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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter Thirty: Zhang Qiu's Unease
While the situation at the Beilan County Public Security Bureau was tumultuous, a man and a woman sat on a bench by the river. The long willow branches swayed gently in the breeze, and the moonlight cast a soft glow over them. Zhang Qiu turned to Wang Jinghan and said, "It's getting late; let's find a place to eat while we wait for Liu Journalist."
"Sure," Wang Jinghan replied with a slight smile.
They walked to the roadside, where a wide and straight ring road lay ahead, illuminated by bright streetlights that resembled two great dragons soaring into the distance. On the south side of the road, there was an ancient-style street that had been completed two years ago, with shops glowing brightly in a charming arrangement. Zhang Qiu's gaze landed on a self-service barbecue restaurant; given that he was unsure of the other person's preferences, a buffet seemed like a better choice.
Bill's Barbecue was located on the south bank of the river, adjacent to the ancient-style street. It was a four-story building that had once been a large parking lot, abandoned for many years before it somehow transformed into Bill's Barbecue. The main part of the building was adorned with amber-colored marble tiles and covered entirely with floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The name "Bill's Barbecue" shone in colorful lights at the center of the building, exuding an impressive aura.
Bill's Barbecue offered not only barbecue but also hot pot, cold drinks, and leisure options. After entering, Zhang Qiu and Wang Jinghan queued at the front desk and found a window seat to chat while waiting for Liu Fangfei. Once they settled down, Wang Jinghan's curiosity was piqued again as she looked at this enigmatic boy and asked, "Zhang Qiu, I really feel like I can't understand you."
"Why is that?" Zhang Qiu asked as he peeled an orange and handed it to Wang Jinghan.
Wang Jinghan accepted the peeled orange with a slight smile. "Just look at this; it's very thoughtful of you, like someone mature and composed. But sometimes, you act like a child—very immature."
"Immature," Zhang Qiu pondered over the word.
"You know, what you did today really shocked me. You're such an honest person, yet you have this kind of courage—it's something many people wouldn't dare to do. It's very manly."
"Being honest might just mean I prefer to treat people politely, but if someone tries to harm those I care about, I can turn into a fierce wolf in seconds," Zhang Qiu said with a smile.
"No!" Wang Jinghan shook her head. "You're more like a fierce tiger." Zhang Qiu was captivated by Wang Jinghan's sparkling eyes; perhaps it was due to the overhead lighting, but her eyes had a slight blue hue that gave off a relaxing feeling.
"Today, I watched snow in the cold night..." Zhang Qiu gazed into Wang Jinghan's eyes absentmindedly, completely unaware that his phone was ringing. It was Wang Jinghan who gently nudged his arm and pointed at his phone on the table. "You have a call."
Feeling embarrassed, Zhang Qiu smiled and answered the call while wondering if Wang Jinghan had noticed that he had been staring into her eyes.
A sweet voice came through the phone, "Is this Zhang Qiu? I've arrived at Beilan County Bus Station. Where are you? I'll take a taxi over."
"Do you know Bill's Barbecue?" Zhang Qiu asked.
"Of course! I'm a regular there. Just wait for me."
"Great, I'll wait for you." After hanging up, Zhang Qiu looked at Wang Jinghan with satisfaction. "Looks like we chose the right place; she's a regular here."
"That's wonderful! Let's wait for her by the entrance," Wang Jinghan said as she stood up. Zhang Qiu joined her, and they went to wait by the roadside outside the main entrance.
Zhang Qiu kept glancing toward the Bus Station, feeling that every car approaching could be the one Liu Fangfei was in. As each vehicle got closer, he would realize it wasn't a taxi with its blue body. Just when Zhang Qiu decided to be patient, a car stopped just a few steps away from the entrance.
"Is that it?" Wang Jinghan asked Zhang Qiu, looking at the stopped car.
Zhang Qiu wasn't sure if Liu Fangfei was inside, but instinctively he took Wang Jinghan's hand and walked toward it. Surprisingly, this time Wang Jinghan didn't pull her hand away; instead, she linked her arm with his, which made Zhang Qiu quite happy.
The taxi door opened, and a girl who looked to be around their age but exuded elegance stepped out. She glanced around and looked at Zhang Qiu with an inquiring gaze. "Zhang Qiu?"
"Yes, that's me," Zhang Qiu nodded. It seemed this was indeed Liu Fangfei; she was quite attractive.
"I'm Liu Fangfei, a reporter from New Youth Daily," Liu Fangfei said confidently as she extended her hand.
Zhang Qiu shook her hand lightly and smiled. "Welcome! This is my friend. We've already secured our seats; let's head inside."
After Liu Fangfei greeted Wang Jinghan, she followed Zhang Qiu into Bill's Barbecue. The three of them were led by a waiter to a table on the third floor, which fortunately had a window view that showcased the beautiful night scenery outside.
Since they were all from Beilan County, a few casual conversations broke the initial unfamiliarity between them. Wang Jinghan occasionally chimed in, and anyone who didn't know them would surely think they were three old friends chatting away.
Zhang Qiu recounted the events to Liu Fangfei, of course omitting He Jun and his own plans. Liu Fangfei furrowed her brows and said coldly, "I never expected this; it’s far more astonishing than I imagined."
Zhang Qiu felt a chill in his heart, wondering if she was scared; he hoped she wouldn't let him down. Before he could voice his doubts, Liu Fangfei's next words dispelled his concerns, making him feel reassured.
"Before I came here, my colleagues advised me not to get involved in this murky situation, as issues like relocation are too sensitive. But I refused to back down. Now it seems my choice was correct; the more challenging the situation, the more we need to uphold the power of justice." After saying this, Liu Fangfei felt she had moved a step closer to her idol, Wayne Barrett. Zhang Qiu noticed that Liu Fangfei was radiating vitality.
"How long until this can be reported?" Zhang Qiu asked the crucial question. His uncle had already made progress; everything was ready except for the final push.
"I'll do it as soon as possible; I'll stay up late tonight to write the article," Liu Fangfei replied readily.
"Thank you then, Liu Journalist." Zhang Qiu felt he had found the right person; Liu Fangfei gave him a good impression and seemed reliable. However, Liu Fangfei's next statement left Zhang Qiu stunned.
Liu Fangfei said, "You're welcome. I'm still in my internship period and need to achieve some results to prove myself."
Liu Fangfei smiled brightly, but Zhang Qiu felt uneasy inside. Since Liu Journalist was still an intern, he wondered whether her confidence was based on real ability or merely youthful arrogance.
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