Wu Jiakui also couldn’t stop him.

Following Jin Yiken’s car with Ban Wei for over an hour, Jin Yiken drove too fast. Lost him midway. Ban Wei called contacts to find the car. She switched to another taxi to search in two directions. By the time she got Jin Yiken’s location information it was already eight at night. Ban Wei’s contact replied to him: “What exactly is the situation now? You’re frantically looking for Jin Yiken, and Jin Yiken is also looking for someone surnamed Yu. One clue, one million. Hold the person, two million! Everyone in the circle is getting worked up now. Several friends can’t sit still.”

“Something’s going to happen.” Ban Wei replied.

When Wu Jiakui found Jin Yiken, he was in the center of a nightclub venue.

Yu Peng seemed to have heard the news early and slipped away. Jin Yiken just kept listening to his phone, walking toward the exit while listening. Wu Jiakui called him dozens of times, all covered by the deafening electronic music. Following all the way to the parking lot, pulling his arm and shouting: “Jin Yiken, what exactly do you want to do?”

He pulled his hand away, turning a deaf ear, continuing to look at messages on his phone. WeChat was constantly ringing. A strong gloomy aura covered his shoulders. Simply wouldn’t listen to anything. Ban Wei had parked and come over. Several cars followed with some brothers getting out. Ban Wei used his eyes to ask her about the situation. She asked back: “Why did you bring so many people?!”

“In case a fight breaks out, we won’t be at a disadvantage.”

Besides Ban Wei’s group, there were also some people following Jin Yiken out of the venue—faces familiar and unfamiliar, inside the circle and outside, all with status. Some advised him, some listened to phone calls reporting clues in real time. One person said: “The exit surveillance didn’t catch that guy. Probably still hiding inside the venue.”

Jin Yiken turned to leave. Wu Jiakui held on: “Long Qi asked me to find you! Does she want you like this!”

Couldn’t hold on. Her hand wouldn’t let go, kept following: “She called me and Ban Wei dozens of times. She’s panicking to death right now. At this moment you should be by her side! Jin Yiken? Are you listening to me!”

A step faster, getting in front of him, arms around his waist, using her whole body to drag his steps. Face pressed tightly against his chest: “Based on the nature of that incident! Yu Peng will go to prison either way. What Long Qi wants is just this justice. Jin Yiken, don’t go. Whatever you do can’t reverse what’s already happened, but it might affect what happens after! Do you want to make her case more complicated?”

His movements only slowed slightly because of her persuasion at this time. But at the parking lot elevator entrance, a wave of people happened to come out, accompanied by unrestrained laughter. Mixed in the laughter was a line: “Awesome, Brother Yu. I heard two days ago you played with a little celebrity on a boat? Seems like a pretty big deal.”

Wu Jiakui froze.

Jin Yiken looked up. People around gradually looked toward the sound source.

“Big? I don’t feel it.”

A casual, arrogant voice slowly replied.

“No one’s causing trouble? That little celebrity has quite a background.”

“Don’t know,” slowly replied again. “Problems that money can solve are problems? It’s just that little celebrities can’t take much playing.”

“Jin Yiken, Long Qi is waiting for you to return. She still needs your help with her lawsuit.” As those words fell, Wu Jiakui’s upper body was buried tightly in his chest, trembling and speaking quickly.

But he forcibly moved her away from his side.

She grabbed his clothes and wouldn’t let go. His eyes were firmly fixed on the elevator entrance. Murderous momentum. Ban Wei grabbed her elbow. She called: “Jin Yiken, don’t do something foolish!”

At the elevator entrance, Yu Peng turned back from the crowd. His steps cautiously stopped. But Wu Jiakui immediately couldn’t see anymore. Ban Wei pulled her all the way to the car, pulling the car door, forcefully pushing her inside. After the car door closed, a lock. She pounded the window with her fist, wanting him to open the door. Ban Wei shook his head, backing away, face stern looking toward Yu Peng. She spoke forcefully with red eyes: “If you really care about him, go pull him back!!”

…

…

…

Receiving IV fluids, Long Qi kept waiting in the ward.

Always tightly gripping her phone, guarding the phone. Called Jin Yiken dozens of times, none answered. Calls to Ban Wei and Wu Jiakui were answered earlier, but later there was no response. Hands and feet ice cold, increasingly panicked. Lao Ping had already gone to help her understand the situation, but three or four hours without a single message. Couldn’t imagine at all what Jin Yiken with this explosive temper would do. If only she hadn’t told him anything. Being dragged by her own depression, also tormented by immense mental pressure. She couldn’t listen to anything Long Ziyi said. Worried, panicked. Until eleven at night, the phone finally rang. She immediately answered, holding it to her ear. Before she could ask, Lao Ping first asked in a lowered voice: “Have Yu Peng’s family called you?”

“What? What call?”

“I see. Good that they haven’t.”

Lao Ping was about to hang up. She pressed: “What’s the situation now? Where’s Jin Yiken? Where? What happened?”

“I’ll call you back later.”

She lost her temper shouting: “Tell me now!”

Faintly hearing the noisy sounds on that side, Lao Ping was vague. Before long, he put the phone back: “They’re negotiating. Yu Peng is now half-dead lying in the hospital. If Wu Jiakui hadn’t called the police quickly, he wouldn’t have survived tonight…”

Hearing the two words “called police.”

Heart clenched: “Then what about him?”

Lao Ping didn’t answer, as if pacing in place. Three or four seconds later, saying in a low voice: “Went in. Along with Ban Wei. Half the circle’s prominent people on the scene all went in. But don’t worry,” he continued quickly. “After Jiakui called the police, she immediately notified each family. The Jin family was fastest. Within an hour they pulled everyone out together. Now we’re still waiting for procedures.”

“Is he injured? Does he have any wounds on his body?”

“Don’t worry about that. He’s safe and sound. But Yu Peng’s life and death is uncertain. Each punch was delivered wearing iron-studded gloves. The Yu family is now seizing this opportunity to counterattack.”

“…” Heart sank and trembled twice. Asked: “What do they want to do?”

“They want to file a report and press charges. But the Jin family pulled people out so quickly, obviously not pushovers. Already negotiating. The Yu family backed down a step, saying their son has already been beaten to ruin. Don’t want to provoke more lawsuits. If the yacht incident is dropped, they’ll call it even. Just that compensation won’t be given to you either. If you don’t accept… then each matter is separate. We’ll sue ours, they’ll also sue Jin Yiken to death.”

She listened, head lowered, knees bent, palm supporting her forehead. Lao Ping said another sentence: “The reason I know so much is because the Jin family sent word wanting to hear Jin Yiken’s thoughts. His family is still on a plane rushing here. They contacted me.”

“What’s his attitude?”

“He obviously doesn’t agree. Yu Peng—he’s got him settled.”

“Tell his family I agree. Don’t worry about him!” Quickly finished speaking, then asked: “Are all your people at the local station now?”

“Long Qi, don’t come over. You rest well at the hospital. There’s no problem here…”

Before Lao Ping finished speaking, she hung up. Pulled out the IV tube, threw on an outer coat and headed out. Pushing the door open, she saw Long Ziyi leaning against the wall listening to a phone call. Long Ziyi was hugging her arms, stroking her forehead, an extremely troubled appearance. This probably made clear which family was calling to lobby. Long Ziyi looked up and saw her, blurting out: “Where are you going?”

She didn’t respond, turning to walk toward one part of the corridor. Long Ziyi followed. As walking speed increased, her voice also rose: “Long Qi, with your physical condition, what do you think you’re doing? If you dare leave the hospital I’ll break your legs!”

…

“Long Qi!”

She was five steps faster than Long Ziyi. The elevator door closed before she rushed over.

Arrived at the local station.

Getting out of the taxi, the night wind was a bit cool, a bit drizzly. As soon as she entered the lobby, she saw Lao Ping, Ban Wei’s manager, and Wu Jiakui’s aunt standing in a circle. Wu Jiakui was sitting on a rest chair to one side, head lowered, supporting her forehead. The tips of Long Qi’s hair carried the cool breeze from rushing all the way here. She walked toward her. Lao Ping turned back noticing. Seeing the hospital gown under her coat, his eyes widened, but he didn’t make a fuss. Wu Jiakui looked up at the approaching shadow.

Long Qi looked at her.

Seeing her eyes obviously swollen red from crying.

Wu Jiakui’s aunt obviously had something to say about dragging her precious niece into this matter. Making as if to come over, stopped by Lao Ping’s kind words. Wu Jiakui slowly said: “I didn’t want him to beat someone to death. I could only call the police. Yu Peng deserves to die, but he can’t get a criminal record for that kind of person.”

Sniffled once, looking into Long Qi’s eyes: “But I didn’t know the Yu family would use your case to threaten. So if I hadn’t called the police, they wouldn’t have leverage.”

…

“I’m sorry, Long Qi.”

“It’s okay. You did the right thing.”

When Wu Jiakui said the first three sentences, she was incredibly calm, strong.

However, after Long Qi replied with this sentence, she immediately lowered her head to look at the floor. Didn’t speak for a long time. Then her finger wiped the corner of her eye. Suddenly she stood up and hugged her. She backed up a step from the momentum. Wu Jiakui’s body was shaking, chin buried in her shoulder and neck: “I was so scared. I’ve never experienced that kind of thing. Calling the police was the only way I could think of to stop him. I was worried to death. If something happened to him, I wouldn’t be any less distressed than you.”

Tightly hugging her, hugging the former love rival she used to hate to death, who had become the only emotional outlet. Long Qi’s hand stroked to her shoulder: “I know. I would have done the same.”

Eyes also slightly stinging. Then hearing a car engine sound outside the lobby door.

Turning back, seeing two cars parked in front and back at the station entrance. Emotions subconsciously restrained. The back car door opened. Three or four middle-aged men who looked like lawyers got out. One person went to the front car to open the passenger door. Then Long Qi saw someone she’d seen countless times in photo frames at Jin Yiken’s house, as well as in Bai Aiting’s campus network album.

She carried a bag, high heels, stand-collar white shirt and soft high-end wide-leg pants. After getting out of the car, she raised her hand to brush back her black curly hair blowing in the wind, five fingers passing through her hair strands. Delicate watch and bracelet hanging down to mid-wrist. Such a smooth and lustrous person, not a trace of age. Glancing faintly into the lobby, then taking a men’s trendy jacket from the car, hanging it on her arm. Accompanied by three or four people, looking straight ahead and entering the lobby.

That jacket was Jin Yiken’s.

The group walked not fast, but seemed to bring wind. His mother was like someone walking out of an eighties movie screen. Gentle yet forceful as she came. Firmly pinning Long Qi’s spirit in place. Nowhere to hide. Until passing in front of her, gaze falling on her, steps slowing. The group also stopped. She softly called: “Hello, Auntie.”

“Auntie.” Wu Jiakui said.

Staying on Wu Jiakui for half a second, his mother’s gaze still returned to her. Looking from her hospital gown to her face. Walking closer with a leisurely stroll.

…

“Didn’t expect this would be the way we first meet.”

First sentence.

“The Yu family has communicated with me. About their child’s injuries, and that child’s illness.”

Before Long Qi could reply, interrupting. The second sentence spoken, emphasizing the word “illness” at the end.

“Today time isn’t abundant. Another day, Auntie will find you for a detailed chat.”

His mother’s third sentence. With the intonation, chin raised toward her.

In these three sentences, what attitude, what situation, what outcome—all laid out crystal clear. Breathing. Lian Shaozi had already gone where she needed to go. Long Qi stood in place.

Heart feeling hollow.

This hollowness continued until Jin Yiken was brought out.

A large group of people. Ban Wei followed behind him. Ban Wei’s manager immediately rushed over. He was beside his mother. The jacket originally hanging on his mother’s arm now worn on him. He had an injury at his chin, frowning and touching it. His mother pulled his hand away, taking out a bandage from her bag. Just about to help him apply it, he looked up and saw Long Qi.

Walked faster than his mother. As soon as he came over, he held her hand. But Long Qi asked first: “When did your chin get injured? Did Yu Peng touch it?”

“Standing in the wind, aren’t you cold?”

Saying this, he was about to take off his own outer garment. His mother called three words without emotional fluctuation: “Jin Yiken.”

Just like that time in senior year when she barged into his family’s private party because of Chu Yaozhi’s file, causing a big scene, then the call that stopped him from chasing after her out the door.

Long Qi also pressed his hand down.

Ban Wei said at this time: “Sorry, Qiqi. I’m the one who hit his chin. Couldn’t stop later. I wanted him to calm down.”

Lian Shaozi looked at Ban Wei.

Ban Wei immediately shrank his head, saying in a low voice: “Sorry, Auntie. Thank you for bailing all of us out. Otherwise I’d definitely be written to death by the media. Sorry. I shouldn’t have hit your son. Circumstances forced it, circumstances forced it…”

“You’re not injured either?” Wu Jiakui asked.

“No, no.”

“Long Qi,” at this moment, Jin Yiken’s arm was gently pulled back by his mother. “We need to go to the hospital emergency to treat the wound. It’s late. You go back and rest. Don’t follow today.”

While saying this, her palm stroked Jin Yiken’s back again. He just wouldn’t take the hint, replying: “Go to her hospital for emergency treatment. I’ll take her back.”

“We’ll go to the nearby hospital.”

Palm patted his back again.

But Jin Yiken still didn’t respond, pulling her ready to leave. Lian Shaozi held his arm very firmly, tone unchanged: “Do you believe I’ll throw you back in the station for a week right now?”

He turned back.

“Call the police. Say he stole my ring.” Immediately instructing the lawyer. Without expression. Removing the ring from her finger, throwing it toward her son. The whole sequence flowing smoothly. Jin Yiken was about to explode. Long Qi said: “Go to the nearby hospital quickly to treat the wound. Come see me tomorrow. Go quickly.”

Then Lian Shaozi didn’t give Jin Yiken time to react. Without a word, she left the lobby, descending the steps toward the car. Jin Yiken now had a temper. Greeting Lao Ping’s direction to ask him to take care. Leaning over his shoulder to her ear leaving words: “I’ll talk with my mom tonight.”

“Don’t rush to talk. Go back and rest first.”

But he only patted her shoulder, stern-faced heading to the car.

When their family’s car door closed with a “click,” Long Qi walked out of the lobby, down the steps.

Two cars started, slowly driving forward. She followed standing under the streetlight by the curb, watching the cars’ flashing taillights. Lao Ping was looking for an umbrella in the lobby, hadn’t followed yet.

Early morning, drizzling.

Another vehicle stopped behind.

Turning back, seeing Long Ziyi and Lu Zimu who had chased all this way getting out of a taxi. Long Ziyi truly had the posture of breaking her legs.

Paid no attention. Continued watching the gradually distancing cars ahead. Jin Yiken’s mother’s words wandered in her mind over and over. Each replay deepened the impression. Cool breeze brushing through her hair. Chest rising and falling. Eyes slightly red. Unconsciously taking a step in the direction of the cars.

Don’t know why, but felt that the originally future trajectory seemed like these two cars—once they left, they might never return. The people inside might never be seen again.

“Long Qi?” Lu Zimu called her.

Just as this thought emerged, beyond two streetlights, the cars that had already driven over ten meters suddenly stopped.

She sniffled once.

Click—bang.

Jin Yiken opened the door and got out in the drizzle. His mother followed getting out on the other side. Seemed to be calling him. He turned a deaf ear walking this way.

“Long Qi!” Long Ziyi immediately shouted behind her. “Wearing so little, do you want to get an infection and die? Come here!”

Lu Zimu was persuading Long Ziyi.

Jin Yiken had already walked to one streetlight away.

She looked with red eyes.

The taxi’s headlights flashed on and off, illuminating her surroundings.

When he walked to three steps away, his hair was already slightly wet. Reaching out to pull her elbow, she was pulled forward one step. Tears from the corner of her eye sliding down a line. His other hand grasped the back of her neck. Tilting down his head, he kissed. Drizzle, dim yellow halo, flashing headlights, Long Ziyi’s scolding voice—all suddenly mixed together. Head spinning, lips pressed tightly with his, warmly embracing. Head tilted up. He tilted his head. The thought from just now dissipated at this moment. All depression vanished. The suspended little stones fell. Heart beating violently.

Only after a full ten seconds did they separate. Warm breath dispersing between their noses inches apart. Whether this was to reassure her or show his mother his determination, it thoroughly warmed her heart. Jin Yiken then took off his jacket, draping it on her: “I’ll definitely come see you tomorrow.”

Just after draping it, her arm was suddenly pulled back. Long Ziyi finally arrived.

Her hand didn’t catch his. Long Ziyi shouted for Lu Zimu to hold her firmly, while pulling out a business card from her wallet and heavily slapping it on his shoulder, pointing directly: “Give it to your mother. Tell her, another day, arrange a meeting.”

Pulling her arm toward the taxi. Turning back again, fiercely pointing once more: “Must talk!”