After inquiring about Mo He's student information from Mo Chengkun, Chen Jinzhao immediately requested half a day's leave from Yu Mengzhi.
Upon learning of the situation, Yu Mengzhi also worried about Mo He's safety and said to Chen Jinzhao, "Don't be impulsive when facing trouble. If there's anything you can't handle, remember to call the police. Don't get yourself into trouble."
She was too worried about Chen Jinzhao.
In her memory, Chen Jinzhao had a fierce style, and his actions were like thunder.
If he accidentally killed someone, it would be a big problem.
However—
Yu Mengzhi had not yet realized that Chen Jinzhao had killed someone just last night, and he had even used the hands that killed to cook a delicious meal.
"I understand," Chen Jinzhao said.
He paused, and before Chen Jinzhao hung up the phone, Yu Mengzhi asked doubtfully, "Is there anything else?"
"Yes…"
"I will inevitably have to interact with Xu Nianqing when I return to Ninghai University. I'm telling you in advance." Chen Jinzhao didn't want to cause any misunderstandings. The relationship he and Yu Mengzhi had finally built couldn't withstand any major storms.
Yu Mengzhi's face turned red, and she said coyly, "Hmph, I don't care who you fool around with."
But in her heart, she was secretly delighted.
After hanging up the phone.
Chen Jinzhao arrived at Ninghai University, his steps slowing down unconsciously.
Ninghai University once carried his dreams and future, but now times had changed, and youth had long passed. This made him feel a sense of melancholy, and he wondered what his life would be like now if he hadn't joined the army halfway.
Finally.
Chen Jinzhao shook his head. It wasn't the time for melancholy.
He strode into the Ninghai University campus and noticed many senior students taking graduation photos. Chen Jinzhao muttered with a wry smile, "Speaking of which, I haven't taken a graduation photo yet."
After asking a few students, Chen Jinzhao arrived at Xu Nianqing's laboratory.
Through the glass door, Chen Jinzhao, standing in the hallway, saw Xu Nianqing in a white lab coat conducting an experiment. So, Chen Jinzhao waited by the door for a while longer to avoid disturbing her.
After waiting for half an hour, Xu Nianqing finally finished her experiment.
Chen Jinzhao took the opportunity to knock on the door.
Xu Nianqing looked up in a daze, her mind filled with experimental data. She walked over to open the door with confusion, wondering who would be looking for her at this time.
When she opened the door and saw Chen Jinzhao, Xu Nianqing froze.
Her mind had conjured a hundred possibilities, but she had never expected the person to be Chen Jinzhao.
"You... are you looking for me?" she asked uncertainly.
Chen Jinzhao nodded. A look of awkwardness appeared on Xu Nianqing's face, and she quickly lowered her head and said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? I was so focused on my experiment today that I didn't have time to put on makeup."
As the saying goes—
A scholar dies for his confidant, and a woman adorns herself for the one who pleases her.
Chen Jinzhao, fearing Xu Nianqing's misunderstanding, deliberately maintained a proper distance from her. "You've misunderstood. I'm not looking for you for anything else, but I'd like to ask for a favor."
Xu Nianqing was stunned again.
It wasn't until a full ten seconds later that Chen Jinzhao realized he had been too abrupt. He scratched his head and said, "Perhaps... never mind. I can find someone else."
Xu Nianqing's gaze dimmed, then returned to its calm state.
She smiled and said, "I understand. It was my wishful thinking. Tell me, what is it you need from Ningda? I'd be happy to help if I can."
Their conversation became more polite.
Chen Jinzhao briefly recounted Mo He's situation.
Xu Nianqing's eyebrows furrowed upon hearing this. "If that's the case, it is indeed a bit strange. Wait for me for two minutes. I'll turn off the experimental equipment and accompany you to the college office."
A short while later.
Xu Nianqing, having taken off her lab coat, emerged from the laboratory.
The two headed to the Law School office.
Halfway there, a female professor, over sixty years old, greeted Xu Nianqing. Chen Jinzhao found the professor somewhat familiar.
"Oh?"
"Little Xu, Teacher, wait a moment."
The female professor returned, and Xu Nianqing asked with a smile, "Teacher Hu, what is it?"
Professor Hu studied Chen Jinzhao, her eyes gradually lighting up. "Little Chen, isn't that Chen Jinzhao? After all these years, I almost didn't recognize you."
"Are you Teacher Hu?" Chen Jinzhao was also surprised.
Professor Hu was Chen Jinzhao and Xu Nianqing's calculus teacher. Back in their student days, they always sat in the front row of the classroom and often helped Professor Hu collect homework.
Therefore, Professor Hu had a particularly deep impression of them.
"Is it really you?"
"Oh my, after so many years, how have you been?" Professor Hu asked Chen Jinzhao, inquiring about his well-being. She had even persuaded Chen Jinzhao to pursue a master's degree in the mathematics department at their alma mater and become her last disciple.
Chen Jinzhao scratched his head. "I'm doing alright, all things considered. How about you, Professor Hu?"
Professor Hu chatted with them about trivial matters and even invited them to visit her home sometime.
As they parted ways.
Professor Hu looked meaningfully at Xu Nianqing and said, "Little Xu, Teacher, I remember you two have been dating all along. When can I expect to drink your wedding wine? You're not young anymore. Why not find a time to get married?"
The two looked at each other.
Just as Xu Nianqing was about to say something, Chen Jinzhao stepped forward and said, "Professor Hu, we will definitely invite you to our wedding in the future. But we have something to attend to right now, so we'll visit you another day."
This kind of situation required a man to step up. What kind of man would it be if a woman handled it?
Professor Hu left with a happy expression.
Xu Nianqing glanced at Chen Jinzhao, realizing that the young man from back then had matured considerably. "Why didn't you explain to Professor Hu?"
Chen Jinzhao said without looking back, "To give the elder a fond memory."
At the age of eighteen.
They held hands and talked about their future on the Ningda campus.
At the age of twenty-six.
After experiencing hardships, they still couldn't end up together and were like strangers.
Upon arriving at the Law School office, Xu Nianqing inquired about Mo He's situation and learned that Mo He hadn't returned to school since last night, and even her counselor couldn't contact her.
"We've already called the police. We hope Mo He is alright," the counselor said, her face full of worry.
Xu Nianqing looked at Chen Jinzhao and saw his brow furrowed. "Don't worry too much. Since the police have been called, she should be found soon. Worrying won't help."
"Why don't you go back first?"
"As soon as there's any new development, I'll notify you immediately."
Chen Jinzhao shook his head.
For him, waiting was the most useless thing.
His intuition told him that Mo He's situation might be dire. For every minute he waited, Mo He would be in greater danger.
"I think I might have a clue," Chen Jinzhao said.
The last time he accidentally stumbled upon Su Jinghui and Sun Hanfei's dirty dealings, perhaps Mo He's disappearance was also related to these damned trivial matters. Chen Jinzhao no longer hesitated. He took out his phone, found Xu Yaoyao's number, and dialed it.
"Yaoyao, it's me."
"I'm at Ninghai University and need to ask you about some things. Is it convenient for you now?"