Chapter 21

Three years after Chu Xiaoche's "death," Qi Zihao was able to calmly sort through his belongings. The camera bag was spotless, the cracks on the lens were carefully covered with stickers, and Chu Xiaoche's shirts were neatly folded inside, still retaining a faint scent of laundry detergent, as if he had never left.

That day, while organizing Chu Xiaoche's old computer, Qi Zihao accidentally opened an encrypted folder. He tried the password three times without success. Staring blankly at the screen, his fingertips unconsciously typed his own birthday—and the folder opened. Inside, there were no photos, only a video and a document.

In the video, Chu Xiaoche, wearing his favorite white shirt, sat on the balcony of his familiar guesthouse, with blooming roses behind him. "Zihao, by the time you see this video, I'll probably be 'dead' already." His voice was still gentle, but there was a hint of determination in his eyes. "The remnants of the business alliance haven't been completely wiped out. They have things that can threaten the Song family and you. I have to fake my death to escape and secretly gather evidence."

Qi Zihao's heart skipped a beat, his fingers gripped the mouse tightly, his knuckles turning white.

"I'm sorry for lying to you for so long." Chu Xiaoche's eyes were full of guilt. "I know you'll be sad, but I had no other choice. I can't let you be in danger again, and I can't let our future be ruined by those people." He paused, took out a small ring from his pocket, and placed it in front of the camera. "This is what I prepared. I originally wanted to put it on your finger under the sunrise at the beach. Once I've dealt with everything, I will definitely come back to find you, and then we'll never be apart again."

As the video ended, Qi Zihao could no longer hold back his tears, which streamed down his cheeks. He opened the document, which contained detailed records of the business alliance's secret outposts and a list of key personnel, as well as Chu Xiaoche's plan to fake his death—the doctor in the hospital was someone he had contacted long ago, the "body" had been secretly moved, and even the seashell left next to the note was a clue he had deliberately left behind; the inner wall of the seashell was engraved with a small character for "alive," which he had never noticed before.

"Chu Xiaoche, you liar..." Qi Zihao choked up, but couldn't help laughing, his despair replaced by ecstasy. He picked up his phone and immediately dialed Song Mingye's number.

When Song Mingye received the call, he was handling business at the company. After hearing Qi Zihao's words, he immediately gathered everyone together. "So, Xiao Che faked his death on purpose to lure the enemy out?" Song Linchuan's eyes widened, his face full of surprise.

“Okay.” Qi Zihao nodded and sent the video and documents to everyone. “He’s secretly gathering evidence. We have to help him.”

Mu Nanjin looked at the list in the document with a serious expression: "These people are very cunning. We can't alert them."

“I have a plan,” Jiang Ziyu suddenly said. “I can use my identity as an artist to investigate the vicinity of those secret outposts and gather more evidence.”

Song Mingye nodded: "Okay, let's divide the work. Zihao, you're in charge of contacting Xiaoche—since he left clues, he must have a way to receive your message. Achuan and I will be responsible for keeping the company stable while cooperating with the police and waiting for the best opportunity."

In the days that followed, Qi Zihao posted a series of photos on Chu Xiaoche's favorite photography forum, with encrypted information hidden in the background. Not long after, his phone received an anonymous text message: "Wait for me. See you at the beach when the moon is full."

Qi Zihao's heart was in his throat. He eagerly awaited the full moon each day, while secretly gathering information for Chu Xiaoche. He took his camera and traversed the city's streets and alleys, capturing every clue about the business alliance, just as Chu Xiaoche had done before.

On a moonlit night, the sea breeze was cool, and the moonlight spilled onto the beach like a layer of silver frost. Qi Zihao arrived at the beach early, holding the seashell in his hand, waiting for that familiar figure.

Footsteps approached from afar. Qi Zihao turned around abruptly and saw a man in a black trench coat walking slowly towards him. He was tall and had familiar features. The man removed his mask, revealing the face he had been longing for day and night.

"Zihao." Chu Xiaoche's voice was slightly hoarse, but still gentle.

Qi Zihao could no longer hold back and rushed over to hug him, tears streaming down his face: "Chu Xiaoche, you're finally back!"

Chu Xiaoche hugged him tightly, his strength so great it felt like he wanted to meld him into his bones: "I'm sorry for making you wait so long."

"I thought you really..." Qi Zihao choked up, unable to finish his sentence.

Chu Xiaoche gently patted his back, comforting him, "How could I bear to leave you?" He took out the ring from his pocket, knelt on one knee, and said earnestly, "Qi Zihao, I couldn't put it on your finger before, but now I want to ask you, will you marry me? From now on, I will be by your side every day, and I will never lie to you again, and I will never leave you again."

Qi Zihao nodded vigorously, tears streaming down his face even more profusely: "I do! I do!"

Chu Xiaoche smiled as she put the ring on his finger, then stood up and embraced him. Under the moonlight, their figures were intertwined, and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore seemed like a blessing melody played for them.

Not far away, Song Mingye, Song Linchuan, Mu Nanjin, and Jiang Ziyu watched this scene with relieved smiles on their faces. They knew that this long wait had finally come to a happy ending.

The evening breeze kissed the old windowsill, bringing the sweetness of lovers' reunion and the peace after the storm. Chu Xiaoche held Qi Zihao's hand as they walked on the beach, the moonlight bathing them warmly and brightly. Their story, after enduring the trials of life and death, had finally found true peace and happiness.