Chapter 10, Narrative

Zhi Lu suddenly realized something, "Dad, you haven't already told him about my matters, have you?"

They arrived at the nearby bus stop, and Yang Li looked up at her, "Sister Zhi Lu, I will head back to school first. I should be able to make it in time for this afternoon's class"

Yang Li opened his eyes wide in disbelief, as if what he said was not in Chinese

She cried as she fumbled under the pillow and handed over a few pages of paper, trembling. "Sister Zhi Lu, my mother died so tragically, so unjustly. I am her daughter; she gave birth to me and raised me. I cannot let her die in vain. I can give up everything, as long as I find the murderer to avenge her. For this, I can do anything, truly, anything. These past few days, I have been dreaming of my mother. She tells me that one must be grateful and repay kindness. For this, I can do anything, truly, anything. These past few days, I have been dreaming of my mother. She tells me that one must be grateful and repay kindness. You say, you choose to believe me... Sister Zhi Lu, I also choose to believe you.

Every family will have several such photographs. When the family is happy, these photographs serve as embellishments that enhance the joy; when the family is fractured, these photographs become gaping wounds; when the family no longer exists, these photographs transform into untouchable memories

What do you think you are? I truly do not understand how he could fall in love with a woman like you. Pretentious, stubborn, do you think that by wearing a mask of righteousness and morality, you are the savior? If he is indeed involved in the murder case, are you prepared to act with righteous indignation against your own kin? What a remarkable act that would be. It is indeed something you would do.

"Quite well, currently under review, my position has been completely revoked, and now I don't know how leisurely it is," Ye Zhong'e said, fiddling with the chessboard beside him, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "I am playing chess, why don't you join me?"

Zhi Lu softly replied: "Since you have heard it, you should know my stance. I have said before, I choose to believe you"

She closed her phone, and then, with a slight shift of her gaze, she saw a somewhat unfamiliar person walking towards her from a distance

It is me

Zhi Lu asked her: "If it were you, what would you do?"

"Your matter has already spread like wildfire," Zhong Zaiguo recalled the words he heard when he went to seek help, and his already aging face grew even more haggard. He said in a deep voice, "The former daughter-in-law of the provincial party secretary, the wife of the former chairman of Anyi Group, became a murderer to cover up her ex-husband's crimes. You are a journalist; do you think the Ye family would be unaware of this matter?"

Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of mindset. The so-called inability to accept is merely a reflection of not having reached that critical point. As long as one maintains a positive attitude, there is no such thing as an absolute "tragedy" in this world

After hanging up the phone and returning to the living room, I noticed light seeping out from under the door of Yang Li's bedroom. Remembering how distracted she had been lately, I felt quite worried about her and cautiously walked over.

Yang Li could no longer hold back, covering her face with both hands, experiencing a silent sob. She was not someone who was prone to tears, yet at this moment, large drops of tears squeezed out from between her fingers, falling like pearls, soaking the blanket.

Dai Liu's beautiful face twisted in a cold smile, "Wherever he is, I will follow him at any cost. Where he is, there I will be. If he steals, I will steal with him; if he kills, I will kill with him; if he goes to hell, I will go to hell with him"

Yes, Zhi Lu said, "Recently, how have you been?"

Her problem is also Zhi Lu's problem. But at present, no one has an answer. Ye Zhong'e has always known what he is doing; he does not engage in battles without preparation. With too many thoughts, her heart instead feels empty. She puts down the paper cup and gently places her hand on Yang Li's hand

Her eyes suddenly turned red as she repeatedly said, "Alright, that's good"

When a person is detained, it is often merely the beginning of a series of troubles. What follows are countless, even unimaginable difficulties. The freedom that has vanished, the interrogations that may come at any moment, the immense mental pressure, and most tangibly, the harsh conditions of the detention center. A room of about ten square meters, housing two or three people, with the toilet quite far away, and the living space can hardly be described as clean and tidy. Compared to Zhong Zhilü's previous living conditions, it is like heaven and earth. A room of about ten square meters, housing two or three people, with the toilet quite far away, and the living space can hardly be described as clean and tidy. Compared to Zhong Zhilü's previous living conditions, it is like heaven and earth. Even before reaching prison, the conditions are already like this; one can only imagine the situation in the prison and detention center.

Thus, Zhi Lu expressed her intention to resign and return the house to Ye Zhong'e. Upon seeing her parents exchange astonished glances, even Yang Li looked shocked and quickly pointed to the pile of textbooks on the sofa, saying, "This has nothing to do with the case; I have had this plan for a long time. Teacher Yu also said it was quite good and mentioned introducing me to some teachers."

That night, Yang Li hardly spoke, and only then did he say: "Sister Zhi Lu, I envy you for having such wonderful parents"

The truth is often surprisingly astonishing, yet also unexpectedly simple

So, you really do love him. Zhilu nodded slowly, not angry, calm as if speaking of someone else. I am not you, please do not measure me by your standards. If it were me, I would not allow him to go down the wrong path. You have heard about the recent events. I tell you, I have never believed in those things.

How can I accompany you? It's already so late

Ye Zhong'e naturally responded to him with impeccable politeness, his expression calm: "I came as soon as I received the call, is that not timely? Where is the interrogation room?"

Therefore, from the perspective of others, especially those who care about her, the feelings that her current life brings her are undoubtedly unbearable, while she deeply feels the cruelty of reality, the ruthlessness of the world, and the unpredictability of disaster. The calm smile on her face only intensifies their heart-wrenching emotions

In the police station, Yang Li was much calmer than last night. A voice recorder was placed beside her, and there were still police officers taking notes. Zhi Lu sat beside her in silence. Having not slept all night, she had heavy dark circles under her eyes, yet her complexion was as pale as paper, creating a stark contrast that made it evident at a glance that something serious had happened to her.

Death is the best means of escape and also the best way to solve problems. However, just a few short sentences have dragged Zhi Lu into the abyss. Even lawyer Huang Ren Shen, who was invited by Zhong Zai Guo and is very experienced in criminal cases, does not hold a favorable view of this case. He stated that applying for bail is so difficult that it can be concluded that going to court is almost inevitable. The only hope at present is that the police, while investigating Zhang De, can discover new clues.

Since her divorce, Zhi Lu has not encountered a single good thing. Fortunately, no matter how terrible the situation, her parents have always stood by her side, without any complaints or regrets. The blood-like, viscous bond of familial love in this world has moved her to the core, making her insides feel as if they are ablaze.

Then I will move back home, as I plan to take the doctoral entrance exam. It will be good to go home and study properly. I have no job and no place to live, so you must not look down on me.

Therefore, when Deng Muhua and He Qingning came to the detention center to see her, it was not they who comforted her, but rather she who comforted the two of them

The living environment undoubtedly influences a person's material needs. As the ancients said, "It is easy to transition from simplicity to luxury, but difficult to revert from luxury to simplicity," which reflects this principle.

She is not particularly worried about her own case; rather, she is preoccupied with matters concerning Anyi Group. According to what Zhong Zaiguo understands, the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission had already begun collecting information on Anyi Group last year to investigate whether there has been a loss of state-owned assets. The recent issuance of the final investigation order was indeed a directive from Ye Qingmao. To outsiders, this action seems somewhat like a case of sacrificing personal interests for the greater good. However, the actual situation may not be that simple

Zhi Lu moved her wrist, grasped her hand, and said: "Xiao Li, you must be struggling to keep this secret. How much do you really know about the cause of your mother's death?"

Yang Li's face has always exhibited a maturity that seems incongruous yet not contradictory to her age. At this moment, she resembles a child, with a smiling and vibrant countenance, and clear, relaxed eyes. She has matured too quickly, without any transition, evoking a sense of pity. Zhi Lu adjusted her collar and tidied her hair before sending her off in the car

Inside the room, a police officer poured water and handed it to them, his gaze filled with sympathy for them. Yang Li had been keeping her head down, but finally raised it with a strange expression, her demeanor uncertain. Zhi Lu, worried about her, waved her hand in front of her and said, "Xiao Li?"

The call was quickly connected, and he said: "Hello?"

From the moment Zhang De died, her charge changed from intentional injury to intentional injury resulting in death. He was sent to the hospital, and after the surgery, he developed a high fever and fell into a coma. Initially, the doctors were unaware of the cause, and it was only a day later that they discovered his wound had inexplicably become infected, rendering treatment ineffective. The police did not even obtain a statement; the specific details remained vague, with only his fragmented words before the surgery.

Zhi Lu lowered her gaze, silently placing the cleaned bowl back into the sink, and said softly: "But Mom, I have to believe in something. If Xiao Li deceived me or even intended to harm me, how can you expect me to trust human nature again? Moreover, if her mother's death is indeed related to Anyi Group, she has reason to blame me. In any case, I choose to believe her"

Lu Jianzhong gestured to Zhi Lu and walked towards those few individuals

This sentence felt as if it had waited a lifetime, and in that moment, it seemed as though the very taste of the air had changed. A sense of relief, a finally attained liberation, caused her taut nerves to snap; she trembled all over, her steps unsteady. Before she even realized it, tears surged forth from her eyes, blurring her vision.

Director Wang, who was over fifty, patted Lu Jianzhong's arm in an affectionate manner, his actions and voice conveying a message that only those in the know could understand. He said, "You can just call him Old Fei; he is here to assist you in investigating these two murder cases."

Several days passed like this, and I finally couldn't help but quietly take out the things she had hidden to look at them. Officer Lu, it is the document you have in your hand. My mother wouldn't understand what was written on it, but I understood some of it; I knew it was significant, and I was terrified. I didn't know how this document ended up in my mother's hands. After thinking for several days, I finally asked her, "Who gave you this? Do you know what these things represent?" She said it was nothing important, that it had nothing to do with me, and urged me to focus on my studies, also telling me not to tell anyone about it. I didn't know how this document ended up in my mother's hands. After thinking for several days, I finally asked her, "Who gave you this? Do you know what these things represent?" She said it was nothing important, that it had nothing to do with me, and urged me to focus on my studies, also telling me not to tell anyone about it

Yang Li's eyes suddenly turned red as he stared at her in a daze

On that rainy night, no outsiders came in, and I was the one who cut the phone line. Yes, I know what I did was wrong, but I had no other choice; I had no other options left. I wanted to see Brother Ye, I had to see him.

Zhi Lu pondered for a moment, "Are you sure?"

The door was slightly ajar; with a gentle push, it opened. Yang Li was sitting at her desk, holding a photograph. She was so engrossed in looking at it that she did not notice someone entering the room and standing behind her. She held a picture of a family, and from the background, it appeared to be a theme park. The family of three was closely embraced, with the father holding his wife and daughter, and the wife hugging their daughter, their carefree smiles forever frozen in the photograph

However, the others around him all glanced at her, and Old Fei even gave her a slight smile, bowing slightly in acknowledgment. He then looked at Yang Li and said, "You'd better wait a while before leaving." She couldn't help but be taken aback, pondering the meaning of that smile

"There is no mistake," Yang Li buried his head in his palms for a long time, then raised it again, his voice desolate. "The person my mother saw, although I couldn't see his face clearly, I remember his profile very well; on that rainy night when the power went out, it was very dark. When you came in, I recognized him at a glance. That outline, height, and movements were exactly the same as the person my mother saw... it was him... That outline, height, and movements were exactly the same as the person my mother saw... it was him...

Yang Li, as if awakening from a dream, tugged at her sleeve and said: "That Uncle Fei seems to be the person who saved me that night."

In this past month, in order to uncover the truth, I have considered many methods, but I never thought of harming Sister Lu. I sent part of that document to Uncle Lu in the form of an anonymous letter. Although it seems unlikely, I still hope the police can find the murderer

Wang Liangjing glared at her and said, "I know you are annoyed by my nagging. Once your case is settled, we will go back and will definitely not cause you any trouble."

Zhi Lu sincerely expressed her gratitude to him, bowing slightly with a smile, "Yes. Such a mistake is enough to last a lifetime."

After my self-study session, I returned home to find the place in disarray, with signs of having been rummaged through. I realized the perpetrator was searching for something, so I rummaged through the bed board and found the document still there. I hid it and then tidied up the room to its original state. Only then did I go to the public phone to call Sister Zhi Lu

She had already been in the detention center for a week, and the brilliant sunlight and fresh air outside were momentarily overwhelming for her. The warm sunlight scattered in strips and patches on the fallen leaves, resembling fragments of gold, dazzling her eyes and making it difficult for her to see directly.

That afternoon, Zhi Lu was once again brought to the visitation room, where Lu Jianzhong presented new clues. After a difficult investigation, they finally discovered that Zhang De had opened a bank account under a pseudonym, which had suddenly received one million just a few days prior, and that sum had been transferred from an account at a foreign bank. An even more significant clue was that they confirmed Zhang De was suffering from brain cancer; it does not require much effort to bribe someone with a terminal illness.

Dai Liu finally came to a halt, her expression so vivid it was difficult to describe, filled with disdain, anger, mockery, and astonishment, among other emotions. If it were not in the street, she might have slapped Zhong Zhi Lu twice. She pointed at her face, her tone filled with fury: "Zhong Zhi Lu, how can there be someone like you in this world? You must know how Ye Zhong Ke treats you, right? I truly underestimated you; you actually took that little girl to the police station and accused him of murder?" Cars were coming and going on the road, and fine dust danced in the sunlight, performing a strange dance. Zhi Lu gazed across the street, remaining silent.

Zhi Lu, feeling a pang of sympathy, reached out and carefully took the photo from her hand, pressing it onto the table, and said: "Get some sleep, rest well, the college entrance examination is approaching"

As she watched the car leave, she felt her phone vibrating. The device was exposed to the bright sunlight, making the words on the screen unclear. She walked into the shadow of the bus stop, and only then could she see that the message was from Yang Li, which read: "Sister Zhi Lu, I cannot say it in front of you, so I can only send you a text. Thank you. I am sorry."

The two individuals had been in the room for an exceedingly long period, a duration that felt as if a colossal beast from an animated film was slowly devouring every ounce of their energy. Just when Zhi Lu felt she could no longer muster the spirit to continue, they finally emerged from the interrogation room. Through the open door, she could see him engaged in a hushed conversation with Old Fei as they hurriedly departed, as usual, without casting a glance in her direction. He had never treated her this way before, and Zhi Lu felt a sense of gloom, akin to a drop of ink splattering on rice paper, gradually spreading and creating an indescribable sensation that permeated her heart little by little, until an endless sorrow accumulated in her chest.

On the other end of the line, Ye Zhong'e's thoughts were not much better than hers. That evening, he picked up the phone countless times, wanting to call her, but finally held back. Just as he was about to give up, unexpectedly, she took the initiative to call him, leaving him momentarily speechless. He quickly adjusted his state and said: "I know. Are you getting used to it in the Public Security Bureau?"

"You are preparing to pursue a doctoral degree, and we certainly have no objections. What are you thinking about returning the house to Zhong Ke?" Wang Liangjing's tone changed as she asked her, "Are you deliberately trying to sever ties with him? Have you not considered reconciling with him at all?"

Lu Jianzhong patted her and glanced at Zhi Lu, "It is correct for you to bring Xiao Li to explain the facts. You can rest assured that Ye Zhongke is not involved in those two murder cases, but specific details cannot be disclosed."

At this moment, the other party had also finished the last step of the staircase, so he politely said: "Mr. Ye, thank you for coming to assist us with the investigation; Director, you are here as well. Who is this?"

"I am currently seeking assistance from the bank, but I fear it will be quite difficult. However, at least there has been a breakthrough," Lu Jianzhong looked at her and said, "You should get ready; you will be able to leave shortly."

I still cannot feel at ease. For several consecutive nights, I skipped evening study sessions to follow her. She went to a very remote place and handed some items to a person sitting in a car. The license plate number was also obscured, and I could not see it. During the last time, I saw someone get out of the car from a distance and hold my mother's hand. It was very dark, and I could not clearly see his face

Zhong Zaiguo was astonished, "What is going on?"

Yang Li held her hand down and asked, "Sister Zhi Lu, I heard you talking with Aunt Zhong in the kitchen. Have you ever suspected me?"

Zhi Lu waved her hand and said casually, "Mom, what are you talking about? Xiao Li is a good child, I believe her."

Only she knows that it is not really the case. When one truly reaches that point, one will realize that material demands are not that important. Zhi Lu does not suffer from her current life; instead, she feels surprisingly calm in such adversity. When adversity comes to an end, it no longer matters. Besides her parents, she has nothing else to lose, and she remains indifferent.

They took a taxi home, stopped by the supermarket along the way, bought some vegetables and a pile of cooked food, and then cooked dinner at home. Since it was the weekend, Yang Li was also there. The four of them sat on either side of the dining table, enjoying a meal together, and even opened a bottle of wine. The beauty after the calamity seemed to instantly transport them back to their childhood. Wang Liangjing actually enjoyed scolding her, but today she didn't say a single unnecessary word, continuously serving her dishes, which piled up in her bowl like a small mountain. They sat in the kitchen, the light warm.

Lu Jianzhong looked at her in shock for a while; he had never known that she could cry, and so much at that. He had seen her with her head bowed and a faint smile, seen her in deep thought, and seen her lost in a daze, but he had never seen her cry, especially not while smiling. He heard himself responding in an official manner: "It is part of my duties, no need for formality. You may leave now, and also, your case is still under investigation; please call me if you have any issues." He did not even have the courage to see her off as he had done before.

Zhi Lu only felt a pang of sorrow. Not long after they met, during a casual conversation, Zhi Lu learned that he was very good at chess, and she happened to know a little as well, so they began to play against each other. As a result, she lost terribly that time. Unwilling to accept defeat, she practiced diligently for a period of time, and her chess skills improved dramatically, closing the gap between them. Out of ten games, she could win two or three times. Consequently, he unilaterally made a shameless rule stating that whoever lost would have to grant the other a request. With the signing of this unequal treaty, she found herself at a disadvantage, as he took full advantage of her.

In front of the leaders, Lu Jianzhong wore a smile, while a strange feeling surged within him. It was Ye Zhong'e who had come to question him for the investigation. The lawyer remained silent beside him, and the director of the Public Security Bureau had also arrived, along with an imposing old man, whose identity was unknown.

It was the day after that incident when she was harmed by someone

Lu Jianzhong led them out of the interrogation room and into another room to rest. This room was directly opposite the staircase. With one hand on the doorknob, Lu Jianzhong was about to speak, but his attention was drawn to the noisy footsteps and voices coming from the staircase. Upon seeing the newcomers, he couldn't help but be taken aback, instinctively glancing at Zhi Lu again. Lowering his head, he looked at Yang Li and found that both of them were equally astonished

When facing her parents and Yang Li, it became somewhat troublesome. Wang Liangjing could not continue the conversation after just a few sentences, while Yang Li appeared dazed and remained silent. Zhi Lu asked her if she had taken the exam and how her revision was going, advising her not to let her personal matters affect her studies. Her response was barely audible. She could only manage a few words with her father, Zhong Zaiguo, who had many acquaintances in the city and was doing his best to gather information and find solutions.

Ye Zhong'e smiled and did not respond, diverting to a completely unrelated topic: "I heard a rumor, are you on the balcony?"

The wind rustled through the leaves, making a sound like hurried raindrops. Zhi Lu made an effort to keep her tone light as she said, "It's alright, I have also had an experience of being detained. The police did not make things difficult for me... um, what is the situation regarding the smuggling mentioned in that document?"

Zhi Lu stood in place, her gaze involuntarily fixated on him as she quietly watched him walk past her with unwavering eyes. His taste in clothing has always been commendable, perhaps also due to his good looks, which always seem to attract attention. In fact, clothing for him is almost a mere accessory; his confidence and demeanor have long seeped into his very bones, making him look good even in shabby attire.

At this time, there were not many people at the station, and Dai Liu's appearance would not attract much attention. Zhi Lu glanced at her but did not speak.

Yang Li's voice abruptly ceased, and she stared blankly ahead. After a long pause, she said: "During the time after my father's passing, I clearly saw the sycophancy of the world. Everyone loves wealth and power, while they disdain those who are powerless and without influence. My mother and I, feeling small and insignificant, went to seek help, bowing our heads to the ground, hoping they could provide an explanation and justice for my father... You cannot imagine what that was like, yet they looked at us with cold eyes, shutting us out. Moreover, they secretly plotted against us, framing us. My mother and I, feeling small and insignificant, went to seek help, bowing our heads to the ground, hoping they could provide an explanation and justice for my father... You cannot imagine what that was like, yet they looked at us with cold eyes, shutting us out. Moreover, they secretly plotted against us, framing us..."

"Yes, I have thought about it for a long time, and I am certain it is him," Yang Li said, holding his head. "I am completely confused. Brother Ye knows him, so is he protecting me? What is the situation with my mother meeting Brother Ye?"

The recent news has led Zhong Zai to have many thoughts. He said: "I do not believe it. Parents understand their children better than anyone else in the world. Secretary Ye certainly does not believe it either, just as I believe you would not commit murder. But such matters will eventually be uncovered. The best way to prove a person's innocence is to conduct a thorough investigation and present evidence to gain people's trust. Da Yu's flood control was about dredging, not blocking. Secretary Ye is indeed superior to others to have reached this position. I believe that Zhong Ke will be fine. Instead of worrying about him, you should focus on your own case." He looked at his increasingly emaciated daughter with concern, "You are still worried about Zhong Ke, aren't you?"

Without Zhong Zaiguo by her side, Wang Liangjing's temper was unmanageable. She said irritably, "Haven't you suffered enough losses from being so gullible in this matter? They invited you to the bar, and you just went. It was clearly a trap for you, and you actually fell for it. Look at how many problems have arisen! Now, whether you will end up in prison is still uncertain!"

She was momentarily taken aback, then lowered her head and focused on eating her vegetables. Although it was just a phone call, it was not an easy matter.

I have thought about it for a long time, and I do not know what to do. Sister Zhi Lu said she was being stalked and threatened, and I am too. A week after my mother passed away, a man started waiting for me on my way home from evening classes, asking for a document. He even said, "Do you want to die like your mother?" I realized he was the one who killed my mother. I bit him, and he dragged me into an alley, preparing to kill me. At that moment, several armed men saved me, and the murderer, frightened, let me go and ran away. Those men then warned me not to tell anyone about the incident, not to tell anyone at all. I knew he was the one who killed my mother. I bit him, and he dragged me into an alley, preparing to kill me. At that moment, several armed men saved me, and the murderer, frightened, let me go and ran away. Those men then warned me not to tell anyone about the incident, not to tell anyone at all.

She was in a good mood and said with a smile: "Mom and Dad, don't leave anymore, let's live together from now on."

Zhi Lu would not notice his abnormal behavior; she was already quite familiar with the Public Security Bureau, able to navigate it with her eyes closed. She held Yang Li's hand like a sister, and Yang Li gripped back with the same strength, both wanting to draw warmth from each other's palms

I have thought for a long time about who the person my mother met was, and I also think about that car, which is not quite like ordinary cars. I always feel like I have seen it somewhere before. Finally, I remembered that Sister Zhu had come to school to see me once, and she left in that car. I wonder if the man in that car is Brother Ye? But I have never seen him, so I cannot be sure if it is him. I want to meet him, even if it is just a photo, to confirm whether the man my mother met is him. I wonder if the man in that car is Brother Ye? But I have never seen him, so I cannot be sure if it is him. I want to meet him, even if it is just a photo, to confirm whether the man my mother met is him

Zhi Lu said: "Yes, indeed." As she spoke, she pulled her to sit on the bed and covered her with a blanket

I finally understand what lies behind power and wealth; it is a person's dignity, and even a person's life. I strive to study hard and improve myself, aiming to get into the best university, to stand out, so that my mother and I will never again be trampled underfoot. I have everything planned out; in four years, when I graduate from university, I will have achieved my goal. But my mother did not live to see that day

Before leaving, Lu Jianzhong accompanied her to the door, where she appeared thin and pale in the sunlight. The two exchanged a polite handshake, and Lu Jianzhong sincerely said: "Zhi Lu, please do not act rashly in the future. If anything happens, be sure to discuss it with me and your parents."

Indeed, when Lujie called him, he came right away. As soon as he entered the door, I knew. The person my mother went to meet was indeed him. At this point, a slight ripple finally appeared on Yang Li's seemingly calm face, his lips twitching, and his voice faded before it even reached his throat

Zhong Zaiguo patted his wife and signaled to her with his eyes not to speak

After finishing the meal, she rushed to wash the dishes. Wang Liangjing watched her busily and said, "Zhilü, that little one, we all feel something is off. You can't possibly be unaware that only she can exchange the things in your bag. Moreover, ever since she arrived, strange things have been happening around you. Someone broke into the house in the middle of the night, there are strange noises in the house, and you were threatened on the road. Isn't that too strange?"

"Are you sure you are not mistaken?" Lu Jianzhong looked at the two and asked solemnly

Upon seeing this, Lu Jianzhong repeated it once more

He smiled and said, "Indeed."

After steadying herself, she hurriedly wiped her eyes and reached out her hand. Lu Jianzhong was taken aback for a moment, then slowly grasped her outstretched hand, feeling that her hand was soft and cold. Her voice was somewhat hoarse as she said, "Officer Lu, thank you, thank you"

I do not love vanity, and I do not care about money. You may call me hypocritical, you may say I am insincere, or that I seek fame, but it does not matter. However, I am different from you; I conduct myself with integrity, I strive to learn and work hard. I will not use his power and wealth to satisfy my own desires, nor will I allow others to associate him with ambiguous and scandalous rumors. Although I may not do well, I am different from you. I absolutely will not allow myself to become a tool for others to use against him." Zhi Lu looked at her and smiled, "Have you heard enough?"

After these words were spoken, there was a brief silence in the room

However, after getting married, they became much busier, and neither of them had time to play chess together. He once half-jokingly said, "Perhaps we will only have time to play chess again when we are old." In the end, they did not wait until they grew old; they found time. However, they never had the opportunity to sit down and play chess again.

There is a saying that unrequited love is the most timid of all emotions in the world; it can render a person mute, lead to silence, and even give rise to dark jealousy, resulting in actions that one may regret for a lifetime

That night, she cleared the master bedroom for her parents to sleep in, while she curled up with a blanket on the sofa in the living room. Perhaps it was because her parents were there, but that night, she felt particularly at ease. Although she could have fallen asleep, she chose not to. Instead, she picked up her phone and went to the balcony to call Ye Zhongke

"If you want to know how he is, why not call and ask him yourself?" said Zhong Zaiguo

That document is so important, it is likely that only the people from Anyi Group care about it the most. I keep thinking and thinking, and the more I think, the more I feel that Brother Ye is related to my mother's case. I want to ask Brother Ye what is going on, but I am also very afraid. Who am I, and who is he? How could I have the chance to ask him? I cannot tell Sister Zhi Lu either; I know she is a good person, and she truly cares for me, not out of pity or sympathy, but out of deep concern. She is indignant towards evil and empathizes with our plight. Sometimes I wonder how she survives in such a society. I cannot tell Sister Zhi Lu either; I know she is a good person, and she truly cares for me, not out of pity or sympathy, but out of deep concern. She is indignant towards evil and empathizes with our plight. Sometimes I wonder how she survives in such a society. In my lifetime, I will never encounter anyone as kind and upright as her again, yet I still do not dare to tell her. Once the incident involves Brother Ye, I do not know if she will still help me. On that rainy night, I noticed that the way they looked at each other reminded me of my parents... their feelings were deep, and this has nothing to do with whether they are divorced or not. On that rainy night, I noticed that the way they looked at each other reminded me of my parents... their feelings were deep, and this has nothing to do with whether they are divorced or not.

Zhi Lu was rendered speechless. Regardless of who set the trap, it was a strategy that achieved two goals with one action. Not only was she trapped, but the rumors also successfully dragged the Ye family into the fray, although they were already difficult to extricate from the situation. However, her case further complicated an already chaotic scenario.

Zhi Lu put down her chopsticks, somewhat perplexed by her mother's words, and asked in confusion: "Mom, we are already divorced; we have not had any relationship for a long time."

Zhi Lu nodded thoughtfully, then looked at her father, "Dad, do you believe that Ye Zhong'e would engage in smuggling?"

He walked over like this, his gaze fixed straight ahead, not glancing at her even once, as if she and Yang Li were invisible.

Zhi Lu was taken aback, "What? Didn't Lawyer Huang say there were difficulties when applying for bail?"

Zhi Lu had never experienced such treatment in her life. Coming from a well-off family since childhood, and even more so after marriage, she had never worried about food, clothing, housing, or transportation. She felt that she should feel discomfort and find it unbearable; however, to her surprise, she did not feel a significant difference. While it was indeed unfamiliar, she did not experience any psychological discomfort.

Sister Zhi Lu has been unable to sleep all night, but I also cannot fall asleep; when I do, I have nightmares. Those sounds that Sister Zhi Lu heard at night were actually made by me. I thought I could find the wedding photos and albums in the room, but after spending a long time, I couldn't find a single photo, so I still do not know who the person my mother met was. Later, Sister Zhi Lu said that unless something happened to her, Brother Ye would not come back to see her. I thought I could find the wedding photos and albums in the room, but after spending a long time, I couldn't find a single photo, so I still do not know who the person my mother met was. Later, Sister Zhi Lu said that unless something happened to her, Brother Ye would not come back to see her. I wondered, how could something happen to her?

New evidence has emerged, significantly reducing your suspicion, and it can be approved, he said. In any case, you know the rules for bail; before the case is concluded, you must not leave the city and must be available at all times. Report any new evidence immediately. I have already called your parents, and they are waiting for you downstairs.

These two discoveries are crucial to this case, representing a significant breakthrough. Logically, Zhi Lu should be excited, but she mostly feels shocked, murmuring: "A thousand gold pieces buy beauty, ten thousand gold pieces buy sincerity. A million buys a loyal servant, which is still reasonable. I wonder what the price is for Sister Xu and Zhuang Hua. Officer Lu, can you find out who transferred this money?"

Under such radiance, everyone feels that the crisis, like the night, has become a thing of the past and will never return. During this period of detention, Zhi Lu remained calm and composed; however, at this moment, the newfound freedom, the vivid scenery, and her beloved parents filled her with bittersweet emotions, yet the smile on her face became even more pronounced.

Zhong Zaiguo sighed deeply and said, "You don't allow me to tell your mother, so naturally we won't say anything. Since we have already divorced, our two families have no further ties, and there is no reason to seek out the Ye family. Zhilu, as long as your parents are still alive, we will strive for your safety and freedom. It's just..." "It's just what?"

Zhi Lu's appearance is not better than hers, only feeling a blur in front of her eyes

The expressions of her parents were fully captured in her eyes; a mother knows her daughter well, and conversely, the same holds true. Zhilu was aware of this in her heart, and her gaze smoothly shifted from her parents' faces. After a pause, she said: "You have actually been in contact with him, haven't you? How is he doing now?"

After I returned home, I asked my mother who the person she meets every day is. She was very angry that I was following her. She has never scolded me in her life, but that day she gave me a good telling-off. In the end, she said that Sister Zhi Lu and Brother Ye have helped us so much and treated us so well, we must not be ungrateful

As summer approaches, looking out from the third-floor window, one can see the flourishing branches and leaves of the locust tree in the courtyard, dense yet well-spaced. The fresh green covers the old green, enveloping the tree crown, while sunlight filters through the fragmented light spots of the canopy, flickering and dancing. The clusters of white flowers bloom like stars scattered across the sky.

Yang Li said: "In fact, I knew she was hiding something from me. Ten days before the incident, I already sensed that my mother was keeping something from me, and I was quite anxious about it. She secretly hid something in the gap between the bed slats. In the middle of the night, I would suddenly wake up, bend down to feel around, and only when I found it still there could I dare to continue sleeping.

Moments later, Lu Jianzhong entered, his demeanor completely different from two hours ago. It should be noted that he had also been quite haggard and exhausted during this time, but now the weariness on his face had vanished, and he appeared extremely invigorated. "You may leave now," he said, slightly stepping aside to let them pass. As Yang Li walked by him, his hand pressed on her shoulder, and with a sincere tone, he said, "Xiao Li, we have already identified the murderer of your mother, but we cannot take action for the time being. Rest assured, the murderer will eventually face justice. During this time, focus on your exams."