Even as I'm going home, I can still feel the piercing glare that has been bugging me ever since I entered his line of sight. It sends me too much shivers down my spine that I am sometimes tempted to take Simon's hoodie just because I don't want to feel the chills!

Being occupied with Arden in my thoughts, I almost forgot the plan to lure Marlboro out.

I took out the black fedora and wore it on my head as I walk home.

I can already imagine Arden wondering to himself why I bother to even wear a fedora on my way home. I can almost hear his grinding teeth as he aggressively thinks about it. This doesn't make sense to an ordinary person, much less an outsider who wishes to peer into this business anyway. I can get rid of him by putting him on a goose chase, but then by doing that, I don't think I can make Marlboro follow me.

On the other side of the highway, a truck passed by. Sensing a different soul other than Arden, I quickly turned to the mysterious soul... and there stands the man I was looking for.

He put up a "shh" sign, immediately wrapping his arm on my waist and jumped on the side of the truck. The truck continued to pass by, leaving Arden wondering where I am. He didn't know that I'm being carried by a stranger on the side of the truck that just passed by his very eyes.

When we reached a safe location, Marlboro jumped off. He has steady feet, he didn't even mind as he jumped off even while the truck was still moving. I can't expect anything less from a person in the organization that cold-heartedly killed my parents!

"It's great to see you again, little girl." He smiles as he softly and gently pats my head, crouching down just to reach me.

He has grown taller since I last saw him... Of course, he did grow older after all. Who wouldn't in those 4 years?

His stature is slightly different, but the aura and appearance hasn't changed much at all.

He looks so ordinary, he looks so kind, he looks like a gentleman without his hat. His clothing, wearing all black, is still the same as before.

It was like he really wanted to meet me again after that order, since he didn't even bother buying another fedora to cover his head. Although I just assumed that he was wearing all these clothes just to avoid the eyes of the public. But now that I know that he doesn't wear any other fedoras since I took his, it doesn't seem like that's the case.

"I'm surprised you didn't die in that mission of yours. Was it easy?" He continues to pat my head, and his bright smile didn't fade away.

I couldn't move my mouth. Even if I want to answer him, I don't think I can move any muscle after observing him through his appearance and actions. Even if ordinary people would consider him as someone like them, I can't be convinced that he really is!

"Oh, sorry, still can't talk? As expected of you. You have really grown so much." He then ruffles my head somehow like a father would to his son.

The gesture made me remember something unpleasant, so I took a step back, away from this murderer's grasp.

"What are you running away for? I'm not someone who's going to attack you." He faintly laughs, inviting me to go back to his side.

I stayed silent, still away from him.

"Moreover, I think the one who wants to attack you is the stalker you have who kept following you even as you go home." He continues. "Don't worry, let's just have a small talk regarding our differences. I won't hurt you, and you won't hurt me. Alright?" He asks for confirmation. His voice stayed upbeat and his smile really never faded away.

I gave him a small, slight nod in reply.