Chapter 156 Adaptation

Qiu Zishu appeared around the corner.

She was also carrying an exquisitely packaged gift box.

"Wanyin, this scarf..."

Qiu Zishu took a few steps closer, handed over the gift box, and lowered her voice.

"Lin Zhiming asked me to bring this to you. He said it was specially prepared for you and he specially chose the style."

Qiao Wanyin didn't even lift her eyelids; her gaze remained fixed on the documents on the table.

"Throw it away, don't put it on my desk."

Qiu Zishu sighed softly, her tone carrying a hint of consolation.

"Take a look first, you don't necessarily have to accept it. But at least open it and take a look, don't be too hasty."

Seeing that Qiao Wanyin did not stop her, she carefully opened the box.

The moment the lid was lifted, a faint fragrance wafted out.

Inside, besides a soft, warm-colored silk scarf.

There was also a faded old photograph tucked inside.

That was a group photo taken on the day the original owner arrived in Hong Kong.

The background shows a bustling crowd and fluttering flags at the dock.

In the photo, Qiao Wanyin is wearing a floral cheongsam.

Her face still carried the awkwardness and shyness of someone who had just arrived, but she managed a forced smile.

Lin Zhiming, on the other hand, was dressed in a sharp dark suit.

The two stood very close together, their posture intimate.

The moment Qiao Wanyin saw the photo, her face turned deathly pale.

Her pupils contracted slightly, and her heart pounded violently in her chest.

This guy...

What exactly do they want to do?

Why does he still keep this photo?

Didn't she burn everything related to him a long time ago?

Qiu Zishu noticed her unusual behavior and immediately lowered her voice.

"He said that if you're willing to meet him alone, he'll return all the photos, including the negatives. Not a single one will be left."

Qiao Wanyin's fingertips trembled slightly.

She never expected that he had been secretly keeping these old photos all along.

She never expected that he would use this method to blackmail her.

Several female colleagues happened to pass by.

Seeing this, they couldn't help but stop and huddle together to discuss it in hushed tones.

"Hey, did you guys see that? The gift box that Director Qiao received... doesn't it look like it was from Lin Zhiming?"

"Did Director Qiao and this Boss Lin have a past conflict? Why the strong reaction?"

"Look at that group photo, it's not like it's a holiday, their relationship is clearly not ordinary... they're obviously not just friends."

"No wonder her face changed. Could it be... they dated before?"

Qiao Wanyin suddenly looked up, her sharp gaze sweeping over them.

Upon seeing this, the others immediately shut up and lowered their heads to do their own thing.

But the curiosity, curiosity, and secret delight in his eyes were impossible to hide.

Qiu Zishu immediately stepped forward, raising his voice slightly.

"Stop spreading rumors! Lin Zhiming is no good at all! You don't know him, don't jump to conclusions based on just one photo!"

Everyone was stunned and turned to look at her, their eyes filled with astonishment.

Xiao Li hesitated before speaking, his voice very soft.

"But... he seemed quite friendly, spoke politely, and was dressed very well... he didn't seem like a bad person."

She paused, then spoke again.

"Moreover, he came this time to discuss collaborative projects, and I heard he brought quite a few resources with him, so the bosses are taking him very seriously..."

"Can a bad person have the word 'bad' tattooed on their forehead?"

Qiu Zishu coldly retorted.

Her gaze was sharp as she stared directly at the person who spoke.

"He gives you a little bit of benefit, and you're willing to speak up for him and cover for him?"

She gave a cold laugh, her tone full of sarcasm.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Aren't you afraid of falling into a trap and never being able to climb out?"

Qiao Wanyin took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

She knew that acting impulsively wouldn't solve the problem.

So she suppressed her anger little by little.

Instead, there is clarity.

Qiao Wanyin turned to look at Qiu Zishu.

"Zi Shu".

She spoke, her voice soft but clear.

"Do me a favor."

"you say."

Qiu Zishu's tone was crisp.

"Return all of these things; don't keep a single one."

Qiao Wanyin spoke slowly and deliberately, her eyes sharp.

"If he comes looking for me again, don't waste your breath on him, just call the security department over."

She would never give Lin Zhiming any opportunity to take advantage of her!

Not even once!

Qiu Zishu was holding the box containing the scarf and photos.

He walked steadily out of the mutual aid center.

The corners of the box were worn, and the paper straps made her palms ache slightly.

But she didn't let go.

Qiu Zishu knew that this was more than just a box.

It's not just an attitude, but an act of refusal.

The guesthouse where Lin Zhiming stayed was not far from the military family compound.

Qiu Zishu walked for about twenty minutes and arrived at the entrance of the guesthouse.

The peeling paint on the walls was mottled, and the door frame was crooked.

The old signboard above the door was about to collapse.

What is he after?

She looked up at the sign, her brows furrowed, and muttered to herself.

This question, like a fine needle, kept pricking her heart.

Qiu Zishu couldn't understand why a man who seemed respectable and well-mannered could...

Why would he be so fixated on a woman who has rejected him multiple times?

Is it an obsession?

Is this a retaliation?

Or is there another motive?

She was worried about Qiao Wanyin, fearing that she would be harassed relentlessly.

They also couldn't figure out Lin Zhiming's true intentions.

"Miss Qiu, were you waiting for me?"

A gentle male voice suddenly came from behind.

Qiu Zishu turned around abruptly.

But the action was too hasty.

She almost bumped into Lin Zhiming, who had somehow appeared behind her.

She was startled, stumbled, and hurriedly took half a step back.

Lin Zhiming remained standing upright, his expression calm.

Behind the gold-rimmed glasses, her almond-shaped eyes were slightly upturned.

His lips naturally curved upwards, revealing a gentle and refined smile.

Qiu Zishu subconsciously took another step back.

My back was almost pressed against the cold brick wall.

She raised her hand and handed the box forward decisively, her tone stiff.

"Mr. Lin, Wanyin asked me to return these things to you."

"Exactly as is, not a single item missing."

Qiu Zishu paused, staring directly at him without backing down.

"Also, don't contact her again."

"She doesn't want to see you, and she won't see you."

Please respect her choice.

Lin Zhiming did not reach out to take the box.

He simply tilted his head slightly, thoughtfully examining the girl in front of him.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the old trees along the road, casting dappled patterns that fell directly onto Qiu Zishu's face.

The soft light cast a gentle glow on her round face.

Her skin was clear and translucent like jade, like a pear blossom just beginning to bloom in spring.

She is different from Qiao Wanyin.

Qiao Wanyin is sharp and dazzling.

Qiu Zishu, on the other hand, is quiet and gentle.

"Miss Qiu, are you the deputy commander's daughter?"

Lin Zhiming suddenly spoke, a subtle scrutiny flashing in his eyes.

“I saw your father’s interview in the Hong Kong newspapers.”

"That article was very substantial, detailing your father's outstanding contributions to border defense training."

Qiu Zishu was taken aback.

"You know my father?"

She raised her head, her brow furrowed slightly, her voice revealing a hint of wariness and confusion.

"I have long admired your name."

Lin Zhiming smiled slightly and met her gaze with a frank expression.

"Although I have never had the honor of asking you for advice in person, your father's deeds are widely known in military and political circles. It is said that the tactical reforms he presided over directly improved the responsiveness of the entire front."