"What did you say?" The thin man got furious at the mention of an accident. "What accident? If you can't talk, don't talk!"
The taxi driver looked at him like he was crazy. "I don't want your money anymore. After this road, I'll pull over, and you can get off!"
"You!" The thin man was about to curse when his phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, he answered excitedly.
"Hello! How's it going..." The thin man listened for a while, and the excitement gradually faded from his well-maintained face, turning into a ferocious expression.
He suddenly roared, "What did you say! How dare he!"
Whatever was said on the other end made the thin man lean back in the driver's astonished gaze. He was sitting in the back seat; leaning back made him look cowering, his eyes staring straight ahead with a look of spite and fear.
"A bunch of idiots! Then hurry up and pick me up... What do I keep you for?! I only get this news now. Wait for me at Huating Mansion in the city center. Hurry up!"
He hung up.
The thin man calmed down a bit and looked around. He shouldn't have come near this place tonight; it was really remote!
Restraining himself, he showed a feigned apology to the taxi driver: "Sorry about that. Something went wrong with my business today. There's no other car at this hour. Take me to Huating Mansion. I said three thousand; I'll make it five thousand."
Looking out the window at the rain that seemed to be mixed with occasional snowflakes, he somehow thought of his son. He had kept many mistresses in his life, and he had no feelings for his wife. Many men in his circle were like him. The only affection he had seemed to be for his son, but he hadn't seen him for a long time.
Lost in thought, he murmured, "It's a holiday today. Why be at odds with money? Buy something nice for your kids..."
The taxi driver was tempted but emphasized, "But I won't run red lights!"
"Then don't. Just drive faster."
"Okay!"
The taxi sped up, running fast, and the black car Su Cui was in couldn't catch up.
The black car driver was also stirred up and kept muttering, "That taxi ahead must be rushing to reincarnation! Running so fast, where is it going? Elder sister, judging by the direction, it's heading to the city center. The price..."
"Name your price."
"You're older, so I won't ask for much. Just give me this amount." The black car driver held up one finger.
"One hundred?"
The driver nodded.
"Okay!" Su Cui agreed quickly. At this hour, so late, with few cars on the road, the price was reasonable.
Two cars—one rushing forward, the other chasing closely.
As they raced, Su Cui took a moment to check the time.
It was past 11...
Baixue should be home and almost asleep by now.
When the taxi ahead finally stopped, Su Cui quickly paid and got out. As she paid, she stared ahead intently.
The thin man got out and walked away. She wanted to follow him, but her phone rang. Startled, she saw it was Su Baixue.
Hesitating for a moment, she answered.
"Grandma, are you almost home?" Su Baixue's voice came through.
Seeing that the thin man hadn't entered the building—Huating Mansion's doors were already closed—Su Cui sidestepped, kept her distance, and hid in the shadows.
The thin man stood at the building entrance on the phone, looking impatient.
Su Cui lowered her voice and said to Su Baixue, "Baixue, not yet. I'm on my way. It's okay. You go to bed first. Grandma will be a little late."
She planned to go directly and catch the thin man, but just as she took a step, she suddenly noticed a tall, thin figure appearing at the dark glass door of Huating Mansion.
It seemed to be a security guard—very tall, with broad shoulders, wearing a security uniform that gave off a lean, sharp look. His hat was pulled low, and his physique was the epitome of a narrow waist and broad back.
Su Cui frowned.
Something was off.
Su Baixue was still talking. Su Cui lowered her voice again; she needed to hang up.
"It's fine. Grandma just picked up an umbrella! Hahaha... You go to bed early. Tomorrow, we'll be at home, and Grandma will make you scallion pancakes. I'll save the phone bill. Grandma's hanging up now!"
"...Okay."
The call ended.
Both the taxi and the black car driver had left. Su Cui glanced at her phone; it was 11:55.
Baixue, why isn't she asleep at this hour!
Ah, she must be worried about me.
Su Cui's heart warmed. She shook her head and looked toward the entrance of Huating Mansion. The thin man was still on the phone, seemingly unaware that a security guard had appeared behind him.
No one was at the entrance.
The guard just stood silently behind the thin man, separated by the glass door, head lowered, standing like a zombie.
Su Cui's heart trembled slightly.
This was indeed a very eerie scene.
Out of caution, Su Cui didn't advance further. She wanted to see what the guard would do. In that moment of hesitation, as if tired of waiting, the thin middle-aged man angrily hung up and turned around—