Chapter 7: The Return of Chen Chengwu
Chen Chengwu and his mother were waiting for me at my door on the first floor. I had no choice but to steel myself and invite them in.
I handed Chen’s mother the family photo and said, “Please accept my condolences.”
She held the picture and began to cry again.
“Chen Chengwu” bowed solemnly to me and said, “Thank you, Sister Wu, for giving my brother his final dignity.”
Then he pushed an envelope toward me. “This is the money to take care of his affairs after death, and...”
After knowing him for years, can I really take money over a tracksuit?
I pushed the envelope back, hoping their troubles wouldn’t drag me into it.
“Chen Chengwu” continued, “I’ll also need your help with a ruse—to take my sister out of the hospital. She’s another victim from back then, and someone’s watching her.”
“I’m afraid she’ll recognize that I’m not Xiao Wu, and that will worsen her condition.”
“Once my business is settled, we’ll explain everything to her slowly. Even though her second brother is gone, our mother and eldest brother will take care of her for life.”
I suspected something fishy and glanced at “Chen Chengwu.”
He bluntly said, “Xiao Wu was killed by my enemies. Their real target was me. Since we look identical, they mistook him.”
“He took his sister for coffee hoping she’d adjust to normal life after discharge, but they thought I was bringing a witness to testify, so they laced Xiao Wu’s coffee with dopamine. Both of us brothers have heart disease.”
So Chen Chengwu wasn’t killed by his own brother and someone was impersonating him.
The chill in my heart eased a bit.
The man with Chen Chengwu’s face extended his hand. “I’m Zhou Wen. Nice to meet you, and thanks again.”
“I need to borrow Xiao Wu’s identity to finish what I started. I want revenge for the girls who were killed and for my brother and sister. Please keep this confidential.”
“In the meantime, my mother and sister will continue living in your place. I’ll cover rent and living expenses.”
“My first request is to help me look like Xiao Wu, so I can bring my sister back safely—they’ve already got their eyes on her.”
Money is a good thing, especially in a thick leather envelope like that.
It’s enough to cover a year’s rent.
No, I’m going to help Chen Chengwu fulfill his wish for his sister to live a normal life!
I tried to feel noble about it and followed Zhou Wen to Chen Chengwu’s room, taking out his clothes and helping him dress.
Looking closely, Zhou Wen’s skin was a bit lighter than Chen Chengwu’s, and his expressions were slightly different.
I took out brown eyeshadow and mixed it with foundation, covering his face and neck thoroughly, then told him to wear a mask.
When the nurse saw “Chen Chengwu” coming to pick up his sister, she warmly led us to Chen Xiaomei’s room.
Chen Xiaomei sweetly called out “Brother,” and I saw Zhou Wen’s eyes redden. I nudged him gently and said, “Go settle the bill, I’ll help your sister pack. Why are you just standing there?”
Zhou Wen fought back tears and pushed the door open.
Chen Xiaomei pursed her lips, smiling. “You said you’re not my brother’s girlfriend, but my brother talks about you all the time.”
I looked for something to say: “What does your brother say about me behind my back?”
Chen Xiaomei didn’t have much stuff. We packed her water cup, toothbrush, and toilet paper into a suitcase that wasn’t even full.
Because she was about to be discharged, she talked more, cheerfully saying, “My brother says you have a good heart. Even if you’re a bit mercenary sometimes, you’re really loyal.”
I silently cursed Chen Chengwu, you bastard—
You died in my house, I didn’t think you were bad luck.
I dressed you up nicely to meet the King of Hell, and now I’m even helping you pick up your sister from the hospital?
And you call me mercenary!
To him, I said, “If I’m mercenary, then forget the deposit and rent—I’m not refunding either!”