Chapter 96 Falling Flowers and Spring Gone 02

Heavy rain began to pour outside the window.

Lin Shuicheng held the Chief in his arms by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching through the curtain of rain as the entrance to the science park opened.

A military spacecraft drove in, and Fu Luoyin, clad in a black coat, stepped out with his head lowered. Behind the gate, more military spacecraft gradually gathered, adorned with the distinctive star ring emblem of the Aerospace Bureau – they were likely He Muya's people.

In the span of one night and a morning, all matters must have been settled.

Lin Shuicheng had already packed his belongings: a laptop USB drive and some calculation papers stuffed into a portable document case. These were all he intended to take with him.

Hearing footsteps, he released the Chief from his embrace, stroked its head, then patted the gray kitten on the other side before standing up.

Fu Luoyin carried the scent of the storm and rain on him, with the corners of his coat slightly damp. His expression was stern, lips tightly pursed.

He no longer displayed the loss of composure from the previous night, but the redness in his eyes betrayed his exhaustion. He had spent the entire night making a storm glass and writing notes, yet hadn't conveyed anything significant to Lin Shuicheng in the end.

As if he knew he couldn't hold on any longer.

Lin Shuicheng lowered his gaze. "Let's go."

His voice still held a rasp.

"Your cat's here. Aren't you taking it with you?" Fu Luoyin's voice was equally hoarse. "When you're not around, the Chief misses you. It won't be at ease."

Lin Shuicheng spoke softly, "Some breeds of cats don't have strong long-term memories. It'll soon forget me as its owner. Nothing and no one is indispensable."

Gazing gently into Fu Luoyin's eyes, he continued, "I know you'll take good care of them."

A lump formed in Fu Luoyin's throat, and he turned his head away from Lin Shuicheng's gaze.

Lin Shuicheng repeated, "Let's go."

He walked downstairs, and Fu Luoyin followed him.

Since He Muya's people couldn't enter, when Lin Shuicheng appeared at the villa entrance, the cars parked outside opened their gates. Fu Kai stepped out of the car, someone holding an umbrella over him. The place was teeming with people both inside and outside the garden.

Under the grayish-blue sky, Lin Shuicheng gazed at the pouring rain and suddenly felt his spirits lift.

Years ago, he had rushed to this unfamiliar city following a small note, only to be stopped at the cemetery gates. It was another rainy day like this, with the grayish-blue sky looming ominously. Before that, shortly after his college entrance exam results were released, he had taken other exams for independent enrollment at different schools. On the night of the last exam, he had woken up with a start from a heart-pounding nightmare during a heavy downpour.

Perhaps he would never experience such a thrilling moment again, for he was now entirely alone.

At this thought, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Lin Shuicheng's lips.

Fu Luoyin stood beside him, holding an umbrella. As Lin Shuicheng attempted to move forward, Fu Luoyin suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist with great force, preventing any escape.

Without saying a word, when Lin Shuicheng turned to look at him, all he saw were Fu Luoyin's slightly pale knuckles from the strain, his tightly pressed lips, and his stubborn, dark gaze, like a child desperately holding on.

Lin Shuicheng gazed at him for a moment before, on tiptoe, he kissed Fu Luoyin's lips in full view of everyone around them.

The scent of shower gel mingled with the freshness of mint, fleeting across their lips, leaving a transient warmth that momentarily clouded their senses.

This kiss was completely unexpected, and Fu Luoyin's hand froze for a moment. Glancing at him, Lin Shuicheng turned and stepped into the rain.

In that one glance, there was a look that Fu Luoyin couldn't decipher, reminiscent of the radiant glow Lin Shuicheng had during his presentation, filled with pure light and heat, and a playful touch. It didn't resemble a farewell but rather an ordinary, affectionate greeting. At that instant, Fu Luoyin recalled a time when he had asked Lin Shuicheng for a good morning kiss before leaving. Lin Shuicheng had paused, then granted his wish.

Simple, unassuming, yet brimming with happiness - it was the embodiment of "home."

It was everything he had once given his all to pursue.

Fu Luoyin stood there as straight as a statue, his eyes unwaveringly fixed on the direction Lin Shuicheng had left. The pouring rain cascaded down from the eaves, dampening his shoulders.

He couldn't quite explain it, but with just one glance from Lin Shuicheng, the burning ache in his heart seemed to be extinguished by a soothing splash of water. The warm liquid seeped through him, gradually reviving him from the cold detachment of recent days.

Suddenly, he understood the source of that gentle gaze – the way he looked at him, the way he looked at Lin Deng.

It was the gaze of someone who knew that parting was inevitable and no longer dared to hope for reunion. It was the last flicker of devotion and longing in the ashes of silence.

He was comforting him, indulging him, as if an elder silently approving of a younger one, yet Lin Shuicheng was actually the younger one. After so many times where he had found answers for him, it was now Lin Shuicheng's turn to provide insight.

Lin Shuicheng was gone.

In the past few days, Fu Kai had been confined in the interrogation room, appearing much worn out. Ascending the steps, he turned back and patted Fu Luoyin's shoulder. "Go in, let's talk inside."

The father and son walked in silence.

Fu Luoyin reheated the meal and set it on the table. Neither of them had eaten; they sat as straight as soldiers, their actions in perfect unison.

With each spoonful of congee, Fu Luoyin ate the egg and lean meat porridge, lost in thought as he ate.

Nourishing food slid down his throat, igniting a burning sensation that spread from his stomach to his chest.

"After all, I owe it to Little Lin that I could come out this time," Fu Kai eventually broke the silence. "Initially, I planned to have this meal with you guys during the New Year celebrations. There were some things I intended to clarify then, but now... Well, it's better that you know now."

Fu Luoyin continued eating in silence.

Looking at his youngest son, Fu Kai felt a moment of emotion and was at a loss for words.

Strength was evident in every aspect of Fu Luoyin's character. From the time he had confronted Fu Kai over Xia Ran during high school, Fu Kai knew that his youngest son would not give up without a fight. His stubbornness would inevitably lead to setbacks.

After a brief silence, Fu Kai said, "In a while, I'll ask your uncles and elders to introduce you to a few more people, maybe even better ones."

As a parent, he didn't know what else to say to comfort Fu Luoyin more effectively.

Fu Luoyin remained silent.

He continued eating his congee with preserved egg and lean meat, savoring the savory rice grains that melted in his mouth – a familiar taste.

Fu Kai tried to lighten the mood. "Let's see what kind of person they might introduce. Do you prefer someone more lively? Any specific preferences for appearance or occupation? What about height? I'll find someone close enough! Don't be sad."

"Someone with a red mole beside their eye," Fu Luoyin suddenly spoke up.

Fu Kai was taken aback.

As Fu Luoyin continued sipping his porridge, he said, "They need to have studied chemistry, transferred from the Jiangnan branch to the main campus of Star University for graduate studies, be proficient in quantum analysis, have the surname Lin, and work at the police department. Find me someone identical, and I'll leave right away."

Fu Kai was amused by his stubbornness. "Isn't it all just because you want Lin Shuicheng?"

Putting down his bowl and chopsticks, Fu Luoyin stared unwaveringly. "I only want him."

"You've already pushed Lin Shuicheng to his limits. He spent three days and nights restoring our data and even exchanged himself to save me... What good would it do if you want him? Are you, are you worthy of him? Does he even want you?"

"I only want him," Fu Luoyin repeated.

"Foolish!" Fu Kai growled softly, startling the eavesdropping leader who swiftly retreated. "He's your sister-in-law!"

"He isn't. He hasn't married my brother." Fu Luoyin remained composed, his tone steady. He looked earnestly at Fu Kai. "Why can't I? Why can my brother have what I can't? I've never competed with my brother for anything growing up. Now that he's gone, why can't I have Lin Shuicheng?"

Fu Kai was so exasperated, he couldn't find words. "Just you wait..."

"It's my personal matter, Father. Please don't interfere." Fu Luoyin put down his utensils and stood up. "I'll go to the meeting first."

In the afternoon, the head of the household was running amok around the house.

As Fu Luoyin was in a video conference, he sensed the cat sneaking in and circling around him before biting onto his trouser leg, attempting to pull him away.

He picked it up and placed it on his lap, but as soon as the head of the household felt his embrace, it squirmed and jumped back to the ground. It didn't want to be held, yet it still tugged at his pants, trying to lead him elsewhere.

With the video call coming to an end, Fu Luoyin had no choice but to crouch down and soothe the tabby cat with his hand while adjusting his phone position, following the cat's lead.

The head of the household led him to the bathroom door and then crouched there, seemingly eagerly hoping that Fu Luoyin would step inside for a look.

After ending the call, Fu Luoyin also crouched down and met the cat's gaze.

The green eyes of the tabby cat reflected his own image. The sound of rain outside continued, making the room seem even more serene.

"Why did you bring me here?" Fu Luoyin asked softly. "Are you looking for him?"

Head of the Household: "Meow."

Fu Luoyin continued, "You were running around all afternoon looking for him?"

The Chief tilted its head, seemingly puzzled by his words. It licked its paws and then tried to bite at Fu Luoyin's pant leg, but Fu Luoyin scooped it up into his arms.

He wondered – how could he explain to this little kitten that Lin Shuicheng no longer wanted it?

He wasn't cruel enough to repeat such hurtful words to the Chief.

But this time, Lin Shuicheng had actually rejected even the Chief.

He'd said, "Fu Luoyin, I never liked you. I've always seen you as a substitute for Chu Shihan."

Yet this cat was the only thing Chu Shihan had left behind.

This time, Fu Luoyin exerted a bit more effort. He held down the yowling Chief and carried it back to the cat sofa in the living room.

Finding itself unable to struggle, the Chief ceased its efforts. It stepped on the cat sofa and then curled up, once again appearing dejected.

He then called Zhou Heng, "Contact a pet hospital and ask them to send someone over with equipment to give the two cats a checkup."

The little gray cat curled up again, grooming the Chief with its tongue. The Chief didn't even have the energy to swat at it, still lying there in a dejected state.

Fu Luoyin knelt down to meet its gaze.

After much contemplation, he found the right words to explain to the Chief: "Lin Shuicheng has gone out. Be a good boy and eat your cat food diligently. You can nibble on the sofa or play with Little Gray. If you want to use my ashtray as a litter box, that's fine too."

The little gray cat was oblivious to his words, still innocently clawing at his knee.

The Chief remained sprawled, its ears drooping, looking utterly heartbroken.

Fu Luoyin found himself at a loss for words.

He stayed by the Chief's side, gazing down at it, then sighed softly, asking, "Is it only him you want?"

He reached out to touch the Chief's forehead. The Chief meowed at him again, this time with a hint of aggression.

Recalling his morning conversation with Fu Kai, Fu Luoyin couldn't help but smile. Then, his fingertips traced his own lips.

That kiss from Lin Shuicheng seemed to replay before his eyes – those sparkling eyes and tender expression bordering on compassion, both leaving him mesmerized.

What was Lin Shuicheng thinking back then?

Why did he kiss him?

Fu Luoyin pondered for a long while.

He whispered, "Then I'll catch him for you. You can scratch him and even sleep on his keyboard, okay?"

The chief remained lying down, and Fu Luoyin felt like he was going mad, yet he knew he was perfectly lucid. He reached out to gently tap its head twice, his voice low, "Alright."

"Mr. Lin, this is the workspace prepared by Battle Group One for you. The conditions here certainly aren't as good as those in the Science Park, so please bear with it."

A member of the Aerospace Administration led the way, and Lin Shuicheng surveyed the surroundings: a narrow, long corridor built underground, resembling a complicated spider's web. Along their journey, they encountered people from various departments – the Aerospace Administration, Bureau Nine, Bureau Seven... Each person wore a name tag and badge on their chest.

He said, "It's quite nice."

The door to the workroom allocated to him had three locks, one of which was a digital lock. Lin Shuicheng was escorted inside without being told the password – a subtle form of imprisonment and surveillance.

"Please rest assured that the security system here is top-notch. Considering your unique situation, we hope you can continue your work and cooperate with us in investigative tasks when necessary," the staff member explained. "Battle Group One consists of frontline personnel who may directly confront the RANDOM organization for pursuit or negotiation. Hence, we will also provide you with bodyguards."

"What's the situation now?" Lin Shuicheng inquired.

"Not good at all," the operative shook their head at him. "The consequences of the first quantum security layer being breached are severe. Although we're doing our utmost to repair it now, there has still been an incalculable amount of information leaked within the Alliance's scope, leading to numerous malicious incidents. For instance, databases of smaller companies operating on the fringes of the security wall have been directly hacked, with their domains encompassing every aspect of daily life—clothing, food, housing, and transportation. This has already inflicted immeasurable harm upon the Alliance's economy. Some individuals have had their savings in private banks wiped out overnight, while standard recipes of catering firms have been disclosed in the blink of an eye... It's a climate of widespread panic. Should all three quantum security layers be compromised, then all of the Alliance's military might, technological prowess, and the like would become a sumptuous feast laid out for the enemy to devour."

The agent reported, "As of now, the Random organization is still operating in the shadows. We're currently conducting extensive investigations into religious groups, as per your recommendation."

Lin Shuicheng nodded.

"Furthermore... the military has dispatched personnel to station at the Third Institute, specifically for the protection of Mr. Lin Deng," the operative reported. "As for Deputy Director Fu, although he himself is not lacking in protective measures, we have nonetheless elevated his security level. Should there be any aspect that fails to meet your satisfaction, please feel free to express it directly."

Lin Shuicheng said, "Thank you."

He picked up his ID badge from the table and saw the words "Battle readiness Team One - Lin Shuicheng" on it.

Many photographs were hung on the wall. As Lin Shuicheng put on his ID badge, his gaze swept across them, pausing for a moment before he softly asked, "What are those photos?"

One of the operatives followed his gaze and noticed that Lin Shuicheng was staring at one particular photo. Not having taken a close look himself, he explained, "They're old photos. This underground facility used to belong to the Seventh Bureau back then. General He established the Seventh Bureau, and this place was one of the potential sites. There are quite a few early group photos of the bureau's founding members, as well as pictures of collaborations with tech companies."

Lin Shuicheng nodded in understanding.

"Then, if you have no further business, we'll take our leave," the agent smiled at him. "If you need anything, just tell them." He gestured towards the military personnel guarding the room.

Lin Shuicheng put down his briefcase and walked towards the wall.

This action clearly aroused the guards' suspicion, as several pairs of eyes followed him simultaneously.

Pointing at the framed picture on the wall, Lin Shuicheng asked, "May I have this photograph?"

The guard nearest to him seemed taken aback, then after a moment of contemplation, replied solemnly, "Yes, you may."

Lin Shuicheng fetched a stool, climbed up on it, and removed the entire frame from its high position. He replaced the photo with a scribbled draft paper filled with formulas before hanging it back in its original spot.

The photograph captured a group of three people. Lin Shuicheng recognized only the person on the far left.

There was no timestamp on the photo, but Fu Luoyin, dressed in military attire, stood on the left side, slender and composed with a cold, indifferent expression. It was unclear when the picture was taken. Fu Luoyin's innate intensity was accentuated in the photo, making him appear even more menacing. To an unfamiliar observer, his sharp gaze seemed capable of piercing through people, as he confidently and stylishly dominated the scene.

Lin Shuicheng cut the photo, preserving the portion on the left, and stowed it away in his pocket.

The guards continued to look at him in unison.

Lin Shuicheng extended his hand to his lips, making a "shushing" gesture. His eyes were clear as he said, "Don't tell anyone."