“Alright, give me a few minutes.”
Wen Qingli changed out of her pajamas and put on a soft light green blouse and high-waisted jeans.
She took out her lip balm and gently smoothed it over her lips. Standing in front of the mirror and checking that everything looked fine, she then headed out.
She hurried down the stairs. The hallway was dimly lit, but her steps were light, and a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth.
She had imagined countless times that one day he would appear downstairs from her dormitory. She never thought that after ten long years, it would finally come true. Even if it had nothing to do with love, she still felt deeply satisfied and happy.
Lu Zheng sat in the SUV, his pale, strong wrist resting on the lowered window. Between his long, well-defined fingers was a cigarette, and through the curling smoke, his sharp features looked even more mysterious and unreadable.
He had taken off his black jacket, leaving only a military-green T-shirt underneath, which showed off the firm, muscular lines of his arms—looking strong and powerful.
From where Wen Qingli stood, his profile appeared lean and angular, with a straight nose and thin, attractive lips.
“Lu Zheng,” she called softly.
Lu Zheng turned his head toward her. “You’re here.”
Wen Qingli gave a soft “Mm-hmm.”
Lu Zheng quickly got out of the car and opened the passenger door for her.
Once she was seated, Wen Qingli turned to him. “It’s so late—did you need something from me?”
Lu Zheng was looking back at her. Without makeup, her skin looked even clearer and more delicate. Her long black hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, giving her a gentle, peaceful appearance.
He stubbed out his cigarette, his voice deep and low. “Come have something to eat with me.”
Wen Qingli frowned slightly, and a look of concern naturally appeared in her clear almond eyes. “It’s this late—you haven’t eaten yet?”
Lu Zheng simply nodded. He had been thinking about the case all day long and had completely forgotten about food.
Seeing the faint tiredness in his eyes, Wen Qingli felt a twinge of sympathy in her heart. She knew very well how exhausting the work of frontline criminal investigators could be—sometimes they were so busy they didn’t even have time to sleep.
“There’s a time-honored beef noodle shop near the back gate of the school. The food is pretty good, and it’s open twenty-four hours a day.”
Following her directions, Lu Zheng drove to the back gate.
Once inside, Wen Qingli walked straight to the counter as if she knew the place well and ordered a bowl of their signature beef noodles.
“Extra toppings, slightly spicy, and no cilantro.”
After paying, she took the number tag and sat down across from Lu Zheng.
Lu Zheng’s tall frame had been leaning casually back against the seat, but as soon as she sat down, he sat up straight. His dark eyes narrowed slightly. “How did you know I don’t eat cilantro?”
Wen Qingli’s heart skipped a beat. She had known since high school that he disliked cilantro.
Back then, she still had a little baby fat and loved the braised pork ribs served in the cafeteria. Every day right after class, she would drag Ming Tang—who was in the next class—over to get lunch.
After getting her food, she would always scan the room until she spotted Lu Zheng. She would then quietly sit at the table right next to his, glancing sideways at what he was eating.
She had learned: he hated cilantro, didn’t like overly spicy food, preferred beef noodles, and was somewhat of a neat freak—his desk and clothes were always perfectly tidy, and he kept everything he used in fixed places. When he was thinking, he would unconsciously tap his fingertips lightly on the table, his brow slightly furrowed. Even at a young age, he was used to keeping his feelings well hidden.
Hiding the thoughts in her eyes, Wen Qingli spoke in a soft tone. “I… I didn’t know you don’t like cilantro. I just don’t like it myself, so I ordered it according to my usual taste.”
Under the table, her slender fingers twisted together nervously, afraid he would discover the secret crush she had carried for years.
Lu Zheng’s dark eyes grew deep and steady. “We have the same taste—I don’t eat cilantro either.”
A small, gentle smile lifted her lips. “Go ahead and eat while it’s hot.”
After taking a few bites, Lu Zheng asked in a low voice, “Do you know Lin Weiwei?”
Wen Qingli froze for a moment. Now she finally understood why he had come looking for her so suddenly tonight—it was all for work.
“I’ve heard her name, but I’ve never met her in person.”
Lu Zheng nodded thoughtfully. “Then do you know her academic advisor, Professor Gu Huaiyuan?”
Wen Qingli nodded. “Yes, I do. Professor Gu and his wife, Professor Su, are both respected teachers here and are known as a model couple—but…”
Lu Zheng put down his chopsticks. “But what?”
“Not long ago, Professor Su had a miscarriage. When I went to visit her at the hospital, I stopped outside her room and heard them arguing very loudly. Professor Su was saying that he had wronged her.”
Lu Zheng tapped his long fingers lightly on the table. “So they aren’t as happy and loving as they appear to be, are they?”
Wen Qingli frowned slightly. “I wouldn’t dare guess about other people’s private lives, but just from what I’ve observed over time, I have a feeling. In the past, Professor Su loved him more—she was gentle, always gave in to him, and sacrificed a lot for their family and his career. She even let him take the position for Outstanding Professor that was meant for her.”
“But starting about three months ago, I noticed a clear change. Professor Su became quieter and more withdrawn, often distracted during class, and looked much more worn out. Other colleagues whispered that it was because of wanting a child—after all, they are both in their forties and still haven’t had one.”
“Then after she lost the baby, I saw her emotions completely break down. Whatever Professor Gu did, it must have hurt her deeply.”
The warm yellow light of the restaurant fell softly over Wen Qingli’s gentle face. Lu Zheng could tell that she was someone with a very thoughtful and perceptive nature.
He nodded at her sincerely. “Thank you.”
Being looked at so directly made her heart flutter. She quickly lowered her long lashes and shook her head slightly. “You don’t need to thank me. I only mentioned small things I’ve seen around school.”
After that, they didn’t speak further about the case.
When Lu Zheng finished eating, he drove her back to the dormitory building.
Wen Qingli unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door handle to get out—only to find the door was still locked.
Surprised, she turned her head to look at the man in the driver’s seat.
Lu Zheng didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he took a bank card from his wallet and held it out to her. “This is my salary card. All my income, allowances, and bonuses go into this account.”
“From now on, it’s yours to keep.”
Wen Qingli caught her breath. “No… there’s no need.”
He pressed the card firmly into her hand, then took out a piece of paper and wrote down an address and unit number.
“It’s a large apartment in the city center. It was bought in full with money my mother left me years ago as a home for my marriage. Once this case is over, I’ll add your name to the property title.”
“The address and the lock code are all written here.”
“From now on, this is our home.”