He finally realized that it wasn't a dream.

As for the bowl of water, he guessed it was the same kind that had been applied to his wound last time.

That kind of spiritual spring water that can heal injuries and activate potential.

"woke up?"

Su Qingzhi leaned against the headboard, holding an old thread-bound book in her hand.

Seeing him sit up, without even looking up, I casually asked a question.

Shen Zhiyu rubbed his still throbbing temples, and looking at her calm demeanor, he felt inexplicably wronged.

Just as he was about to complain, he heard Su Qingzhi's clear voice.

"Go take a shower quickly."

He looked down and realized that he was covered in black grime from head to toe.

No wonder Su Qingzhi frowned just now.

He nodded quickly.

"Okay, I'll go right away, I'll wash right away."

Su Qingzhi pointed to a beige door next to her.

"There is hot water and cold water inside. The hot water is on the left and the cold water is on the right. Remember to adjust the temperature. Soap and shampoo are placed in the tray next to the sink. There are also clean towels and a set of pajamas on the metal rack. Change into them after you finish washing."

Although Shen Zhiyu was very curious about this strange bathroom, he suppressed his questions, nodded obediently, and went into the bathroom with his pajamas.

Su Qingzhi sat back down on the sofa in the living room and casually opened a novel.

She could hear the sound of running water in the bathroom and him fumbling for the light switch, and she couldn't help but smile.

That guy must have been touching and looking around while taking a shower, wanting to examine every corner.

She didn't rush her.

It was still early; they had plenty of time to talk that night.

In fact, Su Qingzhi had struggled for a long time before deciding to let Shen Zhiyu live in this space.

The existence of this space is her greatest asset in surviving to this day, but it is also her most vulnerable weakness that she cannot easily reveal to others.

She repeatedly tested and confirmed until she was truly certain that Shen Zhiyu was the person she could entrust her heart to, and only then did she finally make up her mind to bring him into the space.

Only when two people know will they not feel alone.

Only when two people share the burden will the future not seem so heavy.

After Shen Zhiyu finished showering, Su Qingzhi stood up and led him on a tour of their secret residence.

As Shen Zhiyu walked, he looked around, his eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"My God, this place is even more comfortable than those upscale residential areas with private butlers in Beijing!"

He originally thought that the so-called "hiding place" would be at most a dilapidated old house, but he didn't expect it to be so exquisite, like a five-star hotel suite.

The two stood in the living room, and Su Qingzhi patiently explained to him how to use each appliance.

She then introduced him to the daily necessities, food, and medicine in the cabinet one by one.

"These rice, flour, and cooking oils are newly bought and have a long shelf life; the first-aid kit is under the bedside table, and the bandages and disinfectant are inside; there are also clothes in your size in the wardrobe over there. If you need anything, just tell me and I'll go to the supermarket to get it next time."

Shen Zhiyu nodded and took notes attentively after each sentence was spoken.

Finally, he suddenly stopped, his expression tightening slightly, and asked in a low voice.

"Qingzhi, can the people outside... hear what's going on inside?"

Su Qingzhi nodded seriously.

“We can hear sounds outside, such as rain, thunder, and people talking. But when we talk, turn on the TV, or play music, no one outside can hear us at all. The space has a shielding function, so it's very safe.”

Before she could finish speaking, Shen Zhiyu's eyes lit up, and he suddenly stepped forward, reaching out to pick her up in his arms.

Caught off guard, Su Qingzhi gasped and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

...

"Qingzhi, it's time to get up."

Su Qingzhi opened her eyes groggily; it was still pitch black outside the window.

She sniffed; her voice was still a little hoarse.

"Why are you up so early?"

She moved her body, feeling sore and weak all over.

Shen Zhiyu last night was completely different from his usual quiet and reserved self.

We've been married for so long, and he's always been gentle and restrained, but last night...

He was so proactive, so passionate.

Just as her eyelids started to droop again and she was about to fall asleep again, Shen Zhiyu suddenly hugged her gently from behind.

He pulled her into his arms, resting his chin gently on her shoulder.

"Qingzhi, thank you for believing in me."

Before she could respond, he continued, his tone becoming more serious.

"Yesterday afternoon, someone secretly slipped this note into my pocket."

As he spoke, he released her and took a crumpled piece of paper from the inside pocket of his coat.

The handwriting on it was so messy that it was almost illegible, clearly written in a hurry.

It was written on the note.

“Someone wants to harm Su Qingzhi. If you want to protect her, go to Zhu Xiuqin’s house in Guanshigou first thing tomorrow morning. They know the truth.”

Su Qingzhi took the note, brought it close to her nose, and gently sniffed it.

A faint, cheap perfume scent brushed past her nose, instantly sobering her up.

"These characters were written by Fang Youming."

She said it with certainty.

“I’ve smelled this scent on Liu Yuelan before. He must have met her before leaving this note. Otherwise, there’s no way he would smell this.”

Shen Zhiyu frowned, his eyes darkening.

"I have to say, Fang Youming understands me quite well. If I hadn't known beforehand about his collusion with Liu Yuelan, I might have foolishly gone headfirst to find Zhu Xiuqin today."

Su Qingzhi bit her lip, her heart tightening.

She understood what Shen Zhiyu meant.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!