Chapter 219

Chapter 219

The young police officer caught sight of a strawberry-red mark on the side of her neck and quickly averted his gaze, as if burned.

Xie Shiqing briefly explained the relationships between the people involved, and everyone silently digested a big juicy scandal from the upper class.

Ordinary people's love and hate could be complex, but when you added the backing of a top-ranked company in the country, the level of drama was taken to a whole new height.

Xie Shiqing spoke slowly, “Thank you all for responding to the call. If Zhong Ning can be rescued safely, I will definitely express my gratitude in full.”

The squad leader sitting in the car replied, “You reported the case, and we’re rescuing a hostage—that’s our duty. There’s no need for any reward.”

“Then allow me to treat everyone to a meal. I just hope this matter can be kept confidential. Please, I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t worry, don’t worry.” The squad leader cast a warning glance at the most gossip-prone person in the team. “It’ll be absolutely confidential. Lips sealed. It won’t spread or cause any trouble in your life.”

“Thank you, everyone,” said Xie Shiqing. “Let’s go to Haiyue Restaurant. It just happens to be king crab season. After the operation, please do me the honor.”

A noticeable sparkle lit up in many eyes.

Haiyue Restaurant was one of the top-ranked restaurants in Fengcheng, comparable to the top floors of the Twin Spiral Towers. With prices that could cost half a year's salary for just one meal, and now they had a perfectly good reason to enjoy it for free—even the squad leader would have nothing to say about it.

Everyone gave it their all, eager to bring this kidnapping case to a swift end.

The breakthrough didn’t lie with Zhong Ning, but with Zhong Lin and that bodyguard.

What many didn’t know was that Fengcheng had just recently rolled out the Sky Eye System, a city-wide facial recognition network connected to satellites. Even if surveillance cameras were damaged, it wouldn’t be a problem.

This case happened to be the perfect opportunity to test the system’s real-world effectiveness.

They drove toward Kuanping District while the station worked quickly to identify the leads.

Xie Shiqing sat in the car, forcibly summoning a sliver of rationality to give a bit of encouragement and motivation. The rest of the time, she could only sit silently in her seat, saying nothing.

She simply didn’t have the energy to speak.

It had been so hard for her and Zhong Ning. After going through so much hardship, Zhong Ning had finally been able to accept her. They could be together again—so why did something have to go wrong now?

Was she born to be unloved?

Every time she gained a little happiness, did she have to lose something in return?

Xie Shiqing lowered her gaze, her lashes trembling slightly. She unconsciously brought her fingernail to her lips and bit down.

The sharp pain jolted her back to awareness. She took a deep breath and lowered her hand.

She couldn’t think like that. She couldn’t wallow in self-pity. Zhong Ning didn’t like that kind of person. It wasn’t her fault—they had been doing just fine. It was all Zhong Lin’s fault!

Why couldn’t that person obediently stay as a venting outlet and then die off quietly? Why did she have to interfere? Why did she have to strut in front of her so smugly?

Xie Shiqing silently clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into the flesh of her palms.

Every one of her enemies would eventually get what they deserved—this one would be no exception.

Stay calm. She had to stay calm. Once Zhong Lin was caught, she would hand over all the evidence of her crimes in one go, including the tax evasion charges. Jail time was certain—but before that, let her cough up whatever family assets she had left.

Zhong Ning had been taken as a hostage to threaten her, but there wouldn't be any danger to her life. Zhong Lin wasn’t the type to be so impulsive as to commit a crime of passion. Murder was a point of no return—she still craved power and influence. How could she risk tainting her record and ruining the rest of her life?

Actually, if Zhong Lin had only locked Zhong Ning up, it would’ve been hard to legally define whether it was a crime or not. But threatening Xie Shiqing—now that was blatant, clear-cut illegality.

Xie Shiqing kept analyzing things in her mind, trying to keep herself busy so she wouldn’t spiral into anxiety.

With two vehicles of police officers—surely, they could successfully rescue Zhong Ning.

There was no room for failure.

Don’t panic.

After arriving in Kuanping District, the central bureau sent back information—Zhong Lin had last been seen at No. 103, Peach Street.

Infiltrate. Scout.

Meanwhile, Xie Shiqing sent messages to Zhong Lin to distract her, making her think she had everything under control.

Once the hostage’s exact location was confirmed, all the SWAT officers waited at the designated spot. At the police chief’s command, everyone stormed in simultaneously, catching them completely off guard.

The person inside was just a bodyguard—how could he possibly have the guts to go up against real armed police? He immediately knelt down with his hands on his head.

Moments later, Zhong Lin was restrained and shoved into a police car, while Zhong Ning was successfully rescued. As soon as Xie Shiqing saw her, she rushed forward and threw herself into her arms. Seeing her swollen cheeks and cracked lips, tears instantly streamed down her face.

“Ning Ning… I was scared to death. I was really scared to death!”

Zhong Ning had been tied up for so long her limbs were stiff, and she had to be supported by a female officer to stand steadily. She forced a small smile and sucked in a sharp breath at the pain. “I’m fine, I’m fine. See? I’m okay.”

“My arms and legs are still attached, and my fingers aren’t broken.”

As she spoke, she bent one finger and gently wiped the tears from Xie Shiqing’s face. “Shouldn’t we be happy about that?”

Xie Shiqing held her hand and said, a bit choked up, “I was really scared.”

Scared that you'd leave again. Scared that you’d walk away from me once more.

Zhong Ning let out a soft sigh and gave her hand a squeeze.

The two of them got into another car together. They also needed to head back and give their statements.

Michelle, ever dependable, took out a carton of milk and a bag of bread. “Bought it at the supermarket nearby.”

She had remembered that Zhong Ning hadn’t eaten anything.

When Xie Shiqing saw it, a flash of regret crossed her face. “I didn’t even think of that…”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You were worried about me—I know.” Zhong Ning patted the back of her hand. Seeing how guilty Xie Shiqing still looked, she didn’t care about the people around them and leaned over to kiss her on the side of the face.

“Actually, I’ve already gotten past the hunger. I don’t feel it anymore.”