Wu Mengli's sobs gradually subsided. I helped her to a stone bench nearby, where the lingering rays of the setting sun stretched our shadows long and illuminated the drying tears on her face. I handed her a handkerchief, my heart a tangle of mixed emotions. The disappearances of Elder Li and Lin Yu were indeed suspicious, yet that was no reason to jump to the conclusion that we were responsible. Yet the rumors had spread like wildfire, engulfing the entire Wu Family.
"Mengli, don't cry. The truth will come to light," I comforted her, though I was also trying to comfort myself.
Mengli sniffed and managed a forced smile. "I believe you, Brother Chen."
Chapter 18