It wasn't because the room was brightly lit, but rather...
"Mom?"
Zhu Qingyue's voice trembled slightly as she called out in the direction of the living room.
No one answered.
Zhu Qingyue slipped into her slippers and followed the hallway into the house.
Her heart raced as if sensing some sudden premonition.
Zhu Qingyue had spent many long years in this home, and it had only ever housed her and her mother.
The girl knew every item's place in the house by heart so that even at night without lights, moving alone in the dark, she wouldn't have an accident.
And if someone had indeed moved something, even a slight change, she would recognize it at a glance.
Zhu Qingyue quickly made her way to the kitchen door.
When she stood outside the transparent glass door looking in, her beautiful pupils suddenly dilated.
"Mom...?"
Zhu Qingyue covered her mouth, murmuring in disbelief.