Ye Shixian stumbled toward Ye Mingze's room. Just as she reached the door, she heard suppressed sobs from inside.
She froze, not daring to take another step.
Night had fallen. The lanterns hanging from the eaves cast a ghastly white light, swaying in the night wind like whimpering spirits.
An immense fear gripped her heart, and an overwhelming chill swept over her.
The sound of even more hurried footsteps came from behind her. It was Mrs. Gao, who had clearly heard the news and come rushing over in a panic.
Her head was still wrapped in gauze, and she looked as if she had lost a significant amount of weight. In the flickering candlelight, her pockmarked, red, and swollen face shifted between light and shadow, making her look like a malevolent spirit.
"Mingze! Mingze!"
Mrs. Gao stumbled forward, her voice trembling as she screamed his name. She didn't even notice Ye Shixian, bumping into her without a backward glance as she charged straight toward the room.
