-smile.

"No, actually my dad knows that Ai Liang tutored me and my grades improved so much, which is basically all thanks to Ai Liang. The teacher also told him about this, so he wanted to properly thank Ai Liang."

Yang Xingyue would hesitate for a long time before saying a word, and sometimes her voice was so soft that it was impossible to hear what she was saying. Yue Qihua, impatient, interrupted her.

"That is to say, Uncle Yang wants to invite Ai Liang to their house for a meal to thank him properly, and also wants to ask him to tutor Xingyue for the last month, with a salary."

By the way, my grandfather also wanted to see who could teach Xingyue, this blockhead, since she was also his granddaughter.

"Isn't this just like a test for my father-in-law?"

Fang Xiaoxiao was just about to use her "awkward silence" technique when Yang Xingyue interrupted her: "My dad just wanted to thank Ai Liang for her careful guidance all this time! He didn't mean anything else!"

His flustered tone and flushed face clearly indicated that he was trying to cover something up.

"You guys talk first, I have something else to do."

Ai Liang took out her phone, pretended to check the time, and planned to flee the scene.

Should I go meet Yang Xingguo and have a meal with him?

Hehe, let's forget about it.

Fang Xiaoxiao reacted quickly, letting go of Ma Yu's arm and grabbing Ai Liang: "You haven't given me an answer yet!"

Ma Yu showed a relieved expression; this girl had finally done something decent.

"Xiao Ai, you're leaving already? We finally have an extra day off, why don't we go out and have some fun tonight?"

Ma Yu also tried to persuade Ai Liang to stay.

Seeing Yang Xingyue's expectant gaze, Yue Qihua's occasional fierce expression, Fang Xiaoxiao and Ma Yu's silly grins as they watched the spectacle, Ai Liang pointed out the window: "Someone is looking for me."

Everyone looked out the window and saw a young man wearing a leather jacket on a hot day, waving at them while smoking a cigarette.

"Xingyue, please thank your uncle for the invitation. Tutoring will continue as usual for the next month. As for meals and wages, let's skip that. Your gratitude is enough."

Ai Liang realized that it would be difficult to leave without giving an answer today, so she politely declined.

"Oh," Yang Xingyue responded somewhat disappointedly, but the thought of spending every day with Ai Liang for the next month made her smile again.

'That person looks vaguely familiar.'

Yue Qihua, sitting by the window, stared at Xia Qinian outside, feeling as if she had seen him at a martial arts school when she was a child.

"What's wrong, Huahua?"

Yang Xingyue sat back down and noticed that her best friend was staring out the window without blinking.

"It's nothing, it's just that the person who was looking for Ai Liang looked a bit familiar."

Yang Xingyue followed Yue Qihua's gaze and said, "Now that you mention it, I feel like I've seen this face somewhere before."

"Maybe we trained at my family's martial arts school when we were young, or maybe we discussed some things with Uncle Yang and the others."

Ai Liang and Xia Qinian had already gotten into the car and left, and Yue Qihua also withdrew her gaze.

"Now that we've confirmed that Ai Liang is alright, let's go home. It's so hot outside, the air conditioning at home is much more comfortable."

After leaving the bubble tea shop, the four split into two groups and headed home, while inside the car...

"You haven't given up yet?" Ai Liang's first question to Xia Qinian was after getting into the car.

"We agreed to go see Gao Fuye together, but you left me without saying a word and went to chat with a pretty girl."

Xia Qinian drove a short distance, found a parking space on the side of the road, and after parking the car, he spread his hands and said, "Come on, tell me about those two girls sitting across from you. Which one do you like more? I think they both seem to be interested in you."

"What does this have to do with you?" Ai Liang asked with a serious expression.

"Tsk tsk, that's not very kind of you. I just helped you out of a tight spot. I greeted you outside for ages and you didn't even acknowledge me."

Suddenly pointing at me, it's obvious they want to use me to get rid of them. Plus, the little girl you were just hugging is still tugging at your clothes, something's definitely wrong. Could it be you've started something and then abandoned me? Tsk tsk tsk, the more handsome the man, the more likely he is to lie.

When Xia Qinian talks about gossip, he instantly transforms into a great detective, analyzing things with great insight.

Can't you use your sharp eyesight for something useful?

Ai Liang gave him a cold glance without saying a word.

"Don't worry, I'm not interested in prying into little kids' love lives. Anyway, I helped you out, so it's not too much to ask for a reward, right? And what we agreed on before still stands, here's five hundred yuan."

Xia Qinian seized the opportunity and took the five hundred yuan that Ai Liang hadn't touched before, stuffing it back into his pocket.

Ai Liang looked in the rearview mirror and saw Yang Xingyue and Yue Qihua approaching. She had no choice but to agree to Xia Qinian's request: "Then let's go to Gao Fuye's house now."

"Now? Is he home at this time?"

Xia Qinian looked troubled. According to his guess, Gao Fuye, who had just finished his relationship with him, should still be socializing right now.

"Then I'm going home." Ai Liang was about to open the car door and leave without saying a word.

"Hey, hey, go, go, go now, okay?"

Xia Qinian quickly started the car to prevent Ai Liang from escaping.

No matter how he tried to start a conversation, Ai Liang didn't say another word.

About twenty minutes later, we arrived at our destination.

Unlike other real estate tycoons, Gao Fuye did not live in a luxury villa, but in an ordinary neighborhood.

Although the price isn't cheap, it's the kind of thing that families with stable incomes can afford if they grit their teeth and spend a little more.

After explaining his purpose to the security guard and registering with his ID card, Xia Qinian's car was allowed to pass.

He learned Gao Fuye's address from an acquaintance in the bureau and obtained some relevant information, so he came prepared.

When the doorbell was rang, a middle-aged man who looked haggard and dazed opened the security door without even asking who was outside.

"Hello Mr. Gao, this is Um."

Ai Liang, out of Gao Fuye's sight, reached out and pinched Xia Qinian's waist: "Hello, Uncle Gao, I am Ai Liang. We met this morning."

It would have been better if he hadn't said anything, because as soon as he mentioned the words "morning," Gao Fuye's eyes reddened again, but he couldn't shed any tears; all he felt was a sharp headache.

"Come in." Gao Fuye covered his head and made room for the two to enter.

This guy is really ruthless.

Xia Qinian walked into the room, rubbing his lower back, and thought to himself.

The living room reeked of secondhand smoke, and there were cigarette ash and butts everywhere around the sofa; there was no ashtray in sight.

Apart from the area around the sofa, the rest of the place was very clean and tidy. These cigarette butts must have been made by Gao Fuye in one morning.

After Gao Fuye closed the door, he originally intended to return to the sofa, but after glancing at Ai Liang sitting on the sofa covered in cigarette ash, he went to the water dispenser and shakily filled two glasses with water.

Ai Liang accepted the disposable paper cup with both hands: "Thank you."

"No, I should be the one apologizing. What happened this morning was my fault. Don't take it to heart." Gao Fuye sat down next to Ai Liang, took out a cigarette and put it to his lips, but put it down again just as he was about to light it.

"I know, I don't blame you."

Ai Liang took the cigarette and lighter from Gao Fuye's hand and gently placed them on the coffee table. This small gesture immediately made the weathered middle-aged man burst into tears. Gao Jiajia had done the same thing when she advised him not to smoke before.

"Ugh... Jiajia, ahhhhh, Jiajia..."

He clutched his gray hair with both hands, crying his heart out, but no more tears would flow from his eyes. The atmosphere of grief, along with the smell of smoke, permeated every corner of the living room.

Xia Qinian sat on the side, at a loss. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't utter a single word.

After crying for a while, Gao Fuye finally came to his senses. At some point, Ai Liang grasped his old, large hand. Although Ai Liang was expressionless, Gao Fuye could sense a trace of concern in her eyes.

"Thank you." Gao Fuye's voice was still choked with sobs. "What do you need me for?"

Ai Liang winked at Xia Qinian.

Xia Qinian, who was initially at a loss, quickly organized what he was going to say when Gao Fuye looked at him.

“Mr. Gao, I am a bounty hunter. I am here mainly because I have some speculations about the murderer who killed your woman.” Xia Qinian shamelessly repeated what Ai Liang had told him at noon that day, after embellishing it.

After hearing this, Gao Fuye's previously dull eyes showed a glimmer of light, not the hope of regaining his spirit, but a blood-red rage. Xia Qinian finished speaking and waited quietly for Gao Fuye to speak.

Gao Fuye didn't say anything, but gestured for the two to get up and follow him. He then opened a door.

A room filled with girlish style appeared in front of the two of them. It was obviously Gao Jiajia's room before her death, and her travel photos were still on the table.

"The police came this morning and mainly took Jiajia's phone and computer, but didn't touch anything else."

Gao Fuye walked to the table, wiped his hands on his clothes, and then gently stroked his daughter's photo.

Xia Qinian looked regretful after hearing that his phone and computer had been taken away; those were his main objectives.

Now that the items have been taken away by the police, we can only try our luck searching the room to see if there is a notebook or diary with social media passwords recorded.

After searching in vain, Xia Qinian asked to take his leave, mainly because he couldn't bear the atmosphere of utter grief.

Before the two left, Gao Fuye took out 10,000 yuan in cash from the room and handed it to Xia Qinian, saying it was a tip for making the trip. Xia Qinian accepted it without hesitation.

However, just as he was about to leave, Gao Fuye called out to Ai Liang: "Can you wait a moment? I have something I want to tell you."

(End of this chapter)