Chapter 121 He just felt that Dou Wenliang today…

When Shen Rong saw that Sheng Ruyue hadn't come down for breakfast, she assumed she had overslept and was about to ask Gui Chun to wake her up.

"She'll be late for work."

As Lu Chang came down the stairs, he casually said, "No need to call her. She's not feeling well. I'll ask her for leave later."

"Where does it hurt?" Could there be something wrong with the wound?

Shen Rong was about to go up and check on her when Lu Chang stopped her: "Sister-in-law, it's nothing serious. She just caught a chill and will be fine after a rest."

He turned to Zhang Ma and instructed, "Brew her some calming tea and bring it up later."

Drinking any calming tea when you have a cold is not the right treatment.

"She's too timid. She should drink some calming tea. Sister-in-law, let her sleep. She'll come down on her own when she wakes up."

He blocked Shen Rong at the top of the stairs.

Lu Lin put down his chopsticks and gave him a warning look.

"How do you know so much about Miss Sheng's affairs?"

Shen Rong also realized what was happening and stared at him.

Lu Chang chuckled sheepishly and scratched his head: "I just went to take a look, didn't I?"

He nudged Shen Rong's shoulder, gesturing for her to sit back down: "Sister-in-law, you should eat first."

Lu Lin merely glanced at him and didn't ask any further questions: "Let's eat."

After a while, Lu Chang asked curiously, "Brother, have those two Japanese men who were shot to death been taken away?"

Lu Lin looked at him: "Who told you that was Japanese?"

Lu Chang smiled at him: "Didn't you tell your sister-in-law?"

Lu Lin glanced at his younger brother indifferently and warned him, "Don't write anything reckless."

Lu Chang immediately realized: "The Japanese didn't come to acknowledge them!"

That makes sense, though; admitting it would mean acknowledging that the two were ordered to storm the garrison command's secret outpost.

Lu Chang became even more curious: "Do you think the Japanese are plotting something?" He was somewhat agitated. "Shanghai has recently deployed a lot more military and police personnel. Is it to deal with the Japanese, or are you planning something big?"

Lu Lin put down his chopsticks and looked at him quietly. Lu Chang finally couldn't stand the gaze and lowered his head: "I just asked casually."

Lu Lin: "You seem to know quite a lot. Who told you that?"

Lu Chang waved his hand: "I didn't mean to pry into your secrets. I found these things out by observation. I'm a reporter, do you think I don't have this much news sensitivity?"

It's unclear whether Lu Linxin believed this explanation or not; the two brothers lowered their heads and ate in silence for a moment.

Shen Rong sensed the awkward atmosphere and changed the subject, asking Lu Chang, "When are you going to write the news article I asked you to write yesterday?"

He agreed yesterday to write two articles for Lin Wenxuan to garner public sympathy, which would also put some pressure on the authorities.

Lu Chang nodded: "I'm already working on it, and it's ready to be published anytime, but... he's really not a Communist, is he? Don't drag me into it later." He looked somewhat hesitant.

Her eyes fell on Lu Lin, who flipped through the newspaper a couple of times: "Don't ask me, I don't know, this isn't my business."

He looked up and said sarcastically to Lu Chang, "If you want to know the specifics, why don't you ask your Brother Lin?" Wasn't he getting along very well with Lin Shaojie?

Lu Chang looked down and pouted, "Aren't they planning their wedding?"

Shen Rong disliked this person and snorted coldly, "If you can't even delay arresting people while preparing for a wedding, you shouldn't be that busy!"

Lu Chang could tell from the couple's back-and-forth that they were very dissatisfied with Lin Shaojie. He tried to reason with them, saying, "If I could meet Lin Shaoxuan and take a picture of his miserable state, publishing it would probably garner more sympathy from the public."

Shen Rong's eyes lit up instantly: "Really?"

Lu Lin snorted coldly, thinking they were dreaming, but he only got a glare from Shen Rong in return.

The phone rang; it was for Lu Chang, and the caller said it was from the newspaper.

After hanging up the phone, he immediately went upstairs to change his clothes, and on his way down, he grabbed an apple from the coffee table.

Xiao Ming, holding his milk, asked curiously, "Is Uncle going to work again? Isn't today his day off?" He doesn't even have to go to kindergarten.

Lu Chang pinched his cheek: "That's right, your uncle is going to work to earn money."

Shen Rong asked curiously, "What happened?" Was there some news again? Was it the eldest son fighting over a woman or the original wife coming to their door?

Lu Chang looked helpless: "Sister-in-law, I don't just cover gossip. There's big news today, someone died on West Street again. I have to go now. But the security in Shanghai is a bit bad, brother, you should reflect on that."

After saying that, he disappeared without a trace.

Xiao Ming repeated, "Dad needs to reflect on his actions."

Lu Lin remained expressionless, while Shen Rong patted Xiao Ming on the back of the head: "Learning everything will only harm you."

A little while later, Lu Lin received a call. He put on his coat and prepared to go out, but his gaze towards Shen Rong was somewhat strange.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Shen Rong asked, puzzled. "Did that dead man's case even alarm you?"

Lu Lin nodded: "It seems to be one of Lin Shaojie's men. He's already gone there and is furiously demanding that the police find the murderer as soon as possible?"

Lu Lin smiled and said, "He's a young man who just arrived in Shanghai."

Lin Shaojie wasn't going to be so angry over an ordinary young man. Shen Rong suddenly realized, "Could it be..."

She glanced at her son, who was staring at her expectantly. He loved to mimic others, so there were some things she dared not say to his face.

Shen Rong approached and asked her with a smile, "Is that right?"

Lu Lin raised an eyebrow: "It's not certain yet, but about 80%."

Shen Rong was very happy: "I'll go tell Wen Hui."

What incredible luck! If no one could come forward to testify against Lin Wenxuan, this case might have a chance of being resolved.

Lu Lin stopped her and asked again to confirm, "Lin Wenhui really hasn't contacted them?"

Shen Rong nodded, but she couldn't be sure. Seeing her dazed look, Lu Lin knew he wouldn't get any information out of her, and kindly reminded her:

"Lin Wenhui just went to see the witness, and the witness died the next day. I'm afraid Lin Shaojie's men are already keeping a close eye on her. I advise you not to be too happy too soon."

Upon hearing his words, Shen Rong immediately stopped in her tracks.

Indeed, she and Lin Wenhui knew nothing about it. Right, she shouldn't be too happy yet. She looked at Lu Lin and asked, "Won't he suspect you?"

Lu Lin didn't take it to heart at all, feeling completely unconcerned: "What are you doubting me for? If I really wanted to do something, would Lin Wenxuan have been caught by them?"

Shen Rong pursed her lips and gave him a perfunctory thumbs-up: "That's right, Commander Lu is so capable."

"Speak properly." Lu Lin's words carried a hint of resignation, as if he couldn't hear the sarcasm in her tone.

At this moment, Uncle Zhang led Dou Wenliang in.

"I've come at an inopportune time. Are you about to head out?" he joked with a smile.

Since he was here, Lu Lin naturally didn't go out. He made a phone call to inform them that he couldn't come and told them to handle it themselves.

Shen Rong asked Xiao Ming to call someone, and Dou Wenliang patted his head: "This kid is growing up really fast."

After Lu Lin finished his call, he came over and exchanged pleasantries with Dou Wenliang: "Why did you come over? You didn't even tell me beforehand."

Dou Wenliang sat down comfortably on the sofa and played with Xiaoming for a while: "What kind of relationship do we have? There's no need for all that formality. Where else would you go on vacation besides spending time with your wife? I guessed you were at home, so I came straight over."

He turned his head with a regretful look: "Tianming, your son is even better looking than you. It's a pity I don't have a daughter." Otherwise, it would be great to arrange a marriage between our children.

He suddenly became interested and looked at the two of them, "Why don't you have a daughter? I have two sons, you can choose whichever you like. It would be such a pity if our two families didn't become in-laws."

Lu Lin ignored him, pretending not to hear. Even with a daughter, he wouldn't want the two sons of the Dou family as his sons-in-law.

Shen Rong secretly rolled her eyes, thinking to herself, "Dream on! Just for your dream of becoming my in-law, she's going to suffer!"

She brought coffee and placed it on Dou Wenliang's desk, throwing the magic back at him: "No matter how hard you and your sister-in-law work, my son can wait."

Dou Wenliang looked at her and sighed, "Sister-in-law, you know perfectly well that your sister-in-law is abroad, yet you're trying to shut me down with your words."

He took a sip of coffee, leaned back, and let out a comfortable sigh. "Shanghai is really nice, it's so charming, but it's still not as good as our Bincheng."

If Bincheng hadn't been lost, he might have taken Lu Lin hunting by now; going into the mountains in winter is quite interesting.

A hint of nostalgia flashed in Dou Wenliang's eyes. Lu Lin lowered his head and remained silent, and the scene fell silent for a moment.

After a while, Dou Wenliang spoke again: "I'm about to go back. I came to see you before I leave and said a few words to you."

He took out a cigarette and was about to light it when he saw Shen Rong and Xiao Ming standing to the side, so he put it back.

"My sister-in-law doesn't like the smell of smoke. Tianming told me that, and I almost got scolded by her again."

Lu Lin stood up: "Let's go, let's talk in my study."

Smoking is allowed in the study, and sometimes when Lu Lin is under too much pressure, he will light one up there.

Dou Wenliang smiled and nodded: "Sure!"

This was the first time he had seen Lu Lin's study, and he repeatedly praised it, "Your study is quite nice." There were just a few too many books.

He lit a cigarette, plopped down in Lu Lin's seat, and put his legs up on the table. Lu Lin, expressionless, hit him with a book, but Dou Wenliang dodged it and laughed, "This is the most comfortable posture for a master. Tianming, you're too stiff. You're the person in charge of Shanghai now, you should have some style."

He took a deep drag, and Lu Lin handed him the ashtray. Dou Wenliang shook off the ash and said, "That guy in Jincheng has been pretty good to you. I thought they were going to put you down, but seeing that you're doing well in Shanghai, I'm relieved."

"When are you leaving?" Lu Lin asked him.

Dou Wenliang looked up: "Tomorrow."

So urgent?

Dou Wenliang smiled at him and said, "If you don't leave now, people will start to overthink things."

“I’ve been in Shanghai for so long, and it’s your territory. I don’t know how panicked Jincheng must be.” He smiled and said, “Guess how many people are gathered outside your house when I come here. Maybe this phone call will be sent to Jincheng soon.”

Lu Lin remained silent and did not speak.

Dou Wenliang stopped laughing, suddenly feeling bored, and said with disdain, "Don't you think your wife finds you boring like this?"

Lu Lin turned to look at him: "I don't mind." He countered, "Did your sister-in-law go abroad because she thought you were too lively?"

Dou Wenliang choked and couldn't catch his breath, so he stubbed out his cigarette hard.

“I don’t like joking with you, it’s pointless. If it weren’t for serious business, I wouldn’t even bother coming to your house.” He straightened his posture.

"But why do I still like you so much!"

Lu Lin looked over with disdain.

Dou Wenliang also shuddered in disgust: "Don't misunderstand me, I admire you. I heard that Xingzi was shot to death by you."

"Just for your attitude towards the Japanese, I admire you. Everyone outside is guessing that they were killed because they broke into your military base at night, but I don't believe it. Did you set some kind of trap?" The Japanese aren't that stupid. Why would they break into some secret base for no reason and just happen to run into Lu Lin?

Others may not understand Lu Lin, but does he not? He found it strange when Shen Rong was attacked, and now that two Japanese have died inexplicably, he knows what's going on.

Lu Lin looked up: "Is this what you wanted to say?" He didn't deny it.

Dou Wenliang said listlessly, "I envy you." He raised his hand and looked at his hand. "Right now, I just want to fight the Japanese face to face and take back Bincheng." To avenge his father, but unfortunately, he has no chance.

He glanced at Lu Lin sideways and said, "What are the people of Jincheng thinking? I understand them less and less. Weren't we supposed to be saving the country and its people and resisting foreign enemies?"

Lu Lin remained silent, only pushing the coffee towards him as a gesture of comfort.

Dou Wenliang looked at him, then suddenly burst into laughter, swearing, "What the hell is this?!"

Shen Rong heard Dou Wenliang laughing loudly from outside and assumed that the two were having a good chat.

Just then, Sheng Ruyue came downstairs. She put Xiaoming down and went over to ask her, "Are you feeling any better? Should you go to the hospital to get checked out?"

Sheng Ruyue shook her head and drank a glass of water: "Sister-in-law, I'm fine."

Shen Rong was about to instruct Zhang Ma to bring out breakfast for her when Sheng Ruyue said it wasn't necessary.

"How can you not eat?" She reached out and touched her hand; thankfully, she didn't have a fever.

"Sister-in-law, I'm really fine. I'm not sick. I'm just a little sleepy."

Shen Rong: "Lu Chang said you're sick and has already asked for leave for you, so don't go to work today."

When Sheng Ruyue heard Lu Chang's name, her face stiffened for a moment, but she kept her head down, so Shen Rong didn't notice.

Where are the others?

Shen Rong: "I went to cover the news; something happened on West Street."

"Have you... found the murderer?" Sheng Ruyue asked.

Shen Rong warmed up a glass of milk for her: "It won't be that fast, the police are still investigating."

Sheng Ruyue choked a little, and Shen Rong gently patted her back: "Slow down." Why are your hands shaking? Could it be that you're too sick?

Shen Rong got up to take her to the hospital, but Sheng Ruyue refused to move: "I'm really fine, sister-in-law. I was just startled by what I heard."

Since she had already asked for leave for her, Sheng Ruyue simply went back to lie down.

As Shen Rong watched her retreating figure go upstairs, she felt that she didn't seem to be sick, but rather frightened.

Dou Wenliang had lunch at the Lu family's house, and afterwards he played chess with Lu Lin.

As evening approached, Director Du from the Education Bureau suddenly came to Lu Lin's door.

Director Du looked apologetic, saying that he had an urgent document that required Lu Lin's approval, which was why he had come to the door so abruptly. He was curious to see Dou Wenliang there.

"I didn't know the young marshal was here. If I had known, I would have come later. Am I disturbing your conversation?"

Dou Wenliang threw the chess pieces into the box, smiled at him and said, "We don't have anything to talk about. I'm going back tomorrow, so I came over to catch up with him. Playing chess for half a day was quite boring, and I was just wondering what excuse I could use to go home. Your arrival is just in time."

Lu Lin went to the study, signed the documents, and returned them to Director Du.

Dou Wenliang also picked up his clothes, preparing to go back with the other person: "Alright, no need to see me off. Let's meet again next time I come to Shanghai. You don't need to see me off tomorrow either. It's too much trouble. It's not like we won't see each other again."

Xiao Ming ran over to Lu Lin for a hug, and Dou Wenliang went over and pinched the little boy's cheek: "Uncle will bring you something fun again next time he comes."

Xiao Ming nodded obediently: "Thank you, Uncle."

The group walked outside, and Director Du got into the car first with a smile. Dou Wenliang smiled and whispered to Lu Lin, "I caught a big one for you, how about it? Didn't expect that, did you?"

After saying that, he smiled and got into the car, waving his hand twice.

Director Du, sitting in the front, smiled and said, "I didn't expect the young marshal and Commander Lu to be such good friends."

Dou Wenliang leaned back, speaking casually and calmly: "After all, we've worked together, so there's bound to be some friendship between us. But we just don't get along. You don't know how boring your Commander Lu is. He's good at nothing but eating, drinking, and having fun, and he's even afraid of his wife. We're not the same kind of people."

He enjoys a life of revelry and unrestrained freedom, and dislikes rules the most, while Lu Lin has too many rules.

He shook his head and sighed, "He's just quite capable. I played chess with him all day and I was almost bored to death. If someone else treated me like this, I would have lost my temper long ago. But someone as dedicated as you, your Commander Lu should like you."

He patted Director Du's shoulder vigorously and laughed.

Director Du smiled and agreed, then brought up the Wen family's daughter's wedding again: "Young Marshal, will you return tomorrow and not attend the weddings of the Wen and Lin families before you leave?"

Dou Wenliang shook his head: "No, Pingcheng can't do without me, there's a ton of stuff to do."

Director Du's lips twitched. Would anyone believe him if he said that? He'd stayed in Shanghai for so long because he couldn't live without you.

However, since the Wen family was only marrying off their daughter, it was understandable that Dou Wenliang did not participate.

As Shen Rong watched the car drive away, she asked Lu Lin, "Who is this Director Du?"

Lu Lin turned to look at her, his expression not quite right: "You need to be more careful when dealing with this Director Du in the future, especially when it comes to Lin Wenxuan. Think more carefully before you speak."

Shen Rong opened her mouth wide: "He is..." He is the person behind Lin Shaojie.

"So, he came to our door today because he suspects us?" Shen Rong asked with some worry.

Lu Lin shook his head: "He came with Dou Wenliang."

Lu Lin sneered, “It’s because the people of Jincheng don’t trust Dou Wenliang, fearing they might cause trouble behind our backs.”

"Then why are you looking so gloomy?" Shen Rong thought that someone had become suspicious of her.

Lu Lin turned his head away, sighed, and remained silent, his expression grave. He simply felt that Dou Wenliang's reaction today was somewhat unusual, and he was afraid that he might do something impulsive.