190: Chapter 190 Zhou Qian is utterly disappointed in Wang Hao; Zhao Lintai looks forward to meeting Si Yao (Part 2)

"Hmm, she probably will go," Ye Ziming recalled, "She mentioned before that she wanted to run a couple of laps on the track. When we get there later, I'll have Brother Kun contact her. But having said that, Brother Zhao, although you're quite handsome—on par with me, I'd say—I feel like you might not be her type. Besides, I heard from Brother Kun that she doesn't seem interested in men... You know what I mean?"

"Hmph," Zhao Lintai said, a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He gave a soft hum and waved his hand with feigned nonchalance. "Whether I'm her type or not, I don't really care. As long as I can see her, I've completed half the task Elder Ye assigned me. As for whether anything comes of it, that's not up to me, nor is it up to her."

Ye Ziming nodded thoughtfully, a flash of melancholy crossing his eyes. "That's true. People like us look infinitely glamorous on the outside, able to do whatever we want, but in reality, many things are beyond our control."

"Hey, why is Young Master Ye so sentimental today?" Zhao Lintai teased. "What's the matter, did Elder Ye arrange an arranged marriage for you too?"

"It's not that bad." Ye Ziming shook his head with a bitter smile. "It's just that seeing you so troubled by love, Brother Zhao, made me feel a bit stirred."

"You're still young, you can still enjoy your freedom for a few more years," Zhao Lintai sighed. "When you reach my age, you'll know how helpless love can make a person."

"Hehe," Ye Ziming's eyes flickered upon hearing this. "Actually... I already have someone I like. It's just that she doesn't seem to have any feelings for me..."

"Oh? Which family's Young Miss is it? So arrogant that she doesn't even fancy Young Master Ye?" Zhao Lintai asked curiously.

"Oh, I can't tell you that." Ye Ziming hurriedly waved his hand in refusal. "What if she takes a liking to you? It doesn't matter if she doesn't like me; I'll just keep trying, and maybe she'll change her mind. When chasing a girl, you have to have some patience."

"Alright then. Your mindset is pretty good, Young Master Ye." Zhao Lintai complimented him with a smile, then immediately changed the subject. "Oh, by the way, what has your sister been busy with lately?"

Hearing Zhao Lintai ask about his sister, the string in Ye Ziming's heart tightened immediately. Pretending not to know, he shook his head and said, "My sister... I don't know either. You know how it is; ever since she joined the military, she's been mysterious all day, always citing confidentiality protocols. I don't even get to see her once a year now. But that's fine; with no one to manage me, I'm a free and easy idler who can go wherever I want."

"I really envy you." Zhao Lintai's lips curved upward as he shook his head and sighed. "Having an older sister to look out for you—I don't have that. I'm watched by a bunch of people all day, and I have to do everything on the sly."

"Hehe, what do you want to do on the sly, Brother Zhao?" Ye Ziming teased. "Why don't you take me with you?"

"What are you thinking?" Zhao Lintai glanced at him and spouted nonsense. "I'm talking about dating. How could I take you with me? You should just focus on driving your car!" As he said this, he turned his head away to look at the scenery flashing past outside the window, while secretly calculating his next plan.

...

Meanwhile, at the Shanghai branch of National Security, Ye Qingcheng had just finished her call with the headquarters bureau chief. Without pausing, she immediately called Shen Zhendong.

The call was answered quickly. On the other end, Shen Zhendong's voice sounded somewhat low and deliberately hushed: "Hello, Qingcheng, is something the matter?" Through the phone, one could faintly hear others talking beside him.

Ye Qingcheng smiled slightly and asked in a soft tone, "Uncle Shen, are you busy?"

"Yes, I'm reporting the case situation to the leadership," Shen Zhendong replied concisely.

"Which case? Is it the one about the Underground Bank?" Ye Qingcheng asked curiously.

"No, it's the Hongtai Construction case," Shen Zhendong explained patiently.

"Oh, I see." Ye Qingcheng nodded in understanding, even though Shen Zhendong couldn't see her. "Uncle Shen, I've mentioned it to the bureau leadership; I need to transfer someone from the Shanghai police force to assist me with my work. The bureau leadership has already agreed."

Hearing this, Shen Zhendong raised his eyebrows slightly. "Is that so? That's great. Who do you need? I'll approve the transfer order for you."

"Hehe, I was waiting for those words from you, Uncle Shen." Ye Qingcheng smiled playfully. "The person I want is someone you know too—Captain Shen from the Waitan Police Station of the Shenjiang Bay Branch."

"Who? Shen Jianan?!" Shen Zhendong's voice suddenly rose a few notches, clearly surprised. "Qingcheng, you aren't joking with me, are you?"

"No, Uncle Shen." Ye Qingcheng composed her smile and said seriously, "I think highly of Jianan. Don't you think it's a waste of her talent to keep her at a grassroots police station? Besides, I already talked with her last night, and she is very interested in our National Security."

Shen Zhendong was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he sighed. "Fine. Since you've already talked to her and she has agreed, I have no reason to keep blocking it. However, if Jianan's mother asks about it, you'll have to help me cover."

"Don't worry, Uncle Shen." Ye Qingcheng laughed easily. "Jianan won't be in any danger by my side. I will take good care of her."

"Hmm, then I'm relieved." Shen Zhendong's tone was significantly more relaxed. "I'll contact the head of her branch to transfer her right now. You give her a call and have her report directly to you."

"Alright, Uncle Shen. I have her number. You call her superior, and I'll call Jianan at the same time. That will save time, and I'll drive to the station to pick her up directly." As Ye Qingcheng spoke, she had already started gathering the documents on her desk, ready to depart.

After hanging up, Ye Qingcheng quickly grabbed the car keys from the desk and hurried out of the Special Operations Unit office.

Ten-plus minutes later, a black Hongqi car with the words "National Security" printed on it sped in and stopped steadily in front of the Waitan Police Station. Ye Qingcheng did not get out; she sat in the car and quickly dialed Shen Jianan's number.

The call was answered quickly. Ye Qingcheng didn't give Shen Jianan a chance to speak; she said in a serious tone, "Jianan, I'm downstairs at your police station now. I'll give you five minutes. If you can't come down within five minutes, the matter of joining National Security is off."

"Wait... Sister Qingcheng, I'm..." Before Shen Jianan could finish, Ye Qingcheng had already hung up the phone.

At this moment, Shen Jianan was in the reception room talking with Su Mo. Shen Jianan looked at Su Mo with an embarrassed expression and said apologetically, "Su Mo, I have an urgent matter that just came up; I must leave immediately. Let's discuss your matter over the phone." As she spoke, she had already stood up, looking ready to leave at any moment.

The reason Su Mo came to see Shen Jianan was because, not long ago, she had received a call from Wang Hao. On the phone, Wang Hao wanted to meet her in the afternoon. His attitude sounded very sincere, saying he wanted to meet her in person to apologize, hoping that the previous matter at the Nightlife Bar could be reconciled, and also hoping she could help arrange a meeting with Qin Yi.

When Su Mo was scrolling through her phone in the morning, she had also learned about the Hongtai Construction incident, so she thought about meeting him to hear what he had to say. However, she was somewhat undecided, so she thought about coming to ask Shen Jianan about this matter.

Seeing that Shen Jianan was about to leave, Su Mo also stood up immediately and nodded in response, "Hmm, it's okay. I just wanted to come over and ask you whether I should meet Wang Hao. His tone on the phone sounded quite sincere."

Shen Jianan frowned and responded, "To be honest, if it were me, I definitely wouldn't reconcile with scum like Wang Hao. But your situation is different from mine; you should have your own judgment. The matter regarding the Nightlife Bar is no longer in my hands; it's with the Jingan Branch. As far as I know, there should be a result for this case very soon. Wang Hao is looking for reconciliation with you at this time simply because he wants a lighter sentence. Plus, with the operation of his lawyer, if you agree to reconcile, it's very likely he will be sentenced to a non-custodial sentence. So, what you decide to do specifically is up to you."

"Thank you, Officer Shen, I understand." Su Mo sighed softly and said, "I also know that Wang Hao isn't genuinely trying to apologize. However, since his father has passed away, if I keep pressing the issue, it would be too cruel to him... At the very least, I have to let him arrange his father's funeral."

"Mm," Shen Jianan replied. She checked the time and immediately said, "Do as you see fit. I'm really running out of time. I won't see you out; you can head out on your own later."

Having said that, Shen Jianan ran out of the reception room without looking back, heading towards the main entrance.

Su Mo followed her out of the reception room, let out a long sigh as she watched Shen Jianan's retreating figure, and then began walking towards the entrance as well.

...

Shen Jianan ran hurriedly out of the office building, her eyes scanning the courtyard. She quickly spotted the black Hongqi parked in a space, and a look of relief immediately appeared on her face. She jogged towards the car, secretly feeling fortunate that Sister Qingcheng hadn't left yet.

Arriving at the driver's side, Shen Jianan raised her hand and tapped lightly on the window. The window slowly rolled down, revealing Ye Qingcheng's face with a faint smile. She looked at Shen Jianan, a hint of playfulness flashing in her eyes: "Thirty seconds left. If you hadn't appeared, I really would have left you behind."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jianan gave a wry smile. She shrugged and said helplessly, "Sister Qingcheng, I was busy discussing a case with someone... Yet you, you didn't even give me a chance to explain."

"Alright, alright, get in the car and we can talk." Ye Qingcheng interrupted her with a smile and gave a slight nod of her head, signaling her to get in quickly. Shen Jianan nodded, quickly circled to the passenger side, and sat in.

As soon as Shen Jianan sat down, Ye Qingcheng spoke again: "Your director should have already told you about your transfer to National Security, right?"

"Mm, he has." Shen Jianan nodded, a look of confusion on her face, "But Sister Qingcheng, how exactly did you convince my dad? He even called our director personally."

Ye Qingcheng chuckled upon hearing this: "Did I even need to convince him? It's just a normal personnel transfer. Actually, your dad also wants you to gain more experience; he's just worried about your safety. Later, if your mom asks, just blame it on me. Tell her I requested you to come and help, so she won't worry too much."

"Hehe, alright, Sister Qingcheng." Shen Jianan agreed with a smile, then asked curiously, "So where are we going now?"

"First, I'll take you to pick up your gear, then we're going to the Armed Police General Hospital." Ye Qingcheng said as she started the car.

"Armed Police General Hospital? What are we going there for? Is there a patient?" Shen Jianan asked, puzzled.

Ye Qingcheng smiled mysteriously: "You'll know when we get there. Remember, from now on, you are with National Security. You will naturally know what you are supposed to know; don't ask about what you aren't. Keep the confidentiality regulations in mind at all times. Even to your closest loved ones, you cannot disclose any work details. Do you understand?"

"Mm, I understand!" Shen Jianan nodded solemnly.

The car slowly drove out of the courtyard. Ye Qingcheng caught a glimpse of Su Mo standing on the steps, watching them leave. She asked casually, "Who is that girl standing on the steps at the entrance of your station? Is she your colleague? She's been staring at you ever since you got in the car."

Shen Jianan looked through the car window and replied, "Oh, her? She's a party involved in the Nightlife Bar case, her name is Su Mo."

"Su Mo?" Ye Qingcheng repeated the name, a flash of understanding in her eyes, "She's that Qin Yi's ex-girlfriend, right?"

"Yes, that's right." Shen Jianan looked at Ye Qingcheng with some surprise, "Sister Qingcheng, you know her too?"

"Mm, I know a little about her," Ye Qingcheng said calmly. "What did she come to see you about?"

"Uh," Shen Jianan hesitated for a moment, then told the truth, "It's still about the Nightlife Bar case. She came to ask for my opinion. The mastermind, Wang Hao's father, Wang Hongtai, died in a car accident last night, and Wang Hao's lawyer got him released on bail. Not long ago, Wang Hao called Su Mo; it seems he wants to reach a settlement with her to try and get a lighter sentence when the verdict comes down. She couldn't make up her mind, so she came to ask for my advice."

Ye Qingcheng smiled lightly after listening: "So what did you tell her?" While asking, she gently turned the steering wheel, and the car smoothly navigated a turn.

"What could I say?" Shen Jianan pursed her lips, "I told her, if it were me, I definitely wouldn't settle with Wang Hao. He must be punished by the law."

"Mm, that sounds like your style." Ye Qingcheng responded with a smile.

"Cough, it's useless for me to say anything; in the end, she has to make the decision herself." Shen Jianan sighed helplessly and glanced at Su Mo on the steps through the rearview mirror.

"That's true." Ye Qingcheng nodded in agreement, "Everyone's situation is different; you can't just make decisions for others."

When Shen Jianan got into Ye Qingcheng's car, it happened to be seen by Su Mo, who had just walked out of the police station entrance. Although she didn't see Ye Qingcheng clearly, she saw the words "National Security" printed on the car body, and a wave of inexplicable envy welled up in her heart.

She took her phone out of her bag, hesitated for a moment, and then called Wang Hao.

Wang Hao's voice quickly came from the other end of the line. Su Mo spoke a few simple words to him and agreed on a time and place to meet in the afternoon. After hanging up, she looked at Qin Yi's number in her contact list, feeling uneasy. Su Mo bit her lip, hesitated for a good while, and finally started composing a text message. Her fingers danced on the keyboard, each character feeling so heavy. However, the moment she was about to press send, she hesitated again. She didn't know if what she was doing was right, or if it would bring trouble to Qin Yi again. In the end, she couldn't muster the courage and simply turned off her phone screen.

At this moment, Qin Yi and Wang Tengfei walked side by side into the Wanhao Car Dealership on Jiangzhong Road.

As soon as Qin Yi stepped into the dealership, the sharp-eyed top salesperson Dong Zhixuan rushed up like a gust of wind, her face beaming with a professional, enthusiastic smile: "Mr. Qin, you're here! Are you here to see Manager Xu? I'll go call her for you right away."

Watching Dong Zhixuan's overly enthusiastic demeanor, a hint of curiosity arose in Qin Yi's heart. He nodded slightly and replied, "No need, I'll just call her myself. You go back to your work."

"Oh, okay. Then please, make yourself at home." Dong Zhixuan responded politely, her smile unfading, but her gaze curiously turned to Wang Tengfei beside Qin Yi. She thought to herself: This guy, although a bit burly and not as handsome as Young Master Qin, must be a wealthy person to be by Young Master Qin's side, right? Should I try to strike up a conversation?

Just as Dong Zhixuan was pondering how to strike up a conversation with Wang Tengfei, Qin Yi suddenly reached out and interrupted her. He grabbed Wang Tengfei and said with a smile, "Fatty, let's go, I'll take you to meet someone." With that, he dragged Wang Tengfei straight towards the Sales Department office.

Seeing this, Dong Zhixuan had to swallow the words that were on the tip of her tongue. Watching the backs of Qin Yi and Wang Tengfei, she stomped her foot helplessly and muttered to herself: These two men, they really have no taste! Immediately after, she stood back at the entrance, resumed her professional smile, and waited for the next customer to arrive.

On the way to the Sales Department office, Wang Tengfei lowered his voice and asked Qin Yi, "Fourth, that sales consultant just now had a killer figure! Why were you in such a rush to drag me away? I think she looked like she wanted to talk to me."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yi glanced at Wang Tengfei and said with a smile, "Her? You'd better forget it. That kind of woman is not someone you can handle."

"Nonsense!" Wang Tengfei grumbled with dissatisfaction, "With a figure like that, who could hold it all in one grasp?"

"Get lost!" Qin Yi turned his head away, annoyed. "In any case, if you hang out with her, I'm worried you'll be changing hats every day." With that, he quickened his pace, leaving Wang Tengfei behind. Seeing this, Wang Tengfei had no choice but to shake his head helplessly and follow quickly.