The person about to get off paused, turning to him in disbelief.
"Five years ago?!"
She seemed to clearly feel his body stiffen.
Then his brow furrowed slightly:
"I was just talking nonsense."
Perhaps it was because she was too tired, and her mind was still occupied with the sleeping girl, that he spoke without thinking.
Liang Mu, however, continued to look at him, still somewhat stunned, seemingly not intending to believe his later words.
"You're not getting off?" he glanced at her.
"Oh, yes, I am. Let's have breakfast together tomorrow morning. I want to see Yue Yue too."
Liang Mu snapped back to attention and quickly replied, but her expression remained suspicious.
However, just as the door was about to close, the man's deep voice sounded:
"Don't say a word of what I just said to anyone."
Liang Mu was about to agree when she heard him speak again:
"Especially not to Yue Yue."
She slowly responded, closed the door, and the Phaeton drove towards the villa area, quickly disappearing from her sight.
The night was as quiet as water, and the moonlight, seeping through the gaps in the curtains, illuminated a part of the room.
The girl on the bed slept soundly, her moist red lips slightly parted, her fair skin as smooth as porcelain, quietly wrapped in the quilt, her eyelashes trembling faintly with her breath.
Chen Ziming's face broke into a smile. He picked up his pajamas and changed into them, then quietly slipped into bed.
He gathered her into his arms again.
The girl let out a soft sigh but did not wake up, nestling further into his embrace.
Such a sweet and soft girl.
He finally closed his eyes, the day's fatigue overwhelming him, and fell into a deep sleep.
Chen Ziming had to work overtime the next day, so after breakfast with Ji Chan and Liang Mu, he left in a hurry.
Naturally, he took Su Yue with him. The hotel said the remaining photos were no longer needed and that the payment would still be made.
Although Ji Chan had her suspicions, who wouldn't want a freebie? So she was happy to return early.
Liang Mu naturally said nothing, only gently comforting Su Yue for a while.
"Why did you rush over yesterday?" Su Yue finally remembered this on the way.
"Liang Mu called me," the man replied absentmindedly, checking the rearview mirror while driving.
Liang Mu?
Seeing her confusion, Chen Ziming chuckled and briefly explained what had happened.
"Sister Liang Mu... she's really quite capable."
She couldn't help but admire her, and quietly felt grateful.
...
Bai Liqing was scheduled to visit the criminal a week later.
During this week, she gave Su Yue some draft materials to consider angles for her thesis.
Naturally, what she would actually write in her thesis was about the case she would be reporting on with Bai Liqing.
Chen Ziming usually worked three night shifts a week, and his morning alarm was replaced with gentle music.
When he went to work, Su Yue would take her laptop to a friend's coffee shop to ponder her thesis.
Or she would go to shoot advertisements for brands.
When he got off work, she would go to the Yuluo Street police station to wait for him.
It felt like their lives were gradually settling into a harmonious routine.
On Friday, he was supposed to finish work at six, and Su Yue had a photoshoot. She had arranged to finish by five-thirty.
Unexpectedly, she received his call.
"I'll be back a bit late today," his voice on the other end carried a hint of weariness.
"Oh..." her mood instantly soured.
The person on the other end also sensed her mood, chuckled, and said:
"Be a good girl and wait for me, darling. It won't be too late. I'll bring you something delicious."
Her mood improved slightly, and she guessed he might have a dinner engagement.
"You don't have to. I'm going out with Nian Nian; she's not on duty today."
"Okay, be careful."
After hanging up, Chen Ziming started the car and drove towards a heavily guarded compound in the capital.
He showed his identification at the entrance, and the guards quickly let him pass.
Several villas were located within the compound, exuding a solemn and elegant atmosphere. It was a very spacious area, with guards stationed at intervals.
The Phaeton stopped in front of the largest villa.
Someone was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing him get out of the car, they stepped forward to lead the way.
"My father is already here?"
He asked as he walked.
The person replied deferentially, "He and Chairman Meng just arrived. The elderly master and madam are also here; they're waiting for you."
His footsteps halted, the tall man's figure paused, and his brow furrowed:
"Grandfather and Grandmother are here too?"