Book 2: Chapter 21: Bait
Liu Tie first fell to the floor in shock and then bent over and started vomiting violently.
Ruan Zhan knelt down and grabbed his collar. Go call the police. Toughen up, act like a man! He knew the youth had suffered a fright, but this trauma could only be overcome by Liu Tie himself. He needed to help him firm up his mind.
Liu Tie nodded and stood up shakily. His face was pale as paper. He had never seen such a horrifying corpse, and it had even sat up. He would remember that scene for the rest of his life. Was it Tao Xiao Chun? Who caused her to end up in such a tragic state?!
I think you know what to say to the police, right? Ruan Zhan asked.
II wanted to show off my motorbike to sis Xiao Xia and brought you guys over. Then, then we found. He wasnt able to keep speaking.
Then go. Ruan Zhan patted his shoulder comfortingly and watched him run off in a panic. He then turned back and examined the corpse.
She was still sitting upright, the angle weird and strained from rigor mortis. A red rope was tied around her neck, the other end connected to the door handle. Both feet were held firmly in place. This was why she had seemed to sit up when the door was opened.
The situation had been too abrupt and he had truly suffered a fright as well. However, what came after was only anger. Because of Bloody Marys mischief, his usually unstirred heart was rather irritated, giving birth to a desire to defeat her and drive her off.
It was just revenge for breaking the contract. Was there a need to make it so elaborate and so perverse?
The degree of decomposition made the corpse emit an intense stink. It also made it impossible to directly determine the cause of death. He covered his nose and mouth, wanting to walk to the other side to see if there were any clues. However, his heart tightened at a glance.
On the dusty car, that beautiful handprint had vanished.
Ruan Zhan? Xiao Xias soft voice contained terror. It was clear she had an idea of the situation. Ruan Zhan? She called out to him.
Ruan Zhan hurriedly stepped out from behind the car. Im here, dont come over!
Xiao Xia nodded in bewilderment. The smell of the corpse drifted over and made her retch. She wanted to hurriedly leave with Ruan Zhan, but suddenly noticed the small box next to the bike.
That must be the carburetor or whatever, right? Tao Xiao Chuns parting gift to Liu Tie! The bike was very close to the doors and she walked over to pick up the box.
She now understood why Tao Xiao Chun met with mishap.
The girl naturally knew the conditions required for Bloody Mary to appear: a mirror, someone by themselves and an enclosed space. However, those who committed wrongs would always have a guilty conscience, and those who were panicked would make mistakes. Therefore, she ended up forfeiting her own life.
Xiao Xia actually didnt have enough proof to bring her in, but she had still decided to run away. She could have come to this remote location during the day without being noticed, but she chose to come at night because she was afraid of being spotted. She thought it would be fine since there were no mirrors, but didnt think Liu Tie had already fixed up most of the bike, including the rearview mirrors. This place was remote enough to count as an enclosed space even with the doors opened. Therefore, the conditions had all been met, and what awaited her was Bloody Marys revenge.
Why are you taking that box? Ruan Zhan walked over and asked.
Im afraid leaving it behind would implicate Liu Tie. Its not a relevant piece of evidence in any case. Xiao Xia opened the box as she spoke. She wanted to see what the carburetor looked like.
You want me to be bait? Xiao Xia was a little scared of this plan.
Ruan Zhan hesitated for a bit and shook his head. Thats not what Im thinking. Pretend I didnt say anything. Lets eat first.
It wasnt a good idea! Although it was the only thing he could come up with at the moment, it was too dangerous. Xiao Xias birth was inauspicious and she had gotten repeatedly frightened from ghosts recently. It didnt make her any braver and her yang energy had weakened. Sending her in such a state to the sinister, perverse Bloody Mary was the same as sending her to die.
If thats the only option, Ill do it! Xiao Xia suddenly said decisively.
Ruan Zhan looked at her face which had already turned pale just talking about it. He didnt know how he should describe this lady with contradictory characteristics. Was she timid or brave? Rash or sensitive? Annoying or cute? He looked at her displaying her weak yet unyielding attitude and felt a sort of tenderness well up from the depths of his heart. He really wanted to protect her, not letting her come to any harm.
I already said its not a good idea. Ill have to reconsider.
But I know only a woman can draw Bloody Mary out. We also cant reveal your secret to anyone, so Im the only one who can do this.
Arent you scared? People might die.
Of course Im scared! Im scared to death! Xiao Xia honestly admitted. But I was once again the one who pulled you into this matter. Its so powerful and I know youll be in danger too. How can I not get involved? It wouldnt be fair!
I dont need fairness. I just need you to give me some peace in the future.
Ruan Zhan! Im being serious!
Im very serious. He patted her small hands which were clenched into fists. Patience. Haste makes waste. Give me some time to consider things further. The plan must be airtight. Based on Bloody Marys cunning, it must be dealt with in one go. Otherwise, it would be far too difficult once its on guard. It would also wildly take revenge. Therefore, we have to consider everything without making any mistakes.
But I cant think of any options for the bait. I can also help you. Well tag team it. Otherwise, if you recruit or trick another girl into doing this, your secret will be exposed and its also too immoral!
Help me? Tag team? A thought suddenly flashed through Ruan Zhans mind.
Of course. Didnt I help you with Li Jing Mings matter last time? Xiao Xia emphasized to cover her insecurity. Dont look down on others. I saved your life! Although she was very scared, she still chose not to run. She couldnt let him face danger alone for the sake of her matter. Therefore, she had to overcome her fear no matter what.
Thats right. Im very grateful. Ruan Zhans lips curled. Im not denying your great importance. Im just saying we should consider it some more. You should know that the school is filled with police due to Tao Xiao Chuns matter. It wont be easy for us to sneak in. Bloody Mary will also behave for a few days. Isnt it better if we planned carefully during this time, little bait?
Dont call me that. Makes me feel like Ill get bitten to death. She involuntarily shivered.
I wont let you get bitten to death.
You promise?
I promise!