The day Baili Qing and I set off, Chen Ziming specially took leave to send me to the high-speed train station.
"Check again, ID card, charger, change of clothes, skincare products, laptop, notebook, writing pen."
"Pack conservative clothes, and be sure to wear long pants."
"And sanitary napkins and brown sugar..."
Su Yue found it amusing as he checked her luggage, listing off every detail.
"Officer Chen, why are you like my mom?"
The fingers counting the items in her suitcase paused. He casually retorted:
"Didn't you say you'd call me by my name from now on?"
"..."
Their focus points were different, and conversation was futile.
Seeing that he was about to put more food into her luggage, Su Yue felt overwhelmed and stopped him directly.
"I can buy food anywhere, and if you don't send me off now, I'll be late."
"You can't buy this."
His proud voice answered her. He still managed to slip that mysterious-looking treasure box into her bag.
Only then did he seem at ease. He closed her suitcase and carefully placed her ID card into her shoulder bag.
"Let's go," he said, getting up and pulling the luggage.
As he passed her, his large hand naturally patted the spot just below her waist.
Su Yue: ...
"Chen Ziming, you're being a bit improper."
He chuckled, didn't answer her, and put his arm around her waist as they entered the elevator.
On the way, he carefully reiterated the precautions.
It was nothing more than to speak less, observe more, and take plenty of notes.
He also warned her to leave immediately if she felt any psychological discomfort.
And to call him the day she met the person.
"Okay, I'll be good, don't worry."
After being nagged all the way, Su Yue's ears were practically numb. Upon finally arriving at the station, she quickly interrupted him.
Baili Qing was waiting for her at the main entrance.
"I'm handing her over to you," he said, pushing Su Yue towards Baili Qing. "Take good care of her."
Su Yue was speechless again.
"Let's go, sister, we're running out of time."
Even though there was still half an hour until the train departed, she claimed they were running out of time.
He could tell she was annoyed by his nagging. He smiled, then stood there watching them enter the station before turning to leave.
"Have you constructed your thesis outline?"
On the way, Baili Qing was not idle either, asking her.
"Yes, based on the characteristics of similar cases, I plan to write it like this."
She opened her phone's memo app, where several major frameworks and the minor details to be filled in were meticulously recorded.
"Not bad, you've done a great job."
Baili Qing showed a look of satisfaction.
But then her tone shifted, and she asked:
"The criminal this time is quite vicious. Did Chen Ziming tell you?"
"Yes, he did. It's okay, sister, I'm not scared."
Her eyes were filled with determination.
Baili Qing smiled and patted her shoulder:
"Good, you've got my spirit from back then."
The train arrived in City A.
They first went to the hotel to check in, had a simple meal, and then drove to the detention center.
A very solemn and deserted place.
Cold barbed wire coiled on the high walls, heavily guarded checkpoints, and police officers everywhere...
All spoke of the terror of this place.
It was Su Yue's first time in such a place, and indeed, she felt a slight pressure.
But she quickly adjusted and followed Baili Qing's steps inside.
The person who received them was the director of the detention center.
"Reporter Baili, hello. I've heard much about you. Is this your assistant?"
"Yes," Baili Qing replied with a polite smile.
A hint of hesitation flickered across the director's face.
"Is there a problem?" Baili Qing immediately caught it and asked.
"She looks young. Is she still a student?"
Su Yue quickly introduced herself:
"Yes, Director. I am a student from the Journalism Department at Communication University, following Teacher Baili for an internship. Please guide me."
The director fell silent.
They looked at each other in confusion but said nothing, patiently waiting for the director to speak.
"Miss, I suggest you don't go inside. I can arrange for you to watch through the one-way mirror."
After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of gravity.