Zhuzhu remained rooted to the spot, her gaze distant yet intense, as if piercing through those eight long years.
She had no idea how long she had stood there motionless, staring at Wang Yang while he gave instructions to his officers.
Standing beside her, Xiaoqi began to feel something was wrong.
She reached out and gently touched Zhuzhu’s shoulder, then her cheek.
“Zhu… Hey, Zhu!
Snap out of it… you’ve been spacing out this whole time.” Zhuzhu jolted violently.
Her breath caught sharply.
Her face flushed, overwhelmed by sudden embarrassment and swarming emotions.
“Ah… I-I’m sorry?
What?” Xiaoqi looked at her, both worried and confused.
“What’s wrong with you?
Your eyes haven’t left Captain Wang Yang this entire time.
Like you’ve seen a ghost — or someone you know very well.” Zhuzhu quickly steadied her breathing, trying to hide the restlessness in her eyes.
She shook her head slowly, forcing herself to appear calm.
“It’s nothing.
I’m just… tired.
Maybe you should interview Captain Wang Yang about the case instead.
I’m not feeling well.” She said it deliberately.
In truth, she only wanted to run — run from his gaze, run from the memories that were slowly tearing down the walls around her heart.
She wasn’t ready.
Not at all.
She handed her voice recorder and notebook to Xiaoqi.
“You ask the questions.
I’ll wait in the company car.” Without waiting for an answer, Zhuzhu immediately turned and walked away from the investigation site, leaving Xiaoqi staring at her retreating back in utter confusion.
Moments later, Xiaoqi approached Wang Yang.
She explained the purpose of their visit, and Wang Yang gave brief, polite, yet firm answers regarding the mysterious case.
When the interview ended, instead of returning to his work, Wang Yang stopped Xiaoqi before she could leave.
“One more thing,” Wang Yang said evenly, though his eyes held a deep curiosity.
“Who is the woman who was with you?
Why didn’t she stay for the interview?
Aren’t you colleagues?” Xiaoqi frowned, confused.
“Oh, that’s Zhuzhu.
She’s my coworker.
Captain… do you know her?” Wang Yang fell silent for a moment, gazing toward the road Zhuzhu had taken, then replied softly: “No… I’ve just heard the name before, that’s all.
Thank you for the interview.” Xiaoqi could only blink in bewilderment, watching Captain Wang Yang turn back to his duties.
Something was being kept hidden — yet she could not tell what it was.