Chapter Fifty-One: Accompanying to the End

Back in the city, Yin Nian first went to the police station. Following the plan she’d agreed upon with Yan Ming, she explained the situation to the officers. After taking her statement, they told her they would notify her if there was any progress and advised her to wait patiently at home.

It was already past noon when she left the station—twelve o’clock had come and gone. Yin Nian drove back to her apartment complex, and as she ascended the stairs, a strange sense of alienation washed over her. Though she’d only been gone for less than three days, it felt as if she’d been away for three months; everything around her seemed unfamiliar and distant.

Home had always been her sanctuary. After a busy day, she would return and relax completely, doing as she pleased without any pressure. But now, she rode the elevator with a heavy heart, the feeling of coming home akin to visiting a graveyard—lifeless and cold.

When the elevator stopped, Yin Nian lightly patted her cheeks to compose herself. Upon opening the door, she found the apartment silent, not a sound to be heard.

She called out into the living room, “Liang Zhicheng?”

No answer—an eerie silence. She walked through the hallway; the living room was empty. She entered the bedroom—no one on the bed, the quilt neatly folded. She checked the small bedroom; Yangyang wasn’t there either, his quilt also perfectly arranged.

Yin Nian wandered through the rooms, finding no trace of Liang Zhicheng or Yangyang.

The apartment was spotless, windows gleaming, a subtle fragrance drifting in the air. Violets bloomed in profusion on the balcony, their purple petals noble and profound.

The environment was just as lovely as before, but Yin Nian’s feelings had changed utterly.

She dragged her suitcase into the bedroom and, after a moment’s thought, dialed Liang Zhicheng’s number. Under normal circumstances, she should call him.

The phone rang and rang, but no one answered.

Yin Nian frowned slightly, anxiety stirring within her. This was nothing like what she had imagined. She felt a sudden panic, unsure what to do.

Where had Liang Zhicheng gone? And Yangyang?

It was twelve thirty—surely lunchtime.

Yin Nian sat at the edge of the bed, bewildered and confused.

Suddenly, a face appeared at the bedroom door, startling her. She looked closely and realized it was her father.

He was surprised to see her. “How come you’re back? Didn’t you say you’d be away for a week?”

She guessed Liang Zhicheng must have told them that, and replied, “I came back early…”

Her father said, “I heard someone dragging something downstairs and wondered what was going on. I came up to check, saw the door open, and thought maybe a thief had gotten in…”

Yin Nian managed a distracted smile.

Her father stepped into the bedroom and looked at her. “What’s wrong? You don’t seem quite yourself.”

She gazed at his graying temples and sighed softly, asking, “Are you alright? Is Mom alright?”

“We’re both fine… Are you okay? You look thinner again. Honestly, you should take better care of yourself,” he said, worry in his voice.

“I’m fine. By the way, where are Liang Zhicheng and Yangyang?”

“You don’t know? Today’s Yangyang’s first day of school. Liang took him this morning. He should have been back by now.”

“Yangyang started school today?” Yin Nian was surprised and a little disappointed. She had been thinking about how to mend her relationship with him, but once again she’d missed his school ceremony. Regretfully, she hugged her head, tugging at her hair.

“It’s alright… With Liang there, Yangyang will be well cared for. You used to travel for work all the time, remember?” her father comforted her.

“Liang Zhicheng, he—” Yin Nian nearly blurted out.

“What about him?” her father asked.

“He…” Yin Nian swallowed quietly, lowering her voice, “Anyway, you should all be a bit more careful.”

“What do you mean, be more careful?” her father didn’t understand.

Just then, a figure appeared at the door—Liang Zhicheng was standing outside, a smile on his lips. “Darling, you’re home?” He entered the bedroom, arms open.

Yin Nian instinctively wanted to avoid him, but remembered she had to pretend nothing had happened. Hastily, she stood and embraced him tightly.

“You’re finally back. I’ve been so worried,” he said, releasing her and gazing at her tenderly. “Was everything alright?”

“It went alright, I suppose…” Yin Nian looked at him. His expression was calm, his eyes gentle, his whole demeanor radiating care. It was hard to believe it was all an act.

“Why didn’t you call me? I didn’t know you were coming home today,” Liang Zhicheng said.

“I did call, just now. You didn’t answer.” Yin Nian quietly stepped back.

“Must have been when I was in the elevator.” Liang Zhicheng finally addressed her father, smiling and nodding.

Her father stood, patting his leg. “I’ll leave the rest of the day to you two. I won’t intrude.”

As he walked out, Yin Nian suddenly called out, “Dad, take care of yourself.”

“Don’t worry, I’m in great shape. Oh, let’s have dinner together tonight. Your mother will cook—she has so much she wants to say to you—” He turned back, winking. “Apparently, it’s to apologize.”

Yin Nian smiled, suddenly finding her father endearing—how had she missed it before?

No, in truth, her father had always been lovable; she had simply chosen to overlook it. Now, at last, she was trying to understand and care for those around her. In that moment, she realized she’d truly changed.

Once her father had left, only Liang Zhicheng and Yin Nian remained in the bedroom.

“So?” Liang Zhicheng suddenly asked.

“So what…” Yin Nian’s mind raced, searching for an answer.

“How did things go?” He got up and started unpacking her suitcase.

“Alright, I suppose…” she replied vaguely.

“What about the old lady’s case? Will you still go to court?” Liang Zhicheng drew a deep breath and looked at her. “I don’t want to pry—I know it might annoy you—but I’m really worried. I hope you understand how I feel.”

“I completely understand…” Yin Nian gently rested her hand on his shoulder. “I know you’re worried. I know you want to know how it’s going, but it’s not that simple. It might be a long fight. No matter what, I have to go to court—I won’t give up easily. Of course, I’ve thought it through: I’ll keep working, keep living. I’ll try not to let this affect me.”

“I’m glad you’ve come to terms with it.” Liang Zhicheng hugged her. “Whatever happens, good or bad, we’ll face it together.”

“It’s wonderful having you…” As she said this, Yin Nian suddenly felt a discomfort in her stomach, a wave of nausea.

“No matter what you do, I’ll support you,” Liang Zhicheng said, opening her suitcase and methodically unpacking her clothes, folding them carefully and placing them in the wardrobe.

Yin Nian watched his every move, pondering and considering. He seemed so normal, so calm—nothing about him suggested a “bad person.”

In that moment, she desperately wanted to ask him directly. She couldn’t stand this mutual deception, didn’t want to keep acting—a lie made her feel sick every time. But she forced herself to hold back, knowing Yan Ming was right: confronting Liang Zhicheng now would yield nothing but a carefully crafted lie. Then what would she do?

After organizing everything, Liang Zhicheng lightly tapped his head. “Oh, the lucky charm I gave you—do you still have it?”

Yin Nian hesitated. “Yes… why?”

He smiled. “Now that you’re back safe, I’ll take it back for now. Next time you travel, I’ll give you a new one—I want to refill the sachet.”

Yin Nian took the charm from her pocket and waved it in front of him. “Ever since you gave it to me, I’ve kept it close. I feel it’s brought me luck. Since things aren’t settled yet, let me keep it until everything’s over.”

Liang Zhicheng laughed. “Alright, as long as you like it.”

At that moment, seeing the smile on his face, Yin Nian finally resolved to keep up the act.

If Liang Zhicheng was such a skilled actor, she would match him, step for step.