The sun rose as usual.
The sunlight was still the same as yesterday's, but Ninghai was no longer the Ninghai of yesterday.
The news that Yu Lingxiao and a group of important figures were taken away for investigation instantly caused a huge stir in Ninghai City, making this case the talk of the town.
Those who had been oppressed by the Yu family also came forward, providing their evidence.
This was a victory that was long overdue!
Yet, some also said that justice delayed was not justice, and there was some truth to that.
At that time.
Chen Jinzhao had returned to his post.
Seeing Xu Nianqing again, Chen Jinzhao felt even more guilty than the night before.
His thoughts could not be hidden from Xu Nianqing. While they were having lunch, Xu Nianqing suddenly asked, "Were you with Yu Mengzhi last night?"
Chen Jinzhao's expression froze. He didn't know how to answer.
If he told the truth, he would probably get beaten, right?
Xu Nianqing smiled and said, "You're guilty. You can't hide it from my eyes."
Since it had come to this, Chen Jinzhao no longer concealed it. He nodded and said, "Yes, we were together last night, but don't misunderstand. We didn't..."
"Stop right there. I don't want to hear it," Xu Nianqing said.
Chen Jinzhao found himself becoming increasingly unable to see through Xu Nianqing. Her thoughts were not reflected on her face at all, which made him feel somewhat estranged.
Xu Nianqing asked again, "Then what are your plans?"
Chen Jinzhao shook his head and said, "I plan to keep the same distance from you both. I'll give you an answer after I've seriously considered it. You know, it's difficult for me to make a decision in these matters."
After saying this,
Both fell into silence, making Chen Jinzhao even more uneasy.
In matters of the heart, he was a novice.
Xu Nianqing suddenly smiled.
She looked at Chen Jinzhao and said, "Actually, I think you and Yu Mengzhi being together is quite good. She's not that kind of messy woman."
"You..." Chen Jinzhao was surprised.
"You and I are not really suitable, because we both have strong personalities. Yu Mengzhi's temperament is more gentle, and she's a perfect match for you," Xu Nianqing stated the facts calmly.
Chen Jinzhao remained silent.
Xu Nianqing continued, "I should have realized long ago that spilled water cannot be recovered, and a broken mirror cannot be mended. We can't go back to how we were."
As she spoke, there was a hint of sadness in her tone.
Chen Jinzhao wanted to say something, but the words caught in his throat, unsure of how to begin. This was his dilemma.
Seeing his appearance, Xu Nianqing chuckled, "We are both mature adults, not seventeen or eighteen-year-old teenagers. Can't we act more maturely and rationally? Just use that ruthless spirit you have when fighting enemies to be ruthless about our relationship! Indecisiveness is not a trait you should possess."
"Sigh..." Chen Jinzhao sighed.
"Is this truly what you think, or is it something else?"
Xu Nianqing nodded, "Of course, it's my own thoughts. Let's just part ways amicably, without another unpleasant scene like last time. Oh, and when you get married, remember to invite me to the wedding. That will give me a sense of accomplishment."
"She's a good woman, you must cherish her."
"Alright, I'm done eating. If there's nothing else, I'll go back to my experiments. The lab will be relocated in a few days, and I'll have to ask you for help with the escort again."
"Goodbye."
Xu Nianqing left.
It reminded Chen Jinzhao of what happened in their sophomore year.
He shook his head. This time was definitely different from last time. But what were Xu Nianqing's true thoughts?
Chen Jinzhao had no way of knowing.
A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea; it's not just a saying.
"I was still wavering, are you cutting the Gordian knot for me?" Chen Jinzhao asked with a wry smile.
In the afternoon.
Wen Fu'lai's assistant quietly said to him, "Professor Wen, I saw Professor Xu hiding in the restroom and crying. Did something trouble her?"
"Oh? Is that so..." Wen Fu'lai adjusted his glasses.
"Besides you, does anyone else know?"
The assistant shook his head.
Wen Fu'lai nodded, "Perhaps she encountered something sad. Apart from you and me, no one else should know about this, understand?"
"Professor, I will keep my mouth shut," the assistant replied.
Wen Fu'lai hummed and told the assistant to go about his business.
He also wanted to counsel Xu Nianqing, but after thinking about it, he felt that some things had to be processed and accepted by Xu Nianqing herself; others couldn't help.
Not long after.
Xu Nianqing returned from the restroom, reapplying her makeup as if nothing had happened.
Wen Fu'lai and his assistant tacitly avoided mentioning the matter. Wen Fu'lai even intentionally kept Xu Nianqing busy, hoping it would help her forget her sorrow and immerse herself in her own world.
All living beings suffer; what can be done?
Time passed in the blink of an eye, two days later.
The storm caused by Yu Lingxiao's arrest gradually subsided. Qin Fengwu's position was secured, though the grand welcoming ceremony planned by the provincial authorities for him was now a wash.
No one dared to be ostentatious at this juncture and attract undue attention.
Tao Qiyue was also released.
After repeated interrogations and investigations, she was proven to be unrelated to these matters and was acquitted.
When she was released, Chen Jinzhao specifically went to pick her up. Seeing her empty home again, Tao Qiyue burst into tears. All Chen Jinzhao could do was watch silently; these were things she needed to process herself.
After crying for a full half hour, Tao Qiyue finally calmed down.
Then she made a decision to move out of the convalescent home and start anew. Chen Jinzhao helped her find a rental, and assisted with the move, putting in considerable effort.
Tao Qiyue was very grateful to Chen Jinzhao and personally cooked dinner for him at her new place.
It was also at this time.
She finally told Chen Jinzhao her inner thoughts—she wanted to travel across the beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland.
Chen Jinzhao thought she had resigned, but later learned that the higher-ups had granted Tao Qiyue leave to properly process these events. Chen Jinzhao wholeheartedly approved.
Traveling was an excellent way to relax.
The next day.
Chen Jinzhao personally saw her off at the airport and then breathed a sigh of relief.
Tao Qiyue's first destination was Southern Xinjiang, located in the northwestern border of the country, known as the "Jiangnan of the Frontier."
After sending Tao Qiyue off, Chen Jinzhao's life returned to normal.
His contact with Xu Nianqing became increasingly sparse, while his interactions with Yu Mengzhi grew, and their relationship deepened.
Chen Jinzhao sometimes thought that if life could remain this peaceful and harmonious, it would be good. However, his identity destined that even if he didn't seek trouble, trouble would find him.
The communicator he had obtained from Zhu Ziqian suddenly sent a message.
The content was to prepare 'Wild Boar'. In three days, 'Nightingale' would send detailed coordinates for the three of them to meet and discuss the next course of action.
Chen Jinzhao couldn't help but feel excited.
If not for the message, he would have almost forgotten about this device. He was also curious about Nightingale's true identity.
"Three days from now?"
"Perfect time to capture you all in one fell swoop, leaving you with nowhere to escape."