Volume One, Chapter 14: Genuine Sincerity or Mere Deception?

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Fang Yi continued, “I know my explanation might sound a bit far-fetched, but it’s undeniably the truth. So, I don’t think you need to carry such a heavy burden of guilt. We felt a spark the moment we first met; that was beyond our control. Although we managed to restrain ourselves and didn’t get together immediately, we still fell in love with each other—something we couldn’t control either. Even when we decided to be together later, it was with the thought that it would end quickly, without hurting anyone. These are all facts.”

As Fang Yi spoke, Jiang Shishi kept her gaze fixed on him, listening intently.

He took a sip of black coffee before speaking again: “Besides, who can clearly define what loyalty and betrayal truly mean in this world? If we had immediately parted ways the moment we realized our feelings, we would have been loyal to my marriage, but betrayed our own emotions and the deepest needs of our hearts... Love isn’t black or white; no one can clearly distinguish right from wrong here. And honestly, if we had separated right after meeting, would you truly have no regrets?”

Jiang Shishi didn’t respond immediately.

She had pondered this question long ago.

To be precise, she had thought about it ever since her brief encounter with Fang Yi—and very seriously at that.

It’s just like the saying goes: when you meet someone who moves you deeply, you start fearing separation from the very first meeting.

Perhaps it was this fear of losing Fang Yi that hastened her love for him...

While Jiang Shishi was lost in thought, Fang Yi spoke again: “Shishi, this is the darkest moment in my life. Now, we are lovers and confidants. You should know how much you mean to me... especially at a time like this.”

If these words had come from someone else, they might have sounded like emotional manipulation or moral coercion.

But coming from Fang Yi, they were nothing but genuine truths, his sincere feelings.

As he said earlier, their relationship defied social norms, even morality and conscience, yet it was undeniably real.

When Jiang Shishi was gloomy and unhappy in Nan’an County, it was Fang Yi who gave her the courage to leave a place she could neither love nor easily escape from. Later, when she moved to Guangnan City, it was Fang Yi who gave her the strength to fight against the “dark forces” and completely break free from the harassment of her superior.

Afterward, Fang Yi gave her a “home” — a shelter from the storm where she could freely pursue her dreams.

Because of him, she published her first poetry collection. It was also thanks to him that her work was translated into foreign languages and gained recognition abroad, allowing her to become a somewhat renowned poet in her field.

Fang Yi was not just her lover but also her benefactor.

Faced with him, it was nearly impossible for Jiang Shishi to remain unmoved or unsoftened.

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In the end, Jiang Shishi did not truly leave Fang Yi—but not because she was weak-hearted. Rather, it was because the police quickly launched an investigation into her.

However, despite their inquiries, the police had yet to uncover any clues beneficial to the case.

During the investigation, Fang Yi treated her with utmost care, as if fearing the situation might negatively affect her.

After leaving the police station, Zhuang Jie sighed, “They say the deeper a man loves one woman, the more indifferent he is to another. Seems like there’s some truth to that.”

Yang Chenxu smiled ambiguously, “I don’t think that’s necessarily so.”

“Why do you say that?” Zhuang Jie asked.

Yang Chenxu paused before questioning, “Are you suggesting Fang Yi has been cold to Lin Xiaoyang?”

“Exactly!” Zhuang Jie replied. “Who else would it be?”

“Why do you think he’s heartless towards Lin Xiaoyang?” Yang Chenxu pressed.

“That’s obvious...” Zhuang Jie’s words faltered for a moment, then she continued, “When Lin Xiaoyang was murdered, he didn’t seem so anxious. But now, when Jiang Shishi is questioned a bit more by us, he’s worried she might be frightened. If Lin Xiaobing saw this, she’d probably lose it again.”

Yang Chenxu remained calm, smiling slightly. “I don’t think Fang Yi is indifferent toward Lin Xiaoyang.”

“Then what’s your insight?” Zhuang Jie asked.

Yang Chenxu hesitated, then said, “I’ve found some clues indicating Fang Yi has been secretly investigating this case...”

Before he finished, Zhuang Jie frowned, “Really?”

“Yes, and it seems he’s spent quite a bit of money. From his actions, it’s clear he wants to quickly find out Lin Xiaoyang’s whereabouts.”

“I see...” Zhuang Jie pondered.

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“So, you can’t judge a person’s goodness or intentions just by appearances,” Yang Chenxu said. “But he definitely cares a lot about Jiang Shishi...”

After saying this, he seemed to sense something amiss and quickly corrected himself, “More precisely, he’s very attentive to Jiang Shishi’s actions.”

Zhuang Jie suddenly brightened. “Chenxu, do you think it’s because Jiang Shishi knows too much about him? He’s worried she might accidentally spill some important secrets.”

“Finally, we’re on the same page,” Yang Chenxu said, turning to look at Zhuang Jie with a knowing glance.

Still deep in thought, Zhuang Jie continued, “So, on the surface, Fang Yi seems concerned about Jiang Shishi’s feelings, but really, he’s afraid she’s told us too much. That way, he can cover his tracks while shaping his image in her eyes—killing two birds with one stone.”

Yang Chenxu didn’t agree outright. He lowered his head, organizing documents, his brows tightly knit as if deep in thought.

Zhuang Jie analyzed further, “That’s why he tries every means to keep Jiang Shishi close, so her every move stays within his sight and control.”

“But for now, it’s all just speculation,” Yang Chenxu said. “If Fang Yi is really like that, how do we explain his secret investigation into Lin Xiaoyang’s whereabouts?”

“Secret investigations can also be a cover-up,” Zhuang Jie added. “Given his status and financial strength, he’d have to investigate to appease Lin Xiaoyang’s family. He’s probably doing this to give them some reassurance.”

“That’s possible...” Yang Chenxu frowned. “But no matter how good our analysis is, solving the case still depends on solid evidence.”

“Let’s increase surveillance on Fang Yi—monitor his every move,” Zhuang Jie said.

“Absolutely, we can’t slack off on that,” Yang Chenxu agreed.

...