Pristine Darkness Chapter 96

Of course Fang Qing figures out who poisoned Jin Xiaozhe and deals with him summarily! Was there ever any doubt that he would do so? What happens between Fang Qing and Jin Xiaozhe, though? Read on to find out . . .

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Chapter 96

Fang Qing's Side Story – Laugh at Me for Being Sentimental (Part 2)

He had always been crafty, and thus was naturally able to find the culprit much earlier than the criminal investigators a.s.signed to the case. In addition, he was just at this bstrd's rental apartment and had unexpectedly found a ma.n.u.script ent.i.tled, "The Years I Spent at Jin Xiaozhe's Side", wherein was meticulously recorded some of Jin Xiaozhe's habits and private matters. Fang Qing was willing to bet that some of the 'details' were fabricated. Moreover, the most detailed description was the full record of Jin Xiaozhe's current situation – being poisoned. It was a lively and vivid account, as if the author had been present. Even though Fang Qing was filled with nothing but contempt and disdain for this joker, he had to admit, if this guy had really released the book, it would most likely have become an instant hit. In this way, this bstrd's true intentions were also made clear. Killing two birds with one stone – to achieve revenge, and also use Jin Xiaozhe to gain fame – wasn't that the perfect plan?

Thinking about this, Fang Qing grew even more furious. He sneered and raised his fist. That rascal was a typical case of a crazy idiot who appears strong and arrogant in front of those who are weak, but who dares not make a peep before those stronger than himself. Seeing that Fang Qing's fist was about to descend, he continued to feign innocence and beg for forgiveness. "It's really not me who did it! Really not me! Dage, I'm Jin Xiaozhe's fan, a true fanboy! Really!"

Fang Qing snorted angrily and fiercely punched the guy's nose. "To h.e.l.l with you!"

Subsequently, Fang Qing handed the suspect over to the criminal investigators who had rushed to the scene after he had beaten him black and blue. However, the consequence was that Fang Qing was severely censured by the central office, and was ordered not to intervene in this case again without permission. Fortunately, the suspect could not quibble about his arrest as material evidence and human testimony were both in concurrence. Moreover, perhaps he had been scared to death by Fang Qing's beating, or perhaps the brothers at the central office had dealt with him, but he did not dare to insist on an investigation into Fang Qing's actions.

Of course, brothers are always brothers. Although they banned Fang Qing from a.s.sociating himself with this case, when the true facts had been ascertained, they immediately released a statement, succinctly setting out the whole story and confirming that they had apprehended the culprit, thus appeasing the victim and her hordes of fans. After the release of the statement, Jin Xiaozhe's fans celebrated pa.s.sionately. One after another, they showed their affection and grat.i.tude to their comrade criminal investigators. Fang Qing, sitting in the backyard of the station, smoked his cigarette, scanned the news reports, and smiled.

"Jin Xiaozhe, guess what!" her manager said excitedly. "This situation is fast becoming a legend!"

Jin Xiaozhe looked up from her iPad, her face tranquil.

Her manager said, "You're the trending hot topic on Weibo right now, the no. 1 hot search item, and the top searched topic! Your drama which is scheduled for broadcast next month has been voted by netizens as the most antic.i.p.ated series! Your popularity is soaring and your support is even greater! Several major directors have called me; you are going to be red hot! I never thought that this situation would advance your career! Definitely a blessing in disguise, haha!"

Jin Xiaozhe smiled faintly and said, "Really?" For some reason, she just could not feel excited. Her manager's att.i.tude at the moment was understandable, for they both once had the same ambition. However, if one considered that the peak of her career was due to her teetering between life and death, she suddenly felt a rapidly spreading ice-cold feeling in her heart.

"My apologies, I'd like to be alone for a while," she said.

Her manager stopped talking. "Sorry, Xiaozhe, I had no other intention. I just . . . we have to keep looking ahead, I just want you to flourish."

Jin Xiaozhe nodded sincerely. "I know, I just . . ."

I'm just, unhappy.

Her manager left the room, and the sky gradually turned dark. So, at the time when the lights came on, from a high vantage point, the city was so quiet. Moreover, Jin Xiaozhe discovered that it had been a very long time since she had been by herself. It turned out, when she was by herself, she was so lonely.

She took up a book resting on her pillow and read a few pages, but nothing went in. She kept thinking about the police statement; the wording had been concise and solemnly official. Why is it that she could see traces of Fang Qing in it?

Sometimes, a woman's instinct are incredibly accurate. She felt certain that the reason why the police had solved the case so quickly was related to Fang Qing. Several thoughts came to her mind and refused to go away.

After an unknown length of time, the door opened with a soft sound and someone walked in.

Jin Xiaozhe looked up.

She had only turned on the bedside lamp, and he had not switched on the light when he entered the room. He simply took off his police cap and placed it on the bedside table. He also stood in the darkest part of the room.

Jin Xiaozhe had no idea how he had managed to get into the room. Outside was thick with bodyguards, fans, and reporters. However, he would have his ways and means, even to come in so overtly, without alarming anyone.

Jin Xiaozhe abruptly felt that her arms and legs were a little tense as she watched him approach.

He sat next to the bed and asked, "How are you feeling?"

She had seen so many flower boys and bright, handsome, upright men, but for a while she could not look directly at his handsome, compelling face. So, she stared at the b.u.t.ton on his chest as she replied, "Much better, almost fully recovered."

He smiled momentarily, his usual straightforward manner on display. "That's good."

He rested his hands on his knees as he sat with his back to the light. Jin Xiaozhe knew that he was gazing at her all the time. Her finger started tracing circles on the book cover. "When did you come back to Beijing?"

"Three days ago, in the evening."

"What have you been busy with these few days?"

"Private matters."

Jin Xiaozhe suddenly found herself unable to speak.

"What private matters?" she heard herself asking steadily.

Fang Qing's face was hidden in the shadows. After quite a while, he said, "Xiaozhe, you know, don't you? No matter how big a celebrity you become, no matter how far away you are from me, how big is the gap between us, really? In my heart, you will always be the crazy girl who insisted on climbing on my back and making me run alongside the city wall before you would be friends with me.”

In an instant, Jin Xiaozhe was choked with emotion. She felt her eyes turn moist and took a deep breath to control herself.

"Ok, I know," she said. I know; in truth, I always knew.

Fang Qing seemed to be quieter than before. He sat for a while longer before saying, "I've seen you, and I feel relieved, so I'll go now. Take care."

Jin Xiaozhe stared at his back until he reached the door. Then, she growled softly, "Don't you dare go!"

Fang Qing stood still without turning around. "What did you say?"

"I said . . ." Jin Xiaozhe covered her eyes with her hands, refusing to let him see. "Fang Qing, don't go."

All around her was silent for a moment, then she heard him walking back towards her. After a while, he sat on the edge of the bed and hugged her shoulders, while she turned her head to bury her face in his arms. That was the smell she had been separated from for so long, and had been longing after for so long; his embrace was broad, solid, and warm. She felt so safe at this moment, like never before. She finally understood that she would never be complete without this person in her life.

Fang Qing's entire body was heated and his heart was full of pa.s.sion. However, he had a faint smile on his face as he whispered into her ear, "Are we back together?" Jin Xiaozhe lifted her head to kiss him.

The two of them continued to hug each other and look out of the window at the night sky together for a long time. This city was so vast, infinitely wonderful, with infinite possibilities, and infinite hopes and crises. But, at this moment, they were sitting quietly together, just like when they used to sit on the wall in the Ancient City (Gu City) as teenagers. At that time, their young and carefree selves had felt as if the whole world was theirs. Now, they understood that they were nothing but two small specks of dust, of no significance to the ebb and flow of the world.

"How long will you be away this time?" she asked softly as he embraced her.

Fang Qing did not actually know the answer. He estimated and replied, "One or two months."

"Will there be danger?" she asked as she looked into his eyes.

Then and there, Fang Qing was unable to formulate a reply.

The masked killers, their old enemies, had caused Fu Ziyu's death, Bo Jinyan's blindness, and his and An Yan's serious injuries. Moreover, they still did not know the extent of their opponents' criminal influence and power. How long would he be gone for this time?

His hands pressed upon her eyes and he smiled faintly as he said, "What are you imagining? There can't be danger every single day when I'm out on a mission. I will definitely return to you safely."

I will definitely come back to you alive.

Translator: shl

Editor/ Proofreader: Anks