When Lu Linjiang returned to his office, it was empty. He pulled out his phone and dialed Xu Sichen. "Where is everyone?"
"I found an import-export trade company under Guzman’s name that specializes in seafood. He has business dealings with seven e-commerce platforms in Jinghai. We couldn't get a hold of three of them, so Yang Bo and I are heading to their addresses to check them out." Xu Sichen paused. "By the way, Boss, where were you this morning?"
"I had something to take care of." Aside from Tang Hua, Lu Linjiang hadn't told anyone else about Guo Junyi’s situation. "Any other news?"
"Guzman entered the country on the 14th. He stayed in Jinghai for two days before heading to Tuocheng, where he stayed for three. After returning to Jinghai, he checked into the Blue Sky Hotel and didn't seem to have contact with anyone else until the incident."
"He also stayed at a Blue Sky Hotel in Tuocheng. The hotel there sent over their surveillance footage. He didn't have a fixed schedule; his comings and goings over those three days were quite random. I’ve already contacted our colleagues there to investigate further. They’ll send over the details later this evening."
"Alright," Lu Linjiang said. "Seven e-commerce companies... his business is quite extensive."
Xu Sichen hummed in agreement. "I contacted three of them early this morning. Their answers were basically the same: their contracts were expiring, and Guzman came specifically to sign new ones. People say Europeans are unreliable, but Guzman seems to be an exception."
"Does anyone know why he went to Tuocheng? Was it for business or tourism?"
"I asked. They said they didn't know, but I think business is more likely."
Lu Linjiang acknowledged this with a grunt, satisfied with their efficiency. He hung up and instinctively checked the time. In the brief moment his mind wasn't occupied by the case, he couldn't help but worry about Guo Junyi. Without much hesitation, he gripped his phone and called Jiang Cheng.
"The results aren't out yet," Jiang Cheng said. "I’ll notify you the moment they are."
"I know. I’m just... a little unsettled."
"..." Jiang Cheng wondered if something was wrong with his hearing. He remained silent for a long time, only speaking after Lu Linjiang prompted him with another "Hello?"
"I thought you were someone who would never feel 'unsettled,'" Jiang Cheng finally said.
Lu Linjiang hesitated for a moment before replying, almost as if possessed, "And I always thought you liked to cook."
"It was alright." Jiang Cheng looked at the street view outside the hotel. "I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either."
Both of them were children who had been pampered by their families. If it weren't for loving someone, who would be willing to soak in the smell of grease and smoke just to satisfy another's palate? But Jiang Cheng didn't intend to dwell on it. The past was the past; there was no need to dig it up and settle old scores now.
"In the past... I really was out of line."
Jiang Cheng looked up at the sky. The sun was bright, almost dazzling—a rare, warm winter sun for Jinghai. He had no intention of continuing this topic. "Lu Linjiang, like I said, the past was my own fault. It was my own stubborn insistence from beginning to end. You don't need to feel sorry."
Lu Linjiang’s words were choked back into his throat. He had initially thought Jiang Cheng was saying this out of spite, perhaps influenced by the recent incident with Tao Minxing. But Jiang Cheng never mentioned any details. That period, which had been a burden to Lu Linjiang, had been a time of genuine sacrifice and suffering for Jiang Cheng. Yet, just as he said, Jiang Cheng wouldn't speak a single word of the past. Lu Linjiang had to admit he had been judging a noble heart by his own petty standards.
Lu Linjiang finally realized that Guo Junyi had said the exact same thing an hour ago. Jiang Cheng had kept his posture so low during those years, yet after a four-year gap, he had been able to charge ahead and earn a doctorate. It was clear he hadn't been incapable back then; he had simply sacrificed his ambitions for a reason everyone knew.
Yet, not only had Lu Linjiang failed to appreciate it, he had subconsciously looked down on Jiang Cheng as a person.
The man had wasted four years of his life, and his wholehearted devotion hadn't received a shred of the return it deserved. People had pitied Jiang Cheng in the past—and perhaps some still did—but Lu Linjiang had investigated him. He knew Jiang Cheng’s achievements over the years. In the videos he had seen, the high-spirited Jiang Cheng was clearly a powerful individual. To be pitied because of his past feelings for Lu Linjiang was, for Jiang Cheng, nothing but an insult.
Yet Jiang Cheng had never offered a single word of explanation or argument.
Out of guilt, Lu Linjiang desperately wanted Jiang Cheng to complain to him, even if just a little, so that he could find some moral comfort. But Jiang Cheng didn't complain; instead, he grandly waved it off, attributing all the problems to himself.
His "I hope you won't hold my past actions against me" stance left Lu Linjiang completely speechless. Jiang Cheng’s posture remained as low as ever, but Lu Linjiang was no longer the blind man he was three years ago. He clearly saw the true face beneath Jiang Cheng’s humble exterior: a remarkably powerful inner self.
And because he possessed such a strong heart, Jiang Cheng likely didn't care much about what others thought of him—he didn't care if others looked down on him, nor did he care if he was owed an apology.
Lu Linjiang realized he might never have the chance to voice his apology. Jiang Cheng didn't need any form of regret; moreover, to the current Jiang Cheng, such apologies were probably just another insult.
Lu Linjiang agonized over his thoughts for a rare moment but couldn't find the right words.
Sensing his awkwardness, Jiang Cheng said politely, "Don't worry. I’ll let you know as soon as there’s news. I have things to do. Let’s talk later."
After hanging up, Lu Linjiang sat in his office in a daze. He felt a sense of discomfort, which, upon reflection, likely stemmed from Jiang Cheng’s detachment. But there was nothing to criticize in Jiang Cheng’s behavior. As Wang Ling had said, the fact that Jiang Cheng could still sit down and eat with them was largely due to the previous accident—and more likely, because Jiang Cheng didn't want to dwell on the past.
If he were a bit colder or harsher, given the circumstances of those years, it wouldn't be strange if they never saw each other again for the rest of their lives. Wang Ling had called him a glutton for punishment, and from certain angles, he wasn't wrong.
Tang Hua knocked on the door, snapping Lu Linjiang back to attention. "Boss, the people from the CDC are here."
Lu Linjiang remembered he had called the CDC before leaving this morning, asking them to send someone over when they were free. "Send them in."
Shen Lei followed Tang Hua into the office. "Hello, Captain Lu. It’s been a while."
Lu Linjiang shook her hand. "I need you to look at something. There was an emergency this morning, so I didn't get a chance to send you the photos." He pulled up his phone for Shen Lei. "This is a virus we recently discovered on a deceased individual. We’ve already consulted a virologist; it’s very likely a virus called Gaimoer."
Shen Lei’s expression went blank for a moment upon hearing the name "Gaimoer." She carefully examined the virus in the photo. "To be honest, I’ve only learned a little about this virus through internal documents." She hesitated visibly. "Can I see the deceased?"
"Follow me," Lu Linjiang agreed.
He led Shen Lei to the forensics department. The autopsy room had become a high-risk zone. Guo Junyi had somehow found a door cover to seal off the entrance and had set up a cordon a meter away. He was guarding it himself, refusing to let anyone in easily.
"You guys are... quite professional," Shen Lei remarked.
"Yeah, Guo Junyi handled it all." Lu Linjiang called out, "Old Guo, we have a guest."
Guo Junyi poked his head out. "Oh, Shen Lei. Come in." He pulled his head back and, a moment later, tossed out two disposable gowns. "Put these on!"
Shen Lei took a mask from her bag and put it on. "Professor Guo is as brisk as ever."
Lu Linjiang grunted and checked his phone. It was less than an hour until the appointed time. Once Shen Lei was dressed, she lifted the curtain and stepped into the autopsy room. It was even colder inside than out. Guzman’s chest cavity had been opened, and his internal organs were lined up to the side. Caught off guard, Shen Lei remained silent for a long time. Guo Junyi and Lu Linjiang didn't speak either, quietly waiting for her to compose herself. After a few minutes, Shen Lei finally let out a soft "Yikes."
"That visual impact is certainly... intense."
Guo Junyi handed her a pair of gloves. "It’s not like you haven't taken anatomy classes."
"Anatomy classes in university are practically 'graceful' compared to this." Shen Lei walked to the side where the organs were placed and used a glass rod to gently nudge the liver tissue. "Are there slides?"
"On the table."
Shen Lei went over and looked through the microscope for a long time, appearing as if she were glued to it. After a while, Lu Linjiang leaned in and whispered to Guo Junyi, "What’s wrong? She can't find it?"
Guo Junyi shook his head. "You think everyone is as dim as you?"
Once, Lu Linjiang had taken an interest in looking at slides and accidentally moved the coverslip. He couldn't find the target for the life of him, a blunder Guo Junyi had been mocking ever since.
Shen Lei finally looked up from the microscope. She turned her head slowly, the parts of her face not covered by the mask appearing almost as pale as Guzman’s. "Where did this person come from?"
"Spain. Entered the country on the 13th and went to Tuocheng afterward."
Shen Lei paced a few steps. "Did he go to Tuocheng to eat wild game?" She clicked her tongue. "That shouldn't be possible. Tuocheng has cracked down on that several times."
Guo Junyi took a leisurely sip of water. "With 50 percent profit, capital will be audacious; for 100 percent, it will trample all human laws; for 300 percent, there is not a crime at which it will scruple, nor a risk it will not run, even to the chance of its owner being hanged."
Shen Lei’s delicate eyebrows knitted together completely. "I’ll get in touch with the CDC over there. He’s from Spain... wait, I remember the last time this virus was found was in Vietnam. Did he leave the country for Southeast Asia?"
"At least, not according to what we’ve found so far."
A look of despair crossed Shen Lei’s face. "I’ll contact the Tuocheng CDC immediately and tell them to be on alert. If something goes wrong, this is going to be a massive disaster."
"There’s one more thing I should inform you about first."
"What else?" Shen Lei was like a startled bird now, her expression saying she might collapse if there was any more bad news.
"Me. I wasn't careful during the autopsy the other day, and blood sprayed on my face." Guo Junyi watched Shen Lei’s jaw practically hit the floor. "I wasn't paying attention while shaving this morning and nicked myself..."
Shen Lei’s large eyes nearly popped out. She asked, one word at a time, "Professor Guo... today isn't April Fool’s Day, is it?" Seeing both men shake their heads, she finally wobbled over to a stool and sat down. "I feel a bit dizzy. Wait, that’s not right!" Shen Lei observed Guo Junyi closely. "How are you not scared at all?"
"I was scared already. The shock has worn off, so I might as well do what needs to be done. Anyway, it’s not airborne. As long as it’s handled properly, it won't affect others. You can rest easy on that; I won't cause you trouble. If it’s confirmed, remember to clear a room for me at your place so I can be disinfected."
Shen Lei felt the world spinning even while sitting. How could such a fairy-tale-gone-wrong situation actually happen? And the person involved was asking her for a room...
"Wait, Guo Junyi, are you messing with me?"
"No, I went with him to get tested this morning," Lu Linjiang spoke up. "Speaking of which, the results should be out soon."
Shen Lei’s face was deathly pale, as if she were the one who had been sprayed with blood. After a long while, she asked, "How much longer until the results?"
Lu Linjiang checked the time. "About half an hour."
Shen Lei ran a hand through her hair. "Half an hour..." She dithered for a moment. "I need to call the center first."
Lu Linjiang and Guo Junyi watched as she called the CDC to report the Guzman matter and ordered an emergency notice to be sent to the Tuocheng CDC. By the time she was finished, some color had finally returned to her face.
"Why do you look worse off than me?" Guo Junyi teased.
Shen Lei looked at him with a weak gaze. "I’m no 'Hero Guo.' I’ll wait here for the news with you. If..." She swallowed hard. "If anything happens, I’ll personally make the arrangements for you."
"My funeral?"
"Can you fucking be a bit more optimistic?" Shen Lei finally couldn't help but swear.
Lu Linjiang looked at Guo Junyi helplessly; the man’s lack of taboos was truly one of a kind. Suddenly, his phone rang. Lu Linjiang had specifically turned the volume to maximum while waiting for the news. When it rang now, all three of them jumped.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 垓莫尔病毒 | Gaimoer Virus | A fictional, highly dangerous virus mentioned in the case. |
| 沈蕾 | Shen Lei | A contact/official from the CDC. |
| 疾控中心 | CDC | Center for Disease Control (疾病预防控制中心). |
| 载玻片 | Coverslip / Slide | Used in microscopy. |
| 郭大侠 | Hero Guo | A nickname for Guo Junyi, using "Daxia" (martial arts hero). |
