Chapter 230

Xie Wendong removed the handkerchief from her mouth. Unnoticed, a layer of mist formed in Qiu Ningshui’s eyes. From his words, she could hear concern—a genuine concern. “Thank you,” Qiu Ningshui said softly, her voice low, but Xie Wendong still heard her. He smiled gently and said earnestly, “Don’t lock your heart away, never. You’re not alone in this world; at least there’s me, whether I’m by your side or not.” Qiu Ningshui choked up, tears streaming uncontrollably. She tried to hold back her sobs. Long ago, or rather after that incident, she had given up on weakness and learned to be strong. Strength could sometimes be a double-edged sword, hurting both oneself and others. Qiu Ningshui’s strength made Xie Wendong’s heart ache. Seeing her bite her lips, helpless like a newborn baby, he gently wrapped his arms around her, stroked her silky black hair, and said, “If you want to cry, cry. There’s no need to hide. I hope that after today, you’ll become the person you used to be, free from grievances and pain.”

“Wah!” Qiu Ningshui could hold back no longer and burst into tears. No matter how much a woman pretended to be strong, she remained weak, and Qiu Ningshui was no exception. Her grievances, her sadness, the pain she had endured—all erupted in that moment, directed at Xie Wendong as well. He felt his chest become wet. Looking down, he saw that every tear and drop of snot from Qiu Ningshui was on his shirt. Yet Xie Wendong didn’t dare move, nor could he. A man could only bury his pain deep in his heart.

After what seemed like a long time, Qiu Ningshui’s tears finally subsided a bit. Xie Wendong patted her shoulder and smiled, “Do you feel better after crying?”

Seeing his eyes half-closed as they stared at her, her face turned red for no reason. Qiu Ningshui shyly buried her head in the blanket. Xie Wendong smiled broadly, got up, and pulled back the curtains. A ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds illuminated his face, warming his heart. He exhaled and said, “Look, the sun is coming out. No matter how dark or thick the clouds may be, they will eventually disperse. They can never hide the bright sun in the sky.”

Hearing this, Qiu Ningshui raised her head and looked out the window. In her eyes were the rainbow clouds after the light rain, the dazzling sunlight, and a radiant smile under it. For a moment, she felt that Xie Wendong’s smile was even more dazzling than the sun. He was the kind of person whose presence couldn’t be ignored no matter where he was. Though she didn’t expect to develop any relationship with him, at this moment, without words, she felt an unprecedented sense of happiness enveloping her whole body. The tears on her face had dried, but her smile was still heart-stirring. She said, “I’ve made up my mind.” Xie Wendong raised an eyebrow and asked, “Decided what?” Qiu Ningshui smiled and said, “I’ve decided to reluctantly be your friend!”
“Oh!” Xie Wendong nodded in understanding, then asked doubtfully, “Weren’t we friends before?” Qiu Ningshui replied, “That was something you kept saying on your own; I never said I was already your friend.” Xie Wendong shook his head sadly and said, “It seems I’ve been deluding myself all along.” His face showed sorrow, but his heart was filled with uncontrollable excitement. Seeing Qiu Ningshui’s long-absent genuine smile made him feel utterly relieved.
“Good to know!” Qiu Ningshui said calmly, “Now hurry up and untie me!” Xie Wendong sighed, walked over to the bed, and just as he was about to untie the covers, he shook his head again and said, “Untie you? I guess I’d better not delude myself anymore.” With that, he slowly walked toward the door. “What a petty person. Hey, let go of me! Where are you going, you idiot…” Qiu Ningshui still had a lot to say, but the quick-witted Xie Wendong quickly picked up the towel he had just dropped and put it back in place. Looking down at Qiu Ningshui struggling violently on the bed, he patted his stomach and muttered to himself, “I suddenly feel a bit hungry. Oh, and I prepared breakfast.”
Under Qiu Ningshui’s furious gaze, Xie Wendong left the bedroom. Upon arriving in the kitchen, he let out a long sigh. If the kitchen had been completely sealed, he really would have couldn’t help but shout. Xie Wendong had done many things since he started his career, but this time felt like the most successful and satisfying experience for him. After feeling excited for a while, he really did get hungry. He casually picked up a piece of bread from the table and took a big bite. After chewing a few times, his originally rosy complexion instantly turned pale, then blue. “Wow!” Xie Wendong quickly covered his mouth and rushed to the bathroom at top speed. Hearing the vomiting outside, Qiu Ningshui didn’t know what was happening, but based on Xie Wendong’s behavior toward her, four words came to mind: self-inflicted!

At noon, Xie Wendong and Qiu Ningshui went out to relax. After crying in the morning, it seemed as though there was much less distance between them. Walking side by side on the bustling streets, they chatted animatedly. Qiu Ningshui said, “I once checked out your background carefully.” Xie Wendong was taken aback for a moment before smiling and asking, “What did you think?” Qiu Ningshui’s delicate eyebrows curved as she replied, “It was quite impressive.” Xie Wendong bowed and thanked her. “I don’t understand,” Qiu Ningshui said. “Why don’t you just live a normal life instead of risking your life?”
Xie Wendong looked up at the sky, thought for a long time, then simply raised his hand to point around him and said calmly, “When the sun gradually moves higher in the sky and neon lights start to shine as night falls, what do we have to prove our existence in this city?” Qiu Ningshui was speechless. She was pondering Xie Wendong’s words. Indeed, what do we have to prove our existence in this city? Many people ponder this question, but Xie Wendong put it into action. There is no right or wrong, no good or evil—only individual ideals.
Qiu Ningshui changed the subject and said, “A few days ago, someone came to see me. He said he was your friend, named Lao Gui.” Xie Wendong gave a light “oh” and nodded, “He is my friend.” Qiu Ningshui smiled and said, “He talked about you to me. He said you’re very smart, though I’ve never really felt that.” Xie Wendong laughed and said, “Just a little. The most important thing is that I’m hardworking.” “Hardworking?” “Yes! There are many smart people in the world, maybe even smarter than me, but to succeed, whether you’re smart or not, the first thing you need is hard work.” “So you’re very successful then?” Xie Wendong shook his head seriously. “No!” He added in his mind, “It was that way before I met you.” They talked about Lao Gui but didn’t mention the Golden Triangle at all. Both of them were trying to avoid the topic—perhaps out of mutual understanding.

In the afternoon, the two went to the supermarket and bought a lot of meat and vegetables. Qiu Ningshui decided to show off her cooking skills in front of Xie Wendong. Xie Wendong wasn’t particular about food; as long as there was something to eat and he didn’t vomit after eating, it was fine with him. With that in mind, he pretended to be enthusiastic and helped Qiu Ningshui carry many bags. Her dishes were indeed good—colorful, fragrant, and tasty—though the flavors were mild. For Xie Wendong, who came from the Northeast and had a stronger taste preference, they seemed bland, yet he praised them highly. The two drank quite a lot. Qiu Ningshui had a good tolerance for alcohol. When she started to feel dizzy and saw that Xie Wendong remained calm and composed, she couldn’t help but say, “I didn’t realize you could drink so well!” Xie Wendong laughed awkwardly and said, “How could anyone from the Northeast have a weak drink tolerance?” Then he poured another glass for her and said, “Come on, let’s drink to our becoming friends officially today.” Knowing she was almost drunk, Qiu Ningshui wanted to refuse, but she felt powerless under his insistence. After drinking the glass empty, Xie Wendong sighed and said, “I have to go back in one or two days.” Although she knew Xie Wendong would leave, she didn’t expect it to be so soon. Feeling sad, she wanted to persuade him to stay longer but couldn’t find the words. Instead, she asked casually, “Aren’t you staying just a couple more days?” Xie Wendong shook his head and said, “There are many things I still need to do.” Qiu Ningshui shook her head, forced a smile, poured herself a glass of wine, and said, “Wish you smooth sailing.” “Thank you!” Xie Wendong clinked his glass with hers. No matter how good one’s tolerance for alcohol is, if they want to get drunk, they will quickly do so. Qiu Ningshui collapsed, unconscious from drunkenness. Xie Wendong really did have to leave, but if she had asked, he would have stayed longer. Unfortunately, she remained silent. He helped Qiu Ningshui up, gently laid her on the bed, and covered her with the blanket. He stood in front of the bed for a while, sighed deeply, and was about to leave when he noticed Qiu Ningshui’s hand grabbing his sleeve. He shook his head with a wry smile, pulled twice, but found that she held on tightly. Though asleep, she showed no sign of letting go. Helpless, Xie Wendong thought that usually he would stay, but he had matters to attend to that night. He unbuttoned his coat, carefully took it off, and left the bedroom. Before leaving, he turned off the light and looked at the person on the bed, whispering, “Have a good dream!”

Xie Wendong stepped out of the residential complex, where Jiang Sen and the others had been waiting for a long time. As expected, he had guessed they would definitely come. Xie Wendong smiled, opened the car door, and got in. He said to Jin Yan, “Go to the city police station.” Jin Yan was stunned but didn’t ask why. He took out the gun at his waist, checked it, disengaged the safety, and placed it in its usual spot. Then he put on black leather gloves and got into the car. The others did the same, prepared their knives and guns, and boarded the vehicle one after another.

As dusk fell and neon lights came on, the van sped along the road, its headlights flashing like lightning. Along the way, Lao Gui called. “Brother, three days are up. Has the problem been solved?” Xie Wendong replied calmly, “Ask your two most trusted men to come to the city police station to pick up the goods. Remember, just two people.” Lao Gui perked up and said eagerly, “Why just two? It’s not good for me to show up in person, but can’t I send a few more people?” Xie Wendong thought for a moment and said, “Alright, decide for yourself. Dress your men appropriately so the police can’t tell at a glance that they’re from the Golden Triangle.” Lao Gui laughed and said, “Don’t worry about that. I’ll have them all wear Zhongshan suits—just like you, that should be fine.”

Xie Wendong snorted and said, “Just don’t look too rustic.” “Damn!” Jiang Sen, who was nearby, saw Xie Wendong hang up the phone and asked, “Brother Dong, are we really going to the city police station to pick up the goods?” Xie Wendong nodded and said, “I’ve reached an agreement with Zhang Fanyou. Our job this time is to retrieve the goods.” Jiang Sen didn’t understand the politics involved but was still worried and asked, “What about Qiu Ningshui?” Xie Wendong looked out the window and said meaningfully, “She’s drunk right now.”

Xie Wendong left first. By the time he arrived at the city police station, the men sent by Lao Gui had already been there for a while. Three jeeps were parked by the road, with several men in black standing outside, their cigarettes half burned. Judging from their appearance, Xie Wendong even suspected that Lao Gui had arranged for them to be there in advance. The van slowly stopped, drawing the attention of the men in black. They threw away their cigarette butts and stared at it intently. After Xie Wendong got out of the car, a young man in his twenties or thirties stepped forward with a bright smile and said, “Mr. Xie!”

Xie Wendong turned to look and found the man somewhat familiar. He tapped his head lightly and suddenly remembered—this was the man who had driven him and Lao Gui when they first came to Yunnan to enter the Golden Triangle. Xie Wendong smiled and said, “If I’m not mistaken, your name is A Shui, right?”

Ah Shui inwardly admired him and nodded, saying, “Mr. Xie is truly amazing—still remembering me after all this time.” Xie Wendong always had a good memory, especially for people. He glanced behind Ah Shui and asked, “How many of you have come?” Ah Shui replied in a low voice, “Not many, just ten. After all, Brother Gui is a wanted criminal; this kind of place isn’t suitable for him to appear in.”

Xie Wendong nodded understandingly and joked, “If this guy gets caught, ten death sentences wouldn’t be enough for him.” Ah Shui scratched his head and said shyly, “Brother Gui once said he’s done many evil deeds, but compared to Mr. Xie, they’re not even half as bad.” Hearing this, Xie Wendong burst into laughter and said, “He really is a ‘dead ghost’!”

Xie Wendong told Ah Shui and his men to wait downstairs, taking only Jiang Sen with him into the city police station compound. It wasn’t his first time here, so he went straight in through the main entrance. The middle-aged police officer in the reception room saw two strangers entering and, without greeting them, headed inside. He quickly ran out to stop Xie Wendong and the other man, asking, “Who are you looking for?”

Jiang Sen gave a dark look and said, “We’re looking for your chief.” The middle-aged police officer sized up the two men—they weren’t old, dressed in black collared suits. The one who spoke had an ordinary appearance, a unfriendly expression, and an aura of menace that made the officer feel as if he were being stared at by a venomous snake. The officer shuddered inwardly. Though he didn’t know their background, their presence suggested they were important people, so he quickly said politely, “The chief is about to leave work. Who are you…?”

Xie Wendong stepped forward and smiled, saying, “Call the chief and tell him it’s someone from the Political Department looking for him.”