Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=2188414
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Besides being shocked by the truths Jian Sun recounted, Xi Mo was also deeply immersed in grief for Jian Yuan. She couldn't recover for a while and asked dejectedly, "Did you find any other clues after that?"
“After returning from Xishuangbanna, there was no progress for a long time.” Jian Sun lowered his head and said, “After I got the notebook from Yang Shirong, I also went to that village in Guizhou. I stayed for a while in the house my sister rented, but I did not find anything special. I also asked the villagers. They said my sister would ask them about the village and nearby mountains, like old rumors, old objects, and paths into the mountains. They did not know more than that. I also organized a team to search the mountains, but still found nothing.”
Jian Hui's work sometimes requires her to go into the mountains to dig, so she naturally understands this very well. She said, "The mountains over there are too high and too wide, especially in the deeper parts. If you go in, it's like being swallowed up by the mountains. In addition, over the years, the mountains have changed a lot, and the wildly growing plants will cover up many of Sister Yuan's traces from back then. But Jian Sun still didn't give up and went to that village in Guizhou several more times afterward."
Ruan Yesheng’s heart skipped when she heard this. “So that’s why you knew about my parents and the scientific expedition team…”
“Yes.” Jian Hui’s eyes were sorrowful as she looked at Ruan Yesheng. “Jian Sun kept investigating like this. Time slowly passed until Xi Mo was in university. One day, Jian Sun heard news from Guizhou. They said something very important was found in the mountains, and a scientific expedition team had gone in to investigate. That mountain happened to be near the village where Sister Yuan had once lived. Jian Sun thought that as long as there was any discovery there, even if it might not be related, he should go and see it. So he went to Guizhou again.”
"What exactly was discovered in the mountains?" The news from the expedition team came like a sharp knife, Ruan Yesheng almost felt chest pain.
Jian Hui shook her head: "We still don't know what it is, and no photos have been released. A lot of the research team's information is classified. Jian Sun found a temporary experimental base nearby, which shows that the research team brought what they found to this experimental site and conducted some investigations and research on it. Unfortunately, when Jian Sun arrived, the site had already been deliberately destroyed, and there were no valuable clues."
"Not even the slightest bit of data was left behind?" Ruan Yesheng asked, clinging to a hope that she knew was impossible. "Maybe...maybe there might be one or two experimental records lying in some corner that weren't taken?"
Jian Hui said, “Everything was deliberately erased. Nothing was left behind, unless the other side wanted you to see it. Only then would something remain. Jian Sun searched the entire place. There were no useful clues. He could only conclude that the expedition team had done research there.”
Deliberately left behind…
Ruan Yesheng recalled those hand photos on the bodies of the expedition team members, especially the photos in her father Yan Biechun’s pocket. Those photos were clearly left behind on purpose, like a kind of cruel mockery. Otherwise, it would not be such a coincidence that they were all found in the pockets of the bodies.
…Was the one who erased the traces at the research site, the owner of that hand in the photos?
Jian Hui continued, “Jian Sun stayed in Guizhou for some time. Later, he found the abandoned wooden house he mentioned before. From the blood dragged across the ground, it seemed there had been bodies inside, but they were probably dragged away by wild animals in the forest. It was there that he found skin photos with a set of serial numbers. He thought this was an important clue and kept thinking about it after returning, trying to see if he could uncover the secret.”
Xi Mo finally understood. That was why she had seen Jian Sun writing that strange set of numbers on the whiteboard.
“Then, Mr. Jian, you followed this direction and investigated the expedition team that went into the mountains, right?” Ruan Yesheng asked shakily.
Jian Sun nodded.
Ruan Yesheng was both hurt and anxious. She stepped forward and pleaded, “I have also been investigating these years. Can you tell me everything you know about the expedition team? I’m afraid I missed something important. If it’s convenient, we can exchange information. For example, those numbers I found, you might not have them. Maybe I have clues you think are useful.”
Xi Mo also immediately walked to Ruan Yesheng’s side and looked at Jian Sun. “...Uncle. Please help Yesheng.”
Jian Sun slowly looked at them. After a long moment, he said, “We can exchange.”
“…Thank you.” Tears gathered in Ruan Yesheng’s eyes.
The four of them stayed in the study for a while. Lunch had long been forgotten. Ruan Yesheng received some investigation results about the expedition team from Jian Sun, and Xi Mo also got a copied version of Jian Yuan’s notebook. Time had passed a long time, but neither of them felt hungry or tired.
Jian Sun said in a low voice, “Although there is no exact proof, I suspect the Tai Sui my sister encountered back then and the thing the expedition team studied in the Guizhou mountains a few years ago are very likely the same thing.”
Both Ruan Yesheng and Xi Mo changed expressions at the same time.
They had also guessed this.
“We still have no breakthrough. Zhang Dongyang from the nursing hospital is the driver who caused Sister’s car accident. We hope he can give more useful information, but there has been no progress.” Jian Sun used the word “we”. His tone toward Zhang Dongyang was full of hatred. Rationally he knew Zhang Dongyang was not the real killer, but Jian Yuan did die under Zhang Dongyang’s truck.
“Did Dad know all of this? You said you also gave him a copy of Mom’s notebook. And you also know about the person in the passenger seat of that truck?” Xi Mo asked Jian Sun.
“I know about the passenger seat too. Xi Ji knows everything. We investigate together and share all the information.” Jian Sun said, glancing at Ruan Yesheng.
Xi Mo remembered that after she found Jian Yuan’s letter, she gave it to Xi Ji. At that time, Xi Ji’s expression changed clearly. She had thought he was surprised, but now she realized he already knew the contents. Jian Sun must have told him. So Xi Ji’s dark expression was actually because Xi Mo had found that letter. He had hidden it well and said he would investigate, only because he did not want Xi Mo dragged into this dangerous whirlpool.
“Sister Jian Hui, Uncle, I want…” Xi Mo touched Jian Yuan’s notebook and muttered.
Ruan Yesheng said nothing but subconsciously held Xi Mo’s arm tightly. She understood exactly what Xi Mo wanted to do. Deep inside, she also thought the same.
If they could go to that village in Guizhou, would they find new clues?
Before Xi Mo could finish, Jian Sun glared at her sharply. “No. Not only going to that village, you can't even have that thought.”
Jian Hui was also worried and quickly said, “None of you can go.”
Jian Sun’s dark gaze shifted to Ruan Yesheng. “Miss Ruan, when I was investigating the expedition team, I knew about you. Xi Ji and I both understand you have done a lot for your parents over the years. I understand and respect that. That is why I did not hide things from you when you came here. But I have conditions. Do not go to that village. That is not a place you two can go.”
Ruan Yesheng’s eyes turned slightly red but she said nothing.
Jian Sun then said to Xi Mo, “Your mother chose to bear everything alone because she did not want you involved. Her biggest wish was for you to grow up safely. We did not tell you before because we did not want you dragged into this. Now that you have found this far on your own, we cannot stop you. But if you go to that village and something happens, what will your mother do? All her effort and persistence will be wasted.”
These words were like sharp arrows. They instantly struck Xi Mo hard.
Her heart felt like it was being cut. “I’m sorry… I…”
“Xi Mo, what I am going to say next will be harsh.” Jian Sun’s eyes were cold. “We are nothing in front of that kind of existence. Do you think you are like in movies, with some special power to fight it? Or can you fight it physically? Not even that. Without bodyguards, you cannot resist even an ordinary strong person rushing at you,.”
Xi Mo lowered her head.
What he said was harsh, but it was true.
“Enough. Stop talking.” Jian Hui quickly went to Xi Mo and patted her head, then looked at Jian Sun. “Xi Mo understands. She won't go. Ruanruan won't go either.”
Ruan Yesheng subconsciously moved closer to them.
“You go cook. Prepare the food. I will come out and cook later.” Jian Hui told Jian Sun. “It is already past meal time.”
Jian Sun nodded and left the study.
“It’s fine, it’s fine.” Jian Hui stayed and comforted them. “Today was a big shock for you. After you eat, go back and rest well. You will slowly figure it out.”
As she spoke, she put her arms around the two of them, placing one head on each shoulder: "Let time take care of these things. Safety is the most important thing. If something happens, only those who cherish you will be heartbroken."
Both of them gave soft responses, words stuck in their throats.
After a belated lunch at Jian Sun's house, the New Year's visit drew to a somber close. Before leaving, Jian Sun gave Xi Mo a card and handed Ruan Yesheng a gift. Jian Hui also prepared New Year's gifts for the two of them to take with them. The two stood at the door with their gifts, bidding farewell to Jian Sun and Jian Hui.
"Then we're leaving," Xi Mo said softly.
Jian Sun simply nodded, and Jian Hui hugged each of them, saying, "Be careful on the road. If anything happens, remember to talk to me, and even if nothing happens, still talk to me."
She was afraid they would overthink after receiving too much shocking information.
They thanked her and left.
In the car, Xi Mo asked, “Should we stay at the Xi Manor tonight?”
“Okay.” Ruan Yesheng nodded.
“How about we stay at my place for the next few days?” Xi Mo looked at her lowered eyes. “Of course, you can still go back in the daytime. Just in case…”
…just in case your mother comes back?
Xi Mo harbored this hope in her heart, but couldn't bring herself to say it. She was afraid of upsetting Ruan Yesheng.
“That plan is fine.” Ruan Yesheng understood what she meant and clutched the materials she got from Jian Sun. After what they saw on New Year’s Eve, staying at Xi Mo’s house was the safest choice.
They looked at each other in the car. Ruan Yesheng gave a small bitter smile and tapped her hand lightly. “Drive.”
Back at the Xi Manor, they went to the study to greet Xi Ji. He looked at them calmly, showing nothing unusual.
“Xiao Ruan, you’re always welcome. Don't be polite.” Xi Ji said. “I already had someone prepare the room next to Xi Mo. From now on, you can stay there. If you need anything, just tell Xi Mo and let her arrange it for you.”
Xi Ji was always gentle toward Ruan Yesheng. Even when he first spoke to Xi Mo with Ruan Yesheng’s face in the flower room, it was the same.
Back then, Xi Mo did not understand. Now, she saw a trace of sympathy in his eyes.
Ruan Yesheng was chasing the truth of her father’s death and mother’s disappearance. It was the same path Xi Ji and Jian Sun once walked when they pursued the truth of Jian Yuan’s death. Only those who had been through it could understand that pain.
"Thank you, Uncle Xi," Ruan Yesheng said gratefully.
Xi Mo held Jian Yuan’s notebook and hesitated. “Dad, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Yes.” Xi Ji said.
Ruan Yesheng leaned close to Xi Mo and said softly, “I will go out first.”
Xi Mo nodded. Ruan Yesheng turned and left. Xi Mo kept watching her until she walked out of the study, then looked away.
“Jian Sun called me.” Xi Ji said softly. “I only have one request. Don’t go to that village.”
Upon hearing this, Xi Mo understood that this conversation could now reach a point of open and honest discussion.
As night fell, Xi Mo touched Jian Yuan’s notebook many times and finally carefully put it away.
That night, she had flipped through every page again and again. She saw all the records Jian Yuan wrote to remind herself. The suffering Jian Yuan endured alone seemed to be pressed into every page, rushing toward Xi Mo across time.
Especially the reminders to call her young daughter. It made her heart ache. She could not let the notebook get wet, so she closed it, put it aside, and cried on the desk for a long time.
After washing up, Xi Mo lay on the bed, feeling as if a huge mountain was pressing down on her heart. That mountain seemed to be the deep mountain that Jian Yuan had visited years ago, and Xi Mo was trapped in it, unable to get out no matter what.
A very soft knock sounded at the door, and at the same time, Ruan Yesheng's voice came: "Xi Mo".
"Come in," Xi Mo said, sitting up straight.
Ruan Yesheng opened the door and closed it. Xi Mo hurriedly said, “Lock it.”
Ruan Yesheng locked the door. Xi Mo lifted the blanket. Ruan Yesheng climbed onto the bed and sat beside her at the headboard.
“I’m leaving soon. Why do I need to lock it?” Ruan Yesheng asked.
“You’re leaving soon?” Xi Mo frowned.
“Yes.” Ruan Yesheng rested her head on Xi Mo’s shoulder. “I was afraid you would cry because you were sad, so I came to comfort you. I’ll leave after I’m done.”
“…I didn’t cry,” Xi Mo said.
“Your eyes are swollen.”
Xi Mo: "..."
“It’s okay to cry, it would be abnormal not to cry.” Ruan Yesheng snuggled up to her: “I cried too.”
Xi Mo immediately moved, wanting to look into Ruan Yesheng's eyes, but Ruan Yesheng said, "You can't see. I already handled it before coming here.”
Xi Mo had no choice but to sit up straight again.
"Do you still want to go to that village?" Ruan Yesheng asked her in a low voice.
Xi Mo fell silent.
After a moment, Xi Mo asked, "And you?"
“…I also want to.” Ruan Yesheng sighed. “But I know we can't go. In movies, people like us are like those who see something moving in the bushes. If you go over, you will definitely die.”
Source: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=2188414
This translation was originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Xi Mo said, “In movies, the main character who checks the bushes usually doesn't die right away. Because the story still needs to continue. If they die, it will be at the end.”
Ruan Yesheng was taken aback: "You're really daring. How do you know you're not just a random passerby peeking into the bushes?"
Xi Mo said, "I always play the lead role in movies."
Ruan Yesheng was amused by her, and grasped her hand. Her smile contained a few barely perceptible tears as he said, “Seeing you still joking, I feel less worried. I was really afraid you would get stuck in it.”
“…I am very worried about you.” Xi Mo said instead.
