“Oh?” Chen Ran raised his brows.
Su Xiaoxiao didn’t have the mood to argue with him. She said directly, “We’re biological siblings, and we grew up together. I can sense… when he’s in danger.”
Chen Ran thought about it and looked deeper into the forest. Then, he turned around with a smile. “Does this mean… Miss Su wishes to break the promise?”
Once he said that, Su Xiaoxiao’s trembling body froze. She could sense the chill from his words. It was like a heart that aimed at her heart.
“No,” Su Xiaoxiao answered instantly. She calmed down. She looked at Chen Ran and said, “No matter what my little brother’s situation is, it’s too late for me to rush back now. If we can find the clues about the stone plate, there might still be hope for my brother.”
Chen Ran nodded with approval. “Miss Su is so clever!”
“Alright.” Su Xiaoxiao turned around to head deeper into the forest, “Let’s hurry up. We haven’t spotted the two along the way. They might have found the stone plate already.”
Chen Ran pulled out the hands that he had in his pocket. He grinned, “I’ll follow Miss Su’s instructions.”
About half an hour later, they finally found the strange white plate. Chen Ran knelt down and hid behind a lush bush. Su Xiaoxiao hid behind a tree around three meters away from him. Only half of her face was exposed. They were quietly waiting for their prey to take the bait.
The location of the plate was also inexplicable. They were deep inside the forest and quite a distance from the edge. Why would… they go through the trouble of carrying people here to be buried?
The soil around there had a curious, deep red colour. Chen Ran grabbed a handful to give it a sniff. The smell was revolting.
Chen Ran narrowed his eyes. Clearly, the people from Black Stone Town had lied to them. The stone plate wasn’t exposed by a flood. There was a large plain around the stone plate. There were no plants. In fact, the plain was practically barren. A mountain flood wouldn’t be able to form here. Everything there… looked humanmade.
Chen Ran’s mouth split open. Things… were becoming more interesting.
Su Xiaoxiao’s anxious voice travelled over, “Why… haven’t those two shown up?” She was flustered due to her worry for her little brother.
Chen Ran lifted his head to the sky. The sky was dark. Chen Ran pulled his gaze back to focus on Su Xiaoxiao. Su Xiaoxiao didn’t notice this as she was still nervously looking around.
“Miss Su,” Chen Ran suddenly spoke, “I believe… Those two have been here already.”
“They have been here?! Where?” Su Xiaoxiao widened her eyes.
Chen Ran reached out his hand to point at the white plate, “If I’m not mistaken, they’re over there.”
“Do you mean they’ve died?”
Chen Ran didn’t say anything. Something strange flashed in his eyes. When Su Xiaoxiao looked at him, the light in his eyes disappeared.
“I believe so,” Chen Ran sighed. He lowered his voice, “Based on the clues I have, this stone plate shouldn’t be so quiet.”
Su Xiaoxiao thought about it and nodded, “You’re right. When I came here last time, it was not so quiet. Now, the plate… feels like it’s resting after it has been sated.”
Chen Ran shrugged and walked out of the forest, “Therefore… Miss Su, we’re running out of time.” His voice sounded like it was distorted, “The sky is darkening.” That was Su Xiaoxiao’s weakness. Once the sky darkened, she wouldn’t be able to leave this forest alive without her brother’s help. She gritted her teeth and left her hiding spot. She walked towards the plate. As she passed by the graves, she tried to ignore them. However, she couldn’t stop herself. Strange patterns and lines appeared in her mind.
The two got closer to the stone plate. Chen Ran slowed down. His gentle gaze watched Su Xiaoxiao slowly approach the plate. A strange glow lit up his eyes.
“Doctor,” Fatty held a branch with leaves as cover. His watery eyes glanced through the gaps. “They are moving.”
Jiang Cheng hid behind a large mossy stone. He continued to observe Su Xiaoxiao and Chen Ran.
Fatty swallowed, “Doctor,” His voice contained great shock, “You’re amazing! How did you know they’d check out the stone plate themselves after failing to see us show up?” In Fatty’s eyes, this was not a clever decision.
However, the Doctor was not surprised. Without looking at Fatty, he replied simply, “It’s getting dark. They can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Fatty asked, “If I were them, I’d keep waiting. Aren’t they throwing their lives away doing this?”
Jiang Cheng shrugged, “Not necessarily.”
Fatty was startled and blinked. “Do they have any more trump cards? The kinds that can save their lives?” Then, it dawned on him. “Do they have the blank paper?”
Jiang Cheng gave Fatty a side-eye. “I’m not sure, but I know it’s not two people who are throwing their lives away. It’s just that silly girl.
“Do you really think we’re the only ones being used by Chen Ran as scouts?”