Chapter 146 Extra 3: Liang Jiushan's Story - A Dream of the Past Life
In the summer of 1999, the air in Kyoto was filled with the sweet fragrance of gardenias and the melancholy of parting. The graduation ceremony of the Computer Science Department of Kyoto University had just ended, and Liang Jiushan, as one of the outstanding graduates, stood at another crossroads in his life.
Under his leadership and with the joint efforts of his colleagues, "StarShield Technology" has grown from an initial studio into a well-known technology company in the fields of cybersecurity and public safety data analysis. It has secured several rounds of substantial investment and has a bright future. The company's partners and investors all expect him, as the core technology and decision-maker, to dedicate himself fully to leading the company to even greater heights.
However, amidst countless congratulatory and expectant gazes, Liang Jiushan's heart had already flown back to Yancheng, thousands of miles away, back to that calm figure in police uniform beside him.
Just as he was dealing with graduation matters and thinking about how to approach his partners, a phone call from Yancheng struck like a thunderbolt, shattering all his plans.
It's Jiang Ling.
On the phone, her voice remained calm, but Liang Jiushan keenly detected a hint of suppressed fatigue and tension. She briefly told him that Qian Darong had been released from prison, possibly related to a recent serial murder case, and that the police were investigating it with all their might, urging him and his sister to be extra careful in the near future.
Qian Darong!
This name was like a rusty key, instantly unlocking a dusty door filled with darkness and hatred deep within Liang Jiushan's memory. That beast who had long bullied and humiliated him, who had tried to rape his sister on that rainy night!
Although Jiang Ling tried to remain calm and only provided the necessary information, Liang Jiushan's heart tightened instantly. He knew Jiang Ling too well; the more understated she was, the more serious the situation meant. She was bearing immense pressure alone, facing a familiar yet dangerous enemy, and the potential social panic it might cause.
A surge of intense worry and an almost instinctive unease instantly overwhelmed him. He could almost picture Jiang Ling working tirelessly day and night on the case, analyzing clues and planning actions under immense pressure. He couldn't stay in Kyoto any longer, methodically handling company affairs; he had to go back! Immediately! Right now!
He wanted to get back to her as quickly as possible, to become her strength, not someone she needed to remotely remind him to be careful.
After hanging up the phone, Liang Jiushan handled various matters with astonishing efficiency, while simultaneously convening an emergency board meeting to frankly state his decision.
"Everyone, I'm very sorry to make this request during this period of company growth. I must return to Yancheng immediately; there are very important and urgent matters at home that need to be addressed." His gaze swept over the several shocked and puzzled partners, his tone firm and unwavering. "The company's daily operations and technological research and development will be fully handled by General Manager Zhang and General Manager Li. I have faith in your abilities. I will sign an agreement to transfer most of my operational decision-making power, retaining only 30% of the technology dividend shares. Furthermore, the three core patents I recently spearheaded the application for will be owned by me personally, but the company will be granted permanent, free use of them."
The meeting room erupted in an uproar.
Giving up decision-making power and providing patents free of charge means that he is practically doing "charity" for the company in exchange for the freedom to walk away.
"Jiu Shan, what's the matter that's so urgent? The company needs you!"
"Has something terrible happened at home? Do you need our help?"
"Is there a better place to go? What conditions did they offer? We can accept that!"
Liang Jiushan shook his head, his eyes deep: "It's not about money, nor is it about other companies. It's something I have to do, to meet someone. This matter, this person, is more important than any business success. Please understand, and please believe me, even when I'm not in the company, I remain Star Shield's strongest supporter. I will continue to provide consultation and support for the company's core technologies remotely."
His attitude was so resolute, even bordering on desperate, that the partners ultimately had no choice but to accept the arrangement. They knew Liang Jiushan; once he made a decision, it was almost impossible to change it. Moreover, the arrangement he left behind did not cause any substantial loss to the company and even preserved channels for future technological cooperation.
After handling the company's most critical matters, Liang Jiushan packed his bags as quickly as possible and boarded a flight to Yancheng.
Outside the airplane window, a sea of clouds rolled by, but his heart had already arrived in that familiar city. Anxiety and worry entwined around his heart like vines. He repeatedly recalled every word Jiang Ling had said on the phone, trying to understand her state of mind. He knew that what she needed right now wasn't a worried younger brother, but a reliable professional who could truly help.
He remembered another path he had already paved.
As early as six months ago, based on Xingdun Technology's technological achievements in the field of public security and the tacit understanding of long-term cooperation, Director Zhong of Yancheng Public Security Bureau contacted him, hoping to invite him to join the "Data Center" that the Municipal Bureau was building through "special talent introduction" and serve as a core technical position, with the police rank being directly assessed as a professional and technical level three police inspector.
Now, this is the best opportunity and the best reason.
As soon as he got off the plane, Liang Jiushan didn't go home first, nor did he even tell his sister that he was back. He immediately dialed Director Zhong's number.
"Director Zhong, hello, this is Liang Jiushan... Yes, I've returned to Yancheng and can complete the formalities at any time. Okay, thank you! I'll come over to report right away."
After hanging up the phone, Liang Jiushan let out a long sigh of relief. The first step was successful.
He now had a legitimate reason to get close to her as quickly as possible and intervene in the case.
After officially reporting for duty and completing the onboarding procedures, Liang Jiushan instructed Director Zhong to keep it a secret. He knew that Jiang Ling was currently fully focused on the case and would not want to be disturbed, much less interfere with his work due to personal feelings.
He suppressed the urge to rush to the Municipal Public Security Bureau to find her, and went to Jiang Ling's house in Ping'anli. He sat on the stairs with his luggage, waiting for her to come home.
He knew that Jiang Ling must be under unimaginable pressure. That seemingly strong figure was probably chewing on exhaustion and anxiety alone at this moment. He longed to appear in front of her immediately and tell her, "I'm back, I'm here to help you," but he couldn't.
He had to wait, wait for the moment she stopped working and came home.
Then, as he wished, he met Jiang Ling who had returned home, gave her a hug, told her that none of this was her fault, and then fought alongside her. Finally, with minimal casualties, they killed the serial killer Tu Jianxiong and brought his accomplice Qian Darong to justice.
October 1999.
After recovering from his injuries, Liang Jiushan went to the data center to report for duty.
"Sister Ling, new police officer Liang Jiushan is reporting for duty!" He stood at attention, saluted, his voice booming, a barely suppressed smile playing on his lips, his gaze fixed on Jiang Ling standing by the window, as if she were the only person in the world.
Jiang Ling turned her head upon hearing the sound.
The skinny boy of yesteryear has grown into a broad-shouldered, long-legged young man. His handsome features have lost their youthful naiveté, replaced by composure and sharpness. His well-fitting police uniform makes him look dashing. But the way he looks at her remains clear and focused, carrying an unmistakable intensity.
A burst of laughter filled the office.
Li Zhenliang, Liu Haoran, and Zhou Wei were all seasoned technical detectives. Upon seeing Liang Jiushan, they immediately beamed with joy, stuffing washed fruit into his hands and saying with smiles, "Welcome, welcome! You've come at the perfect time. Our data analysis is now even more powerful!"
Liang Jiushan walked to Jiang Ling's side. Jiang Ling looked at the police rank on his shoulder and smiled, "Jiushan, after going around in circles, you still came."
“Because you are here.” Liang Jiushan said softly, his gaze focused and gentle. “I said I would stand by your side in my own way.”
At that moment, perhaps it was because his gaze was too intense, or perhaps it was because he had been waiting for these words for too long, Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat.
After becoming colleagues, we worked side by side and gradually developed a tacit understanding.
With his outstanding computer skills and data analysis abilities, Liang Jiushan quickly became a key technical member of the team, and also Jiang Ling's most capable assistant and most steadfast protector. He would carefully prepare warm green tea for her, silently stay by her side to analyze data when she stayed up late reviewing case files, and subconsciously protect her behind him when they went out on field missions.
His love was both blatant and meticulous, so focused that everyone could see it clearly.
One late night, after working overtime for several days on a long-standing case, the team finally found a key breakthrough. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and rested, exhausted.
Liang Jiushan was taking a nap on his desk when he fell into an incredibly real and chilling dream.
Not fragmented pieces, but a complete, breathtaking life.
He dreamt that his sister, Liang Qiqiao, was raped by Qian Darong. Under pressure, she chose to reconcile, but couldn't bear the rumors and chose to commit suicide. When she was found, she was lying in the bathroom with a deep wound on her wrist. Blood stained the tiles, and her beautiful eyes were open blankly, devoid of any light.
Endless darkness and destructive rage instantly engulfed him.
He dreamt that he tore up the admission notice from Yancheng No. 1 High School, grabbed a kitchen knife, and rushed to the Qian family's house like a madman, only to find no one there. A neighbor told him that the Qian family had moved away a few days ago. At that moment, his heart roared, cursing this unfair world!
He left Yancheng, this place of sorrow, like a walking corpse, with only one thought in his mind: to find Qian Darong and take revenge!
Six years of wandering, six years of arduous pursuit, enduring wind and rain, and suffering countless scornful looks—all his youth and future were condensed into a deep-seated hatred. He became gloomy and obsessive, his eyes fixed solely on his goal.
He finally found Qian Darong, who had changed his name and returned from studying abroad to visit relatives. That scumbag who ruined his sister and everything about him was still alive!
The conflict, the struggle, the feeling of the cold blade piercing flesh were crystal clear… Qian Darong fell into a pool of blood, his eyes wide open, filled with shock and resentment. He stood beside him, his hands stained with the warm blood of his enemy, his heart filled only with a desolate, deathly silence. In court, when the judge asked him if he had anything to say, he uttered only four words: “I have no regrets.”
Then came a long prison sentence.
High walls, electric fences, monotonous prison clothes, silent labor. He became pale, thin, and taciturn. He diligently reformed himself, behaving properly, but his soul seemed to have died. Only during the brief daily exercise time would he lean against the cold, high walls, staring blankly at the occasional bird flying across the four corners of the sky, muttering to himself:
"My older sister gets excellent grades, and her dream is to become a primary school teacher..."
"That year she was a senior in high school. If nothing unexpected had happened, she would have been admitted to a teachers' college and become a good teacher, but..."
"If my sister hadn't died."
"If only time could turn back..."
"If I could live again..."
The endless regret, despair, and longing contained in those muttered words were like a dull knife, repeatedly cutting into his heart in his dreams.
"...to be reborn..."
"...A second chance at life!"
Liang Jiushan jolted awake from his nightmare! His heart pounded wildly, almost bursting out of his chest. He was drenched in cold sweat, and his eyes were still damp with a chill. Immense grief, despair, and resentment clung to him like a nightmare, making it hard for him to breathe.
He was breathing heavily, and he raised his head—
Just then, I saw Jiang Ling walking over with a cup of hot tea.
Jiang Ling was stunned when she saw that he was pale, covered in sweat, and trembling all over, as if he had just been pulled out of the water: "Jiu Shan? What's wrong with you? Did you have a nightmare?"
Looking into her clear, serene eyes, filled with genuine worry, fragments of his broken, painful, yet incredibly real dreams flooded his mind like a burst dam, intertwining, overlapping, and confirming the images of her timely appearance in reality, changing everything.
My older sister is alive and well; she is cheerful and optimistic, and has become a beloved teacher.
He graduated from university and is successful in his career;
Qian Darong was sent to a juvenile detention center and received the punishment he deserved.
And he, in his police uniform, stood guard by her side...
The immense shock and sudden realization made Liang Jiushan understand everything in an instant.
That wasn't a dream.
That was... their real, cold, and desperate past life, which didn't involve Jiang Ling.
It's Jiang Ling!
It was she, reborn into this life, who defied fate and pulled him and his sister back from the abyss of despair.
Tears welled up unexpectedly. He stood up abruptly and, to Jiang Ling's astonishment, pulled her into a tight embrace, almost with all his might. His arms were clenched tightly, and his body trembled slightly uncontrollably from the overwhelming emotional shock and lingering fear.
“Sister Ling, Jiang Ling…” His voice was choked with emotion, filled with immense relief at regaining what he had lost, deep-seated love, and endless gratitude. “I know, I know everything. Thank you, thank you for being there. Thank you, you changed everything.”
Thank you for making my sister and me live a peaceful life; thank you for preventing me from turning to crime; thank you for giving me the chance to love and protect you properly in this life, instead of spending the rest of my life in prison with endless hatred and regret.
Jiang Ling was initially stunned, bewildered by his intense emotions and rambling words. But soon, from his trembling embrace and broken, choked words, she understood.
Liang Jiushan seemed to have learned something.
They learned of her tragic fate and everything she had done.
She calmed down, and the hand that had been slightly raised to push him away slowly lowered. After hesitating for a moment, she finally gently and somewhat clumsily patted his violently heaving back, as if comforting a child who had been greatly frightened.
After a long while, Liang Jiushan slowly calmed down from that huge emotional storm, but he was reluctant to let go, as if if he did, everything in front of him would disappear like a dream. He stepped back slightly, but still kept a very close distance, lowered his head, his forehead gently touching hers, their breaths mingling, his eyes filled with an intense affection that transcended two lifetimes, along with relief and lingering fear.
"In this life, it's my turn to protect you." He looked into her eyes, so close to his own, and spoke each word with the solemnity of a vow, "Whether as a police officer or as Liang Jiushan, Jiang Ling, I came for you. This life and this heart belong to you."
He no longer concealed anything, nor did he need to. All the deliberate approach, all the careful protection, all the selfless efforts, all boiled down to this one sentence: I am yours.
Jiang Ling gazed into his moist eyes, which were filled with a passionate and open emotion she had never seen before, as if it had traversed endless time and suffering, finally settling steadily and gently upon her.
Her cold, still heart was stirred as if a scalding pebble had been thrown into it, sending ripples spreading outwards, bringing unprecedented warmth and a profound impact. She looked at him, as if seeing for the first time the "younger brother" who had always followed her so clearly.
Silence spread through the office, broken only by the sound of their hurried breathing.
After a long while, Jiang Ling finally let out a slow, extremely soft sigh, a sigh carrying a sense of relief and a barely perceptible tenderness. She looked up, meeting his tense and focused gaze, and smiled faintly yet genuinely, responding softly:
"good."
Without question, without hesitation, just a simple word, yet it seemed to have exhausted all her strength and accepted all his heavy and burning emotions.
The gentle starlight from the window bathed the two people standing opposite each other, lengthening their shadows and merging them together. This time, their path was no longer Liang Jiushan's solitary pursuit and admiration, but a true journey side by side.
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