Watching You Mingxu walk away, Chen Feng finally stepped inside with a composed expression. He knew Yin Feng would have many questions for him.
Truth be told, Chen Feng had somewhat anticipated Yin Feng's recovery this time, because the blood clot in his brain had been gradually dissipating, and he had previously fallen unconscious several times, recalling numerous fragments. However, Chen Feng had always believed that he was looking forward to Yin Feng's recovery, because the former Yin Feng, in Chen Feng's heart, was nothing short of a god-like existence. The initial You Yingjun, by contrast, seemed somewhat like a joke.
But before he knew it, a year had passed. Chen Feng had been amused many times by You Yingjun's ignorance and simplicity; he had watched him obsessively infatuated with You Mingxu, worrying on his behalf and secretly offering advice; Chen Feng had even grown accustomed to Yin Feng dressing in rainbow colors seven days a week, parading before him, and had even come to find it quite pleasing to the eye.
And now, Yin Feng had returned. While the heavy stone in Chen Feng's heart had certainly been lifted, his feelings were actually quite complicated. Especially now, seeing that You Mingxu and Yin Feng seemed to have parted on bad terms, he felt a sense of impending disaster. You Mingxu was a proud woman—previously, it was only through You Yingjun's coaxing, pleading, utter dependence, and humble adoration that he had won the favor of this police beauty. But who was the original Yin Feng? Even more arrogant and domineering than You Mingxu, with a hint of wickedness—those who followed him prospered, while those who opposed him perished. Now that the two of them were together again, and Yin Feng had completely forgotten everything, could they possibly reconcile as before?
All along, Chen Feng had regarded You Mingxu as one of You Yingjun's needs, much like his desire for toys or nice clothes—something to be satisfied. But over the past year, Chen Feng had witnessed so much from the sidelines: the two of them leaning on each other, sharing joys and hardships, their affection deepening over time. In the end, they had even reached the point of pledging their lives to each other. He still remembered the day You Mingxu agreed to be with You Yingjun—You Yingjun had smiled all day, smiled all night, and seemed almost dazed with joy. But if the two of them were to fall out like this, break up, and go their separate ways, one had to admit, it would truly be a twist of fate.
Chen Feng could only tell himself that the former You Yingjun was, in fact, the youthful version of Yin Feng that had emerged during his period of diminished mental capacity. Since they were different phases of the same person, their fundamental nature was actually the same. There might still be room for reconciliation in this matter.
As soon as he entered, he saw Yin Feng leaning against the headboard, one hand resting on his knee, his head slightly lowered, his gaze deep and somber. Chen Feng's mind flashed back to a few days earlier, when he had been sprawled on the bed in a "starfish" position or sleeping like a frog. But Chen Feng's expression betrayed nothing as he smiled and asked, "How are you feeling now?"
Yin Feng studied him without saying a word.
Chen Feng's agile mind gradually grew more restrained, and his expression turned calm. He didn't know whether Yin Feng's gaze held a hint of distrust or dissatisfaction with him for letting You Mingxu in. His own expression stiffened slightly.
Only then did Yin Feng speak: "I've put you through a lot during this time I've been unwell. You're the only one by my side I can trust completely."
A surge of warmth flowed through Chen Feng's heart, and he thought to himself that this version of Teacher Yin was indeed better. He always knew exactly what he wanted and could subtly discern what others needed. Firm, clear, and in control—even in an ordinary conversation."I'm not suffering, it's my duty," Chen Feng's voice trembled slightly. That familiar feeling of being appreciated, being driven, willingly persevering through all hardships had returned.
Yin Feng smiled and said, "I know what it means to take care of my 10-year-old self. During my teenage years, I actually gave my parents and teachers quite a headache. Not many people know about that now."
Chen Feng replied, "It really wasn't too bad. Although you lost your memory and emotional intelligence over the past year, you were still quite reasonable most of the time. And most of the time, it was You Mingxu who took care of..."
Before he could finish, he noticed Yin Feng giving him a glance, his gaze deep and unreadable.
Chen Feng wisely closed his mouth.
"Tell me, starting from after I attended the press conference," Yin Feng said.
According to Chen Feng, the months before Yin Feng's accident in Tibet were actually quite ordinary. If there was anything unusual, it was that Yin Feng had suddenly decided to go to a mountain in Guizhou, rent a house to seclude himself and write a book, without bringing Chen Feng along. He only had Chen Feng stay in Beijing, remotely managing his daily needs.
But since similar things had happened two or three times before, this could still be considered normal.
"So..." Yin Feng pondered, "For four months before my accident, I was actually disconnected from the outside world? Including you?"
Chen Feng answered, "Not exactly. We communicated by phone frequently, and we had installed surveillance cameras in the house you were staying in, making it convenient for me and others to check on you and respond to your needs at any time."
Yin Feng nodded thoughtfully and asked, "What happened with my accident in Tibet?"
Chen Feng replied, "You flew there directly from Guizhou. I remember it was June 8th last year. You didn't allow us to follow, so I booked your flight and rented a car for you. Later, you lost contact until..." Until you met You Mingxu and Gu Tiancheng—Chen Feng wisely swallowed the rest of his words this time.
"Get me all the materials on Gu Tiancheng's case, no matter how detailed or brief, as long as you can obtain them through any means," Yin Feng said.
"Yes."
Yin Feng remained silent for a few more seconds because he noticed the bed carried a faint scent of smoke, and he didn't smoke. That must have been from the woman earlier. Yin Feng had always detested women who smoked; he wouldn't even glance at them. He stared at the crumpled bedsheets and quilt cover for a few seconds. The first thing that came to his mind was the woman jumping off the bed, delivering her final words, and walking away without looking back.
Suppressing the inexplicable irritation rising in his heart, he said, "Tell me about what happened after I lost my intelligence."
Chen Feng hesitated for a moment, glancing at Teacher Yin's now mature and resolute appearance. He wasn't sure where to begin either. Finally, his gaze fell on the bag of colorful clothes he had brought yesterday at the foot of the bed. Maybe he should start from there.
—
After leaving the hospital, a light rain began to fall again on the road. You Mingxu walked a long distance before realizing she was completely drenched, and she had actually walked in the opposite direction of her home.
Her heart felt as dry and restless as a field overgrown with withered grass. She hailed a taxi. When she arrived at her apartment building, she remembered she had rushed to the hospital right after work and hadn't eaten. Now it was dark, and after a long day's work, she was starving. So she found a small restaurant and ordered a plate of fried rice.Even the female detective who could normally wolf down pig slop now found the steaming winter meal tasteless as chewing wax, eating only a small portion before losing her appetite. She promptly paid the bill and headed home.
She took a shower to wash away the fatigue, changed into pajamas, curled up on the sofa, and started watching a show. But every time she looked up, she could see the blue Prince castle bunk bed still standing prominently in that room. Along with his packed wardrobe, soccer ball, and several pairs of white sneakers. And, of course, the few men's jackets, suits, and shirts she had later ordered him to wear when accompanying her on missions.
You Mingxu stared for a long while before shifting her gaze back to the television.
After a while, she buried her head in her arms. It's over, she thought. He's finally left for good.
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