Chapter 12: “—Put It On and Answer All My Questions.”
The moment she saw the message, Ming Fei felt as if the dark clouds outside had gathered directly above her head, drenching her to the bone, leaving her feeling gloomy and apprehensive.
As if on cue, the downpour outside intensified, lightning flashing occasionally through the clouds.
Ming Fei bit her lip, trying to negotiate with the unyielding woman.
[Do I go alone?]
[What about Zaozao? Should I bring her with me? I haven’t taken her out to play today.]
[Little bunny waving.jpg]
The chime of the living room security lock sounded simultaneously with the notification of an incoming message.
[Lubai and Min Man are going to visit Zaozao.]
[They’re very fond of her.]
Ming Fei had no choice but to agree. She simply replied, “Okay,” put on her coat, and went to open the door.
Her visitors were indeed Lan Lubai and Min Man. This time, they were clearly making a friendly visit, dressed in casual clothes, smiles on their faces, and their hands overflowing with gifts for Ming Zaozao.
Seeing Ming Fei at the door, Lan Lubai greeted her with a smile.
“Professor Ming, happy weekend!”
Ming Fei had seen the two executive officers’ profiles online and knew they were a few years older than her. She also knew they were both decorated military veterans who had made significant contributions to the Yi Meng Independent State.
“Happy weekend,” she replied with a polite smile. “Executive Officer Lan, Executive Officer Min.”
Lan Lubai, clearly the more extroverted of the two, said, “No need to be so formal. We’ll be seeing each other more often from now on.”
Before Ming Fei could process the underlying meaning of that statement, Lan Lubai continued, “Min Man and I are both older than you. If you don’t mind, you can just call us ‘Sister’ like Zaozao does.”
“While we were just following protocol before, we understand we may have caused some offense.” Min Man handed Ming Fei a sky-blue gift box. “This is a small token of apology.”
“Yes, yes, me too!” Lan Lubai thrust an emerald green gift box into Ming Fei’s arms. “Sorry about the other day. This is my apology gift.”
Ming Fei was taken aback.
Her impression of the two had been stern and serious, like the black pistols they carried, the one pointed at her head, the other used to handcuff her. While they weren’t as… intimidating and sharp as Zhu Yiqiao, they certainly hadn’t seemed approachable.
Yet here they were, personally apologizing and even bringing thoughtful gifts.
Ming Fei was momentarily speechless. Recovering, she instinctively refused.
“It’s alright. The Court was just following procedure.”
“This is too much; you shouldn’t have.” She insisted, “Really, it’s fine. I didn’t take it personally.”
She meant it sincerely.
Although she hadn’t done anything wrong, she had been caught in the middle of a complicated situation, a confluence of coincidences and chance encounters. She held no resentment towards them and didn’t think an apology was necessary.
“Alright!” Lan Lubai conceded. “Then consider it a friendly gesture. It’s only polite to bring a gift when visiting a friend’s home for the first time.”
Min Man agreed. “Exactly.”
Frankly, Ming Fei didn’t want any connection to the Court. She just wanted to return to her peaceful and fulfilling life. But that was no longer entirely within her control. She now had a… profound connection to the highest authority in the Court.
While Ming Fei was still hesitating, Ming Zaozao, having woken from her nap, emerged from her room, followed by Quanquan the robot dog. Seeing her mother and the two “aunties,” Ming Zaozao’s eyes lit up, and she ran towards them.
“Mama, Baby’s awake!”
Then, she greeted the other two cheerfully, “Hello Auntie Lulu, hello Auntie Manman! Are you here to play with Baby?”
In no time, the three were happily playing together. Ming Fei accepted the gifts and went to her study to change, preparing to leave for her meeting with Zhu Yiqiao.
Before leaving, she thanked the two officers, briefly explained to Ming Zaozao why she had to go out, and was about to give them instructions on caring for her daughter when Lan Lubai, clearly prepared, pulled out a certificate.
“Don’t worry! I’m a government-certified Level 10 childcare professional.” Lan Lubai said with a touch of wistful pride. “When I was fifteen, I really wanted to be a preschool teacher, but my mom wanted me to go to military school. So I just got the certification and became a part-time childcare professional instead.”
Min Man, without missing a beat, revealed, “That’s because on your first day as a trainee teacher, you almost blew up the kindergarten kitchen and were subsequently blacklisted by every preschool in Xi He City.”
Lan Lubai: …
Ming Zaozao, only partially understanding, clapped her hands. “Wow~ So cool!”
Ming Fei smiled, bent down, and kissed Ming Zaozao’s cheek before leaving.
Huimin Road was the largest shopping street in the city center.
It was a thirty-minute drive from Huifu Gardens. Lost in thought during the journey, Ming Fei arrived at her destination, opened a black umbrella, and stepped out of the car, scanning the street for Zhu Yiqiao.
The large umbrella shielded her completely, the slanting rain only reaching her pant legs.
A chill seeped through her clothes, and Ming Fei, dressed in a black trench coat, sneezed. Just as she was about to message Zhu Yiqiao, a voice called out from her right.
“Excuse me, are you Ms. Ming?”
Ming Fei turned and saw a woman in a dark suit. “Yes, I am. And you are…?”
The woman smiled professionally. “You can call me Xiao Li, Ms. Ming. Chief Justice Zhu sent me to pick you up.”
Chief… Chief Justice Zhu?
Ming Fei was puzzled but didn’t pry, politely following the woman. They crossed a pedestrian bridge and arrived at Déjàdé, the most luxurious hotel in the central business district.
Stepping into the opulent lobby, the woman led her directly to the top floor. As they approached their destination, Ming Fei’s heart pounded faster.
The soundproofing was impeccable, yet Ming Fei could almost hear the rain against the windows. When the woman pushed open the dark arched doorway at the end of the hallway, Ming Fei couldn’t tell whether it was her heart or the rain outside beating faster.
“Ms. Ming, please come in.”
Ming Fei said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The arched doorway slowly closed behind her. Ming Fei, feigning composure, surveyed the room’s décor and furnishings. Realizing that even a single vase in the display cabinet was worth a fortune, she began to seriously consider Zhu Yiqiao’s hidden wealth and influence.
The woman seated at the head of the ebony table interrupted her wandering thoughts.
“—Ming Fei.”
Ming Fei responded softly, “Yes, Chief Justice Zhu.”
She remained standing, her posture tall and straight. “Did you need something?”
“Sit.”
Ming Fei chose the seat furthest from Zhu Yiqiao.
Zhu Yiqiao didn’t seem to mind, only studying her calmly, her gaze no longer cold but intense, like a flickering flame tracing Ming Fei’s features.
A white device rose from the table, gliding towards Ming Fei.
Zhu Yiqiao rested her chin on her hand and said slowly, “This is the latest military-grade lie detector, developed just two days ago by the Science Academy.”
Ming Fei’s heart hammered against her ribs.
Then, Zhu Yiqiao issued a command, her tone brooking no argument.
“—Ming Fei.”
“—Put it on and answer all my questions.”
Leave a Reply