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Chapter 82

It turns out you should never underestimate Hao Jian's creativity when it comes to new ideas.

How could something as adorable as a little whale be used for that?

It wasn’t just that it moved, it even wagged its tail right at the most convenient spot. Every time Lian Ru Ning tried to take it off, Hao Jian would grab her hand and distract her with a kiss.

After the stone sculpture incident, Lian Ru Ning's list of items she could no longer look at directly grew by one more.

She asked Hao Jian, “Do you secretly own a specialty store for bedroom gadgets?”

Finger props were one thing, but even something like this had been unearthed. What was next, a full inventory of "bedroom accessories"?

“There’s an adult store on the street near the school. Didn’t you know that, Junior Sister?”

“How could I possibly know!”

Hao Jian chuckled. “True. I used to work part-time on that street. When I came back late, I’d see their sign lit up...”

Lian Ru Ning said nothing. She confiscated the little whale, examining it for a moment, her face still flushed.

“You said it theoretically lasts for 50 minutes. There are over 20 minutes left.”

“I think...” Hao Jian started, but her throat suddenly caught.

Before she could react, Lian Ru Ning sat in front of her, holding the little whale delicately between her fingers. Slowly, she extended the tip of her tongue, licking its round head before lightly biting its curved tail.

Though Lian Ru Ning said nothing, her actions seemed to communicate, “Let me help you.”

Faced with this, Hao Jian felt her limbs go weak.

Lian Ru Ning's cheeks were flushed, but her eyes gleamed mischievously, as if saying Hao Jian was now entirely at her mercy.

If Hao Jian was a quick-thinking, innovative, and adventurous genius, Lian Runing was a diligent, eager-to-learn student who eventually surpassed her teacher.

Though she initially had no relevant experience, Lian Ru Ning absorbed everything Hao Jian taught her, committing each movement to memory. Then she experimented, even innovating on Hao Jian's techniques, a trait that captivated Hao Jian completely.

By the time the little whale ran out of power, Lian Ru Ning had already devised other ways to connect on a soul-deep level. Their session only ended after several rounds of such “discussions.” Exhausted and sweaty, they rested with their foreheads pressed together as Hao Jian planted kisses on her.

Both of them were drenched, sticky from the heat, they hadn’t turned on the air conditioner earlier, fearing they’d catch a cold. Now, they had no choice but to shower again.

When Lian Ru Ning left the bed, Hao Jian followed her into the bathroom.

Lian Ru Ning turned back, only to be pressed against the wall for another kiss. A stray hand brushed the faucet handle, and warm water began to cascade over them.

Their wet hair clung to their faces as the water soaked their bodies. After ending the long kiss, Hao Jian, her breathing slightly uneven, said teasingly, “Junior Sister, did you think I only know how to use little toys?”

Lian Ru Ning clung to Hao Jian's shoulders, her gaze misty but filled with love, a love growing deeper by the second.

Hao Jian's eyes reflected her face clearly, her heart swelling like an ancient, well-aged wine, finally uncorked to release its intoxicating aroma.

“Junior Sister, I love you.”

 “Hao Jian, ah Jian, my Jian...”

A little indulgence can feel like a dream, but too much can leave one drained.

Lian Ru Ning was grateful her father didn’t ask her to join him for breakfast that morning. Otherwise, she would’ve had to face him with panda eyes, or explain why she’d slept past nine.

Seeing Hao Jian still asleep, Lian Ru Ning pushed aside these thoughts and quietly admired her sleeping face.

Last night’s intensity was partly because she’d needed an outlet for her inner confusion, and she suspected Hao Jian had secrets she wasn’t sharing.

If Hao Jian was hiding something, it was likely related to safety. Her sudden suggestion to visit Haixin Island surely had something to do with a mission, likely involving the "Wujio" group.

Lian Ru Ning saw no reason to stop her, so she chose to go along.

When Hao Jian woke up, the two of them dawdled through their morning routine. Lian Ru Ning also shared news of progress in her research.

“So the science center can differentiate water from various sources because of this discovery?” Hao Jian asked.

“Exactly. Isn’t Dr. Le brilliant? Think about it, water is fluid, and even if zombie-virus-infected blood enters a river, it would be diluted long before reaching the ocean.”

“Well, I’m smart too, but this isn’t my field of expertise,” Hao Jian said with a shrug.

Lian Ru Ning, accustomed to her shameless self-praise, let it slide, she secretly agreed anyway.

Before lunch, they visited the refugee management office to follow up on Chen Jin’s request.

Hao Jian explained her reason for coming, and the staff turned the computer screen toward her, saying, “Since he’s part of the strike team, I’m not sure about his current situation. But the government has a single-line communication system in place. Leave your name and his information, if he responds, you’ll get a reply.”

Hao Jian wrote her name and attached a photo of a ring in the remarks section.

Curious, Lian Ru Ning asked, “I heard the reunion system will be launched for refugees soon. How will it work without the internet?”

The staff explained, “We’ll distribute the program to refugee centers, install the necessary equipment, and train staff to handle it.”

To avoid disclosing sensitive names and causing chaos, they opted not to publicize lists of refugees. Instead, people would register and wait for replies.

Although the process was cumbersome, the encrypted network covered the entire province and nearby cities, ensuring smooth intercity communication.

“When will it launch?”

“Not anytime soon. Encryption for the network’s base stations is still ongoing. Plus, emergency drills are necessary.”

“Drills?”

“Yes, for scenarios like a refugee discovering their loved one is at Haixin Island. They might demand the strike team reunite them, which could cause conflicts.”

Lian Ru Ning understood, personal desires could lead to chaos.

Hao Jian thanked the staff and asked them to relay any messages if they received a response after her departure.

The staff agreed, treating them with respect, partly because of Hao Jian’s work credentials and Lian Ru Ning’s connection to the science center.

At that moment, a large shadow fell across the entrance of the management office. The group inside looked up to see a tall, muscular man, standing over 1.8 meters, with dark skin and a strong build, walk in.

He handed over an ID card. “From Brothers' Guardians. The management office contacted me yesterday.”

Although the staff recognized him, they followed procedure and scanned his ID to confirm its validity before saying, “Wait here a moment. I’ll contact the other side. Why are you the only one here today?”

The man didn’t answer, nor did the staff press further. After a moment, he seemed to remember something and gestured toward a young woman nearby. “Oh, right, this is the daughter of the person who hired you.”

The man turned to look at the girl, who appeared surprised. She recalled her father mentioning that the Brothers' Guardians were triplets, one of whom had previously served in the Special Forces. Judging by his demeanor, he was likely that brother.

“Wei Renmin,” the man said, extending his hand.

“Mr. Wei, nice to meet you. My name is Lian Ru Ning. My father mentioned your work as private—”

Before she could finish, Wei Renmin cut her off. “We’re Brothers' Guardians, not private detectives.”

“…” Lian Ru Ning was momentarily speechless, unsure where to begin processing her thoughts. What kind of name is Brothers' Guardians?

“Let me guess,” Hao Jian chimed in with a teasing tone. “Do your brothers go by ‘Nation’ and ‘Society’?”

Lian Ru Ning quickly grabbed Hao Jian’s hand, worried that Wei Renmin might take offense. Instead, he nodded. “Yes. Do you have any comments on that?”

“…” Lian Ru Ning found herself marveling at how many unique naming conventions existed in the world, beyond just her own family and Hao Jian’s parents.

The staff member interrupted to inform them, “Professor Lian will be here shortly. Please take a seat while you wait.”

Wei Renmin walked straight to a sofa and sat down. Since Lian Ru Ning and Hao Jian had come to meet him, they also took seats across from him.

Lian Qingmiao hurried in shortly after, his face showing signs of fatigue, with dark circles under his eyes and a shadow of stubble on his chin. It was clear he hadn’t slept the previous night, no wonder he hadn’t come to invite his daughter for breakfast.

“It’s been hectic over there,” Lian Qingmiao explained. “I only remembered this meeting when someone reminded me.”

Wei Renmin remained silent, and Lian Qingmiao seemed a bit awkward until Lian Ru Ning spoke up. “Dad, you need to take care of yourself.”

“I know.” Lian Qingmiao nodded, taking a photo album out of his briefcase. “I’d like to hire you to find three people, two are on Haixin Island, and one is at the refugee camp in Foshan City. I’ve heard you work with your own equipment, so name your price.”

“For searches where the location is known, it’s fairly straightforward. Haixin Island is nearby, so the cost, including retrieval and fuel for the boat, is 5,000 per person. As for Foshan city, the distance and risks are greater, so it’s double, 10,000 per person. Payment in cash.”

Under normal circumstances, this would be considered expensive, but Lian Qingmiao didn’t hesitate. He was willing to pay any price to reunite with his wife and children, no matter how high. Years of saving, combined with the fact that there was little else to spend money on, made the decision easy for him.

“Fine. There’s an ATM here. I’ll withdraw the money shortly,” Lian Qingmiao replied, flipping open the photo album. “These are their photos. Take a look.”

“There’s no need, Dad. I’ll be going to Haixin Island myself,” Lian Ru Ning suddenly said.

“What?!” Qingmiao was stunned, and Wei Renmin also turned to look at her.

“Dad, I don’t object to hiring them for help, but I’m going as well. As for your suggestion yesterday, I’ll give you my answer after we’ve reunited with them.”

Caught off guard, “Lian Qingmiao hesitated. Hao Jian then chimed in, “Uncle Lian, I’ll be with her, and I’ll keep her safe. You don’t have to worry.”

Lian Qingmiao found her words odd but chose not to overthink them. He waved dismissively. “Fine, go if you must. I won’t stop you.”

Wei Renmin glanced at them. “If you want us to give you a ride, that’ll cost extra.”

Runing thought Hao Jian would refuse, but to her surprise, Hao Jian tilted her head and asked, “How much?”

“If we don’t have to protect you, it’s 500 per person.”

“That seems reasonable.”

Thus, the two sides reached an agreement, even signing a proper contract. Wei Renmin was particularly meticulous about this part. “Business is business. Putting it in black and white is how Brothers' Guardians maintain trust.”

Once the deal was settled, Lian Qingmiao went to withdraw the cash, and Lian Ru Ning picked up the photo album to browse through it. She recognized it as the one her father kept in his office, containing photos of him with friends, colleagues, and family.

Lian Qingmiao had likely brought the entire album in his rush, not having the time to sort out specific family photos.

Meanwhile, Hao Jian was discreetly observing Wei Renmin. She had agreed to travel with Brothers' Guardians partly to get a closer look at them. Though risky, it was also a way to uncover potential flaws. But her focus shifted when Lian Ru Ning leaned against her, flipping through the album.

Turning to glance at Lian Ru Ning, Hao Jian’s gaze froze the moment it landed on the album.