Killer’s Diary

Ep.4 Fever

"Hello, I'd like a can of vitamin calcium powder for reptiles," I said to the clerk organizing the shelves.

"Sure, just a moment. I'll get it for you."

"Here's the vitamin calcium powder you need. It's suitable for lizards, geckos, and chameleons."

"It's you," we both exclaimed simultaneously. As the clerk approached and handed it over, I recognized her instantly—it was Charon.

"Tang Yan—is that your real name?" I glanced down at the name tag on the upper left corner of her uniform.

"Thirty bucks a can. Anything else you need?" Charon completely ignored my question, suddenly flashing me a sly, shady grin.

Within the Firebird Group, besides assassins like me who were trained from childhood, there were also those recruited later. Firebird didn't interfere in their daily lives, didn't ask about their backgrounds. As long as they completed tasks on time and performed routine skill training, that was enough. Charon was one such member. It seemed he was moonlighting on the side. Was he that short on cash?

"We have horned frogs in different colors too—would you like to see them? Plus some newly arrived decorative aquariums."

"No, I only need calcium powder."

"One-year anniversary sale—5% off everything! Since we're friends, I'll give you 12% off."

"I really don't need anything else. Just ring me up, thank you!" Why was she so talkative now when she never said a word during training? This person had two faces.

"Young lady, do you sell geckos here? My daughter wants one, but I don't know what it is."

That familiar yet unfamiliar voice sent a jolt through me.

"Auntie, we do. Let me show you."

I snapped my head up and locked eyes with her. She smiled and gave a slight nod.

It was her.

Panicked, I didn't know what to do. Clutching my things, I turned and fled like a deserter.

"Hey! Don't walk so fast! Come back another time!" Charon called after me.

I have no idea how I made it home. My whole body felt like it was floating. So after she ditched me, her little troublemaker, she'd been doing just fine. And she had a daughter. Back in my room, I buried myself under the covers, not even hearing Su Shuyu calling my name.

After lying on the bed for a few minutes, my stomach began to ache like it was being sliced open. Curling up was the only way to ease the pain slightly. In my dazed state, I heard someone enter. She walked to the bedside and knelt down. It was the familiar scent of lavender—the laundry detergent she always used.

"Why is your face so hot?" she asked, smoothing my hair and touching my forehead.

For some reason, a wave of nausea suddenly hit me.

"It's nothing," she said, grabbing a clean towel to wipe the stains off my body.

"Sorry for getting your clothes dirty."

I vaguely sensed a doctor had come in, checked on me, and then left. Su Shuyu stayed in the room with me.

"Where did my mom go?"

"Your mom abandoned you. Stop bothering me. You're always wearing that gloomy face—who's it for? Probably because I keep losing money. It's all her fault. Good riddance." It felt like a sudden lash of a whip across my body. That blurred image of a man reappeared in my mind.

"Ye Ye, slow down, don't fall. Mommy can't keep up."

"You have to take good care of yourself, understand?"

"Mommy, where are you going?"

"Mommy wants to see the stars by the sea one last time."

"Then I want to go too!"

"I'm sorry. Just remember to finish your food on the table first, then Mommy will take you."

I remember. Mom went to see the stars. Tears poured uncontrollably. Why did she leave me behind? Why didn't she take me with her?

"I really miss her."

"Mm, I know." Someone seemed to be wiping my tears. She hugged me close, her body pressed against mine, stroking my back. She even kissed my forehead softly. "It's okay now. It's okay."

The next day, the blinds opened automatically, and the glaring sunlight woke me up.

"What do you want for breakfast this morning?" As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw a pair of big, watery eyes staring at me, and those pink lips were so cute I wanted to bite them.

I couldn't help but smile. "I want to eat you."

"Okay, Mumu," Su Shuyu gave a mischievous smile and moved closer to me.

"No, no, I misspoke! I meant porridge!" My ears burned scarlet, and I scrambled to shift half a body length away.

"Last night... thank you."

"Then give me a kiss in return." Su Shuyu playfully edged forward, her small face drawing closer to mine.

I instinctively dodged, preparing to slide further away.

"Stop moving, you'll fall off the bed."

"I really need to pee. Bathroom." With that, I got up and headed for the bathroom. I swear I genuinely had to go.

Su Shuyu giggled. "Then I'll have Auntie make you some mustard greens porridge. Nice and thick, right?"

"Yes, thank you."

Back at the training ground in the morning.

"Why did you leave so quickly yesterday?"

My expression darkened. "I saw you were busy, so I left first."

"Speaking of which, how come you're working for someone else?"

"It's a long story. Just a poor wage earner. You should come visit me more often." Charon looked utterly helpless.

"Did you sell any geckos yesterday?"

"Of course! Sold one successfully! Right after you left, an auntie came in and bought one for her daughter—said it was her birthday. Her daughter's amazing, apparently studying biopharmaceuticals at some prestigious university. She also bought a whole aquascaping tank. Wish I had a mom like that," Charon said with a smug, boastful look.

"Oh."

"Did you two know each other? I thought you seemed startled when you saw her."

"Probably not."

"Probably? ... Hey, what do you mean?"

"Who gave you permission to practice conversation? You two do an extra lap!" Coach Wu shouted.

She really did see the ocean that day, and found her own star, didn't she? Suddenly, my eyes stung, and I sped up my pace.

"I'm leaving now."

"You're so strange. Wait for me!"

It's all in the past now. Does it matter if we know each other? As long as she's happy, that's all that matters.