Chapter 9 Pink

The torrential rain continued its relentless assault under the oppressive sky, seeming to intensify with each passing moment.

Xiao Zhao remarked that the rain was too heavy and suggested waiting until it eased up a bit before leaving. He went to borrow an umbrella from a colleague.

Zhuang Zi found a sheltered spot in the lobby to sit down, but it offered little relief. She felt as cold as if sitting in an ice cellar.

Her throat felt stimulated by something cold, and her nose was tingling. Suddenly, she sneezed!

At this rate, she was sure to catch a cold.

She thought for a moment, then got up and returned to the Criminal Investigation Department office.

…

In the empty large office, the gray-white daylight outside reflected a solemn quietness. The rain pounded against the windows with a dull thud, breaking the stillness.

Xie Kui had left at some point, and Xiao Zhao, who had gone to borrow an umbrella, was also nowhere to be seen. Only a faint light peeked through the crack of the door of the solitary office.

Zhuang Zi entered the office, immediately feeling a pleasant warmth enveloping her.

Inside and outside the office felt like two different seasons.

She sat down on the office sofa, quietly waiting for Xiao Zhao to return.

Suddenly, there was movement from inside the room. Zhuang Zi immediately looked up, feeling a slight nervousness. She was worried that he might mind her intrusion into the office area.

The office door opened, and Si Hang walked out wearing a thin gray sweater. Upon seeing her, his steps slowed slightly, his expression indifferent.

Zhuang Zi hesitated for a moment, debating whether to explain herself.

Before she could speak, Si Hang’s indifferent gaze had already passed over her, and he turned to walk towards the restroom.

Outside, the torrential rain continued, as if it wanted to pierce through the earth.

Soon, the sound of flowing water could be heard from the restroom.

Zhuang Zi remained seated, unmoving. It was too cold outside, and she was starting to cherish the warmth of this moment.

In the empty office, his side was filled with the sound of running water, while she pondered silently.

She was still speculating about Jiang Zhihao’s situation.

Could there have been some conflict between her sister and Jiang Zhihao that she didn’t know about?

Recently, she had read a lot of crime-related materials, which made her more aware of the complexity of human nature.

Now that the police suspected Jiang Zhihao, although she found it unbelievable, she couldn’t be sure that a good person couldn’t suddenly turn bad.

Evil thoughts could easily arise, often in a fleeting moment. Based on her past experiences, some people’s hearts could be chillingly indifferent and selfish, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Despite feeling bleak, there was no way to escape except to face it with strength.

Just then, before she could figure out what to do next, footsteps sounded again behind her.

Zhuang Zi turned around, and the two exchanged a brief, wordless glance.

Si Hang returned to his office, closed the door behind him, and the next moment, voices from outside could faintly be heard as Xiao Zhao spoke.

“Today is Saturday, everyone is resting,” he said, “I went out to borrow an umbrella but didn’t run into many people. Finally, I borrowed a small sun umbrella from the cafeteria auntie. Seeing that it’s still raining heavily outside, this umbrella won’t block much, and your clothes will definitely get wet.”

Zhuang Zi remained silent.

Xiao Zhao continued, “It’s getting colder outside. You should stay here and wait until the rain lightens up before leaving.”

Zhuang Zi had no objections.

Xiao Zhao sat down at his desk and started typing on the computer keyboard.

In the quiet office, everyone was focused on their own tasks, with only the sound of rain echoing around.

Zhuang Zi was at a loss, looking at her phone occasionally and occasionally checking the rain outside.

Half an hour later, the heavy rain finally began to ease up.

She looked at Xiao Zhao and told him she wanted to go back to the hotel to change clothes.

Xiao Zhao tidied up his desk, shut down the computer, and they both headed downstairs together.

Standing at the door, Xiao Zhao glanced at the sky. Although the rain had lessened, it hadn’t stopped. The wind was blowing lightly, and with the mini umbrella in his hand, it felt inadequate to shield them.

“It’s not good, Miss Zhuang. Let’s wait a little longer before leaving,” he suggested.

There was no other way.

Just as they were about to turn back, they met Si Hang head-on.

Xiao Zhao’s eyes lit up. “Captain Si , are you heading home?”

He held a large black umbrella in his hand and casually adjusted his overcoat collar with one hand. “Going to the old house.”

Every Saturday, he would visit his parents unless there was urgent work that kept him.

“Captain Si , would it be convenient for you to drop Miss Zhuang off at the hotel across the street?” Xiao Zhao gestured with the small umbrella in his hand. “This won’t keep my clothes dry.”

Zhuang Zi was taken aback, not expecting Xiao Zhao to ask for his help, and she instinctively glanced at the man.

He was wearing a dark blue medium-length coat that fit him well and looked thick and warm.

Upon hearing Xiao Zhao’s request, he didn’t immediately respond or look at her. He walked to the door, opened his large umbrella, and calmly said, “Come over.”

….

The umbrella was large enough to comfortably cover two people.

Xiao Zhao held the small floral umbrella in the cold wind, following behind the two. At first glance, their silhouettes ahead seemed unexpectedly well-matched.

Si Hang was tall, and Zhuang Zi wore high heels, just reaching his ears.

Si Hang held the umbrella, and the two walked side by side towards the police station entrance, silent all the way.

A gust of wind blew by, carrying a faint scent of grass that blended in the air.

It was his scent, mixed with a hint of tobacco, for reasons unknown to her, but Zhuang Zi remembered.

Almost involuntarily, she glanced at him. The man’s profile was firm and handsome. His short black hair was neatly groomed.

Si Hang, sharp as ever, sensed her gaze, turned his head to look at her. His eyes were cool, seemingly naturally devoid of warmth.

Zhuang Zi felt no guilt, meeting his gaze directly. After a moment, she asked, “Captain Si, did you refuse my request?”

“Request?” His dark eyes revealed a hint of indifference. “Miss Zhuang, police are public servants, not servants of any single individual.”

“…”

“Having Xie Kui handle your case isn’t much different from me doing it. He’s experienced and has a great track record.”

“Oh,” Zhuang Zi fell silent.

The three stood at the crosswalk, waiting for the traffic lights to change, the crowd around them gradually thickening.

Si Hang held the umbrella with his right hand and reached into his coat pocket with his left for a cigarette. Accidentally, he pulled out his lighter, which rolled on the ground and came to rest near Zhuang Zi’s feet.

Si Hang glanced down; in his periphery were the slender, straight legs of a woman.

He hesitated for a second but didn’t bend down to pick it up.

Zhuang Zi glanced at him, understanding his dilemma. Since he couldn’t manage with the umbrella, she bent down to retrieve it.

The lighter’s casing had a bit of water on it. Since she had already helped, she took out a tissue from her pocket.

Si Hang glanced down at her. Her slightly curled brown hair covered half of her face. Her curled eyelashes were slightly lowered as she carefully wiped the water stains off the lighter.

Her fingers were slender and neat, with clear white skin revealing veins on the back of her hand.

He looked away, lit his cigarette, and muttered, “Thanks.”

She remained silent.

The light turned green.

People surged forward, and the two blended into the crowd, heading across the street.

Next to them, a young mother held a mischievous little boy, who walked restlessly, kicking at every puddle he saw despite his mother’s scolding.

Zhuang Zi, afraid of getting splashed, moved slightly to the side.

Si Hang walked calmly, suddenly feeling a slight tickling sensation on the outer side of his thigh, tingling and distracting him.

He glanced subtly; it was her fingertip, lightly touching his thigh.

Zhuang Zi was still focused on the boy’s antics nearby, slightly frowning in impatience, not yet realizing what had happened.

Si Hang subtly moved a bit away, and a moment later, they crossed the crosswalk. The little boy found another puddle and stepped right into it. Zhuang Zi flinched, quickly moved aside, and accidentally bumped into Si Hang’s shoulder lightly.

The young mother’s shoe got wet, and she scolded the boy.

Zhuang Zi sighed in relief, about to apologize to the people around her. Suddenly, she realized belatedly that in the chaos earlier, her hand had subconsciously supported a certain area?

Realizing this, she quickly withdrew her hand into her pocket. But the sensation just now was so vivid, through the fabric, carrying a warmth she could feel. She could even sense the firm and powerful lines of his thigh.

She glanced guiltily at him for a moment, then immediately looked away.

Si Hang glanced sideways, a subtle hint of meaning in his eyes—Zhuang Zi’s fair cheek unexpectedly tinged with a faint pink hue.