22. Into the Mountains

Tong Zhenzhen stood up slowly. She noticed a glint of trust in Jun Lengche's eyes as he looked at her.

The noise in the room died down instantly. Everyone held their breath, waiting, the desire to pry into the private lives of others swirling like an undercurrent.

"Regarding this matter—" Tong Zhenzhen said, drawing out the final syllable. Her mind raced. Should she take this opportunity to accuse Jun Lengche of molesting her, thereby ruining his reputation and sabotaging his promotion?

As she weighed her options, she caught sight of Dean Qiao, whose lips were curled into a faint smile. She hesitated; she didn't want to be a pawn for someone else’s schemes. Revenge against Jun Lengche was her own business, but being used as a tool by someone else was infuriating.

"It’s a misunderstanding!" While she was still debating, Jun Lengche strode down from the podium, took her hand, and led her up to the stage. "It was only because we were having a lovers' quarrel."

A lovers' quarrel? This guy was a natural liar; he made it sound so convincing. Tong Zhenzhen frowned.

"Little girl, don't be difficult now," Jun Lengche said, gently stroking the top of her hair while offering a smile as warm as sunlight.

The crowd below erupted in murmurs. No one had expected that the usually unapproachable Deputy Director Jun could be so affectionate. Moreover, the way they stood made it look as if they were sharing intimate whispers.

Just as Tong Zhenzhen was about to retort, she felt his hand tighten on her waist, and she heard him whisper in her ear, "Do you want to be someone else's tool?"

Was this guy actually asking for her help? Tong Zhenzhen curled her lip.

Perhaps, by helping him, she could get closer to him? Wasn't it her plan to make him fall in love with her and then dump him cruelly? She reminded herself of her scheme.

One must cast a long line to catch a big fish. Tong Zhenzhen made up her mind.

Instantly, the tension in her face vanished, blooming like a flower in the spring breeze. She puffed out her cheeks and said coyly, "If you had been this gentle earlier, I wouldn't have bothered the police." She then gave his chest a light tap, emphasizing their apparent intimacy.

She felt Jun Lengche relax, his feigned tenderness gaining a touch of sincerity.

Jun Lengche’s voice carried a helpless sort of doting. "My little girl just likes to stir up trouble sometimes. We had a fight a few days ago, and she called the police. As for labels like 'beast,' I think anyone who has been in love knows that this is nothing more than another form of intimacy between lovers."

Some of the younger doctors in the audience, familiar with the nicknames and spats common among couples, nodded in understanding.

"Dean Qiao, what do you think?" Jun Lengche asked, addressing the man who had been orchestrating everything from the shadows.

"Congratulations, Deputy Director Jun. It seems it was just a misunderstanding. When will you be inviting everyone to the wedding?" Dean Qiao chuckled dryly and adjusted his glasses.

Tong Zhenzhen, who was paying close attention to Dean Qiao, noticed the veins pulsing on his temples.

He must be internally furious. After all his plotting, he hadn't managed to bring Jun Lengche down. After all, this "disaster" of a man was a cunning wolf; even when backed into a corner, he had a way to counterattack. Of course, she deserved the credit for this. For some reason, she simply couldn't stand the sinister Dean Qiao.

"Thank you for your concern, Dean. I have already taken Zhenzhen home to meet my grandparents. There are records at the military district gatehouse." Jun Lengche looked back at the Dean with a sharp, steady gaze, deliberately mentioning his grandfather.

People who excelled at backstabbing were usually the most power-hungry, yet the most fearful of authority. Commander Jun, though retired, had brilliant students everywhere. In the same system, how could one not fear the consequences?

"Young people are certainly efficient, meeting the family so soon. Then I must thank your fiancée. Miss Tong, please return to your seat." Dean Qiao was skilled at turning with the wind, quickly putting on a friendly face.

Fiancée? Tong Zhenzhen was in awe of Dean Qiao's ability to exaggerate; even if they were dating, it wasn't necessarily set in stone. She couldn't help but cough twice.

Jun Lengche naturally reached out to pat her back. "Little girl, are you shy?" A flash of craftiness crossed his eyes.

What an actor! Tong Zhenzhen glared at him.

To the onlookers, this was just a young couple flirting.

The hearing proceeded smoothly from there. The rest was nothing but one-sided praise.

Tong Zhenzhen discovered that Jun Lengche was not only highly skilled in medicine but also possessed strong moral character, having volunteered for numerous flood relief efforts and worked in remote, hardship-stricken border clinics.

Listening to the accounts of Jun Lengche’s deeds, Tong Zhenzhen felt moved. However, this could not erase the wrongs the Jun family had committed against her and her mother! In the end, she hardened her heart, determined not to let it affect her plan.

After hearing the summary from Political Commissar Mo, she felt that Jun Lengche's promotion was all but guaranteed.

After the meeting, Commissar Mo clapped Jun Lengche on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "You kept your private life well hidden, kid. You have a fiancée and didn't even drop a hint. It seems we won't be in-laws after all. I'll handle the background check before your wedding!"

Wedding? Sister, this was just an act! Tong Zhenzhen bombarded the smiling Jun Lengche with sharp, icy glares.

Was it just acting? Did he have to be so convincing? This guy was clearly cut out for an acting career. Tong Zhenzhen heightened her vigilance, reminding herself not to be fooled by him again.

Once the hall was empty, Jun Lengche walked up to her and said sincerely, "Thank you!" He even gave a standard military salute.

Unbelievable—Jun Lengche was being this polite? Tong Zhenzhen was stunned. She blinked rapidly, at a loss for words, feeling as if she barely recognized him.

"Little girl." Taking advantage of her distraction, Jun Lengche reached out and pulled her into his arms.

It took a moment for Tong Zhenzhen to snap out of it, perhaps because his embrace was too warm.

"Jun Lengche, I did this to repay you for helping me with the media the other day. We’re even now. From now on, let’s go our separate ways, shall we?" Tong Zhenzhen hardened her expression and said coldly.

Someone who could act so well must be dishonest in their feelings. Having been hurt before, Tong Zhenzhen despised hypocrisy above all else.

Sensing her shift to coldness, Jun Lengche asked in a low voice, "Is that how much you want to distance yourself from me?"

"Yes." Tong Zhenzhen nodded heavily. "Since I met you, my life has become a mess."

Jun Lengche’s brows knit together. It wasn't just her life that had changed, but his as well, wasn't it? Why was it that he felt a sense of gratitude for this change?

Before he could respond, Tong Zhenzhen added, "Since we're even, let's never see each other again. Bye-bye!"

Seeing his displeased expression, she turned and ran.

The conference room door closed behind her, separating the two, but what about destiny?

The next day, Tong Zhenzhen left for the mountain region to participate in her company's "Giving Love" campaign. She had told only Qin Xiangyang about this.

Unexpectedly, early that morning, Qin Xiangyang rushed over, bringing a pile of supplies: portable mosquito nets, various brands of repellent, and a compact first-aid kit.

Unable to turn down his enthusiasm, Tong Zhenzhen picked a few items to bring along.

Qin Xiangyang insisted on driving her to the company. Along the way, he rambled about various safety precautions.

"My god, Xiao Yang, I really wonder how you became a criminal police captain—you’re so motherly!" Tong Zhenzhen couldn't help but tease him for nagging like an old woman.

"Zhenzhen, it’s only because it’s you." One sentence from Qin Xiangyang made Tong Zhenzhen fall silent. She felt something was off about his tone. Was his concern truly just that of a friend?

Qin Xiangyang realized his words had been a bit too much and laughed, "We’ve been old friends for years; naturally, I’m particularly concerned about you."

Right, right, that must be it. Hearing this, Tong Zhenzhen felt relieved, blaming herself for overthinking.

As she boarded the company bus, she saw Qin Xiangyang standing by his car, watching her leave, and felt a small sense of pride. Xiao Yang really was a loyal friend.

Although the mountain region her company was visiting wasn't geographically far from G City, the road was difficult, and after reaching the mountainside, they had to hike the rest of the way. The journey took ten hours.

When Tong Zhenzhen arrived at the entrance of the small village, exhausted, she was stunned. It was truly pristine and quiet, with only the sound of the mountain wind.

In the dark of night, the flickering candlelight showed that people lived here.

The villager who had brought her up ran to the gate and struck a bronze gong, shattering the silence.

In an instant, the village came alive.

Torches of all sizes were carried out from the stilt houses.

The villagers ran out to welcome them.

The village chief, his face etched with deep wrinkles, led the team and welcomed them to an open space in front of the village. Villagers brought out steaming white flour buns, offered wine, and began to sing and dance.

Tong Zhenzhen and her group were treated with immense hospitality.

Over the next few days, as she grew close to the children in the village, she learned that those white flour buns and wine were extremely rare treasures in the village. Normally, the villagers ate cornmeal.

Upon learning the truth, Tong Zhenzhen refused to eat the white buns anymore, preferring to eat with the family she was staying with.

During her half-month of teaching, Tong Zhenzhen lived a life cut off from the world. There was no mobile signal here; to contact the outside world, one had to hike down the mountain.

At first, she wasn't used to it, but gradually, living among the simple villagers and children, she began to enjoy the simple life, and the urge for revenge even faded.

Especially when she taught the children, their eager eyes touched her. Here, she felt like someone who was genuinely respected and liked, and it was a wonderful feeling.

One rainy night, the rain poured down as if the sky had been pierced. Amidst the sound of wind and rain, just as Tong Zhenzhen was drifting into a hazy sleep, she felt someone yank her bedding violently, and she tumbled to the floor.

What was happening? Tong Zhenzhen sat on the ground, rubbing her sleepy eyes, unable to react, when she felt a violent shaking beneath her. She heard a low, deep rumble, like a wild beast growling.

"Quick, Teacher Tong, run!"

The door flew open, and the lady of the house rushed in, pulled her up, and ran out into the night.