After Bian Haitao and the others were executed, the entire government compound fell silent for a while.

Many people looked at Cheng Rushan with fear and avoided him whenever possible.

If they couldn’t avoid him, they would hurriedly greet him and even avoided making eye contact.

However, the public security, prosecution, and judicial departments were very busy.

Those who were truly professional and principled found Cheng Rushan very approachable, seeing him as a representative of the provincial government.

The public was very pleased to have such a person in power.

Many calls were made to the office daily, expressing admiration and gratitude towards him.

Especially for those who were doing legitimate business, they no longer needed to spend extra money to maintain connections or worry about highway robbers.

They sent banners of thanks to the police station and courts, and made sure to also send a token of appreciation to Cheng Rushan’s office.

Although Cheng Rushan and his team didn’t directly interact with the public, the admiration from people was overwhelming.

The media, including Zeng Hongjie’s newspaper, vigorously promoted his achievements.

The public recognized him for handling real issues and ensuring that government workers were diligent, avoiding superficial gestures.

Jiang Lin worried that he might be too elevated by the praise.

While it was fine when things were going well, if issues arose, he would be blamed.

Cheng Rushan, however, was indifferent to external opinions.

Regardless of the praise or honor, he continued to perform his duties without letting accolades cloud his judgment.

His colleagues were familiar with his habits and style, and they did not impose moral standards on him as a model.

Their praise was not for his virtues but for his decisiveness, effectiveness, and courage.

As winter set in, construction projects in the city slowed down, which made Jiang Lin’s life easier.

She was often invited back to her school to lecture students, integrate theory with practice, and supervise some students on projects.

Additionally, she worked on translating books and writing, which kept her quite busy.

One day, she went to meet Zeng Hongjie for tea.

Her visit to Zeng Hongjie had a purpose.

Zeng Hongjie’s parents had asked her to have a good chat with their daughter about her plans and when she intended to get married.

Zeng Hongjie’s parents had originally held positions in the city. As they approached retirement age, although Zeng’s father had a chance for a promotion, he chose to forgo it.

He felt that young people should be given opportunities, and when the time came for them to step down, they should do so.

There was no need to keep climbing, as older age brings reduced energy and capability, which could delay work.

Zeng Hongjie said, “But marriage is supposed to be about love, right? I don’t feel that love. I just like looking at attractive faces, so why should I get married?”

Jiang Lin replied slowly, “Love… comes in many forms. Some people experience instant attraction, others develop feelings slowly, some have dramatic, intense connections, but most people experience it as something more steady and ordinary. From a scientific perspective, love isn’t meant to last forever on its own, so it requires two people to adapt, appreciate each other’s strengths, and support each other as both partners and friends.”

“Do you and Director Cheng still have love?” Zeng Hongjie asked, her bright eyes fixed on Jiang Lin.

Jiang Lin smiled, “Yes, we do. We haven’t grown tired of each other.”

“Haha. Director Cheng’s face and figure could be looked at for a lifetime without getting tired, right? But I haven’t found someone like that.”

Jiang Lin probed, “Xiao Jie, do you… have someone in your heart?”

Zeng Hongjie immediately shook her head vigorously, “Don’t say that, I don’t! If I did, I’d tell you!”

“What about Fang Chengguang?” Jiang Lin asked.

“We’re just friends, like you and Director Chengguang. It’s the same.”

“Then why isn’t he getting married?”

“I think his situation is different from mine. He has issues. I feel like he might have psychological problems and lost faith in marriage.

Besides, living alone is so comfortable.

If he got married and had a family, he’d lose his freedom.

Right now, I think being single is great. I love my work, and I want to work all the time, whether domestically or internationally.

If I were married, I’d have to deal with raising children, maintaining relationships, and… well, would I even have time for work?”

Jiang Lin asked, “But if you met an outstanding man who was handsome and shared your interests and goals, wouldn’t you want to bring him home and enjoy him just for yourself?”

Zeng Hongjie replied, “Why bring such a man home? It’s better to have him as a partner, colleague, friend, or buddy!

That way, things won’t change over time. Who can guarantee that love will last forever? If it turns into hatred, that’s even worse!”

She had read, written, and even done interviews about marriage and love.

Despite the positive portrayal required by policies, her research showed that most people just got by in their relationships.

So, she felt her current situation was perfect and didn’t want to enter a mundane, romance-less state.

As they chatted, Zeng Hongjie veered into a different topic, leaning on her hand and daydreaming, “Linlin, you know, after all these years, Wen Sheng… how does he still look so good? How old is he? I always forget his age; he seems about the same as Director Cheng.”

Jiang Lin replied, “He’s about ten years older than Cheng Rushan.”

“But he still looks so young!” Zeng Hongjie’s eyes sparkled when she talked about Wen Sheng.

Jiang Lin: …

Regarding Wen Sheng, she had discussed with Cheng Rushan, Yan Runzhi, and a psychiatrist about his need for a romantic relationship.

If Wen Sheng had such needs, they considered marriage as an option.

After all, he had not had any episodes for many years and seemed quite normal.

Although his behavior and speech were much younger than his actual age, it wasn’t a significant issue.

However, Wen Sheng himself didn’t want that. Even though he appeared older, his self-awareness still seemed to be at the level of a teenager.

He was content with his current state—having grandparents, parents, siblings, a theater troupe, and friends.

He was happy every day, without any burdens, and truly joyful.

Perhaps some people’s psychological needs can surpass their physical needs.

As long as he is happy, his family would not force him.

They wouldn’t pressure him to marry for the sake of continuing the family line, wouldn’t make him marry to avoid gossip, nor would they force him to do anything just to make themselves feel better.

He would do whatever he liked.

Jiang Lin: “Do you like him?”

Zeng Hongjie: “Yes, I do. But Wen Sheng doesn’t want to marry me; he said he wants me to be Xiao Jie.”

Jiang Lin looked at her in surprise, “Have you asked him?”

Zeng Hongjie laughed, “Yes, is that strange? Is it embarrassing?”

Jiang Lin: “Not at all. What did he say?”

Zeng Hongjie: “He said he likes Xiao Jie to be Xiao Jie, a good friend, but not a wife.”

Jiang Lin: “Does he not understand the real meaning of being a wife?”

Zeng Hongjie: “He understands. He said being a wife is like living with parents—sleeping together at night, eating together during the day, and having children. But besides being a wife, a man over seven or eight years old cannot share a bed with a younger woman.”