Guide Her to Nowhere (NPH) - Chapter 8: Blocked Stairwell

Chapter 8: Blocked Stairwell

Seemingly having obtained Qu Tang’s consent, Shi Xi was in a good mood and did not manhandle Qu Tang anymore, only inquiring if she needed him to arrange someone to help her pack her belongings.

Qu Tang refused on the grounds that she had little luggage.

The new job was to start tomorrow, but Qu Tang still had to come in this afternoon because Shi Xi said he wanted to familiarize her with the room prepared for her in advance.

Qu Tang didn’t understand why a single room, not even an entire manor, would require advance familiarization, but she still responded with a hint of anticipation.

As a third-class citizen, she should have a longing for living in a first-class citizen’s manor.

After bidding farewell to Shi Xi, Qu Tang hurried to Grandma Li’s place, and when leaving in the afternoon, she informed Grandma Li of her resignation.

“I’ve already notified the agency, they will promptly arrange for someone else to take over.” Qu Tang felt guilty, knowing Grandma Li was fond of her, and she was suddenly quitting.

Grandma Li grasped Qu Tang’s hands with both of hers, worriedly asking, “Tangtang, I’ve noticed you’ve been preoccupied all day, have you encountered any difficulties? If so, you can tell Grandma, perhaps Grandma can help you resolve it.”

“No, Grandma, I haven’t encountered any difficulties.” Qu Tang comforted Grandma Li with a smile, “I’m preoccupied because I’ll miss you. My uncle from the second district found me and said he wants to take me in and send me to school.”

Hearing this, Grandma Li was relieved: “That’s a good thing, you’re still young, you should be in school.”

Seemingly afraid Qu Tang would quickly slip away like last time, Grandma Li kept holding her hand and wheeled herself to the bedroom, taking a red envelope from the bedside table and placing it in Qu Tang’s palm.

“This red envelope is something I’ve prepared for you long ago, an elder’s gift cannot be refused, don’t try to decline it, be good.”

Qu Tang’s throat felt choked, “Mm, thank you.”

Grandma Li was the only one who had given her the warmth of a family member since her parents passed away, and she was grateful for her.

After leaving Grandma Li’s, Qu Tang habitually pressed the down button at the elevator, and the elevator that had been stopped on the thirteenth floor gradually descended to the ninth floor, the doors opening to an empty interior.

Qu Tang paused for a moment, then turned and entered the stairwell.

The stairwell was cramped and quiet, and Qu Tang unconsciously lightened her footsteps as she moved within.

She quickly reached the corner between floors, and just as she was about to step down, she froze.

She had encountered that Sentinel again.

The Sentinel stood at the entrance of the eighth-floor stairwell, leaning against the corridor door, looking up at her, his blue eyes appearing a deep, cold indigo in the dim lighting.

Qu Tang’s heart leapt to her throat, and without much thought, she turned and ran up the stairs.

“Wait!”

The Sentinel caught up to her quickly, and before Qu Tang could even climb a single step, he grabbed her waist and pulled her back, immediately muffling her startled cry with his hand.

“Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” Came the Sentinel’s low, hoarse voice from above, tinged with slightly labored breathing.

This was a Sentinel in need of soothing.

Fear spread, and Qu Tang flailed like a beached fish, but it was useless. The physical gap between Sentinels and Guides was like an unbridgeable chasm.

“Don’t shout or run, and I’ll let you go.”

After the initial fright, Qu Tang quickly calmed down. She seemed to have no choice but to nod in understanding.

Yi Jin loosened his grip on Qu Tang, watching as she slithered away like an eel, cowering in the corner and warily eyeing him. He sighed helplessly.

“This is an accident.” He said, “I’m surprised to see you here too. Why are you taking the stairs today?”