“I’m living quite well, aren’t I?”
She was indeed living well. Despite Su Minghua’s ill intentions towards her, there were moments she felt fortunate her mother had married him.
Though insidious, he valued his reputation and thus wouldn’t commit any fundamental errors.
Even though he was constantly trying to control her entire life.
But she had also deceived him.
Feigning meekness and obedience, she used his affections through coaxing, pleas, and showing weakness, dangling him along to get everything she desired.
In that regard, she was no pushover.
Chen Ziming looked at her smiling face. Even upon careful scrutiny, she appeared happy.
Perhaps it was because he loved her so much that he was concerned for her at every turn.
He had forgotten she was far more resilient than he imagined.
A knowing smile graced his handsome face as he squeezed her hand, which held his.
“I will make your life even better,” he said, his voice gentle yet firm.
He then started the car again, driving towards their shared home.
***
With final exams approaching, Su Yue was busy with her studies and went to school early the next day.
As the New Year neared, the police’s work also became increasingly demanding. After dropping her off, even though it wasn’t yet official working hours, Chen Ziming rushed to the Yuluo Street police station.
However, on the way, he called Baili Qing, arranging to meet her that evening.
He didn’t want to trouble Su Yue, but he needed to know the truth.
That evening.
At the same restaurant owned by Baili Qing’s husband, Baili Qing had already been waiting for a while when Chen Ziming arrived.
“Officer Chen is looking for me, and it’s about Yueyue again, isn’t it?” Baili Qing asked with a smile.
“Yes, it is,” he replied calmly, taking a seat opposite her.
“What do you want me to do this time? Just tell me,” her smile deepened, clearly pleased by his doting attitude towards Su Yue.
Chen Ziming lowered his gaze, considering for a moment before looking at her. “I want to know, what exactly is the entanglement between Yueyue and Su Minghua?”
The air instantly fell silent.
Baili Qing’s face showed disbelief and shock. After a few breaths, she began to speak haltingly.
“I… I don’t understand what you mean.”
The man before her visibly frowned. “Reporter Baili, I’ve already gathered some information. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be asking you.”
Baili Qing blinked in surprise, but being an experienced reporter, she had already regained her composure.
“Is Officer Chen interrogating me as a suspect? But I am truly wronged. I only know that Yueyue’s stepfather was very strict with her. As for the entanglement you’re asking about, I’m genuinely puzzled.”
A proper smile returned to her face as she calmly answered his “interrogation.”
Chen Ziming had clearly anticipated her response.
But he wasn’t impatient; instead, he calmly recounted the clues he had pieced together from beginning to end.
Including the final sentence on that letter.
Baili Qing was not a criminal, so there was no need for pretense. At this moment, sincerity was all that was needed to move her.
Indeed, her expression gradually lost its composure. Upon hearing the contents of the letter, her eyes couldn’t help but redden slightly.
Those words from years ago brought back some unpleasant memories.
Not just for Su Yue, but also for the young children she had saved.
“Have some water, Reporter Baili,” Chen Ziming offered her a cup.
“Thank you, Officer Chen.” Baili Qing accepted, her hand trembling as she brought the cup to her lips. She took a large sip and then looked at the man opposite her.
The inquiry and concern in his eyes became even more apparent.
“Officer Chen, how much do you truly like her?” she hesitated for a moment before asking that question.
His eyes flickered, and he replied steadily, “I’m asking you this to better protect her. As for my feelings for her, you have no need to doubt them.”
“I’ve liked her for five years. I’ve been single all these years, waiting for her to grow up and find an opportunity to approach her.”
“Besides her, I want no one else and will marry no one else.”
He understood Baili Qing’s unspoken concern.
She feared he might learn something unpleasant, causing a rift between them.
Therefore, he revealed everything without hesitation.
Baili Qing’s face now showed more than just shock.
It was a surprise that went beyond mere astonishment.
This young master of the Chen family was so devoted, harboring feelings for a girl for five years in secret.
Undeniably, she felt much more at ease.
If he liked her this much, then she could tell him.
Moreover, Baili Qing also hoped that the girl she had been concerned about and cared for could receive better protection.