47: Chapter 47 Where the heart leads, the path follows.

The lingering aroma of coffee slowly settled in the air.

Jiang Nan's question was like a pebble tossed into a still lake.

The ripples it stirred in her own heart were far greater than she had imagined.

Seeing Zhao Yang's hesitant expression, she suddenly felt a tinge of regret for her eagerness.

However, that impulse to confirm something was so real and surging.

Zhao Yang stammered.

The sentence "I originally wanted to ask if you'd be willing to wait for me to return" rolled around on the tip of his tongue several times.

In the end, he couldn't say it.

He realized that he wasn't just facing a girl who made his heart flutter.

She was also Jiang Yunheng's daughter.

He wasn't sure if a promise or a beginning at this time would turn into mutual pain in the future.

"I originally... wanted to say a proper goodbye before leaving. You are... one of my most important friends in Tongan."

He uttered the words "one of" clearly.

Yet, they contained a hint of bitterness that only he could perceive.

The light in Jiang Nan's eyes dimmed a bit.

Expectation receded like the tide, leaving behind a trace of disappointment and confusion.

She had a straightforward personality, but she wasn't foolish; on the contrary, she was exceptionally bright.

From Zhao Yang's words and the changes in his expression, Jiang Nan had already sensed his feelings.

"Heh, friends? One of?" Jiang Nan's gaze became sharp, and a cold snort escaped her nose.

"Zhao Yang, what exactly are you worried about? Is it my status? I'm telling you, I am Jiang Nan, just Jiang Nan."

Feeling as though she hadn't said enough, Jiang Nan paused, her gaze toward Zhao Yang becoming firm:

"Zhao Yang, although we haven't known each other for long, I've always felt you were very responsible.

"Whether it was the June 11 Case or the report on the fertilizer scamming farmers, you forged ahead regardless of the difficulties.

"However, in life, you don't dare to face your own heart!"

Having said this, Jiang Nan stood up and picked up her bag.

"Zhao Yang, don't be a coward and make me look down on you."

Jiang Nan turned toward the door and threw back a sentence:

"I wish you a bright future in the provincial capital, Great Reporter Zhao... no, Comrade Zhao!"

This was Jiang Nan.

Decisive and straightforward, never beating around the bush.

Clear about her likes and dislikes, without any convolution.

If her heart fluttered, it fluttered; there was no need for so much weighing and waiting.

Pure, untainted by any worldly impurities.

Jiang Nan's words were like heavy hammer blows striking Zhao Yang's heart.

Yes, she was just Jiang Nan.

His heart fluttered for her not because she was Jiang Yunheng's daughter.

The various speculations about the future just now wouldn't necessarily happen.

Even if Jiang Yunheng was deeply involved with Ji Hongwen and became a target of his investigation, would Jiang Nan break up with him because of it?

If that were truly the case, then the Jiang Nan of that time would not be the Jiang Nan of now.

Even if they broke up, there would be no regrets.

Zhao Yang stood up abruptly and, at the moment Jiang Nan reached for the doorknob, he tightly grabbed her arm.

Jiang Nan stopped and turned her head suddenly.

She saw that Zhao Yang's eyes were bloodshot and the veins on his neck were slightly bulging.

Zhao Yang spoke slowly, his voice a bit raspy:

"Your words 'I am just Jiang Nan' made me feel ashamed, but they also made me firmly face my own heart.

"Jiang Nan."

He called her name as if reciting an incantation, or like completing an oath.

"Not just a friend, but the person in my heart. From the moment my heart fluttered for you, I've regarded you as the person I want to hold hands with for a lifetime."

Zhao Yang took her hand; his palm was burning hot, carrying a slight tremor.

Jiang Nan did not pull her hand back; instead, she gripped it back firmly, her eyes gradually curving into a smile.

She stood slightly on her tiptoes and printed a soft kiss on Zhao Yang's forehead.

A touch and then gone.

"Remember what you said today," Jiang Nan's breathing was slightly ragged, filled with a hint of joy and shyness. "No matter how far apart we are, I will wait for you."

Zhao Yang opened his arms and gently pulled Jiang Nan's slender body into an embrace.

"I'll be back before long. When that time comes, a great earthquake will occur in Tongan's officialdom.

"Remember my warning, and I also hope you can keep the secret."

Zhao Yang's chin rested lightly on her shoulder as he smelled the pleasant scent of her shampoo, his voice buried in her soft hair.

"Mm, I will."

Jiang Nan's voice was soft, as gentle as a kitten.

She was like a completely different person compared to her usual heroic and brisk self.

Zhao Yang turned his head, seeking her lips.

Unexpectedly, his chest was blocked by her elbow.

"I already gave you a reward just now, don't push your luck!"

Jiang Nan curled her lips playfully. "Although I studied forensic medicine, I've had professional training in grappling and combat."

Zhao Yang: ...

How was he supposed to live in the future?

He lifted his wrist and looked at his watch. "It's getting late, let me take you back first."

The two walked down the stairs together, leaving the small private room permeated with the aroma of coffee.

The night breeze brushed against their faces on the street, slightly dissipating the heat from moments ago.

He walked Jiang Nan to the entrance of her residential area and watched that pretty figure disappear into the jungle of reinforced concrete.

Zhao Yang turned around, his heart surging with emotion.

The night in Tongan was still filled with dim lights.

But his path was already pointing toward the provincial capital, Jiangzhou.

Early the next morning, Zhao Yang went to his workplace to say goodbye to his colleagues.

A crowd of colleagues came over one after another to offer their congratulations.

Some were sincere, while others were just perfunctory.

Because Zhao Yang was about to leave, Dong Peng and Cui Hao, who had originally been competing for the position of deputy director, were secretly excited.

Su Yawen watched Zhao Yang exchange pleasantries with the crowd from a distance, her face flushing red and then turning pale.

She felt extremely uncomfortable in her heart.

Director Xiong Bo came to Su Yawen's side, curled his lip toward Zhao Yang's direction, and said with a look of disdain:

"I thought he was so noble, but it turns out he just clung to the coattails of Secretary Jiang from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection."

Su Yawen rolled her eyes at him and said irritably:

"If you're so capable, you go cling to them too. Why are you acting so sour here?"

Whenever Zhao Yang was mentioned, Su Yawen felt a bit of regret and a strange sense of irritation.

Director Xiong Bo didn't realize this and continued to prattle on:

"The one we met at the restaurant last time is Secretary Jiang Yunheng's daughter. Do you understand now?"

Su Yawen ignored him and looked at Zhao Yang in the crowd.

That female police officer surpassed her in both appearance and family background.

No wonder this guy agreed so readily when they broke up.

A bit more resentment appeared in Su Yawen's eyes.

Zhao Yang picked up his train ticket and waved it toward the crowd:

"I'll definitely treat everyone next time I'm back. I have to go catch the train now!"

Tian Ye volunteered to drive his brand-new Citroen Fukang to take Zhao Yang to the train station.

While driving, the young man said with a smile:

"Master, if you become rich and powerful, don't forget me."

Zhao Yang rolled his eyes at him. "What's with the 'rich and powerful' talk? It sounds so tacky."

Tian Ye laughed loudly. "A lack of culture is truly terrifying."

As he laughed, his voice came to an abrupt halt.

He knew Zhao Yang was doing this on purpose, just not wanting the parting to be too sentimental.

Tian Ye's eyes reddened. "Master, thank you for teaching me so much. Come back often when you have time."

"I definitely will."

After boarding the train, Zhao Yang took out his phone and sent a text message to that incredibly familiar number:

"I've boarded the train. I miss you."

"Me too. Have a safe trip!" Jiang Nan replied instantly.

Zhao Yang sent another message, but there was no reply from the other side.

It seemed Jiang Nan had a lot of work to do.

When it was time for work in the afternoon, Zhao Yang arrived at the Jianghan Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection on time to report to the Organization and Personnel Department.

He quickly finished the formalities, and the head of the Organization and Personnel Department, Cheng Huaiyuan, picked up the phone and dialed an internal extension.

"Secretary-General Xu, Zhao Yang has finished the onboarding process. I'll bring him over to see you now!"