Liang Bo emerged from the police station with an expressionless face. He immediately got into Liu Hui’s car. Liang Jingyue sat beside him, worried, but he remained silent, offering not a single word.

Back at home, Qiu Yue finally learned that her husband had been in trouble, even taken to the police station. Though he was safely returned, a deep terror lingered in her heart. She and Liang Jingyue peppered Liang Bo with questions, examining his body closely.

Liang Bo offered little explanation to them, simply offering brief reassurance that he was fine and telling them not to worry. He then led Liu Hui into the study. Liu Hui accompanied him, and they sat down together, wordlessly facing each other. After a long silence, Liang Bo finally sighed and began to recount the events of the previous night.

The flagship store of Liang Bo’s Juwei Xuan had experienced a case of mass food poisoning the night before. The victims were several officials sent down from the Ministry of Public Security for an inspection tour. Strangely, only those officials from the Ministry were poisoned; other patrons who had ordered the exact same dishes were completely unharmed. Upon investigating the incident, Liang Bo discovered that the tainted meal had been prepared by a new chef hired only a few days prior, but this new chef had since vanished and could not be contacted.

The companions of the poisoned officials were furious. After rushing their colleagues to the hospital for emergency treatment, they immediately contacted leaders at the Beijing Ministry of Public Security, providing a detailed account of the evening’s ordeal, and expressing suspicion that the restaurant owner had deliberately poisoned them. Acting on instructions from high-ranking officials, the police in Bashan City swiftly arrived and forcibly apprehended Liang Bo for interrogation. If not for Secretary Wei’s phone call, he would undoubtedly still be at the station undergoing their intense questioning.

Speaking of his detention and investigation, Liang Bo felt deeply reflective and frustrated. He had always considered himself a significant figure in Bashan, generally maintaining a respectable façade, believing people would afford him some courtesy and that any issue could be smoothed over. But facing those sent down directly from the Central Government, especially when they were enraged, he realized he amounted to nothing—no different from an ordinary person, save perhaps for possessing slightly more money. During that ordeal, he had made several calls, but every friend he contacted, upon learning the people involved were high-ranking officials from Beijing, immediately claimed inability to help. Not a single one was willing to assist him, leaving him feeling like a total failure as a person.

Seeing Liang Bo’s extreme negativity, Liu Hui tried to comfort him, but Liang Bo waved him off. “Little Liu, don’t bother trying to persuade me. I’ve only just realized that in Huaxia, power trumps law; the law ultimately serves authority. Look at the situation now: when something goes wrong, no one adheres strictly to regulations. Instead, they engage in a contest of patronage—whoever has the stronger backing wins, and they are deemed right. What good is the law today? An old saying in Huaxia is absolutely correct: the common people do not fight the officials. Shen Wansan was powerful enough in ancient times, wasn't he? Yet, Zhu Yuanzhang still had his head cut off.”

Liu Hui responded cautiously, “It isn’t entirely like that, is it? There are still places where the law is enforced well.”

Liang Bo scoffed, “Do you truly believe such places exist? I once saw a post online that said: you preach the law to them, and they counter with politics; you discuss politics, and they appeal to public opinion; you cite public opinion, and they resort to hooliganism; you act like a hooligan, and they bring up the law again. Now it seems that saying holds a frightening amount of truth!”

Liu Hui managed a weak smile. “That situation exists, certainly, but there must be positive aspects too!”

Liang Bo sighed. “Look at last night: merely because of a single phone call from above, I was taken away immediately. I demanded to see a lawyer, but they completely ignored me, immediately pressing me about why I poisoned them. They had already decided I did it intentionally. No matter how I explained, they simply wouldn't believe me, insisting I prove my own innocence. If it weren't for the fact that I’m considered a major figure in Bashan, they would have resorted to torture long ago. Why on earth would I poison people when I run such a large business, worth billions? And I don’t even know those people. If I truly wanted someone dead, wouldn’t hiring an assassin be much simpler? Would I be so foolish as to poison someone in my own restaurant?”

Liang Bo paused, then continued, “They interrogated me all night, repeatedly demanding I confess honestly, or face severe consequences. It wasn't until Secretary Wei’s call came through that they let me go. But they warned me not to leave Bashan, demanding I be available for immediate summons at any time. They labeled me a criminal suspect and placed me under residential surveillance. If those poisoned people at the hospital don’t survive, I will be charged with intentional homicide.”

Liu Hui urged, “Don't be so angry. Let’s figure out a solution together. With my hospital involved, those people will definitely be saved.”

Liang Bo considered this and then remarked, “Recently there were reports about many Chinese billionaires beginning to emigrate. Back then, I ridiculed them for forgetting their roots. But now, I see they were quite discerning—they left early. Once abroad, what can they do to you? It might not be as easy to make money overseas as it is here, but their legal systems are sound. Even if some countries practice racial discrimination, at least you won't suddenly find yourself labeled a suspect without cause. They still require evidence for their actions! I can’t leave now due to the surveillance. But your Han Tang Hospital is growing larger and larger, gaining more international recognition, which, in the eyes of some, makes it look increasingly like a tempting piece of meat. Many people will want a bite. You need to start planning quickly and take Jingyue away from here!”

Noticing Liang Bo’s agitated state and rambling words, Liu Hui decided to temporarily halt their conversation. He called Qiu Yue in. Qiu Yue gently suggested Liang Bo rest, as he hadn’t slept all night. After venting to Liu Hui, his energy finally flagged, and he felt overwhelmingly tired. Supported by Qiu Yue, he retired to his room to sleep.

Liang Jingyue, too, hadn't slept all night and was visibly exhausted from fear and anxiety. Liu Hui urged her to go to bed immediately, replenish her sleep, and discuss matters after she woke up.

Liang Jingyue had never experienced anything like this before. Seeing her father arrested was naturally terrifying, but the relief of his safe return was immense. Yet, since the matter wasn't fully resolved, a taut string remained in her heart. Liu Hui understood her feelings, so he stayed to keep her company. Liang Jingyue fell asleep holding Liu Hui’s hand.

Her mind burdened with worry, Liang Jingyue did not sleep soundly and woke up around noon. Qiu Yue had already prepared lunch. Liu Hui started to go wake Liang Bo, but Qiu Yue stopped him, explaining that Liang Bo needed the rest after a night of shock and they shouldn't disturb him; they should eat first. Concerned about her father, Liang Jingyue had no appetite and declared herself full after just a few bites.

After lunch, Liu Hui prepared to go to the hospital, and Liang Jingyue insisted on accompanying him, ignoring his suggestions that she rest more. Liu Hui had no choice but to take her with him. On the way to the hospital, they passed the neighborhood where Liu Hui and Liang Jingyue had lived previously—the complex where Liu Hui had first obtained the Plane Trading Device. Though they had moved out later, they had bought the apartment as a permanent keepsake. Seeing the complex, Liang Jingyue felt a strong pull and asked to go up. Liu Hui parked the car inside the complex and accompanied her.

They entered the apartment, which remained exactly as it was, meticulously tidy—it was clear Liang Jingyue visited often to clean. Touching everything familiar, Liang Jingyue broke down, weeping uncontrollably.

Liu Hui immediately pulled her close and comforted her. “Jingyue, don’t be sad. I will find a way to solve your father’s issue; he will be fine. You must know I have some connections up high; I can plead for help then. You have to believe me.”

“I’m crying because everything here looks so familiar. Don't you feel it? Every inch of this space is saturated with our sweet memories. I feel the happiest moments of my entire life were spent in this small room. Everything here is deeply branded into my heart, something I’ll never forget. Just seeing this room brings back the memory of that happy life.” Liang Jingyue was unusually emotional.

“How about we occasionally move back here for a short stay, to recapture that old romance?” Liu Hui suggested with a smile.

“Ah Hui, if one day we ever drift apart, what would you do?” Liang Jingyue asked, unusually sentimental today.

“Haha, starting now, I’ll tie you and me together with a rope. Wherever I go, you go. How could we ever separate?” Liu Hui chuckled.

“Ah Hui, I’m serious. What would you do if we separated?” Liang Jingyue asked again, as Liu Hui’s humor had failed to soothe her.

“If you were to drift away from me, I would search for you across the entire world. I would place advertisements in every place that allows them, offering a massive reward so that no matter where you were, you couldn’t escape my search. I wouldn't let my Little Jingyue live alone in solitude!” Liu Hui embraced her tightly.

“Wouldn’t that be too troublesome? Why don’t we make a pact: if we ever separate, you come look for me in this apartment. I will wait for you here forever. You will come, right?” Liang Jingyue looked up at Liu Hui, her face wet with tears, filled with hope.

Liu Hui felt a pang in his heart. The sadness in Liang Jingyue’s eyes truly hurt him. He didn't know why she was suddenly bringing this up, but he nodded firmly, secretly vowing never to let a situation arise where he and Liang Jingyue could be separated.

This chapter marks a crucial turning point for the book, involving many elements that Qianyu Chuhai needs to meticulously describe and revise repeatedly, which is why the updates have been slightly slow. Please excuse the delay. The time is approaching for Liu Hui to cast off his restraints and embark on his grand enterprise. Stay tuned!

Qianyu Chuhai thanks the readers: Yueya Kaixinguo, Shuyou 100905121121341, and Maomao Xiongdian for their generous tips. Your support is the driving force behind my writing.

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