"I've sent quite a few people to search the Blue Star Lake, but we haven't found any trace of Meng Jingwei," Director Li replied, his voice trembling with a hint of apprehension.
He pressed further, "How many people did you send?"
Director Li explained, "As soon as Meng Jingwei fell into the water, I immediately sent down two rescue teams. Then, other members of the crew jumped in to search with them, but no one found her. Afterward, I hired a rescue team, and over a dozen people searched the lake for her, but still no sign."
Although Director Li didn't understand why Qing Mu Ye was suddenly interrogating him, he honestly recounted the situation.
Upon hearing his words, Qing Mu Ye turned his head and exchanged a glance with Lu Yanming beside him.
They both nodded, an idea forming in their minds.
If they had dispatched people to search for Meng Jingwei immediately after she fell into the water, and then deployed the rescue team, it implied that Meng Jingwei was no longer in the water.
Given her skills, she wouldn't have been so passive in the water, and there wouldn't have been any signs of struggle on the surface.
Qing Mu Ye said no more and turned to leave the lounge.
At the doorway, he ran into Tang Wanxing.
"Ye, you're here?"
Seeing Qing Mu Ye's face filled with panic, Tang Wanxing seemed to sense his concern for Meng Jingwei. "You're here because of Jingwei, aren't you?"
Qing Mu Ye's heart was set on Meng Jingwei's safety, and he didn't have time to pay attention to Tang Wanxing. "I have something to do. We'll talk later."
He left after saying this, and he and Lu Yanming left without looking back.
Tang Wanxing stood in place, her eyes filled with disappointment, watching his receding figure. A mixture of emotions churned within her, like an overturned jar of vinegar.
Inside the lounge, Director Li and Director Zhao emerged.
After watching Qing Mu Ye walk away, they let out a long sigh of relief. "Phew, thank goodness Meng Jingwei is alright. If she had actually died, I'm afraid we wouldn't have been able to escape responsibility."
Upon hearing this, Tang Wanxing's face was blank. "Director Li, you said... you said Meng Jingwei is not dead?"
"She's already been sent to the hospital. She's fine. You don't need to worry so much," Director Li said, feeling agitated. He didn't want to see anyone and had no desire to talk much with Tang Wanxing.
Tang Wanxing's emotions were like a roller coaster, soaring and plummeting, leaving her with no idea whether to laugh or cry.
Just a moment ago, she had been trembling with fear at the thought of Meng Jingwei's death. Now, knowing she was still alive, a hint of disappointment arose in her heart.
"It's good that she's alright," Qiao Ziqian said, standing beside her.
Tang Wanxing stood at the doorway, gazing at Qing Mu Ye's departing back. He had hurried away, his expression filled with anxiety and worry. He didn't seem like someone who didn't care about Meng Jingwei.
Did he still love Meng Jingwei?
"Anyone would be anxious and upset at a time like this," Qiao Ziqian comforted her.
After all, even though they were 'divorced,' Meng Jingwei was still the mother of his two children. As her ex-husband, he couldn't just turn a blind eye.
"Mm."
Tang Wanxing nodded slightly, withdrew her gaze, and turned to leave.
...
Qing Mu Ye and his group searched for Meng Jingwei. Finally, before nightfall, they received news of Meng Jingwei and all rushed to the place where she had been captured.
The wind raged, and the snow had not stopped all day, falling and swirling, leaving the ground covered in a blanket of white.
When Qing Mu Ye and the others found a dilapidated factory building in a remote suburban industrial area, Qing Mu Ye stopped the car, unbuckled his seatbelt, and rushed directly towards the old factory.
Overcome with anxiety, he even forgot to turn off the car engine.
"Awei, you must not be alright!"
Qing Mu Ye prayed as he ran.
Winter nights arrived exceptionally early.
Although it was past four in the afternoon, it was already dark. The surroundings were only illuminated by the headlights of the cars.
After Qing Mu Ye got out of the car, over a dozen people followed him, rushing forward.
Just as the man sprinted to the entrance of the dilapidated factory, the heavy iron gate of the factory was pushed open, emitting a creaking sound, as if opening the gears of long-sealed years.