Chapter 126: Gone

Half an hour later, the police arrived at the hospital.

Following Cheng Jiu’s instructions, Xin Gan recounted everything that had happened, including how He Cheng had rammed into her car that evening and then abducted her while she had stepped out to speak with him.

The clubhouse was equipped with surveillance cameras, which should have captured everything clearly. Throughout the entire ordeal, she had been forced into the private room by He Cheng. While there were no cameras inside the room itself, the hallway was monitored, and it would show exactly how she had been dragged in.

The police were very professional and empathetic while taking her statement; they comforted her and promised to verify the facts as soon as possible, adding that they would bring He Cheng in for questioning to get to the bottom of the matter.

Xin Gan did not lie, but when the police asked if there had been any prior history or grievances between the two, she gripped the edge of the blanket and fell silent for a long time.

The two officers exchanged a look, sensing something unusual. One of them said tentatively, "You don't need to worry. We will keep what you tell us confidential. Since you've reported this, we assume you want the truth to come to light. Please cooperate with us and answer our questions."

At that moment, Cheng Jiu squeezed Xin Gan’s shoulder and said to the officers, "She’s a bit overwhelmed right now. Could we hold off on this for a moment? Let her collect herself first."

The officers expressed their sympathy for her situation and agreed. After taking down their contact information and giving a few instructions, they left to officially open the investigation.

Once they were gone, Xin Gan lowered her gaze, biting her lip in silence. The conflict between her and He Cheng stemmed from years ago when he had secretly photographed her and remained obsessed with her ever since. She had no idea what charm she possessed that made He Cheng fixate on her for so many years. That incident, moreover, was a long time ago.

Although Xin Gan had confessed the gist of that past to Cheng Jiu, she hadn't gone into detail, and he only knew the rough outline.

Seeing that she was in a fragile state, Cheng Jiu didn't press her further. He stroked her hair, kissed her gently, and said in a low voice, "Are you tired?"

Xin Gan looked up at him. "Cheng Jiu, it’s very late. You should go home and rest. You have work tomorrow."

Cheng Jiu leaned down and kissed her eyes. She closed them instinctively, then opened them again to look at him. Her eyes were clear and bright, devoid of any impurities. Cheng Jiu loved looking into them, and he smiled. "It's fine. I’ll stay here with you."

"But tomorrow..."

"If you kick me home, I won't be able to sleep without holding you anyway," he said, glancing at the size of the hospital bed. "The bed is a bit small, but we’ll manage if we squeeze in."

It seemed he intended to share the hospital bed with her for the night. Xin Gan sighed, but she didn't stop him, as if indulging him unconditionally. She said helplessly, "I’m afraid I might be restless in my sleep."

"Then I’ll lock the door. You can do whatever you want."

Xin Gan replied, "Stop joking. What could I possibly do?"

The hospital bathroom wasn't as well-equipped as the one at home, but Cheng Jiu used a towel to wipe Xin Gan’s face and hands, then went to the bathroom to give himself a quick sponge bath. After he returned, he locked the door and turned off the lights. He climbed into the bed with practiced ease, careful to avoid her injured hand and supporting it gently.

Xin Gan was thin and didn't take up much space. As she lay in his arms, she said, "I think I’ll go home for a few days, rather than returning to the Cheng family house."

"Alright. You stay at your place, and I’ll hire a housekeeper to cook for you."

With her hand injured, she couldn't hold a paintbrush or teach her classes. After a while, she whispered his name, "Cheng Jiu."

"I'm here."

"I'm so glad I met you," she said. And she was glad it was him, not someone else.

Xin Gan didn't dare to imagine what would have happened if she hadn't gone to Beiyu in the first place and had simply refused the marriage. She was also grateful that Cheng Jiu had pursued her and won her over; otherwise, she might have truly emigrated and left for good.

She hadn't seen her friends from abroad in a long time. They kept in touch online, and recently, several had asked what she was busy with and why she had gone quiet. She hadn't even had the chance to tell them she was married. After the wedding, she had been busy with her studio and hadn't had the time to reach out. Everyone was in different countries, dealing with different time zones and their own lives.

Xin Gan’s thoughts drifted, and she suddenly asked, "Cheng Jiu, do you prefer boys or girls?"

"Hmm?"

"Just curious."

"Girls come with a lot of worries; boys are easier to raise," Cheng Jiu said, his hand resting on her waist and pulling her closer. "If it's a girl, I will protect her well and never let her be harmed."

They were so close that Xin Gan could hear his heartbeat—steady and strong—which gave her a sense of security. It was a feeling of safety she had never experienced before meeting him.

"And she won't be like me, studying alone in a foreign land from a young age. That’s a life she doesn't need to have; she doesn't have to follow in my footsteps." Her voice was soft, but each word hit his heart with weight, filling him with a sense of protectiveness, especially Cheng Jiu.

Cheng Jiu rubbed his head against hers, his throat tightening. He swallowed hard and said, "Alright. She won't."

...

The next day, the police began summoning He Cheng for questioning.

He Cheng went to the station, but he denied everything from the start. "I don't admit to these baseless accusations. What do you mean by 'restricting her freedom'? It was she who sought me out to catch up. We are old acquaintances; we've known each other for years. I accidentally hit her car, and when I saw it was her, I was startled. I suggested we grab a meal and catch up, and she agreed. She had been drinking and couldn't stand steady, so I just helped her up. Is that a crime?"

The police replied, "Even if that were true, the surveillance footage shows you grabbing her wrist and forcibly pulling her into the clubhouse. She clearly resisted. How do you explain that?"

"You'll have to ask her. That has nothing to do with me. Besides, she self-harmed. None of these accusations are true, and I won't admit to them. I will also be filing a complaint against you for abuse of power."

Police: "If the victim hadn't reported it, we wouldn't have opened an investigation. We are still in the investigative stage, and we hope for your cooperation. If you didn't do it, we won't frame you. If you have issues with our methods, you have the right to challenge them, but we must investigate based on the facts. We hope you answer the following questions truthfully."

Throughout the rest of the questioning, He Cheng remained uncooperative, even demanding his lawyer be present. He refused to admit to anything he hadn't done, including the charge of restricting her personal freedom.

Xin Gan recovered well at the hospital and was discharged the following day. Cheng Jiu took time off to pick her up. On the way home, he received a call from the police saying that He Cheng had denied everything and even claimed that Xin Gan had framed him. Because they lacked substantial evidence, the police could not detain him and had to let him go for the time being.

Cheng Jiu hung up the phone with a frown, sent a message to someone else, and then put his phone away.

Xin Gan saw his furrowed brows and asked, "What's wrong? Is there any progress from the police?"

"They're still investigating. Don't worry."

Xin Gan hesitated. "He Cheng is very cunning. Besides, I inflicted the injury on myself, and he didn't cause me any physical harm, so it’s hard to charge him."

Cheng Jiu reached out to hold her hand, squeezing it to soothe her downcast mood. "Don't worry. I will handle it."

Xin Gan nodded, though her mind was elsewhere, looking at the scenery flashing past the car window.

...

Although the police lacked concrete evidence to convict He Cheng, the news spread quickly. When He Cheng left the police station, the entrance was swarmed by reporters and cameras.

Tan Yazhuo’s car was parked on the side of the road. She called He Cheng and told him to get in. He Cheng dealt with the media while finding a chance to slip into her car, quickly leaving the crowd behind.

As Tan Yazhuo drove, she said, "It seems you don't intend to stay in this industry. What, are you going home to inherit the family fortune?" Her tone was laced with sarcasm.

He Cheng sneered. "I don't mind. If you can handle the gambling agreement yourself, I have no objection to terminating our contract."

His management contract was for five years, and he had signed a three-year gambling agreement. If he didn't reach the projected profit targets, he would have to pay the investors out of his own pocket.

Tan Yazhuo said, "He Cheng, ever since I signed you, I have done my best to plan your career, negotiate endorsements, and fight for roles. I’ve used the best resources to promote you. But you are not a stable person. Once you gained a little fame, you started acting out. I know your family is wealthy and you probably treat this industry as a game, and will eventually go home to inherit the fortune. But He Cheng, we are partners. I hope you have some professional integrity. Even if you don't consider others, you should at least consider your own future."

"You're long-winded. Enough."

He Cheng made his impatience clear, not even bothering to hide it. He didn't respect her as his manager at all.

Tan Yazhuo had seen all sorts of storms in her career and didn't take his attitude to heart. Besides, she held an ace up her sleeve: the child in A-Zhou's womb. If she wanted to, she could sell the news to the media at any time, and He Cheng would never be able to make a comeback.

However, doing so would also ruin her own career. She wouldn't play that card unless absolutely necessary. She wanted to see just how long He Cheng could remain so arrogant.

The two sat in the car, each harboring their own motives, every sentence like a blade.

"Since you claim you were framed, you should post a video to clarify things. There have been too many incidents, and formal statements don't do much. Post a video and address everything that’s happened."

He Cheng said, "Whatever. You're the manager; isn't everything supposed to be up to you? If you say post, then post."

Tan Yazhuo gave a cold, faint smile. She was furious. If he weren't her client, she would have walked away long ago. What kind of artist? He was a pampered brat.

Around 8:00 PM, He Cheng posted a clarification video on his private account, responding to everything that had happened over the past period. The theme was that he hadn't done any of it, that he was being framed by others who were kicking him while he was down, and that everything was a fabrication, exaggerated and baseless. He insisted he would never admit to things he hadn't done.

He didn't address his relationship status, however, as it was still officially "in a relationship."

Tang Huaihuai’s account updated periodically to prove she was still around, and she even reposted He Cheng’s video, pretending to be supportive: "I believe the law is fair and just, and I trust my own judgment. Cheng is a good person!"

He Cheng saw this repost and sneered with utter disdain, his face showing pure disgust.

Tang Huaihuai hadn't been in Yongcheng lately. She had gone to a place where no one could find her. Before leaving, she had visited Cheng’s father.

When they met, Tang Huaihuai intentionally said, "Uncle Cheng, you live such a comfortable life. Unlike my mother. My brother and I had no time to take care of her and had to send her to a mental hospital. If she had married you back then, she wouldn't have ended up in this state."

Cheng’s father remained silent for a long time.

"You don't need to give me money anymore; it's not like I'm lacking that little bit. If you have time, go visit my mother. She’s waited for you for half her life. No woman is as foolish as she is."

Cheng’s father said, "I'll find time to visit her. By the way, where is your brother?"

"He's fine," Tang Huaihuai said, a flash of disdain in her eyes before she smiled again. "Cheng Hui caused me to lose my job. I’m sure you know that, Uncle Cheng. Let me tell you one more thing: Cheng Hui seems to suspect that I have an inappropriate relationship with you, which is why she targets me. Could you find a time to explain it to her? I wouldn't want it to affect your family harmony."

Cheng’s father had actually guessed as much; otherwise, Cheng Hui wouldn't have reacted so strongly earlier. But he hadn't had a chance to talk to her. Hearing this from Tang Huaihuai, he understood the situation.

He felt a measure of pity for Tang Huaihuai because of her mother. "If you run into any difficulties, you can come to me. As for Huihui, I will explain it to her. She is going abroad soon. If you want to return to the school to teach, you can. It's a path forward."

"Going abroad?" Tang Huaihuai frowned. "She's going abroad?"

"Yes, she's leaving."

Why was she going abroad now? And what about He Chuan? Tang Huaihuai suddenly became interested. "Uncle Cheng, why so suddenly?"

Cheng’s father didn't elaborate and steered the conversation to other topics.

There were only a few days left before Cheng Hui was due to leave. He Chuan had made no move—at least, not that Cheng Hui was aware of. She lived in a daze. Madam Cheng wouldn't let her go anywhere. When she refused to pack her bags, Madam Cheng had the maid do it. When she refused to eat, Madam Cheng told the maid to just leave the food in her room.

She was left to her own devices, as if her fate of going abroad was unchangeable.

There was one more thing weighing on Cheng Hui’s heart: the relationship between her father and Tang Huaihuai. That night, after her father returned home, he came to her room. Before he could speak, Cheng Hui stared at him directly and asked, "I've always wanted to ask you: have you ever done anything to betray this family?"

"No," her father said with absolute certainty, without a moment's hesitation.

"Dad, you're starting to lie. You're deceiving me." Cheng Hui coughed until her face turned red.

Her father quickly handed her a glass of warm water to soothe her throat. "Speak properly, don't get worked up. Don't you want your voice?"

Cheng Hui was anxious. She had forgotten to bring her notebook and pen, so she turned to find them. She wrote a long line, questioning him: 'Answer my question! Have you ever done anything to betray this family?'

"You're just a child, what do you know?" her father said.

Cheng Hui gave up on communicating with him. She threw the notebook aside, lay on the bed, and pulled the quilt over her head in frustration, not wanting to look at him.

"Huihui, don't you trust your father?"

Even so, Cheng Hui didn't respond. She didn't believe him at all.

She was leaving in a few days, and her father felt a pang of regret. He patted her quilt, but she didn't react. Her father said, "Rest well. I might not be able to take you to the airport in a few days. If you need anything, call your mother. Once you're abroad, you can't be as willful as you are now. You need to learn to grow up and be independent; stop acting like a little girl."

Over the next few days, Cheng Hui didn't say a word to her father. Perhaps it was because of her throat, but she simply stayed silent. Regardless, no one was going to listen to her opinion anyway. She was just a marionette being pushed around.

And from He Chuan, there was no news at all.

She felt afraid, anxious, and unsettled. She wanted him to appear, yet she hoped he wouldn't. She couldn't articulate this feeling, nor could she make sense of it.

On the day of her departure, Madam Cheng took her to the airport. Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan also came.

The weather had turned cold. Xin Gan wore a long, thin knit cardigan and gave her a gift. Cheng Jiu stroked her hair and said, "Call me if you need anything."

Cheng Hui kept her neck stiff, refusing to cry; her heart felt numb. She seemed to be holding a grudge against Madam Cheng. From start to finish, she ignored her, said goodbye to Cheng Jiu and Xin Gan, and walked through security with her luggage without looking back.

Madam Cheng watched her fading silhouette, her heart aching. But then she reminded herself that as long as Cheng Hui went abroad, she would be completely cut off from He Chuan. So, no matter how painful it was, she had to persist. Since she had made this decision, there was no turning back.

The moment Cheng Hui sat down on the plane, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. She took out the new phone Madam Cheng had given her before boarding and finally dialed He Chuan’s number. During those tens of seconds of waiting, her blood seemed to run backward and her heart counted the seconds until, finally, he picked up.

"He Chuan..." Cheng Hui called his name, her voice thick with tears.

He Chuan heard her voice and seemed to let out a faint laugh. "Huihui."

"He Chuan, I'm leaving..." She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, not caring how disheveled she looked. Someone walking by caught a glimpse of her, looking at her several times.

He Chuan said, "Yeah, I know."

"He Chuan, can you wait for me? I'll come back to find you soon. Just wait for me..."

He Chuan didn't answer. He remained silent.

"Mom is just angry right now. After some time, I'll find a way to come back to you. You'll wait for me, won't you?"

"There's no need," He Chuan said dismissively. "There's no point."

"What do you mean?"

"Cheng Hui, let's just call it quits."

"..."

"I give up. I won't hold you back anymore. I hope you find someone who is presentable, someone who doesn't make you feel afraid or guilty, and someone who won't put you in a difficult position. I, He Chuan, am not good enough for you."

He Chuan finished saying this very calmly. He didn't hang up immediately, adding, "It's my fault, too. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be forced abroad by your mother. I'm sorry, Cheng Hui."

Cheng Hui sat there stunned, unable to say anything for a long time. She desperately wanted to believe she had misheard, but she hadn't. It was exactly what He Chuan had said.

"Ma'am, we are about to take off. Please switch your phone to airplane mode and turn it off," the flight attendant reminded her sweetly. Cheng Hui felt numb and stiff. She said hurriedly, "He Chuan, wait for me. I'm coming to find you right now! I'm not going!"

"There's no need. And you won't be able to find me, so don't bother. Cheng Hui, turn off the phone. Be a good girl. For the last time, just listen to me."

Cheng Hui felt as if all strength had left her body. She couldn't speak for a long time. She could hear the impatience in He Chuan’s voice. He was serious—he really didn't want her anymore.

Cheng Hui said powerlessly, "Okay, I understand."

It made sense. She remembered that she was already "soiled," and if He Chuan didn't want her, that was fine. She wouldn't have to feel guilty toward him anymore, and she wouldn't have to worry about the look on his face if he ever found out she wasn't a virgin.

That was probably for the best.

Cheng Hui hung up, turned off the phone, and wiped her tears.

"Ma'am, are you okay?"

Cheng Hui said, "I'm fine, thank you."

...

On the way home, Xin Gan’s eyelid kept twitching. She had a feeling that something was going to happen.

"Did He Chuan not come?"

Cheng Jiu shook his head. "No." In fact, he had contacted He Chuan last night, asking if he wanted to come and catch a glimpse of Cheng Hui, promising that he and Xin Gan would find a way to distract Madam Cheng to give them a chance to meet.

He Chuan had refused outright, saying there was no need.

Xin Gan asked, "Why? Is he not going to see Cheng Hui?"

"He’s given up."

"Given up? He intends to break up with Cheng Hui?"

"Yes, it's over."

Cheng Jiu felt helpless. He couldn't force them to be together and have them drive Madam Cheng to her grave.

"Then what about Cheng Hui? Does she know?"

"She'll know sooner or later. If He Chuan never contacts her, she's bound to get suspicious."

"I'm a bit worried about Cheng Hui. Oh, by the way, I have a female classmate who is doing her PhD at the school Cheng Hui is going to. I'll contact her and ask her to look after Cheng Hui. She's a friend of mine, a good person, and she's a girl."

Cheng Jiu said, "That works."

Xin Gan quickly contacted her friend in London and explained the situation. The friend was very enthusiastic and willing to help. Xin Gan then sent a text to Cheng Hui, telling her about the situation and letting her know she could contact her friend if she needed anything.

...

The police went to the clubhouse to retrieve the surveillance footage, but they discovered that the video for the time Xin Gan was taken in by He Cheng had malfunctioned. They could only see them entering the front door together; the clear footage of the hallway was missing.

Cheng Jiu visited the police station several times, but there was no progress. He had to go back and wait for news.