Lin Shanhu sat silently on the sofa.
Even when he calmed himself, he just kept drinking water from his teacup.
He felt very awkward because Chen Xiao had completely seen through his thoughts.
He couldn't understand why his formerly rough and stubborn son-in-law had changed so much all of a sudden.
Why had his words become so sharp?
Even his eyes seemed capable of piercing into one's soul now.
While Lin Shanhu was trying to come up with a response, things were different in the kitchen with Lin Yao.
She walked out directly and looked Chen Xiao in the eye: "I can still call you brother-in-law for now, but do you really not understand why we're still trying to speak to you nicely?"
"Of course, I understand. You're doing it for Xiaoxi, trying to end things amicably."
"If you know that, why aren't you willing to let my sister go? Don't you think it's absurd to assume that just because you helped her once, it guarantees you a place in her life? Chen Xiao, you have a family now, stop being so childish, okay?"
Lin Yao wasn't like Lin Shanhu; her thought process was very clear.
But looking at Chen Xiao, Lin Yao couldn't help but frown.
In the past, she was confident her words would make Chen Xiao jump.
However, Chen Xiao just smiled calmly, and even his tone was relaxed: "I don't think such an idea is childish. As your sister's husband, I am the most suitable person to help her achieve success."
Lin Yao couldn't help but laugh: "Yes, you're still my sister's husband and my brother-in-law. But bro, can't we be rational? You're just a drifter, good at nothing but heavy drinking and causing trouble!"
"What makes you think you can handle such intricate work like solving cases? Do you even know what a detective is, what a criminal case is? Do you have the brain for it?!"
Lin Yao's words were harsh.
But Chen Xiao was not angry, not even a bit.
"Alright, Xiaoyao, it's hard for us to communicate on this matter. Let's leave it to Xiaoxi. Let her tell you about her decision."
Chen Xiao felt that no amount of talking could change his terrible image.
Only Lin Xi could truly speak on his behalf.
"Fine, but you have to ensure you don't use emotions to threaten my sister! She's only given you chance after chance because she's soft-hearted!" Lin Yao said earnestly.
Chen Xiao nodded: "Okay, I promise not to say a word."
"Then let's wait for my sister to come home before discussing further."
Confidently, Lin Yao went back to the kitchen. Lin Shanhu held his teacup, his lips moved, but he ended up sighing and sipping his tea silently.
Chen Xiao didn't stay in the living room but went back to his room.
He felt very grateful to his in-laws, who had greatly supported the family since he married Lin Xi.
Despite his repeated mistakes, his in-laws never spoke a harsh word to save his dignity.
Anyone who meets such understanding in-laws in real life should treat them like their own parents.
Yet in his previous life, Chen Xiao acted like a complete jerk, never taking his in-laws seriously.
Leaning against the head of the bed, Chen Xiao stared at the wall clock in a daze for a while.
But soon, Chen Xiao stood up abruptly.
Images of his sister-in-law Lin Yao flashed in his mind, leading him to think of Luo Dali and the alley that led to Luo Dali's death!
Although he had only lived anew for two short days, during this time, Chen Xiao felt Luo Dali's sincere friendship clearly.
That guy truly treated him like a brother!
Now Lin Yao's sudden appearance made Chen Xiao worry whether some of the past events might occur again earlier.
Just like how Lin Xi joined the precinct early!
Thinking about it, Chen Xiao uneasily took out his phone and called Luo Dali.
The latter answered, laughing: "Oh my brother, why are you calling? Didn't we just part?"
"Dali, do you trust me?"
Chen Xiao's tone was very earnest. Luo Dali paused and replied: "Of course, I trust you. You're my good brother."
"Good, starting today, never take Swallow Lane again, understand?"
"Why, bro? I'd definitely avoid it if driving, but I have to take Swallow Lane when walking home."
"Don't worry about the details, just remember my words. That place doesn't favor you, it might even harm you." Chen Xiao couldn't find a better reason, so he just made one up.
Unexpectedly, there was a "snap" sound as Luo Dali patted himself, exclaiming: "Bro, do you really think Swallow Lane doesn't favor me?"
"Uh...yes, it conflicts with both your future and your health."
"Damn, I thought so, every time I walk home through Swallow Lane, I have nightmares at night, running for my life!"
Hearing this, Chen Xiao was shocked and asked, "Only dreaming of escaping?"
"No, not just that. In the dream, I encounter a girl in a red dress. I can't see her face clearly, but she seems to be a high schooler. Someone seems to be bullying her in an alley. You know how I am, I wouldn't stand by even in a dream, so I help her."
"But who would've thought, after helping her, I couldn't escape myself. A shadow I couldn't see clearly kept following me, no matter where I went. Eventually, it skinned me alive!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao couldn't believe his eyes.
So Luo Dali had dreamt of it!
It turns out that many events in this world have premonitions, hidden in the shadows!
But no matter the warnings, they happen in the end!
A girl in a red dress!
An indistinct shadow!
And the way he died, skinned alive!
It all matched!
There wasn't even a slight discrepancy!
In his past life, Luo Dali died horrifically.
Chen Xiao went to see him, but by then, Luo Dali was just bones!
If it weren't for the face being intact, Chen Xiao could hardly believe it was Luo Dali.
Recalling Luo Dali's appearance back then, Chen Xiao once again felt a strong wave of nausea, just like in his previous life.
It wasn't because it was disgusting, but because the scene was so unbearable.
The powerful psychological impact caused extreme physical discomfort!
"Ugh!"
Chen Xiao couldn't help but retch. Luo Dali quickly asked, "Brother Chen, what's wrong? Did you eat something bad?"
"No problem." Chen Xiao tried desperately to suppress the strong nausea with deep breathing.
After feeling much better, Chen Xiao reminded again: "Since you dreamt about it, keep it in mind. Also, don't let curiosity kill the cat or wait at Swallow Lane for that red-dress high school girl, understand?"
"Oh, I'm not that foolish. But Brother Chen, how do you know so much about Swallow Lane?"
Chen Xiao thought for a moment and replied: "Your sister-in-law's father came over, and in our conversation, he mentioned he has a friend who's great at fortune telling. So, I asked about myself and you. He told me you would face trouble within a year and should avoid anything related to swallows, even the name."
"Whoa, a living god, that accurate!"
"Stop teasing, just remember my words."
As Chen Xiao spoke, his mother-in-law Han Meixiang's voice came from outside: "Chen Xiao, dinner is ready. Can you call Lin Xi and see if she's on her way back?"
"Okay, mom, I'll call her now." Chen Xiao responded to Han Meixiang, then hung up on Luo Dali's call.