Chapter Fifty-Six: Long-Distance Call

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains behind the tightly shut window. As Kang Ning opened his eyes, he saw Mengmeng still sleeping soundly, her delicate face resting quietly on his arm. The corners of her eyes were still damp, while her petite lips curled into a faint, enchanting smile.

Kang Ning carefully shifted his numbed leg and gently turned to his side. This motion roused Mengmeng, who blinked awake. Seeing Kang Ning’s face so close to hers, she blushed and immediately burrowed into his arms, pressing herself tightly against his warm chest. Noticing the strong reaction her movements elicited in him, Mengmeng playfully pinched his waist hard. This time, Kang Ning didn’t react as fiercely as usual; instead, he endured the pain and let her vent her feelings.

Somewhat surprised, Qu Mengmeng released her grip and whispered softly into Kang Ning’s ear, “Does it hurt?”

“If you want to pinch me, just do it,” Kang Ning replied, wrapping his sturdy arms around her waist.

Full of gratitude, Qu Mengmeng kissed his cheek. “You’re so good to me.”

Kang Ning said nothing, just gently stroked her smooth back, watching her flushed face with a tender smile. Slowly, Qu Mengmeng climbed atop him, kissing his earlobe. “My god, I never imagined… that it could be so wonderful. It hurt a little at first, but you were so gentle, so amazing. There were moments I thought I would die of happiness. I love you so much! Naughty brother, can we… can we do it again?”

Kang Ning was taken aback. He could scarcely imagine that, after an entire night of passion, this delicate girl—so new to love—would still desire more. Her endurance and resilience surprised him, and he was deeply moved by the profound trust and affection she showed him.

Kang Ning gently cupped her flushed, warm face. When he saw the happiness and longing shimmering in her eyes, his heart pounded wildly. He kissed her pretty nose and asked softly, “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I don’t care. I just want you.”

And with that, Qu Mengmeng took the initiative, her graceful body moving as she slowly settled down upon him. After a muffled gasp, she lay content and breathless against his chest.

An hour passed before the utterly spent Qu Mengmeng managed to dress herself in loose pajamas. She lay down once more on Kang Ning’s chest, gently tracing his handsome face and murmured, “You’re so strong… I’m so happy.”

Kang Ning smiled faintly, kissing her delicate eyelids. “As long as you’re happy.”

“Oh, I have to go. Sister Yi will probably wake up soon!”

Mengmeng hurriedly got up, slipped on her embroidered slippers, and steadied herself before casting Kang Ning a playful, reproachful glance. She took two steps, then suddenly remembered something important. Turning back, she bent down and kissed Kang Ning deeply, then quickly pulled a white towel—stained with the marks of her womanhood—from under the pillow and hurried away.

Kang Ning watched Qu Mengmeng’s swaying silhouette with a mix of affection and concern. He never would have guessed that the seemingly carefree and spontaneous Mengmeng could be so thoughtful and meticulous, nor did he know when she had secretly placed that pristine towel beneath herself. His understanding and love for her deepened even more.

After lying there for a while, Kang Ning sat up and reached for his clothes, only to find his shirt and trousers scattered across the carpet in different directions. Blushing, he laughed quietly to himself, gathered his things, and dressed. He opened the door softly and saw that the corridor was empty; Zheng Yi’s door was still shut. He quickly headed to the bathroom and enjoyed a hot shower.

Refreshed, Kang Ning returned to the guest room, tidied up, and brought the used dishes downstairs to wash. He carried a bucket of soapy water and a rag back upstairs to clean, tidying for more than twenty minutes before finally looking around with satisfaction and heading downstairs.

With everything in order, Kang Ning called the factory from the living room phone to say he’d return in the afternoon. Old Li graciously suggested he take the day off. Thanking him, Kang Ning chatted a bit more before hanging up.

When he came back upstairs, Kang Ning saw Qu Mengmeng already dressed, reclining on the sofa with a glass of water. She pointed to the steaming teacup on the side table. “You’re so diligent. If only you were my husband! Come, have some tea.”

Kang Ning thanked her with a smile, took a sip, and asked, “Is Sister Yi still asleep?”

“She’s really drunk. Strange—she’s usually the best drinker among us, but she passed out after less than a bottle,” Mengmeng replied with a puzzled frown.

“Maybe she was in a bad mood. Do you need to look after her?” Kang Ning asked with concern.

Mengmeng waved her hand. “No need. I already called her aunt; she’ll be here soon. I also left a note on her bedside table. Let’s go before she wakes up—it’d be awkward.”

“Alright.”

The two of them went downstairs to the door. Before Kang Ning could unlock it, Qu Mengmeng grabbed his hand, threw herself into his arms, and hugged him tightly for a long moment. Then she blinked mischievously and said, “You pervert, you’ve made my legs shake all morning! Be careful, or one day I’ll come back and get my revenge.” With that, she quickly opened the door and stepped outside first.

Seeing her return to her playful self, Kang Ning smiled and followed her out, closing the door behind him before catching up to walk by her side.

Kang Ning got out of the taxi in the city center, his heart heavy. Still, he forced a smile and waved to Mengmeng in the car. Watching her long hair flutter as the car drove away, he felt as though a precious part of his soul was drifting off in the wind, leaving his heart aching with loss. He stood there for a long time, only moving when the taxi had vanished from sight. With a deep sigh, he walked slowly toward a familiar little shop.

At that moment, Kang Ning could not have known that, despite her delicate appearance, Mengmeng was incredibly resilient. From the very instant she chose to climb into his bed, her heart—overflowing with passion and dreams of happiness—had been firmly bound to him. Kang Ning’s tenderness, honesty, and strength had captivated her utterly. Thus, as she stepped out the door, Qu Mengmeng had already made up her mind—to run away from her arranged marriage.

After lunch, it was ten past twelve when Kang Ning left the little shop and strolled along the street, pondering how to contact Zhang Jianhan. He soon made up his mind, bought a twenty-yuan phone card at a newsstand, and walked to the nearest card phone booth to dial a familiar number.

Zhang Jianhan was eating at a small restaurant near the entrance of the Criminal Investigation Brigade when his phone rang. He put down his chopsticks, pulled out his cell phone, and answered, “Who is it?”

“Sorry, wrong number!” A thick Sichuan accent apologized before immediately hanging up. Zhang Jianhan frowned at the unfamiliar number from Sichuan, stowed his phone, and resumed eating. Suddenly, after another mouthful, he realized something. Keeping his composure, he quickly explained a few things to his colleague, then left the restaurant, returned to the brigade, and drove his car to a public phone booth outside the People’s Park wall. He got out, inserted his phone card, checked the unfamiliar number on his phone, and called back.

As soon as Kang Ning answered, Zhang Jianhan asked, “Are you healed yet?”

“I’ve been fine for ages. I’m safe now. How is everyone at home?” Kang Ning asked anxiously.

Zhang Jianhan sighed. “Dad’s retired, spends his days practicing martial arts and gardening, or taking Mom out for walks. They’re both well, so don’t worry. I’ve got a copy of the statement and some useful evidence, but it’s not enough to prove anything. The three that night coordinated their stories, all claiming Chen Junhua noticed something suspicious and hitched a ride with Lan Tao to find you, and you attacked them without warning. Zhen Qian’s death is being completely covered up with no trace of evidence, and it isn’t on file. The other side has a powerful grip on everything, nearly untouchable, but don’t worry. Trust your brother.”

There was silence on the line. Worried, Zhang Jianhan called out, and when Kang Ning replied, he continued, “Don’t come back yet. I’ll get a new phone card and buy a mobile. Next time you call, dial my new number and hang up as soon as it connects. Wait ten minutes and call again; I’ll give you further instructions then.”

“Alright… How is she? I mean, Yiqing,” Kang Ning asked after hesitating.

Zhang Jianhan paused, clearly saddened. After a moment, he said calmly, “Ning, listen to your brother—forget her. Don’t risk everything for a woman who’s moved on. If you get caught, all my efforts will be wasted, and even if Dad intervenes, it’ll be hard to save you. Do you understand? Answer me!”

“I understand… Brother, thank you for everything. I’ll call again before the Spring Festival. There’s nothing I can do now but wait.”

Holding the now silent phone, Zhang Jianhan stared at it before slamming it back into the receiver. He climbed into his car, smoked two cigarettes, then drove off with a long, heavy sigh.