The young master’s eyes wandered between Jiang Cheng and Fatty. Then, he smiled, “I’m afraid my connection with the big brother won’t be as close as yours with him. We might miss some details if we work together.”
Fatty was startled, and his heart shrunk. He didn’t expect the man to realise that he actually knew the Doctor.
“Enough.” It was the woman who leaned on the stone pillar who spoke. Between heavy breaths, she lifted his eyes painfully, “All of you can go together. I wish to be alone.” Then, she harrumphed, “I’ve said everything I can say. It’s been so long. I can’t remember the rest.” She paused. “It’s pointless even if you stay around me. I have nothing else to add.”
It was then that Fatty realised the Doctor and the young master had the same plan. They wanted to get a chance to be alone with the woman and get her to reveal more information. Fatty was not dumb enough to believe that the woman had told them everything.
Based on what she said and the fear she had shown, the things that happened back then happened on their ship as well. They were attacked by some unknown creatures or forces. The survivors floated to this island. From the looks of things, her experience on the island was not great, or she wouldn’t have asked to leave so quickly. In other words, dangers existed not only on the sea but also on the island.
At this point, Fatty looked around. If he had to pick out the strangest thing on this island, it would be this building. From the outside, the large building looked like the common cathedral in Western movies. It was larger than a church. A large spire stood on the domed top. It was like a blade that pierced into the sky.
The mottled walls looked aged and corroded by the sea wind. The place had an ancient air. The building looked like it came out of an apocalyptic movie. It should inspire and impress. However, Fatty only felt oppressed. Even when he stood under the high ceiling, he felt very oppressed, as if a heavy stone were placed over his heart. His breathing became difficult.
The stone pillars were scattered everywhere. The floor was cracked and pebbles were everywhere. One had to be careful with each step. The broken pillars created a strange lighting effect. It felt like an indescribable thing was hidden in the alternative shadows, itching to make a move. Fatty couldn’t imagine whether it was just his imagination.
The woman slowly closed her eyes, as if she was resting. However, the rest understood this meant that the conversation was over.
Fatty turned to Jiang Cheng. Then, he heard the familiar voice say, “Fine.”
They left towards the door. Fatty watched them leave. Their footsteps faded away. The woman’s eyes opened. Fatty didn’t notice this because his attention was on the Doctor and the young master. He wondered what would happen between them.
The woman kept her head lowered. Her hidden eyes stared at a spot less than half a meter away from her feet. There was a piece of protruding pebble.
The pebble had a strange shape like it had been peeled off from a bigger part. The surface had the carving of scales about the size of a human palm.
As the sun ray shone on it, the scales rippled as if they were… alive.
The woman quickly closed her eyes again.
Different from the tension that Fatty imagined, the moment the young master and Jiang Cheng left the building and walked on the white sandy beach, they had a cheerful conversation.
“What is brother’s name?” Jiang Cheng asked.
“Chen Ran,” The young man tilted his head and smiled at Jiang Cheng. “What about you?” The wind picked up the young master’s bangs to reveal his phoenix-shaped eyes. He looked like an ancient scholar.
“The name is Hao Shuai! Or extremely handsome!” Jiang Cheng turned to the wind. His hair was a mess. He announced proudly.
The young master was taken aback. Then, he took another look at Jiang Cheng. He hesitated and said, “What a good name.”
“That’s all my friends say.” Jiang Cheng was very satisfied. “They say I match my name perfectly!”
“Hmm… What is Brother Hao’s opinion on this situation?” The young master couldn’t handle it anymore and directly cut to the crux of the issue. They were at the beach where everything could be seen clearly. There was no need to be secretive.
Jiang Cheng lowered his voice, “It’s definite that the woman hasn’t revealed everything. The key issues like what they have encountered and what happened to the survivors after they arrived at the island have been left out.”
“That’s right.” The young master nodded. “She also didn’t mention how she left this island the last time either.” The man chuckled, “I suspect it’s more than just a gag order from the government.”
Jiang Cheng looked at him. Something flashed in his eyes.
The young master didn’t miss it. He shrugged helplessly. “Brother Hao, don’t overthink it. It was just my gut feeling. It’s unreliable.” The young master turned towards the cathedral-like building and sighed, “Just building. It gave me the feeling that it was alive. When I was inside it, I felt like I was in the stomach of some giant beast. It was hard to breathe.”