Chapter 15: Getting rid of the old (6)

Zhang Mo's heart skipped a beat, as if her secret had been exposed, but she still forced herself to remain calm, put down her water glass, and said, "I asked that question."

Bai Tianjin raised an eyebrow, her gaze seemingly able to pierce through one's heart: "Why do you want to know what I like?"

Zhang Mo met her gaze, took a deep breath, as if making a decision: "Because you are a very outstanding woman, if given the opportunity, I would like to become friends with you."

That's a very honest statement.

Bai Tianjin paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, "It seems... not bad either." Her tone carried a hint of relief, yet also a complex mix of emotions that were hard to define.

A silence fell between them, but it was no longer the awkward silence of before; instead, a subtle peace settled over them. Just then, Bai Tianjin seemed to suddenly remember something and spoke up: "By the way, do you know my brother likes you?"

Do you still remember my younger brother?

Bai Tianjiao. She's quite good-looking, but not very bright.

Zhang Mo was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting her to bring this up suddenly, her eyes filled with surprise and doubt: "He likes me?" She seemed to have heard something unbelievable.

"Why? Does he enjoy being abused?"

After all, she hadn't said many kind words to Bai Tianjiao.

Bai Tianjin was amused by her straightforward words: "Maybe."

Unfortunately, I had a child late in life, and the baby I had to carry to term is not very smart. Please forgive me.

Anyway, there's no chance between you two, so just give him a firm rejection next time you meet.

Let him know the harsh realities of the world.

Looking at the smile in her eyes, Zhang Mo's tense heartstrings suddenly relaxed, and she smiled too, her eyebrows curving into two soft arcs: "Okay." She paused, then changed the subject: "Speaking of which, if things really turn out the way we suspect, what will Ma Qiuhe do?"

Bai Tianjin thought for a moment, then wiped her mouth with a tissue, her movements elegant: "50 years is well past the usual 20-year statute of limitations."

"Besides, she's already this age and sick. Even if she's found to have committed murder, it won't really matter." There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "At most... it might affect her civil service exam."

Zhang Mo was amused by her unexpected joke and laughed out loud. The last bit of worry in her heart dissipated, but she still had some concerns: "But this matter has become a trending topic, and the public opinion has become so big..." The online discussions were like a tide, and she didn't know where the matter would be pushed.

Bai Tianjin waved her hand dismissively: "Who cares? Your employees are fine, and my experiment is finished. Let the people writing the police reports worry about the rest." She never cared about these external disturbances.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Qin Yuechuan, who was in charge of writing police reports, returned.

This poor "grassroots civil servant" has no idea what hot potato he's landed on this time...

He was carrying a rectangular paper bag, his expression quite strange: "Is this what you're taking for dinner?"

The pure white paper bag had no logo, was thick and sturdy, and had a delicate sheen. It didn't look like a takeout bag at all; it looked more like a carefully prepared gift bag.

Inside was a cube-like object wrapped in layers of foam paper. Its exact nature was unknown, but it exuded a sense of mystery, making one wonder what treasure was hidden inside.

Bai Tianjin glanced at it and said nonchalantly, "Maybe the order was placed by mistake." She looked at Zhang Mo, "Since we're friends now, I'll give it to you as a gift."

Qin Yuechuan handed the paper bag to Zhang Mo with a subtle expression, as if he had a huge secret to keep: "Yours."

Zhang Mo didn't know what was inside, but he already knew.

Everything entering the National Security Bureau has to go through security checks; he's already seen what's inside through the scanner...

Zhang Mo was a little stunned, but she still took it, her fingertips touching the smooth surface of the paper bag: "Thank you."

.

An hour later, the criminal investigation team received the preliminary test report from the forensic doctor, confirming that the death occurred 50 years ago, and promptly released Zhou Jing.

Now that we've already met Zhou Jing, there's no reason to stay any longer.

After thanking Zhou Jing and Zhou Mei, along with Bai Tianjin, Zhang Mo finally left the National Security Bureau building carrying the mysterious gift bag.

Yes, she still hasn't opened it. Zhang Mo isn't exactly an extroverted person, and she feels it's impolite to open it in front of others.

And so, Zhang Mo endured it all the way to the parking lot, and only after getting into the car did she impatiently unwrap the layers of foam paper.

It must be something very fragile; it's been dismantled three times and it's still not completely gone.

Zhou Jing and Zhou Mei sat in the back row, their heads close together, their eyes wide with curiosity. Seeing that she hadn't opened it after trying for a while, Zhou Jing couldn't help but suggest, "Boss, can we open it?"

“We’re strong, we can tear it open in one go.” Zhou Mei nodded in agreement, her fingers already itching to try.

Zhang Mo declined: "No need."

They're too strong, don't break them.

Finally, after removing seven layers of foam paper, the box inside was revealed.

The velvet box has a soft sheen, and the lid is decorated with delicate subtle patterns, exuding understated luxury.

The moment the box was opened, both Zhou Jing and Zhou Mei let out a soft gasp of surprise.

Inside the box lay a watch, its dial gleaming softly in the light of the streetlights outside the car window, the classic Patek Philippe pattern subtly visible in the lamplight.

Zhou Jing and Zhou Mei couldn't read the brand, but they still said very politely, "So pretty!" "So beautiful!" Their tone was full of sincere admiration.

Zhang Mo immediately recognized that this watch was the same model as the one Qin Yuechuan was wearing.

It seems that they ordered this "takeout" before they arrived at the National Security Bureau.

In other words, Bai Tianjin had already placed the order when she learned that Zhou Jing was being held here.

Because she knew that Zhang Mo would definitely come in person.

Zhang Mo still remembers that Su Yutang told her that the Patek Philippe worth millions was a 20th birthday gift from Bai Tianjin to her son.

And now, Bai Tianjin has also given her one...

Zhang Mo had no idea how much Bai Tianjin had remembered or how much she knew.

Bai Tianjin is such a smart person; perhaps knowing just a little bit would be enough for her to deduce the whole story.

Digging too deep will only hurt both parties; it's better to leave it in the past and let it remain an unspoken secret.

Zhang Mo looked at the watch and smiled, her fingertips gently brushing against the cool dial. Her heart felt filled with something warm.

Yes, friend, it seems pretty good too.