Shang Xiulin was well-versed in a vast array of books, having spent his entire life educating others.

He knew too many famous lines describing love.

"Hold your hand, and grow old with you."

"To have one loving heart, and never part even as we age."

"Ten years of life and death are boundless, without thinking, unforgettable."

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He had also interpreted these classic verses for his students, explaining the deep affection and profound love contained within the poems.

Yet, only now did he realize that all those beautiful lines were nothing compared to his wife saying by his side, "Lao Shang, I will follow you."

Companions in life and death.

Shang Xiulin knew what the Monitoring Bureau was, and he feared that once he went there, he might never return.

Therefore, he wanted to settle his family affairs before he left.

Although the old lady did not understand the current situation, she knew her husband well.

Decades of companionship, if not telepathic, definitely meant they knew each other thoroughly.

Seeing her husband's demeanor, she knew he had no intentions of returning.

If he did not return, she would merely be surviving...

Who would she cook braised pork for? Who would eat the bok choy she planted with her own hands?

Most importantly, who would listen to her words?

The old lady clutched Shang Xiulin's arm, gripping it tighter and tighter.

As if she feared he would not agree.

Shang Xiulin patted the back of her hand, signaling her to loosen her grip.

Then, he took her hand in his.

It was aged, dry, and covered with wrinkles.

Due to years of household chores, the color had also turned to a waxy yellow.

But, it had also been fair, smooth, and youthful once.

"Let's go together," Shang Xiulin looked at his wife and softly said, "It would be good to have each other's company."

There were no sweet nothings, nor any earth-shattering promises.

Just a few simple words, yet they silenced the room completely, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone has parents, a spouse, and a long-time lover...

Could they be like this couple?

After a long while.

Yan Wenli let out a deep sigh and spoke, "In my life, I have had no children, no spouse... I never thought it was a bad thing before, rather I enjoyed my freedom."

"As someone like me, who has offended many and killed many, if I ever fell from power, surely countless would come to tear me apart and leave me for dead."

"I am not worried for myself, my ending is fated. But having a wife and children would only be a burden..."

"Now it seems, I have missed a lot of life's pleasures. Too bad I don't have any wine on hand, otherwise I would definitely toast to you, the honorable couple."

Shang Xiulin's face was frosty, clearly not interested in finding him any wine, holding his spouse's hand, he said, "We are ready."

"Let's go," Yan Wenli, with dwindling interest, waved his hand and said, "Take them away."

He knew that by killing someone like Shang Xiulin, he would be a criminal in the annals of history.

Recorded in the history books, forever unable to be cleansed.

Unfortunately, it had to be done.

"He can't go back with you." Suddenly, Yan Jinnian, who had been standing at the edge of the crowd, spoke up.

Everyone was shocked.

All eyes turned to Yan Jinnian, faces filled with confusion and fear.

In Monitoring Bureau, the Director's word was law; if he said to take someone away, that person had to be taken away.

Yan Jinnian actually dared to oppose...

Well, even if you are the Director's goddaughter, surely you can't publicly defy the Director's will?

Even Yan Wenli's expression was grave, his eyebrows furrowed, thoughtfully scrutinizing Yan Jinnian.

She was his goddaughter, aloof and taciturn.

Yet, it was precisely because of her cold disposition that she cared little for people and events.

She only followed orders, seriously handling each case and rarely concerning herself with the life or death of others.

What happened today?

Shang Xiulin was also puzzled and wondered if there was still a backup plan on his side.

Was it arranged by that old man?

Impossible, right?

They were struggling to protect themselves; how could they reach into the Monitoring Bureau?

"Director Yan, what do you mean?" He Changle, the head of the second division and the highest-ranking official in the monitoring system present, aside from Yan Wenli, naturally had to speak on behalf of the director when it was inconvenient for him to speak.

"It means nothing," Yan Jinnian replied emotionlessly, his gaze as cold and merciless as ever, "You just can't take Shang Xiulin back with you."

"Jinnian, do you know what you are doing?" Yan Wenli looked at Yan Jinnian and asked softly.

As he had said, he had lived his life without children or a lover.

Therefore, he was especially patient with his goddaughter.

"Yes, godfather," Yan Jinnian nodded and replied coldly, "I know what I am doing."

"Why? You must give me a reason," Yan Wenli's face rarely broke into a smile.

Though his smile was sinister, more terrifying than when he was not smiling.

"I promised someone," Yan Jinnian's response was brief, as if that were the standard answer.

Giving one extra word would be superfluous.

"Promised who? Who asked you to save him? And who..." Yan Wenli's gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife, his voice spitefully said, "asked you to betray the father who raised and taught you?"

Yan Jinnian remained silent.

Tang Fei had not allowed her to reveal her identity, so she could not speak.

She lived simply, straightforwardly.

She would fulfill what she promised.

The secrets she was told to keep, she would definitely keep.

She was known for being tight-lipped.

Seeing Yan Jinnian's expression, Yan Wenli's heart sank.

She was prepared to follow this path to the end.

Seeing the director's embarrassed and furious look, He Changle naturally stepped forward to relieve the director of his worries.

"Yan Jinnian, don't be so ungrateful."

"Do you know who gave you everything you have today? Without the director's trust, could you command the Black Cavalry?"

"Without the director, you would still be just an orphanage's stray child... What right would you have to stand here and speak to us?"

"I advise you to stop while you're ahead... otherwise..."

Yan Jinnian raised the Kirin Pulse Gun in his hand, aimed it at He Changle, and asked indifferently, "Otherwise, what?"

"You..." He Changle's expression stiffened, and he swallowed involuntarily.

He had not expected Yan Jinnian to take things this far. Did he dare to kill in front of the director?

At that point, their father-daughter relationship would be completely severed, and not even the director could save him.

Without the director's protection, would she have any chance of survival?

"I don't believe..." He Changle straightened his chest, fear in his heart, but since he had already stepped forward, he had to complete his act.

If he couldn't, he would lose face in front of the director.

"You dare to kill in front of the director..."

Bang!

Yan Jinnian pulled the trigger without hesitation.

At close range, the powerful energy of the Pulse Gun tore He Changle's chest into pieces.

That is to say, his chest was gone.

His upper body separated from his lower body, then both fell towards the ground together.

Crack!

Blood splattered everywhere.

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