Chapter 5 – The Last Person to Kill (Part One)

The night was very deep.

When night fell, she lit a candle. The tiny, warm glow brought a trace of life to this cold and desolate little building.

She fetched a basin of water, poured in the medicinal powder, lifted her bangs, and dipped a piece of white cloth into the mixture. Facing the mirror, she slowly wiped the red blemish on her right cheek.

The water in the basin gradually turned red. In the mirror, her cheek became increasingly fair and flawless. It had been half a year since she had last seen this face.

She was always cautious in her actions and put her full effort. Her profession allowed no carelessness or vulnerability.

For the past year, she had never revealed her true appearance.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror, then leaned back in her chair and slowly closed her eyes.

After killing Zhang Dapeng, she had been traveling nonstop, barely resting.

That day was approaching. She had to return.

After each life-and-death trial, only when she returned here did she feel a slight sense of relief.

Although this was not her home—she had no home—at least here, she didn’t have to think about how to kill.

In such a quiet night, on the verge of sinking into deep sleep, she heard a faint, lingering sound like a gentle song.

A very familiar sound, the tone of a flute.

She opened her eyes, rose from her chair, descended the stairs, and walked slowly towards the woods.

The sound of the flute grew clearer. It was low and melancholic, like the lingering longing of a lover.

Under the moonlight and in the thin mist, a tall, lean figure stood beneath an acacia tree, quietly playing the flute. His silhouette was solitary and ethereal.

She walked to his side.

“You’re back!” He moved the flute away from his lips and smiled at her. His gaze was as clear and gentle as the moonlight.

“Yes, I’m back,” she said softly.

They gazed into each other’s eyes, silent.

“Ye,” he softly called her name, then suddenly opened his arms and embraced her tightly.

An overwhelming surge of longing, joy, and emotion enveloped her. As calm and restrained as she was, she could not remain unmoved.

“You’ve finally returned. I was so worried,” he murmured, gently stroking her hair. His nose was filled with her cool, elegant scent.

“I’m fine,” she said, leaning against his neck with a faint smile. Her face had gained a touch of softness and animation.

This was the expression she only wore when she was with him.

“Ye, Ye, Ye,” he called her name softly, his voice muffled in her hair. “I live in fear day and night, terrified that I won’t be able to grow old with you. I can’t bear this any longer… I’m going to…”

She placed her hand over his lips. Her eyes were deep and unfathomable. “Don’t go. Wait for me. You must wait until that day.”

He gazed at her, his eyes filled with sorrow.

Every time, she said the same thing. Five years had passed. How could he bear to let her suffer like this any longer?

He took hold of the hand that covered his face and said gently but firmly, “I have to say it, I’ve had enough. I can’t endure this kind of life any longer. Don’t worry about it. Let me handle this.”

She lowered her eyes. “He won’t agree.”

“As long as I beg him, he will. You’ve already done more than enough. You deserve to have your own life. I won’t let you suffer like this anymore. Trust me.”

“Wenshu, there’s only one last task left…”

He held her even tighter, not letting her continue. His voice was filled with barely suppressed pain and agitation. “I’m afraid of losing you. Every time you go out, I wish I could go in your place. I can’t help but think, if you really don’t come back, how can I… go on living? Every time, I think maybe this time… I really will… lose you… I’ve really had enough. I… can’t take that risk anymore. Do you understand? I… can’t gamble with this… I can’t afford to lose…”

He was gentle and refined, yet inside he was so stubborn and passionate.

She quietly nestled in his arms, listening to his heartbeat and feeling his warmth.

Only when she was with him did she feel that human warmth existed.