Chapter 178: Extra Chapter 24: The End
The ten-mile-long silver beach on the private island was deserted.
As dusk fell, the setting sun lost its glare and adorned the surging white waves with a soft, shimmering light.
Cheng Sangluo, wearing a tank top and floral shorts, with a large coconut tucked into his arms, ran towards his lover while shouting, "Wife! Wait for me!"
Lin Jin tilted her head back, holding her wide-brimmed straw hat, enjoying the sea breeze that still carried the warmth of the sea.
Hearing the anxious call, she casually put her hands behind her back, stepped on the soft sand, and gracefully twirled around.
Watching the figure sprint away in the distance, she laughed heartily, "Slow down!"
The wind was gentle, making the wet sundress look lifelike and messing up the hair on her shoulders.
Cheng Sangluo slammed on the brakes, handing the coconut to her lover and complaining pitifully, "You've gone so far in the blink of an eye, why didn't you wait for me?"
Lin Jin, holding her straw, winked at the mournful little dog and declared matter-of-factly, "Didn't someone say that twilight is the most beautiful time? Of course, we can't miss a single glance!"
"Shouldn't you be strolling on the beach with me and watching the sunset?" Cheng Sangluo complained, but immediately turned into a clingy leech, hugging his wife and spinning her around in circles. "Come on, I'll carry you on my back."
"My foot has been healed for so long, why should I let you carry me?" Lin Jin said, but she had already walked behind Cheng Sangluo and said arrogantly, "If you want to carry me, it's not impossible."
“My wife’s feet are so precious, they’re uncomfortable walking on sand. I’ll be the one to do the hard work, come on up.” Cheng Sangluo patted her back and quickly carried her on his back. “You can just drink your coconut and enjoy the beautiful sea view in peace.”
On the golden beach, the figures huddled together stretched out in long, long lines.
Cheng Sangluo wandered aimlessly, leaving a footprint with each step, which was then covered by the waves.
Lin Jin wrapped one arm around her neck and smiled as she offered her a straw, "Are you thirsty? You should have some too~"
Cheng Sangluo tilted her head, a straw dangling from her lips, her eyes crinkling with a smile, "Mmm~ Sweet and delicious~"
Lin Jin pressed his face close to her ear, cuddling her until he was satisfied, before softly asking, "Are you satisfied with the trip I planned?"
Cheng Sangluo jumped up and down with joy, "I'm not just satisfied, I love it to bits! I'd love to go anywhere as long as we're together."
"Sigh, if I don't bring you out for some fresh air, I'm afraid you'll become a depressed little dog. As long as you're happy, anything is fine." Lin Jin felt extremely distressed, thinking about how Cheng Sangluo got up early and stayed up late every day to tutor, with endless test papers and memorization of exam points. At night, she either suffered from insomnia or had nightmares and seizures. This anxiety had lasted for a whole year.
As soon as the college entrance exam was over, she quickly packed up her bags and flew to a private island for a vacation, where she stayed for more than half a month.
The mere mention of the exam caused Cheng Sangluo to become wary of making a series of wrong answers in the English multiple-choice section. She instantly wilted like a deflated eggplant, drooping her head and wailing, "What if I fail the exam? I'm so panicked."
"Now that the exams are over, leave the results to fate. Even if the results aren't great, you've already tried your best. You have to learn to accept it." Lin Jin comforted the puppy, then whispered in its ear, "Don't be afraid, your wife is here to support you. If you don't get into university, we'll open a supermarket. There's always a dream that can come true. Smile, okay?"
Cheng Sangluo forced a stiff smile, walked to the beach chair, and put the person on her back down.
She squatted down in front of her wife, carefully brushed the sand off her feet, and was about to speak when she was interrupted by the sudden ringing of her cell phone.
"Who is it?" She took out her phone, saw that it was Ji Nanxing calling, and quickly answered: "Captain Ji?"
Lin Jingang leaned down and, upon hearing that it was Ji Nanxing, pressed his ear to the back of the phone.
"There are two pieces of good news..." Ji Nanxing's voice was as indifferent as ever on the other end of the line. "Which one would you like to hear first?"
Cheng Sangluo and Lin Jin exchanged glances, then quickly turned their phones on speakerphone. "Why isn't there bad news? Why do we have to choose between happiness and bad news?"
Ji Nanxing chuckled softly: "The college entrance exam results are out. I checked the results for you."
"Huh? This...this...they're out so quickly?" Cheng Sangluo gasped, pulling her phone away in alarm.
Lin Jin couldn't contain herself any longer. She snatched the phone away and demanded sharply, "Stop beating around the bush, get to the point."
Ji Nanxing ignored Lin Jin's temper and said with a smile, "Cheng Sangluo is quite amazing. After so many years, she returned to the exam hall and scored 6 points above the first-tier university admission line. Hurry up and come back to fill out your college application."
"What!?" Cheng Sangluo exclaimed incredulously, leaping into the air and grabbing his wife's arm, shaking it repeatedly. "Did I...did I hear that right? What cutoff score? I can go to university!?"
"Yes! My little dog got into a top-tier university! That's amazing!!!" Seeing her so excited, Lin Jin held the phone and continued to ask, "What's the second piece of good news?"
"You've been playing for so long, it's time to come back and deal with serious matters." Ji Nanxing was probably infected by the puppy's mood, and his tone became more cheerful: "The second piece of good news is that the final judgment in Sangluo's case came down today. The compensation and restoration of reputation are all included, and the criminal record will also be updated. Cheng Sangluo, all your efforts have paid off. Congratulations on finally being exonerated."
Cheng Sangluo was in a state of extreme excitement, feeling as light as if she were floating on clouds, but the sound of the phone call pulled her back to the ground in an instant.
Upon hearing her verdict, she suddenly became very quiet.
Lin Jin thanked Ji Nanxing briefly, hung up the phone, and when she looked at her lover again, he was no longer in front of her.
Cheng Sangluo's lips trembled uncontrollably, tears welling in her eyes. The grievances suppressed deep within her soul surged forth like a raging flood, relentlessly washing away the sorrow that overwhelmed her heart.
Tears finally welled up and streamed down her cheeks in large drops.
Even though she had long since left the prison, the high walls on all four sides remained standing, binding her heart day after day.
Finally, this moment has finally arrived.
The seemingly impenetrable cement crumbled and collapsed in her spiritual world, and the person who had been bound by shackles finally gained true freedom.
At first, she dragged her feet toward the sea, then gradually quickened her pace, and then began to run. Even when she fell heavily on the beach, she immediately got up and ran until she plunged into the sea, still warm from the sun.
She spread her arms to embrace the free wind, to kiss the salty air, and to enjoy the washing of the waves.
Lin Jin was deeply moved, her nose tingling and her eyes welling up with tears. She was happy that her lover had fulfilled his dream of going to university, and also relieved that her lover had received a belated fair trial.
In her eyes, Cheng Sangluo stood in the rising tide of the sea, frolicking and scooping up a handful of seawater, shouting and splashing it into the sky. Her wet face was adorned with water droplets, and her big laugh was more radiant than the golden sunset.
Their love was so deep that they were infected by each other's happiness, just as they had hoped—the long-awaited good days were finally here, like endless waves crashing one after another.
Lin Jin wiped away her tears, covered her mouth with her hands, and shouted loudly, "Sang Luo, let's go home, let's go home with our heads held high!"
*
Before a large group of people, school leaders were accompanying Lin Jin on a stroll around the campus.
"As an outstanding entrepreneur, Mr. Lin has not forgotten about public welfare. It is our honor that you can contribute to our school."
Lin Jin leisurely admired the surrounding garden scenery. After hearing these polite words, he simply smiled and waved his hand, "Not at all, not at all. Enterprises benefit from society and give back to society. Sponsoring campus public welfare projects has always been my vision. Of course, to be honest with you, Principal, I also have a selfish motive besides public welfare. My partner returned to the examination hall this year and was admitted to your school, which is a kind of fate. So I want to contribute my modest efforts."
"Your spouse?" The principal looked surprised and asked in a low voice, "Um... how old is Mr. Lin's spouse this year...?"
Lin Jin covered her mouth and chuckled: "You misunderstood. After graduating from high school, she joined the army and served as a special forces soldier for many years. After retiring, she always wanted to return to school. Going to university was also her dream. I encouraged her to fulfill her dream of studying."
"Special forces soldier? So your spouse is a veteran." The principal laughed heartily, turning around to praise the people behind him, "Serving the country while also being eager to learn, it is an honor for our school."
They chatted and talked all the way to the outside of the playground.
Freshmen are undergoing military training under the scorching sun on the playground, with the shouts of their instructors ringing out from time to time.
Lin Jin peered out to find Cheng Sangluo's figure, but the camouflage was so bright and green that it was dazzling to look at.
She turned to the school leaders and said politely, "It's so hot outside, there's no need for you all to stay with me like this. We can talk again at the formal signing ceremony."
The principal knew who she was looking for, and after a few brief pleasantries, he led everyone away.
Lin Jin took the parasol handed to her by Secretary Zhou and instructed, "Go and buy some chilled drinks."
After saying that, she walked into the playground in her high heels.
On the other side.
Cheng Sangluo, dressed in camouflage, stood out in the class formation.
She was already tall and stood motionless, a stark contrast to the pampered children.
Several instructors walked back and forth with their hands behind their backs, then huddled together chatting about something. Suddenly, one of the instructors pointed at Cheng Sangluo.
Before long, someone called her name.
"Cheng Sangluo".
"arrive!"
"Step forward."
Cheng Sanglu received the order and strode out.
The instructor who was taking attendance asked loudly, "I heard you used to be in a special operations company?"
Cheng Sangluo maintained her upright posture, "Yes, instructor."
"Here's your chance to show yourself. Pick one of our instructors and see how you do it. If you win, none of the rest of your class will have to stand at attention today."
Although Cheng Sangluo was not afraid of the scorching sun, she thought that since some students in her class had already suffered from heatstroke, it would be a good thing for the whole class to enjoy the shade under the big tree. So she agreed, "Okay."
"You choose an instructor."
Cheng Sangluo grinned: "Any of you is fine, anyone is fine."
The instructor looked him up and down and smiled, "You've got quite the nerve."
During the conversation, Cheng Sangluo spotted a familiar figure sitting on the playground bleachers and changed her mind, saying, "Could I make a small request?"
"explain."
"I beat two instructors, so the whole class is exempt from standing at attention today. I'm asking for leave today."
The instructor, hands on his hips, laughed in exasperation: "You're quite the bargainer, aren't you? We'll see if you're really capable of it."
Cheng Sangluo suddenly shouted the old slogan of the special operations company: "One person being strong is not enough, only strong special operations are truly strong. Special operations are a sharp blade, and victory is assured with a single strike!"
The lead instructor took off his hat, got into position, and said, "Come on, get past me first."
Cheng Sangluo turned around and gave her classmates a small OK sign, then raised her fist in a fighting stance, saying, "Come on, let's finish this quickly."
Lin Jin found a shady spot to sit down, and watching the agile figures on the green field, she couldn't help but smile.
She laughed at the puppy for always being so self-deprecating, unaware that it was always radiating heat and light, and that every move it made was exhilarating and left its opponent defenseless.
Secretary Zhou came over with drinks and sat down with her boss. It was a rare opportunity to have a relaxed chat. "Miss Cheng, why did you get into a fight with the instructor?"
"Who knows what kind of trouble she'll cause this time?" Lin Jin took out a bottle of mineral water, took a sip, and sighed, "This group of kids is so energetic. It's so good to be young."
“Miss Cheng is energetic too. Look how good she is. She beat the instructor so badly that he couldn’t fight back.”
Lin Jin's gaze remained fixed on the puppy, and she couldn't help but sigh: "To be honest, she should stay in the military camp. I always feel that's where she belongs."
Secretary Zhou disagreed, saying, "Boss, you are the best match for her."
That's a nice thing to say.
Lin Jin glanced at Zhou Ran and said generously, "That's all for today, you can go now."
"Thank you, boss." Secretary Zhou put the purchased drinks away and happily went home.
After waiting for a while, Cheng Sangluo's class was finally disbanded.
Lin Jin saw the person running towards her excitedly, so she took out a tissue from her bag, but then she saw several girls stopping the person.
They surrounded Cheng Sangluo, some offering her water, others offering her tissues.
Lin Jin unconsciously tightened his grip on the object in his hand, a deep chill instantly settling in his eyes. He chuckled, "Pretty good, huh? You got a fangirl after just a couple of punches?"
In fact, Cheng Sangluo did not accept the other person's kindness, and even waved his hand to refuse: "Thank you, no need, no need to give me anything, my wife is coming and I have to go over."
This person is really good at making excuses; pointing to the figures in the stands, he clearly stated that he was married.
She finally made it to her wife, beaming like a flower, "Why are you here?"
Lin Jin's eyes were indifferent, and she said sarcastically, "Let's see how you get worshipped and surrounded by young girls."
The puppy squatted in front of his wife, tilting its head and teasing, "Hey, whose jealousy has been spilled? It's so sour!"
Lin Jin remained silent, threw the tissue in her hand into her arms, and stood up as if to leave.
Cheng Sangluo quickly followed behind her, "What are you doing? What does it mean that your wife is so popular? It means you have good taste!"
Lin Jin: "......"
The puppy pleaded pitifully, "Don't be angry, please!"
Lin Jin had only taken a few steps when she stopped, turned around, and said angrily, "It's only the beginning of the semester, and all these girls are already flocking to us. What are we going to do later?"
Cheng Sangluo patted his chest and swore, "I promise you, I will keep a low profile from now on. I'm here to study, not to socialize."
Lin Jin couldn't stay angry for more than three seconds. She snatched the tissue from the puppy's hand and wiped her sweat with a gruff tone: "Aren't you hot?"
"It's so hot, touch my face, it's burning hot!" Cheng Sangluo said coquettishly, holding the hand covering her face and pressing it to her heart. "I never expected you would come to see me."
"Why did you get into a fight with the instructor for no reason?" Lin Jin picked up a can of cola and handed it to her. "What if you get heatstroke?"
Being scolded by your wife can also be a happy thing.
Cheng Sangluo gulped down her cola, hissing as she said, "There was a condition to my sparring with the instructors. If I beat them, I get half a day off, so I can take you around campus."
Lin Jin didn't mention the donation. Instead, she took her lover's arm and walked out of the playground. "Okay, let's fulfill our little wish of strolling in the shade."
......
The midday sun was at its strongest.
The sycamore-lined path leading to the school gate was deserted.
Sunlight filtered through the layers of leaves, casting dappled patterns, while the chirping of cicadas, accompanied by a gentle breeze, soothed the restlessness brought on by the summer heat.
Such a scene seems to exist in everyone's youthful memories.
Lin Jin wore a pearly white shirt, simple yet very textured, and a figure-hugging skirt. Her high heels clicked crisply as they stepped on the flat cement floor.
With her hands behind her back, the small bag on her wrist swayed slowly, her gaze gentle as if it held a pool of clear water, rippling with a lively love as she looked at the figure before her.
Cheng Sangluo skipped and hopped ahead, then turned around to face her beloved and backed away.
Her face radiated youthful energy, as if she had returned to the right timeline, back to a summer many, many years ago.
That summer, she should have been holding her acceptance letter, completing her studies, and realizing her nightmare of escaping her family of origin.
Time remains unchanged, like a bullet that travels through the years, hitting her right in the heart at this moment.
This dream, which I never had to wake up from, was many years late, yet it fermented over time into a beauty beyond imagination.
Lin Jin suddenly stopped in her tracks. Without needing any verbal urging, she spread her arms, implying that she urgently needed a passionate intimacy.
Seeing that no one was around, Cheng Sangluo ran towards her lover with a heart full of joy.
She grabbed Lin Jin by the waist and lifted her high, spinning her around joyfully, eliciting scattered laughter.
They don't need fancy words to describe how to say "I love you," just a passionate kiss at the height of the sun.
When you want to hug me, hug me without hesitation. When you want to kiss me, don't miss a second. When you want to say "I love you," please hug me tightly, kiss me hard, and say "I love you" at the same time.
End of article
———A side note———
In case some little angels don't read author's notes, I'll say it in the main text for the last time.
1. From last May until now, this literary journey has finally come to an end. Thank you all for following along, subscribing, and commenting with encouragement. The story of Lin Jin and Cheng Sangluo ends here. Parting is always painful, but every story must come to an end.
2. Next, I will start updating the side stories about Dr. Chi and Officer Su. You can check them out. I expect to reunite with everyone in May, along with Ji Nanxing and Gu Shinian. Those interested can bookmark "The Crime-Detective's Lover," please look forward to this final installment in the crime scene series.
3. Please, all you little angels who have subscribed to the full article, give me a five-star review! You can rate it next to the comments on the article page. Please!
4. Leave a comment in this chapter to receive a red envelope (cash gift).
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