Chapter 41 Extra 1
*
It was already October when Wen Ying heard news about Zheng Di again.
At that time, the sycamore trees outside the window were a sea of yellow, and the sun shone in through the gaps between the leaves, casting a mottled and blurry light and shadow on the walls of the living room.
Wen Ying was standing in front of the kitchen counter washing fruit, while the local news was playing casually on TV.
"… The case of corruption and bribery against former Minshi Justice Bureau Deputy Director Zheng Yongzhi was heard and sentenced by the Jiangcheng Intermediate People's Court, as designated by the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection… He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and deprived of political rights for life… Other suspected criminals discovered during the trial will be investigated separately."
The wind blows, and the shadows of the sycamore trees outside the window sway endlessly.
Shen Li opened the door and came in from outside, holding a box in his hand.
Wen Ying put down the fruit and went over to take it: "Did you buy anything?"
Chen Li said they were all daily necessities: "I saw your shampoo was almost out when I was washing up this morning. I happened to be passing by the supermarket on my way back, so I bought you some new ones."
Wen Ying opened it and took a look. It was the brand and flavor she usually used. She couldn't help but laugh at him: "It's the same as the housekeeper."
Shen Liteng reached out and scratched Wen Ying's nose: "Is the housekeeper talking about me?"
He took off his windbreaker and came in. The TV was showing footage of Zheng Yongzhi's trial. Shen Li paused.
The man who was once full of vigor and vitality now hung his head, his eyes and eyebrows drooped, and most of his meticulous hair turned gray.
It was not until the news was finished and the anchor began to read the next piece of financial news that Shen Li returned to normal and walked towards the cooking table.
Wen Ying placed the freshly washed apples on a plate, and Shen Li picked up a fruit knife to peel them. While peeling the apples, Shen Li suddenly said, "Zheng Di has been detained."
Wen Ying froze while packing her things, then turned back to look at Chen Li: "Is there really something wrong with her?"
Zheng Di had been missing for some time. As a direct relative of Zheng Yongzhi, her request to cooperate with the investigation was standard procedure, and no one took it seriously. Over time, attention faded, and few people discussed the matter anymore.
It was not until three or four months later that Hengyi suddenly removed Zheng Di's introduction from its official website without any warning, which caused rumors to spread that Zheng Di also had problems and had been investigated.
Shen Li's words confirmed the rumor.
"When Zheng Yongzhi got into trouble, I prayed that she could be cleared of all charges. Unfortunately," Shen Li lowered his head, "things didn't go as planned."
Shen Li and Zheng Di have been classmates since high school. They have been studying and working together all the way and are two students that all professors are proud of.
A hint of regret crossed Shen Li's brows. "She was talented and capable, what a shame. Zheng Yongzhi's verdict was announced today. Several of my professors took turns calling me this morning, but I didn't dare answer any of them."
Wen Ying said, "You're afraid they'll ask about Zheng Di, aren't you?"
Chen Li nodded, cut the peeled apple into small pieces and placed them in a bone china bowl beside him. "I don't feel sorry for Zheng Di. She deserves to be punished for her wrongdoing. It's just that—most of the teachers are in their sixties. I don't know how to talk to them."
Wen Ying walked over and stroked Shen Li's broad back. "She's still young, so it won't be difficult for her to start over. Professors have been teaching for decades and have seen countless students. You may think they are too fragile."
Shen Li's expression finally softened, and he handed the sliced apple to Wen Ying: "You're right, I'll call them back later."
The two were silent for a long time.
The crisp, sweet and delicious apple juice burst in her mouth, bringing a hint of coolness to Wen Ying and freeing her from her somewhat depressed mood.
The scenery of this season is what Wen Ying misses the most. She looks at the vigorous branches and leaves of the sycamore trees outside the window and can't help but call out to Chen Li: "Look, the sycamore trees outside are turning yellow again."
Chen Li followed her gaze and said, "They say a single leaf signals the coming of autumn. No wonder you love autumn-leaved sycamore trees the most. This old-style house is truly the perfect match for such a scene."
She was surprised: "How do you know that I like autumn leaves and sycamore the most?"
Chen Li had a helpless smile on his face: "Wen Ying, I still remember everything you said, but how come you forgot it?"
She was still blank: "What did I say?"
"You said you like this old brick house with a view of the sycamore trees the most. Even if you buy a house in the future, you must buy an old house like this."
Even after Shen Li repeated what he had said, Wen Ying still had no recollection of it. She racked her brains, but ultimately failed. "You made this up yourself, didn't you? Why don't I remember saying this?"
Shen Li shook his head and said seriously, "Based on facts is the most basic professional ethics of a prosecutor. Wen Ying, don't turn the tables on others because you have a bad memory. Saying that the prosecutor fabricated it is a very serious insult."
Wen Ying found it amusing: "Since you said this myself, why don't I remember it? You make your claim, you provide evidence, go ahead, let me hear your testimony."
Chen Li put his arm around Wen Ying's shoulders and helped her recall: "At that time, you had just started college. During the summer vacation, you suddenly wanted to make some money, so you ran away to tutor. When you got your first paycheck, your father joked that at this rate, you would be able to buy a house and a car in no time."
In the distant blur, the vague outline of this incident gradually emerged in Wen Ying's mind.
It seemed like there was such a happy day. She was young and full of energy. Her father who loved her was still alive. Shen Li, whom she had a crush on, was smiling quietly beside her.
"You were very proud and said that if you had the money to buy a house, you would buy it in this building. Dad was surprised and said that young people nowadays don't like this kind of brick and stone residential buildings. They prefer high-rise buildings with elevators."
Wen Ying followed the sudden recollection and walked forward: "...I said, because only the streets outside these old brick buildings have dense autumn-leaved sycamore trees. I like autumn-leaved sycamore trees, and if I buy a house, I want to buy one with sycamore trees outside the windows."
Shen Li smiled: "Remember it?"
Wen Ying finally realized, "When we got married, Mom and Dad clearly prepared a new house for us, but you insisted on not moving and wanted to live here, saying it was closest to your workplace. Could it be..."
"During the three years you were in Jiangcheng, I thought about selling this house countless times, but every time I couldn't bear to do so. You've been smart since you were a child, but you're so slow on this matter. Wen Ying, your casual words have stayed with me for many years."
Wen Ying leaned her head gently on Shen Li's shoulder.
She was lucky, Wen Ying thought. No matter how slow she was, no matter how many twists and turns she went through, at least Shen Li was still Shen Li, and Wen Ying was still Wen Ying.
The parasol trees outside the window swayed, casting a tender yellow halo in Wen Ying's eyes.
If happiness had a concrete appearance, perhaps it would be like these circles of yellow ripples, gentle and quiet, always waiting for you to discover them outside the window.
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