Novice Forensic Doctor

Chapter 385: Chapter 368 Outgoing Girl_1

Zhou Ning pushed open the door and entered. The room was filled with an antique charm. In the center was a tea table carved from a tree root, surrounded by Luohan beds and various antique-styled furniture.

Xia Shouchang didn’t stand up but sat behind the tea table, pouring tea. He glanced at Zhou Ning, who was dressed in his police uniform, and gestured with his chin.

"Come over and sit. I’m not your direct supervisor, I can’t manage your Public Security Bureau, just call me Mr. Xia."

Zhou Ning walked with short steps to the other side of the tea table and perched on half of the chair. The feeling was incredibly uncomfortable; he had never experienced anything like it.

How should he put it? He felt more humbled than during his postgraduate thesis defense—as if he were the cadaver on the dissection table, unable to move but able to feel the gaze and touch of those around him.

Xia Shouchang placed a cup of tea in front of Zhou Ning and glanced at the watch next to him.

"You’re still wearing your police uniform today. Is there a case you’re busy with?"

Zhou Ning nodded, took the teacup with both hands, and shivered from the heat, but he didn’t dare drop the cup.

"Yes, we started a clean-up operation of backlogged cases in March this year. They are all old cases from years past. After we cleared that part, we discovered an unlisted case, the kidnapping on April 14, 2004, the one where the wife who was killed was an actress. Today, it was officially dealt with."

Xia Shouchang glanced at Zhou Ning, seeming to recall the case, and after a long pause, he nodded as if realizing.

"I have an impression of it; there were articles written about it at the time. I even looked at a few introductions, though each one varied. If you haven’t eaten, I don’t have wine or dishes here, but there are some nuts and pastries over there that you can eat."

Zhou Ning shook his head. It wasn’t that he wasn’t hungry; it was just awkward sitting across from Xia Shouchang.

"Thank you, but it’s common for me to skip a meal or two. Mr. Xia... I mean, Mr. Xia, if you have something to say, please just tell me. My leader says I’m not very emotionally intelligent, and to be honest, I’ve been feeling quite apprehensive on my way here to meet you."

Xia Shouchang grunted, sipping his tea and looking at Zhou Ning.

"Apprehensive about what?" freēwēbnovel.com

Zhou Ning was taken aback, realizing he had just voiced his inner thoughts. He lowered his head slightly, thinking that since things had come to this, he might as well speak the truth.

"During the New Year, I took Mr. Xia home and happened to meet you sending Ren Guangzhi, the chairman of Guanghai Pharmaceuticals, downstairs. The person with him, I recognized. He was one of the murderers of my parents. Afterwards, I reported this incident and we started investigating Guanghai Pharmaceuticals.

After that, because of two cases, we pulled at threads that led to the insiders of Guanghai Pharmaceuticals and Beishan Group. At that time, I had Qin University arrange different work for Mr. Xia temporarily because I suspected that you were one of their protectors behind the scenes.

After all, at that critical time, you were either transferred or promoted, and afterward, although I continued to work with Mr. Xia, I never explained this matter. To tell you the truth, I had deep suspicions about you back then, so it is indeed a bit awkward to see you again now."

Xia Shouchang appeared somewhat surprised at this moment. He set down his teacup and poured more tea into his and Zhou Ning’s cups using a fairness cup. Zhou Ning leaned slightly forward ,with his hands cupped as a gesture of thanks.

Seeing Zhou Ning’s reflexive action, Xia Shouchang showed a look of satisfaction.

"And now?"

Zhou Ning was startled, not quite catching what Xia Shouchang meant.

"What?"

"I’m asking about now. Do you still have suspicions about me?"

Zhou Ning hurriedly shook his head.

"No more suspicions. The case was investigated very thoroughly; their behind-the-scenes protector turned out to be the former director, Mr. Ren."

Xia Shouchang nodded.

"Although I don’t know much about this case, I am somewhat aware of it. Now that you have figured it out, let’s talk about the main issue. My daughter was originally seconded to Qidong, but before her secondment ended, she came to me asking to return to Qin University. I felt there was a reason behind it.

But when I asked her about it, she didn’t say anything. Out of helplessness, I transferred her back. Subsequently, I found out that Mr. Lu had assigned her to work in the laboratory, and then I learned about your project. I understand my daughter; she didn’t say it, but her feelings for you are deep.

I also asked her indirectly whether she was pursuing you or you were pursuing her, and how far things had progressed. Momo actually told me that it was she who had feelings for you. As a father, hearing this, I really didn’t know how to feel.

Considering that you’ve known each other for two years now, and Momo is already twenty-eight by Asian reckoning, and you’re not young either, I called you here today to ask you, as Xia Momo’s father, a straightforward question.

"Do you have feelings for Xia Momo? If so, then prepare to head towards marriage. If you don’t have feelings, or if you don’t like Xia Momo, then I will ask her to leave the lab promptly, and you two shouldn’t contact one another anymore.

"To tell you the truth, if it doesn’t lead to marriage, knowing a young man with your looks and work ability is not a good thing for my daughter. I hope you understand the heart of a father. As for your circumstances, I’ve also made some inquiries on the side; I am very satisfied with your personal abilities."

Zhou Ning wasn’t overly shocked. He knew of Xia Momo’s liking for him, perhaps his accustomedness to her companionship had already become a habit. This relationship that was more than friendship but less than lovers was the most comfortable state for Zhou Ning. However, Xia Shouchang’s request was not at all unreasonable.

Who would be willing to watch their own daughter sacrifice her prime years for a man, and in the end not even attain any resolution?

And from all perspectives, Xia Momo was seen as the perfect marriage partner. Her family background, personal education, and worldliness—these were qualities ordinary girls didn’t possess. Above all, her deep affection for Zhou Ning was palpable, and even though she had never confessed her feelings, her eyes spilled over with true emotion.

Without mentioning anything else, just the portrait drawn on the thermos cup was enough to feel the affection she held for herself.

Zhou Ning was silent for a long time. Facing him, Mr. Xia did not show any impatience. Zhou Ning smiled, leaned forward slightly, and began to speak,

"Mr. Xia, I..."

Before he could finish, the door of the tea room swung open. Xia Momo walked straight in. Her gaze cast towards Mr. Xia was angry as she took Zhou Ning by the arm, pulling him up and positioning herself in front of him.

"Comrade Xia Shouchang, could you please not interfere with my life? Where Zhou Ning and I end up and how we develop in the future—that is a direction we will strive for ourselves, not something to be pressured into by using your position or identity as a father.

I do hope that one day I can be with Zhou Ning, live together, form a family, face his childhood memories, and help heal his psychological wounds. But in this, it’s just his and my life; I don’t need your assistance."

Xia Momo gripped Zhou Ning’s hand tightly, with a strength that seemed at odds with her slender fingers. As he looked at her small, frail figure standing in front of him, warmth spread through Zhou Ning’s heart.

Someone once said that getting married requires a bit of impulsiveness, and perhaps this was that kind of moment.

Zhou Ning put his arm around Xia Momo’s shoulder and nodded apologetically to Mr. Xia before turning to Xia Momo.

"Why did you come? I was just chatting with Mr. Xia. Can you calm down a bit? Indeed, I should have cleared things up with Mr. Xia. Moreover, there are some things I want to say to you. We’ve both been too busy recently, truly not having time or energy to think about these things. Can you please sit down and not get too worked up?"

Zhou Ning’s speech wasn’t rapid, nor was his voice loud, but it had a calming effect on Xia Momo. She huffed, sat beside Zhou Ning, noticed they were still holding hands, and shyly let go, adjusting her sitting posture.

"Go ahead, I’m not leaving. I’ll listen to what you two have to say. I want to see what you’ll talk about."

Mr. Xia rubbed his nose. He knew his child’s temperament well, but Zhou Ning probably hadn’t seen this side of her. Mr. Xia gave a subtle signal with his eyes. Xia Momo seemed to catch on and gave Mr. Xia an angry glare.

Zhou Ning cast his eyes downward, missing the interaction between father and daughter. When he looked up again, his gaze was resolute.

"Actually, when I was in Qidong, my aunt was hoping to match-make me with Xia Momo. I’m not somebody with high emotional intelligence. I’m sure Xia Momo has realized this over the two years we’ve been in contact, and I’ve been persistent in finding out the truth about my parents’ past.

Of course, Mr. Xia might think these are merely excuses. I’m aware of Xia Momo’s kindness towards me and am knowledgeable about her feelings. However, I cannot promise anything at the moment. We will get along well and start dating with the aim of marriage.

We will also open up to each other, allowing her to understand everything about me. I will spend more time with Mr. Xia and my aunt. Growing up without parents, although my uncle and aunt were kind to me, I’ve always lived cautiously. I’ll try to learn how to love. I don’t know if I’ve made my point clear?"

Xia Momo’s eyes reddened, and without caring that Mr. Xia was present, she grabbed Zhou Ning’s hand, her gaze laden with pity.

"If speaking out makes you relive that pain, you don’t have to do it. I know about your circumstances. Mr. Zhao has told me some things. I like you because I want you to be happy and joyous, not because I want you to change anything for me."

Mr. Xia felt a bittersweet emotion, took a sip of tea, and cleared his throat.

He could tell that he was pleased with Zhou Ning’s discourse. Naturally, he would have preferred Zhou Ning to say, "Let’s get married immediately; you set the date, and I’ll be ready anytime."

"Alright, I understand your thoughts. Since you two have decided to establish a relationship, then get along well. Zhou Ning is busy with work and has limited personal time, but he should still make time to visit the house. Your aunt has been asking about you," Mr. Xia said.

Zhou Ning smiled, feeling that establishing a relationship with Xia Momo was a bit rushed. But after piercing that metaphorical window paper, it seemed not too bad an experience.

"Don’t worry, Mr. Xia. When I’m not busy, I’ll surely come to visit. The two cases I had are now concluded, and I anticipate having some more leisure time. I’ll let my grandfather know, and we’ll visit this weekend," Zhou Ning promised.

Mr. Xia nodded and waved at Xia Momo.

"Okay, I won’t arrange any work for the weekend. Hurry along now, Zhou Ning hasn’t eaten yet. Go have some food with him."

Xia Momo snorted at Mr. Xia.

"He’s busy to death. Today he was following up with the previous case, attending an interrogation, and then busy with autopsies; he just grabbed a quick bite for lunch. Alright, enough talk, we’re leaving," she said.

Mr. Xia was taken aback as Zhou Ning was already being pulled away by Xia Momo. Nevertheless, Zhou Ning politely nodded at Mr. Xia to say goodbye. Watching their figures disappear, Mr. Xia ruffled his short hair.

"Ah, the girl takes initiative, huh? No, I need to report this to my wife right away!"

With that, he dialed a familiar number. As the other party picked up and greeted him, a smile appeared on Mr. Xia’s face. freewebnøvel.com

"I need to report to the boss that your daughter has a boyfriend now, yes, that forensic doctor, Zhou Ning!"