Chapter 4
Tears blurred my vision as I saw a guy in a black suit standing over Andrew's body.
His upper body was swallowed by the darkness, making it impossible to see him clearly. Those long, slender legs seemed oddly familiar. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't place where I'd seen them before.
"Who the hell ruined my fun? Get your foot off him, or I'll kill you." Even with Andrew under his foot, he didn't back down, spitting out all sorts of nasty words.
Andrew's eyes were glued to my exposed legs and the chest revealed by the struggle.
His burning gaze freaked me out, and I fumbled to adjust my clothes.
The guy in black noticed my movements and mercilessly kicked Andrew's head over and over, each blow harder than the last.
"Still looking? Do you want to lose your eyes?"
He kicked Andrew's temple and forehead with the tip of his shoe.
Though I couldn't see his face, I could feel his overwhelming anger.
I was terrified and didn't want anyone to die because of me.
So I opened my mouth, "Stop kicking, you're going to kill him."
I thought he would stop, but instead, he suddenly kicked Andrew hard, sending him crashing into a big rock by the lake.
The impact between Andrew's head and the rock filled the air with the faint smell of blood.
He walked leisurely to the lake, lifted his foot, and kicked Andrew into the water.
The splash hit me, snapping me out of my shock and fear.
My legs gave way, and just as I was about to collapse, someone caught me around the waist.
Compared to Andrew's disgusting behavior, the ruthless methods of the guy in front of me were even more terrifying.
I tried to control my trembling voice and body, cautiously asking, "Who, who are you?"
Fear seized every fiber of my being, rendering my tears and breath beyond control.
Tears blurred my vision, and my breathing quickened.
Even at such a close distance, I couldn't see the guy's face clearly.
He seemed to laugh in anger, tightening his grip, "You're asking me?"
The pain brought me back to my senses, and my tears momentarily stopped.
I squinted, trying hard to see his face.
He seemed to oblige, grabbing my neck and pulling me closer, his handsome face magnified before my eyes.
It was the first time I had been this close to a strange man. The face that had been hidden in the darkness gradually became clear. It was a face so handsome it could take one's breath away.
His rugged handsomeness, thick eyebrows, and star-like eyes made one want to get lost in them.
In my eighteen years, I had seen very few people. But now I was sure he was the most handsome person I had ever seen. No one in the past, present, or future could surpass the impact he had on me.
I swallowed and said weakly, "You are indeed good-looking, but I really don't know you. I, I also appreciate you saving me, but killing is illegal. You can't do it. You should save him; don't get yourself into trouble because of me."
As soon as I finished speaking, the hand around my waist withdrew.
I fell onto a chair, hitting my head in the same spot and the same way.
The guy still looked down on me, his tone even colder, "Very well. For such a lowly thing, you argue with me. Emily, you're really something."
His mention of my name stunned me.
How did he know my name?
Wasn't this our first meeting?
When I wanted to ask more, he had already vanished.
All that was left was the howling cold wind and my wet clothes and hair.
I stood by the lake, shouting Andrew's name, but got no response.
To prevent any accidents, I hurried back to find Amelia and call for help.
I ran back to the event site, but it was already empty.
I chased back to the dorm, and sure enough, she was there.
Seeing my disheveled state, she immediately got up to support me and asked, "Emily, what happened to you? When I saw the new teacher and wanted to drag you over to say hello, you went off with Andrew. Andrew's got a good body and looks okay, but compared to James and the new teacher, he's far behind. And you two just met and already had a wet fight? Isn't that a bit too intense?"
Amelia pouted, her eyes shining.
I rubbed my arms, trying to warm myself up.
But it didn't work; my body kept shivering.
Amelia said, "You should have seen it. The new teacher in that black suit looked like a noble, mesmerizing all the girls! But it's strange. I only saw the new teacher for a few minutes before he left. Before he left, he looked really upset. Who on earth offended our handsome and charming teacher?"
My mind was on what had just happened, but her description instantly made me connect the teacher with the man in black.
I grabbed Amelia's arm, about to ask for details, but she interrupted me, "Andrew is known as a bad guy in the sports department. You should stay away from him. On my way back to the dorm, I heard he had arranged to drink with another girl after parting with you."
Amelia's casual words sent chills down my spine, my voice sharp, "No way!"
She was startled by me, frowning and stepping back, "Why not? Many people saw it."
Her confirmation left me completely stunned.
How could someone who was kicked until he bled and thrown into the lake return to school unscathed?
It was too bizarre.
The man in black appeared and disappeared out of nowhere. He called my name with a tone of warning and reproach, as if he had known me for a long time. But I had no memory of him at all.
Just as I was racking my brain, my phone rang.
The caller ID showed it was Mia.
As soon as I answered, Mia's sharp and angry voice came through, "Emily, do you want to get me and your dad killed? If you still remember we're your parents, get back here immediately."
Sensing something was wrong, I asked urgently, "What's happened at home?"
Mia ignored my question, her tone firm, "Come home right now, or prepare to hold a funeral for me and your dad."
Before I could react, the call was cut off.
When I called back, no one answered.
I had never encountered such a situation before.
It seemed something serious had happened at home.
I didn't bother changing clothes and quickly put on my amulet.
Knowing my parents, if they saw me without it, I'd get a beating. With trouble at home, I didn't dare add to it.
Amelia looked puzzled, asking, "What's going on? Where are you going?"
I gave a brief explanation and headed home with my bag.
As soon as I got home, I saw my parents kneeling in the living room, praying to a holy statue.
Their cautious and devout actions seemed like they were afraid of offending someone.
Upon hearing my arrival, Mia forcefully pushed me to the ground and demanded, "Kneel down immediately."