Don't Say You're Heartless (Modern Edition)

121 Trapped

"It's fine, I'm just going for a walk," Yang Qiong said, not waiting for Director Liu's approval before slinging her small backpack over her shoulder and heading out the door.

"Hey!" Director Liu called after her for a while, but Yang Qiong was already far away.

Walking along the streets of the city, Yang Qiong absentmindedly looked around. Zhu Xuan's death had caught her off guard. Ever since meeting Shen Qiuhua, she felt like she'd opened a new chapter in her life, believing that the violent and chaotic days were behind her.

But now, she could sense danger approaching. Director Liu wasn't wrong— since Zhu Xuan was killed, she would likely be the next target. Avoiding it wasn't her style. She thought to herself, "Let's see who comes out on top this time."

The late summer breeze, carrying a hint of autumn's chill, gently caressed Yang Qiong's face, making her feel comfortable. She sat on a bench in the park, watching people pass by. The clouds above drifted, casting different shadows on the ground.

Time flew by, and night gradually enveloped the city. Yang Qiong's phone rang—it was Director Liu.

"Where are you? Why haven't you come back yet?" Director Liu's voice sounded agitated.

"Uh... I'll head back now," Yang Qiong glanced at her phone, realizing it was already past 8 p.m. She got up to leave the park, but just as she was about to cross the road, a black sedan pulled up in front of her. Narrowing her eyes with interest, Yang Qiong watched as the car window rolled down, revealing a woman's face.

"Yang Qiong, long time no see." Qiu Yuanxin's face, adorned with immaculate makeup, greeted her with a sweet smile.

Raising an eyebrow, Yang Qiong said, "Seeing you at this hour, I doubt you're here to reminisce about the old days." Despite her words, she opened the car door and got in.

The car quickly sped off towards the outskirts of the city.

"Just so you know, I'm working for the police now. I have a GPS tracker on me, so you'd better not try anything stupid," Yang Qiong said, gazing out the window.

Qiu Yuanxin chuckled. "Relax. As an old comrade, I wouldn't harm you." As the light turned red, she glanced over and added, "I truly want to help you."

"Well, thanks," Yang Qiong responded nonchalantly. She knew Qiu Yuanxin likely had more influence than she did at the moment.

"Yang Qiong, you shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess," Qiu Yuanxin said, her voice tinged with regret as the car resumed moving.

"Don't bother saying that. I'm already knee-deep in it," Yang Qiong adjusted her position, then asked, "Where's your boss?"

Qiu Yuanxin's fingers stiffened momentarily on the steering wheel, a subtle detail that didn't escape Yang Qiong's sharp eyes. However, she chose to remain silent.

"I've changed jobs," Qiu Yuanxin said softly.

"Who are you working for now?" Yang Qiong had barely finished asking when her phone rang again. Qiu Yuanxin gave her a wary look, but Yang Qiong simply smiled and answered the call. "Hey, Director Liu, I ran into a friend and got caught up in conversation. I won't be heading back to the station tonight. Yes, yes, I know I've made you worry. Don't fret—I'll stay safe and avoid any trouble. Yes, I'll call the police if anything happens. I know, I know."

After hanging up, Yang Qiong stowed her phone and grumbled, "See? I'm so important to the police now that they can't stop calling."

Qiu Yuanxin shook her head. "You don't need to test me. I've told you—I mean you no harm. If this situation was going to get you killed, I wouldn't have shown up."