Chapter 99: I Said You Were the One Who Sent It

Chapter 99: I Said You Were the One Who Sent It

Screech!

The car’s brakes were slammed hard. Due to momentum, the vehicle slid forward a distance. Qian Huiwen’s words felt like a depth charge exploding in Bai Zeshao’s ears, nearly shattering his mental defenses in an instant.

Suddenly hearing Qian Huiwen’s stern, humorless interrogation, Bai Zeshao nearly bit his tongue. However, he quickly adjusted his demeanor and turned to face Qian Huiwen in the passenger seat.

"Sister, you shouldn't say such things recklessly. If anyone heard you, it could cost lives. Besides, how could I possibly be a Red? It’s a good thing my conscience is clear; otherwise, being behind the wheel like this, it wouldn't be good if something happened," Bai Zeshao replied with equal gravity.

Yet, facing his explanation, Qian Huiwen did not respond, continuing to stare at him with that same stern expression.

In the darkness, although Bai Zeshao could not clearly see her face, he could feel her gaze fixed unwaveringly upon him.

Pfft!

A sudden laugh broke out inside the car, followed by Qian Huiwen’s voice in the dark: "Xiao Bai, you were scared, weren't you? I was just joking with you. Why so tense? He is him, and you are you."

"Sister, that’s not a funny joke," Bai Zeshao said, suppressing his unease and feigning a wry smile.

"Hehe, let’s go," Qian Huiwen said lightly.

Hearing this, Bai Zeshao started the car. By the time they returned to Shanning City, it was already past eight in the evening. After dropping Qian Huiwen home, he drove her car back to his own place, as she had insisted.

On the way, Bai Zeshao frowned deeply. He wondered why Qian Huiwen had sought him out today. Was it truly just to pay respects to the dead?

Could she have discovered some clues? Or was this her way of warning him?

Bai Zeshao couldn't fathom it, but he didn't succumb to paranoia. If Qian Huiwen had truly uncovered his identity, she would have arrested him long ago, rather than maintaining their current dynamic.

Back home, lying in bed, Bai Zeshao struggled to piece together the day’s events. From Qian Huiwen’s demeanor, he was certain that the person buried in the nameless grave was indeed her former Red boyfriend; that would explain why the grave was unmarked.

But who could know if that entire story was something Qian Huiwen had fabricated?

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, Bai Zeshao heard movement outside his door, followed by A-Hai’s familiar cough. He got up and opened the door. "A-Hai, why are you back so late?"

"Brother, you're home. I saw it was pitch black here and thought you were out," A-Hai said with a smile.

"Come in, let’s have a drink," Bai Zeshao said.

"Sure!" A-Hai, in high spirits, agreed immediately.

Under the lamplight, A-Hai sat opposite Bai Zeshao and asked with concern, "Brother, is something bothering you? You don’t seem to be in a good mood."

"It’s nothing, just a bit tired. Come on, drink with me," Bai Zeshao said, keeping his troubles to himself. Even if he spoke of them, it would be of no use. At this moment, he truly missed Mr. Li. If Mr. Li were still here, he could have discussed everything with him.

"Oh," A-Hai knew that Bai Zeshao kept many things from him—things he wasn't meant to know. Since Bai Zeshao wouldn't say, he didn't press further.

"By the way, was work busy today? You’re back so late. Can your body handle it?" Bai Zeshao asked after setting down his glass.

"It’s fine, just some superficial wounds. Besides, I didn't drive today; I went to the Rose Dance Hall. Brother, I bought that dress. And you’ll never guess—A-Chen accepted it," A-Hai said with a grin.

"You really..." Bai Zeshao said, feeling both surprised and helpless.

"Right, Brother, aren't you quite close with A-Chen? So when I gave her the dress, I told her you were the one who sent it. I didn't expect her to accept it right away!" A-Hai looked at Bai Zeshao with smug triumph, clearly proud of his own clever move.

Pfft!

The drink Bai Zeshao had just taken sprayed out of his mouth. He looked at A-Hai in astonishment. "You told A-Chen that I sent the dress?"

"That's right, I told her it was from you," A-Hai said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "And we even had dinner together tonight."

"You... I..." Bai Zeshao was speechless for a long time. Looking at the excited A-Hai, he said, "Enough, it’s getting late. I need to sleep. You should head back."

"No more drinking? We’ve barely started," A-Hai said, reluctant to leave.

"Go now! I have work tomorrow," Bai Zeshao urged, feeling flustered.

"Alright, alright, I’m going. Sleep well, Brother," A-Hai said before slipping out of the room.

Distracted by A-Hai, Bai Zeshao felt his mood lighten slightly, though he quickly pushed the matter of A-Chen to the back of his mind. He had neither the time nor the energy for romance.

However, today’s incident with Qian Huiwen served as a reminder: he would need to be even more cautious in his future operations. If his identity were ever exposed, there would be only one outcome.

At that moment, in Qian Huiwen’s villa, she sat alone, opening her safe once more. She pulled out an album from the very bottom, took a match, and set the photos ablaze.

Watching the images disappear, Qian Huiwen felt a pang of sorrow. "Everything is in the past. I hope that in another world, you can fulfill your dreams and hold fast to your faith."

She sat on the sofa, lost in thought. No one knew why she had suddenly burned the photos she had cherished for years.

The next morning, Bai Zeshao rose early, drove to the villa, and picked up Qian Huiwen for work.

Compared to the previous day, the atmosphere in the car was much lighter. By tacit agreement, neither mentioned the events of the day before, and they soon arrived at the Secret Service headquarters.

However, when the staff at the bureau saw Bai Zeshao stepping out of Qian Huiwen’s car, they were all stunned. While Qian Huiwen didn't usually act superior, she was known to be cold on the inside despite her warmth on the outside.

Consequently, she had almost no friends at the bureau, partly due to her position and partly due to her personality.

Seeing them arrive together, the office gossips’ curiosity was ignited. Bai Zeshao, oblivious to their thoughts, exchanged a nod with Qian Huiwen after parking and headed toward the Action Squad office.