Upon arriving in Lanzhou, one simply must see the Yellow River, must eat the nationally renowned Lanzhou Beef Noodles, and must sample the local specialties: black melon seeds, Bailan melons, and Lanzhou lilies.

These necessities became the immediate reasons for Wang Zhuo to stay a while; it was genuinely his first time visiting this city situated at the geometric center of China’s map.

Borrowing a vehicle from the military district, he spent three days touring the city with Siyuan and Bailu. It was an unguided, whirlwind tour, yet it carried its own quiet, leisurely charm.

Today was the fourth day, and Bailu’s treatment had reached its final phase. All her vital signs had returned to healthy levels. After receiving this morning's dose—an injection meant for consolidation—she could finally bid farewell to the Mad Mosquito Virus.

Walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Wang Zhuo down an unfamiliar street, the gentle sunlight fell upon them, carrying a hint of mild warmth. Lanzhou in February was still in the late stages of winter; it wasn't yet the season for the gentle, warm breezes that caress the face, but the cool air brushing against her skin couldn't dispel the warmth and enthusiasm blooming in her heart.

Bailu was a tall girl; today she wore a pair of black mid-calf boots with a moderate heel. Her height of 177 centimeters, augmented by the heels, meant she nearly matched Wang Zhuo in stature. She didn't possess the delicate look of a small bird leaning on a person, but she did attract countless envious glances.

With the height of a model, a graceful figure, coupled with her tasteful, fashionable attire, radiant looks, large, expressive eyes, and a sweet, mellow voice, Wang Zhuo felt as if he were on a date accompanying her. Though they spoke little, his actions demonstrated care and protection for this adorable girl.

Siyuan, the little imp, hadn't come along today. Her excuse was that she was too worn out from days of adventuring and needed rest. Besides, she claimed she had accumulated online affairs to handle.

She was indeed a busy person, and the reason seemed plausible, but compared to the ambiguous look she gave them during their farewell this morning, those excuses sounded like mere pretenses.

Historical records state: "Roses bloom in Lanzhou." Lanzhou ranked first nationally in both rose production and essential oil yield, holding the top title across the land. The rose bushes here were lush, the blossoms abundant, the petals thick, and the colors intensely vibrant. Their fragrance was rich, and every day they were flown out to supply markets across the country.

Wang Zhuo wasn't particularly sentimental, but when he saw Bailu’s expression shift to one of longing as a girl passed by holding a bouquet of red roses, how could he fail to know what to do?

"Roses must be red," he declared. "They must be bold, passionate, and full of surging vitality. Roses of any other color are inferior. White is not as good as a lily. Yellow cannot compare to the autumn chrysanthemum; they only benefit from the fame of the red rose..."

Wang Zhuo's theory certainly wouldn't win universal approval, but when Bailu received a bouquet of passionately blooming red roses, their deep, dazzling crimson color instantly lifted her spirits, and she readily agreed with his assessment.

"In my entire life, you are the first person to give me flowers," she breathed deeply, intoxicated by the rich floral scent, blissfully reluctant to open her eyes.

Wang Zhuo laughed, surprised. "Don't exaggerate. With your beauty, you must receive enough flowers during holidays to open a flower shop..."

"Before the third year of high school, I was just an ugly duckling," Bailu smiled faintly in explanation. "During the final year, studying kept us busy; I was in the advanced placement class, so no one had time for romance. After entering university, some people did give me flowers, but none of them succeeded..."

"Advanced placement?" Wang Zhuo asked with a smile. "Then why did you only get into the Nursing College and not a better university?"

"The Nursing College offered tuition subsidies," Bailu said softly. "And the specialized nursing major I chose makes it easy to find work in developed cities, with decent pay. For me, it felt like jumping from a carp to a dragon."

Wang Zhuo nodded with a smile. "You are a person without great ambition..."

Bailu blinked her eyes, agreeing with his assessment.

"If I were your patient, I'd refuse to leave the hospital," Wang Zhuo teased. "Such a beautiful nurse is a feast for the eyes; it shouldn't only benefit the doctor."

Bailu’s pretty face flushed noticeably, and she said shyly, "You're so healthy, how could you possibly need hospitalization? I wouldn't even have the chance to nurse you..."

Was that a double entendre? Wang Zhuo chuckled silently. Bailu appeared tall and imposing, but she was actually quite timid; this was the boldest statement she had made yet. If he hadn't noticed the flicker of nervousness in her eyes, Wang Zhuo would have dismissed it as casual banter!

"Do you want to rest for a bit?" He gestured toward a café on the second floor by the roadside. Through the sea-blue glass curtain wall, a quiet and elegant interior was visible.

Bailu nodded and followed him in quick steps, maintaining a distance of about two fingers' width, hovering near yet not touching.

Having coffee while holding a bouquet of red roses—this must be what they called being chic? Bailu followed Wang Zhuo into the elevator, but to her surprise, he pressed the button for the third floor.

Did he press the wrong one? She was about to correct him when she noticed a notice affixed above the elevator control panel: "Café & Tea on the second floor; Sheng Hui Hotel on the third floor."

If this were the time when Bailu first started university, she certainly would have thought restaurants were for eating and hotels were for drinking; that a five-star hotel was less classy than a three-star, and a one-star was the pinnacle. But how could she be that same innocent, naive girl now? She instantly understood. Wang Zhuo had made a joke—he pointed to the second-floor café, but what he meant by a place to rest was actually a hotel room!

Wang Zhuo had, in fact, booked a rather high-end suite.

Bailu, filled with trepidation, tension, excitement, and anticipation, followed him upstairs with complex feelings swirling within her. This was the first time the two of them were alone together in such a private setting, and she already seemed to sense what might happen next!

Wang Zhuo stole glances at her demeanor, feeling both amused and warmly touched, alongside a surge of pride and the desire for conquest.

Bailu's legs were long and straight, like a pair of naturally formed jade pillars. Her hips were perfectly sized, like a smooth, plump peach. Above her slender, narrow waist, her twin peaks rose proudly, and her elegant neck resembled a serene swan.

Such an outstanding girl would draw admiration and envy wherever she went. Now she was right beside him, and Wang Zhuo had every reason to believe she would grant any request he made.

Whatever she was asked for, she would give.

Life was truly beautiful!

As soon as they entered the room, Wang Zhuo took out his phone, switching it from 'Do Not Disturb' mode to standard communication mode.

Immediately, his phone began ringing and buzzing with messages. He sat on the sofa and became busy, replying to texts and making calls non-stop.

Bailu was surprised, then felt a sense of amusement mingled with self-reproach. She chided herself for letting her imagination run wild with things inappropriate for children; it turned out Wang Zhuo wanted the suite not for that, but as an office space, making it convenient to discuss matters involving trade secrets over the phone! After feeling relieved, she also experienced a distinct pang of disappointment, causing her to inwardly chastise herself: Bailu, oh Bailu. Wang Zhuo is such a gentleman. How could you lose your self-respect?

Just then, the "gentleman," covering the mouthpiece, smiled at her. "There should be twenty-four-hour hot water here. Why don't you go take a shower?"

Instantly, her mind became chaotic again. She responded on instinct and headed toward the bathroom!

Wang Zhuo did have a substantial amount of business to handle and needed to maintain contact with his confidantes to keep their relationships warm.

However, he could easily have put these matters off until they returned in the afternoon. Putting on a busy facade now was purely a prank, designed to tease Bailu's anticipation.

The sound of showering echoed from the bathroom. Bailu was obedient and compliant, and Wang Zhuo smiled contentedly. He took off his outer shirt and trousers, hanging them on the rack. Then he walked to the TV stand and looked over the paid amenities provided by the hotel.

James Bond, Durex, disinfectant wipes, Evian mineral water, Johnson's Baby Oil...

What was Johnson's Baby Oil used for?

Oh, oh! He quickly understood the intended use of this particular item and couldn't help but let out a wry laugh.

Another call came in—it was Yuan Ye. Wang Zhuo instantly recalled that night: the mature body of Xu Chu’s cousin, Xu Meng, and the icy-hot revelry shared by Xu Chu and He Ye, the two campus beauties. Yuan Ye had indeed provided a timely, if minor, assistance that night, saving him trouble.

After connecting and exchanging pleasantries, Yuan Ye proposed treating Wang Zhuo to a meal and asked when he would be free.

"Today is definitely out; I'm out of town," Wang Zhuo mused, pausing to consider. "Tomorrow and the day after will probably also be tough. I have commitments keeping me away, and I might need two days to catch up once I return. Ah, what bad timing." Yuan Ye chuckled sheepishly, assuming Wang Zhuo was making excuses, and the resulting disappointment was palpable.

A minor police precinct chief trying to secure a meeting with someone of Wang Zhuo's stature—the gap in status was truly immense!

"How about this," Wang Zhuo said kindly. "When I get back, I'll give you a call, and we’ll schedule another time. But I insist on treating you to this meal, Director Yuan; please don't be modest with me!"

Yuan Ye was instantly overjoyed, repeatedly saying he didn't deserve such an honor. But Wang Zhuo insisted on footing the bill, so Yuan Ye could only reply awkwardly, "Wang Zhuo, you are too kind, but I must pay for this meal. I also want to introduce you to two friends!"

Wang Zhuo was slightly surprised but understood easily enough. Given Yuan Ye's social standing, Wang Zhuo himself was likely the most important connection he had; it was understandable that Yuan Ye would be particular about who hosted the meal. As for introducing two friends, meeting them wouldn't hurt; who says the insignificant have no use? More friends mean more pathways.

So, he cheerfully agreed. Suddenly remembering something, and seeing the beauty in the bathroom hadn't finished showering yet, he casually asked, "By the way, Director Yuan, do you remember the case you mentioned to me two months ago? The one involving the murder of an entire family of three—what happened with that?"

"Wang Zhuo, don't be so formal; just call me Yuan Ye," Yuan Ye laughed. "That case was closed long ago. It was the husband who killed his wife and child and then committed suicide. A dead man has nothing left to fear in the heavens; there's no need to pursue criminal responsibility for anyone."