In the study of Yao Chen, which was not only spacious but also had a wall full of bookshelves, Han Yanyan looked around before asking, “Have you read all these books?”
Yao Chen, without skipping a beat, replied, “Yes…” But under Han Yanyan’s curious gaze, he hesitated. The word “yes” dragged out with a long tone before he added, “...partially.”
That was more like it.
“Alright, fine. Those big books on the top are just for show,” Yao Chen admitted while grinding his teeth in frustration, but he stubbornly insisted, “But I’ve really read the books in this section and this section!”
Han Yanyan stared at the densely packed spines of books, her expression turning thoughtful.
“What’s wrong? Hey!” Yao Chen waved his hand in front of her face.
She caught his hand and said, “Do me a favor.”
“Huh?”
“Just grab any two books for me.”
Yao Chen, suspicious, asked, “Why?”
“Just do it.” Han Yanyan urged him.
Yao Chen felt she was testing his knowledge and purposefully picked two books he had thoroughly read before handing them to her.
Han Yanyan rubbed the covers and said, “Do you know how to tell if you’re in reality or a dream?”
“Ah?” Yao Chen asked, unable to grasp her thought process.
“How do you know that being with me right now is real? Maybe you’re actually a fifteen-year-old student from the class next door, who saw me walking by the window at noon, fell asleep on your desk, and dreamt of being a mighty underworld boss who turned me into your girlfriend,” Han Yanyan said seriously.
Yao Chen burst into laughter, “Well, that’s quite the dream; I’d say that’s a spring dream.”
He then asked, “So what are you trying to do now?”
After a moment of silence, Han Yanyan said, “I saw a method in a movie to determine if you are in a dream or reality.”
She tapped the two books, saying, “Just pick any two books and flip to a random page. If it’s a dream, your brain can only provide limited information unconsciously, so you’ll see the same content in different books.”
“Yao Chen, could you help me try this method?” she asked.
Yao Chen replied, “Why aren’t you trying it yourself? Don’t you read every day?”
Han Yanyan smiled and said, “Because I know I'm not dreaming, but I don’t know if you are.”
She shoved one book into his hand, “Hurry up.”
Yao Chen grumbled, “Why do I have to be dreaming?” but still flipped open the book.
“Read the first paragraph to me,” Han Yanyan requested.
The last time Yao Chen read aloud for someone was back in high school. Clearing his throat, he began, “In this moment, someone in the gang was dissatisfied with his methods. These people secretly conspired to overthrow him.”
“Switch this one.” Han Yanyan shoved the other book toward him.
Yao Chen randomly opened a page, glanced at it, and chuckled, reading, “This failed venture was like a cold bucket of water splashed on him, waking him from the frenzy of past successes. But luckily, the failure brought him not only enormous debts but also profound reflection and invaluable experience… look, who’s dreaming here?”
He lightly tapped her head with the book.
Han Yanyan seized his arm to hide the complexity in her heart and shifted the topic, “What kind of books are these?”
Both were biographies. One was about an ordinary person turning into a magnate, a current billionaire featured in wealth rankings. The other was about an underworld boss who became a congressman, a legendary figure who died seventy years ago.
Flipping through the latter, Han Yanyan exclaimed, “Wow,” then met Yao Chen’s eyes.
Yao Chen, both amused and exasperated, snatched the book from her, tapping her head again, “What’s with the ‘wow’?”
He gave a slight smirk, explaining, “He’s the idol of all gangsters. Back when I was a subordinate, I wore this book out. I don’t even remember how many editions I’ve bought.”
“Do you want to follow his path?” Han Yanyan asked.
“Who wouldn’t want to? I don’t believe he’s the only one who can achieve that. Why can he do it, but I can’t?” Yao Chen retorted, continuing, “What’s so great about being a congressman? I’ve dealt with congressmen from K City, and they aren’t upstanding people. Their hands aren’t necessarily cleaner than mine. If such people can hold those positions, why can’t I?”
“I don’t care whether you can become a big-shot like those on TV news,” Han Yanyan said gently while tidying his hair. “I just hope you can sever those… businesses.”
Leaning against the desk, Yao Chen pressed both hands against the edge, trapping her in front of him, looking down at her, “You don’t like it?”
Han Yanyan softly replied, “It doesn’t matter whether I like it or not. You’re involved in this business, and the police are watching you every day; I’m afraid.”
There was no real reason for her fear—she didn't know exactly what Yao Chen was doing, nor did she handle any of it. Even if Yao Chen were to get caught, it wouldn’t affect her.
So what was she truly afraid of?
Afraid he would get into trouble?
Yao Chen felt a heavy weight settle in his heart.
He had originally lived freely, without any ties. That’s why he was tougher and more ruthless than others. But now, this little enchantress had shackled his heart with chains. He felt as if he couldn’t extend his capabilities.
Yao Chen knew this was not good, it didn’t feel right.
But looking down at Han Yanyan, her bright, dark eyes reflected his figure. She was always calm, even her worry for him felt subdued.
Yet that mild concern struck him deep in his heart.
Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her soft pink lips. They smelled sweet and felt warm. Her tongue was playful and clever, and her petite body seemed delicate enough to slip right into his flesh.
This kiss wasn’t one of urgent possession or implacable invasion; it was gentle and comfortable, carrying a sweetness akin to a first love's timid exploration.
This was the first time he kissed her like this. Had he changed, or had his heart transformed?
No matter which, it was a small step forward for her.
“Just focus on your studies, read your books, and stop overthinking,” Yao Chen said, releasing her while gently rubbing the back of her delicate neck. “You should aim for a master’s or PhD to give me some face. Don’t worry about my matters.”
He paused, saying with a confident and arrogant tone, “The police can’t take me down.”
Han Yanyan hummed softly, leaning against this man’s chest, feeling somewhat fragile.
But it wasn’t just the police who wanted to take him down; there was also… me.
Most of Han Yanyan’s daily expenses were with her card; she occasionally used cash. On the contrary, Yao Chen mostly used cash. The small safe in the study was filled with cash that Han Yanyan could use freely.
At school, using the memory of “Policewoman Han Yanyan,” she navigated to a forum. “Policewoman Han Yanyan” had once worked on an investigation concerning the online sale of professional-grade listening devices.
Such minor cases were common at the end of the year to make up for statistics, akin to dealing with fake certificates. Jiang Ye took them to K City to capture some sellers, but since the source was across provinces, they couldn’t pursue it further.
However, Jiang Ye had once praised the quality of the listening device; although it was counterfeit, it was truly professional-grade, high quality.
Usually, such cases would allow the police to harvest results quickly, only for new issues to arise later.
After lurking around the forum for a while, Han Yanyan indeed found a seller. This kind of device was professional, and quite expensive. But Han Yanyan had money. She took cash from the safe and transferred it directly.
Using cash left no trace. The items were then sent to a collection point at her school.
Once she received the devices, she strategically placed them wherever she deemed necessary.
She also acquired an anonymous phone number and installed voice-changing software on her old phone to call Jiang Ye.
“If you’re interested in Yao Chen, you might want to search for him at Qingshui Bay; you might find something.” She suggested.
Jiang Ye asked, “Who are you?”
Han Yanyan replied, “Someone who wants to bring him to justice, just like you.”
She reminded him, “Regardless of whether you find anything or not, don’t let Yao Chen realize I’m involved.” After that, she hung up the phone.
Jiang Ye checked the number; it was anonymous, leaving no clues. However, this person had specifically mentioned Yao Chen, a thorn in Jiang Ye's side. What Jiang Ye wanted most was to eliminate Yao Chen, the poisonous tumor in K City.
He applied for funding and hired professional divers to search Qingshui Bay.
Qingshui Bay was a wild river bay, not small in area. The divers searched for three days, almost giving up when they finally made a discovery.
They pulled out over ten burlap sacks from the water, all filled with lead weights to prevent them from floating. The bodies varied in decay; forensic experts determined that the most recent death was within the last year, while the oldest had died over ten years ago.
Fortunately, the country had initiated a genetic record project a decade ago, and by comparing the gene bank, they confirmed most identities of the deceased.
Unexpectedly, these individuals were not listed as “missing persons.” They had disappeared without anyone filing a report. Most were notorious characters, former gangsters. Their disappearance barely registered, like mice vanishing down the drain, unnoticed by anyone, and those who took heed did not involve the police.
With clear objectives, Jiang Ye quickly sorted through the connections between these individuals and Yao Chen. Most had been his rivals, while a few were former subordinates, likely purged traitors. Among them was a good friend Jiang Ye had sought for years—he was a police officer who had gone undercover and had subsequently vanished.
This was the reason Jiang Ye relentlessly pursued Yao Chen.
Jiang Ye kept his word, avoiding revealing Han Yanyan’s involvement. The news reported that underwater enthusiasts stumbled upon it by chance.
While snuggled up on the couch next to Han Yanyan, Yao Chen saw this news and clicked his tongue.
Han Yanyan lifted her head from his embrace to look at him.
The corners of his mouth curled in a mocking, malicious grin.
Some women might find such a demeanor quite appealing. Indeed, a man’s ruthlessness, coldness, cruelty, and even cunning can sometimes carry a certain allure. This allure can weaken or even blind the attracted woman to the injustices committed by such men.
Han Yanyan only glanced at the news before losing interest, resting her head against Yao Chen’s shoulder while continuing to read her book.
The book she held was the biography of the legendary figure Yao Chen had previously worn down several copies of.
This great historical figure, born from humble beginnings, rose through the underworld to become a significant force. He once led a campaign against foreign drugs harming the nation and its people. He stood up during chaotic times, rallying three thousand youths in defense against foreign aggression; his legendary life ended in brilliance at his congressional seat seventy years ago.
In that era, gangsters were driven by righteousness. The leaders of that time had boundless passion.
Now, times had changed, and people's hearts dulled.