When she left the hospital, Xu Mengshan and Jing Ping were still unconscious and unable to be discharged to attend.
The location was an inconspicuous, remote house arranged by the local municipal bureau. By the time You Mingxu arrived, Ding Xiongwei and several other leaders were already there—some she had met before, others she hadn't.
The room was simply arranged. There was a funeral portrait of Luo Yu wearing his police uniform and cap, looking several years younger than he did now, still carrying a trace of youthful innocence. A white bouquet lay before the photo.
The body rested in a coffin, surrounded by a circle of flowers. Despite the limited conditions, it was clear that this simple farewell ceremony had been prepared with care.
You Mingxu stood a few steps away, gazing at Luo Yu. Apart from his unusually pale and rigid complexion, he looked no different from when he was alive.
Ding Xiongwei walked over, studied her for a moment, and said, "Glad you're alright. How are Jing Ping and Mengshan?"
You Mingxu replied, "They've both had surgery. No life-threatening dangers."
Ding Xiongwei nodded, patted her shoulder, and said, "You all did very well in this operation. We never expected to catch so many big fish. The higher-ups said that not only Xiangcheng but the entire central China region's anti-crime campaign will enter a new phase with a fresh outlook. Your contributions are invaluable."
You Mingxu glanced at Luo Yu again but said nothing.
Ding Xiongwei followed her gaze, sighed, and said, "His status has been restored within the system, and he's been posthumously honored, but it won't be publicly announced—not even to his family."
You Mingxu asked, "Why?" Though she already knew the answer.
Ding Xiongwei replied, "To protect his family and friends from retaliation by criminals."
You Mingxu was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you think he was a good cop or a bad cop?"
Ding Xiongwei thought for a while and answered, "Perhaps... he was a bad person, but a good cop."
You Mingxu fell silent for a few seconds, then smiled faintly and said, "Maybe. Merits and faults don't matter anymore. I would never act the way he did, but he truly gave his all in the fight against crime. He used us, but he also saved our lives. He was just that kind of inexplicable person. No one in this world can be truly understood."
Just then, solemn funeral music began to play. Everyone fell silent, lost in mourning and reflection.
You Mingxu's heart felt hollow, tinged with a faint ache. Every memory of her time with Luo Yu now seemed to hold a different meaning. Suddenly, she felt she understood what kind of person he really was. But some things ran too deep—she didn't want to dwell on them. She made a decision: from now on, she would bury this man, who had stormed into her life and stirred up wave after wave of turmoil, deep in her heart. And she would never look back.
She noticed a unfamiliar leader at the front, head bowed deeply, one hand resting on Luo Yu's coffin, tears streaming down his face.
—
You Mingxu left the municipal bureau at dusk.
Her phone suddenly rang—it was Chen Feng calling.
Her heart skipped a beat, already sensing what it might be about. For a moment, she didn't answer, letting it ring over ten times before quickly pressing accept.
She remained silent.
But Chen Feng on the other end finally sounded relieved: "Teacher Yin just woke up, took his medicine, and fell back asleep. The doctor said his condition is improving."You Mingxu put down the phone, gazing at the colorful clouds that had unknowingly emerged along the horizon. Her heart seemed to grow tranquil and profound, following the gentle hues of those clouds.
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