The moment Su Mo's pupils turned crimson, the world around him seemed to fade as he activated his corpse puppet ability.
The basement, the stench, the silence—everything receded as fragments of memory surged forward, piecing themselves together into a scene that belonged to this little child.
---
"Daddy, where are we going?"
A small, clear voice rang out.
Gao Xufan crouched down, his face tense but forcing a gentle smile as he patted the little girl's head.
"You and your mom are playing hide and seek," he said softly. "Remember, no matter what happens, you must not come out, okay? If you win… I'll take you to the amusement park."
Little Mimi's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really~ Daddy? Pinky swear?"
"Pinky swear…"
He hooked his finger with hers, his smile trembling slightly at the edges.
Then he stood up and turned to Han Mei.
She was already looking at him, worry written all over her face.
