Soon after, Sister Ling was hidden in the secret room of the basement, and Li Tianyi took Mei Tian Sha Zi upstairs first.

Entering the room, Mei Tian Sha Zi dropped the pretense and angrily asked, "Of all women, why do you have to play with her? Don't you know what our relationship is?"

"I know you are half-sisters. My relationship with her is not what you think; it's all about work. We met through work, and now we're both in Jing City, responsible for various projects. It's normal for me to be in contact with her, right? Sha Zi, don't overthink this."

"Ha!" Mei Tian Sha Zi let out a mocking laugh.

"Li Tianyi, do you believe the words you're saying?" Soon after, Sister Ling was hidden in the secret room of the basement, and Li Tianyi took Mei Tian Sha Zi upstairs first.

Entering the room, Mei Tian Sha Zi dropped the pretense and angrily asked, "Of all women, why do you have to play with her? Don't you know what our relationship is?"

"I know you're half-sisters. I have no relationship with her; it's all about work. We met through work, and now we're both in Jing City, responsible for various projects. It's normal for me to be in contact with her, right? Sha Zi, don't overthink this."

"Ha!" Mei Tian Sha Zi let out a mocking laugh.

"Li Tianyi, do you believe the words you're saying?"

"Then how do you want me to explain? Do you not believe the truth? Do you want me to make up lies for you?"

The corners of Mei Tian Sha Zi's eyes turned red with anger as she glared at Li Tianyi, her gaze unwavering. She questioned angrily, "You clearly know she competes with me for everything, yet you still degrade me by being with her. When we were young, she competed with me for our father; now she competes with me for a man. I wonder if she'll compete with me for a son or daughter next!"

Li Tianyi covered her mouth, pulled her to the sofa, and sat her down. He poured her a glass of red wine to help her calm down.

"Calm down first, and we'll talk about this once you've cooled off. What will Cheng Yan and Ningning think if they hear us?"

Mei Tian Sha Zi fell silent, drinking the red wine, but still couldn't quell the anger in her heart.

The mere thought of something inhabiting the basement kept her unsettled.

She had to get Sister Ling out of there quickly!

Mei Tian Sha Zi took out her phone and made a call to someone above.

"Let her leave as soon as possible. Her staying in our house is a constant risk. If anyone finds out, or if the National Security Bureau leads a search, they'll definitely trace it back to her."

The voice on the other end was very steady, and in a warning tone, said to her, "First, let Xiao Ling hide in your home for a couple of days. Wait for things to settle down before letting her leave. Your house is so big, surely it can hide one person?"

Mei Tian Sha Zi: "..."

"Dad, so you're still protecting her, aren't you?"

The person on the other end was silent for a moment before saying, "Sha Zi, consider the bigger picture. Xiao Ling still has her tasks to complete, and we've already suffered heavy losses; we can't afford to lose her. Sha Zi, you understand my concerns, don't you?"

Mei Tian Sha Zi lowered her eyes and couldn't find the words.

"Sha Zi, once this blows over, we'll talk about other matters. Right now, keep the bigger picture in mind; you're work partners, so don't bring personal emotions into work. Once things are settled, come back and Dad will treat you to dinner."

Mei Tian Sha Zi acknowledged quietly and hung up the phone.

...

Huo Siyu and the others searched for four hours without results.

Nan Qiao, upon learning of the situation, joined them with Li Yehan.

Song Jiamin said exasperatedly, "Qiaoqiao, my status isn't advancing. It's all my fault; I should've gone upstairs to catch her!"

Huo Siyu: "It's my fault; I should've broken through the siege to catch her!"

Nan Qiao: "Don't blame yourselves; it's not your fault. A cunning rabbit has three burrows. Our mole couldn't get into the main building, so they didn't know the layout of her room."

Even with Nan Qiao's reassurances, they still felt they hadn't done well enough or enough.

Hou Ze turned the computer screen towards Nan Qiao for her to see.

Hou Ze was exasperated, feeling like all that effort was in vain.

"Boss, all the surveillance videos along the route are here, yet there's not a single clue. I suspect this person turned into a rat and escaped through the sewer!"

With Hou Ze's words, everyone looked at each other, suddenly realizing this could indeed be possible.

If they really left through the sewers, it would be difficult to trace.

Li Yehan took out his phone and sent a message instructing others to check all the surrounding sewers, leaving no corner large enough for a person unchecked.

Director Nie comforted them, "Even though we didn't catch the biggest fish, we did apprehend many of their accomplices. Once we've put together their leader's sketch and made them talk, it will be a significant accomplishment."

Song Jiamin: "Director Nie is right, we weren't working in vain. Solving these small issues is key to solving the big ones."

They exchanged smiles, knowing that maintaining a positive mindset was crucial for doing the job well.

...

Hou Ze drove Huo Siyu home, and the car stopped downstairs. Huo Siyu got out of the car.

"Houzi, just drop me here; you should go home and rest early too." Huo Siyu got out of the car.

Hou Ze also got out of the car, and the night breeze blew, cool as water.

"Xiao Yu, we have to work tomorrow; I'll come pick you up in the morning. Didn't you want to eat a pork sandwich? I'll buy it and bring it to you tomorrow."

"No need, I need to go to Qiaoqiao's house tomorrow. She asked for a favor, so you go first, and I'll join you after I've finished helping her."

Hou Ze wanted to say something but eventually swallowed it back down.

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

Huo Siyu waved, and Hou Ze got back in the car and drove away.

As Huo Siyu watched Hou Ze leave and turned to leave herself, she saw a thin figure.

It was the long-unseen Mo Shaolin, who appeared before her once again.

"Long time no see." Mo Shaolin's voice was somewhat hoarse.

Huo Siyu's mood was very calm, as if seeing a long-lost stranger, and her emotions weren't as intense as before.

Huo Siyu said nothing and continued walking towards the apartment building.

Mo Shaolin quickened his pace to catch up and cautiously asked, "Are you with Hou Ze?"

"Who I'm with is none of your concern." Huo Siyu said calmly.

Mo Shaolin opened his mouth to speak but was met with Huo Siyu's determined back.

Standing at the edge of the wind, Mo Shaolin's clothes were lifted slightly, making him look even more desolate.

Mo Shaolin took a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it, and exhaled a smoke ring, which dispersed in the wind.

Mo Shaolin took out his phone and dialed Nan Qiao's number.

At that moment, Nan Qiao was snuggling in Li Yehan's arms watching TV and was a bit surprised to receive the call from Mo Shaolin.

"Why is Mo Shaolin calling me?"

Li Yehan took Nan Qiao's phone and answered it.

"Sister-in-law, is Xiao Yu with Hou Ze? Can you please persuade her not to be with Hou Ze for now?"

Li Yehan coldly retorted, "How do you suggest persuading her? By telling Huo Siyu to wait? Wait until you get plastic surgery to look like Hou Ze and continue pursuing Huo Siyu?"

Mo Shaolin was furious: "Li Yehan, you have no sense of chivalry! You're like a full man who doesn't understand the hunger of the starved! You have a wife and I don't; can't you help me a little!"

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