Chapter 16: Being Hunted Again
What Thu Thảo had said about this boy wasn't wrong—his fate had always been to die young. And he had died. Now, the one living in his body was her. Thinking about it weighed heavily on her. She had no idea how she was going to live out the rest of her life in this new body.
As Thu Thảo went back inside the house, she got into the car with Nguyễn Thế Anh. The Audi slowly rolled forward.
Her house was in the suburbs, so they had to pass through a rather desolate stretch of road. She silently gazed at the vast emptiness ahead. On both sides were abandoned fields that had recently been sold to a Japanese company. She had traveled this road countless times on her way to school and had many memories attached to it. In autumn, this road was even more beautiful, covered with endless white reeds swaying in the wind.
She quickly told Nguyễn Thế Anh,
"I want to get out."
He didn't ask questions and simply pulled over. She lay down on the grass, face up, letting her body relax and soak in the open space and fresh air. Nguyễn Thế Anh also stepped out of the car and stood beside her.
"You seem to really like this place," he remarked.
Looking up at him from below, his figure, his hair, his face—they were strikingly handsome. For a brief moment, she forgot about his sinister smile from that night. Letting her guard down for just an instant, she replied,
"Of course. I've been attached to this place for more than twenty years. It's still the most comfortable place for me."
As soon as she said it, she regretted it. She had spoken recklessly again. This boy was only eighteen—there was no way he could have been attached to this place for over twenty years. She noticed the corner of his lips curl slightly before returning to his usual expression. Hastily, she changed the subject to cover her slip-up.
"Lie down. You'll find it very relaxing."
He sat down next to her, smiling.
"If you like it, I'll bring you here from time to time."
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and didn't reply. She still didn't understand him, so it was best to remain cautious.
Some time passed. She had just drifted off when he suddenly yanked her up.
"Run!"
Without hesitation, he grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Instinctively, she ran with him. This boy's body was strong and agile—before she knew it, they had reached the car. Only then did she have a chance to assess the situation.
Four sleek black BMWs were speeding toward them from all directions.
Hoàng Hải Vân wanted to cry but had no tears left. Internally, she cursed. He must have done plenty of terrible things to be hunted down wherever he went. But wait—what if they weren't after him? What if they were after the boy instead?
Either way, she was caught up in it now. Why did she always have to deal with other people's messes?