To the investigation team, it seemed only a matter of time before Zhou Qin, a high-ranking official’s daughter who had clearly lost all favor, would reveal the whole truth. Previously, her refusal to talk was likely due to the backing of her family; but now, a fallen phoenix was less than a chicken, and soon enough, she would spill every last detail.

Yet, the reality was that Zhou Qin’s stubbornness and tenacity far exceeded everyone's expectations. Facing the aggressive interrogation from the man in the Zhongshan suit, Zhou Qin suppressed the agony of three days without food and two without sleep.

She finally lifted her eyes, gave him a cold glance, and stated, "What I said is the truth. If you refuse to believe it, there’s nothing I can do." The man in the Zhongshan suit, agitated, slammed a fist onto the table, snatched the note pad from the clerk beside him, threw it in front of Zhou Qin, and roared, "Look clearly at this!

You said Young Master He was struck dead by lightning?" Without even glancing down, Zhou Qin calmly replied, "Yes!" The man in the suit thundered, "And he just happened to be struck by lightning right there? Who in the world would believe such a coincidence!

What is your motive for protecting this Li Yundong so fiercely!" Zhou Qin suddenly let out a cold scoff and raised her head, "And what exactly is your motive for investigating Young Master He’s case so diligently?" Though Zhou Qin was so weak that just a few words left her breathless, her eyes were filled with disdain and unyielding spirit. This young woman seemed to have never known the meaning of compromise or surrender.

The man in the suit angrily warned, "Zhou Qin, this is the last time I am warning you. Do not play with fire!" Zhou Qin scoffed back, "That’s the fourth time you’ve said something like that." The man in the suit erupted in anger, instinctively moving to lash out, but a quick glance caught the clerk nearby subtly suppressing a smile.

In this era, anyone who could secure a position as a clerk in the Disciplinary Committee was certainly no simple figure; their backgrounds were inevitably deep, and the man in the Zhongshan suit dared not berate her. He merely snorted in frustration and stormed out.

Seeing him leave, the clerk tidied up the files and stood to follow, but just before leaving, she turned back to look at Zhou Qin with a gaze full of bewilderment. Perhaps the girl had held firm before because she trusted her own powerful backing to protect her, but what about now?

Her father had collapsed completely. Where did her reliance come from?

Where did her tenacity originate? With a soft "creak," the door closed, and Zhou Qin’s cold gaze slowly retracted.

However, she showed no sign of relief. She remained leaning askew in the chair, her eyelids lowered, concealing any flicker of emotion or inner turmoil.

Zhou Qin knew there were several cameras watching her in the room; every movement was being observed. If she betrayed even a hint of weakness, they would immediately press their advantage.

Zhou Qin was exceptionally adept at observing and dissecting people’s inner workings, so she naturally understood the meaning behind the clerk’s curious parting glance. In fact, it wasn’t just the clerk who didn’t understand; sometimes, even Zhou Qin herself questioned it.

Why was she persisting like this? For the sake of some abstract justice?

What a joke. Having grown up within the system, she saw through all of it long ago.

There was no inherent good or evil, beauty or ugliness in this world—only perpetual self-interest! But if it wasn't for justice, then what was it for?

For Li Yundong? Ah, that must be it.

If it weren't for him, why would she have held out this long? But, Zhou Qin, was it worth it?

"Was it worth it?" Zhou Qin’s delicate lips parted slightly, and she couldn't help but murmur the words softly. She suddenly recalled the time she had called Li Yundong to help him find a job.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror then, she had made a firm resolution: Zhou Qin, oh Zhou Qin, you’ve fallen for a boy like this; you’re going to face a world of suffering! But who would have thought this suffering would be so immense, so bitter!

Her entire family was now ruined! Was all of this truly worth it?

Though her expression remained unchanged, cold as frost, a bitter smile twisted inside Zhou Qin’s heart: If this boy were as devoted and unwavering towards her as he was to Su Chan, then whatever hardship she endured for him would be worth it; she would savor even the greatest suffering like sweet nectar! But...

but he doesn't like you, Zhou Qin! For a boy who doesn't care for you, is this worth it?

A huge question mark materialized in Zhou Qin’s mind, and in that instant, a sharp stirring moved within her heart. She felt a sudden wave of disorientation.

Just as she felt that blankness settle in, the door suddenly creaked open. Zhou Qin looked up, startled to find that the person entering was her father!

Zhou Qin’s eyebrows arched; the fleeting look of bewilderment and vulnerability was instantly concealed behind the mask of cold, hard indifference. She sneered coldly, "Why are you here?

Weren't you placed under investigation?" In truth, Zhou Qin already knew the answer to her question; she simply couldn't resist mocking her usually lofty father. Zhou Keqiang wore a neat black suit, still clean and pressed.

Except for the weariness in his eyes, one wouldn't know he was an official currently suspended from duty. Zhou Keqiang glanced at Zhou Qin, let out a short laugh, and sat down opposite her.

"The organization ordered me here to redeem my past mistakes through merit. You should understand." Zhou Qin certainly understood.

While she had been wavering and confused moments before, the instant Zhou Keqiang appeared, her wavering heart solidified once more. The investigation team thought using family ties would make Zhou Qin yield, but in fact, it only fueled her strength and resolve.

Zhou Qin sneered, "It’s fine if they don’t know, but do you honestly think you can convince me?" Zhou Keqiang was momentarily speechless, choked by his daughter's retort. He sighed, "Qinqin, no matter what, I am your father, aren't I?

Can you please not speak to me in that tone?" Zhou Qin scoffed and turned her head away. Zhou Keqiang pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and was about to light one when he suddenly paused, asking Zhou Qin, "Do you mind if I smoke?" Zhou Qin froze, her gaze sweeping over her father’s face.

Then, she suddenly burst into laughter, "Zhou Keqiang, oh Zhou Keqiang, in all my life, this is the first time you've asked my opinion like that! It seems you are finally mentally prepared to adjust to life as a common citizen!" Zhou Keqiang felt a surge of anger, but he quickly suppressed it, inwardly lamenting: Such acrimony, such cold mockery in a father-daughter conversation—truly rare in this world!

Zhou Keqiang sighed, "Qinqin, don't you think you've gone too far this time? Not only have I been implicated by you, but your uncle has been too.

Are you trying to ruin our entire family single-handedly?" Zhou Qin coldly retorted, "Comrade Zhou Keqiang, what goes around comes around! If your own hands were clean, would you have ended up in this predicament?" A flash of anger crossed Zhou Keqiang’s eyes, and he stood up, shouting indignantly, "You!" Zhou Qin yielded nothing, meeting his gaze head-on, "What about me?

Am I wrong?" Zhou Keqiang took a deep breath. "Qinqin, you are an adult now; you must think carefully about your words and actions.

If you continue down this path of stubborn delusion, your life of luxury will vanish. You will transform from a lofty princess into a pile of mud in the dirt!" Zhou Qin stated coldly, "That’s not for you to worry about.

I have my hands and feet; I can support myself in the future!" Seeing Zhou Qin’s unyielding nature, Zhou Keqiang felt both vexed and hateful. He slapped the table and boomed, "Are you mad?

What nonsense are you speaking! What demon has possessed you?

Is it for that boy named Li Yundong? Qinqin, please wake up!

I investigated this boy; he has absolutely no interest in you, understand? Is it worth ruining the family for him?" Zhou Qin’s heart trembled violently.

The question from before resurfaced in her mind. A shadow of sorrow crossed her eyes, but she stubbornly insisted, "Don't call him a boy.

He has more backbone than the vast majority of men in this world!" Zhou Keqiang raged, "So what? Even if you sacrifice so much for him, does he know?

Will he be moved? Will he be grateful?

Do you think that after all your giving, he will suddenly change his mind and like you? Qinqin, stop being foolish, he won't turn back for you!" That sentence struck Zhou Qin's heart like a heavy sledgehammer, shaking her whole body.

Unconsciously, Zhou Qin recalled Su Chan crying while comforting Li Yundong after the lightning strike killed Young Master He: "At worst, when the heavenly tribulation comes, I'll give my life to die alongside you. After spending so many happy days with you, it’s no great thing to die!" What had Li Yundong said then?

That’s right, he had said: "Only you understand me! People call you a demoness, a seductive sprite, but in my eyes, you are the most lovable and considerate woman in this world!

What virtue or ability do I, Li Yundong, possess to have a woman like you by my side?" The memory of that scene was like a knife twisting in Zhou Qin’s chest, bringing tears dangerously close to her eyes. It was as if Zhou Qin’s mind had split in two.

One voice said, Zhou Qin, stop being foolish; Li Yundong will never choose you! But the other whispered, But, Zhou Qin, don't you want to know if this boy truly has you in his heart?

If you give everything for him, will he spare you even a single extra glance, like you even a little bit more? This second voice made Zhou Qin’s heart leap; her eyes suddenly widened, like a desperate person catching sight of a glimmer of light from heaven.

Zhou Qin lowered her eyelids, concealing the violent upheaval within her soul, while her closest relative in the room remained completely oblivious to her internal struggle. Zhou Qin took a deep breath and slowly said, "Dad, do you remember the painting I did at my birthday party last time?" Zhou Keqiang was startled.

"I remember. What about it?" Zhou Qin smiled faintly.

"Dad, I said then that no matter how lifelike a painted butterfly is, it can never fly out of its frame!" Zhou Keqiang was utterly confused. "So what?" Zhou Qin smiled.

"Nothing. You wouldn’t understand, and I don't expect you to.

You never have, not since I was a child." Zhou Keqiang grew more perplexed. "What are you trying to say?" Zhou Qin shook her head.

"It’s nothing. Just think of me as being willful.

Just pretend you never had a daughter like me. I’m tired of these constraints and restrictions.

I want to choose freely, just once." Zhou Keqiang stood up, shocked and furious. "Are you insane?

You will regret this!" Zhou Qin offered a slight smile. "Whether I regret it or not is my own business, and it has nothing to do with you.

Everyone only walks one path in their lifetime; the road is traveled and chosen by oneself. I will not regret it." After speaking, Zhou Qin watched her despairing father walk slowly out of the room.

She instantly reverted to a statue-like stillness, her gaze sweeping over the cold, dark room. Only when her eyes settled on the heavy curtains covering the window did she pause, sighing silently in her heart, Li Yundong, will you really spare me even one extra glance?

And just as Zhou Qin’s resolution solidified, Li Yundong, at his home in Hongsheng New District, was preparing to commence the cultivation of the Fifth Heaven, the "Divine Ability." C