When the group arrived at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau, Xie Jingyue, who had been staring straight ahead the entire time, finally turned his gaze to Yao Yunzhen and said in a low voice:
“Wait here for a moment. I’ll just take him inside.”
Xie Jingyue didn’t realize that his expression had softened remarkably at that moment. If his comrades had seen him like this, they would have thought they were seeing a ghost in broad daylight.
Yao Yunzhen asked in confusion, “Don’t we need to go in?”
Xie Jingyue shook his head, “No need.”
The man hadn’t actually committed robbery, nor had he caused any harm to Yao Yunzhen. She couldn’t be considered the victim in this case. If they were to punish the man based on this incident alone, it would only amount to a verbal warning at most – nothing substantial.
More importantly, Yao Yunzhen was too conspicuous at the moment. Subconsciously, he didn’t want her to be exposed to others’ sight.
“This man is clearly a repeat offender – he must have other cases against him. I have an old comrade who retired and now works here. I’ll ask him to conduct a thorough investigation of this person. There’s no need for you to get involved.”
Not only that, but he also needed to ask his old comrade to carefully investigate who was behind these underhanded actions.
Today’s incident was suspicious. Without overthinking it, Xie Jingyue knew the man’s actions had ulterior motives. Combined with Yao Yunzhen’s striking beauty, it was likely that someone had set their sights on her.
Thinking of this, Xie Jingyue’s heart sank, and his chest felt heavy with unease.
In that moment, he desperately wanted to personally investigate the matter thoroughly and eliminate all potential dangers before they could materialize.
But his duty as a soldier told him he couldn’t.
He had come to Anyuan County on a mission. His comrades were still waiting for him, and he couldn’t delay for too long.
Hearing this, Yao Yunzhen breathed a sigh of relief.
If possible, she really didn’t want to enter the Public Security Bureau.
Like others in the village, she always felt a sense of reverence and nervousness when facing public security officers.
Xie Jingyue didn’t take too long and soon emerged from inside.
“It’s done. I’ve explained everything. Don’t worry – they will severely punish every wrongdoer.”
Yao Yunzhen said gratefully, “Thank you so much for today. I’m really grateful.”
As they stood facing each other, Xie Jingyue could see his own reflection clearly mirrored in the other’s limpid eyes.
For no apparent reason, Xie Jingyue felt a surge of excitement, his emotions swelling intensely.
He cleared his throat lightly, feigning calmness.
“No need to thank me. This is what I should do.”
“If you encounter any problems in the future, you can look for Deputy Director Tian Pingjiang here. He’s my old comrade, and I’ve already spoken with him. Don’t hesitate to approach him if you need anything.”
Since he couldn’t protect her at all times, he could only temporarily entrust her to someone else for now.
After his mission was over, perhaps he could…
A certain thought was on the verge of emerging, but Xie Jingyue didn’t dare dwell on it further, quickly suppressing the train of thought.
Now wasn’t the time to consider such things. This mission was extremely dangerous, and he needed to focus all his energy on it.
If he could survive this mission successfully, then he would…
Yao Yunzhen hadn’t expected him to be so considerate.
In just a few minutes, she had actually established a connection with the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau.
Her family might not necessarily need to use this connection, but it was still a form of support nonetheless.
One shouldn’t underestimate such connections – they could be quite useful in rural areas.
“Should I go in and greet him?”
Xie Jingyue paused, “Next time. He’s a bit busy right now. Just mention my name if you need anything from him later. I’m Xie Jingyue.”
Yao Yunzhen felt somewhat disappointed but still smiled and said, “Alright then. I’m really grateful for your help this time. How about I treat you to a meal?”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Yao Yunzhen realized it was inappropriate.
She only had cash on her, but no food coupons.
Was there still time to find someone to exchange with?
Or should she send Yu Feng running home quickly to borrow the food coupons her aunt had stored away?
Before Yao Yunzhen could dwell on her dilemma, Xie Jingyue declined.
“No need for the trouble. This is what I should do.”
Yao Yunzhen’s smile earlier had been too dazzling, once again making him lose his composure. It took immense willpower to regain his senses.
Not waiting for Yao Yunzhen to say more, he quickly added, “You seem a bit uncomfortable like this. Let me escort you all home first.”
Since they were talking, Yao Yunzhen had stopped covering her face with her sleeve, and many passersby had already noticed her.
Seeing those who were staring openly, a flicker of displeasure crossed Xie Jingyue’s eyes.
He shifted his position to shield Yao Yunzhen’s side, blocking all the gazes directed at her.
As he moved, Yao Yunzhen also realized the awkwardness.
It really wasn’t suitable for her to linger outside in such circumstances. Better to head home first.
Yu Feng and Yu Wen sensibly walked on Yao Yunzhen’s other side.
Trusting Xie Jingyue because of his uniform and his earlier assistance, Yao Yunzhen felt quite at ease with him.
Xie Jingyue, however, felt a trace of concern.
She was too trusting. If given the chance later, he would have to properly educate her about safety precautions.
Soon, Yao Yunzhen and the others arrived at the building’s entrance.
“Thank you for seeing me back. Comrade, would you like to come up for a drink of water?”
“No need, I’m not thirsty. I’ll leave you here then.”
Xie Jingyue would have liked to go up and see where she lived, but he had already delayed too much and couldn’t afford to linger further. He reluctantly declined.
“Alright then, I’ll head up now.”
Yao Yunzhen had been holding her hand up to cover her face the entire way, and her arm was long sore. She had no mind for small talk now, only wanting to get home quickly and relax her arms properly.
“Goodbye.”
Xie Jingyue gave a slight nod, watching as the three of them went upstairs.
He didn’t turn to leave until the faint sound of footsteps in the stairwell faded away.
Wait—he seemed to have forgotten to ask for her name.
Throughout the walk, all his thoughts had been focused on the person beside him, his reasoning abilities stalled. He’d actually forgotten to inquire about her name.
Xie Jingyue was filled with regret.
It’s fine. At least he knew where she lived now. There would be opportunities to get to know her later.
Xie Jingyue comforted himself inwardly. He turned to glance once more toward the stairwell before lowering his head and walking away.
Upon returning home, Yao Yunzhen collapsed into a chair and drawled, “My arms are so sore.”
Yu Feng and Yu Wen immediately rushed over attentively.
“Here, cousin, let us massage them for you.”
The two had hardly spoken earlier, only now regaining their liveliness.
That man’s presence was too imposing. Yu Feng and Yu Wen had felt like small animals encountering a natural predator, instinctively staying silent.
Although Xie Jingyue had maintained a gentle demeanor throughout, his focus had primarily been on Yao Yunzhen. In truth, he wasn’t actually a mild-mannered person.
In the military, he was known for his ruthless and merciless nature, employing strict methods that earned him a mix of fear and respect from many of the soldiers under his command.
Even when he tried to rein it in, his sharp, intimidating aura would occasionally slip out unintentionally.