Chapter 18: Tit for Tat
"Ms. Liu, I hope you can reconsider. We at the Investigation Bureau aren't your enemies. We're here to help you."
Zhong Ling's voice was calm but firm, his tone carrying a mixture of persuasion and authority. He stood at the threshold, his foot wedged against the door to stop Liu Shuyun from closing it.
However, Liu Shuyun wasn't convinced. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she gripped the edge of the door tighter. "Investigator, I believe I've made myself clear. I don't know anything. There's nothing I can help you with."
Her words were clipped, filled with frustration and resolve. She wasn't about to trust this man who'd forced his way into her space. Right now, in her heart, only Renjiro could be trusted. Everyone else—this investigator included—felt like a potential threat.
Deep down, Liu Shuyun cursed herself for being careless. Why did she open the door without confirming who it was? Renjiro would never forget his keys. His cautious nature wouldn't allow such a slip.
Zhong Ling watched her closely, assessing her expressions, the tension in her posture, the coldness in her voice. A smirk tugged at his lips as he decided to change tactics.
"Tsk... I never would have guessed it—the president of the Century Metropolis Branch sneaking into a tiny fourth-tier city like this just to meet with her lover," he said, voice dripping with mockery.
He wanted to provoke her, to break through her defenses with words that stung. He imagined she'd be furious, embarrassed even, at having her so-called secret exposed.
But to his surprise, Liu Shuyun didn't flinch. There was no shame in her eyes, no guilt on her face. Instead, she met his gaze squarely, her chin lifting in defiance.
"That's none of your business," she said coolly. "Where I choose to go, who I choose to meet—those are my decisions. It has nothing to do with you."
If Zhong Ling had hoped for outrage or denial, he was sorely disappointed. Liu Shuyun didn't bother hiding anything. If anything, she leaned into his assumption just to spite him. Zhong Ling realized that this woman was far smarter—and more stubborn—than he'd anticipated.
"You..." Zhong Ling's hand tightened into a fist at his side, but he quickly relaxed it. Getting angry wouldn't help. He needed information, not an argument.
They stood there, locked in a silent standoff. Zhong Ling wanted to push his way in, to search the place, to find the answers he needed. Liu Shuyun wanted him gone, out of her space, out of her life.
"If you don't let me in, I'll have to report this to the Alliance headquarters," Liu Shuyun warned, her voice low but resolute.
Zhong Ling sneered. "Assisting us in an investigation is every citizen's duty."
"And I told you—I don't know anything!" she snapped.
Their eyes met, each refusing to yield. Outside, curious neighbors began to glance toward the commotion, peeking through cracked doors or drawn curtains.
Zhong Ling noticed the growing attention and lowered his voice. "Ms. Liu, I'm sure you don't want people gossiping about what's happening here. Do you really want this... scene?"
His words hit their mark. Liu Shuyun hesitated, knowing full well that in a place like this, rumors spread like wildfire. She sighed inwardly. Continuing this standoff would only draw more eyes, more questions.
"Fine," she said at last, stepping back. "Come in. But don't expect tea or hospitality. If Renjiro comes home and sees me entertaining an unwanted guest, I won't bother explaining."
Zhong Ling entered, his expression triumphant, though he tried to hide it behind a neutral face. So it's true, he thought. She really is meeting her lover here, hiding him in this shabby little place.
He let his gaze drift around the small apartment. It was surprisingly clean, tidy even, without the chaos he'd imagined. No clothes strewn about, no signs of debauchery. Just a neat, modest space.
"Water's on the table. If you're thirsty, help yourself," Liu Shuyun said dismissively. She sank onto the sofa, crossed her legs, and picked up a book, effectively dismissing Zhong Ling's presence.
Undeterred, Zhong Ling poured himself a glass of water and took a sip before cutting to the chase. "Ms. Liu, do you know who was controlling that Salamence? The trainer behind the attack?"
Liu Shuyun didn't even glance at him. She flipped a page in her book, her calm demeanor infuriating Zhong Ling.
"You do realize," he continued, "that as long as that person isn't caught, you're in danger. Your life could be at risk!"
He tried every angle—logic, concern, even fear. But Liu Shuyun knew better. No investigator, no matter how well-meaning they seemed, could protect her from whoever was truly behind that attack. Only Renjiro could.
Zhong Ling spoke for nearly ten minutes, trying to break through the wall she'd put up. But when he finally fell silent, Liu Shuyun closed her book and looked at him with thinly veiled irritation.
"I told you—I don't know anything. If you're done wasting my time, please leave. You're disturbing my peace."
Zhong Ling exhaled heavily, realizing words wouldn't get him anywhere with her. "Very well. Since you won't cooperate, I'll wait for Mr. Renjiro to return. Perhaps he'll be more forthcoming."
Without asking, he settled onto the sofa across from her, closing his eyes as if he owned the place.
Time dragged on. Outside, the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of orange and crimson. The apartment grew dimmer, shadows stretching across the walls.
Then, at last, the lock clicked, and the door swung open.
Both Zhong Ling and Liu Shuyun looked up at once.
There stood Renjiro—tall, around 1.8 meters, his features sharp and striking. His dark hair was slightly tousled from the wind, and his eyes held a calm, steady light. But that calm flickered into confusion when he saw a stranger sitting in his living room.
He glanced at Liu Shuyun, silently asking what was going on.
Liu Shuyun felt her heart clench. She hadn't wanted him to come home to this mess. She gave him an apologetic look, hoping he'd understand without words.
Zhong Ling, sensing the shift in the air, stood up. So this is Renjiro, he thought, studying the young man. There was something about Renjiro's presence—a quiet strength that Zhong Ling hadn't expected.
"Mr. Renjiro, I'm Zhong Ling from the Investigation Bureau," he said, stepping forward. "I've been waiting to speak with you."
Renjiro set down the bag he was carrying and regarded Zhong Ling evenly. "About what?"
"About the Salamence incident," Zhong Ling replied. "We believe you and Ms. Liu might have information that could help our investigation."
Renjiro's eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't appreciate the implication, nor the fact that Zhong Ling had entered his home uninvited.
"We've already explained—we don't know anything," Liu Shuyun said quickly, standing beside Renjiro now, her support clear.
Zhong Ling crossed his arms. "With all due respect, Mr. Renjiro, the evidence suggests otherwise. Salamence was seen following you. A Beedrill appeared soon after. You two disappeared after the incident. And now, here you are, hiding out."
Renjiro's expression didn't change. "If we're truly suspects, I trust you have a warrant. Otherwise, I'll have to ask you to leave."
Zhong Ling hesitated. He had no warrant, no authority to detain them without cause. And though he could press further, he sensed that doing so might push things beyond repair.
"We're just trying to protect the public," he said finally, backing toward the door. "If you remember anything—or if you're ready to tell the truth—contact us."
Renjiro nodded curtly. "We will. Good evening, Investigator."
Zhong Ling left, frustration simmering beneath his calm facade. As the door closed behind him, Liu Shuyun let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"Renjiro... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him in," she murmured.
Renjiro shook his head gently. "It's fine. But we need to be more careful. From now on, no one gets in. No matter what."
Liu Shuyun nodded, determination in her eyes. Together, they would face whatever came next.
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