Chapter 1198: Feeling of Self-blame

Sister Zhao's eyes widened, and she seemed a little overwhelmed by this sudden support. She said, "You are right, but I still think that people who do such things will definitely leave some clues. If there is really a problem, it will be exposed sooner or later."

"Exposed?" Li Xiangqian couldn't help laughing, and there was a bitter feeling in his heart. Yes, everyone hopes to wait for that "exposed" moment, but he knows that some things may be too late. "But what if there is no chance to wait?" He asked back, his eyes deep, as if he saw an irreversible fate.

The atmosphere in the room became more heavy, and everyone lowered their heads, as if they were thinking about Li Xiangqian's words. Li Xiangqian knew that these seemingly calm villagers actually had many unspoken doubts in their hearts. But how could he uncover the hidden veil?

He suddenly remembered the night when He Yuzhu suddenly disappeared. He was shocked and clenched his teeth secretly. Whenever he recalled the scene of that night, Li Xiangqian felt powerless. At that time, he saw He Yuzhu quietly walked into the old warehouse at the head of the village, and what he did was not to follow him, but to turn back home. He had already made up his mind that those things were just his imagination. However, now, looking back, Li Xiangqian began to feel that his choice at that time might have been wrong.

"Li Xiangqian, what do you want to say?" Xu Damao asked impatiently, the look in his eyes was no longer just suspicion, but a deeper vigilance. He was obviously a little wary of Li Xiangqian's words.

Li Xiangqian paused, looked up at Xu Damao, and finally found an outlet for his anger. "I don't know how to say this, but I feel that if we don't start a serious investigation and pay attention to these increasingly abnormal things, sooner or later there will be more serious consequences." His voice became more determined, "Don't you think so? He Yuzhu's abnormality, the disappearances in the village, and even the chicken are all clues that cannot be ignored. I just want everyone to be alert and prevent problems before they happen."

Sister Zhao sighed, her tone filled with helplessness: "Li Xiangqian, you are right, but what do you think we can do? We are all ordinary people. All we can do is to be more alert and pay more attention. What practical actions can we take?"

"We can start with He Yuzhu," Li Xiangqian clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with determination, "As long as we start to investigate and find some direct evidence, we can make everything public."

Xu Damao sneered: "Just a few of us?" He shook his head, "Don't dream. The people in the village are ordinary people. Who can come up with substantial evidence?"

Li Xiangqian looked at Xu Damao, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. Although Xu Damao's words were unpleasant to hear, he knew that this was indeed a realistic problem. Without evidence, everything could only be speculation. However, he always felt that if he did not take action and waited any longer, some things might become out of control.

Li Xiangqian stood there, his eyes deep, his mood shrouded by dark clouds. He had made up his mind to get to the bottom of He Yuzhu's case no matter what. Even though everyone turned a blind eye to his suspicions, even though he himself was often questioned by his inner voice whether he was really overly sensitive, the uneasiness and anxiety always lingered in his heart, like an unexploded time bomb that could cause some kind of disaster at any time.

"Li Xiangqian, stop dwelling on these meaningless things." Sister Zhao's tone was filled with helplessness and fatigue, as if saying these words could relieve the burden on her heart. "We all know about He Yuzhu's case, and everyone has seen that something is wrong with him, but if we investigate further, can we really find any clues? Besides, if He Yuzhu is really suspicious, I'm afraid that even the officials in the city will not be able to get to the bottom of it, let alone us."

Her words made Li Xiangqian feel depressed. He lowered his eyes and unconsciously grasped the wooden corner of the table, as if that could give him some strength. Sister Zhao was right. Everyone saw these abnormalities. However, even he knew that without evidence, everything was just empty speculation. However, if he continued to drag on like this, the string in his heart would never relax.

"But..." Li Xiangqian's voice sounded faintly, "If we don't give it a try, what if there is really a problem?"

Sister Zhao sighed, and didn't seem to want to continue talking. She just shook her head silently and lowered her head. The room suddenly fell into silence, with only the cat in the corner curled up quietly, occasionally staring at them with wet eyes.

Li Xiangqian felt a deep sense of powerlessness. He understood that no matter how much he said, everyone's mentality had already been formed. Everyone lived in this closed small village and was accustomed to the peace and stability in front of them. No one wanted to break this delicate balance. In the final analysis, what they feared was not He Yuzhu, but the unknown that even they themselves were not sure of.

He subconsciously touched the rope around his neck and sighed softly. He suddenly felt a surge of self-blame in his heart. He knew that he had never completely believed in Yu Zhui from the beginning, and secretly doubted his actions. Even when he brought back the chicken, Li Xiangqian had already noticed that something was wrong. But why did he decide to take action until now? He seemed to be avoiding the truth that might make him feel even more depressed.

He looked out the window. The mountains in the distance were dimly and warmly illuminated by the setting sun. The air was filled with a damp smell of soil, which was a unique smell of the countryside, both peaceful and mysterious. Li Xiangqian suddenly remembered that when he was a child, his father always told him to be decisive, not to procrastinate, and to dare to face unknown dangers. But now, he stood here, but still couldn't make a decision.

Just as he was lost in thought, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the house, breaking the silence. Li Xiangqian turned his head and saw He Yuzhu appear at the door. He Yuzhu was wearing shabby clothes, with messy hair and no expression on his face. He walked in mechanically without any sign.

"You're here?" Sister Zhao was stunned for a moment and showed a hint of vigilance.

He Yuzhu nodded without saying anything. He calmly scanned everyone in the room, and finally stopped at Li Xiangqian. Li Xiangqian's heart tightened. That look made him feel a little uncomfortable. He Yuzhu walked into the room from the door, walked straight to the table, and whispered, "Are you talking about me?"