“But, to be honest, the killer’s method was truly brutal. I won’t go into the gory details—it’s just too disgusting…”

“But if this case gets solved, the police might even turn it into a documentary, you know!”

“And they’d probably invite you as the female lead—a cautionary example to warn people to be careful when meeting up with strangers online!”

Lizi Sa grinned.

I couldn’t be bothered with her random chatter. Right then, my safety mattered most.

I carefully scanned the restaurant. Everyone was eating, chatting, and laughing—no lurking danger in sight.

Come to think of it, it made sense. The killer went to such lengths to lure me to a deserted place like Wanxiang Residential Area. Clearly, he avoided striking in crowded spots.

So theoretically… I should be safe for now.

*

“Oh! Almost forgot—should you call your family? Just say you’ll be back late. I’ll take you home after.”

Lizi Sa asked.

At the word “home,” I lowered my head, a trace of sadness in my eyes.

“I… there’s no one at home.”

I didn’t want to share my situation, but since I’d chosen to trust her, I might as well be honest.

Truth is, if I had to spend tonight alone at home, I wouldn’t sleep a wink.

My dad, Wei Chuanyi, was a businessman—though I never knew what kind. When I was little, he had time: catching butterflies with me, telling strange stories under the tree shade, buying whatever I wanted, cooking whatever I liked. He left a warm impression.

But as I grew older, he came home less and less. The last time I saw him was years ago.

Mom always said he was away on big business. Now that I’m older… no matter how big the deal, vanishing for years just doesn’t sit right.

I once roughly listed possible reasons: in prison? Passed away? Ran off with his mistress after striking it rich? Or… is my dad actually the reincarnation of Dayu, spending eternity controlling floods along the Yellow River?

I never got a call. Never a letter. Never any news.

Sometimes he felt like he’d vanished into thin air. There were moments I even wondered… did I ever really have a father?

My mom, Yan Huayi, was a housewife. Without Dad, she’s had to travel constantly to make ends meet.

She never seemed particularly affected by his disappearance. I don’t know if they kept secret contact—but she never mentioned him.

When I was small, I’d ask, “When’s Dad coming back?” She’d calmly say, “Soon.”

Now I don’t ask. She doesn’t bring it up. We just muddle through, day after day.

Because Mom’s often away, staying alone at home felt suffocating—that’s why I started pulling all-nighters at the internet cafe. And now she’s gone again…

She probably has no idea her daughter just faced something so terrifying. Deep down, I believe my parents love me. But honestly… since I’ve been old enough to understand, hasn’t their care felt a little… lacking?

*

“So… your parents aren’t home?”

Lizi Sa looked surprised. Seeing me nod dejectedly, she didn’t press further.

“How about I stay with you tonight? Or you come to my place. Only if you’re scared—otherwise, pretend I didn’t say anything.”

She asked warmly.

I glanced up, then had a better idea. Fumbling in my pocket, I pulled out a hundred-yuan bill, slapped it on the table, and smiled brightly.

*

*

“You’re still playing *this* game? No trauma?”

After splitting the dinner bill, Lizi Sa and I were settled in the internet cafe.

Stubborn as ever, I reopened the game—but I’d already deleted Liu Xiaozhen, blocked my location, and disabled nearby friend requests.

“The killer’s at fault, not the game. What’s the big deal?” I muttered while navigating.

Lizi Sa sat beside me, idly fiddling with the mouse, staring blankly at the screen.

“Isn’t ‘game companion’ part of your job? Wanna join?” I asked, catching her dazed look from the corner of my eye.

“My ‘games’ mean board games or sports—not this electronic stuff.”

“Then I suggest you delete ‘game companion’ from your business card!”

The cafe was cozy, seats plush little sofas. Lizi Sa kicked off her shoes, curled up under her jacket, and started watching some random drama, letting out muffled giggles now and then.

Suddenly, it hit me. I pulled up my in-game profile: *Gender: Male, Age: Unknown, Signature: None…*

I froze.

Back at the restaurant, I’d vaguely recalled filling it carelessly. Now confirmed.

But why did the killer target *me* with such a vague profile? Wasn’t he worried the person might be a big, burly man?

It didn’t add up. If he really picked targets from nearby profiles, plenty of girls openly posted photos looking for boyfriends. Why me?

I tilted my head toward Lizi Sa—curled up, jacket draped over her, happily absorbed in her drama.

I let out a silent sigh.

*

“Miss Consultant… why *did* you choose this line of work?” I asked, curiosity and mild irritation mixing in my voice.

“Hm?”

Lizi Sa removed her headphones and grinned at me.

“Nothing much. Just checking if you’re sleepy.”

I sighed. Seeing her gentle smile, the urge to tease her vanished.

All-nighters depend on the person. For someone tough like me, it’s routine. But I wasn’t sure about Lizi Sa.

I’ve had enough bad luck lately. If something happened to her because *I* dragged her into this… I’d really need to find a temple and ward off some evil spirits.