First, timid and submissive in reality.

Chen Sheng walked a few steps, suddenly overcome by the uncanny sensation of being watched. Instinctively, he glanced around, but all he could see in the darkness were a few scattered, dim lights.

The noise drifting over from the neighboring Yuehe Street spurred him to quicken his pace.

When he returned to this small food street, a wave of inexplicable relief washed over him, as though some heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

The air was thick with delicious aromas, yet Chen Sheng felt no appetite.

Even so, he bought a few snacks to take home, a habit he’d picked up from his fishing friends—never return empty-handed, no matter what.

Of course, it cost him more than those fishermen; after all, they could just grab a handful of pondweed and call it a day.

Driving back to his rented apartment complex, Chen Sheng ignored the landlord’s note taped to his door. It was nothing special—she’d simply bought too many oysters and wanted his help eating some.

He undressed and stepped into the shower.

After his shower, he stood before the mirror, gazing at his own reflection. That familiar feeling returned—he looked more handsome.

But as his eyes drifted to the sink, where stray strands of hair lay scattered, a look of resignation crossed his face.

He was used to it by now.

At worst, he’d just end up like his balding supervisor.

In this line of work, he’d long since prepared himself.

Rubbing his hair dry, Chen Sheng went out and lay down to sleep. After a full day’s work, he was utterly exhausted.

The next morning, it was the police who woke him.

Confused, Chen Sheng invited the officers in.

“Dr. Chen, there’s no need to be nervous. We’re just here to ask you a few questions.” The female officer spoke. She wore her hair cropped short, exuding an air of efficiency.

“Of course. Please, go ahead.” Chen Sheng didn’t refuse, though he was puzzled as to why the police would seek him out.

He rarely socialized and led a simple, two-point life: either at the hospital working or resting in his rented room.

“Do you know Liu Susu?”

“Nurse Liu? Of course, we work at the same hospital.” Chen Sheng answered without hesitation. Although Liu had told him last night she was going to resign, he wouldn’t have mentioned it unless asked.

“How was your relationship?”

“We were colleagues.” Chen Sheng thought for a moment, then gave what he considered the most accurate answer.

“Not close, but not strangers either?”

“That’s right.” Chen Sheng nodded.

“Do you know if anyone was close to Liu Susu? Or perhaps, was there anyone she was at odds with?” the female officer continued.

“Well…”

Chen Sheng was at a loss. This question stumped him—he never paid attention to others’ affairs.

“All right, Dr. Chen, I understand.” The officer nodded. “If you remember anything, please contact me at the station.”

“I will. By the way, officers, forgive me for asking, but what’s happened to Liu Susu?” Chen Sheng finally couldn’t help but ask.

After all, he’d seen her the previous night.

If she’d done something wrong and it implicated him, he ought to clear himself as soon as possible.

Ordinary people, in reality, could only be so timid and cautious.

“She’s dead. Murdered. The killer hasn’t been found.” The female officer’s gaze remained fixed on Chen Sheng as she spoke.

Chen Sheng’s eyes widened.

“Dead?”

He was stunned, unable to believe it—he’d just seen her the night before.

The officer finally looked away, sighing. “Yes, and it was a gruesome death. The body was dismembered. So far, only some parts have been found. The brutality of the crime has made the case a high priority. But Liu Susu has been dead for some time now, and the police have few leads. So if anything comes to mind—even the smallest detail—please let us know.”

“I will, absolutely… Wait, she’s been dead for some time?” Chen Sheng wondered if he’d misheard. That phrase suggested it wasn’t just a matter of a single night.

“The time of death is still uncertain. Due to the recent heat, the remains were already decomposed when found.”

Chen Sheng was dumbstruck.

“Is something wrong? Did you remember something?” the officer asked immediately.

“What if I told you… last night, as I was leaving the hospital, I ran into Liu Susu? Would you believe me?” Chen Sheng was now truly shaken.

“You saw Liu Susu last night?”

“Yes.” Chen Sheng was bewildered. If he’d seen her, then who was this murder victim the officers spoke of?

“Dr. Chen, please describe the events in detail.” The male officer finally spoke.

“Well, here’s what happened…” Chen Sheng began, recounting the previous day as thoroughly as possible. He glossed over the bit about the glasses, merely saying that, as he neared the end of his shift, he’d played a healing game in his office.

As Chen Sheng spoke, the officers listened intently. When he mentioned the back of Yuehe Street, both officers glanced at him in unison.

“What is it, officers?” Chen Sheng was puzzled.

“You’re sure it was behind Yuehe Street?”

“Yes, it was strangely deserted there, which struck me as odd, especially since the neighboring Yuehe Street was so lively.” Chen Sheng nodded.

“Half a month ago, a major fire destroyed most of Huaxia Plaza behind Yuehe Street,” the male officer said.

Chen Sheng froze.

He gasped, hands and feet trembling uncontrollably.

If nothing else, it seemed he’d encountered a ghost last night.

At that moment, the female officer stepped outside to make a call. About ten minutes later, she returned and said, “Dr. Chen, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, perhaps you should take some time off. That’s also the hospital’s recommendation.”

With that, she turned and left.

The male officer lingered, regarding Chen Sheng with a peculiar expression before following her out.

That look was not unfamiliar to Chen Sheng.

“So… they think I’m insane?” Chen Sheng rubbed his head. It didn’t bother him much; what concerned him more was what had happened the previous night.

He, after all, didn’t believe it was just his imagination.

“But could there really be ghosts?”

The question clashed with everything Chen Sheng believed.

“Wait, that hemp rope!”

He suddenly remembered and hurried to search for it, but no matter how hard he looked, it was nowhere to be found, as if last night’s events had all been a dream.

“Was it truly a dream?”

He couldn’t help but doubt himself.

Just then, the gold-rimmed glasses he wore began to stir. In an instant, the entire scene around him changed.