Chen Ping actually intended to treat Tao Xin to dinner. First, to celebrate her leaving the bureau and help her integrate into society; second, to reward the staff who had worked overtime for almost a month; and third, to allow Tao Xin and Zhou Tingzhi more time together under his supervision, preventing awkwardness during their private moments. 

Unexpectedly, however, Tao Xin, though not his daughter, was like a daughter to him, and Chen Ping was disappointed by her eagerness to leave the bureau. 

Tao Xin was unaware of Chen Ping’s thoughts but genuinely wanted to leave. 

As soon as she got into Zhou Tingzhi’s car, she sighed in relief, saying, “It’s great, finally free! Living here was like being in prison. I felt like a criminal surrounded by eight hundred guards, even needing permission to turn over in bed!” 

The bureau’s strict rules stemmed from the first time-rift victim, Zhong Qing, a 23-year-old new mother. Zhong Qing was an orphan who had worked hard to attend university, married her high school sweetheart after graduation, and had a lovely daughter. Life was happy and fulfilling. 

But when her daughter was three months old, Zhong Qing fell into a space-time rift and traveled five years into the future. 

Five years later, her husband, who had gone from school uniform to wedding suit, had married again. Her beloved daughter cried, calling another woman “mom.” Zhong Qing’s place was completely, utterly replaced. 

Even though her husband was her legal guardian, Zhong Qing couldn’t integrate into that changed family. Chen Ping, as her observer, witnessed Zhong Qing’s suicide by jumping from a building. 

Therefore, every time-rift victim’s guardian was chosen outside the legal system, jointly decided by the bureau and the victim. 

As Tao Xin’s guardian, Zhou Tingzhi learned this tragic story from Chen Ping. He glanced at Tao Xin and softly said, “You’ll be staying at my place. Let me know if anything is uncomfortable.” 

“Don’t worry, I won’t be shy,” Tao Xin said. “First, I need pajamas and underwear, a good bath, and junk food—hamburgers, cola, fries.” 

Zhou Tingzhi smiled, less formally, in a familiar tone, “No problem, Ms. Tao. I’ll treat you to a welcome dinner after your ‘release.'”  

Tao Xin wasn’t surprised to see Zhou Nian. Zhou Tingzhi had explained the situation on the way home. 

The story began in early 2002. Zhou Tingzhi’s sister-in-law was eight months pregnant. Zhou Tingzhi’s brother, Zhou Tingqian, sent his wife to her parents’ home, claiming he couldn’t care for her alone, then went home to meet his lover. He didn’t expect his wife to argue with her mother and return home that night, witnessing his infidelity. 

Zhou Tingzhi’s sister-in-law was strong-willed and couldn’t bear the humiliation. Quietly, she left, tampering with Zhou Tingqian’s car. 

The next day, Zhou Tingqian and his lover were in a car accident, the brakes failing, causing them to crash into a tree. The car exploded instantly, killing them both. 

The unusual explosion led to a police investigation. Through the victims’ identities, suspicion fell on Zhou Tingzhi’s sister-in-law. But before the police could act, she committed suicide by drinking pesticide after giving birth. 

The matter ended with a tragic outcome, leaving behind a child, Zhou Nian. 

Zhou Nian’s first words were “Dad,” calling Zhou Tingzhi “Dad.” While just simple syllables, his grandparents believed it was fate. 

A kind, absurd, and unspoken lie was born. 

Tao Xin found the story unbelievable, but seeing Zhou Nian, she understood Zhou Tingzhi. They looked alike, and he’d raised Zhou Nian for years. He couldn’t deny the boy was his son—a real son. 

As Zhou Nian approached, Tao Xin looked up, hesitating to greet him, but he spoke first. 

“I’m Zhou Nian. My dad probably mentioned me.” 

Tao Xin hummed, confused. Why did he seem to know her? Had Zhou Tingzhi told him everything? 

Zhou Nian naturally asked, “Where are they?” 

Tao Xin, bewildered, replied, “Your… your dad is showering upstairs.” 

Zhou Nian paused, repeating, “Showering?” 

Seeing Tao Xin nod, he was puzzled. Why shower now? Wait! Zhou Nian noticed her damp hair—she’d showered too. 

Ah! They must have been outdoors today! 

Zhou Nian remained outwardly calm but felt a little uneasy. The other family was already on a family outing, while he was just informed. 

But this unease was insignificant compared to his father’s life event. With a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness, Zhou Nian offered a friendly smile to Tao Xin. 

Tao Xin finally asked, “Did your dad tell you about me?” 

Zhou Nian smiled, “Did he need to? I like having more people around, more lively.” 

Tao Xin had worried about living with Zhou Nian. Now, she relaxed, finding him reasonable. 

She should reciprocate. Tao Xin said, “I’ll stay in the downstairs guest room, not to disturb you. Tell me if anything is inconvenient.” 

What? She decided to move in? 

Zhou Nian, though confused, said politely, “You’re too formal. The guest room is small. The third floor is empty; I’ll ask my dad to have it redecorated for you. Girls need privacy.” 

Tao Xin was about to respond when footsteps sounded. They both looked up, seeing Zhou Tingzhi standing in the dim light, his expression unclear, but the air felt peaceful. 

“Dad,” Zhou Nian greeted, glancing upstairs, as if looking for someone. 

Zhou Tingzhi approached, turning off the chandelier and asking, “How long have you been back?” 

Zhou Nian replied reflexively, “A few minutes, five or six.” He thought, women shower longer, and if she styles her hair and puts on makeup, it would take longer, giving his dad time to explain. 

Ready to listen, he asked, “Dad, can you introduce us?” 

Zhou Tingzhi looked at him, then at Tao Xin, looking hesitant. Then he said, “This is my friend, Tao Xin. She’ll be staying for a while. Get along.” 

Huh? 

Friend? 

Not his friend’s daughter? 

Where’s her mother? 

Before Zhou Nian could process this, he saw something shocking—Zhou Tingzhi got slippers and placed them by Tao Xin’s feet. 

“The floor is cold, don’t walk barefoot.” 

“Oh…” 

Tao Xin put them on, smiling, “Your son is really like you, even the same height.” 

“Wait…” Zhou Nian realized something was wrong. He looked at Tao Xin and Zhou Tingzhi, tensely asking, “What’s your relationship?” 

Good question. 

While shopping with Zhou Tingzhi that evening, Tao Xin had seriously considered this. They used to shop together, buy underwear, and even try on lingerie with him helping. This was natural in their relationship. 

But the 38-year-old Zhou Tingzhi was reserved, making her awkward. She didn’t know whether to treat him as her boyfriend of less than a month or her friend of eighteen years. 

Tao Xin couldn’t answer, and Zhou Tingzhi remained silent. 

In the silence, Zhou Nian’s face darkened. He called out “Dad,” his voice mournful. 

Zhou Tingzhi showed no emotion. He said, “Go to your room. I’ll explain later.” 

The lack of an answer was the answer. 

Zhou Nian’s world crumbled, forgetting anger and sadness. He went to his room, looking at his mother’s picture, sitting by the bed, only thinking—It’s over, she’s a Daji. (Daji is a famous femme fatale in Chinese mythology). 

Unbeknownst to him, Daji was also in turmoil facing King Zhou. 

Tao Xin looked at the silent man, her emotions battling reason. As an intelligent adult, she understood the eighteen-year gap between them. Continuing as boyfriend and girlfriend would cause countless problems.