Chapter 17

Fu Luoyin was attending a meeting on the other side of the Earth.

After leaving home early in the morning, he had flown directly to the Old Pacific Division for the conference, working non-stop with barely a moment to rest. He hadn't even had lunch; he was tired of the buffet at the division hotel and couldn't help but recall the meals Lin Shuicheng used to make.

Today, Lin Shuicheng had overslept and was in a rush to get to the lab, so he had prepared instant noodles for breakfast. Logically, all instant noodles should taste the same, yet somehow, Lin Shuicheng's were exceptionally delicious.

Perhaps it was due to the contrast in his mind, his stomach began to ache again.

The evening meeting continued, and Fu Luoyin swallowed two antacids before pushing through his work.

There was no sign of any discomfort on his face, except for a slightly paler complexion. He remained as efficient and decisive as ever.

With Fu Kai semi-retired, the responsibilities of Fu Tech and the Seventh Bureau, along with the personnel transitions from his father's era, had fallen entirely on his shoulders. A sea of people waited outside, seeking him for tasks, coordination, and reports, instructed by Zhou Heng to enter only when called.

This young man was a pillar of the new generation of business powerhouses in the Alliance. Even Zhou Heng, as his assistant, sometimes felt overwhelmed by the immense workload and had requested permission from Fu Luoyin to hire another assistant to share the responsibilities.

Every time Zhou Heng saw him, he secretly sighed in admiration. Running around the globe for work, managing both his career and family, and still finding time to flirt with his lover, Fu Luoyin was indeed a marvel. He could placate the old-timers at the Seventh Bureau and stabilize the vast commercial network of the Fu Family's military industry. It seemed that those who had served in the Eighth Special District were truly extraordinary.

"Mr. Fu, it's about the matter at the Seventh Bureau. It's urgent, I apologize for the interruption."

It was half past two in the morning on this side. A person wearing the badge of Unit 7 ran over from outside.

Zhou Heng let him in.

Fu Luoyin looked up, signaling the person reporting to pause and asked with a curious gaze, "What's the matter?"

The man replied, "Well, could it be that you lost your A-level access card? We detected someone logging in with it from a different location."

Fu Luoyin was taken aback for a moment before he shook his head. "Access card? No way. I keep such an important item in a designated wallet."

Handing over a photo, the man chose his words carefully. "Yes, we found it in a student's jacket. Perhaps you'd like to think about it again?"

The photo displayed Lin Shuicheng's student ID, showing a neat and handsome young man with a bright and energetic demeanor.

Upon seeing Lin Shuicheng's face, Fu Luoyin said in surprise, "How did it end up with him?"

Beside them, Zhou Heng felt a chill run down his spine. He suddenly remembered something and approached nervously. "F-Fu, Fu Sir, it seems like I... I accidentally put the wallet where you usually keep your cards into the laundry bag. I thought you'd wear that jacket to Unit 7 on Monday according to your habit, but I didn't expect you to come here on a mission..."

After hearing this, Fu Luoyin simply said, "Get out."

Zhou Heng rarely witnessed such an irate expression on Fu Luoyin's face. It felt as if the world had turned gloomy – who could have imagined he was on the verge of tears!

Nervously, he called out, "Mr. Fu..."

"Didn't I tell you to hurry up and print the authorization permit, get it signed by Director Xiao, then scan and send it to Department Seven? Take my private jet immediately to Star City," Fu Luoyin tersely explained the situation on a piece of paper and threw it at him. "Hurry, or Lin Shuicheng won't be able to extricate himself."

Aware of the severity of the matter, Zhou Heng rushed out promptly.

Recalling that this morning, he had asked Lin Shuicheng to wear his coat when leaving. He hadn't expected Zhou Heng to pack his belongings along with the clothes when delivering them.

Both were in a rush and didn't have time to check. Besides, he assumed the access card was safely kept at home.

Logically speaking, since Lin Shuicheng wore his coat out, he should have worn it back. How did Department Seven come to know about it?

Fu Luoyin asked, "Where is he? What happened?"

The Department Seven officer replied, "It's like this – this gentleman reported a robbery. The Star University police found this access card at the scene after verification and triggered an alarm when checking its authenticity. Our team is already on their way, and I'm here to confirm the situation with you."

"Robbed?" Fu Luoyin's heart sank as he stared at Lin Shuicheng's photo. "Is he alright? Where is he now?"

"The situation is unclear for now. We'll have to wait for the police's feedback. Since it involves your access card, the case will likely be handed over to Division Seven for handling. Now that you've made it clear, Mr. Lin, the robbers will certainly face severe punishment. After assisting with the record, this gentleman can go back home."

Fu Luoyin checked the time. There was a time difference between him and Lin Shuicheng; it must be around ten o'clock at night where Lin Shuicheng was.

That little kitten had always been obedient. How did he end up encountering a robber?

He wondered if Lin Shuicheng had been injured.

Given Lin Shuicheng's personality, it would be impossible for him to show weakness. He might have sustained some injuries.

At this thought, Fu Luoyin glanced at the people queuing outside and couldn't help feeling a bit restless. It was as if something was hanging in his heart, causing discomfort and tension in his stomach. Alongside this unease, an inexplicable anger emerged—although Lin Shuicheng was just a substitute, he still belonged to Fu Luoyin. For a robber to be so bold as to enter a school in broad daylight, what had the world come to?

Assuming it was another episode of his stomach ailment, Fu Luoyin took another pill.

Lin Shuicheng had better not be harmed; otherwise, there would be no one to cook dinner when he returned from work.

With Zhou Heng not around, Fu Luoyin casually instructed someone, "Go fetch my personal phone from the front desk. I need to make a call. Also, investigate the whole incident thoroughly. I can't return right away, but no one is allowed to touch Lin Shuicheng."

When Su Yu received the call, he had already gone to bed.

His family was health-conscious and went to bed early.

He had stayed up all night playing poker with Dong Shuoye and was so exhausted that he almost collapsed, but still managed to drag himself to work. It was only when he finally returned home that he could catch up on some sleep.

Dong Shuoye was an animal; his photographic memory allowed him to keep track of every card, almost causing Shuicheng to lose everything down to his belt.

When Fu Luoyin called, Su Yu quickly snapped awake. "What did you say? Sister-in-law was robbed?! Is she alright?!"

Although Su Yu had only met Lin Shuicheng once, he had already become a devoted fan of his looks.

Back when they had dined together at the Jiangnan branch, Su Yu had noticed that Lin Shuicheng didn't resemble Xia Ran very much, leading him to believe that Fu Luoyin might finally be ready to settle down. However, Dong Shuoye's revelation shattered that illusion: not only was Lin Shuicheng a substitute, he was an upgraded version, resembling Xia Ran in spirit rather than appearance.

Su Yu had always been close friends with Fu Luoyin, but the relationship between the Su and Xia families wasn't the best, resulting in a superficial connection between him and Xia Ran.

Regarding Fu Luoyin's persistent search for substitutes, Su Yu had been an outsider, his only thought being that Fu Luoyin must have been struck on the head by a donkey. Instead of putting on such melodramatic displays, he should have chased after Lin Shuicheng to the old North American branch, where it would only take a matter of minutes to travel back and forth. What was the point of creating a scene here when no one was watching?

Thus, Su Yu felt a inexplicable protective instinct towards Lin Shuicheng.

Such a captivating and charming beauty, with an aura that deeply resonated with him, had somehow become an obscure substitute - it was truly a pity.

Upon hearing that Lin Shuicheng had been robbed and was now being held at Unit 7, he asked anxiously, "What should we do about this? Is your sister-in-law alright?"

Fu Luoyin replied, "The situation is unclear. I'm in a rush for a meeting and can't return. Can you fetch him and check on his condition?"

"Okay, okay, I'll go right away. Unit 7, right?"

Su Yu sprang out of bed.

His mother, who worked the night shift, scolded him as she saw him dash out, "Still going out to play cards, you rascal? What time is it? Get back here! Since you resigned, all you do is play cards all day!"

As Su Yu hurriedly put on his shoes, he said, "It's almost 11:30 PM, Mom. I'm helping out a friend, you know Lin Shuicheng, his brother is a patient under your care."

Yan Zi's tone softened a bit, "Go, go, just go then."

When Yi Shui heard that the police were collecting evidence, he felt a bit uneasy.

A female officer from the neighboring unit rushed over to stop the officer on their side, saying, "Yes, there is indeed a wallet. Come over here for a moment, there's been a sudden development."

He turned to his companions for confirmation, barely managing to hold back a curse. "You dropped that coat when you were running away. How were we supposed to know there was a wallet inside? You're framing us!"

Lin Shuicheng chuckled softly. "If it's robbery, then it's robbery. The evidence is right here. Why are you, a thief, getting angry? Are you still trying to deny our supposed relationship?"

Yi Shui was stunned.

Lin Shuicheng's tone was even lighthearted, clearly mocking him for the lie about them being a couple earlier!

They had evidence, a prank, and a police record. They were utterly on the defensive, with no way out of this mess!

In a university setting like this, a simple scuffle or confrontation would usually be resolved through mediation. If the culprit was a student, they might receive disciplinary action from the academic office. But if it was someone from outside the school, it would be considered a private dispute, and the police wouldn't intervene too much.

However, if it was confirmed as an armed robbery involving a specific amount, the situation was different. It would leave a permanent stain on the individual's record, making it easier for the police to handle. Once identified, the culprit would be detained, fined, and forced to apologize. If severe harm was inflicted, imprisonment was likely.

Lin Shuicheng knew there was Fu Luoyin's wallet in the coat. Although the wallet contained only an unfamiliar card and some loose change, he decided to take a gamble.

Not on the card itself, but on the wallet.

He had learned a few days ago that Fu Luoyin came from an affluent background. Thus, he wagered that the wallet was an expensive luxury brand. As long as its value reached the threshold for the crime, any tricks Yi Shui and his friends played would be futile.

Seeing the situation shift, Yi Shui wavered slightly.

After pondering for a moment, he gritted his teeth and told Lin Shuicheng, "You, you withdraw your report right now. I'll find a way to secure a direct Ph.D. spot for you. You know Professor Luo Song from the math department, right?"

He was aware of Lin Shuicheng's difficult family circumstances, and based on Ou Qian's account, Lin Shuicheng was an ambitious and eager person, undoubtedly longing for a better future.

Noticing Lin Shuicheng's silence, he held up a finger and offered, "How about this amount? You're probably short on funds since you haven't entered society yet, right?"

It was certain that Fu Luoyin had given money to Lin Shuicheng before. However, judging from his modest attire, even if he had received it, it might have been squandered or perhaps never given at all. This wasn't a case of sponsorship but rather a financial burden being imposed.

Under his persuasion, Lin Shuicheng seemed to be considering the offer.

He lifted his eyes, his eyelashes lowering slightly as if holding a hidden meaning, "Then will you stop hitting me in the future?"

His voice was soft, and in this moment, he appeared like a well-behaved student.

Although Yi Shui knew that this wasn't the right time, he couldn't resist the flutter in his heart, his tone unconsciously lowering as he replied, "Of course, we won't hit you again. This time, you crossed paths with my girlfriend, so I wanted to teach you a lesson. Just be more mindful in the future and avoid obstructing others."

"Alright," Lin Shuicheng said, then stepped out to call the officer.

Yi Shui felt a glimmer of hope—despite being outwitted, there was still a chance to salvage the situation! Lin Shuicheng seemed rather easy to push around; perhaps he could...

Though he had never been with a man before, Yi Shui thought that he could endure it for the sake of Lin Shuicheng's good looks.

The officer entered the room and asked kindly, "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," Lin Shuicheng said clearly, pulling a miniature voice recorder from his pocket. "Additional evidence. They admitted they were planning to assault me. This is robbery and intentional injury."

...

There was a brief silence in the room. Then, veins popped on Yi Shui's forehead as he charged forward, ready to strike. "F*ck you, Lin Shuicheng!"

Lin Shuicheng moved protectively to shield the officer, dodging the punch without changing his expression. "That's assault and battery against an officer. How long can he be held, Officer?"

He had come to confront them and naturally wanted to record all their statements. The voice recorder had even been given to him by a female officer.

"I'll remember you, Lin Shuicheng!" Yi Shui roared in fury. "Do you think I can't get someone to take care of you?" Several officers rushed in, subduing him and sternly ordering, "Behave yourself!"

"Disturbing the peace and threatening me, causing immense psychological distress." Lin Shuicheng turned to the officer and asked gently, "How long can he be detained?"

The officer admired him respectfully, smiled without speaking, as if he wanted to say something but held back, withholding some information from Lin Shuicheng.

Just as Lin Shuicheng was feeling perplexed, a group of armed personnel suddenly burst in from the stairwell. Trained and swift, they swiftly sealed off the entire floor.

Everyone was startled by the scene. The team leader came over for a look and said, "Everyone's here, right? We'll take the people with us. This matter will be handed over to Department Seven."

"Department Seven?"

Lin Shuicheng didn't know whom they referred to as "the people." He lifted his gaze and saw others being escorted in, with Yi Shui and his group being led out.

Yi Shui was still shouting and screaming. The team leader flipped the stock of his gun and struck his jaw, eliciting a pained wail. Saliva, tears, and snot flew everywhere, leaving him unable to speak afterward.

The team leader then turned to Lin Shuicheng, his attitude respectful. "Mr. Lin, correct? You'll have to come with us as well."

Lin Shuicheng looked at him doubtfully, various possibilities swirling through his mind.

He paused, considering only one possibility. "Is that card very important?"

"It could be," the team leader replied with a smile. "Mr. Fu has already contacted us. Please don't worry. We're just going to take some simple records."

"What's going on? Who are you? Where are you taking me?"

When Yi Shui was escorted into the vehicle, he was on the verge of breakdown. He struggled frantically and shouted, "Why would I go to Department Seven? Do you know Fu Luoyin? He's my girlfriend's best friend's ex-boyfriend!"

"Our prime minister's son-in-law is the cousin of my wife's sister's nephew," the team leader replied with a touch of black humor before resuming his cold demeanor. "You're suspected of stealing a National Security Key Card. Department Seven has the authority to deal with you."

Yi Shui went even more berserk. The moment he heard "National Security Key," he felt as if the world had turned dark, and his legs went limp.

As Ou Qian's boyfriend, he was familiar with the Star City circle and knew how they handled such cases: If this item fell into anyone other than its rightful owner's hands, it was tantamount to espionage!

This crime was akin to unknowingly possessing illegal substances; once implicated, regardless of one's intentions, guilt was immediately assumed!

That card of Fu Luoyin's granted access to any confidential agency within the Alliance.

"Lin Shuicheng, what about Lin Shuicheng! That card was in his pocket. Even if he's Fu Luoyin's boyfriend, why aren't you arresting him!" Yi Shui bellowed, his crumbling sanity causing him to speak recklessly. "Why aren't you arresting him?"

"We cannot disclose that information," the team leader responded after glancing at the central message he had received. Though puzzled, his professional integrity compelled him to remain silent.

"I know the laws of the Alliance, so why aren't you dealing with me?"

On the other side, Lin Shuicheng asked, "If that card is so important."

The Seventh Bureau agent who received him replied, "Vice Minister Fu explained the situation to you immediately and urgently filled out an additional authorization form to absolve you of any liability, which is one aspect."

"One more aspect?" Lin Shuicheng probed further.

He hadn't expected there to be another aspect.

"The other aspect..." The agent shook his head. "I can't disclose that for now."

It was better not to mention it at all, but as Lin Shuicheng gazed into the agent's eyes, he vaguely sensed something unusual and couldn't help but ponder over it.

At the same time, in the central control room of the Seventh Bureau, a record of authorization was retrieved for comparison.

No one knew how this record had come about or who had operated it. The only thing clear was the time: it was from a year and a half ago.

Lin Shuicheng had been granted A-level clearance within the Alliance.

Occupation: Student

Status: Top Secret, inaccessible.

The Alliance's official authority levels are divided into S, A, B, C, and D, with lower ranks requiring authorization from higher ones.

Fu Luoyin's card was at the A level, granted by Section Seven Chief Xiao Jue. In the Alliance, those with an S rank or above were few and far between, typically holding ranks of General or higher!

Lin Shuicheng already had the right to use an A-level card himself, so Fu Luoyin's card appearing in his possession did not pose a threat to national security.

Due to its top-secret status, even Lin Shuicheng himself could not be informed.

Old Pacific Division, 3:40 AM.

Fu Luoyin had tried calling Lin Shuicheng several times, but for some reason, their calls wouldn't go through.

He imagined that Lin Shuicheng must be terrified. If he couldn't connect with Section Seven and didn't see him soon, he might feel even more wronged, despite the prior notice Fu Luoyin had given.

Lin Shuicheng was sensitive and needed soothing, but unfortunately, Fu Luoyin was currently occupied.

He felt somewhat unsettled and restless.

Calling Su Yu again, all he said was, "I'm on my way! You know how far my place is from Unit 7, and with all the security checks for the meeting, it's a nightmare! Damn, another checkpoint ahead, I'll call you back."

Fu Luoyin glanced at the long queue outside, estimating there were roughly thirty-five people left. His time was scheduled down to the minute, and he had planned accordingly.

"Mr. Fu, Unit 7 has informed us that the investigation is concluded. The detailed report and police records have been sent to your phone."

Opening his phone, Fu Luoyin directly accessed the case file and began scanning through each entry rapidly.

With his swift reading pace, he quickly grasped the entire sequence of events that Lin Shuicheng had experienced that day.

Next came the audio recordings.

Expecting to hear Lin Shuicheng's sharp-tongued kitten-like defense, Fu Luoyin was instead met with a voice that wasn't his.

Wave upon wave of sound assaulted the eardrums, reverberating in his head.

"Honey, please tell the officer, I really didn't hit you."

"Come home sooner, it's so late. I'll let you hit me back in bed, okay?"

"Niece, how are you!"

"My spouse is just being sulky with me here; he's just a bit too proud, nothing serious."

...

The author has something to say: The novel will enter the VIP status at midnight tomorrow. Starting from the second chapter after that, updates will be fixed at noon, 12:00 PM.

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