Shi Wei glanced behind him, as if staring into an abyss without end. Suddenly, a mocking chuckle escaped his lips.
From his pocket, he retrieved the cigarettes and lighter he had confiscated earlier in the boys' restroom from a few students.
Then, he retraced his steps.
This time, however, his hand held a full canister of gasoline.
Shi Wei stood at the far end of the corridor, twisting the cap off the gasoline container with practiced efficiency, then briskly retraced his path.
The air was quickly filled with an acrid, unpleasant smell.
A sixteen-year-old boy, drenched in blood, stood at the stairwell, seemingly melding into the darkness like a vengeful specter crawling straight out of hell.
With a faint smile curling his lips, he toyed with the lighter in his hand. In the dead of night, his finger gently pressed the ignition button, setting the gasoline trail ablaze.
The flames illuminated his face in an instant.
A face still youthful but darkened with an ominous shadow.
