Niu Shurui checked her watch repeatedly. The man glanced at her and asked, “In a hurry to get to work?”

Niu Shurui nodded. The other officer’s gaze swept over them. “Just a few questions. It won’t take long,” he said astutely.

She nodded again, understanding the subtle hint from the former officer.

The statement was quickly completed. As she lowered her head to sign, a strand of hair fell across her face. Niu Shurui reached up to smooth it back, and heard the man say, “Domestic violence?”

Everyone else present froze, staring at her seriously, as if ready to respond to a call the moment she confirmed it.

Following his gaze, Niu Shurui looked down at her wrist, exposed by her raised hand. A deep, purple bruise was visible.

It was a mark left by Ye Li last night, a terrifying sight. Just a glimpse of it brought the painful memory flooding back. After last night's ordeal, Niu Shurui wondered if her heightened pain sensitivity had been numbed by Ye Li's actions.

She shook her head. “No.”

The man’s expression suggested he'd expected that answer, a look of unsurprised familiarity. Niu Shurui couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement. Why was he so certain she was a victim of domestic abuse? The other officer quickly chimed in, his brow furrowed with concern. "If you ever need anything, the police are always here to serve."

Niu Shurui laughed softly and replied, "Okay." She put down the pen and waved to them. Her gaze lingered on the man leaning against the wall for a moment before she finally said, "Goodbye, Officer Jiang."

The man, addressed as Officer Jiang, looked surprised. The corners of his mouth twitched. He gave a casual wave of his hand, but said nothing.

***

Arriving at her office door, Niu Shurui paused, her steps faltering at the sight of a figure standing outside.

Qiao Qi walked briskly towards her. “Last night—what happened to your foot?”

Niu Shurui had concealed it well; it wasn't obvious unless you looked closely, but Qiao Qi, who knew her so well, immediately noticed the slight limp in her left leg.

His gaze swept over her, taking in her appearance. A sense of unease settled over him. “These clothes… when did you buy them?”

Qiao Qi knew every item in Niu Shurui's wardrobe, and this outfit was unfamiliar.

A strange scent emanated from her, different from her usual fragrance, a distinct aroma that spoke volumes. It was the unmistakable scent of intimacy. Her entire demeanor screamed the answer, an answer he didn't want to acknowledge, yet recognized all too well.

“…They’re a friend’s. I stayed at her place last night and borrowed them since I didn't bring a change of clothes. I also hurt my foot there. I’ve put some ointment on it.”

“Weren't you going home to watch the livestream last night?”

“…She’s a fan too. We watched it together.”

Qiao Qi’s smile vanished, his handsome face hardening. He suppressed a surge of emotion, a dangerous darkness simmering beneath the surface.

It was the first time Niu Shurui had seen such an expression on Qiao Qi's face. The coldness in his eyes brought back the unpleasant memories of last night. The fleeting emotion he'd revealed was strangely similar to something she had seen on Ye Li's face.

As she thought this, the familiar red light appeared again. Startled, she quickly glanced around, but couldn't find the familiar figure.

It wasn't Ye Li. The hallway was almost empty. Could it be because of Qiao Qi? What was the meaning of this red light?

She took a step back. “Don't ask. I need to get to work.”

Qiao Qi grabbed her wrist, his fingers pressing directly on the bruise. Niu Shurui gasped in pain. She remained silent, and as expected, he continued as he opened the door to her office, “So, CEO Ye asked me to bring someone here and requested your help with his treatment. Of course, the fee will be doubled.”

With that statement, the matter was settled, regardless of whether Niu Shurui wanted to take on this second troublesome case.

She could only ask, “What’s his condition?”

Assistant Zhao, who was inside, replied, “Attempted murder.”

Niu Shurui's heart pounded. She understood the gravity of the situation. No matter how difficult it was to refuse, she couldn't accept this case.

But Ye Yanhui had anticipated her reluctance and had made arrangements in advance.

“Then I’ll leave him in your capable hands. Goodbye, Dr. Shu.” With that, Assistant Zhao turned, opened the door, and left, his actions so swift and seamless that they left her reeling.

Niu Shurui stood there, her hand outstretched, feeling trapped. It wasn't until her legs felt numb that she finally walked out. It was the first time in her life she felt so resistant to accepting her fate.