Chapter 147 Extra 4: Liang Jiushan's Story - Meeting the Parents
In September 2000, Liang Jiushan followed Jiang Ling to the provincial department to establish a crime prevention analysis center.
The establishment of the crime prevention center was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, with ripples quickly spreading throughout the province's public security system. As the core coordinator, Jiang Ling shouldered an unprecedented burden. Building the framework, integrating data from various regions, training personnel, and responding to emergencies—the work consumed almost all of her time.
Liang Jiushan, as the core of the technology team, and her deputy were equally busy. But he always managed to arrange everything in an orderly manner and could always accurately grasp Jiang Ling's needs.
In the early morning, when Jiang Ling stepped into the office, there would always be a cup of perfectly warm green tea on her desk, sometimes with a piece of her favorite old-brand mung bean cake from Yancheng, and sometimes with a few washed strawberries—he knew that she occasionally needed sweets to replenish her energy, but he was also afraid that she would consume too much sugar.
When Jiang Ling stayed up late analyzing data, he wouldn't disturb her too much. He would simply adjust the office air conditioning to the most comfortable temperature and, when she occasionally rubbed her temples, he would offer her a cup of warm milk or a refreshing fruit salad.
Liang Jiushan is an excellent cook; he can make delicious and nutritious dishes from simple ingredients.
"Don't stay up too late, you have a meeting at the Tanzhou Municipal Bureau tomorrow." He would remind you in a low voice, his tone full of genuine concern, without any coercion.
Jiang Ling looked up and always met his gentle and focused gaze. That gaze was like a fine net, silently enveloping her, carrying an unmistakable attachment and protectiveness. She gradually grew accustomed to his presence and his meticulous care.
This habit, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water, led her to become deeply entrenched in it by the time she realized it, finding it sweet and enjoyable.
He would use the excuse of discussing technical solutions to linger in her office after work. Sometimes they would just quietly do their own thing, occasionally glancing up at each other with a smile, and the air would be filled with an unspoken understanding and tranquility. He liked to secretly and for a long time watch her when she was engrossed in her work, watching her slightly furrowed brows, watching her sometimes typing rapidly on the keyboard and sometimes deep in thought, feeling that he could never get enough of looking at her.
This attachment was blatant, yet restrained and polite. He never crossed the line, always maintaining just the right distance, yet constantly announcing his presence.
The colleagues in the analysis center had long been aware of this, and they often joked in private that Liang Jiushan was "Director Jiang's personal fairy godmother." Liang Jiushan would just smile and never deny it, his eyes filled with obvious pride.
Li Zhenliang and the others had practically watched Liang Jiushan grow up. They never imagined that the boy who went to the police station to report a fight with Qian Darong would one day become their colleague and pursue Jiang Ling, who was five years older than him.
Jiang Ling never got married or dated in her previous life because she grew up in an orphanage and was inherently averse to intimate relationships.
But this life brought many changes. She found her biological parents and realized that she was loved and expected to be loved; she used her memories of her past life's criminal records to save many people and earned their respect; she practiced crime prevention principles, made advance preparations, and successfully stopped many crimes, which allowed her to realize her self-worth.
Jiang Ling was not heartless. The loneliness of her past life and the initial estrangement in this life gradually melted away under Liang Jiushan's persistent, passionate, and gentle advances.
She began to get used to having such a figure by her side, and to the warmth and thoughtfulness he brought. When she took the warm water he handed her, her fingertips would inadvertently touch his, and she would see his ears turn slightly red; when listening to his work report, she would notice that he had changed to a more composed hairstyle; when the group was working overtime and ordering food, she would naturally remind him, "Don't put cilantro in Jiu Shan's portion."
To Liang Jiushan, this subtle change was the sweetest honey in the world. He knew that she was gradually accepting him and opening the tightly closed door to her heart.
Half a year after being transferred to the provincial department, his work gradually got on track. One weekend evening, Liang Jiushan carefully prepared a table of authentic Hunan dishes, including spicy diced chicken, chopped chili fish head, and stir-fried beef with yellow peppers... The dishes were colorful, fragrant, and delicious, filling the not-so-large dining table in Jiang Ling's apartment.
In the rising steam, Liang Jiushan watched Jiang Ling eat, her nose sweating, her lips slightly swollen from the spiciness, yet her face full of satisfaction. His heart melted completely. He took a tissue and, with remarkable ease, gently wiped away a little oil stain from the corner of her lips.
The movements were gentle, with fingertips carrying a burning heat.
Jiang Ling was slightly taken aback and looked up at him.
Liang Jiushan did not avoid her gaze; his eyes were so tender they could drown a person.
He leaned in slowly, his movements deliberate and tentative, giving her ample time to refuse. His gaze was fixed on her eyes, his breathing quickened slightly, and his cool, clean aura enveloped her even more clearly.
Jiang Ling's body stiffened almost imperceptibly. The instinctive resistance to close contact that she had developed in the orphanage seemed to want to look up, but when she saw the pure and burning emotion in his eyes, and his bright and beautiful face filled with tension and expectation, that resistance strangely melted away.
She even... felt a faint sense of anticipation.
Her tacit consent and her slightly trembling eyelashes gave Liang Jiushan immense courage. Without further hesitation, he gently and tenderly kissed her lips.
At first, only four lips touched, a warm and soft touch, trembling slightly, whether from him or her, it was unclear. It was an extremely innocent and pure kiss, full of tentative exploration and immense tenderness.
Jiang Ling closed her eyes.
The discomfort and rejection she had anticipated did not materialize. His lips were soft, with a reassuring warmth and his unique, refreshing scent, which strangely soothed her unease. She could even feel the rapid pounding of his heart, transmitted through their close chests, each beat striking her heart.
So this is what kissing someone you like feels like. It's not an invasion, not a burden, but an indescribable intimacy and peace of mind.
Liang Jiushan sensed her compliance and even noticed her initially stiff body gradually relaxing, which emboldened him slightly. He tentatively and very gently sucked on her lower lip, as if savoring the most precious candy in the world.
A slight electric current instantly surged through Jiang Ling's spine, causing her fingertips to tingle slightly.
Liang Jiushan gently cupped her face, his fingertips softly brushing against her earlobe, deepening the kiss. His kissing skills were still clumsy, but they were full of sincerity and fervent emotion, as if he wanted to convey all the longing and affection accumulated over two lifetimes to her through this kiss.
A sweet and ambiguous atmosphere filled the air.
After what seemed like an eternity, Liang Jiushan reluctantly released her. His forehead pressed against hers, their noses rubbing together, their breaths hot and rapid.
Seeing Jiang Ling slowly open her eyes, Liang Jiushan's heart melted completely. He gently stroked her slightly flushed cheek with his thumb, his voice hoarse: "Sister Ling, I love you."
He had rehearsed these words in his mind a thousand times, and now they finally came out with burning warmth and profound sincerity.
Jiang Ling's heart skipped a beat.
Looking at the face so close to hers, filled with deep affection and trepidation, feeling the lingering tingling sensation on her lips and his scent surrounding her, Jiang Ling felt as if she were bathed in sunlight, with a spring breeze blowing, and lush vegetation and blooming flowers.
Her heart was pounding rapidly, thump! thump! thump!
With each heartbeat, it seemed to tell her that the man before her truly loved her.
She didn't speak, but simply raised her head slightly and gently placed a brief, yet incredibly passionate kiss on his lips.
Then, looking into his eyes, which widened instantly and were filled with unbelievable ecstasy, she replied softly but with unwavering clarity: "I know."
I love you too.
She silently finished the second half of the sentence in her heart. Some things don't need to be said aloud; they are already understood by each other.
Overjoyed, Liang Jiushan embraced her tightly, resting his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the faint fragrance of her hair, feeling as if he possessed the whole world.
"Sister Ling, shouldn't we let Uncle and Aunt know about our relationship? I'd like to... pay them a formal and respectful visit."
He knew her family situation was special, and the regained family ties were incredibly precious to her. He longed for her family's approval, and to be able to stand by her side legitimately and be a part of her life.
Jiang Ling looked up at the undisguised expectation and a hint of nervousness in his eyes, and remained silent for a few seconds. She had actually been thinking about this for a while, but she was too busy with work and didn't know how to introduce this young man, who was several years younger than her, to her family.
“Okay.” She finally nodded, her tone gentle. “My parents, my grandma, and my sister all know about you. My dad… he might be a little serious, please don’t mind.”
Liang Jiushan's eyes lit up instantly, as if filled with stars: "I'm not afraid! As long as I can be with you, I'm not afraid of any test."
In early autumn, the sun shines just right, neither too hot nor too cold.
On a sunny weekend, Liang Jiushan, carrying carefully prepared gifts, followed Jiang Ling and stepped into the Lin family home in Kyoto for the first time.
The Lin family was a typical scholarly family combined with a police family background, possessing both the elegance of cultured people and an inviolable sense of righteousness. The small courtyard was planted with flowers and plants and kept clean and tidy.
The person who opened the door was Jiang Ling's mother, Xiao Wenjuan. She was a middle-aged woman with a gentle temperament and kind eyes. When she saw Jiang Ling, a warm smile immediately bloomed on her face. When she saw Liang Jiushan, who was tall and handsome behind Jiang Ling and looked a little nervous, her smile deepened, with a hint of scrutiny, but more so with curiosity and welcome.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm Liang Jiushan." Liang Jiushan immediately bowed slightly, his tone respectful yet sincere, and handed over the beautifully wrapped gift in his hand. "I heard from Sister Ling that you like to drink tea. This is some pre-Qingming Longjing tea, and a set of Ru kiln tea set. I hope you like it." He remembered that Jiang Ling had mentioned that her mother was a Chinese language teacher before she retired and had a refined taste.
Xiao Wenjuan smiled and accepted the gift: "It's good that you're here, no need to be so polite. Come in, Xiaoling, your dad is in the study, and Grandma and Nianxiao are in the living room."
Entering the living room, an elderly woman with silver hair, a kind face, and bright eyes was wearing reading glasses and instructing a young girl in front of an embroidery frame. The girl bore a resemblance to Jiang Ling in her features, but was more lively and spirited; she was none other than her younger sister, Lin Nianxiao. The elderly woman, of course, was Grandma Zheng Huishu, the inheritor of Hunan embroidery.
"Grandma, Nianxiao, we're back." Jiang Ling's voice was much gentler.
Lin Nianxiao immediately looked up, her eyes wide, and curiously examined Liang Jiushan with a sly smile on her face: "Wow, sis, is this the genius programmer brother you've been hiding? He's much more handsome than in the photos!"
Liang Jiushan was a little embarrassed by what was said, but still greeted them in a generous manner: "Hello, Grandma, hello, Nianxiao. I am Liang Jiushan."
He turned to his grandmother and presented her with another gift box: "Grandma, I heard from Sister Ling that you are an expert in Hunan embroidery. These are some rare copies of Hunan embroidery line charts and needlework diagrams from the late Qing Dynasty that I asked a friend to find, along with some fine silk threads. I hope you will find them useful."
Upon hearing this, Grandma Zheng Huishu put down her needle in surprise, took the gift box, opened it, and examined it carefully. Her eyes immediately lit up, and she took Liang Jiushan's hand, praising him repeatedly: "Oh, you child! How thoughtful of you! This musical score is hard to find, it's kind of you to think of an old woman like me. Please sit down, please sit down!"
At that moment, the study door opened. Lin Weidong walked out. He stood tall and straight, and although he was over fifty, his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, and he exuded an imposing aura without being angry. Even his casual home clothes could not hide the powerful presence he had cultivated over a long period of holding a high position and working in criminal investigation.
His gaze immediately fell on Liang Jiushan, scrutinizing him with a sharpness that seemed to pierce through one's heart.
Liang Jiushan immediately stood up, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant, and bowed respectfully: "Uncle Lin, hello. I am Liang Jiushan."
Lin Weidong gave a faint "hmm," walked to the main sofa, sat down, and looked him over: "I heard from Xiao Ling that you were a special talent introduced to work in computers?"
“Yes, Uncle. When I was studying in Kyoto, I started a database business with my classmates. Later, because I participated in the construction of the data center of Yancheng Public Security Bureau, the bureau felt that my technology could help prevent crime, so they let me join the data center of the Criminal Investigation Detachment. Later, I followed Sister Ling to the provincial department.”
"Yes, it's a good thing that young people are capable." Lin Weidong's tone remained calm. "But the police profession relies not only on skills, but also on a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and a strong sense of justice. Xiaoling works hard and is under a lot of pressure. What she needs are people around her who can share the burden and provide support, not people who require her to take extra care of her."
The warning in those words was quite obvious. Jiang Ling frowned slightly, about to speak.
Liang Jiushan spoke first, his attitude utterly sincere: "Uncle, you're right. I know how hard and responsible police work is. I'm working hard to learn the skills so that I can help Sister Ling and contribute to the police work in my own way. As for her life, please rest assured, I will take good care of her and will never let her worry about me." As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily turned to Jiang Ling, his eyes filled with unwavering tenderness and determination.
Lin Weidong, being a man of great stature, naturally did not miss the undisguised affection in Liang Jiushan's eyes when he looked at his daughter. His expression softened slightly, but he still did not budge, and instead began to examine Liang Jiushan's views on some current criminal investigation technical challenges.
Liang Jiushan was well-prepared. He not only answered fluently but also put forward some forward-looking ideas based on the latest technological trends. He even inadvertently pointed out a minor bottleneck in image enhancement technology that Lin Weidong's team had recently encountered and provided a feasible solution.
His words were full of respect for Lin Weidong: "Uncle, your portrait skills are the best in the country."
At the same time, he also emphasized his passion for police work: "Our ultimate goal in doing data analysis is to better support front-line investigations."
After their conversation, the scrutiny in Lin Weidong's eyes gradually gave way to surprise and admiration. This young man was not just a novice who could code, as he had imagined. He was quick-witted, had a broad vision, and was humble. More importantly, his feelings for his daughter seemed sincere and steady.
At lunchtime, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed. Liang Jiushan behaved impeccably, being polite and considerate. He proactively served food to the elders, praised Xiao's mother's cooking, chatted with his grandmother about the symbolism of embroidery patterns, and even caught a few jokes from Lin Nianxiao about internet slang, making everyone laugh. He carefully picked out the peppercorns from the spicy chicken and naturally placed the tenderest piece of meat from the fish face into Jiang Ling's bowl—all these small actions were noticed by everyone in the Lin family.
Xiao Wenjuan looked at Liang Jiushan with increasing satisfaction, a gentle smile on her face. She kept putting food on his plate, urging him to eat more. Grandma Zheng beamed with joy, praising Liang Jiushan for being sensible and considerate.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Lin Nianxiao jumped up to open the door: "It must be Brother Yunchen!"
Luo Yunchen entered. He was carrying a box of pastries. When he saw the happy family gathered together, especially Liang Jiushan sitting next to Jiang Ling, who had clearly integrated into the family, his smile paused slightly.
Luo Yunchen is Lin Weidong's prized disciple and one of the top criminal investigation sketch artists in the country. At a young age, he is already a key technical expert. He was brought to the Yan City Public Security Bureau by Lin Weidong and worked with Jiang Ling for a period of time. Although he was quickly transferred to the provincial department and then to Beijing after Jiang Ling went on to graduate school, he always harbored a subtle affection for this aloof and outstanding junior sister.
Although he knew that Jiang Ling only regarded him as a senior brother, he couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable when he saw Liang Jiushan suddenly appear.
"Master, Mistress, Grandma," Luo Yunchen greeted with a smile, then handed the pastries to Xiao Wenjuan. "I passed by Daoxiangcun and bought some of your favorite jujube blossom pastries."
His gaze shifted to Jiang Ling, his tone familiar, "Junior Sister, why didn't you tell me you were going back to the capital?" Finally, as if he'd just noticed Liang Jiushan, he asked, "And this is?"
“Liang Jiushan, my boyfriend,” Jiang Ling introduced calmly, her tone natural, as if she were talking about something perfectly ordinary.
These words were like a reassuring pill, putting Liang Jiushan's mind at ease, and his eyes shone with uncontrollable joy.
Luo Yunchen's smile faded slightly as he extended his hand: "Luo Yunchen, Xiao Ling's senior brother. I've heard a lot about you, Xiao Liang. I've heard Xiao Ling mention you; you're a technical talent." His tone carried a subtle hint of the critical and distant air of someone from his "family."
Liang Jiushan immediately stood up, shook hands with him, and said humbly, "Hello, Senior Brother Luo. Just call me Jiushan. I dare not call myself a talent in front of you. You are the real expert. Sister Ling often mentions you to me, saying that your portrait skills are superb and have helped them solve many major cases. I have always wanted to learn from you."
His words both flattered Luo Yunchen and highlighted his close relationship with Jiang Ling, displaying an extremely humble attitude.
After hearing what he said, Luo Yunchen couldn't show any more anger, so he could only smile and say, "Let's learn from each other."
At the dinner table, Luo Yunchen seemed to intentionally or unintentionally bring up some past experiences of working with Jiang Ling and discussing cases, his words revealing a tacit understanding that Liang Jiushan could not participate in.
Liang Jiushan listened attentively with a smile throughout, occasionally raising a precise question or two on technical details, demonstrating that he was not a novice but rather understood the professional aspects. When Luo Yunchen mentioned encountering a bottleneck in portrait drawing, Liang Jiushan casually chimed in, "Yes, cross-age portrait simulation is indeed a challenge, especially considering the impact of skeletal changes. Our data center has recently been trying to optimize this process using generative adversarial networks. Perhaps next time we could ask Senior Brother Luo to give us some guidance and see if we can combine it with traditional portrait drawing experience..."
He skillfully steered the conversation from "shared past experiences" to "future technological cooperation," respecting Luo Yunchen's expertise while showcasing his own value and vision.
Lin Weidong was quite interested upon hearing this and joined the discussion.
Xiao Wenjuan timely interrupted the men's work discussion and served everyone a bowl of soup. Lin Nianxiao secretly kicked Luo Yunchen under the table and gave him a wink, signaling him that that was enough.
Looking at Liang Jiushan's composed and appropriate demeanor, and then at Jiang Ling's silent yet visibly relaxed and even...subtle tenderness, Luo Yunchen's slight resentment and jealousy gradually dissipated. He had to admit that this young man was indeed outstanding, and genuinely kind to his junior sister.
After the meal, Liang Jiushan volunteered to help clear the table and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Xiao Wenjuan couldn't stop him. Luo Yunchen watched his skilled and busy figure in the kitchen, finally smiled with relief, walked to Jiang Ling's side, and whispered, "This kid is alright. Although he's a bit young and his position is a bit low, he's barely good enough for you. In the future, you'll handle external affairs and he'll handle internal affairs, so your abilities won't be wasted."
Jiang Ling looked up at him, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes: "Senior Brother."
At this moment, Liang Jiushan came out after washing the dishes. He saw Luo Yunchen and Jiang Ling talking together, paused slightly, and then walked over naturally and stood next to Jiang Ling. He asked softly, "Sister Ling, would you like some tea to help Uncle, Aunt, and Grandma digest? I brought some Pu'er tea cakes with me."
His natural, family-like attitude made everyone laugh. Lin Nianxiao teased, "Wow, so you're already taking care of your in-laws?"
Liang Jiushan's ears turned slightly red, but his eyes were bright as he looked at Jiang Ling with a questioning look and a hint of expectation.
Under the smiling gazes of her family, Jiang Ling nodded, a clear and gentle smile curving her lips: "Okay."
Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the two standing side by side in warmth and brightness. Lin Weidong looked at the rare yet genuinely happy smile on his daughter's face, and at the undisguised love and focus in Liang Jiushan's eyes, and his last lingering concerns vanished. He picked up the tea Liang Jiushan had brewed, took a sip, and nodded: "The tea is good."
Xiao Wenjuan and Grandma Zheng exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with relief. Seeing their eldest daughter, whom they had lost and then found again, finally meet a good man, all their previous worries vanished.
Luo Yunchen smiled and shook his head, completely letting go of any lingering feelings he had for Jiang Ling.
At this moment, with her loved one by her side and family by her side, Jiang Ling felt an unprecedented sense of peace and happiness. The lonely and cold archives of her past life, and the step-by-step planning after her rebirth in this life, all her efforts and perseverance seemed to have found their home at this moment.
Jiang Ling turned to look at the man beside her, who was a few years younger than her, yet had used all his strength to walk step by step to her side, and her heart was filled with a soft warmth.
As if sensing something, Liang Jiushan turned to look at her and gently took her hand. Their eyes met, and without a word, they saw only each other's reflections and an intense, unyielding affection.
Of all the lights in the world, one will eventually shine for him.
After countless trials and tribulations, there will eventually be one person who comes for her.
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That concludes Liang Jiushan's side story. The next chapter will be about Lin Xiaoyue and the police dog.
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