Silver Snow Line [Criminal Investigation]

Xie Qingfei woke up quickly and came out to find that Pu Yu was gone. Xi Ming seemed to have just finished his work and was standing in front of the window stretching.

Xie Qingfei instructed: "Your brother has a fever. Wake him up in half an hour. If he still hasn't recovered, let him go home and rest."
"Ah? He was fine yesterday." Xi Ming glanced behind her, "Okay, I'll watch."
After saying that, he showed a gossipy smile: "You two...hehe."
"Hey what?" Xie Qingfei glared at him, "You get this treatment even when you're sick."
"I'm not that weak that I would get a fever if I was exposed to a little wind." Xi Ming paused halfway through his sentence, "But my brother rarely gets sick. Could it be that he's in a bad mood?"
Xie Qingfei glanced at him.
"Because he hasn't slept well in the past few days, I guess." Xi Ming explained.

Xie Qingfei didn't pay much attention to how Wei Cheng was doing recently. He only knew that he was probably very idle recently. Although Xu Siwei needed psychological counseling, Wei Cheng could be seen in the bureau at other times except during these periods.
Xie Qingfei wanted to ask a few more questions, but seeing that Xi Ming didn't seem to know anything, he decided to give up in order to prevent this double agent from saying in front of Wei Cheng that she secretly cared about him.

Xi Ming saw her put on her coat and asked, "Are you going out?"
"Yes, I have an appointment." Xie Qingfei took the key and reminded again, "Keep an eye on your brother."

At 11:30 am, Xie Qingfei arrived at the agreed restaurant on time.

When the people at the seat saw her come in, they waved to her enthusiastically.
Xie Qingfei was led by the waiter to sit down and greeted with a smile: "Auntie Gu."
The lady sitting opposite her was Wei Cheng's mother, Gu Mingxu.

"Fei Fei, have you lost weight recently?" Gu Mingxu touched her face and said with some concern.
"No way, I weighed two kilograms yesterday morning." Xie Qingfei ordered a few dishes, handed the menu back to the waiter, and said, "I also feel that Wei Cheng seems to have lost weight."
Gu Mingxu groaned, "He was just frightened by what happened to Xu Siwei."
Xie Qingfei paused: "Xu Siwei was kidnapped? What does this have to do with him?"

"Didn't he tell you? That's right, he just wanted to save face." Gu Mingxu said, "When Acheng was six years old, his father and I were very busy and didn't have much time to take care of him. At that time, there were also many things going on within the company. Because of some conflicts... Acheng was kidnapped by a group of people on his way home from school."

Six years old...
Xie Qingfei took out the photo he had "requisitioned" from Wei Cheng's pocket last time and asked, "Is it this year?"
Gu Mingxu took a look and smiled: "Where did you find this? Yes, right now."
She looked at the little boy in the photo with nostalgia, and said with some emotion: "His father and I have spoiled him since he was a child. He has never suffered such hardship. He was really scared at the time. He was depressed for more than a year after being rescued, and was cold to people. Sometimes I think that if this incident had not happened, his personality would be different now."

Xie Qingfei was silent for a moment, thinking about the few questions Wei Cheng asked after seeing Xu Siwei at Chi Zhengdu's wedding. It turned out that he was not just concerned about the younger generation, but was thinking about his past self. Those experiences must have been very gloomy, so he never suspected that Xu Siwei would joke about such things at first. He would rather his few words of comfort were just self-conceited, which was better than having another person experience everything he had experienced.

"He told me that he cared about Xu Siwei because he felt sorry for him, and I thought he was fooling me." Xie Qingfei realized belatedly.
Gu Mingxu shook his head: "How can it be pitiful?"
Xie Qingfei heard the hidden meaning in her words and looked at her questioningly.
Gu Mingxu sighed and asked, "Did A Cheng tell you why he wanted to be a doctor?"
Xie Qingfei pursed his lips.
"The group of people carried him into the car on the street, and one of his classmates saw it. The child already had asthma and other diseases, so he was frightened and died before he could be sent to the hospital." Gu Mingxu recalled, still feeling very sorry, "In fact, A Cheng and him had never spoken to each other, and they were not familiar with each other at all. But when someone you know has always existed suddenly dies one day, and death is concretely presented in front of you, it is also difficult to accept, isn't it?"

Xie Qingfei didn't know what to say for a moment. She suddenly remembered the days when she was suffering from PTSD two years ago and couldn't get over it. It took her a long time to convince herself that it was not her fault, but Wei Cheng was only six years old at that time. How could he face the disappearance of a life that was related to him in a certain sense?
A lump in her throat, she said in a hoarse voice: "This is not his fault."

"Didn't I tell him the same thing?" Gu Mingxu said worriedly, "He... is a very smart child. When his father and I were still hoping that he would forget these memories as soon as possible, we didn't know that he would become..."
Gu Mingxu thought for several words before finding a more accurate description: "He is very afraid of death."

Xie Qingfei has known Wei Cheng since high school. She has always thought that he is a spoiled young master who is fussy and ostentatious. Not only does he ask the driver to take him to and from school, but he also always brings several bodyguards with him, which is so exaggerated that it seems like he is shooting a short video on Weibo. So to this day, she still often teases him with some words.
It turns out that he is afraid of death. This reason, which sounds a bit absurd, makes Xie Qingfei panic for a moment. She remembered that when she was injured and fell off a cliff and thought her life was coming to an end, he resolutely found her. There was no fear at all, only the word "willing".

"It's normal to cherish life and fear death, but one day he suddenly told me, 'Mom, I want to be a doctor in the future.' I asked him why, and he said that this way he could save many, many people. If he was a little better, he could even give people who had no hope of living a chance to be reborn." Gu Mingxu smiled proudly, "He was too young at the time, and I didn't take my words too seriously. I just encouraged him a few words. Later... despite some twists and turns, he still tried his best to persevere. I know it's because of you."

Xie Qingfei remained silent.

"But Feifei," Gu Mingxu held her hand, "he always has to be responsible for himself and knows what decision is best for him. That's why he didn't give up."

Wei Cheng's luck is not very good. His life path, which was determined by death, was almost ended by another death when he was finally about to start. Even the strongest soul will have self-doubt and even have the idea of ​​"forget it".
How can we cultivate a stronger soul to tolerate these blows?
When he mentioned these things before, he always gave reasons like "I don't want to disappoint you" and "I hope I can be worthy of you", and he didn't affirm his own ability. Xie Qingfei suddenly understood his thoughts. He had never gotten over the self-blame and guilt he felt towards another young life when he was young, so he felt weak. He placed the meaning of his existence on her, integrated her into his soul, and used his love for her to repeatedly confirm that he was still a valuable person.

But she could not give him a solid sense of security. In Wei Cheng's eyes, she was engaged in a dangerous job and there was a risk of death every time she went out. This kind of insecurity made it impossible for him to continue his life peacefully on the existing track. But he could not selfishly restrain her for his own comfort, so he chose to be the one who gave everything without hesitation.
It's not a grievance, nor is it a compromise.
He just wanted to protect her well, that's all.

Love is the additive that humans seek for their dull lives in the later stages. With this hope, they can barely pick up the idea that "there is still hope in life" and live with energy. Love does not even require the recognition of two people. It can be a glance in the crowd, a nostalgic look, and the aftertaste of watching the other person's back getting farther and farther away.
In the temple built by love, someone is confessing alone and vowing to remain loyal forever.

Xie Qingfei suddenly realized that even if she could convince herself that she was doing it for his own good, it was actually a kind of self-righteous cruelty to him. But was she wrong? She still didn't think she was wrong.
If Wei Cheng still cannot understand her painstaking efforts, then the relationship between them will be completely dead end.
But she believed that Wei Cheng would not let her down, just as he had always shown, so she was willing to wait.

Xie Qingfei had a thousand words in his mind, but in the end he just cursed quietly: "Idiot."
Gu Mingxu laughed and patted the back of her hand. At this time, the dishes were served one after another. She said, "Okay, it's rare for the two of us to go out for a walk, so don't let my ex-boyfriend affect my mood."
Gu Mingxu had been very caring towards Xie Qingfei when she was still in school, so even though his son broke up with her, it did not affect their friendship.
Xie Qingfei was amused by her "united against the outside world" tone and responded softly: "Okay, let's have fun today."

I was having so much fun that I didn’t pay attention to the time.

When Gu Mingxu sent him back to the police station, the sky was already dark blue. As soon as Xie Qingfei walked to the door of the office, he saw Wei Cheng standing by the door like a statue, waiting for him.
When he saw her coming, he said sarcastically: "Who did you go on a date with and it just ended? It couldn't be that handsome kid again, right? You were chatting enthusiastically, and you look rosy. Unlike me, my heart is so cold, just like the temperature today. Well, who can blame him for being young and..."
Before he could finish his words, Xie Qingfei covered his forehead with his hands.
Wei Cheng blinked and bent down a little in cooperation.

"You've said so much, it seems like you're no longer feverish." Xie Qingfei said and walked away first.
Wei Cheng was stunned for a moment, then followed him and said relentlessly: "Did you hear what I just said? Don't try to deny it. I saw you getting out of his car from upstairs."
Xie Qingfei turned around with amusement: "You saw the car, but you didn't recognize it was your mother's car?"
Wei Cheng: “…”

It seems... it does look a little familiar.

"You two have such a good relationship." He pretended to be calm, as if he was not the one who was jealous just now.
"That's what I mean," Xie Qingfei said teasingly, "Although we are not destined to be together, I have a good relationship with your mother. After all, she has always wanted a daughter. She also said that if I feel uncomfortable because of your existence, she is willing to be a sister with me. Doctor Wei, do you think I should choose to be your sister or your aunt?"
Wei Cheng narrowed his eyes and suddenly smiled: "I have no objection if you like role-playing. Just choose whichever one is more exciting."
Xie Qingfei: "..."
It seems that he is really good.

"Please, please help me write it. With our friendship, this little thing is nothing. Please be kind."
Zhao Chongyun strode over with a cold face. Xi Ming, who was following behind him, begged all the way with an attitude that looked as if he wanted to kowtow and kneel down.
Xie Qingfei just interrupted someone's dirty talk, cleared his throat, and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Master," Zhao Chongyun's attitude was good in front of her, "Xi Ming asked me to help him write materials, but I disagree."
Xie Qingfei solemnly administered justice: "Xi Ming, do your own thing."
Xi Ming glanced at Zhao Chongyun with resentment: "I'm not asking you for free. I can help you do something I'm good at next time."
Zhao Chongyun glanced at him: "No, I can do my own things."
Xi Ming: "The fox is taking advantage of the tiger's might."

Another man who was just pretending to be powerful had been watching the show for a while and also said, "Captain Xie is right. Xi Ming is really outrageous."
Xi Ming looked betrayed: "Brother!"
Wei Cheng groaned, frowned at Xie Qingfei, and said, "I have a headache."
"Headache again?" Xie Qingfei scolded him for being delicate, but still let him go into her office. "Have you had dinner? Take another pill on my desk."
Wei Cheng looked at her eagerly, like a willow in the wind: "No water."
Xie Qingfei turned around and reminded: "Xi Ming, go get a glass of hot water."

Xi Ming was about to express his dissatisfaction when he was stabbed by a cold light. He turned his head and found that Zhao Chongyun was looking at him sullenly.
"I don't even need your help, why are you still glaring at me?" He felt like he was really being bullied. Why didn't even his junior fellow apprentice treat him kindly? "Can you just tell me what you think of me? I've been getting your cold stares for days. Aren't you dizzy from all the glaring?"
Zhao Chongyun thought he was innocent, so he endured it again and again. When Xie Qingfei closed the door, he lowered his voice and said, "It's all because of your meddling that you handcuffed Master and Doctor Wei together last time."
"Just because of this? Master isn't even mad at me." Xi Ming opened his eyes wide, feeling extremely confused. "And didn't you notice that their relationship has improved a lot since that day? It's only a matter of time before their old love is rekindled and they get back together!"

That's why he's angry! Zhao Chongyun screamed in his heart. Isn't he an ex-boyfriend? Why are you still clinging to him all day long?
But he couldn't say it, he was as depressed as a puffer fish.

However, Xi Ming had become extra sharp under Captain Xie's instruction. He could just ignore some things and think about them carefully. He suddenly came to his senses and pointed at Zhao Chongyun in disbelief, "You, you you you..."
Zhao Chongyun: “?”
Xi Ming: "You want to seduce the emperor, don't you?"
Zhao Chongyun: “…”
Xi Ming screamed silently: "You want to be the queen, don't you?"
Zhao Chongyun: "Shut up."
"Master... um!" Xi Ming wanted to say something else, but Zhao Chongyun quickly covered his mouth and dragged him away.

Deng Deng had just woken up from a nap under the table. When he looked up, he saw the tragic scene of his adoptive father being kidnapped. He meowed and felt that he still needed to go and save a life, so he ran up with his tail wagging.

No one in the office knew about the chaos outside.

Just as Xie Qingfei was about to take off his coat, he said casually, "If Deng Deng doesn't have anyone to take care of him, I'll take him home first."
Wei Cheng raised his eyebrows: "Last time you said you couldn't take care of small animals."
One sleeve of her coat got stuck on her body. She tilted her head and said, "You can raise it as you go. It's not difficult. Besides, if Xi Ming takes it in, you will still be the poop-scooper in the end. If you can do it, why can't I do it?"
Wei Cheng: "Will it still like me after raising it?"
"First of all, that was a female cat—" Xie Qingfei paused, "Are you crazy?"

She gave him a speechless look and pulled her arm out of the sleeve. She had her coat on her elbow and was about to hang it up when a piece of paper fell out of her coat and landed right between them.
The kid's cold face was directed at the two adults who were not as mature as him.

Xie Qingfei's heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to speak, Wei Cheng had already picked up the precious photos of himself as a cub before her and looked at her intriguingly: "Ouch, you stole my photos."
Xie Qingfei: “I picked it up.”
"You found it but you didn't return it to me? You don't have the spirit of honesty at all." Wei Cheng said with a raised tone, "Or do you want to see me all the time, but you are embarrassed to say it, so you use the photo to remind me of you?"
Xie Qingfei: "..."

She snatched the photo back and sneered, "Didn't you steal my ring too? What did I say?"
This time, Wei Cheng was speechless. He asked in shock, "How did you know?"
Xie Qingfei: "Nonsense, this is what I do."
There are only a few places, and after eliminating them, the only one left is the hospital. I just need to make a phone call to ask, how could I not know that he picked it up secretly?

Wei Cheng now not only feels guilty, but also embarrassed.
He now suspected that Xie Qingfei had deliberately looked for the cat, which had made him nervous several times for fear that she would discover something. It turned out that she had known it for a long time!
Xie Qingfei spread out his hands: "Give it back to me."
Wei Cheng: "Give me back the photo first."
Xie Qingfei didn't insist and handed the photo to him.
Wei Cheng hurriedly stuffed it into his pocket, as if he was too ugly to be seen in public at that time.

He just felt that he was too weak at that time. If Xie Qingfei knew what was behind the photo, she would definitely dislike him. She always liked people who were strong enough.

Then he reached into his collar for the ring.
But I heard Xie Qingfei say: "You are really cute. If I had known you when I was six years old, I would definitely like to play with you."
Wei Cheng's hand trembled slightly.
After a moment, she added: "After all, you are such a big master, you will definitely protect me."

Wei Cheng froze in place, thinking over her words again and again. So... she would think this way.
Don't you think he's incompetent?
Is a child who can only be bullied by bad guys and cannot face the death of people around him calmly worthy of trust?

Wei Cheng suddenly felt shy and felt that her words were more touching than any confession. Although he knew that Xie Qingfei didn't mean that, the touch she brought to him was already extremely precious.

It was rare for Xie Qingfei to do such a roundabout way of comforting people, and he couldn't let him find out anything. He felt embarrassed, so he straightened his face and said, "Of course, even if you were very cute when you were a child, you still have to return the ring to me."
Wei Cheng laughed suddenly.
He was no longer going to ask her why she still kept the ring he gave her. Right now, at this moment, he didn't want anything messy to ruin this hard-earned beautiful moment. So he just took off the ring silently and put it in her palm devoutly. The temperature on it was still high, but this time it was not due to a fever.
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Volume 2: The Troubadour - End
(End of this chapter)