After Li Niannian confirmed multiple times, Su Yue finally put her mind at ease. She took two deep breaths in front of the mirror before leaving.
The driver took her to the heavily guarded compound, stopping in front of the largest villa.
Someone was already waiting at the entrance, opened the car door for her, accepted the gifts she brought, and invited her to step out.
As Su Yue looked at the tall building, her heart pounded fiercely, and a cold sweat broke out on her palms and back.
"Miss Su, please follow me."
The secretary-like figure said politely and kindly, then led her towards the main entrance.
Su Yue followed closely behind him, her heart in her throat.
Approaching the ornate courtyard gate, passing through the spacious and beautiful small garden, she took a few steps onto the porch and entered the main door.
The door was open, and the moment she stepped inside, the people chatting in the living room all looked over in unison.
Chen Ziming's grandmother was the first to rise, walking over happily and saying, "Yueyue is finally here!"
In that first glance, Su Yue had already seen the high-ranking Secretary Chen from that day.
Even though their eyes hadn't met, she was already extremely nervous.
"Hello, Grandma..."
Her voice was even weaker.
"Yueyue, come quickly and meet your Uncle Chen." Meng Hualan also stood up with a smile, calling her from the sofa.
Uncle Chen.
Su Yue felt her legs grow heavy and her mind go numb as she followed Grandma Chen forward.
She thus came before Chen Kang'an.
"Sit down, Yueyue," Meng Hualan gestured.
Su Yue had been looking down. Hearing this, she immediately forced a smile. But the moment she looked up, she met Chen Kang'an's face directly.
She felt her body freeze instantly.
Even her breath seemed to stop there.
"Hello Su Yue, I'm Chen Ziming's father. We've met before."
A kind smile spread across Chen Kang'an's face as he spoke calmly.
"Don't speak so sternly," Meng Hualan frowned, nudging Secretary Chen.
Su Yue was trying hard to regain her breath.
Finally overcoming her nervousness, she politely greeted him, a little stuttering, "Hello, Secretary Chen."
After all, she didn't dare to call him uncle.
Grandpa Chen smiled and spoke before Chen Kang'an, "Don't be afraid, Yueyue. Your Uncle Chen knew you were coming today and brought you many gifts. He's just used to being stern, but he actually dotes on children very much!"
Hearing this, Su Yue was even more overwhelmed and thanked him repeatedly.
Fortunately, Secretary Chen did become a bit more approachable afterward.
Although Su Yue was nervous the entire time, she was gradually able to chat with him.
During dinner, they didn't mention Chen Ziming much, but instead asked about her studies, future plans, and so on.
When she left, they indeed gave her many gifts.
On the way back to Li Niannian's house, Su Yue looked at Chen Ziming's chat dialog box on her phone, lost in thought.
How could he have such wonderful family? Even with their high status, they showed no arrogance at all.
Instead, they were so respectful and patient with a young ordinary person like her.
Thinking of this, Su Yue's eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.
She missed Chen Ziming even more now.
Without him, no matter how lively the place or how much affection she received, it all felt empty.
So dull.
Yet, she still couldn't reach Chen Ziming.
Closing the chat app, Su Yue lowered her head, lost in quiet contemplation.
She knew that in peacetime, police officers bore even greater dangers.
She also knew that Chen Ziming had always returned safely before.
But what about this time?
It had been half a month. Could he return safely this time, as he always had?
Return to her side, and for just a moment, allow her a small selfish wish, to be her hero, and hers alone.
...
After the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Chen Ziming still had no news.
Su Yue continued to work and study hard. She was even called by Bai Liqing to do an exclusive interview.
But on the evening of the interview, Su Yue received a call from Su Minghua.
She wouldn't normally answer Su Minghua's calls.
But he had called from an unknown number.
The moment she heard his voice, she froze.
On the other end, Su Minghua's tired and hoarse voice spoke, "Yueyue, your mother is sick. She's at the City People's Hospital. Can you come and see her?"
Su Yue felt her heart plummet into an abyss.