Beneath the Dome, Sin within Sins - Chapter 71 - A Falling-Out

After Lu Xun left, Su Mo turned his deep, unfathomable gaze toward me and said, enunciating every word, “You’re lying.”

His words sent a jolt through me. I instinctively averted my gaze, never expecting Su Mo to see right through me so easily.

But even so, I needed to hold my ground for a bit longer. I couldn’t let my facade crack so soon. Some things are better left unsaid.

With that thought, I forced out an awkward laugh and replied, “W-why are you so sure I’m lying? Besides, I have no reason to lie to you.”

“No reason? Do you really think the times you’ve lied to me have been few? Senior, some things can afford to wait, but there are matters that, if left unspoken, could lead to significant consequences.”

Su Mo’s expression was serious. I knew this kid wasn’t joking. But the matter of the bandaged man-if it were up to me, I’d rather take it to the grave.

Su Mo and I had always had this tacit connection. A single glance from him was enough for him to discern what I was thinking.

He sighed, a trace of helplessness on his face, and said, “Senior, have you ever considered what would’ve happened if that person had been holding a real gun just now?”

“I…”

I opened my mouth, but no words came out in the end. If he had been holding a real gun, my life would most likely have ended right then and there.

This wasn’t an exaggeration. If the barrel had discharged bullets instead of roses, I wouldn’t be sitting here, calmly conversing with Su Mo.

“Senior, tell me what you know. That bandaged man was trying to make it clear to you-if he wanted to kill you, it would be as easy as lifting a finger!”

Su Mo’s words were a mix of reason and emotion. This kid cared a lot about me-it was obvious. But it was exactly because I knew he cared that I didn’t want to open up about this.

Looking at it now, though, keeping quiet would only be more irresponsible.

With a sigh, I said, “Fine, since you’re so set on knowing, I’ll tell you.”

I then recounted everything that had happened between me and the bandaged man, leaving nothing out.

The more Su Mo listened, the darker his expression became. By the time I finished speaking, his eyes were burning with anger as he looked at me.

I couldn’t help but instinctively take a step back, laughing nervously. “Y-you don’t have to be so mad. The reason I didn’t tell you was because that bandaged man is incredibly dangerous. If anything were to happen to anyone else because of me, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

Su Mo stood up and walked toward me as he spoke, “So you’re using your own life as a bargaining chip? Do you have any idea what kind of person you’re dealing with? That bandaged man is so formidable that even the police station can’t handle him with ease. And you think you can go toe-to-toe with him? Senior, you’re unbelievable.”

I had nowhere to retreat. Staring at Su Mo’s face, now as tense as if he were facing a mortal enemy, I genuinely had no idea how to respond.

And now he was calling me terrifying? What kind of twisted logic was this?

“Su Mo, you’re exaggerating way too much. This really isn’t as serious as you’re making it sound.”

“Does someone have to blow your brains out before you’ll admit it’s serious?”

I knew he was worried about me, but his reaction was way over the top!

I raised my hand and patted Su Mo on the shoulder. “Su Mo, some things are just better left unsaid. Besides, I’m not even the bandaged man’s target to begin with.”

“Senior, you know I respect you, right? I really don’t want anything bad to happen to you. So let’s draw the line here-don’t get involved in anything related to the bandaged man from now on.”

His words hit me like a sledgehammer right in the chest. “Why?!”

“Senior, you’re tired. Go home and get some proper rest.”

I’d imagined a thousand scenarios for how Su Mo might handle this case, but I never expected him to shut me out entirely-to just cut me from the plan altogether.

I had been a part of this case from the very beginning. Not only that, but I was deeply invested in it. Su Mo’s order for me to step aside left me flustered.

“Su Mo, how could you do this?!”

“Senior, just go back and rest. You haven’t had a proper break in days. Take this chance to go on a little trip. By the time you come back, everything will be over.”

“Over my ass! Su Mo, you can’t just use me and then toss me aside like this!” I was desperate now. This time, Su Mo was dead serious-there was an intensity in his expression I’d never seen before.

Hearing my outburst, Su Mo frowned slightly and said, “Senior, how can you say that? When have I ever used you and tossed you aside? This is called collaboration between civilians and law enforcement. Senior, thank you for your help, but we don’t need you anymore. Go home.”

Su Mo’s words left me completely speechless. This guy normally kept a low profile, but who knew he could be so sharp-tongued when he wanted to be?

I was so angry I couldn’t think of a retort for a long while. Finally, I managed to squeeze out a single phrase: “Silver-tongued!”

“Senior, come on, that’s not fair. It’s called eloquence, not deceit. Just go home, okay? Leave this to me.”

That was the last straw-I was truly angry now. I grabbed Su Mo by the arm, frustration boiling over. “Su Mo! Do you really think this will end just because you tell me to go home? Let me tell you something: since I’ve already jumped into this mess, I’m in it for the long haul!”

Hearing this, Su Mo grew agitated as well. “Senior! You said it yourself-if you keep pushing, the bandaged man is going to target you! What happened today was a warning. Do you really want today’s threats to become tomorrow’s reality?!”

“I don’t care what you say. I’m seeing this through to the end!”

“Senior! If you won’t listen to me, don’t blame me for taking matters into my own hands!”

Su Mo’s voice rose so sharply that it startled me. My heart skipped a beat. “You… what do you mean by that?”

As soon as I finished my question, Su Mo reached for his waist and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “Senior, if you don’t behave, don’t think I won’t lock you up for a few days.”

“You wouldn’t dare! That’s illegal detention!”

“Wanna bet on that? Try me, Senior. Don’t forget-I’m the boss here. What I say goes!”

I was just about to argue further when Lu Xun’s voice cut through the air. “The sun’s about to rise. If you two are done bickering, time to get ready for work.”

“Lu Xun,” Su Mo called over, “drive Lu Ying home. He’s exhausted. And from now on, don’t let him get involved in this case.”

Lu Xun looked at me, then at Su Mo. In the end, I sighed, turned around, and walked out without another word. As I passed Lu Xun, I gave him a small nod. Without saying anything, the man quietly followed me out.