Chapter 10

Chapter 10

After roughly understanding the scene of her predecessor's death on that night, Tang Qiu not only obtained a clue about the killer's distinct characteristics but also used the system's uniqueness to rule out two people from suspicion.

Through several days of exploration, Tang Qiu gradually gained some understanding of how to use the item Fate's Prophetic Eye, along with guesses about its unknown aspects—what she didn't yet know.

There are two known points. First, a target that can be successfully predicted must be a victim—someone who died unnaturally, either by accident or deliberate murder.

Second, the time of death must be extremely close to the present moment. Tang Qiu guessed that the limit might be no more than 48 hours.

As for the unknown parts, Tang Qiu mulled over repeatedly. The two failures of Fate's Prophetic Eye when trying to predict targets were because the target likely did not meet one of the necessary conditions: unnatural death.

Apart from that, there was another point that was known and confirmed: Fate's Prophetic Eye could be used to predict the killer. Although it failed, the fact that it could predict at all was of great significance and obvious importance.

It was through this that Tang Qiu ruled out Lv Xinghe and Shen Chen as suspects. Both were ordinary people. Whether they would be killed one day in the future was uncertain, but at least they weren't the type to suddenly turn malicious and kill someone.

The moment she returned home, Tang Qiu put down her backpack and walked to the photo wall. She didn't look at any photo but instead reached behind one to pull out a sticky note.

It was covered in small, dense handwriting, a list of ten names, including Lv Xinghe and Shen Chen.

Tang Qiu found a pen and crossed out the two names, then read the remaining names several times to reinforce her memory before carefully putting the note back in its place.

She also added a new item to her mental plan: over the weekend, she could find some time to meet the remaining people using Lv Xinghe and Shen Chen as a way to meet the others, gradually eliminating suspicions one by one.

In the following days, Tang Qiu didn't rush to use the new single-use item Fate's Prophetic Eye. Instead, she spent most of her time training and learning the terrain of her newly expanded range of movement.

As her actions increased, even though she concealed her appearance and tracks every time, it was inevitable that she would come to the attention of the police.

If she wanted to remain hidden and safe enough, she needed to have a thorough understanding of everything around her.

But life always has a way of throwing plans off track.

One Wednesday afternoon, Tang Qiu went to the fitness club for training as usual. While waiting for the elevator, two girls came chatting as they walked over to take the elevator as well.

Tang Qiu instinctively turned to observe, and at that moment, the system interface that had been quiet for several days suddenly appeared.

You have seen Cui Yueyi. Item: Fate's Prophetic Eye activated.

You have successfully predicted Cui Yueyi's fate. You have foreseen her death. Time: March 26, 1:49 PM.

Tang Qiu glanced at the current time: March 24, 3:42 PM.

Good, this time it gave a full 46 hours and 7 minutes, further supporting Tang Qiu's guess about the 48-hour limit.

On the surface, Tang Qiu looked casually at the elevator display panel, but she was actually observing the two girls out of the corner of her eye, especially the target, the pretty girl named Cui Yueyi.

The two girls were clearly close friends, leaning in close, chatting loudly, oblivious to others.

The other girl, wearing a white dress, asked curiously and excitedly, "What's up? Why the sudden urge to go shopping for new clothes? Spill it—did something new happen? Who's the lucky guy this time? Is he as handsome as the last one?"

Cui Yueyi wasn't wearing makeup, but her features were bright and striking. Even heavy dark circles didn't diminish her beauty. She yawned tiredly and said, "What new thing? I got a new gig. The boss strongly requested I sing something upbeat to get the crowd hyped. The client is demanding, but they're paying well, so I have to show some respect. That's why I'm buying a new battle outfit."

Hearing this, the girl in the white dress got even more excited, almost squealing as she said, "A new gig? Is it a one-time thing or permanent? Where's the venue? Are there a lot of people? Are you one step closer to getting famous?"

With each question, the girl pressed closer to Cui Yueyi, until she was practically hanging on her, eager for answers.

Cui Yueyi helplessly tried to push her off but couldn't. She yawned again and replied, "It's a one-time thing this time, but the contact, Brother Hui, said if the effect is good, he can try to negotiate a permanent spot for me. So it all comes down to this performance."

"And the location?" The girl in white pressed on, eyes sparkling. "Where, where? Tell me quickly! I want to come and cheer for you. I'll even bring a bunch of people, including my ex-boyfriends. I'll make sure the crowd gets hyped."

Cui Yueyi laughed. "I know you love me, but don't sacrifice that much. You have so many ex-boyfriends—what if they start fighting? Each one is handsome, so who would you help?"

The girl in white chuckled. "Oh, you underestimate me. I've got plenty of charm. They'll be too busy trying to win me over to fight. Just wait and see."

Cui Yueyi reached out and tapped the girl on the head. "Alright, I'll be waiting then. The location is the Dead End Bar at the intersection of Guhewan Road. I won't go until 11 p.m., so don't come too early. And don't leave too early either. After the gig, we'll get some late-night snacks."

The girl in white nodded happily, then suddenly straightened up and turned her gaze to Tang Qiu. She strode over enthusiastically and pitched, "Hey, sis, come hang out tonight! I'm telling you, my friend sings amazingly—super good, you won't regret it. It's at the Guhewan intersection, not far. You definitely have to come tonight!"

After pitching to Tang Qiu, without waiting for an answer, the girl rushed off to the next person. Cui Yueyi wasn't surprised—clearly used to it—and just helplessly watched her friend's social butterfly nature take over.

After pitching to several people, the busy elevator finally reached the first floor. The girl in white finally stopped, walked back cheerfully to Cui Yueyi, and squeezed in one more pitch to Tang Qiu: "I'm not lying, sis. Seriously, my friend sings amazingly well. Come play tonight!"

This time Tang Qiu had to respond. She nodded coolly and said, "Maybe if I can."

Tang Qiu said this, but in her mind, she had already made a plan. She would definitely go tonight—after changing her appearance.

The elevator quickly reached the floor the two girls were going to: the fourth floor, the food court. Apparently, they planned to eat first to build up energy before shopping.

Tang Qiu watched them leave the elevator, memorizing Cui Yueyi's figure and appearance, then waited for the elevator doors to close, and take her to her destination.

Another painful yet joyful two and a half hours passed. This time, Tang Qiu took Coach Zhong's outstretched hand and used her help to stand up from the cold floor. She breathed deeply to calm her pounding heart while wiping the sweat that was nearly blocking her vision with a towel.

Coach Zhong, stern but caring, patted Tang Qiu's shoulder lightly and asked with some concern, "How are you doing? Can you still keep up? And remember to use medicated oil to massage when you get home, or the bruises on your body will get worse."

Because of Tang Qiu's displayed perseverance, Coach Zhong had changed a large part of the training to actual combat—meaning Tang Qiu would attack her, and she would counterattack.

To be honest, this change was a huge challenge for Tang Qiu. She had to exert extreme control over her fighting instincts, pretending to be an ordinary person launching completely non-threatening attacks at Coach Zhong. Several times, Tang Qiu instinctively wanted to target weak points like the neck, eye sockets, or temples, and she had to use all her self-control to curl her fingers into fists to strike other areas instead.

Coach Zhong didn't notice much, just praised Tang Qiu: "I didn't expect you to be quite talented. You're improving quickly. Keep it up, and I believe in no time you'll reach your goal."

Noticing Coach Zhong's gesture, Tang Qiu deliberately didn't dodge, covering her face with the towel and still breathing heavily as she replied, "It's okay, I can hold on. As for the medicated oil, I've been using it, but it doesn't seem to help much."

Tang Qiu lifted her arms and legs to look—there were indeed large patches of purple-blue bruises, including on her chest and back.

In truth, it was because this body had never undergone such high-intensity combat training. It's like when a person's hands don't have calluses, repeatedly doing the same motion easily leads to blisters and broken skin. But once calluses form and the body adapts, there won't be such a strong reaction.

That was Tang Qiu's situation now. The biggest hardship this body had ever endured before was physical education class in school, and occasional weekend hiking or camping after work. Suddenly being tossed around by Coach Zhong every day—it would be strange if she weren't covered in injuries.

Coach Zhong clearly understood. She patted Tang Qiu's shoulder again, then pulled a medicine bottle from the bag in the corner of the training room, said a bit awkwardly, "I figure the medicated oil you bought at the pharmacy isn't good enough. Take this bottle. Use plenty, don't be afraid to waste it, and massage with more force. That way, the bruising will dissipate faster."

Tang Qiu sensed Coach Zhong's awkward but genuine concern. She didn't want to refuse, so she accepted it openly and said sincerely, "Thank you."

Coach Zhong waved her hand, a hint of a smile escaping her usually cold face before she suppressed it, and said dismissively, "Don't mention it."

Tang Qiu examined the obviously brand-new, unopened medicine bottle. Her face remained expressionless, but the corners of her mouth couldn't help curving slightly before she gently but carefully placed it in her small bag.