When she left the hospital, Xu Mengshan and Jing Ping were still unconscious, making it impossible for them to attend.
The location was an inconspicuous, secluded room arranged by the local city bureau. When You Mingxu arrived, Ding Xiongwei and several officials were already there—some she recognized, others she didn’t.
The room was simply arranged, with a memorial photo showing Luo Yu in his police uniform and cap, looking several years younger, still bearing traces of youthful innocence. A bouquet of white flowers lay before the photograph.
His body rested in a coffin surrounded by flowers. Despite the limited conditions, care had been taken in arranging this simple farewell ceremony.
You Mingxu stood a few steps away, looking at Luo Yu. Apart from his unnaturally pale and rigid complexion, he appeared no different than when he was alive.
Ding Xiongwei walked over, studied her for a moment, and asked: “Good to see you’re alright. How are Jing Ping and Mengshan?”
You Mingxu replied: “Both have had surgery. Their lives aren’t in danger.”
Ding Xiongwei nodded, patting her shoulder. “You all did excellently in this operation. We hadn’t anticipated catching so many big fish. The higher-ups say this will transform anti-crime operations not just in Xiangcheng, but across Central China, marking the beginning of a new phase. You all deserve significant credit.”
You Mingxu glanced at Luo Yu again, remaining silent.
Following her gaze, Ding Xiongwei sighed and said: “His status within the system has been restored, and his achievements recorded, but they won’t be announced publicly. Even his family won’t know.”
You Mingxu asked: “Why?” Though she already knew the answer.
Ding Xiongwei replied: “To prevent criminals from retaliating against his family and friends.”
You Mingxu was quiet for a moment before asking: “Would you say he was a good police officer or a bad one?”
Ding Xiongwei pondered before answering: “Perhaps… he was a bad person, but a good police officer.”
You Mingxu fell silent for a few seconds, then smiled and said: “Maybe so. Merit and fault no longer matter. I would never do things the way he did, but he truly gave his life-fighting crime. He used us, but he also saved our lives. He was that kind of indefinable person—no one can truly be defined completely.”
At that moment, somber memorial music began playing, and everyone fell silent in contemplation.
You Mingxu’s heart felt empty, with an undercurrent of bitterness. All her past interactions with Luo Yu seemed to take on new meaning. Suddenly, she felt she understood what kind of person he truly was. But some things ran too deep—she didn’t want to dwell on them, and decided that from now on, this man who had burst into her life and stirred up wave after wave of chaos would be buried deep in her heart. And she would never look back.
She noticed an unfamiliar official at the front, head bowed deeply, one hand resting on Luo Yu’s coffin, tears streaming down his face.
—
It was evening when You Mingxu left the city bureau.
Her phone suddenly rang—it was Chen Feng.
You Mingxu’s heart skipped a beat, somehow anticipating the news. She couldn’t bring herself to answer immediately, letting it ring more than ten times before quickly accepting the call.
She remained silent.
Chen Feng’s voice carried a hint of joy: “Teacher Yin woke up earlier, took his medicine, and fell back asleep. The doctors say his condition is improving.”
As You Mingxu lowered her phone, she noticed the sunset’s colors painting the sky. Her heart, like those gentle hues, grew peaceful and profound.