Category: Friend(GL)

Chapter 88: Found

You Ruxu didn’t sleep well that night. Just as she was drifting off, Zhou Tianzui asked, “What did you just say?”

She: …

Zhou Tianzui pestered her, “Say it again.”

You Ruxu ignored her. Zhou Tianzui pulled her closer, holding her tightly, and whispered, “A Ran.”

“Hmm?” A sleepy murmur, lazy and casual. Zhou Tianzui leaned down and kissed You Ruxu softly, “Say it again.”

You Ruxu’s voice was slightly hoarse.

Just because of those three words.

She said, “No.”

“Then take tomorrow off.” Zhou Tianzui said, “I’ll take a day off too.”

You Ruxu said, “What for?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “To sleep at home.”

You Ruxu finally snapped, “Are you going to sleep or not?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I can’t sleep.”

You Ruxu turned her back to her, her shoulder bare, not wearing any pajamas, their skin touching, warm and soft. Zhou Tianzui whispered, “A Ran.”

In the middle of the night.

You Ruxu took a deep breath, turned around, and, cupping Zhou Tianzui’s face in her hands, kissed her deeply.

Zhou Tianzui reveled in the intensity.

A clash of souls, sparks flying. She was lost in the moment, her eyes opening to a world of brilliant colors.

She was content.

She responded to You Ruxu’s slightly frustrated kiss, You Ruxu truly having no defense against her. The fierce, almost biting kiss softened, their lips gently touching, then parting, their breaths mingling, a silent understanding between them.

Their knowledge of each other deepened the intimacy, no need for words, just the quiet atmosphere, the rhythm of their breaths, enough to ignite the flames, burning brightly.

You Ruxu couldn’t remember how the night passed, just a hazy blur. The next day, when she woke up, she felt weak and listless.

Zhou Tianzui was truly insatiable.

You Ruxu looked at herself in the mirror, a noticeable bite mark on her collarbone, a testament to Zhou Tianzui’s happiness. Just because of a single “I like you,” had she really seemed that indifferent to Zhou Tianzui before?

How could she have?

She had been so obvious.

You Ruxu touched her collarbone, hearing a knock on the door. She opened it. Zhou Tianzui said, “Wash up, breakfast is ready.”

She woke up early again.

Her energy truly boundless.

You Ruxu pursed her lips and went to wash up. At the breakfast table, Zhou Tianzui kept looking at her collarbone. You Ruxu touched the slightly sore spot and said, “You’re like a puppy.”

Zhou Tianzui leaned closer, “What did you say?”

You Ruxu said, “Nothing.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Were you insulting me?”

You Ruxu said, “No.”

Zhou Tianzui: “Then what were you muttering?”

You Ruxu: “I said you’re like a puppy.”

Zhou Tianzui, slightly surprised, looked at her, “Teacher You, you’re learning to insult people now?”

You Ruxu bit her lip.

Her face flushed.

She lowered her head and ate her breakfast, ignoring Zhou Tianzui. After breakfast, Zhou Tianzui offered to drive her to the TV station, but You Ruxu said she would drive herself, it would be more convenient for going out. Zhou Tianzui looked at her, “Be careful.”

You Ruxu nodded: “I know.”

She arrived at the station at eight o’clock sharp. It was still in chaos, Xu Jinwan’s disappearance, over twenty hours ago, had sent the station into a frenzy. Three announcements had been issued. You Ruxu, entering the office, saw Chen Xiang chewing on her pen, typing away at her computer. She walked over. Chen Xiang looked up and greeted her, “Good morning, Teacher You.”

You Ruxu replied, “Morning.”

Chen Xiang said, “Still no news about Xu Jinwan?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Chen Xiang also fell silent. Although she usually disliked Xu Jinwan, now, it was a matter of life and death, she sincerely hoped she was safe. The atmosphere in the office was heavy and oppressive. You Ruxu was organizing the materials for the midday news when she heard Chen Xiang say, “Teacher You, is Zhou Heng’s brother back in the country?”

You Ruxu paused and looked up at Chen Xiang.

Chen Xiang turned her computer screen to show her.

It was a photo. He wasn’t a celebrity, his every move shouldn’t be scrutinized, but the recent Fengyuan news was a hot topic, the story about Zhou Heng and his brother having several versions, Zhou Heng’s actions closely watched. So, the moment his brother returned to the country, he was photographed and the photo posted online.

[His brother’s back now? Does this mean Xu Jinwan’s disappearance is connected to Zhou Heng after all?]

[Be careful what you say, you might get sued.]

[Just speculating, so what if we get sued?!]

[Is Fengyuan abandoning Zhou Heng?]

[If it really was him, then of course they would.]

You Ruxu called Captain Zhou, “Zhou Yun is back?”

Captain Zhou said, “Yes, we just received the news as well.”

Zhou Yun was Zhou Heng’s older brother, two years older than him, his personality completely different from Zhou Heng’s, humble and polite. It was said that when the former CEO was still alive, he intended to pass Fengyuan to Zhou Yun, then the former CEO passed away suddenly, before even writing a will, and Zhou Yun had an accident, all evidence pointing towards—Zhou Heng.

But there was no concrete proof.

Zhou Yun hadn’t given up on investigating the incident. Internally, everyone believed Zhou Heng was behind it, but Zhou Heng’s performance at the company had been decent since taking over, no major mistakes, so without evidence, they naturally sided with the seemingly normal Zhou Heng.

And no one knew whether Zhou Yun had any lasting injuries from the accident.

So, he was ostracized, living abroad all these years. His return this time caused quite a stir. You Ruxu and Captain Zhou went to see him together. Zhou Yun said, “Please have a seat. I returned as soon as I received Captain Zhou’s message, how is the situation now? Have you found Ms. Xu?”

He was wearing a light blue suit and a black tie, his features handsome, somewhat resembling Zhou Heng, but his temperament was completely different, his voice soft and gentle, creating a favorable impression.

He extended his hand and greeted You Ruxu: “Hello, Ms. You.”

You Ruxu shook his hand, his palm cold.

Captain Zhou said, “We haven’t found Xu Jinwan yet, so we were hoping you could help us.”

Zhou Yun said, “Please, ask anything, I’ll help in any way I can.”

Captain Zhou nodded slightly. Her assistant walked in with two cups of coffee. Zhou Yun stood up, slightly favoring his left leg as he walked towards his desk to retrieve a file folder, but his movements were slow enough that it wasn’t very noticeable. You Ruxu took a sip of coffee and heard Zhou Yun say, “This is all the information about my car accident, Captain Zhou. If you need it, please take it.”

Captain Zhou took the folder.

She asked, “Mr. Zhou, do you know anything about the evidence Ms. Xu mentioned?”

Zhou Yun said, “I don’t know anything about that.”

You Ruxu looked up at him, then after a few seconds, looked away, taking another sip of coffee. Captain Zhou asked him a few questions about Zhou Heng, similar to what You Ruxu had guessed. As they were leaving, Zhou Yun said, “Thank you for your hard work, please contact me if you need anything.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Zhou.” Captain Zhou said, “We might need to trouble you further.”

Zhou Yun said, “Don’t mention it.”

You Ruxu and Captain Zhou walked out. Captain Zhou said, “Don’t you have any questions for him?”

You Ruxu said, “You’ve already asked everything.”

Captain Zhou said, “That’s not like you, no questions at all?”

You Ruxu said, “What do you think of Mr. Zhou?”

“It’s hard to say.” Captain Zhou paused, “What do you think?”

“I think he’s being disingenuous.” You Ruxu said, “A normal person, hearing about evidence, would definitely ask about it, but he didn’t even ask a single question.”

There were only two possibilities: he knew about the evidence,

Or he was suppressing his curiosity.

Either way, it didn’t match his outward demeanor. The “disingenuous” You Ruxu referred to wasn’t his expression, but his behavior. Captain Zhou said, “Why don’t you join our team as a consultant? I’ll submit a request.”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Captain Zhou said, “Being a reporter and a consultant aren’t mutually exclusive.”

You Ruxu said, “I prefer to focus on being a reporter.”

Captain Zhou nodded: “Why did you become a reporter?”

You Ruxu looked at her. Captain Zhou’s eyes, having seen countless lies, could easily distinguish truth from falsehood. You Ruxu didn’t want to lie. She remembered You Shu asking her the same question when she decided to go to Jindu.

Ruxu, did you become a reporter because you wanted to, or because of someone else?

You Ruxu had been unsure before, whether it was her own desire or her guilt towards Zhou Qiming. But after hearing Yao Zhao’s words that day, seeing the smiles on Zeng Jing and her child’s faces, she suddenly understood.

She said, “I don’t want to see innocent people being wronged.”

Captain Zhou chuckled, “You make it sound like we’re incompetent.”

You Ruxu said, “Of course not.”

Captain Zhou said, “Just kidding, don’t take it seriously.” But You Ruxu was right, being a reporter could give a voice to the voiceless, bring justice to those who had been wronged.

But this profession could also easily destroy families.

Effortlessly.

Captain Zhou said, “Have you ever thought about changing careers?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

Captain Zhou opened the car door: “Then shine brightly in the career you love.”

You Ruxu got out of the car, hearing those words, she couldn’t help but think of Zhou Tianzui, what would she say?

Blockhead.

A blockhead who loves being a reporter.

She would also say she wasn’t careful enough.

You Ruxu missed Zhou Tianzui, even though they had just parted ways this morning.

She sat in the car and messaged Zhou Tianzui, who had just come out of a ward. Fu Shushu had been too busy lately, with her thesis and business trips, so she had assigned Lin Luo to Zhou Tianzui. Lin Luo and He Wei still weren’t on good terms after the last incident. Although they were polite on the surface, the atmosphere between them was tense. Zhou Tianzui seemed to enjoy making them work together.

“Have you finished that nursing thesis I asked you to write?” Zhou Tianzui asked He Wei, who replied, “I’ll be done tonight.”

Zhou Tianzui nodded: “Send it to Lin Luo when you’re done.”

“Lin Luo?” He Wei was surprised. “Why?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “She knows more about this than you, let her review it first, and if she approves, then send it to me.”

He Wei gritted her teeth, “I’ll send it to Dr. Zhan…”

“Do you think you can’t work with Lin Luo because of what happened before?” Zhou Tianzui said, “He Wei, if that’s how you feel, then you shouldn’t be in our department.”

He Wei, accustomed to her stern tone, just paused slightly, “I don’t feel that way.”

“Good.” Zhou Tianzui said, “Go find Lin Luo.”

He Wei, suppressing her frustration, turned and left. Zhou Tianzui rested her chin on her hand, her phone screen lighting up with a message from You Ruxu, just an emoji, no words, but Zhou Tianzui could picture her expression as she sent it.

It made her smile.

Zhou Tianzui: [Taking a break?]

You Ruxu: [Just went out.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Doing what?]

You Ruxu: [Zhou Heng’s brother is back.]

Zhou Tianzui searched for news on her computer. The webpage froze, the internet slow, her computer old, taking forever to load. Finally, it loaded, confirming his return.

He was trending, even more so than some celebrities.

Zhou Tianzui replied: [I saw, have you met him?]

You Ruxu: [Just met him, heading back to the station now.]

Zhou Tianzui: [Who’s driving?]

You Ruxu: [Huh?]

Zhou Tianzui: [You’re messaging me, then who’s driving?]

You Ruxu glanced at Captain Zhou beside her, remembering last night, she pursed her lips, her ears turning slightly red, and just sent: [Zhou Tianzui.]

Zhou Tianzui: [?]

You Ruxu ignored her.

Zhou Tianzui, after a few seconds, realized and replied: [And the rest of the sentence?]

You Ruxu: …

Just a series of ellipses.

Zhou Tianzui was exasperated.

She called You Ruxu, “When will you arrive at the station?”

You Ruxu said, “About half an hour.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Want me to keep you company while you’re on the way?”

You Ruxu said, “Don’t you have work to do?”

Zhou Tianzui: “Do you dislike me?”

You Ruxu: “No.”

Zhou Tianzui, her tone slightly sulky, “I’ll probably be very late tonight.”

You Ruxu: “Working overtime?”

Zhou Tianzui said, “I’m on duty tonight.”

You Ruxu nodded, “I might be working late too.”

Zhou Tianzui said, “Be careful on your way back.”

You Ruxu smiled faintly.

After hanging up, Captain Zhou looked at her, “Your partner?”

You Ruxu paused.

Captain Zhou said, “When did you start dating? You didn’t even treat us to dinner.”

You Ruxu said, “It hasn’t been long.”

It really hadn’t been long since she and Zhou Tianzui defined their relationship. Captain Zhou’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. She had just asked casually, never expecting it to be true, that You Ruxu was actually in a relationship.

She remembered her first impression of You Ruxu, so beautiful, almost too delicate, like a porcelain doll she had as a child, something she was afraid to touch, fearing it might break. Yet, this seemingly fragile girl was a reporter. She had been curious, couldn’t help but pay more attention.

After getting to know her, she realized You Ruxu was resilient and intelligent, especially skilled at asking questions. She also gradually learned about You Ruxu’s past.

She liked You Ruxu.

And knowing You Ruxu’s stance on marriage, she had even felt a shameful sense of relief.

But she had never intended to let You Ruxu know.

You Ruxu probably wouldn’t accept a same-sex relationship, would she?

It was probably because she had never considered revealing her feelings that she could still talk to You Ruxu casually now, even about her partner.

Captain Zhou asked, “How did you two meet?”

“During an interview,” You Ruxu said, her voice clear and crisp like the rain pattering against the car windows, “I was interviewing her hospital.”

Captain Zhou said, “That’s nice, remember to treat us to dinner.”

You Ruxu said, “I will, when we’re free.”

The car turned into the TV station. You Ruxu got out, holding an umbrella, and waved at Captain Zhou, “Thank you for the ride.”

Captain Zhou nodded, “Go on in.”

You Ruxu turned and entered the station.

Although Xu Jinwan’s disappearance had initially caused chaos, the station had resumed its normal operations, everyone back to their respective tasks. You Ruxu returned to her office. Chen Xiang approached, “Teacher You, any news?”

You Ruxu shook her head.

The editor across from her said, “She’s been missing for so long, I’m afraid…”

Chen Xiang: “Don’t jinx it! She’ll be fine.”

The editor quickly corrected herself, “Of course, she’ll be fine.”

You Ruxu’s gaze darkened. She opened her laptop, Xu Jinwan’s news displayed on the screen. The official statement just released, still no news, many people in Jindu had organized search parties, starting from the area around her apartment. You Ruxu’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. She thought about their visit to the abandoned building yesterday, the look in the man in charge’s eyes, she felt he had something to say.

She had given him her number before leaving yesterday.

You Ruxu couldn’t sit still any longer and stood up. Chen Xiang asked, “Teacher You, are you going out again?”

“I’m going to the abandoned building.” You Ruxu said, “Call me if anything happens.”

Chen Xiang nodded.

After You Ruxu left, she browsed the news. Since Zhou Yun’s return, there had been even more criticism of Zhou Heng, some even claiming that Zhou Yun came back to deal with his brother, the story so detailed that even outsiders believed it, let alone the people within Fengyuan.

Fengyuan had been facing one problem after another since the V1 incident. Initially, they had been targeted by Xu Jinwan, and now, with her disappearance, another crisis had emerged.

The employees at Fengyuan were all speculating whether it was related to Zhou Heng.

“How could it be related? Zhou Heng is the boss, why would he do such a thing just for a news report?”

“Exactly, digging his own grave? And we’re even suing the TV station!”

“Although it’s not good to believe rumors, let me tell you, we might have a new boss soon.”

“Who? Zhou Yun?”

“When did Zhou Yun come back?” In his office, Zhou Heng roared angrily. His assistant flinched and said, “Mr. Zhou just arrived.”

“What perfect timing.” Zhou Heng despised Zhou Yun, who always acted like a kind and benevolent person, a hypocrite, saying nice things to your face, then stabbing you in the back. He had lived with Zhou Yun before, never expecting him to seduce his girlfriend, even getting her pregnant. His girlfriend suffered a hemorrhage during the abortion and didn’t survive the surgery. He confronted Zhou Yun, who just said, “Good riddance.”

Because of this, they had a huge fight. It was no secret that he hated Zhou Yun. Later, when Zhou Yun had his car accident, the blame fell on him.

He was indeed a suspect, but he hadn’t done it, why should he bear the blame?

No way!

He had already had a falling out with Zhou Yun abroad.

He hadn’t expected him to return now, Zhou Heng’s hatred intensifying. There was a knock on the door. His assistant hurried over and heard the secretary say, “It’s Mr. Zhou.”

Zhou Heng heard it too, “Let him in.”

Zhou Yun walked in.

Zhou Heng waved his hand, and the assistant and secretary left. Zhou Yun said, “I heard you kidnapped a TV anchor?”

“Heard from who?” Zhou Heng sneered, “You believe such nonsense?”

Zhou Yun said, “Whether I believe it or not isn’t up to me, it’s up to the police.”

Zhou Heng said, “You even dare come back? Didn’t you say I was the one who broke your leg? Aren’t you afraid I’ll really break it this time?”

Zhou Yun said, “I know you’re unhappy that Dad wanted to give Fengyuan to me…”

“Bullshit!” Zhou Heng said, “When did Dad ever say he was giving Fengyuan to you?”

Zhou Yun said, “Even if he didn’t say it, I should be the one inheriting Fengyuan.”

“Should be? What ‘should be’?” Zhou Heng sneered, “I only know that the most capable person should be in charge, what? A cripple, also wants the position?”

Zhou Yun, hearing this, remained calm, not angered at all, “Whether a cripple can handle it or not, isn’t up to you, nor is it up to me.”

Zhou Heng clenched his fists.

He wanted to punch him just listening to him speak!

Zhou Yun said, “If this Xu Jinwan situation isn’t handled properly, do you think your position is secure?”

“Don’t worry.” Zhou Heng said firmly, “I’ll handle it, you just go back abroad and enjoy your leisurely life.”

Zhou Yun chuckled, “Handle it? How? Like how you handled…”

A fist suddenly connected with Zhou Yun’s face.

His head snapped to the side, his body stumbling back towards the door. Zhou Heng’s fury raged. He grabbed Zhou Yun by the tie, lifted him up, opened the door, and said, “Get out!”

The people outside looked over, seeing Zhou Heng push Zhou Yun out, a clear mark on his face.

The office fell silent.

Zhou Heng slammed the door shut, took a deep breath, walked back to his desk, and casually made a call. The person on the other end answered immediately. Zhou Heng said, “You can release her.”

The other person agreed.

Zhou Heng sat in his chair, looking out at the pouring rain, his hands clasped behind his back, waiting.

You Ruxu went to the abandoned building again, without calling beforehand. She was out of luck, the person in charge wasn’t there. The officer in charge of the search said he hadn’t seen him since the afternoon, offering to call him, but You Ruxu declined, just asking about the progress.

“We’ve narrowed down the search area.” Thankfully, the rain hadn’t washed away all traces, although faint, they could still pinpoint the approximate area and search for clues.

You Ruxu nodded: “Thank you for your hard work.”

The officer scratched his head, “This rain isn’t going to stop anytime soon, is it even more difficult for Captain Zhou’s team?”

You Ruxu said, “There hasn’t been much progress.”

The police had already accessed her computer, but the information about Fengyuan was similar to what had already been reported, no sign of the evidence. This made everyone even more suspicious, logically, Xu Jinwan, as an experienced reporter and anchor, would know to back up any evidence she obtained, how could there be no trace of it now?

It was truly baffling.

They hadn’t found her other phone either, she probably took it with her.

This made the “informant” even more suspicious. The police were releasing information, partly hoping the informant would see it and contact them. If he hadn’t harmed Xu Jinwan, then someone must have used him. They hoped he would come forward.

But there was still no news about the informant.

It was almost certain now that the informant was the one who took Xu Jinwan.

The priority now was to find this informant, who was definitely working with someone else, whether it was Xu Jinwan herself or Zhou Heng, they could only find out after finding this person.

The police were currently sifting through all of Xu Jinwan’s past reports, searching for clues.

You Ruxu, unable to find the person in charge, sat in her car, the wipers working tirelessly, seemingly never-ending. She looked at the gloomy sky, thought of Zhou Yun, who had just returned, and called Zhou Tianzui.

Zhou Tianzui was reading a thesis.

Answering the call, she heard the rhythmic swooshing of the wipers and asked, “Are you out?”

You Ruxu said, “Yes, I’m at the abandoned building, wanted to see the person in charge, but he’s not here.”

Zhou Tianzui sensed her dispirited tone, “What’s wrong?”

You Ruxu’s voice was low and slightly listless, “We said last night that if Xu Jinwan was taken by Zhou Heng, then she would probably be safe.”

Zhou Tianzui didn’t understand why she brought this up, but she still hummed in agreement. They had indeed discussed this yesterday, whether it was staged by Xu Jinwan herself or orchestrated by Zhou Heng, she would be safe.

You Ruxu said, “But what if it wasn’t him?”

Zhou Tianzui’s grip on the phone tightened, her heart clenching, hearing those words, her first thought.

Xu Jinwan wasn’t coming back.

As if to confirm her fear, Zhou Tianzui heard hurried footsteps at her office door. He Wei rushed in and announced to the other doctors, “They found Xu Jinwan!”

Zhou Tianzui looked over, and You Ruxu, through the phone, heard He Wei add, “They found her body.”