Chapter 120: An Awkward Night

Just after finishing her instant noodles, Xu Miaohan picked up her guitar and had barely sung two lines when someone came over and tapped on the windowsill.

Wang Zixuan remarked, "Her life is far worse than Xu Miaohan’s."

Hao Yingjun replied, "One stayed in M City, living a stable life, while the other drifted off to the capital. Dreams versus reality—they are two paths that never meet."

Wang Zixuan continued, "Cases involving non-human doppelgängers happen often. One lives better than the other, and the one who doesn't tries to murder the one who does, hoping to steal that better life back."

Hao Yingjun cleared his throat. "Ahem, didn't you also defy the Big Sister’s wishes to come to M City? You have an illustrious background, yet you refuse to follow her plans. You want to rely on your own strength to carve out a world of your own here—or perhaps there are other reasons. It’s hard for outsiders to judge whether someone’s life is truly good or not. Only the person living it knows, right?"

Wang Zixuan asked, "Are you suggesting that Hu Xiaoxiao never envied Xu Miaohan’s life?"

Hao Yingjun said, "I only know that Xu Miaohan has loved singing since she was a child."

Hao Yingjun recalled the first time he met Xu Miaohan. He had been hiding in a corner, watching others play, when Xu Miaohan walked over with a smile.

"Hello, big brother," Xu Miaohan had said. "Can I sing you a song? One stick taps gently, two chopsticks pry inside and out, three people in a group love to talk, four little soldiers aren't afraid, five friends have great strength."

From that moment on, they became the best of friends. Both men fell silent at the memory.

After a long while, Wang Zixuan said, "I know you two are great friends, but she is currently a suspect in the attempted murder of Xu Miaohan. Furthermore, she isn't registered. Once the warrant is issued, she must be apprehended immediately."

Hao Yingjun paused for a moment before saying, "Give me a little more time. I will definitely convince her to cooperate with the investigation. You have to trust me."

He looked at Wang Zixuan with a confident expression.

Wang Zixuan pointed at him and said, "Hey, don't forget your own status. You are still on probation, you know."

He gestured toward the bracelet on Hao Yingjun’s wrist, a constant reminder of his position. Hao Yingjun looked down at the band.

"Don't worry, Big Sister," Hao Yingjun said. "I’ve long considered this supermarket my home."

They continued their surveillance for a while longer, only stopping once the lights went out across the way. They returned to bed, keeping a clear distance between them, each sleeping in their own clothes. Neither of them could fall asleep, however. Wang Zixuan tossed and turned, and unable to bear it any longer, sat up and fanned himself.

He reached for the remote to turn on the air conditioner, but accidentally switched on the light instead, triggering the music to play. Both men froze in shock. Moments later, Wang Zixuan snapped out of it and hurriedly turned the light back off, continuing to pace and toss about.

Suddenly, Hao Yingjun looked back and noticed that the light in Hu Xiaoxiao’s room had been turned on. He grabbed his binoculars to observe, and Wang Zixuan, sensing something, leaned in as well.

"Is there a situation?" Wang Zixuan asked.

Hao Yingjun jumped up as if electrocuted. "Oh, no."

In his haste, he accidentally pushed Wang Zixuan onto the bed. The two found themselves in an incredibly awkward position.

Hao Yingjun quickly stammered, "No situation, I won't disturb your rest. What's wrong, Big Sister? You're so restless tonight. Maybe you should drink some water?"

He glanced at the nightstand.

"Ah, we're out of water," Hao Yingjun said. "I'll go buy you some. Wait for me."