Volume One: Entering the City Chapter Twenty-Six: I Think You're Dangerous

“No way. Every year, millions die in accidents. They were just unlucky; aren’t you overthinking this?” a girl said, her expression uneasy. But that was only natural—who wouldn’t want to quickly stand on the protagonist’s side? Yet in this forced script, there was no choice.

“No, that’s not it. While many people die in accidents each year, we only escaped that disaster two days ago, and within the next two days, five of us have died one after another—especially the matter just now.

When Yang Miao had his accident, his classmate was right there, yet nothing happened to him—only Yang Miao died,” Xie Ruida said hastily.

“That is a little hard to explain, now that you mention it,” Xiao Wen nodded in agreement.

“You mean to say this was deliberate?” Fang Hao spoke coolly, “A friend, relative, or someone else connected to the victims is taking revenge?”

“No… I don’t think so,” Lu Ningyu answered hesitantly.

“It’s not impossible,” Xu Yuanbin said with a bored tone, reciting his lines, “We got off the bus early, then the crash happened afterward. The victims’ friends or relatives, overwhelmed by grief and anger, think we knew about the danger but did nothing—so they act out in extreme ways. It does make sense.”

“But that would be a problem. There were so many victims in this accident—their relatives, friends, lovers, business associates, maybe even people with hidden connections. How could we investigate all those people? We can’t suspect every stranger we pass on the street,” Lu Yi said, frowning.

“There aren’t that many people, actually.” Fang Hao pushed off the wall and walked toward them, pulling a small notebook and pen from his pocket. “If it’s revenge, three things are certain:

First, the perpetrator had to be someone who could quickly get information—media, first responders, or even someone at the rest stop that day. Or, in an extreme case, someone among us, because only someone present could have identified us all. That was the only time we were all together; if someone didn’t confirm our identities then, it would be impossible to find us later.

Second, they must live within half a day’s drive of Anvalo, so they could quickly recognize us and plan their moves, then act the next day. Anyone too far away can be ruled out.

Third, they must have significant power or resources—for surveillance, and for designing and executing their plan.

If we’d examined the victims’ clothes or belongings at the time, maybe we could’ve found a tracking device.”

“No, it absolutely isn’t one of us—we haven’t done anything!” Xiao Wen said anxiously, spreading her hands.

“You’re right,” Xu Yuanbin nodded at Fang Hao, “as expected from a famous detective. To carry out such a plan in a park and kill Yang Miao so precisely, the perpetrator must have investigated him thoroughly—like Boss Dong did to Xie Ruida.”

“Mr. Xu, is it?” The young man in the suit immediately stepped forward, questioning. Dong Xingteng suddenly fell silent, then sneered. “Ridiculous. Even if I have that kind of power, why would I do such a thing? What’s my motive? What do I gain?”

“How should I know?” Xu Yuanbin shrugged. “Just like I still don’t get why a big shot like you would be on a bus.”

Hearing this, Fang Hao raised his eyes slightly. That was precisely what he was investigating, though clearly, even Dong Xingteng himself didn’t know the answer.

“Everyone, please.” Xie Ruida spoke again, his expression grave. “I don’t mean someone committed murder. I mean that something failed to take our lives in that accident and now it’s back for us.”

The veterans fell silent.

“That’s absurd,” Lu Ningyu shook her head. “Why? Because we were lucky and survived? There are plenty of people luckier than us. Does that mean they deserve wealth and we must submit to fate?”

She straightened her hair. “Anyway, I can’t accept that explanation.”

As the group argued, someone knocked on the door of Lu Yi’s house again. They exchanged uneasy glances.

When the door opened, standing outside were Ao Huang and several other veteran participants. “I heard everything you just discussed,” Ao Huang said with a smile.

Fang Hao nodded slightly to the veterans, and inwardly sneered—so they had come after all.

Ao Huang smiled at everyone, then took out an ID and handed it to Xie Ruida. “We’re in charge of special incidents. I believe one of my colleagues spoke to you recently.”

Xie Ruida glanced at the ID, looking puzzled. “I remember they didn’t mention any follow-up.”

“That’s right.” Ao Huang kept smiling. “This was arranged after you left. We’re still interested in your premonitions.”

“This is nonsense,” Xu Yuanbin snorted. “Are you all acting? Can’t you at least be more professional? Some mysterious force threatens our lives, and then a group of people show up to confirm it—this plot device is so overused.”

Xu Yuanbin stormed out, slamming the door as he left. The others, still skeptical and unconvinced, also departed one by one.

“Seems we didn’t come at the right time,” Ao Huang said to Xie Ruida without a hint of apology.

“Well, since everyone else is gone, we have a few things we need to confirm with you. Let’s find somewhere quiet to talk,” he invited, gesturing.

Xie Ruida looked at Li Xinran, clearly reluctant. “Can’t we talk here?”

“No—we have to keep some things confidential,” Ao Huang replied, patting Xie Ruida on the shoulder.

Feeling the surprising strength in Ao Huang’s hand, Xie Ruida’s expression shifted several times before he finally sighed. “All right.”

The group soon left, and with that, the forced plot segment ended.

Lu Yi, realizing he still hadn’t voiced his question, rushed to open the door and ran out after them.

But when he reached the entrance, all he could see was a car driving away, shrinking into the distance.

“Damn it,” Lu Yi cursed, punching a nearby streetlight in frustration.

Just then, a black car stopped in front of him. The window rolled down to reveal Fang Hao inside. “You wanted to chase after them, didn’t you?”

“You too?” Lu Yi asked, walking toward the car.

But at that moment, Fang Hao suddenly raised his hand, a pistol appearing in his grip. He pressed it to Lu Yi’s forehead. “No, I was waiting for you. I think you’re dangerous,” Fang Hao said, a slight smile curling on his lips.