Section 3

Xiao Yi had not originally expected her to comment on the report, but her indifference left him feeling powerless: "He Rao, why?" Didn't you like me? Why is it that now you can't bring yourself to say it

Xiao Yi was caught off guard by her swift movements; in the blink of an eye, his back was already pressed against the cold marble wall

He finds it difficult to interact with He Rao as if they were ordinary friends, yet Xing Tang is able to enter and exit her apartment late at night

Taking photos? What a coincidence, the weekend journal's magazine has been distributed to Lincheng, and it was purchased by Nan Nan's parents, who are friends with the kindergarten children. For the first time, Xing Tang felt troubled by being recognized by others.

Xu Jiaoyang scoffed, "Indeed, it is precisely because I am a good friend of He Rao that I cannot tolerate your summoning her at will and dismissing her just as easily. Xiao Yi, you have let He Rao down far too much."

I did not intend to bring her any trouble, I just wanted to give her, "a vague sense of loss that flowed from Xiao Yi's gaze: 'Those things I did not understand back then.'"

"Mr. Xiao, this question should be posed by me to you." He Rao maintained his posture, but the hand pressed against his neck unconsciously relaxed its grip: "As a friend, you have overstepped."

but cannot be said

Xing Tang did not argue with her, but expressed his confusion to He Rao: "How could A Zheng possibly like Xu Jiao Yang?"

It was Xu Jiaoyang who called Xing Tang, asking him to go to the Han Palace Club to pick up He Rao

In the shopping mall, the Xing family is also quite renowned, so it is not surprising that Xiao Yi knows Xing Tang. Moreover, when she was studying at the police academy, Xiao Yi had seen Xing Tang more than once. However, at that time, he did not pay attention to her, thus she overlooked the person of Xing Tang.

Xing Tang never inquired about her work, which naturally led to the understanding that she had a case to handle, completely unaware that her so-called task was related to Xiao Shi and Xiao Yi

Such a statement—Xiao Yi suddenly looked up: "There is not even an expression, let alone being rejected, how could one be in despair?"

Her thoughts are in perfect alignment with mine

He Rào subconsciously felt that he had misunderstood something, but when asked about it, she still said: "That's right, I do not wish to have any misunderstandings with Xingtang because of you"

His words were so sharp that Xu Jiaoyang's gratitude instantly vanished: "Listening to the tone of General Xing from hetushucomcom, it sounds like he envies your brother for having a girlfriend. No need to thank me, I merely voiced your thoughts." After saying this, he hung up directly, completely disregarding General Xing's dignity.

He Rao was moved to the point of having slightly red eyes by Nan Nan's words, "We must protect mom." She turned around and drew back the curtains, blending into the night: "Let me take a moment, wait until I finish my current tasks"

Wow, so that's how it is. Next time, godfather should take Nan Nan for a photo shoot.

I can only apologize to Xing Tang

Xing Tang could not fathom the myriad twists and turns of her thoughts in an instant. Upon hearing this, she slightly furrowed her brows and said, "Do not play the fool, Ah Zheng; I will take it as a form of gratitude."

Of course. However, Nan Nan must promise her godfather to continue keeping our secret, alright

Her hand reached out, but upon hearing the busy tone, she withdrew it. "Does she often call you at night?"

Occasionally. "Xing Tang put away his phone: 'It's always when you have a task that you cannot talk to her.'"

Recalling the exquisite words in the report and the girl in the photo, Xiao Yi's expression grew even more unpleasant. "Since it concerns you, I will not make baseless speculations. Even that night when I delivered the invitation to you, I did not mention a word. But I cannot help but remind you, do not use that person as a shield, especially when it involves the child. He Rao, I hope you will be cautious."

He rarely inquires about his younger brother's personal matters, but now he suddenly expresses his feelings. He Riao immediately guesses that he has had an unpleasant encounter with Xu Jiaoyang, "She is just straightforward and outspoken, while Azheng is taciturn; they complement each other perfectly."

But that night, He Rao only replied to him: "Trust me."

Xing Tang, however, does not agree with her so-called view of "complementary personalities": "Too noisy"

It is impossible. He is certain.

"Nan Nan is the most well-behaved child," she said, preparing to hand the phone to He Rao. "Would you like to talk to your mother?"

The man had tears in his eyes

After passing through the transparent lounge and arriving at the elevator, He Rao suddenly turned around, expertly gripping Xiao Yi by the neck with one hand while using the other to pin his right hand to prevent any counterattack, directly pressing him against the wall with swift movements and moderate force

How resolute must one be to achieve such certainty of success

Xiao Yi replied calmly: "You are a good friend of Hetushu (https://www.hetushu.com), and for that, I respect you three points"

Her thoughts and her body are beyond her control, and Xing Tang understands this better than anyone: "Are you still planning to bring her over?"

In that case, He Rao still did not explain: "I appreciate your kindness, and I acknowledge it." She paused for a moment, as if weighing her words, then said: "Xiao Yi, it is better for us to maintain our distance."

"Godfather and Mom are together, are you on a date?" The little girl looked very happy and giggled, "But I have to go to sleep now, Godfather, you can continue to whisper with Mom. Please say goodnight to Mom for me, goodbye Godfather."

Xu Jiaoyang did not know which words had touched him, but he was certain that he had heard them: "I originally had no position to speak on her behalf, but what I have seen over the years is only her optimistic and strong side. Xiao Yi, you will never understand how desperate a woman can feel for a man when she buries words like 'like' and 'love' deep in her heart, not even daring to touch them herself"

Yueyue said she saw her godfather in a magazine that her mother bought, and she said you were holding a little child for a photo.

To say that one is not moved would be false, yet responding with love remains unattainable

Their noses were merely an inch apart, and if they moved a little closer, he could touch her lips, but he did not lean in to kiss her: "Herao, don't you think your so-called mental preparation is too negative?" His tone was calm, yet his presence was overwhelming.

Is he worried about me

An affectionate address, a gentle tone, completely unbothered by being subdued by force. If any staff members pass by, his dignity as the BOSS is utterly diminished

I believe that everyone I encounter in this life is meant to appear, and it is not by chance. Unfortunately, time is heartless; when everything cannot be restarted, I am equally unable to treat with tenderness those who are destined not to love me from the very beginning

Afterward, Xiao Yi drove to He Rao's residence. Behind the azure curtains, there was not only He Rao but also the silhouette of a man. Even though it was merely a profile, Xiao Yi still recognized it as Xing Tang.

The crystal chandelier in the hall overlooks the man, gently casting a faint light that spreads across the ground, filling it with a sense of desolation. *Tu* Shu Xiao Yi stands motionless, his side profile casting a tall and slender shadow, and he has not spoken for a long time

He Rao's memories instantly returned, and she recalled the first year of her service in the police force when she was injured during a mission. Before losing consciousness, she felt a man's hands gripping hers, repeatedly saying: "He Rao, don't scare me, wake up"

As for Chai Yu, Xiao Yi is not confident in himself, but rather certain that He Rao would not like him. Therefore, between He Rao and himself, Xiao Yi believes it is merely a matter concerning the two of them

Having ulterior motives towards her, such treatment—Xiao Yi said, "It's only temporary"

Fortunately, there is still such a person who remains steadfastly by her side. Xu Jiaoyang feels comforted by the exclusive affection that He Rao enjoys. On the phone, she said: "Thank you"

Just as He Rao was about to answer the call, his phone rang, and the screen displayed the caller as: Nan Nan

Alright, Nan Nan has not forgotten what her godfather said: Mother is a police officer, we must protect Mother

He Rào found this misunderstanding quite clever

Why? Xu Jiaoyang truly lives up to the title of editor-in-chief, with sharp words: "Since I have no acquaintance with General Xiao, why are you so tolerant towards me?"

Nan Nan realized that she had made a mistake, and softly uttered an "oh." "I will go to sleep after I finish talking with my godfather, and I definitely won't do it again next time"

So it turns out he was feeling jealous. This attachment made Xing Tang smile silently. In order to alleviate his goddaughter's "jealousy," he explained truthfully: "The little friend that godfather is holding is Nan Nan. Don't you remember? Last time godfather picked you up to come to G City, we even went to the riverside together. The photo was taken at that time."

It seemed that the term "sacrifice" had struck a nerve with Xiao Yi, as he suddenly wrapped his left arm around He Rao's waist, pulling her towards him: "You are indeed a police officer, and the duty of a police officer is to maintain social order, prevent, stop, and investigate illegal activities. However, the stability of social order should not come at the cost of police officers' lives"

I once thought that way too. However, the twists of fate always catch one off guard

Since their time at the police academy, He Rao and Xing Tang have known each other for at least nine years. Xiao Yi does not believe that they have only been friends for such a long time; how could they suddenly become lovers today?

It is not unexpected to encounter Xu Jiaoyang again in the context of the *Picture* book

Xing Tang looked at He Rao and asked, "Why does Nan Nan ask this?"

Perhaps it was a case of overthinking, but Xiao Yi seemed to sense a concern from these four characters

Indeed, one should be annoyed, yet he smiled, his features soft and his brows clear: "Rao Rao, what do you mean by this?"

Alright, then this time, the godfather will keep it a secret for Nan Nan

Because your godfather wants to give you a surprise

The tender voice of a child entered his ears, softening his heart like cotton. Xing Tang unconsciously softened his tone: "Godfather is still awake. Is there something on your mind, Nan Nan? If I remember correctly, you should be going to bed at 9 o'clock sharp."

Xu Jiaoyang believes that Xing Tang is doing this intentionally, with the purpose of testing my intentions

Xiao Yi knew that there was nothing he needed to explain to her, and his inscrutable gaze revealed no emotion: "If I remember correctly, prior to this, I had no interactions or conflicts with Editor Xu. Why do you harbor such hostility towards me?"

He Rao raised his wrist to check the time, it was a quarter to eleven: "It's so late, why hasn't she gone to sleep yet?"

His body temperature was intoxicating, yet He Rao still pushed him away. She took a step back and said, "President Xiao, please have some self-respect; I do not wish to be misunderstood."

Knowing full well that she was doing it on purpose, Xiao Yi still couldn't suppress his anger. "So just like that, a report has confirmed your relationship? He Rao, do you think I would believe that? You don't need to rush to deny it. Even Yao Nan could tell it was Officer He from a side profile photo. How blind would I have to be not to recognize you?"

Then how would I know

He Rào saw the Bentley downstairs start and drive away, and then said: "Good."

There is nothing wrong

I am a police officer and do not have the right to evade danger. Her breath rose and fell steadily as she said, From the day I applied to the police academy, I have been prepared to sacrifice myself at any moment during a mission

It is getting late, and Xing Tang bids farewell: "Rest early, I will be heading back."

One day you will understand

What are you being cautious about? Do you think I want to be a stepmother to Xing Tang's child

"Even if it is not for me," before she could react, Xiao Yi extended his arms to embrace her, their necks intertwined: "He Rao, you must also take good care of yourself"

Xiao Yi understood the transgression as affecting her ability to carry out her tasks, and he restrained his overt emotions: "My motives are very simple; I do not wish for you to take risks"

The emptiness in his arms reminded Xiao Yi of how much the woman in front of him resisted him, and he narrowed his eyes slightly: "Who do you not want to be misunderstood by? Xing Tang?"

Xiao Yi, there are no outsiders here, let us speak frankly. If you have no intention towards He Rao, then please do not disturb her peace. Without you, she is not as troubled as she is now

I have never intended to let her down, but—Xiao Yi furrowed his brows: "I am touched by your defense of He Rao, but I do not agree with the assessment of 'summoned at will, dismissed at will.'"

"Yes." The sadness in Xu Jiaoyang's eyes gradually dissipated: "Because I am all too aware of the outcome"

Xu Jiaoyang fell silent

My approach put her in a difficult position

He Rao felt a pang of sadness in her heart. The child was too young, and she could not be by their side to provide care, leaving her with a lingering sense of guilt

One can refrain from questioning, but it is impossible to stay away

The conclusion she has determined is: Will I be together with He Xi? Or will I be devoted to He Xi for a lifetime?

Xing Tang shook his head to indicate that he did not know, and at the same time, he answered the phone. He then called out "Nan Nan," and a polite voice on the other end of the line said, "I'm sorry, godfather, Nan Nan has disturbed your sleep."

Was it love that I did not understand at the beginning

Then, after seven days and seven nights of coma, she woke up

Nan Nan smiled, her laughter as clear and crisp as silver bells: "Thank you, godfather." Then she asked: "Godfather, can I tell the little friends in kindergarten that you are my godfather?"

Xu Jiaoyang spoke directly, "Xiao Yi, I cannot understand your actions today. If He Rao has not deliberately concealed anything from me, then in my view, you are at most ordinary friends, so why are you so entangled?"

Regarding He Rao, indifferent as Xing Tang, he has always been responsive to requests. He didn't even ask a single question: "How did she end up there?" before coming out of the villa

He Riao felt his warm breath on the tip of his nose, causing a flutter in his heart

Xiao Yi had both hands in the pockets of his trousers, exuding an air of lazy solitude: "What guidance do you have, Editor Xu?"

However, it is quite difficult to stay true to one's original intention

Compared to his judgment, He Rao has too many reservations, especially regarding