A Shift

Hearing Zeng Ke Hen's words, Bai Lin went upstairs to see how Chi Qing was. However, she wanted to be with Chi Qing, not just follow her closely. Standing before the room door, Bai Lin hesitated, wanting to knock but then retracting her hand.

Ten minutes passed, and Bai Lin still stood there, indecisive. Just as she gathered all her courage to knock, the room door suddenly opened. Seeing that face, Bai Lin quickly pulled her hand back, afraid of accidentally hitting Chi Qing.

"Come in."

Taking in her appearance, Chi Qing turned and entered the room, her gaze extremely gentle. In truth, Chi Qing had known Bai Lin was there since she stood at the door.

Having practiced martial arts for many years, Chi Qing was very sensitive to footsteps. Bai Lin had also practiced martial arts since childhood, so her footsteps were very steady, but due to her injured left leg, all her body weight shifted to her right leg. It could be said that Chi Qing easily recognized Bai Lin's footsteps.

Inside the room, hearing the other party hesitate outside the door, approaching and retreating several times, Chi Qing was also uneasy. The two had gone through that night, and although their feelings had grown, awkwardness was unavoidable.

Just now at the dinner table, if Zeng Ke Hen hadn't repeatedly played tricks, Chi Qing might not have initiated conversation with Bai Lin, and might not even have had the courage to look at her openly. Chi Qing admitted she was selfish and petty, but also very vulnerable.

She had clearly initiated that act, yet now she didn't dare to face the other party. Whenever she saw Bai Lin's expectant eyes, and then thought of how she had hurt her, how much disappointment and pain appeared on her face, Chi Qing also felt uncomfortable. Her heart was not made of iron; she ached for Bai Lin, and felt even more remorse and helplessness.

Chi Qing knew she couldn't continue to be so unrestrained. She should let Bai Lin be free, and also give herself a way out. They couldn't be together, and Bai Lin could choose someone better for herself. Even Xi Qing Ruo would be much better than her.

"Is something wrong?"

Sitting on the sofa, Chi Qing asked softly.

"Nothing, I just wanted to see if you were still angry."

Silence enveloped the room. Bai Lin felt a little uncomfortable, suppressing her words, carefully looking at Chi Qing.

"Angry? Why would I be angry?"

Bai Lin didn't dare to look at Chi Qing, but in fact, ever since she entered, Chi Qing's gaze had always been on her. Seeing this person wearing a high-necked sweater at home, perhaps only the two of them understood why Bai Lin was dressed that way.

Regarding what she had done, although Chi Qing felt very sorry for Bai Lin, she didn't regret it. Even if she had another chance, she would do the same. It was just that, looking at the hickey marks she herself had caused, which forced Bai Lin to change her attire, Chi Qing wondered if Bai Lin had noticed. After all, those marks were truly suspicious.

But regardless of whether Bai Lin noticed or not, or what her feelings for her were, all of that was not within Chi Qing's scope of concern at this moment. What Chi Qing was worried about was how to deal with Bai Jun. After killing Bai Jun, avenging her parents and Chi Xi, she would leave, leave this place that caused her heartache. By then, Bai Lin would only exist in her memories, buried deep in her heart.

Hearing Chi Qing say nothing, Bai Lin also fell silent for a moment. Seeing the other party about to take out a cigarette pack, seemingly wanting to smoke, and looking at the ashtray full of cigarette butts, Bai Lin stepped forward, held Chi Qing's hand, and shook her head.

"Don't smoke so much; it's not good for your health."

Bai Lin's touch was unintentional, merely a reflex. But at that moment, the other party reacted as if shocked by electricity, quickly withdrawing her hand. This action made Bai Lin's mood sink. She stared blankly at the cigarette pack in her hand, a bitter smile in her heart. Indeed, she was disliked by her to this extent.

Seeing Bai Lin's gloomy and sad expression, Chi Qing suddenly felt regret and heartache. Chi Qing didn't know what had come over her just now, that when Bai Lin touched her, she immediately thought of what they had done that night. Looking intently at the person before her, whose head was bowed as if she had committed a great crime, Chi Qing felt a pang of sorrow. Without thinking, she stood up and embraced the other person.

At this moment, no language or explanation was needed. Just a silent space, undisturbed, two people together, two bodies tightly embracing each other, was enough to stir the heart.

Bai Lin hadn't expected Chi Qing to hug her. She hadn't even had time to be surprised before she was embraced by the other, completely losing herself.

Enjoying the unexpected hug, Bai Lin's heart felt as sweet as honey, and the pain from before seemed to vanish.

Many times Bai Lin felt that her love was very humble; she wanted to give but also needed to receive. But whenever she thought this, she would put herself in Chi Qing's shoes and feel heartache for Chi Qing. A woman who was originally carefree should not have a life like this, her life turned upside down just because of her.

If she hadn't met Bai Jun, she would definitely be a lively schoolgirl. Attending elementary, middle, and university, then growing up and entering society. She had an outstanding appearance, and was kind-hearted. Someone would love her, and she would have children born of her and loved by her. But Bai Jun had destroyed everything for her. Her birth, her existence, was nothing short of an insult.

Bai Lin was grateful to Chi Qing for giving her life, and also heartbroken for Chi Qing. Some things were predetermined. Her love for Chi Qing, for the person who gave her life, was no one's fault, but rather the emotions that tormented her. If heaven punished, Bai Lin was willing to bear all the suffering, hoping only that Chi Qing could find peace.

"Oh dear! I've ruined your fun, you two. Just continue, don't mind me."

Suddenly, Su Ao Ning's voice broke the quiet atmosphere between the two. Seeing her enter without knocking, Chi Qing frowned, but did not release Bai Lin's hand, instead supporting her waist and helping her sit on the sofa.

"Is something wrong?"

Chi Qing's voice was sharp, her displeasure fully evident. Seeing her sitting there hugging Bai Lin, valuing her more than herself, Su Ao Ning felt a little confused. She stared intently at Bai Lin, then her gaze rested on Bai Lin's waist, where Chi Qing's hand was.

"Of course something's wrong. Why else would I dare to seek you out?"

Su Ao Ning said with a smile, placing the stack of documents in her hand on the table. Her eyes looked at Bai Lin, her mouth wanting to say something. Chi Qing not only understood but also took the documents and sat down next to Bai Lin.

"She's not an outsider."

"Are you sure?"

Hearing Chi Qing's words, Su Ao Ning cast a sharp glance at Bai Lin, but still maintained a normal demeanor.

"What? Do you think she might betray me?"

Seeing Su Ao Ning staring at Bai Lin, Chi Qing asked with displeasure. She didn't like others treating Bai Lin this way, making her feel as if her own person was being bullied.

"If you have matters to discuss, I can leave."

Bai Lin wasn't foolish; she understood why Su Ao Ning and Chi Qing were arguing. She finished speaking and stood up, but was stopped by Su Ao Ning, who stepped in front of her.

"If Xiao Qing Qing said so, I won't mind either. But regarding the previous matter, I want you to answer a few questions, if you can?"

"Alright."

Bai Lin replied concisely, seemingly unfazed by Su Ao Ning's imposing aura.

"Good. I ask you, why did you leave for so long without Bai Jun looking for you or making any moves? As far as I know, you were with him for five years, acting as his daughter, so you must have helped him with quite a few unsavory things."

What Su Ao Ning asked was also what Chi Qing wanted to know in her heart. In truth, she wanted to know what Bai Lin had been doing for the past five years, and why Bai Jun hadn't made any moves after she brought her back. Chi Qing had secretly sent people to investigate, but every time there was a clue, it was interrupted, as if someone was deliberately doing it, preventing her from knowing what Bai Lin had done during those years.

But the more this happened, the more Chi Qing became suspicious. The reason she still cared about what Bai Lin had done for the past five years wasn't out of suspicion, but simply because she wanted to know. In other words, even if you're not by my side, I must know your every move.

"It's true that for the past five years, I worked for Bai Jun, and it wasn't anything honorable. At that time, I had no choice; only by doing so could I protect my life. As for why he hasn't looked for me yet, Miss Su, do you think I'm the kind of person he'd bother with, or worth causing trouble over?"

Bai Lin's reply to Su Ao Ning was not only not as polite as usual, but also full of defiance. Seeing her deep eyes, Su Ao Ning shrugged, saying nothing more, and Chi Qing also fell silent.

"I'm sorry, I think… I don't need to stay here."

Bai Lin finished speaking, stood up, and prepared to leave. This time, it wasn't Su Ao Ning who stopped her, but Chi Qing. Her hand was held by the other, and Bai Lin turned around to see Chi Qing looking at her, her eyes revealing confusion and worry.

"Stay."

Perhaps, these two words from Chi Qing were simple to others, but to Bai Lin, they were like a grace, making her feel joy to the point of breathlessness. The feeling Chi Qing brought to Bai Lin was like this: she had never refused Chi Qing's requests, and this time was no exception.

"Alright, I'll talk then. Regarding this mission, Boss is very concerned. The main objective is to deal with Bai Jun. According to the information received, Bai Jun will organize a charity auction at the end of this year, and all auction proceeds will be donated to an orphanage."

"On the surface, it's goodwill, but underneath, he's secretly doing bad things. It's said that this time, only VIP guests are invited. Besides the media and some reputable individuals, there are also his accomplices. More accurately, half of the people at this auction are Bai Jun's. Theoretically, this is his home turf, full of his people, so there's no need to worry about gossip."

"But the suspicious point is that all the people he invited are from the underworld, which easily makes one doubt his motives. Boss said that Bai Jun might want to use this auction as an opportunity to unite gangs to deal with our organization."

"The more I hear, the more it sounds like nothing good."

After Su Ao Ning finished speaking, Chi Qing frowned, while Bai Lin still looked at the documents in her hand.

"Indeed, it's not a good thing. What we can do is turn a bad thing into a good thing. Infiltrate the auction and expose Bai Jun's crimes. Doing so will affect his reputation, like cutting off his right arm, making him easier to deal with."

"Alright, it's getting late. You may leave."

As soon as the necessary matters were discussed, Chi Qing dismissed her.

"Hey, Xiao Qing Qing, how can you do that? Aren't you going to keep me?"

"I don't think you lack a place to stay."

"I hate women who don't acknowledge you after getting out of bed the most."

Su Ao Ning said with dissatisfaction, finally not forgetting to pinch Bai Lin's cheek before getting up and leaving.

Suddenly pinched on the face, Bai Lin, who was intently looking at the documents, flinched and looked bewildered. By the time she reacted, Su Ao Ning had already walked out the door, and her fair face was flushed pink.

Bai Lin just stared blankly, rubbing her face, truly not understanding how much flesh she had on her face to be pinched. Why, in one day, was she pinched by Zeng Ke Hen, and now by Su Ao Ning? Bai Lin remained lost in thought, not realizing how adorable she looked at this moment, while beside her, Chi Qing was looking at her with tenderness.

"What are you spacing out for?"

After a long while, Chi Qing spoke, and Bai Lin only then remembered she was still in the other's room.

"Nothing, just thinking about a few things. It's getting late; you should rest early. I'll go back to my room."

Su Ao Ning had left, and the matters had been discussed. Bai Lin no longer had any reason to stay, although she very much wanted to be in Chi Qing's room.

"Don't forget to take your medicine."

At this moment, Chi Qing was not stingy in showing concern for Bai Lin, gently reminding her.

"Alright, good night."

After wishing Chi Qing good night, Bai Lin left the room. As soon as she stepped out the door, she saw Zeng Ke Hen. Suddenly, she remembered that when they were talking earlier, they seemed to have forgotten to lock the door.

"Bai Lin left Big Sister and came out? How was it? Did you hear me sweet-talk her?"