Shen Mingliang was stunned for a moment, then turned over and pinned Yun Yun beneath him, his eyes filled with barely contained anger. "If that's the case, you are not allowed to say it a second time! I have already said that I will be loyal to the Shangguan Family until death."
Yun Yun lightly curled her lips. Once, she thought the world was colorful, but after being sent to the East, she realized that the beautiful fantasies she had conjured had long since sunk to the bottom of the sea, disappearing without a trace.
Similarly, as long as she broke Shen Mingliang's imagination, everything could be under her control.
She turned over and draped a thin velvet blanket over herself. Her eyes shimmered in the dim light, exuding brilliance. She smiled slightly, more charming than flowers, captivating in every way. "Why are you so anxious? I will listen to you, all of it. It's just that..."
The corners of her mouth formed a slight downward curve as she lowered her eyes to hide the brilliance within. "Your General Shangguan is too unfortunate; such a hero perished like this. Every time I think about it, I feel sad and regretful."
Shen Mingliang's expression changed slightly, as if she had shaken the hardest corner of his heart.
"Although I have never met General Shangguan, my father often mentioned him during his lifetime, saying he was a rare talent. You might not know this, but General Shangguan and Mr. Ronghai were both under my father's command." Yun Yun's long eyelashes cast a shadow that trembled slightly, evoking pity. "It truly is full of unexpected twists; the world is unpredictable. Since my return to the country, everything has changed drastically. For my livelihood, I can only perform in plays. Who would have thought that General Shangguan would also meet with misfortune? The pain in my heart is no less than yours."
Shen Mingliang tightened his grip on her arm and softened his tone. "This is the first time I've heard you speak of these matters. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have said those things to you."
Yun Yun smiled deeply as if unintentionally. "That's why I spoke carelessly and upset you for a moment. But think calmly; can you really swallow this anger?"
Silence slowly drifted between them, the coldness in the air pressing down upon them.
Yun Yun raised her beautifully arched eyebrows high. She had struggled between life and death for many years, living each day in fear. In her eyes, Shen Mingliang only needed a little encouragement to be used by her; it seemed true now. Turning past laughter into sorrowful songs and past trust into doubt was something she excelled at.
A sly smile curved at her lips, her crimson mouth resembling a bloodthirsty spirit.
When she awoke again, it was already the next morning. Remembering Shangguan Shaoyi's orders, Shen Mingliang quickly dressed himself. He intended to cast aside what Yun Yun had said last night, but those words felt like bombs buried in his mind, constantly troubling his thoughts.
Arriving at the police station, he found Shangguan Shaoyi had been there for quite some time, his cold gaze directed at him.
A sudden emptiness filled his heart as he stood at attention and saluted. Shangguan Shaoyi raised an eyebrow, looking at his hurried demeanor, and asked, "Where did you go last night?"
Shen Mingliang's heart sank, and he stuttered, "I... I didn't go anywhere... I was just... just at home... um, yes, at home."
Shangguan Shaoyi's brows lifted. "Deputy Officer Shen, considering your age, it's indeed time for you to get married. If the woman you were with last night is suitable, then bring her home. I will definitely arrange a grand wedding for you."
"Well..." Shen Mingliang scratched his head in embarrassment. He said nothing, but the young commander could see why he was late, which truly impressed him.
Shangguan Shaoyi smiled and changed the subject. "It has been confirmed that Mo Su is not related to this matter; she will be released today."
Shen Mingliang's heart stirred as he suddenly thought of Cheng Mo's father indirectly causing the death of Commander Shangguan. The muscles on his face began to stiffen as suggestions started to echo in his ears.
"After I bring Mo Su out, I will take her back to Shanghai and propose to her father. While I'm away, I will leave all matters in your hands." He patted Shen Mingliang's shoulder, his pitch-black eyes fixed on him. "You are the only one I can trust."
"Young Commander..." Shen Mingliang murmured.
"And regarding my sister, you need to inform her today that I am going to Shanghai. She currently has some prejudices against Mo Su; we can discuss it in detail when I return from Shanghai." Shangguan Shaoyi remained calm and composed, leaving no room for argument.
The two looked toward the distance where Cheng Mo stood, her delicate hand slightly shielding her eyes from the bright light. She bid farewell to the guards one by one and smiled lightly at Shangguan Shaoyi as she walked over.
Shangguan Shaoyi gazed at her dimples, feeling warmth in his heart. "Let's go; the luggage is all packed. We should head back to Shanghai now."
"Why the hurry?" She felt a sinking sensation in her heart, sensing that something must have happened in the past few days; otherwise, Shaoyi wouldn't be so eager to take her back. Had she unwittingly gotten caught up in another whirlwind? She looked at him as he smiled faintly and handed her the train ticket. The glaring sunlight reflected off the black-and-white ticket as she glanced at the date—it was for tonight.
The two sat quietly at the train station, not saying a word. She didn't want to ask Shaoyi what he had been doing these past few days or why Shangguan Yiting hadn't come to see him off. They simply stared blankly at the sky with their big eyes, listening as the station transformed from silence to noise and then back to a heavy stillness.
She lowered her eyes and spoke softly, "Shaoyi, have you found out the cause of Miss Rong's death?"
He fell silent for a moment, pulling her into his embrace. "Not yet, but I will definitely investigate thoroughly and catch the person who harmed her."
Her delicate little ear rested against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and her breath quickened. He leaned down and kissed her lips; they trembled slightly, yet were as fragrant and soft as rose petals.
He was tired, managing vast territories while also keeping an eye on hidden conspiracies, leaving him little time for others. All he wanted was to soothe the sorrow within her heart.
Meanwhile, Shen Mingliang explained the situation to Shangguan Yiting as instructed by Shangguan Shaoyi. Shangguan Yiting did not say much, but Shen Mingliang still felt a sense of gloom. The alluring figure with the purplish-red hue lingered in his mind. Resolutely, he drove to her home.
As if anticipating his arrival, Yun Yun had a hint of crimson at the corners of her mouth, resembling a bloodthirsty demon in the dark night. She opened her delicate lips as if to consume him. With a charming smile, she weakly leaned into Shen Mingliang's arms and said, "I was just thinking about you when you came. Don't you think we have a telepathic connection?"
He paused for a moment; the enchanting fragrance from Yun Yun in his arms seemed to captivate his soul. "I... I don't know what to do now. The Young Marshal went back to Shanghai with that woman, and I..."
"Oh?" Yun Yun narrowed her elongated phoenix eyes, which now held a hint of mist. If Shangguan Shaoyi went to Shanghai, wouldn't that be the best opportunity to seize control of the Northeast?
Yun Yun smiled; a few traces of color rose on her pale cheeks, but her eyes were shrouded in gloom. The smile at the corners of her lips was abrupt and cruel. "Actually, Mingliang, don't you already have an idea in your heart? Haven't you decided to take his place and personally seek revenge for General Shangguan? It is General Shangguan who has shown you kindness, not the Young Marshal."
Shen Mingliang nodded. The night had stained the outcome; the thick fog that could not be pierced added an unusual depth to the scene. His gaze resembled sleepless starlight, his eyes hollow as if sinking into dust.
Yun Yun closed her eyes; the hands manipulating darkness within her had already extended outwards. The shadows of conspiracy shifted under her control into various shapes—growing larger and denser—while the faint light that had just appeared was about to be swallowed and submerged by this darkness.
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