Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Huo Sicheng jolted awake in the middle of the night. He opened his eyes to a deserted room and a bed that was half empty.

Moonlight bathed the wall adorned with photographs.

Huo Sicheng picked up his phone. The moment he opened the news, a striking headline caught his eye: "Couples sleeping apart long-term inevitably drift apart, leading to divorce."

Huo Sicheng's heart raced. He hastily tapped to delve deeper.

The article outlined several significant downsides of sleeping separately, including hormonal imbalances, loss of intimacy, growing apart, and infidelity.

Huo Sicheng's mind was in a whirlwind. After putting down the phone, he thought: I guess I need to get Zhong Xi back.

He shifted his pillow aside, once again making space for Zhong Xi, and lay on his side, feigning Zhong Xi's presence beside him.

Zhong Xi often frowned in his sleep, plagued by nightmares, never resting easy.

"What have I done to wrong you?" Huo Sicheng said to the empty bed, puzzled. "Why are you always unhappy?"

At the crack of dawn, Aide Wen rushed over to update Huo Sicheng on their progress.

He handed the documents to Huo Sicheng and reported, "Chairman, my team and I have thoroughly reviewed Zhang Mu, the person in charge of the Junshan Forest Tower, over the past few days. We finally uncovered a lead in his wife's bank records."

Huo Sicheng opened the file.

Aide Wen continued, "Last May, Zhang Mu's wife's account was credited with an extra sixty million. The transfer came from Yue Liquan's nephew, Yue Wentao, vice chairman of Zhenfeng Group."

"Sixty million."

"Indeed, it appears Yue Liquan was resolute."

"What?" Huo Sicheng chuckled, flipping a page of the document. "Is my life valued at just sixty million?"

Aide Wen flushed with embarrassment. "Of course not. I just meant that this scheme has been brewing since last May, indicating Yue Liquan has had this intention for a long time."

"Not just these two years. Since I came back from the Navy Commando, these old-timers have been on edge."

Huo Sicheng went through the evidence. "Is the Junshan Tower's surveillance still irretrievable?"

"Yes, it has been completely destroyed and cannot be recovered."

It's a done deal that Yue Liquan is linked to Huo Sicheng's accident, but Huo Sicheng and Wen Ze only have circumstantial evidence—Zhang Mu, a Blue Rock Base official, and the Ochre Base chairman's nephew have engaged in financial dealings.

However, the key piece of direct evidence—that Zhang Mu doctored the abnormal airflow data on October 21st, causing the accident—is still missing.

The real-time data from the tower was overwritten, the surveillance was destroyed, the duty roster was temporarily changed, and no responsible party can be found.

It seems Yue Liquan was not only resolute but also deeply calculated.

Aide Wen thought if it weren't for Huo Sicheng's vigilance, this major case involving the chairmen of two bases, an accident that nearly cost Huo Sicheng his life, might have been buried under the Federal Bureau of Investigation's report that "excluded human factors."

Just thinking about it made him break out in a cold sweat.

Aide Wen said, "I have arranged for an urgent review of the surveillance from the Junshan Forest scenic area that day, including nearby road surveillance, which should be completed by tonight."

"Good."

"Has the recording of Ruan Yunzheng and Qi Jiaran been sent to the media?" Huo Sicheng asked.

"It’s already been sent. Director Qin is arranging the editing. After all, it involves you and Viceroy Huo. We all hope to reveal Mrs. Huo’s true nature while minimizing your public relations risks."

Huo Sicheng remembered something: "By the way, there’s one more thing I need to trouble you with. Zhong Xi mentioned a few days ago that his father is not well. Could you check on his condition for me? If necessary, arrange an expert consultation for his father."

Aide Wen’s lips twitched as if he wanted to say something but held back. Huo Sicheng noticed and asked, "What do you want to say?"

"Well..." Aide Wen glanced back at Zhong Xi. Knowing he shouldn’t overstep by meddling in his superior’s family affairs, he couldn’t help himself. He told Huo Sicheng, "Chairman, actually, you visit Mr. Zhong and Mrs. Zhong every month."

"Me?"

"Yes, Zhong Xi takes you and Xiao Bao back. No matter how busy you are, you always find time because..."

When it came to such topics, Aide Wen often wanted to speak but didn’t dare. However, the image of Zhong Xi holding the child by Huo Sicheng’s bedside when he had just had the accident always appeared before his eyes. He said, "Because Mr. Zhong and Mrs. Zhong absolutely adore Xiao Bao."

Huo Sicheng understood the implication in Aide Wen’s words.

Zhong Xi’s parents loved Xiao Bao, but Viceroy Huo did not.

Viceroy Huo completely disregarded Huo Xiaobao’s health, charm, and good behavior. Simply because Huo Xiaobao was born to a beta, he believed the child had innate genetic flaws, disrupting the Huo family’s long-standing tradition of excellent genes. Everyone knew that Huo Zhenlin was merely using his disdain for Zhong Xi as an excuse to vent his anger on Huo Xiaobao.

A mix of complex emotions, including guilt, welled up in Huo Sicheng. He said, "Alright, then you don’t need to arrange it. I’ll take the child to visit them this afternoon."

.

Today was the day the nanny, Xiao Xu, came back.

Zhong Xi had informed her in advance about Qi Jiaran moving in. Xiao Xu was shocked: "An Omega? How is this acceptable? Mr. Zhong, can’t we find a beta nutritionist instead?"

Zhong Xi didn’t mind, "It’s fine. Your workload will be lighter anyway."

"But—"

"Your salary won’t be reduced at all, don’t worry."

"It’s not the salary I’m worried about." Xiao Xu sighed heavily, thinking: Mr. Zhong, I’m worried about you. Why does trouble always seem to pile up?

Xiao Xu returned to the military district, on high alert from the moment she walked in, sizing up Qi Jiaran.

Qi Jiaran, considering herself on a different level from Xiao Xu, stood tall and ignored Xiao Xu as she prepared tonics by the kitchen counter.

Zhong Xi introduced them briefly, ignoring Qi Jiaran’s unwarranted air of superiority. He told Xiao Xu, "I need to go back to my parents’ house and might not return until evening. If Xiao Bao cries, please take care of him or send him to Huo Sicheng."

"Alright." Xiao Xu secretly glared at Qi Jiaran.

Huo Xiaobao had played all afternoon yesterday and was so worn out he couldn’t be roused from bed today. Zhong Xi pinched his cheek, and Huo Xiaobao mumbled a couple of words before burrowing back into the blanket, like a cozy little bean. Unable to wake him, Zhong Xi had to leave first.

Zhong Yide had been experiencing chest tightness recently. A hospital check-up revealed myocardial ischemia and a risk of coronary heart disease. Though it wasn’t serious, Zhong Xi was relieved but still worried.

After all, his father was getting older, and Zhong Xi lived far away in the military district, unable to visit often.

Moreover, his marriage to Huo Sicheng had given his parents a lot of grief back then. Zhong Xi had always felt guilty, believing that his father’s high blood pressure was a result of the stress he had caused.

In truth, it wasn’t just Huo Zhenlin who had opposed their marriage. Zhong Yide and Zhou Fei had also disagreed.

But compared to the Huo family, they were insignificant. If they’d been too firm, people would’ve called them pretentious; if they’d been too accommodating, people would’ve called them sycophants.

Zhong Yide and Zhou Fei had always lived with integrity, but in their middle age, they became "celebrities" in the Xinghai District, the subject of neighborhood gossip.

Zhong Xi had always felt guilty. In the early days of his marriage, he’d been too afraid to go home. It wasn’t until Huo Xiaobao was born and Zhong Yide and Zhou Fei saw the couple’s relationship was stable that they finally relaxed.

Zhong Xi still remembered a certain autumn night over two years ago when he accepted Huo Sicheng’s third marriage proposal. Huo Sicheng was whipping up midnight snacks in the kitchen, and Zhong Xi slipped out to the balcony to call his parents. He told them, "I want to marry Huo Sicheng. After all these years, I still can’t move on from him."

Zhong Yide's voice was deep, like the night. He sighed heavily, his tone predictable yet helpless: "It's lonely at the top, Xiao Xi. You can't bear it."

Zhong Xi understood but didn’t comply with his parents.

Two years flew by.

Zhong Xi went to see a heart specialist to understand how to alleviate his father's myocardial ischemia. The specialist prescribed meds and had them sent over.

After getting the meds, Zhong Xi thought for a bit, then went to the supermarket to buy some fruits to take to his parents' house.

He grabbed some papayas and grapes, good for the heart. As he was paying, a soft voice came from behind: "Fancy meeting you here again."

Zhong Xi turned around and saw Shen Binbai.

He was pushing a cart loaded with veggies and meat. "Are you back to visit your parents?"

Zhong Xi answered flatly, "Yes."

"You look rough."

Many people had said this recently, and Zhong Xi was numb to it, too tired to argue: "Work's been crazy lately."

"I didn’t mention it last time, but I left the meteorological bureau the year before last and now work at a software company."

He wanted to tell Zhong Xi that he had regretted it for a long time, feeling like he was on edge every day at the meteorological bureau, as if someone was always mocking him for being a coward. When he heard the news of Huo Sicheng and Zhong Xi's impending marriage, he quit on the spot.

Zhong Xi didn’t seem to care. He nodded and simply replied, "Hmm, that’s cool."

Shen Binbai tried to make conversation: "Chairman Huo’s been doing a solid job running the base. He’s a shoo-in for the next governor."

Although Zhong Xi rarely appeared in public media, he knew some standard responses. He said, "I’m not really into politics. I’ll head out, take it easy."

"Zhong—"

Shen Binbai was about to speak, but Zhong Xi interrupted him: "Last time we were talking in the store, someone snapped a pic. If it’s not important, let’s keep our distance."

Shen Binbai was caught off guard, then stepped back. "Sorry."

Zhong Xi put his fruits at the self-checkout, silent.

Shen Binbai, looking awkward, moved to the regular checkout line, maintaining a stranger's distance from Zhong Xi.

Zhong Xi had slimmed down a lot, a far cry from his military days, even less so than two months ago.

They had met once two months ago, also in this supermarket. That day, he came as usual to buy fresh ingredients. As he passed the fruit section, he caught the scent of peaches, realizing he hadn't eaten one in years, so he pushed his cart over. Not paying attention, he collided with another cart.

The clinking of the metal carts was sharp. Shen Binbai looked up and saw an unexpected person.

Back then, Zhong Xi looked healthy and happy, living a calm life.

Zhong Xi also saw him.

Compared to Shen Binbai's shock and stiffness, Zhong Xi was calm and took the initiative to say, "Long time no see."

Shen Binbai was stunned, unable to speak for a long time, until Zhong Xi pushed his cart forward. He mustered the courage to ask, "How, how have you been?"

Zhong Xi picked up a peach, looked at it, and a faint smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Pretty good."

That day, Shen Binbai talked about a new article from the observatory, which seemed to rekindle Zhong Xi's long-forgotten hobby. Zhong Xi showed interest and said he would find time to read it.

But today, Zhong Xi didn’t seem to be in high spirits.

After paying, he grabbed his shopping bag and left.

Shen Binbai couldn’t resist chasing after him.

The autumn wind whipped up fallen leaves as he stood on the supermarket steps, watching Zhong Xi’s figure gradually fade into the distance. Zhong Xi wore a beige sweater and light brown trousers, his figure thin and his face pale. Shen Binbai couldn’t understand how Zhong Xi had changed so much in just two months.

Zhong Xi placed the items on the back seat of the car, then got into the driver’s seat and slowly drove away from the parking lot.

Memories flooded Shen Binbai’s mind.

He wanted to ask Zhong Xi, “Do you still think of yourself as a person from planet BR2786? I still often stargaze on Rongshan Mountain. I’ve upgraded my gear and got clear shots of the Pelican Nebula, but there’s no one to share them with anymore.”

He wanted to say, “I’ve always regretted it, deeply regretted it.”

“Why are you just standing there?”

A sudden greeting pulled Shen Binbai back to reality. He turned and saw his old friend Fu Hui.

Fu Hui had just come from the parking lot, heading into the supermarket to buy cigarettes. He spotted Shen Binbai standing on the steps out of the corner of his eye. He stopped, walked over, and patted Shen Binbai on the shoulder, asking, “Why don’t you go in?”

Shen Binbai stayed silent. Fu Hui followed his gaze to the parking lot and spotted a familiar car.

“Hey, isn’t that Mr. Zhong’s car?”

Shen Binbai was surprised. “You know him?”

“Isn’t it obvious? There’s only one like it in the whole alliance, and with the Chairman’s wife, who doesn’t know him? He came to me recently to order drones, didn’t I mention it?”

“You did.”

Fu Hui was the drone business agent for both Xinghai and Qingyuan districts.

“Right,” Fu Hui said, reaching into his pocket for a cigarette pack but finding it empty. “He came to me to order drones, saying he wanted to set up an anniversary surprise. But the show got cut off halfway through. Didn’t I tell you to call him and check if he wanted to keep the order? Don’t you remember?”

“I thought…” Shen Binbai’s voice caught, “I thought it was just for work. I didn’t expect it to be an anniversary surprise.”

Fu Hui, oblivious to Shen Binbai’s inner struggle, just added, “Don’t the news always talk about how great their relationship is? But I was surprised when he came to me. It was early October. He ordered a drone fleet from me, saying he wanted to launch them over Junshan Forest when Chairman Huo’s helicopter flew by. But halfway through the drone show, Chairman Huo had an accident.”

Fu Hui sighed, “Why does it have to be such bad luck? Thankfully, the Chairman wasn’t badly hurt, or else…”

Shen Binbai suddenly realized why Zhong Xi looked so pale. He probably hadn’t gotten over the shock of the accident.

He wanted to comfort Zhong Xi, but he knew he had no right. Ever since he handed over his account and chat records to Huo Sicheng seven years ago, he’d lost the right to care for Zhong Xi.

The autumn wind was chilly, the smoke and clouds cleared, and even the usually busy supermarket seemed empty.

Huo Sicheng sat in the car, watching Zhong Xi and Shen Binbai walk out of the supermarket one after the other. Shen Binbai stood on the steps, reluctantly watching Zhong Xi leave.

So this is how old lovers meet.

The full trunk of supplements seemed ridiculous.

Huo Xiaobao, holding a milk bottle, looked around and asked Huo Sicheng, “Where’s Mommy? Where is she?”

Huo Sicheng didn’t answer.

At that moment, Aide Wen called, his voice tinged with hesitation, stammering, “Chairman, we’ve finished checking the surveillance near Junshan Forest. We didn’t find any trace of Zhang Mu, but… but…”

He hesitated, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Huo Sicheng was too preoccupied with personal matters to focus on work. He rubbed his temples, irritated, “Just say it.”

“We didn’t find any trace of Zhang Mu, but an hour before your accident, we saw… we saw Mr. Zhong’s car at the entrance of Junshan Forest on the surveillance footage.”