Billion to One

Fingerprint 2: Gathering

Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi had just arrived at the Chief's apartment when they heard the scream from inside. Guo Changcheng stilled with the key mid-turn in the lock. Chu Shuzhi pushes Guo Changcheng behind him, seizes the knob, and rushes into the room. He immediately hesitates as he sees Zhao Xinci holding the Chief down while Zhu Hong forcibly injects something into his arm.

"Hong jie?!" Guo Changcheng called out from behind Chu Shuzhi. His voice was elevated and slightly panicked. The Chief was crying and struggling against their efforts. However, Zhu Hong held her hand up to silence him and to stop Chu Shuzhi from advancing. The Chief was quieting as Zhu Hong adjusted the duvet around his shoulders. The empty syringe fell to the floor. Zhu Hong paused on the side of the bed before she bent to retrieve it.

Zhu Hong returned the empty syringe to its case. Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi exchanged both having seen the same thing. They had given the Chief an injection the day before. Da Qing and Zhu Hong had both given injections two and three days ago, respectively. However, when Zhu Hong opened the case, two additional dosages were missing. That meant two additional doses given as many days.

Before either could ask about it, Zhu Hong walks by on her way to the kitchen. Her expression made it clear that she was not ready to discuss anything. Guo Changcheng, who had been standing by worriedly wringing the thick scarf hanging from his neck, scrambles to pull it off and follow her.

At that same moment, Chu Shuzhi was stepping closer to him to exit Zhu Hong's path. He accidentally collides with Guo Changcheng almost knocking him off balance. Instinctually he reaches out, grabbing Guo Changcheng by the waist, and pulls him close. The contact sends a surge of electricity down Guo Changcheng's spine. His eyes grow huge and he immediately steps back. The hesitation in Chu Shuzhi's release was almost imperceptible.

While removing the scarf, Guo Changcheng chastises himself for being so clumsy. As he hands the scarf to Chu Shuzhi, a look of both horror and regret flashed across his face. A burning flush begins to colour his cheeks. Signing dejectedly, he hurries into the kitchen.

"Hong jie, shall I help with the vegetables?" Guo asks, not waiting for a response. He places the large bag he is carrying onto the table and heads towards the sink to wash his hands. Zhu Hong is already rinsing the broadleaf spinach. Turning off the tap, she shakes the dripping leaves and steps to the side. She sniffles quietly and begins to chop.

Guo Changcheng sneaks a glance her way. He pretends, for the moment, not to see the tearstains on her cheeks. He wants to comfort her but knows Zhu Hong's personality will not allow the typical soothing methods. She is better suited for others who can remain quietly by her side. Therefore, Guo Changcheng focuses on washing and peeling carrots for the next few minutes.

That completed, Guo Changcheng starts the potatoes. He had grabbed a clean bowl and was filling it with cold water when his skin began to prickle. Like the sensation that comes when someone is watching you. From the corner of his eye, he could see that Zhu Hong was standing completely still.

He takes a risk and looks up, Zhu Hong is standing still with a bowl of vegetables in her hands. She is staring at him. Her eyes, not as red as before, are shimmering with unspilt tears. For a moment, she looks extremely fragile, like her very person was ready to break apart. However, she is wearing a gentle smile on her face and her shoulders are low and relaxed.

Guo Changcheng returns the smile but says nothing. Zhu Hong sniffles, her smile broadening before disappearing. The thankful look quickly replaced by one of determination. She is not sure if it is the heat from the stove or not, but a feeling of warmth was creeping in and was removing the chill from her cold bones. She takes a deep breath and goes back to her task of completing dinner.