Original Suspense Novel: 《ℬ𝓁𝒾𝓏𝓏𝒶𝓇𝒹 ℳ𝒶𝓃𝑜𝓇》 EP17

The fire in the hearth was still burning, but without the supplemental light from the lamps, the entire hall instantly shrank to an orange circle of light centered on the flames. Beyond the circle was a thick darkness; windows, corridors, and stairwells vanished as if swallowed by something. "Don't move," Chen Mo said, his voice low but clear. "Everyone stay put, don't move." "I suggest—" Fang Guodong's voice came from the front left, steady but tense. "We should first increase the fire in the hearth. Then find candles or flashlights." "There are candles in the kitchen," Shen Yuehua's voice trembled, but she was still in control. "I saw them this afternoon when I was tidying the cabinets, in the drawer to the left of the counter." "I'll get them," Fang Guodong said. "No," Chen Mo interrupted immediately. "You're not familiar with the kitchen layout. You might knock things over in the dark, giving anyone an opportunity. Dr. Shen, you were in the kitchen this afternoon, you lead the way. Professor Lin, you go with Dr. Shen, look out for each other. Old Zhou, you stay here with me." He deliberately didn't mention Xu Ziqian. Xu Ziqian was now standing on the other side of the hearth. The firelight cut his profile in half, light and shadow. He didn't speak, didn't move, just stood quietly, hands hanging naturally at his sides. Chen Mo noticed his breathing was very steady, unlike someone just accused of murder. Shen Yuehua and Lin Jing stood up and walked towards the kitchen. Shen Yuehua's steps were a little unsteady, and Lin Jing reached out to support her, a gentle but decisive movement. (To be continued)