Mei Tingyu's Phone Call

Deputy Director Hu said, "I agree with Director Wu. I'd like to add that Tong Haojing's behavior should be dealt with appropriately, otherwise Director Tang won't be able to save face!" In reality, Deputy Director Hu still held a grudge against Tong Haojing for the previous household registration incident.

Director Gao Weimin took a long breath, pondered for a moment, and said, "We will establish the '713 Special Case Team,' led by the Criminal Investigation Brigade and with the cooperation of the West City Police Station. We will increase our efforts to solve the case. The police station will cooperate, and the Political Department will handle the aftermath. Tong Haojing will be suspended for one week." Director Wu understood that Tong Haojing's work enthusiasm was commendable, and his youthful drive and boldness were worth praising. In Director Gao Weimin's eyes, the bureau needed such young people. However, rules were necessary for order, and one couldn't see a rainbow without going through the storm. Director Gao Weimin's decision might have had deeper considerations.

However, Director Gao Weimin didn't mention Director Tang's actions at all. Director Wu, who always understood things implicitly, might have grasped Director Gao's intentions. But it wasn't Director Tang's original intention to escalate the matter; it was a consistent practice taught by Ding Cong, a complete lack of responsibility. What else could he say!

Deputy Director Hu called Deputy Captain Qian Fu of the Criminal Investigation team. Upon hearing the situation, Qian Fu thought that the only ones capable of such violent methods in the West City area would likely be Long Wen's subordinates or Brother Zhang Tou's men. He calmly stated his commitment to completing the task. However, after leaving the director's office, he secretly called Long Wen from the restroom: "Long the Pockmarked, you damn well better not cause any more trouble. If something happens this time, no one can help you. The leaders now aren't the same as they used to be; you can't get away with anything anymore, no way!" Deputy Captain Qian's furious expression was intimidating to anyone who saw it.

Long Wen remembered the last time he asked Qian Fu for help on behalf of the boss. Scarface and Hu Pan had gotten off scot-free, and he had paid a hefty sum of 200,000 yuan for it, which the boss had provided. Later, Scarface disappeared, but Hu Pan remained under him as a key member.

"Brother Qian, what's making you so angry?"

"Pretending! Cuntoucao is lying in the hospital as a vegetable!"

"What! He's my brother, why would I touch him?" Long Wen thought for a moment. The thug and Cuntoucao had a feud. He might have done something behind his back.

"Control your men. I won't deal with your affairs anymore!" Deputy Captain Qian had no idea that Long the Pockmarked's troubles would pile up.

Director Wu of the Political Department conveyed the decision of a one-week suspension to Tong Haojing. The decision struck him like a bolt from the blue, leaving him disoriented. The intense efforts he had made since joining the force had already shown him the difficulties of the path, and he was filled with confusion. Tong Haojing hid in his dormitory, feeling dejected all day. He would repeatedly submerge his head in the washbasin for a few minutes, his face turning red. He would then suddenly lift his head, take a deep breath, his face covered in water droplets, feeling utterly disheartened. Looking at himself in the mirror, after only a few days, his complexion had become so haggard. He gave a faint, bitter smile. Was this him? Was this the dejected Tong Haojing? Tong Haojing's heart was wounded, and it would take time to heal.

The phone suddenly rang. It was Director Wu. Director Wu said, "Setbacks are not to be feared. Misfortune can be a blessing in disguise; bad things can turn into good things. Just consider it tempering on your path as a police officer. Director Gao is watching you. Let me know immediately if anything happens!"

Tong Haojing choked up, his throat constricting. After a while, he managed to say, "Okay, thank you for your concern, Director Wu!"

After Director Wu's comfort, Tong Haojing felt a little better, but given his current situation, he had no reason to be happy. The bitterness of setbacks might be a form of life experience that would give him more confidence to move forward.

The police station was filled with the sounds of footsteps and commotion. Tong Haojing knew his colleagues were starting another busy day, handling the usual minor issues reported by the residents of Hongqiao Community. Tong Haojing quickly turned to head to his office. After taking a couple of steps, he suddenly realized he had been suspended.

Tong Haojing felt a sense of relief, but his heart still ached for the injured Cuntoucao, for Xiao Yanni, and for the residents of Hongqiao Community.

Tong Haojing walked out of the police station. He wanted to go see the injured Cuntoucao and find out how badly he was hurt.

In the bustling city, the air felt stifling and uncomfortable.

The phone rang. Tong Haojing glanced at the caller ID, and it surprised him greatly. It was a call from Mei Tingyu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time. Tong Haojing's heart pounded. The phone had been ringing for several seconds. In this fleeting moment, Tong Haojing desperately wanted to answer but was afraid to. What would he say if he answered? What if he said the wrong thing? He hesitated, and inadvertently, Tong Haojing touched the answer button. A clear, sweet voice came from the phone.

"Tongtong, it's Mei Tingyu!"

Mei Tingyu's voice was unique. Tong Haojing remembered many classmates in their class being captivated by it. He had the advantage of proximity, walking to school together every day, and being enchanted by her voice. Walking beside her was happiness. The stirrings of youth filled him with endless longing for Mei Tingyu. It was Uncle Mumu who provided Mei Tingyu's contact information. It had been several years since they graduated and parted ways.

"Mei Tingyu! Where are you?" Tong Haojing exclaimed with surprise, a hint of panic in his voice.

"Guess!" Mei Tingyu's playful tone made Tong Haojing feel a sense of familiarity. He longed to see Mei Tingyu, especially at this low point in his life. Being able to see the person he admired might allow him to confide his troubles and unhappiness. This could be called venting or emotional comfort.

"I know where you are!" Tong Haojing suddenly felt confident, deliberately making it sound mysterious.

"What? You know? No way, where?" Mei Tingyu sounded a bit surprised.

"Tangdu City, right?" Tong Haojing said.

"How did you know? Oh, I get it, police can track locations..." Mei Tingyu said jokingly, but Tong Haojing didn't really hear her. He picked out a key part and replied, "Yes, police, how could we not know?" Modern technology allowed the police to track a person's whereabouts down to a specific street or alley. However, without proper authorization, it was illegal and criminal. Tong Haojing knew this clearly. He felt confident because Mei Tingyu's father, Uncle Mumu, had already told him that she was planning to develop her career in Tangdu City.

"See you at Meixi Cabin!" Mei Tingyu sounded a little impatient.

Tong Haojing knew Meixi Cabin. It was secluded and elegant, the most romantic spot in West City. The environment was graceful, located by the Hongqiao Pond River. From there, one could see the West City Garden Park, and up close, the gurgling spring water. The interior was tastefully and fashionably decorated. During the day, it was frequented by sophisticated young men and women who prided themselves on their taste.

"See you at Meixi Cabin!" Tong Haojing readily agreed.

Thinking of Mei Tingyu's appearance, her slightly smiling face, Tong Haojing's inner gloom vanished. He completely forgot about his work, with only Mei Tingyu's image in his mind. He wanted to present his best self to her. So, he unconsciously walked into a Septwolves specialty store. The saleswoman's charming smile made Tong Haojing a little embarrassed. Her expression revealed she had guessed his thoughts: "Handsome guy, meeting your girlfriend, right? This excellent casual top is perfect for you!"

"No," Tong Haojing denied, but his shy expression couldn't hide his inner thoughts, making the saleswoman even more confident in a successful sale.

"Try it on, it will definitely make your girlfriend swoon!" The saleswoman's promotional tactics were overwhelming. In fact, Tong Haojing looked good in any outfit in front of women because his own image was enough to captivate a crowd of girls.

"Okay, I'll try it on," Tong Haojing couldn't resist the saleswoman's flattering words.

Tong Haojing changed into the top and struck a pose in front of the mirror, taking a couple of steps. The saleswoman exclaimed, "Wow, so handsome!" Tong Haojing knew it was an act, but he still enjoyed hearing it.

"Really?" Tong Haojing asked, his hesitant gaze seeking confirmation from the saleswoman.

"Truly, so handsome!" The saleswoman's promotional skills were at their peak. In the face of flattery, most people lose their judgment and become more generous.

Tong Haojing bought it without hesitation and also chose a suitable pair of pants. He was completely new from head to toe, exuding an ample amount of masculine energy.

Meixi Cabin was not crowded during the day. Mei Tingyu had been waiting for a while. She sat by the cabin's window, overlooking the pond river outside. She sipped a fragrant lemon drink, occasionally flipping through a fashion magazine on the glass table, quietly waiting for Tong Haojing's arrival.

Unknowingly, a young man exuding a faint aura of aloofness stood in the backlight at the cabin's entrance. He slightly raised his head, his short hair jet black. His handsome features and tall, imposing physique emanated a mysterious masculine charm. Mei Tingyu was stunned for a moment. Could this be him? Mei Tingyu could hardly believe it. They hadn't seen each other for a full seven years, and he had changed so much. She almost couldn't believe her eyes. As she hesitated, Tong Haojing saw Mei Tingyu. He recognized her at a glance; after all, Mei Tingyu was deeply etched in his heart.

"Mei Tingyu, have you been waiting long?" Tong Haojing greeted her somewhat proactively.

Mei Tingyu finally dared to confirm. The aura and handsomeness of this young man before her made her heart flutter. A wave of joy surged through her, leaving her a little flustered by her excitement.

"I just arrived too!" Mei Tingyu's clear, sweet voice made Tong Haojing's heart skip a beat. This girl was by his side again. Everything happened so suddenly. The world suddenly felt so small, bringing these two together.

The moment they looked at each other, Tong Haojing noticed Mei Tingyu's unique beauty: a pair of expressive eyes, a delicate nose, slightly flushed cheeks, alluring lips, skin like jade, and a tall, elegant figure.

Tong Haojing sat down opposite Mei Tingyu. Just as he was about to order tea, Mei Tingyu spoke first, "A cup of coffee." Tong Haojing usually drank green tea at bars and teahouses, but in front of Mei Tingyu, he couldn't refuse her kindness. He replied, "Sorry to trouble you!"

A few exchanges between them made Tong Haojing feel more at ease. He asked, "Mei Tingyu, where are you working?"

"Next to the West City Hotel, as a pharmaceutical agent!" Mei Tingyu replied confidently.

"Good, good, you're developing well now," Tong Haojing felt a sense of admiration for Mei Tingyu. Thinking back to when they graduated from middle school and went their separate ways, it was remarkable for an eighteen-year-old girl to have achieved success through her own hard work. Tong Haojing became increasingly interested in Mei Tingyu's past.

Tong Haojing said, "Where did you go after graduation that year?" Tong Haojing's thoughts drifted back seven years. He remembered the letter he had mustered the courage to write to Mei Tingyu, which was actually just a note. The content was still vivid in his mind—"Mei, I like you a lot, let's retake the exam together!"

Tong Haojing's words seemed to stir her memories. She remained silent for a long moment before saying, "Actually, I wanted to retake the exam, but my family situation simply didn't allow it!" Mei Tingyu's answer, though not directly addressing his question, was exactly what Tong Haojing wanted to hear.

Tong Haojing said, "The letter I gave you..." Tong Haojing trailed off.