The torrential rain continued its relentless assault under the oppressive sky, seeming to intensify with each passing moment.

Xiao Zhao remarked that the rain was too heavy and suggested waiting until it eased up a bit before leaving. He went to borrow an umbrella from a colleague.

Zhuang Zi found a sheltered spot in the lobby to sit down, but it offered little relief. She felt as cold as if sitting in an ice cellar.

Her throat felt stimulated by something cold, and her nose was tingling. Suddenly, she sneezed!

At this rate, she was sure to catch a cold.

She thought for a moment, then got up and returned to the Criminal Investigation Department office.

…

In the empty large office, the gray-white daylight outside reflected a solemn quietness. The rain pounded against the windows with a dull thud, breaking the stillness.

Xie Kui had left at some point, and Xiao Zhao, who had gone to borrow an umbrella, was also nowhere to be seen. Only a faint light peeked through the crack of the door of the solitary office.

Zhuang Zi entered the office, immediately feeling a pleasant warmth enveloping her.

Inside and outside the office felt like two different seasons.

She sat down on the office sofa, quietly waiting for Xiao Zhao to return.

Suddenly, there was movement from inside the room. Zhuang Zi immediately looked up, feeling a slight nervousness. She was worried that he might mind her intrusion into the office area.

The office door opened, and Si Hang walked out wearing a thin gray sweater. Upon seeing her, his steps slowed slightly, his expression indifferent.

Zhuang Zi hesitated for a moment, debating whether to explain herself.

Before she could speak, Si Hang’s indifferent gaze had already passed over her, and he turned to walk towards the restroom.

Outside, the torrential rain continued, as if it wanted to pierce through the earth.

Soon, the sound of flowing water could be heard from the restroom.

Zhuang Zi remained seated, unmoving. It was too cold outside, and she was starting to cherish the warmth of this moment.

In the empty office, his side was filled with the sound of running water, while she pondered silently.

She was still speculating about Jiang Zhihao’s situation.

Could there have been some conflict between her sister and Jiang Zhihao that she didn’t know about?

Recently, she had read a lot of crime-related materials, which made her more aware of the complexity of human nature.

Now that the police suspected Jiang Zhihao, although she found it unbelievable, she couldn’t be sure that a good person couldn’t suddenly turn bad.

Evil thoughts could easily arise, often in a fleeting moment. Based on her past experiences, some people’s hearts could be chillingly indifferent and selfish, sending shivers down one’s spine.

Despite feeling bleak, there was no way to escape except to face it with strength.

Just then, before she could figure out what to do next, footsteps sounded again behind her.

Zhuang Zi turned around, and the two exchanged a brief, wordless glance.

Si Hang returned to his office, closed the door behind him, and the next moment, voices from outside could faintly be heard as Xiao Zhao spoke.

“Today is Saturday, everyone is resting,” he said, “I went out to borrow an umbrella but didn’t run into many people. Finally, I borrowed a small sun umbrella from the cafeteria auntie. Seeing that it’s still raining heavily outside, this umbrella won’t block much, and your clothes will definitely get wet.”

Zhuang Zi remained silent.

Xiao Zhao continued, “It’s getting colder outside. You should stay here and wait until the rain lightens up before leaving.”

Zhuang Zi had no objections.

Xiao Zhao sat down at his desk and started typing on the computer keyboard.

In the quiet office, everyone was focused on their own tasks, with only the sound of rain echoing around.

Zhuang Zi was at a loss, looking at her phone occasionally and occasionally checking the rain outside.

Half an hour later, the heavy rain finally began to ease up.

She looked at Xiao Zhao and told him she wanted to go back to the hotel to change clothes.

Xiao Zhao tidied up his desk, shut down the computer, and they both headed downstairs together.

Standing at the door, Xiao Zhao glanced at the sky. Although the rain had lessened, it hadn’t stopped. The wind was blowing lightly, and with the mini umbrella in his hand, it felt inadequate to shield them.

“It’s not good, Miss Zhuang. Let’s wait a little longer before leaving,” he suggested.

There was no other way.

Just as they were about to turn back, they met Si Hang head-on.

Xiao Zhao’s eyes lit up. “Captain Si , are you heading home?”

He held a large black umbrella in his hand and casually adjusted his overcoat collar with one hand. “Going to the old house.”

Every Saturday, he would visit his parents unless there was urgent work that kept him.