After work, while driving back to the villa, Si Hang reconsidered the entire case from beginning to end.

He was certain there were two people involved in the crime. He was confident in his deduction.

The man who kidnapped Zhuang Zi that night was one of them.

As for the other person…

For some reason, his instincts as a police officer told him something was off.

Zhuang Zi had consistently denied having any enemies, but what did Zhuang Jiao’s statement mean?

He rested his arm on the car window, tilting his head slightly, pressing his lips with the back of his hand.

Zhuang Zi…

He silently repeated her name in his mind, his fingers tapping the steering wheel thoughtfully.

Was she hiding an important clue from the police, or was there some other secret she couldn’t reveal?

If it was something she refused to tell the police, it had to be related to something illegal.

What could it be?

…

It was already seven o’clock when he arrived at the villa.

Today wasn’t Saturday, but he came back because Zheng Ruzhi had said she had something important to announce.

Usually, Zheng Ruzhi wouldn’t gather everyone at the old house without a reason. Si Hang guessed it might be because his father’s birthday was approaching and she had some new idea.

Entering the house, he looked around and asked, puzzled, “Where’s the second son?”

Zheng Ruzhi replied, “Why would I call him back?”

Si Hang raised an eyebrow, put his car keys in his pocket, and sat down at the dining table, greeting Shen Jianbo, “Dad.”

“Back already?”

“Yes.”

Xiao Mi, after washing her hands, came over and quietly greeted him, “Uncle.”

Si Hang glanced at her and noticed she seemed a bit plumper these past few days.

He paused, looked around casually, and found it odd that he didn’t see someone else.

As if reading his thoughts, Zheng Ruzhi’s voice came softly, “Xiao Zi went upstairs to get some clothes. She’ll be down soon.”

Si Hang looked at his mother, who had a knowing expression, her eyes glinting with amusement.

Just as he was about to say something, he saw a woman walking down the stairs and held his tongue.

Zhuang Zi came over, and they briefly exchanged glances. She walked past him into the pantry to help Zheng Ruzhi cut some fruit.

He picked up a cup, took a sip of water, and changed the subject, asking Zheng Ruzhi, “What did you call me back for today?”

“It’s something important,” Zheng Ruzhi replied, smiling as she handed the fruit platter to Zhuang Zi, “You go sit first. I’ll just cut a couple of apples.”

Zhuang Zi carried the fruit platter back to the dining room and sat across from Si Hang.

Si Hang grabbed a wet tissue, leaned back in his chair, and absentmindedly wiped his hands, “What’s so important?”

Zheng Ruzhi didn’t answer immediately. After cutting the fruit and sitting down at the table, she said, “Next Wednesday is your father’s birthday. This year, I want to celebrate it differently.”

Si Hang raised an eyebrow, curious, “What do you have in mind?”

“Today, Yan’er called and said Shen Qiao signed us up for a tour to Malaysia for your father’s birthday. We’re leaving tomorrow morning.”

“That’s great,” Si Hang agreed. “Do you need anything for the trip? Make a list, and I’ll buy it after dinner.”

“No need,” Zheng Ruzhi said. “Your dad and I prepared everything this afternoon. There’s something else I called you over for.”

“Go ahead.”

Zheng Ruzhi looked at him, then at Zhuang Zi with a smile, and said, “We’ll be away for at least half a month. Aunt Qin can take care of Xiao Mi, but without someone in charge, I’m worried Xiao Zi might feel lonely and uncomfortable here.”

Si Hang paused, his mind quickly connecting the dots, and he fully understood the purpose of today’s gathering.

Zhuang Zi, naturally aware of the situation, felt a sense of guilt for inconveniencing them. Knowing about their travel plans at noon, she had already prepared an excuse to avoid troubling them: “You and Uncle can go on your trip without worries. I’ve already arranged to stay with a colleague for a couple of days.”

“Stop fooling Auntie!” Zheng Ruzhi lightly scolded her, “If you had a colleague’s place to stay, would you have spent the past few nights suffering in the car?”

Zhuang Zi was at a loss for words, having been caught in her lie.

“Si Hang,” Zheng Ruzhi turned to her son, “Your apartment is spacious and very safe. Tonight, take Zhuang Zi to your place and look after her for a few days, okay?”

Zhuang Zi was taken aback. When she saw Si Hang return, she thought Zheng Ruzhi wanted him to come back to the villa every night, as leaving an outsider alone at home was not an option. She never expected Zheng Ruzhi to suggest she stay at his apartment!

“Auntie, that’s not convenient.”

Si Hang paused with his chopsticks.

“How is it not convenient?” Zheng Ruzhi firmly replied, “You’re currently in danger, and Si Hang is not only a police officer but also handling your case. Staying with him is the safest and most appropriate arrangement.”

Shen Jianbo also persuaded, “You should stay there. He’s often working late and isn’t home much anyway. The place would be empty otherwise.”

“Yes,” Aunt Qin added, “I told Madam that I need to go home this weekend. If you’re alone in this big house, won’t you be scared? I’ll come back in two days and head over to Si Hang’s apartment on Monday to cook for you.”

Everyone’s insistence made Zhuang Zi feel torn and embarrassed, “But he’s very busy, and I…”

She couldn’t quite explain why she didn’t want to go. The thought of being under the same roof with him felt inexplicably awkward and weird.

“What do you mean? You’re just overthinking and worried about causing trouble. It’s just adding an extra pair of chopsticks. Besides, Si Hang is always home alone; it’ll be livelier with you there,” Zheng Ruzhi said, then looked at her son, “Right?”

Zhuang Zi glanced at Si Hang, who was eating indifferently, seemingly unconcerned.

Hearing his mother’s question, he didn’t even bother to lift his eyelids and replied flatly, “If she doesn’t want to, don’t force her. I’m so busy, I don’t have time to entertain at home. What if she feels neglected?”

Zhuang Zi looked at him, astonished by his response, and quickly explained, “That’s not what I meant.”

He lazily lifted his eyes, frowning, “If that’s not what you meant, then why are you reluctant despite everyone persuading you? Do you just not like me?”

“……….”

Zhuang Zi was dumbfounded, her face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“Of course not! She’s just worried about troubling you. Since you’re willing, she won’t refuse anymore,” Zheng Ruzhi explained on her behalf, then turned to Zhuang Zi for confirmation, “Isn’t that right, Xiao Zi?”

Zhuang Zi looked at Zheng Ruzhi’s kind smile and, after a moment, awkwardly smiled back.

With everyone saying so much, leaving her no room to refuse, she had no choice but to nod.

Zheng Ruzhi, satisfied, picked up clean chopsticks and served her a small yellow croaker, “That’s better. Now Auntie can enjoy the trip with peace of mind.”

Zhuang Zi smiled at her and then glanced at Si Hang. He quickly averted his eyes and continued eating.

Zhuang Zi also resumed eating, accidentally stretching her foot and lightly kicking his leg.

Startled, she paused but decided to pretend nothing happened and focused on her food.

Si Hang glanced at her, took a sip of juice, and raised his eyebrows slightly in amusement.