"Okay."
Ren Zhong walked in front, while Ju Qingmeng followed behind, her heart pounding like a deer caught in headlights, and her breathing gradually becoming heavier.
As they entered the living room, Ren Zhong spoke first, "Mayor Ma once mentioned you, Manager Ju, are from Chongyi County and were a top student in the munitions management course at Chongyi First Vocational High. So, it stands to reason that someone like you should’ve stayed in the county town. Why did you end up in such a remote place like Starfire Town? Is there some hidden story? Would you like to share? Maybe I can think of a way to help."
"Huh?" Ju Qingmeng was caught off guard by the question.
The plan was moving too fast.
Without even establishing the preconditions, how did he quickly advance to the point of confrontation?
"Well... this..."
Ju Qingmeng hadn’t yet formulated her words, her fingers intertwining tensely, struggling to speak.
"Is it inconvenient to say?"
"No, Mr. Ren, please have a seat on the sofa, and I’ll make you some tea."
"Alright."
Three minutes later, Ren Zhong sat upright on the sofa, holding a warm teacup in both hands.
Steam rose from the tea, swirling in the air.
Still wearing her gauze nightgown, Ju Qingmeng sat facing him directly, seemingly recollecting the past, organizing her thoughts.
Her facial expressions changed rapidly, sometimes filled with nostalgia, sometimes with anger, fear, or self-pity.
Under the bright light, her curvaceous figure was vividly outlined.
Ren Zhong intended to remind her to put on a coat, but seeing her like this, he ultimately decided not to interrupt her train of thought.
"Mr. Ren, if I told you I was the top student in the munitions course at Chongyi First Vocational High, according to rules, I should have been selected into the technical department of Yangsheng City’s Military Weapon Store after graduation. Would you believe it?"
"I believe it. But in the end, you didn’t make it to Yangsheng City; instead, you came here."
Ju Qingmeng sighed, "Yes. It’s the price of my arrogance. I’m not afraid to sound foolish – due to my looks and learning ability, I have always been outstanding among my peers since childhood and got used to being adored by many, making my personality somewhat... a bit conceited and too aloof. I once believed I could control my destiny as a strong contender. Therefore, in matters of relationships, I wanted to firmly stay true to my choices."
Ren Zhong: "So you offended a suitor?"
"Yes. A Fourth Level Citizen with a background. I rejected him publicly without mercy."
She said it briefly.
Yet, instinctively, a phrase appeared in Ren Zhong’s mind.
Naivety is a privilege for citizens.
"I was too naive then. I paid a heavy price. I got trapped in Starfire Town, unable to see any hope of advancement. No matter how hard I work, no matter how professional I am, no one sees it, no one cares. I became an ornament in Starfire Town, seeing no hope at all."
Ju Qingmeng rubbed her eyes, but the rims had already turned red, "Each day passed by, and now it has been three years. I know I made a mistake. I was wrong back then."
Ren Zhong pointed to her clothing, "So now you’ve learned from your pain and decided to submit to fate?"
Ju Qingmeng suddenly laughed again, her smile enchanting, "I wouldn’t call it submission. Isn’t this how everyone lives? I should feel lucky to know a gentle Pu Cha Officer like you, Mr. Ren."
"I think, as long as I can make you happy, you wouldn’t mind pulling me up, would you? Once I go back to the county town, I’d still be yours. As long as you don’t give up on me, you’d be my first and last man. I’ve reflected a lot over the years and learned a lot from TV shows. I am now very adept at pleasing others."
"Mr. Ren, you will help me, won’t you? Please. My parents don’t have many years left, and I really want to go back to Chongyi County to see them. I want to be by their side. I don’t want to say goodbye to them only through a video when they pass away..."
A moment later, her charming smile turned into tears of sadness.
Ren Zhong looked at her silently, as if witnessing a historical chronicle.
He saw with his own eyes how the era twisted a naive, aloof, and talented woman into a sycophant.
He seemed to see himself within Ju Qingmeng.
"Alright. I can promise you. But you must help me with a small task first. You might have to stay up all night."
"Really? Thank you, Mr. Ren! I..."
Ju Qingmeng’s whole body shivered with delight, standing up abruptly as she prepared to undress.
Tears still stained her face, but the blush extended up her neck to her ears.
Ren Zhong’s expression became serious, and he quickly gestured, "Don’t rush! Put your clothes back on! That’s not what I meant!"