Chapter 168 Is there no other safer way?

Lu Zheng was jolted by his foot, his body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and then the suffocating feeling in his chest seemed to dissipate a little.

He sighed very softly, replying in a similarly breathy tone, his voice carrying a hint of irritation and worry that even he himself didn't realize: "...Isn't there any other, safer way?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Haoran immediately understood.

He raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips, and continued to lower his voice, his words hitting the nail on the head: "What, worried? Afraid your little cook won't come out once she goes in? I say, Lao Lu, you wouldn't happen to... fall for her, would you?"

Lu Zheng's fingers, which were caressing the pen, suddenly stopped, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

He remained silent, neither admitting nor refuting.

His tightly pressed lips trembled almost imperceptibly, and his lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly like the wings of a startled butterfly, revealing the turmoil in his heart.

Looking at him like this, Qin Haoran felt both amused and impressed.

He had known Lu Zheng for so many years and knew that this guy was an extremely reserved workaholic with a simple life, like a blank sheet of paper. Apart from an uncle who was away all year round, he didn't have any close elders at home.

Lu Zheng himself probably doesn't even understand the complex emotion of "liking," let alone deal with or face it.

At that moment, Qin Haoran suddenly felt a heavy weight on his shoulders, and a strange sense of responsibility welled up inside him—he had to help this emotionally obtuse guy, at least to make him realize his own heart.

If Lu Zheng makes a crucial decision based on these hidden concerns without even understanding the situation himself, or if he regrets it later, that would be truly troublesome.

Ultimately, despite Lu Zheng's silence, Su Xiaonuan's infiltration plan, due to its high feasibility and potential value, still gained the approval of the vast majority of people and was identified as one of the main directions of investigation.

After the meeting ended, everyone began packing up their things and gradually left the meeting room, discussing the division of labor in hushed tones.

Soon, only six people remained in the conference room: Su Xiaonuan, Lu Zheng, Qin Haoran, Xu Zhixian, Zhao Liming, and Zhao Liyue.

Su Xiaonuan's gaze swept over the people sitting around the conference table, and only then did she belatedly notice the undisguised solemnity on their faces.

Xu Zhixian frowned slightly, his eyes filled with the worry of an elder; Zhao Liming's expression was calm, but his tightly pursed lips betrayed his disapproval; even Qin Haoran, who was usually playful, had put aside his frivolity, and his peach blossom eyes were unusually filled with seriousness.

Although Zhao Liyue did not speak, her tightly crossed arms and slightly furrowed brows clearly expressed her worry.

A warm feeling mixed with a touch of helplessness welled up in Su Xiaonuan's heart.

She knew that these seemingly cold and hard police officers genuinely cared about her safety.

A brighter smile, even more reassuring with a hint of "you're making a big fuss over nothing," bloomed on her face. Her voice was sweet and soft, yet firm as she assured them, "Oh, you really don't need to worry about me! I'll be very careful, and I'll never fight a battle I'm not sure I can win! I promise, not a single hair will be lost!"

The more relaxed and confident she appeared, the deeper the worry in Xu Zhixian's eyes became.

He opened his mouth as if to say something more, but looking at Su Xiaonuan's stubborn eyes, which were so similar to those of her adoptive father Su Guangming, and whose determination was unwavering once made up, he finally let out a barely audible sigh.

Just then, Qin Haoran's eyes darted around, a glint of brilliance flashing in his usually charming eyes. He slapped his thigh suddenly, his voice rising with an exaggerated "a flash of inspiration": "Hey! I've got it! I have a perfect idea!"

Instantly, everyone's eyes were focused on him.

Qin Haoran cleared his throat, lowered his voice mysteriously, but actually made sure everyone could hear him: "Let my brother, Qin Haochu, go with Xiao Nuannuan!"

"Qin Haochu?" Zhao Liming repeated the name, the image of the meticulous and aloof young forensic doctor in the forensic laboratory appearing in his mind.

"Yes! That's him!" Qin Haoran nodded vigorously, then began listing the advantages on his fingers. "First, my brother isn't part of the system, his identity is clean, his background is easy to fake, and he's unlikely to arouse the 'Sacred Heart Society's' suspicion. Second, he trained with me for a few years, he's quite skilled, and can protect Xiao Nuannuan in a critical moment. Third, and most importantly—"

He paused, then emphasized, "He's a forensic pathologist! His observation and analytical skills are top-notch, and he's extremely sensitive to drugs and traces! If those bastards try to tamper with the food and drinks, my brother will find out immediately! It's practically double insurance for Xiao Nuannuan!"

His analysis was clear and logical, with a clear distinction between advantages and disadvantages, which made even those who initially held opposing views start to think.

Xu Zhixian nodded slightly, agreeing that this was indeed a way to reduce the risk; Zhao Liming's tense jawline also seemed to relax a little.

Su Xiaonuan had no objections; having a reliable helper was naturally a good thing.

But a small question popped into her mind. She tilted her head, looked at Qin Haoran, and asked directly, "Brother Haoran, why is it forensic doctor Qin? Isn't Sister Yue more suitable? She is experienced, skilled, and a professional..." As she spoke, her gaze turned to Zhao Liyue beside her.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Liyue's cold and beautiful face revealed a helpless and apologetic expression.

Before she could speak, her brother Zhao Liming explained in a deep voice, "Li Yue has to leave first thing tomorrow morning to join a cross-provincial joint task force in X province. It's a confidential mission, very high-level, and quite dangerous. In the short term... she won't be able to participate in our operations."

Zhao Liyue nodded, confirming her brother's words.

She glanced at her watch; it was indeed getting late.

She stood up, neatly straightened her clothes, glanced at everyone, and finally fixed her gaze on Su Xiaonuan. Her tone was unusually gentle and apologetic: "Xiaonuan, I'm sorry, I can't travel with you this time. Be careful."

She then looked at the others and said, "Everyone, I'll go first; the mission over there is urgent."

Everyone said goodbye to her, watching her dashing figure disappear through the conference room door.

Zhao Liyue's departure made the suggestion that "Qin Haochu should assist in protecting Su Xiaonuan" seem to be the best solution at present, and it was quickly approved by everyone present except Lu Zheng.

However, Lu Zheng has yet to express his opinion.

He remained seated in silence, his long, slender fingers tapping the table unconsciously, producing a rhythmic, soft "tap-tap" sound. His thick, dark eyebrows were furrowed, and his deep gaze was fixed on the empty space, as if he were engaged in an extremely difficult internal struggle.