The story was finished.
Pei Cangyu stared urgently at the expressions of the two men across from him. He had omitted the overly ambiguous details of his interactions with Bai Shi, but his words still hinted at an unusual relationship. This brought a slight look of awkwardness to Fei Zuohua’s face; after all, he had never thought of things in that direction.
Tu Ziyun, however, remained expressionless. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking as he stared at a teacup on the table, seemingly lost in thought.
"So," Pei Cangyu licked his lips and asked Tu Ziyun, "what do you want me to do? Be a witness?"
Fei Zuohua took over the conversation. "This case isn't under our jurisdiction. If you want to be a witness, we need to report it to the Eighth Department. I can help you reach out to them—"
As he spoke, Pei Cangyu suddenly realized that the Eighth Department wouldn't listen to his side of the story. He would certainly be treated as an accomplice...
Fine, an accomplice then. This was a murder case. He would explain his part clearly and leave the rest to the police. Thinking this, Pei Cangyu decided to cooperate fully.
"No." Tu Ziyun finally spoke, looking up at Pei Cangyu. "Right now, only you can do this. There will never be a better opportunity."
"Huh?" Pei Cangyu was stunned.
"What I mean is, I want you to go back to Bai Shi’s side," Tu Ziyun told him.
"What?"
That voice came from Fei Zuohua.
"We already have a witness. We can completely list Bai Shi as a suspect. Sending Pei Cangyu back now—isn't that just like leading a lamb to the slaughter?" Fei Zuohua frowned, his voice rising unconsciously.
"Calm down." Tu Ziyun shot him a look. "First, we have no direct evidence to prove Bai Shi’s guilt. Even if Pei Cangyu testifies that he and Bai Shi met by chance at the murder scene, if we submit that to the Eighth Department, both of them will be suspects. Why would the Eighth Department believe Pei Cangyu over him? You only say that because you know him."
Fei Zuohua fell silent.
Tu Ziyun continued, "Furthermore, investigating someone of Bai Shi’s status is no easy task. If handled poorly and leaked to the public prematurely, the Eighth Department will face immense pressure, and the case will likely be closed hastily. Third, District Z no longer has a reason to interfere in this case. Without sufficient evidence, I don't think the Eighth Department will agree to take over the investigation just because we say so, or because of Pei Cangyu’s word alone."
The three fell into silence again. Outside the window, the heavy fog still lingered.
Tu Ziyun looked at Pei Cangyu. "I suspect Bai Shi’s people will be here soon."
Pei Cangyu swallowed hard.
"Like I said, I want you to go back."
Pei Cangyu looked up, meeting Tu Ziyun’s gaze.
Tu Ziyun opened his phone and flipped through several photos for him. "Now, listen carefully. These photos show footprints from the scene of Bai Yinhua’s death. Pay attention to these prints. Specifically, look for people appearing at the Bai residence. Since Bai Shi’s primary residence is now where you are staying, these people will surely show up sooner or later. Please keep an eye out..."
"What... how am I supposed to notice footprints?" Pei Cangyu broke into a cold sweat; he didn't understand.
"Here," Tu Ziyun pointed at a photo. "For example, this set of prints belongs to Bai Shi. This one next to it is yours. This set we’ve marked in red is slightly uneven between the left and right; this person might have a slight sway when they walk, suggesting an injury to one leg. This set marked in yellow—these are military boots. The tread marks are shallow and filled with mud, proving they are old shoes. It’s reasonable to assume this person wears military boots regularly."
Tu Ziyun looked up at Pei Cangyu. "Do you understand what I mean?"
"Um... sort of?"
"It doesn't matter. You just need to notice anything strange. Leave the rest to us." Tu Ziyun looked out the window. Lights were shining through the mist.
"I think his people are almost here." Tu Ziyun stood up and glanced at Fei Zuohua, who also stood up slowly, looking at Pei Cangyu with concern.
"Don't worry, Bai Shi won't kill you. If he did, the suspicion on him would be too great." This was likely Tu Ziyun’s attempt at comfort. Pei Cangyu forced a small, wry smile.
"How do I contact you?" Pei Cangyu asked, looking up.
"Use a public phone. I suggest you memorize the number you need to call." Tu Ziyun thought for a moment and added, "Don't worry. If we don't hear from you in three days, we’ll pay Bai Shi a visit."
Fei Zuohua chimed in, "And if Pei Cangyu goes missing too..."
Pei Cangyu flinched. Tu Ziyun turned away. "Let’s go."
The headlights from outside shone directly into the room, then cut out. The sound of a car locking echoed. When Pei Cangyu turned his head again, Tu Ziyun and Fei Zuohua were gone. The waiter brought the teacup back, and Pei Cangyu fished out his soaking wet phone.
A man stood beside Pei Cangyu, looking around. "You're alone?"
Pei Cangyu nodded.
"Let's head back." As the man spoke, he carefully looked over the items on the table. Under a pressed napkin, he found the black lighter engraved with the green eagle. The man tucked it away and asked Pei Cangyu to leave with him once more. His tone was perfectly polite, but it was by no means respectful.
Pei Cangyu stood up and walked out.
He returned to the Bai residence. Only then did he remember that he actually had classes that afternoon, but now, none of that seemed very important.
The man who had picked him up approached Bai Shi and handed him the lighter. Pei Cangyu closed his eyes, suddenly realizing that this was a blatant provocation from Tu Ziyun. It was a direct message to Bai Shi: Pei Cangyu has already been in contact with us. On one hand, it was a warning to "beat the mountain to scare the tiger," making Bai Shi hesitate to harm Pei Cangyu. On the other hand, Tu Ziyun was gambling—betting that even if Bai Shi knew Pei Cangyu had seen the police, he wouldn't kick him out due to personal feelings or other plans.
To Tu Ziyun, Pei Cangyu was a wager.
What about to Bai Shi? Pei Cangyu couldn't help but look at him.
Bai Shi took the lighter, gave a cold snort, and tossed it onto the table. "Amateur."
Then he turned around and smiled at Pei Cangyu as if nothing had happened, as gentle as ever. "So, have you decided? What do you want for dinner?"
Pei Cangyu felt like he was on a roller coaster. Looking at Bai Shi was like looking at a different person. Was he really supposed to do this "lying next to a tiger" work? This wasn't his job.
Yet, for some reason, he had muddled his way into agreeing.
The people in the house dispersed in small groups. Bai Shi sat down unconcernedly to flip through a book and drink, asking no questions at all.
Only the two of them remained.
Pei Cangyu took a few steps toward Bai Shi, then stopped. He thought about leaving for school; the campus held a massive appeal for him right now. Just as he turned, Bai Shi called out to him, "I heard your phone is broken?"
Pei Cangyu nodded.
"Want me to get you a new one?"
"...Whatever works."
He only realized how quiet his voice was once he spoke. He must look like a trembling, terrified mess in Bai Shi’s eyes. He really didn't understand why Tu Ziyun had chosen him; wasn't it obvious he’d blow his cover?
Bai Shi stood up, walked over, and placed a hand gently on his shoulder. Pei Cangyu broke out in goosebumps. What was this? Did Bai Shi enjoy the "ruthless flower-crusher" trope? Was Tu Ziyun betting on the "overbearing CEO and the little gay guy" dynamic?
"What are you thinking about?" Bai Shi asked again, his voice carrying a suppressed melancholy.
"Sweet and sour fish," Pei Cangyu blurted out, for no particular reason. "I was thinking... I want to eat sweet and sour fish."
The dimness in Bai Shi’s eyes brightened. "Alright." He walked toward the kitchen, enthusiastically rolling up his sleeves as if he intended to cook it himself.
Pei Cangyu stared at his back, suddenly dazed.
Wait. According to the previous arrangements, the butler and the others had left in the afternoon. So, for all this time, who had been making his late-night snacks? The disappearance of Gao Qian and Gao Tang, who were threats only to Pei Cangyu in every sense... the fire that wiped out the traces of his presence at the pier warehouse...
Pei Cangyu had always thought Bai Shi was being ambiguous with him because he didn't like him and was just pretending. But what if, in reality, Bai Shi’s actions were criminal, yet he truly did like him? Which meant...
Pei Cangyu understood. In the confrontation between Tu Ziyun and Bai Shi, he wasn't just a pawn to be moved around. His weapon was right here. His weapon was Bai Shi.
Pei Cangyu called out to him. "Bai Shi."
"Hmm?" Bai Shi turned his head to look at him.
"Do you know how to cook fish?"
"I can learn."
Pei Cangyu walked over. "Then I'll join you."
Bai Shi looked at him and smiled.
A phone rang.
Bai Shi pulled out his phone and moved to leave to take the call. Pei Cangyu glanced at him and started to walk out first.
Bai Shi reached out and grabbed him, keeping him in the kitchen while he answered the phone.
Though Pei Cangyu couldn't hear what was being said on the other end, Bai Shi only replied occasionally. Finally, he said, "Understood. I'll handle it."
Pei Cangyu washed his hands seriously, not looking at Bai Shi, putting on the air of someone preparing to cook. Bai Shi looked at him and said, "I might have to go out for a bit..."
Pei Cangyu’s hands stopped. He gave a small "oh," looking displeased. He nodded perfunctorily, turned off the faucet, and walked past Bai Shi to go upstairs. Bai Shi watched his retreating back.
Once back in his room, Pei Cangyu’s heart wouldn't stop racing. He paced anxiously. He was guessing—would Bai Shi cancel his plans just because of the look on Pei's face? Pei Cangyu didn't know where this confidence came from. Perhaps Bai Shi was only being so accommodating because he needed to keep using him, or perhaps...
Pei Cangyu watched the clock on the wall. A full seven minutes passed before there was a knock at the door.
He froze, then dove under the covers. "Come in," he said. Bai Shi entered and walked straight toward him on the bed. Pei Cangyu buried his face in the quilt. He felt Bai Shi crouch down by the bedside.
A hand gently stroked the hair that was peeking out. "Do you still want to make the fish?"
Pei Cangyu didn't move. "I'm tired. Aren't you going out?"
"No need. I'm not going."
Under the covers, Pei Cangyu nearly shook with excitement. He had guessed right!
Even knowing he was in league with the police, Bai Shi had no intention of giving up on him. Maybe it was a new tactic, maybe it was just a whim, but regardless, Bai Shi had no plan to hand him over to the police.
That meant he could win.
Pei Cangyu was gambling on this inexplicable indulgence Bai Shi showed him.
So, Pei Cangyu threw back the covers and sat up, nodding with his head down. "Alright then."
Bai Shi reached out to help him up, but Pei Cangyu hopped off the bed himself.
They walked downstairs. Bai Shi followed behind Pei Cangyu, hands in his pockets. Pei Cangyu was in high spirits; he had finally caught the end of the thread in this tangled mess.
"It's a bit cold." Pei Cangyu ran over to the fireplace. He tried to start the fire the way he’d seen Bai Shi do it, but he couldn't quite get the hang of it. He turned and called out, "Hey, how do you do this?"
Bai Shi walked over, gently took the poker from his hand and set it aside. He opened the grate and crouched down to adjust the firewood. Pei Cangyu thought it looked fun and crouched down too, mimicking him. He reached toward the wood, quickly pulling back whenever a flame flickered up. The light from the spurting fire illuminated the side of his face. Bai Shi spoke slowly in a calm voice.
"You're playing with fire, you know that?"
Pei Cangyu laughed. "What movie is that line from?"
Bai Shi smiled with him but didn't answer.
Pei Cangyu’s hand, reaching toward the hearth, was suddenly bitten by a surging flame, which scorched and burned his flesh.
"Ah!" He fell backward, landing hard on the floor.
***
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Stolen Jade | Chapter 34 | Playing with Fire | Novela.app | Novela.app
