C47 Being Followed by a Killer

"Zhang Ya, is there something you're struggling to say?" Bai Yiming inquired.

"I..." Zhang Ya faltered, unsure of how to begin.

Noticing Zhang Ya's reluctance, Yi Lanyou interjected, "Teacher Bai, why don't you and Zhang Ya have a chat? If there's nothing else, I'll head out."

"Sure, take care on your way home, and stay safe," Bai Yiming responded with a nod.

"Will do, Teacher," Yi Lanyou replied, giving Zhang Ya a nod. "I'll be off then, Zhang Ya!"

"Okay," Zhang Ya returned the smile and nodded, "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Yi Lanyou said with a wave before she turned and left the office.

Once the door was closed, Yi Lanyou adjusted her bag's strap to a more comfortable position on her shoulder and set off.

Seated in the car, Yi Lanyou checked her watch and instructed the driver, "Uncle Yu, please take me to Wanshi Shopping Mall."

"Miss, are you planning to buy something specific?" Older Yu inquired with curiosity.

"There's a sports meet at school, so I need to pick up some sportswear and sneakers," Yi Lanyou explained.

"Understood, Miss," Older Yu acknowledged with a nod.

The car glided along the road, with the landscape whizzing past on either side. Yi Lanyou rested against the car door, her gaze fixed on the window, lost in thought whether she was observing the passing view or her own reflection.

They soon arrived at Wanshi Shopping Mall in the city center. Older Yu parked and turned to ask, "Miss, would you like me to come with you? I can help carry your purchases."

"No, that's fine, Uncle Yu. Just wait here for me," Yi Lanyou said as she opened the car door.

"Alright, Miss. Just be careful," Older Yu advised with a nod.

"Sure," Yi Lanyou acknowledged and then made her way into the mall. At that moment, a black Audi A4 pulled up next to Older Yu's car. The man inside glanced at Yi Lanyou's retreating figure, a glint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes before he stepped out of the car and followed her.

He had been tracking her for some time, but she seldom left the house. The client who had assigned the task had emphasized the need for extreme caution to avoid causing any complications for the Yi family.

He had no choice but to wait for her to be alone.

After nearly a month of waiting, the opportunity he had been waiting for finally arrived.

At this moment, Yi Lanyou was unaware that she had become a target. She rode the elevator to the third floor's sports apparel section and tried on two pairs of athletic shoes, neither of which she particularly liked. Exiting the store, Yi Lanyou accidentally brushed against a man engrossed in his phone by the doorway.

"Sorry," she said, before moving on to the next shop.

"Welcome! What are you looking to purchase? I'd be happy to make some recommendations," the sales associate offered with a genuine smile.

"I'm looking for sports shoes," Yi Lanyou responded, "something lightweight and breathable."

"Perhaps you'd like to consider these air-cushioned running shoes," the sales associate suggested, presenting a pair of purple and white women's athletic shoes from the display. "This is one of this year's new models. The primary function of air-cushioned shoes is shock absorption, providing a protective buffer for your knees and feet. They're ideal for running. This particular model is quite popular in our store, and we have other colors available as well."

"Could you find a pair for me to try on?" asked Yi Lanyou.

"Of course," the sales associate replied with a nod, glancing at Yi Lanyou's current shoes before turning to fetch a pair.

While browsing the store, Yi Lanyou caught sight of a middle-aged man standing not too far behind her in a mirror. He was fiddling with his phone while casting glances in her direction, and there appeared to be something at his waist.

A sense of danger washed over Yi Lanyou. Just then, the sales associate returned with the shoes. "Please try these on."

Feeling her palms begin to sweat, Yi Lanyou looked around, then gave the sales associate an awkward smile and said, "I need to use the restroom, so I won't be trying them on after all."

The sales associate looked puzzled for a moment but then nodded. "Alright, the restroom is straight ahead and to the left in the corridor. There's a sign—you can't miss it."

"Thank you," Yi Lanyou replied with a nod and a smile, then turned to leave the store. As she passed the man, she forced herself to appear calm, doing her best to seem natural.

Watching Yi Lanyou head toward the restroom, the man quickly followed suit.

As Yi Lanyou moved forward, she scanned the area for potential escape routes. She was well aware that running wasn't her strong suit. If she attempted to flee now, the assassin trailing her would surely realize she was onto him. In his panic, she stood no chance of outrunning him.

With this in mind, Yi Lanyou resolved that, should she survive this ordeal, she would make it a point to practice running daily.

The restroom was now in sight. After rounding the corner, Yi Lanyou spotted a partially closed door along the wall—it appeared to be a storage room. Her eyes brightened at the sight of the door, and as she brushed past a family of four, she used their distraction to slip through the door unnoticed.

Once inside, Yi Lanyou gently closed the door behind her. However, due to what seemed like years of neglect, the door slowly crept open again, leaving a small gap. Yi Lanyou frowned but resisted the urge to secure it shut.

She feared that the killer might notice the door and come to investigate.

Gripping her fists tightly, Yi Lanyou swallowed hard, pondering how the killer had come to target her. Was someone out for her life? Or did her identity make her a target for kidnapping and extortion? Was the assailant working solo or as part of a group?

She had no answers, but she was certain that revealing herself now could lead to dire consequences.

As the assassin's silhouette passed by the doorway, Yi Lanyou clenched her eyes shut, silently pleading, "I need to know what he's thinking!"

A faint voice emerged: "Did she enter the restroom? Hmph, I'll just wait for her to come out and then finish her off with one slash. She's nothing but a high school student, and she's wasted a whole month of my time! Damn."

After swallowing another gulp of saliva, Yi Lanyou opened her eyes, now convinced that the man was indeed a killer.

After a moment's consideration, Yi Lanyou cautiously stepped backward, only to unexpectedly back into someone's arms. The thought of someone hiding there had never crossed her mind, and her complexion instantly turned ashen.

The person behind her quickly reached out both hands and clamped them over her mouth, ensuring she couldn't make a sound in her terror.

Yi Lanyou's cheeks and jaw ached from the tight grip. A killer lurked outside the door, and yet another person was right behind her.