He was a disabled military officer who doted on his research work in the Northwest.

Zhao's mother approached Shen Yao step by step.

"If it wasn't done by our Zhao family, then you did it yourself."

Shen Yao's face turned pale instantly.

"You asked me to slap you last time, and I'll grant your wish today." Mother Zhao raised her hand—

"Snapped!"

Another slap in the face.

The crisp sound echoed through the alley.

Shen Yao's head was knocked to one side. This time she didn't stick her face out again, because Zhao's mother didn't give her a chance to perform.

"This slap—it's because you slandered the Zhao family." Zhao's mother's voice was icy. "You put the dead rat there yourself, you splashed the red paint yourself, and then you ran to the military compound crying and saying we did it. Did you think no one investigated? Did you think no one cared after the investigation team left?"

The young man with the buzz cut walked up from behind: "We asked the neighbors near your house. In the days following the incident, people from several nearby alleys said they hadn't seen anyone from the Zhao family, but someone did see you squatting outside your gate in the middle of the night—"

"That night, around 11 p.m.," the tall, thin man added. "Your neighbor, Old Liu, got up to use the bathroom and saw you coming out of your back door carrying a bag. He assumed you were taking out the trash and didn't think much of it. The next morning, your mother opened the door and found a dead rat."

Shen Yao's body was trembling.

His lips moved a few times, but he couldn't speak.

Zhao's mother looked at her as if she were a disgusting insect.

"She seduced my son. She got him in jail. She revealed his escape route. She broke off the engagement and then framed our family." Zhao's mother said, each word distinct, "Shen Yao, are you even human?"

Shen Yao's lips twitched. She wanted to say something, to argue, to cry, or to play the victim.

But two police officers were standing behind Zhao's mother.

"Comrade Shen Yao." One of the police officers stepped forward, showed his identification, and said, "We received a report that you are suspected of defaming the Zhao family and fabricating false accusations of intimidation. Please come with us."

"No—" Shen Yao stepped back, "I didn't—"

"We'll talk about it when we get there." The police officer's expression was devoid of any emotion. "Please cooperate with the investigation."

Shen Yao's arms were held by one person on each side.

She struggled, and just then—

A military jeep slowly came to a stop at the school gate.

The car door opened.

Mu Qinghan got out of the car, leaning on her cane.

His military uniform was impeccably tailored. His face was stern and aloof.

He came to pick up Shen Tang from school.

The moment Shen Yao saw him—

All the fear, resentment, jealousy, and despair surged up like a tide.

"Mu Qinghan!" Her voice was so sharp it almost changed tone.

Mu Qinghan's gaze swept over coldly, without uttering a word.

"You think she loves you?" Shen Yao was being held by two police officers, her face still bearing the slap mark from Zhao's mother, her eyes bloodshot, looking like a madwoman driven to the brink of despair.

"She did it all for that bracelet!"

"She only stayed because of the bracelet from the beginning!"

"She wouldn't even glance at you without that bracelet!"

The school gate was completely silent.

All eyes were on Mu Qinghan.

He stood there.

Backlit, motionless.

Since it was after school, Shen Tang was also at the school gate. He was a little surprised to see Shen Yao being beaten at first. Shen Yao directed and acted this herself; her imagination is really rich. It's no wonder she got beaten.

Unexpectedly, Mu Qinghan appeared at this moment, prompting Shen Yao to utter these hurtful words.

She gripped her backpack strap tightly, her heart pounding, and she didn't even dare to look at Fu Qinghan's face.

Then I heard his voice, "So what?"

The voice wasn't loud, but every word was as clear as a nail driven into the air.

"That's a bracelet from my Mu family."

"If she wants it, I'm willing to give it."

His gaze swept over Shen Yao, as indifferently as if he were looking at a completely unrelated passerby.

"What's it to you?"

Shen Yao's lips moved slightly.

speechless.

"Snapped!"

Zhao's mother slapped her again.

"You're so vain, and you've ruined my son's life!" Zhao's mother's voice was shrill and vicious. "You turn around and set your sights on your own brother-in-law! Have you no shame?!"

The students watching gasped in shock.

"Brother-in-law?"

"Isn't Shen Tang her older sister? Then Commander Mu—"

"Oh my god..."

Shen Yao had slap marks on her face as she was dragged out by the police and shoved into a car.

……

The police car drove away.

The crowd at the school gate gradually dispersed.

Mu Qinghan stood still.

He heard footsteps behind him, very light, treading in the shadows of the setting sun.

"Brother Qinghan." Her voice came from behind.

Mu Qinghan turned around.

Shen Tang stood in front of him.

The setting sun bathed her silhouette in a warm golden hue.

Her eyes darted around, avoiding his gaze.

He didn't say anything, just said, "Let's go home."

On the way, she carefully observed his expression and asked, "What she just said...aren't you angry?" Her voice trembled slightly.

"I'm angry." Mu Qinghan's voice was very low.

Shen Tang lowered her head, put her hands behind her back, and clenched her wrists tightly.

"I'm not angry about what he said, but what she said is true. You were initially after the bracelet," he said calmly. "I know."

Shen Tang was stunned.

"I knew it the day you left the bracelet using the excuse that your hand was swollen." Mu Qinghan's lips curled slightly. "I could see whether your hand was swollen or not then; I'm not blind."

Shen Tang: "..."

He looked into her eyes. "So you've had your eye on that bracelet from the very beginning, haven't you?"

"Qinghan-ge... I'm sorry..." Her voice was very soft, her fingers gripping the backpack strap on her knees tightly.

"That's why I gave you the bracelet." Mu Qinghan reached out and placed his hand over hers, which was gripping the backpack strap.

Shen Tang was taken aback. She thought he might be furious, or he might be cold and indifferent, or even worse, he might kick her out of the house.

Why is it different from what she expected?

"You stayed because of the bracelet. So what?" His voice was low, carrying a tenderness she had never heard before.

His fingers gently pried open her clenched hand, and they intertwined.

"You saved Wang Xiulian, you grew vegetables in the courtyard, you cooked for me and gave me massages. You saved so many people at the hospital. Everything you did was genuine," he paused, then continued, "Even if it was initially for the bracelet—so what?"

He looked into her eyes:

"You stayed. You're here. That's enough."

Shen Tang looked at him; his eyes were very serious.

There was no doubt, no testing, no questioning of whether you truly love me.

Only pure acceptance.

"You..." Her voice was a little hoarse, "Aren't you afraid that I'm really only after the bracelet?"

Mu Qinghan smiled.

"I'm scared," he said honestly. "Terrified."

"but--"

He raised her hand to his lips and gently kissed her fingertips.

Even if that's the case, I'll accept it.

Shen Tang's eyes felt a little hot.

She lowered her head, her voice muffled: "...Who was only after the bracelet?"

"Yes." Mu Qinghan's voice held a hint of amusement. "It's not just about the bracelet."

"No, it isn't."

"Okay, no."

Shen Tang looked up and glared at him.

His eyes were curved, filled with a rare tenderness.

Her eyes stung with tears, and Mu Qinghan naturally reached out and placed his hand on her fluffy head.

"Come on. Come home with me."