Rebirth: Once Again With You

"After we did a thorough investigation, we found out that this man most likely attended the same high school as her."

"Really?" Meng Renshu said in disbelief. "Do you have proof?"

"There wasn't much we can find out from where he lives or his real name. This man has been on the run for a year, and from the CCTV footage from his apartment, it seemed he had changed his appearance."

"You mean plastic surgery?"

The officer flipped the file in his hand before saying, "According to the investigation, his face looked slightly different from the last time he got caught by the camera. There is a high possibility he changed some parts of his face so he wouldn't be recognized easily."

Meng Renshu put his fingers on his jaw as he thought deeply, "How did you know he might have known my wife before this?"

"From the things we found in his house, there are some old documents regarding people whom we suspected as his family, like medical bills and a death certificate. We tried to find the connection, and it appeared this man also grew up in S city, just like you, Mr. Meng. There is also a notebook left behind by him, which mentioned your wife's name many times. The date and year were varied, so it was safe to assume this man probably had known your wife since a long time ago, presumably since his high school days."

Meng Renshu clenched his hand tightly, trying to suppress the sudden fury in his chest. "Oh? Is it some kind of diary or something? Can I take a look at it?"

The officer showed an apologetic face before replying, "I'm very sorry, but this notebook also contained other important information that may help us crack another case. Even if it's you, I'm afraid we can't show such top-class evidence."

"Then, do you mind sending me a picture of the parts when he mentioned my wife? I want to know what he wrote." Meng Renshu asked in a dark tone, making the officer break in a cold sweat.

"Sure, Mr. Meng. I will try to send it to you as soon as possible."

"Can I also ask regarding what kind of crime this man committed? I won't ask the details, just tell me the type of the crime."

"Yeah, about that…." The officer's words trailed off as he hesitated.

"Why? Is this also some kind of confidential information you can't tell me?"

The officer chuckled while swiping his face once with his palm. "No, I just thought that perhaps it might shock you. This man called Huang Zhen is on the run for a murder case. He killed three people."

After that, Meng Renshu felt the ground shaking under him.

***

Meng Renshu frowned as he slowly opened his eyes. He squinted when the light pierced through the gap in his eyes, but after a few blinks, he got accustomed to it.

"Are you finally awake?"

A stern but familiar voice rang from above him. That was when he realized he was currently lying down on the couch with something soft under his head.

The memories before he fell asleep slowly came back to him, and when he looked up, a face he had longed to see was staring back at him with a hint of impatience in her eyes.

'Ah, she is here. She is still here,' Meng Renshu thought to himself, and he suddenly had an urge to cry. However, there was no way he could show Li Caiyi his crying face, so he twisted his body to the side to hide his face.

"Brother Renshu, are you still half-asleep? If you don't wake up now, then I won't be able to go home."

It was clearly words of complaint, but it eased his heart so much. If only Li Caiyi wasn't so vigilant towards him, he probably would have hugged her the moment he opened his eyes.

After a few seconds, Meng Renshu finally regained his composure again, then slowly picked himself up. His hair was messy, and his suit was wrinkled, but his body did feel lighter than before.

'It didn't end with a nightmare this time. As expected, it has to be with her,' Meng Renshu thought to himself as he slowly turned his head to face the frowning girl.

"If you are awake, can you let go of my hand now? It's starting to feel cramped now."

Meng Renshu deliberately ignored her and asked her instead, "How long have I been asleep?"

"Around two hours. You looked like you were having a good sleep, so I generously let you have another hour. But it's already 10 PM. I have to go home now." Li Caiyi said as she tried to pull her hand off him, but he refused to let her go.

"It would be good if you just sleep together with me," Meng Renshu let out a teasing smirk.

"If you are sober enough to hurl nonsense, then please let my hand go now!" Li Caiyi was practically trying to tear her hand, judging how strongly she attempted to break free from his hold.

"Haha, I understand. Don't pull anymore, or you will fall back." Meng Renshu said before slowly loosening his hold on her hand. That small and warm hand quickly slipped out of his grasp, and his hand instantly felt cold again.

Meng Renshu thought the dream he just had was the most vivid one so far. Previously, although the sensation and feeling he experienced remained, he would always forget everything he saw when he woke up. However, it was different this time.

Li Caiyi rubbed her hand while studying Meng Renshu's expression seriously. "So? Did you find out anything?" She asked carefully.

Meng Renshu blinked his eyes several times before he smiled brightly.

"No? Unfortunately, I couldn't remember anything, but sleeping while holding your hand worked wonders, as expected. I slept like a baby, thanks to you. It's been a while since I woke up feeling refreshed like this."

"Is that so?" Li Caiyi eyed him suspiciously, which he responded with a tilt of his head.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"I can't believe you for some reason."

Meng Renshu laughed. "I see you only have that much trust towards me. But it's the truth. I forgot about it as soon as I woke up. Why would I lie about that? I'm just as desperate to know the mystery behind my dreams as you."

"....Nevermind, then. Can I go home now? I hope you keep your promise to me. I don't want Auntie to have any kind of misunderstanding about us."

"Yes, don't worry," Meng Renshu said lightly as he stood up. "Let me escort you home."

"No need. Please just let the chauffeur send me home."

"I can't do that, or Auntie would be disappointed in me. I promise I won't talk to you anymore after this, so let me make sure you return safely, okay?"

Li Caiyi had an unwilling look on her face. It made him want to walk over and pinched her cheeks.

Even now, she tried hard to keep some distance from him. However, she should have realized that such a feat was impossible now that he understood he needed her in his life.