Chapter 144: A Woman’s Heart

Watching Wan Caixuan’s tenacious determination to unearth the truth, Lin Xiao couldn’t shake off an uneasy feeling. Still, given that this wasn’t a clandestine matter, he reluctantly answered, “A friend from my police department helped secure my release.”

“A friend from the police department? Who might that be?” Wan Caixuan asked, a hint of puzzlement in her voice. She had meticulously found out that the middle-aged officer who apprehended Lin Xiao was none other than the captain of the Public Security Brigade.

Being a notable figure in the Central District Sub-Bureau, a mere ordinary officer’s influence would have been insufficient.

“It’s Su Mengjia from the Yongnan District Criminal Department. I doubt you’re familiar with her.”

Having resolved not to be secretive anymore, Lin Xiao spoke without reservations. After all, with the vast personnel in the Jinghai City Police Department, it seemed unlikely that Wan Caixuan would recognize most of them.

“Su Mengjia?”

Lin Xiao was taken aback when Wan Caixuan’s eyebrows knitted upon hearing the name. However, a moment of clarity dawned upon her as she remarked, “Ah, it’s her.”

She was indeed acquainted with Su Mengjia’s reputation. The celebrated gem of the Jinghai City Police Department, a renowned belle amongst her police peers. Even without a direct introduction, given such notoriety, it was evident that Su Mengjia possessed striking beauty.

Moreover, Wan Caixuan had heard of Su Mengjia not just for her looks but also for her exceptional capabilities. Ascending to the rank of captain of the district criminal police brigade at a tender age, she was undeniably the burgeoning luminary of Jinghai City’s policing world.

Now, discovering Lin Xiao’s association with Su Mengjia, an inexplicable irritability surged within Wan Caixuan, her gaze piercingly fixed on him.

“True, she might have been instrumental in your release. But, what exactly is your relation with her?”

While Lin Xiao was at a loss trying to deduce Wan Caixuan’s thoughts, her demeanor clearly signaled her distress. He found himself bewildered, pondering what could have possibly provoked this unpredictable and elegant lady.

“You’re holding back, aren’t you? Come on, is she your girlfriend?”

But to Wan Caixuan, engulfed in her deep-seated jealousy, Lin Xiao’s current disoriented state seemingly pointed toward a close bond with Su Mengjia, one he was hesitant to vocalize.

This notion triggered an overwhelming rush of heartache and indignation within her. Unwittingly, her eyes brimmed with tears as she glowered at Lin Xiao, an accusatory sadness evident in her gaze.

“…”

For Lin Xiao, the entire scenario was utterly perplexing. Since when did Su Mengjia become his girlfriend?

Furthermore, the reproach in Wan Caixuan’s eyes left him all the more disoriented, making him feel as if he were a guilty husband caught in an act of betrayal.

“No, we’re just friends, not what you’re thinking–”

As various thoughts swirled in his mind, Lin Xiao hastily began his explanation upon seeing the visibly upset Wan Caixuan. But before he could complete his sentence, she cut him off.

“Just stop, and get out of my car now!”

“President Wan–”

He tried to clarify further, but Wan Caixuan, showing no sign of hesitation, interrupted him again.

“Out!”

Reluctantly, Lin Xiao stepped out. As soon as he did, there was a sharp ‘thud’ as Wan Caixuan slammed the car door. She then revved up the engine and sped away in her Rolls-Royce, leaving him behind.

“A woman’s heart is as inscrutable as a needle at the seabed.”

Watching the car vanish within moments, Lin Xiao shook his head in bewilderment and sighed.

Everything seemed fine just moments ago, yet now she was inexplicably furious. It was times like these when he found women especially hard to fathom. He’d even prefer confronting a squad of armed mercenaries to understanding the complexities of a woman’s emotions.

After some contemplation, Lin Xiao hailed a cab and made his way to the Brilliant Tower.

“Good day, Brother Lin.”

“Ah, Brother Lin, you’ve arrived.”

Upon entering the building, several security guards warmly greeted Lin Xiao, who responded with courteous nods.

One of the guards approached with a piece of news. “Brother Lin, did you hear? Brother Yang got discharged from the hospital and returned to work today.”

“Brother Yang?” Lin Xiao momentarily looked puzzled, but then it clicked. “Ah, you mean Captain Yang Tao from the security team?”

“Exactly! It’s him. He suddenly returned from the hospital today. Just… be cautious around him,” the security guard advised, nodding earnestly.

Lin Xiao was taken aback. It wasn’t that he feared Yang Tao; in fact, if not for the reminder, he might have forgotten about their altercation altogether.

His astonishment stemmed from recalling that even though he hadn’t exerted much force during their confrontation, he had merely given Yang Tao a taste of his own medicine. Such injuries wouldn’t have mended in mere days; he had expected at least a ten-day hospital stay.

Yet, against his expectations, Yang Tao had been discharged so swiftly.

Nonetheless, Lin Xiao wasn’t overly concerned. If Yang Tao chose to maintain a low profile, Lin Xiao would willingly let bygones be bygones. But should he act out again, he wouldn’t hesitate to put him in his place.

“Understood, thank you for the heads-up.” Lin Xiao responded with a warm smile, nodding at the security guard. Although he felt unperturbed, he acknowledged the gesture.

“It’s good that you know, Brother Lin. And please, there’s no need for formalities. Thanks to you, we can now walk proudly in the company. Ever since you stood up to Secretary Wang, others in the company have stopped treating us security guards like mere errand boys,” expressed the security guard with gratitude.

This was precisely why he informed Lin Xiao about Yang Tao’s presence at the company. Lin Xiao had shown him an unparalleled level of respect.

As the security guard briefed Lin Xiao, Yang Tao was nearby, seemingly on the lookout for someone.

Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, and he eagerly waved toward a car approaching from the right. A black vehicle pulled up, and the driver, a man in his late twenties, rolled down the window.

“Brother Zhou, I’m glad you could make it. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble,” Yang Tao greeted, his tone dripping with flattery.

Smiling, the man known as Brother Zhou replied, “No trouble at all. We’re all part of Chen’s Martial Arts Hall, after all. Think of us as peers.”

“Absolutely, Brother Zhou. I couldn’t agree more.” Despite Yang Tao’s words, he seemed cautious, not wanting to overstep his bounds.

Chen’s Martial Arts Hall categorized its members into intern students, regular students, and core students. The most distinguished member was the Senior Sister, Chen Lingxin.

While Yang Tao was merely an intern, Brother Zhou was a regular, a distinction that put them worlds apart. This explained the disparity in their job. Yang Tao was a modest security team captain at Brilliant Aiya Chemicals, and Brother Zhou held a significant position in the fire control department.

“I’m relying on you for that matter, Brother Zhou,” Yang Tao hinted with a fawning demeanor.

“Rest assured, it’s just a fire inspection. Finding minor issues here and there is hardly a big deal. Consider it handled,” Brother Zhou confidently assured, thumping his chest.

In truth, fire inspections tended to have a degree of leniency.

Many rules governed these inspections, but unless there was a glaring safety concern, most infractions were often overlooked. Besides, for someone well-versed in these regulations, pinpointing issues was a breeze.

“Thank you so much, Brother Zhou,” Yang Tao exclaimed, clearly relieved.

Nodding, Brother Zhou advised, “Hop in and wait. Once my team arrives, we’ll proceed with the inspection at your company.”

“Of course, Brother Zhou.”