Saturday afternoon.
Around 2:30 PM, Baili Qing brought Su Yue to the vicinity of the southeast gate of Capital Plaza.
As expected, quite a few police officers were in the area.
The most conspicuous among them was the tallest one, with the most upright posture.
"Director Chen, we've arrived," Baili Qing greeted him with a smile as they approached.
Chen Ziming nodded, his gaze casually sweeping over Su Yue.
Seizing the opportunity, she offered a sweet smile, "Good afternoon, Director Chen."
Her deliberately soft voice made his heart flutter.
However, he pretended not to hear, signaling Section Chief Zhao to notify people to gather at the resting pavilion for a meeting via their police pagers.
While waiting for the other officers, they took their seats.
This time, Chen Ziming sat at her right-angle position.
"Director Chen, I brought some herbal tea, would you like some?" Su Yue took out a large thermos from her backpack.
"No cups."
"I brought them."
Chen Ziming: ...
She was certainly getting more resourceful.
Su Yue, smiling sweetly, took out pre-prepared disposable cups, poured several, first offering them to Baili Qing and Section Chief Zhao, and then handing one to Chen Ziming.
As her slender hand reached out with the cup, the ring on her ring finger flashed.
The man's eyes also brightened momentarily.
But he quickly realized that this was merely a tactic to appease him.
Not sincere at all.
Yet, he felt a bit better.
"Just place it here," he said in a low voice, gesturing with his chin towards the table in front of him, and then looked away.
With his arms crossed and leaning back slightly in his chair, he projected an aloof demeanor.
"Okay," she replied, placing it in front of him as he instructed.
"Reporter Su is truly both beautiful and considerate," Section Chief Zhao commented after taking a sip of the herbal tea.
Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "Do you have a boyfriend yet? Many excellent young men in our city bureau have asked me to inquire about you."
Baili Qing coughed abruptly, giving Section Chief Zhao a meaningful look.
Stop talking, or Director Chen might get angry.
Section Chief Zhao, however, seemed clueless and bewildered.
Su Yue glanced at Chen Ziming; his expression was indeed not pleasant, but he remained silent.
After a moment's thought, she gave Section Chief Zhao a polite smile and replied, "I don't know."
Section Chief Zhao felt a few more question marks appear above his head.
Even Baili Qing began to feel perplexed.
Only Director Chen, seated in the presiding position, allowed a cold smirk to play on his lips.
He remembered this was how he had answered when asked if he was her boyfriend years ago, when he had run into her being chatted up by a group of high school boys.
Just as the atmosphere grew somewhat peculiar, five police officers pushed open the door of the resting pavilion.
The moment they entered, their eyes uniformly fixed on the reporter known as "national wife," Su Yue.
A faint gasp seemed to ripple through them.
"Hello, Reporter Su!"
"Reporter Su is even more beautiful in person than on television!"
"Reporter Su truly lives up to her reputation as the radio station's belle!"
They showered her with compliments, their gazes never leaving her, causing them to crowd together as they went to their seats.
All of them wanted to sit opposite Reporter Su.
Out of politeness, Su Yue offered them a proper smile and greeted them softly.
She didn't notice the icy glare from the man beside her.
"Did I ask you to come for a meeting or to admire someone?"
A low-pressure voice, laced with danger, erupted. The young officers glanced towards the source of the sound and instantly became obedient.
They wouldn't dare offend this Director Chen.
His handsome face, when angered, was terrifying.
After everyone was seated, Chen Ziming leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, fingers interlaced, and began speaking calmly.
"You all know the purpose of this meeting. The two reporters have prepared some questions, and we will proceed with discussions focused on each of you."
He paused, then added, "The main objective of this interview is to promote a positive image of the police force and highlight the role officers play in large-scale events. You must all consider this perspective when formulating your thoughts."
The officers nodded repeatedly.
"Reporters, please begin." His calm gaze flickered towards the girl at his right-angle position.
Then, he leaned back again, casually picking up the cup of herbal tea and draining it in one gulp.