Xiao Zhao is still out of contact.

I vaguely sensed a hint of the truth about the situation, but for some unknown reason, I did not leave this home.

The midday news was still broadcasting:

"The number of missing women in this city has risen to nearly ten. We urge all single, living-alone women to strengthen their security measures, especially those in older residential complexes..."

With a "snap," I turned off the TV, tidied up a bit, and went to the supermarket near the neighborhood.

Unexpectedly, I ran into Guo Li again.

This time, Guo Li took the initiative to start a conversation with me: "Wang, do you live in Jingyi Xiaoyuan? Recently, many women have gone missing. You should be careful and ask your husband to be more vigilant..."

I smiled and thanked Guo Li gratefully.

Casually, I asked, "Officer Guo, are you in charge of this case? Any progress? Such heinous criminals should be caught as soon as possible."

With a righteous expression, Guo Li said, "Not yet. The criminal is very cunning, specifically targeting women in older neighborhoods. Most of these women are not from this area and rarely keep in touch with their families. Many were discovered missing only months later."

"As for you, your home's location isn't great, so you must be extra cautious. If you see anyone suspicious, contact me immediately."

Guo Li and I exchanged WeChat contacts.

That night, when my husband came home, he didn't bring the meat bones as usual; his face showed undeniable fatigue.

As soon as he came in, he pulled me into his arms.

Pretending to reciprocate his hug, the doubts in my mind only grew larger.

Why was it Xiao Zhao who brought back our lost son? And now, where has the missing Xiao Zhao gone? Why can't I reach my mother-in-law on the phone? Whose phone is that, really?

Also, why didn't I reveal my husband's odd behavior to Guo Li when I met him?

Could it be... because I still love him?

I found the idea absurd.

As usual, my husband cooked dinner, but during the meal, he made a request that took me by surprise.

He wanted to sleep with me that night.

Ever since I got sick, I hadn't shared a bed with my husband.

I felt uncomfortable and refused him.

He didn't say anything, just looked at me deeply.

Before going to bed, I calmed down and carefully thought about the current situation.

Out of all the mysteries, the one I most wanted to solve was where Xiao Zhao had gone.

Because that concerned whether I could continue with my plan, and if not, I would likely have to devise a new one.

Women's intuition told me that Xiao Zhao's disappearance had something to do with my husband, or perhaps with the man my husband talked to in the hallway last night.

Thinking about this, I drowsily fell asleep, and in my half-awake state, I again heard the sound of the door lock turning outside.

The next day, I woke up a little after four.

There was no one at home, and my husband was also gone.

I walked to the living room, lay down on the couch for a while, then turned over and took out the phone hidden under the sofa.

I kept fiddling with it, over and over, checking the contacts and QQ content...

Until I found a photo in the album, and some unrealistic ideas popped into my head.

The unease in my heart kept growing.