The Return of the God Level Assassin [BL]

Chapter 1203: YUNYUE VS FENGHUANG (XXXVIII)

AS they walked down the corridor, Luo Yan kept his steps small and hesitant, his voice soft as he glanced up at Mrs. Thompson. This was the perfect chance to find out whether she had a child before Miss Thompson—something Holmes had hinted might be important. Of course, he had to tread carefully. After all, he was still playing the role of a timid girl.

"Mrs. Thompson… you're really nice to me. Are you always this nice to children?"

Mrs. Thompson smiled down at him, though there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes. "I try to be, dear. Children are precious. They deserve kindness."

Luo Yan nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "My mother says that too. She says children are a blessing."

Mrs. Thompson's smile faltered for a moment, her grip on his hand tightening slightly. "Yes… they are. Though sometimes, life doesn't let us keep all the blessings we're given."

Luo Yan caught something in Mrs. Thompson's voice when she said that. There's obviously a hidden meaning behind her words. But he needed more. So, he acted like he was hesitant, then asked in a small voice, "Do you… do you think Miss Thompson is a blessing too?"

Mrs. Thompson let out a quiet laugh, though it sounded more wistful than joyful. "Of course she is. She's my daughter, after all."

Luo Yan paused, then added in a wistful tone, "I wish I had a sister or brother. It must be nice to have someone to play with."

Mrs. Thompson's steps slowed, and she looked away with a distant expression. "It is nice… though not everyone gets to grow up with siblings. Sometimes, circumstances… separate families."

Luo Yan tilted his head, feigning innocent confusion. "What do you mean?"

For a moment, Mrs. Thompson didn't answer. Then she sighed, her voice softening. "There are things in life we can't control, little Mary. Sometimes, we have to make difficult choices… for the sake of those we love."

Luo Yan nodded slowly, his voice small, playing the part of a child who didn't fully understand but pretended to, anyway. Inside, though, his mind was racing, piecing together the clues she'd unknowingly dropped. "I guess so."

Mrs. Thompson forced a smile, patting his hand gently. "You're a sweet child, Mary. Let's go and check on your mother now, shall we?"

As they continued walking, Luo Yan couldn't help but notice the way Mrs. Thompson's gaze lingered on the passing windows, as if lost in a memory. Her earlier words echoed in his mind: "Sometimes, circumstances… separate families." It was clear she was thinking of someone—someone who wasn't Miss Thompson.

And that was all the clues he needed to come up with the answer Sherlock Holmes had asked Shen Ji Yun.

So, he sent a message to their team channel.

Noctis: [It seems Mrs. Thompson had another child before Miss Thompson. From her words—and the way she said them—it sounds like she had to leave that child behind.]

Luo Yan left it at that and decided to check their replies later since he had to focus on what's coming next. There's something very important he had to make certain during this visit with his 'mother'.

Soon, they reached the cabin at the end of the corridor where Mrs. Winslow was recuperating.

Mrs. Thompson gently opened the cabin door. Luo Yan had half-hoped the doctor would be there, but aside from Mrs. Winslow lying unconscious on the bed, the room was empty.

"Go on, dear," Mrs. Thompson said softly, her voice warm but tinged with a hint of sadness. "Spend some time with your mother. I'll wait outside."

Luo Yan gave her a grateful smile before stepping inside. Mrs. Thompson kept the cabin door slightly ajar, likely to keep an eye on him from outside. He sat down on the edge of the bed where Mrs. Winslow lay unconscious and gently took her hand, doing his best to look both sad and scared.

As he sat there, he observed Mrs. Winslow carefully. She was still as pale as she had been when he visited her the night before. His eyes drifted to the wound on her throat, and he fell into deep contemplation. He might have stayed like that for much longer if not for the voices he suddenly heard outside.

"Mrs. Thompson, what are you doing here?" it's the doctor's voice.

"Dr. Grant, I'm just accompanying little Mary to check on her mother. You looked a bit peaked, is everything alright?" Mrs. Thompson asked with a note of concern in her voice.

"Ah, you've heard about the recent… incidents, I presume? The train manager called me in to consult on the attack last night, as well as the one prior. And, well…" The doctor paused, his voice lowering as if reconsidering his words. "Forgive me, Mrs. Thompson. These are rather grim matters, and I wouldn't wish to trouble you with the details."

Luo Yan raised an eyebrow as he listened. If someone spoke like that, of course the other person would be curious—that's how it usually went. But Mrs. Thompson wasn't a real person; she was an NPC. Still, her character was designed to be a caring, protective mother. There was no way she wouldn't want to know about a situation that could potentially put her daughter in danger.

And sure enough, what Mrs. Thompson said next proved that.

"Dr. Grant, I'm well aware that someone is targeting passengers on this train. If there's something more you know—something that could help us protect ourselves—I would rather hear it. Please, tell me what's going on. How are these attacks happening? And what can we do to stay safe?"

Luo Yan heard the doctor sigh, followed by a moment of hesitation. Then, as if resigned, the doctor spoke. "The attacks are… brutal. That's all I can say. But for your safety, I strongly advise you and Miss Thompson to stay in your cabin tonight. Lock the door if you can, and don't open it for anyone."

There was a brief pause before Mrs. Thompson spoke again, her voice steady but with a hint of urgency. "Dr. Grant, would it be possible for us to stay with you? Just for tonight?"