Chapter 83: Blocked
Before returning home, You Ruxu received some information about Team 1’s big news. It was about Fengyuan. Shi Qi called and said Xu Jinwan had evidence. You Ruxu frowned, “Evidence that Zhou Heng harmed his brother? Is it reliable?”
The police had been investigating for so long with no progress. It was possible Xu Jinwan had a scoop, but to have evidence even the police didn’t have?
Shi Qi said, “It’s probably true. The news will be out tomorrow. Xu Jinwan wouldn’t be so bold as to lie about something like this.”
You Ruxu pursed her lips.
Shi Qi continued, “Not only did she steal the story from us, it’s an exclusive. Do you think she was already investigating Fengyuan?”
You Ruxu couldn’t understand it either. Her investigation of Fengyuan was a coincidence, starting with a simple brake disc issue, never expecting it to lead to something so big. Shi Qi continued, “And then you had a car accident right after returning, she took over the Fengyuan story, and now she has evidence within two days?”
It was all too coincidental.
You Ruxu hadn’t spoken yet.
Shi Qi said, “We need to look into this.”
You Ruxu also found it too coincidental. It seemed like Xu Jinwan was determined to bring Fengyuan down, even using her own car accident as news. She asked, “Did Xu Jinwan have any contact with Fengyuan before?”
Shi Qi said, “I’m not sure, I’ll investigate.”
You Ruxu hung up, recalling Xu Jinwan’s demeanor that morning in the corridor, arrogant and condescending, as if she already had the story in her grasp.
Zhou Tianzui came out of the bathroom and saw You Ruxu sitting on the sofa, holding her phone. She walked over and asked, “What are you thinking about?”
You Ruxu returned to her senses, saw Zhou Tianzui, and replied, “Work stuff.”
Zhou Tianzui asked, “Fengyuan?”
You Ruxu said, “How did you know?”
“Didn’t you say the Fengyuan story was given to Xu Jinwan?” Zhou Tianzui asked, “What happened?”
You Ruxu shook her head, “Xu Jinwan said she has evidence, the morning news will report on it tomorrow.”
“Evidence?” Zhou Tianzui leaned against her. The scent of shower gel and the warmth from the heater enveloped You Ruxu, who turned slightly, inhaling the familiar fragrance. She said, “About the accident involving Zhou Heng’s brother.”
Zhou Tianzui knew about it; it was hard not to. It was being discussed everywhere, from the office to the patients’ rooms. It was rumored that Zhou Heng orchestrated his brother’s accident to take over Fengyuan, but it had just been a theory, and now—”There’s evidence?”
You Ruxu nodded.
Zhou Tianzui said, “That’s good news, with evidence, the case can be properly investigated.”
She had been worried about You Ruxu investigating Fengyuan, so having evidence for the police to step in was good. However, after a pause, she added, “Didn’t the police say they couldn’t find any evidence before?”
You Ruxu looked at her and nodded slightly.
Zhou Tianzui understood. Xu Jinwan obtained evidence the police couldn’t find?
Indeed suspicious.
Seeing the worry in You Ruxu’s eyes, Zhou Tianzui said, “Isn’t the news going to be released tomorrow morning? Don’t worry too much, we’ll know tomorrow.”
You Ruxu said, “Okay.”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Go take a shower.”
You Ruxu stood up, “Alright.”
After You Ruxu left, Zhou Tianzui thought about Xu Jinwan, shaking her head slightly, then browsed the news on her phone while listening to the water running in the bathroom. The biggest news in Jindu was still about Fengyuan, with many people discussing it online. Fengyuan’s official channels were bombarded with criticism and refund requests. Initially, Fengyuan released a statement promising to address the V1 issue and asking for patience, but after Zhou Heng’s involvement came to light, they went silent.
She scrolled for a few minutes, not seeing any new developments, and then called Yu Qiao.
Yu Qiao, who had just lain down, sat up upon receiving Zhou Tianzui’s call, “Xiao Tian? Have you eaten yet?”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Yes, you?”
“I was just about to go to sleep.” Yu Qiao said, “Is something the matter?”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Nothing much, I just got home, just calling to check on you, is your leg better?”
“It’s fine now.” Yu Qiao said, “I can walk up and down the stairs now.”
“You still need to be careful,” Zhou Tianzui emphasized, “don’t overexert yourself.”
Yu Qiao said, “I know.”
She then asked, “Where’s Xiao Xu?”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Taking a shower.”
Just then, You Ruxu came out of the bathroom. Zhou Tianzui looked at her, “She’s here, want to talk to her?”
She handed the phone to You Ruxu, who was a little surprised, “Who is it?”
“My mom.” Hearing this, You Ruxu paused, remembering Zhou Tianzui’s words in the car, and felt a little nervous. Her face, still warm from the shower, felt even warmer now. Holding the cold phone to her ear, her voice slightly unsteady, “Godmother.”
Her voice was soft and low.
Yu Qiao responded warmly, “Are you feeling better? You’re home? I heard from Xiao Tian that you were discharged. I wanted to visit you, but Xiao Tian wouldn’t let me…”
Her leg wasn’t convenient, and Zhou Tianzui didn’t have time to drive back to pick her up, so she asked her not to come, saying she would bring You Ruxu over for dinner on the weekend. You Ruxu, standing in front of Zhou Tianzui, patiently answered all of Yu Qiao’s questions. Zhou Tianzui, listening to her voice, looked up. You Ruxu looked very obedient, almost formally so.
Zhou Tianzui recalled what Wu Xiulian had said in Yuhai, that You Ruxu was very perceptive, that she had known how to read people since she was young, knowing what to do and what not to do, how to please Wu Xiulian. She had even willingly taken on the role of Wu Xiulian’s deceased daughter.
Sensible and obedient.
She could still see that obedience in You Ruxu now.
Zhou Tianzui looked down and pulled You Ruxu onto the sofa. You Ruxu, still on the phone with Yu Qiao, had her other hand taken by Zhou Tianzui, her fingers pried open, Zhou Tianzui’s fingers interlacing with hers, slowly squeezing You Ruxu’s hand. You Ruxu, holding the phone, frowned and instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Zhou Tianzui held on tight, refusing to let go. You Ruxu struggled twice but couldn’t break free. She glared at Zhou Tianzui.
This was the You Ruxu with a temper she was familiar with.
The moment Zhou Tianzui let go, You Ruxu shifted slightly, her body bumping against a bag. She looked down; it was the doll she had bought at the mall. She picked it up, hearing Yu Qiao say through the phone, “Then remember to come for dinner this weekend.”
You Ruxu said, “Yes, I will.”
Then she hung up, holding the bag and the phone in one hand, then tossed the bag to Zhou Tianzui, asking, her tone slightly annoyed, “What are you doing?”
Zhou Tianzui looked innocent: “What did I do?”
“Why were you holding my hand while I was talking to your mom?” You Ruxu’s expression darkened slightly.
Zhou Tianzui said, “Can’t I hold your hand?”
You Ruxu started to say, “You—”
“You what?” Zhou Tianzui said, “Because I held your hand, you feel even more guilty towards my mom, you feel even more indebted to her, is that it?”
You Ruxu was silenced.
Her thoughts exposed, she was speechless for a moment. Zhou Tianzui said, “I don’t like you being like this.”
You Ruxu pursed her lips.
Zhou Tianzui continued, “We agreed to let go of the past, why can’t you move on?”
You Ruxu looked down. The back of her hand was red from Zhou Tianzui’s grip. She had held on tight, and hearing Yu Qiao’s voice while being held like that had felt like flirting in front of her.
It was guilt, a sense of indebtedness.
Zhou Tianzui was right.
She couldn’t let go.
You Ruxu started to say, “I want…”
Zhou Tianzui interrupted her: “Don’t even think about it.”
You Ruxu looked up, their eyes meeting. Zhou Tianzui’s gaze was serious, unlike her usual playful teasing, unusually earnest. You Ruxu’s lips parted slightly. She called out, “Zhou Tianzui.”
Zhou Tianzui said, “Don’t you dare think about it.” She took You Ruxu’s hand, looked up slightly, a hint of pleading in her earnest eyes. You Ruxu’s heart clenched, a sharp, painful ache, and she looked down. Zhou Tianzui softly pleaded, “A Ran, please, just for me, be a little more selfish, okay?”
You Ruxu looked at their joined hands, her fingers tightening around Zhou Tianzui’s, a silent response.
Zhou Tianzui’s body relaxed.
She was truly a little afraid of a serious You Ruxu. Before, when they were together, You Ruxu’s relationship with her and her mother hadn’t been very close, so she could hide her guilt deeply. Now, it was different, the kinder Yu Qiao was to her, the more uneasy You Ruxu felt. Zhou Tianzui understood this feeling. She just wanted You Ruxu to be a little more selfish, to prioritize herself.
It was difficult.
Zhou Tianzui knew, holding You Ruxu’s hand, playing with her fingers. Their conversation had created a slightly awkward silence. The warmth from the heater slowly dispelled the tension. Zhou Tianzui glanced at the gift bag with the doll inside, took it out, and asked You Ruxu, “Doesn’t it look like you?”
You Ruxu looked down and said, “It doesn’t.”
Zhou Tianzui: “How does it not? It’s practically identical.”
You Ruxu seriously examined the doll, hearing Zhou Tianzui say, “Two eyes, a nose…” As she spoke, she pointed at the doll’s eyes and nose. You Ruxu turned her head, and Zhou Tianzui suddenly placed her finger on You Ruxu’s lips, “And a mouth.”
Her fingertip was warm, her nails neatly trimmed, the touch soft against You Ruxu’s lips. You Ruxu looked at Zhou Tianzui, remembering the pleading look in her eyes earlier, her heart aching slightly. She opened her mouth and gently bit Zhou Tianzui’s finger.
Zhou Tianzui’s heart skipped a beat.
Before, You Ruxu would have turned her head away, calling her childish. This kind of initiative was rare. She bit down gently, her tongue lightly caressing Zhou Tianzui’s fingertip. A warm, moist sensation. Zhou Tianzui’s other hand tightened around the doll, the fingertip You Ruxu had just bitten tingling slightly. You Ruxu released her finger and looked at Zhou Tianzui.
Zhou Tianzui opened her mouth, about to speak, when You Ruxu cupped her face and kissed her.
Finally silencing her.
Thinking of this, You Ruxu felt a little pleased, chuckling softly into the kiss. Zhou Tianzui, being kissed like this, was a little bewildered.
Zhou Tianzui: Why are you laughing?
You Ruxu: Not telling you.
Zhou Tianzui: …
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