Chapter Forty-Six: Reconciliation

Despite Chu Zhen's earnest explanation, the photos still created a barrier in my mind. Huang Yanyan said I was overthinking it. Perhaps she is, but I believe any girl in that situation would find it impossible not to feel that way!

I was still shuttling between school and the TV station, but I visited Chu Zhen's place less often. Chu Zhen didn't press me, but she probably sensed something was wrong.

"Is this really okay?" Yan Yan, who used to always complain about me running around to Chu Zhen's place, finally couldn't help but ask, because for more than a month, I had been staying at home every day after get off work.

"That's good. We're doing something different now, and he has things to do tonight."

“We used to be inseparable, but this situation is really hard to adjust to. You two haven’t been dating for very long, so aren’t you worried that you’ll drift apart?”

"Precisely because the time is short, I can still back out unscathed while my feelings aren't too deep!" I felt a pang of sadness when I said those words.

"Lin Dang, if you weren't my best friend, I would have really wanted to punch you when I heard that."

"Okay, can we change the subject? How about we talk about your Dr. Zhao?" They haven't seen each other since spending New Year's Eve with Zhao Zhengyu, but they've been video calling each other constantly. Huang Yanyan's silly laughter often comes from her bedroom, showing that she's very happy with Zhao Zhengyu.

"What do you mean, 'my Dr. Zhao'? We're just friends," Huang Yanyan denied with a smile.

"What about Chen Weiqi?"

“I don’t pay attention to him anymore. He’s just rarely seen in the office lately, and I haven’t heard of any projects he’s been working on. I wonder what he’s been busy with?” Huang Yanyan said, clearly unhappy. It was obvious that her preconceived notions made it hard for her to accept the other person.

Could it be that the two of them have been involved in the gutter oil issue lately? Chu Zhen has also been almost never in the office lately. Thinking about this, I felt a little nervous. Now, when I'm in the office, I just focus on my own work and rarely talk to Chu Zhen.

The next day, I paid special attention to Chu Zhen. He brought me breakfast in different ways in the morning, but I didn't see him when I returned to the office after lunch.

"Xiao Ai, did Chu Zhen come back at noon?"

"No, I saw Teacher Chu leaving with her bag around noon. What's wrong? You've only been gone a short while, do you already miss her?" Xiao Ai asked gossipy.

"No, get to work!"

Feeling uneasy, I called Huang Yanyan, and sure enough, Chen Weiqi was not at the company after noon.

"Should we go over and check on them?" Huang Yanyan asked with some concern on the other end of the phone.

"No need. It's broad daylight, and they might not even be trading there. Besides, we might just cause trouble if we go."

I was restless all afternoon. As soon as I got off work, I went to Chu Zhen's house. It was the first time I had been there in a while, and I just wanted to see him as soon as possible.

"Why are you here?" When we opened the door, Chu Zhen and I were both stunned.

Are you home?

"Yeah, I came back to rest. What's up?"

"So what do you do at night?"

"Sleep at home."

"No other arrangements?"

Is something wrong?

"No, I'll be going now~"

I stood at the door and had this awkward conversation with Chu Zhen. There was really no other reason to stay here. Luckily, I was still at the door, so I turned around and ran away.

"Something's not right. How could Chu Zhen let me get away so easily, and he didn't even catch up?" I wondered to myself after leaving. Either he no longer had feelings for me, or he must have had something else on his mind that night.

Thinking about this, I decided to investigate and see if my guess was right. I went to the underground parking lot and found Chu Zhen's car. Chu Zhen had given me a car key before, so I didn't need to ask him for the key when I needed to use the car. Luckily, I always carried it with me.

I lay in the back row, waiting quietly, and unknowingly fell asleep. Luckily, I woke up when Chu Zhen unlocked the device. I looked at my watch; it was ten o'clock. For Chu Zhen, this was the time to start his activities. Sure enough, my guess was correct.

I remained lying flat, not daring to move. Chu Zhen did not notice me, started the car and drove off. I looked at the buildings next to me through the window and roughly knew his direction; he was indeed going to Chen Weiqi's house.

"Aren't you getting out? Aren't you tired lying here?" Chu Zhen suddenly asked after parking the car.

"You discovered me a long time ago?" I thought my disguise was flawless, but I still ended up being trapped.

"You forgot to lock the car after you got in. You were sleeping too soundly, so I had to make some noise to wake you up. Don't do this kind of thing again. What if someone in the garage wanted to steal your belongings? You would be in danger today."

Are you going to a place that sells gutter oil?

"Yes, drive the car back and wait for me at home." After Chu Zhen finished speaking, she went to Chen Weiqi's car. I didn't follow her. What a romantic expression it was to say, "Wait for me at home!"

I listened to Chu Zhen's words. Following them would only be a burden to them. Besides, I trust Chu Zhen. He is a steady person and his actions today must have been carefully considered.

After driving home, I was a little hungry. I hadn't eaten dinner while sitting in the car. I opened the refrigerator, but there was nothing there. What on earth has Chu Zhen been eating all this time? I checked the time and saw that the supermarket downstairs was still open, so I went to buy some things.

I ate some instant noodles and couldn't fall asleep. I wondered if Chu Zhen was going with the police and the Industry and Commerce Bureau this time. Was there any danger?

I heard the door open at seven o'clock in the morning and immediately ran from the sofa to the door.

Are you alright?

"Good girl, you've been waiting for me all this time?" Chu Zhen patted my head. "Didn't you sleep all night?"

"Hmm, can't sleep~"

"Looks like you still care about me~"

"How's the operation going?"

"Of course it was a success. All three hideouts were raided in one go. Watch tonight's show! We've already had the materials sorted out. I only got back now because I cooperated with the police investigation." Chu Zhen said it casually, but he had no idea how terrified I had been all night. Looking at the smiling Chu Zhen in front of me, I couldn't help but hug him tightly.

"What are you doing? I thought you didn't want to hug me anymore?" Chu Zhen said, but her hands were already hooked around my waist.

I didn't say anything, but just pressed my head tightly against Chu Zhen's chest. The distance we'd been in lately had almost made me forget this feeling of security. Chu Zhen didn't say anything either, letting me hold him like that. After what seemed like forever, my legs started to go numb, and I slowly let go.

"Since you're so reluctant to part with it, don't hold a grudge against me so easily next time," Chu Zhen said softly.

"Hmm~"

While waiting for Chu Zhen, I thought about it. No matter what the situation with the photos was, as long as Chu Zhen was by my side without any distractions, that was enough.