58: Chapter 58 Perhaps, I was the one who saved the galaxy in my past life.
These words played right into Zhao Yang's hands.
In his excitement, he also stepped one foot onto the back of a chair and extended his right hand.
"Chief He, come, let's shake on it. A man's word is his bond!"
He Yunqiao's hand was halfway out when he suddenly withdrew it and hid it behind his back.
"Hahaha, you little brat, I almost fell for your trick."
This fellow looked a bit rough and had a short fuse, but he wasn't stupid at all.
If Jiang Nan were transferred to the Provincial Corps, it would be convenient for the two of them to meet and go out together in the future; it would really be doing this kid a favor.
In truth, Zhao Yang was just joking; he didn't expect to get things done just by bickering.
He smiled at He Yunqiao and said, "Oh, your reactions are quite fast."
Seeing Zhao Yang bickering for her sake, Jiang Nan felt sweetness in her heart, but her face remained cold and aloof.
In the presence of many people, she generally maintained this expression.
She looked at the two of them and spoke slowly.
"I'm not going anywhere. Even if I go to the Provincial Corps, I'll rely on my own abilities."
He Yunqiao was taken aback. He immediately dropped his joking posture and said seriously:
"It was my big mouth. Xiao Jiang, don't misunderstand; a talent like you is a treasure wherever you stay."
"Don't try to fix it now; you're just someone who doesn't keep his word," Zhao Yang added mockingly from the side.
Just then, Lu Zheng strolled into the meeting room.
"Zhao Yang, the two team members I selected will arrive shortly. Once they're here, your group should go grab a meal and get some good rest."
He lifted his wrist to check his watch. "I estimate that in about an hour, the security here will be taken over by Armed Police soldiers."
"Chief He, once the Armed Police arrive, you can go handle the Special Investigation Team's affairs."
Half an hour later, two inspectors from the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection's Fourth Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office, Liu Yi and Wu Licheng, arrived.
Wu Licheng took over for Zheng Beichen in the monitoring room.
Seeing that the group members were all present, Zhao Yang was not stingy with his praise.
"You two performed well today. Jiang Nan and I will treat you to a nice meal."
After saying that, he looked at He Yunqiao.
"Chief He, you wouldn't refuse to let her go, would you?"
Jiang Nan had been seconded to the Special Investigation Team, so she was currently under He Yunqiao's management.
He Yunqiao waved his hand. "Go, go, go. Am I really that unreasonable?"
Zhao Yang brought Jiang Nan along at every turn because he wanted to spend more time with her.
This was because he knew that starting tomorrow morning, they would launch an investigation into Zhou Zhiqiang's financial status and social connections.
For a long time to come, they would be locked in a battle of wits and courage with Zhou Zhiqiang, leaving him no time for anything else.
Jiang Nan's face flushed red as she quietly stood behind Zhao Yang.
This guy was being so high-profile, as if he wanted the whole world to know she was his girlfriend.
Gao Yan clapped her hands excitedly. "Great! I've been to Tongan a few times but haven't tried the local snacks yet!"
Zhao Yang poured cold water on her idea: "You're thinking too much. For safety's sake, we'll just have a private meal at the Century Sunshine Hotel."
Seeing him say this, Lu Zheng, who had been hesitating to speak, finally felt relieved.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Yang quietly approached him and whispered:
"Master, we're applying to have a bit of alcohol tonight."
Having made such a big breakthrough, it felt like something was missing if they didn't have a drink to celebrate.
Lu Zheng's expression darkened slightly, but after thinking for a moment, he relented.
"Just a taste, a light buzz is fine. If anyone dares to mess up, it'll be a disciplinary action."
"Understood, I'll follow Master's teachings!" Zhao Yang replied, then led the three of them to drive back to the Century Sunshine Hotel.
While driving, Zhao Yang deliberately checked to see if anyone was following them.
It turned out to be a peaceful trip; he estimated that the people behind Zhou Zhiqiang were currently focused on the Provincial Corps.
At the hotel, Zhao Yang got a small private room and pushed the menu toward Zheng Beichen and Gao Yan.
"Order whatever you want to eat."
While Zheng Beichen and Gao Yan were focused on ordering, Zhao Yang leaned toward Jiang Nan and lowered his voice:
"You must be starving. I'll get you a hot drink to warm your stomach first. What do you like to drink?"
Zheng Beichen looked up in surprise.
"Zhao Yang, you show off all day long, yet you don't even know what your own girlfriend likes to drink. How are you even a boyfriend?"
Zhao Yang was momentarily choked up. He stiffened his neck and said:
"We are the career-mutually-promoting type; we don't pay attention to life's details. What, you got a problem with that?"
Seeing Zhao Yang get stumped, Jiang Nan's lips curled up happily.
She placed her fair, jade-like hand on the back of Zhao Yang's hand.
"I'll have what you like—freshly squeezed corn juice."
Zhao Yang thought: Since when did I like freshly squeezed corn juice?
He suddenly realized that Jiang Nan was telling him what she liked.
At the same time, she was telling Zheng Beichen and Gao Yan: The two of us are doing just fine!
This way of showing off their affection was very high-level.
Zhao Yang thought: Regardless of whether I like freshly squeezed corn juice or not, I must like it from now on.
So, he nodded repeatedly.
"Right, freshly squeezed corn juice it is. Make it a large portion!"
Seeing Jiang Nan's gesture and her playful expression,
Zheng Beichen and Gao Yan instantly felt that the dishes on the menu were no longer appetizing.
The corners of Zheng Beichen's mouth quirked down as he frowned.
"Zhao Yang, did you save the galaxy in your past life?"
Before Zhao Yang could answer, Jiang Nan smiled and took up the conversation.
"Perhaps the person who saved the galaxy in a past life was me. That's why in this life, I met someone to fight alongside."
This girl was too direct; she didn't hide her affection for Zhao Yang at all.
Zhao Yang squinted as he looked at her sideways, happiness overflowing from his eyes.
Jiang Nan's words made Zheng Beichen feel as if he had suffered a critical hit of ten thousand points.
He quickly cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. "I beg the honorable couple to spare us. If I'm stuffed to death by this public display of affection, how am I supposed to eat?"
Gao Yan covered her heart and giggled, her eyes full of envy.
When the food and wine were served, Zhao Yang poured a small half-glass for everyone, raised his glass, and stood up, his expression suddenly becoming serious.
"This glass is a toast to everyone fighting side by side, and also to the tough battle ahead. Tonight is just a taste; there's a hard fight tomorrow, so no one can drop the ball."
Jiang Nan took her glass without any hesitation. As they clinked glasses, she asked softly:
"Aren't we doing a sudden interrogation of Zhou Zhiqiang tonight? According to the usual rhythm, we should strike while the iron is hot."
She still maintained her professional sensitivity and hadn't been blinded by the warmth of the moment.
Zhao Yang explained in a low voice, "The Commission for Discipline Inspection handles cases differently from the Public Security. Right now, Zhou Zhiqiang is racking his brains, thinking about how to resist the investigation."
"Let him wear himself out; we'll leave him hanging for a bit."
Jiang Nan sighed. "So there's actually so much specialized knowledge in the Commission for Discipline Inspection's interrogations."
"Your instrument data is much more complicated than this," Zhao Yang responded softly, his eyes full of admiration.
Once everyone was slightly buzzed, Zhao Yang decisively put away the liquor.
He ordered a portion of Spicy Soup and Crispy Pastry Cakes to simply warm their stomachs.
"These are all Tongan local snacks. They're not as authentic as the ones in the back alleys, so just make do for now."
After dinner, Jiang Nan picked up her bag to take her leave.
Zhao Yang reached out to take her arm and stopped her.
"It's not safe to drive after drinking. Just stay here tonight. You take my room, and I'll go squeeze in with Beichen."
After washing up in the room, Jiang Nan changed into Zhao Yang's oversized pajamas and lay down on the bed.
She pulled up the quilt and took a deep breath, then buried her face deep into the covers.
It smelled so good.
Yangyang's scent was everywhere; she was so happy!
In the room next door, Zhao Yang lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling as he reviewed the case details.
Just then, an extremely faint, unusual sound came from outside the door, like the sound of a shoe sole brushing against the carpet.
It silently pressed against the outside of his room door and remained motionless.
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